Patent Description:
E-vaping devices, also referred to herein as electronic vaping devices (EVDs) may be used by adult vapers as a portable means of vaping. Flavor systems within an e-vaping device may be used to deliver a pleasurable flavor to the adult vaper along with the vapor that may be produced by the e-vaping device.

In some cases, over extended periods of time a loss of flavoring from a flavor system may occur, thereby reducing a shelf-life of the flavor system. A loss of flavoring may also occur when the flavor system is exposed to a heat source. Such a loss of flavoring from a flavoring system may reduce a sensory experience of the adult vaper using an e-vaping device in which the flavoring system is included.

<CIT>) discloses a gel type solid-liquid electronic cigarette cartridge comprising a metal shell, wherein one end of the metal shell is open, and the open end of the metal shell is sealed through a metal foil film.

<CIT>) discloses a gel type solid-liquid electronic cigarette containing within its body a heating wire that is connected with a heater of a smoking device.

<CIT>) discloses electronic inhaler includes a cylindrical body, a liquid container inside the cylindrical body that contains a liquid including an additive, and a heating element to heat the liquid including the additive to a vapor.

<CIT>) discloses an electronic smoking article comprising one or more microheaters.

According to an aspect, there is provided an apparatus according to claim <NUM>. The formulation may be an ethanol-free gel formulation. The ethanol-free gel formulation may include a vapor former, water, and a biopolymer. The biopolymer may be included in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation. The biopolymer may be one or more of agar, kappa carrageenan, gelatin, sodium alginate, gellan gum, pectin, and combinations thereof.

According to some example embodiments, the biopolymer may be included in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation.

According to some example embodiments, the vapor former may be included in the ethanol-free gel formulation in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation.

According to some example embodiments, the water may be included in the ethanol-free gel formulation in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation. The water may be included in the ethanol-free gel formulation in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation.

According to some example embodiments, the ethanol-free gel formulation may include a flavorant. The flavorant may be included in the ethanol-free gel formulation in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation. The flavorant may include at least one of a natural flavorant or an artificial flavorant. The flavorant may be one or more of tobacco flavor, menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, herb flavors, fruit flavors, nut flavors, liquor flavors, and combinations thereof.

According to some example embodiments, the ethanol-free gel formulation may include nicotine. The nicotine may be included in the ethanol-free gel formulation in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation. The nicotine may be included in the ethanol-free gel formulation in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation.

According to some example embodiments, the ethanol-free gel formulation may include nicotine in an amount of at least about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation, and the ethanol-free gel formulation may include an acid in an amount ranging from about <NUM> % by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation, the acid is one or more of pyruvic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, propionic acid, octanoic acid, lactic acid, levulinic acid, sorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, aconitic acid, butyric acid, cinnamic acid, decanoic acid, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>-octenoic acid, <NUM>-glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, hexanoic acid, <NUM>-hexenoic acid, trans-<NUM>-hexenoic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, <NUM>-methylbutyric acid, <NUM>-methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid, palmitic acid, <NUM>-penenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, <NUM>-phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid and combinations thereof.

According to some example embodiments, at least a portion of the biopolymer may be cross-linkable.

According to some example embodiments, the ethanol-free gel formulation may include a diol and glycerin, the ethanol-free gel formulation including the diol and glycerin in a range of ratios between about <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, the diol being one of propylene glycol, glycerin, <NUM>,<NUM>-propanediol, and combinations thereof. The ethanol-free gel formulation may include diol and glycerin in a ratio of about <NUM>:<NUM>.

According to some example embodiments, the ethanol-free gel formulation may be included in a cylindrical body.

According to the invention the heater is a surface heater including a wire in contact with a surface of the body of the gel formulation.

According to another aspect, there is provided an e-vaping device according to the appended claims.

According to some example embodiments, the first and second sections may include respective interfaces. The interfaces may be configured to couple the first section and the second section together. The interfaces may be configured to electrically couple the heater to the power supply.

Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a cartridge for an e-vaping device may comprise placing a pre-vapor formulation into a reservoir and cooling the pre-vapor formulation to form an ethanol-free gel formulation in the reservoir. The ethanol-free gel formulation may include a vapor former, water, and a biopolymer in an amount sufficient to form a self-sustaining shaped gel. The biopolymer may be one or more of agar, carrageenan, gelatin, sodium alginate, gellan gum, pectin, and combinations thereof.

The biopolymer may be in an amount ranging from about <NUM> % by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the ethanol-free gel formulation.

the method may further comprise: forming the pre-vapor formulation prior to placing the pre-vapor formulation into a reservoir. The forming may include dissolving the biopolymer in hot water having a temperature of about <NUM> while stirring to form a clear solution, mixing the water and the vapor former to form a liquid system, preheating the liquid system to a temperature of about <NUM> to form a warm liquid system, and adding the warm liquid system to the clear solution while mixing for about <NUM> minutes to form the pre-vapor formulation as a final homogenous mixture.

Cooling the pre-vapor formulation to form the ethanol-free gel formulation may include cooling the final homogenous mixture to a temperature of about <NUM> for about one hour to form a gel.

It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," "coupled to," or "covering" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification.

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Thus, the term "below" may encompass both an orientation of above and below.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. It will be further understood that the terms "includes," "including," "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one or more of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong.

When the word "about" is used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value includes a tolerance of ±<NUM>% around the stated numerical value (or range of values). Moreover, when reference is made to percentages in this specification, it is intended that those percentages are based on weight (i.e., weight percentages). The expression "up to" includes amounts of zero to the expressed upper limit and all values therebetween. When ranges are specified, the range includes all values therebetween such as increments of <NUM>%.

Moreover, when the words "generally" and "substantially" are used in connection with geometric shapes, it is intended that precision of the geometric shape is not required but that latitude for the shape is within the scope of the disclosure. When used with geometric terms, the words "generally" and "substantially" are intended to encompass not only features which meet the strict definitions but also features which fairly approximate the strict definitions.

As described herein, an e-vaping device may include a pre-vapor formulation configured to be heated by a heater to form a vapor. The pre-vapor formulation includes a gel formulation. The gel formulation may include a hydrogel formulation. The gel formulation may include a semi-rigid, jelly-like material that sustains a shape at ambient conditions and is capable of releasing a liquid or a semi-liquid when heated to temperatures of at least <NUM>. In some example embodiments, a gel formulation does not leak liquid when maintained in a reservoir of an e-vaping device under ambient conditions. In some example embodiments, the gel formulation maintains its shape independent of a reservoir in which it is contained at ambient conditions. In some example embodiments, the gel formulation includes a vapor former, water, and at least one biopolymer in an amount sufficient to form a gel. In some example embodiments, the gel formulation includes at least one or more of nicotine and one or more flavorants.

As used herein, the term "flavorant" is used to describe a compound or combination of compounds that may provide flavor and/or aroma to an adult vaper.

As used herein, the terms "gel" and "hydrogel" are used to describe a gelled, semi-rigid or semi-solid colloidal dispersion of a solid with a liquid that is capable of sustaining a shape at ambient conditions and releasing a liquid and/or semi-liquid component thereof upon heating to about <NUM> or above.

As used herein, the term "semi-liquid" refers to a fluid having a thick, viscous consistency between a solid and a liquid.

As used herein, the term "e-vaping device" is inclusive of all types of electronic vaping devices, regardless of form, size or shape.

The gel formulation may include nicotine or may exclude nicotine. The gel formulation may include one or more tobacco flavors. The gel formulation may include one or more flavors which are separate from one or more tobacco flavors.

<FIG> is a top planar view of an e-vaping device <NUM>, according to some example embodiments. The e-vaping device may generally be formed of at least two components (or sections): a first section <NUM> that may be a replaceable section and a section <NUM> that may be a reusable fixture including a power supply. The first section <NUM> may be referred to, in some example embodiments, as a "cartridge" <NUM>.

In some example embodiments, both sections <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposable. Both of the sections <NUM> and <NUM> may be enclosed by a housing <NUM>. The outer housing <NUM> may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. The outer housing <NUM> may be cylindrical and may be formed at least partially of metal and may be part of an electrical circuit. Although the housing is described herein as cylindrical, other forms and shapes are also contemplated.

The sections <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled together by respective interfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. The interfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may include one or more of a threaded joint, a snug-fit connection, a snap-fit connection, a detent, a clamp or a clasp. In some example embodiments, the two sections <NUM>/<NUM> may be one single section (that may be disposable), such that a joint <NUM> is absent. In some example embodiments, the interface <NUM> includes an electrode which is coupled to one or more heaters <NUM> included in the first section <NUM>, the interface <NUM> includes an electrode which is coupled to one or more power supplies <NUM> included in the second section <NUM>, and the interfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are further configured to electrically couple the one or more heaters to the power supply <NUM> based on the sections <NUM>, <NUM> being coupled together via the interfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. One or more openings <NUM> may be included in the first section <NUM>. The one or more openings <NUM> may include one or more air inlets. It should be understood that the general configuration of the e-vaping device <NUM> shown in <FIG> (showing an outer-view of the e-vaping device <NUM>) may be implemented for any of the embodiments of <FIG> (which depict detailed cross-sectional views of various example embodiments of e-vaping devices).

<FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of an e-vaping device, according to some example embodiments. The first section <NUM> may extend in a longitudinal direction with an inner tube (or chimney) <NUM> coaxially positioned within the outer housing <NUM>. The first section <NUM> may include a mouth-end insert <NUM> at one end, with outlets <NUM> located at ends of off-axis passages angled outwardly in relation to a longitudinal direction of the e-vaping device <NUM>. In some example embodiments, there may be only a single centrally located outlet <NUM>.

The first section <NUM> may include one or more of a heater <NUM>, a flexible, filamentary wick <NUM>, a reservoir <NUM> configured to contain a gel formulation, and an interface <NUM>. The second section <NUM> may include one or more of a power supply <NUM>, a control circuitry <NUM>, a puff sensor <NUM>, a heater activation light <NUM>, a coal end cap <NUM>, and an interface <NUM>. The interfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to couple with each other to couple the first and second sections <NUM>, <NUM> together to form the e-vaping device <NUM>. The first section <NUM> and the second section <NUM> may include the outer housing <NUM> extending in a longitudinal direction along a length of the e-vaping device <NUM>. In some example embodiments, the e-vaping device <NUM> may be disposable and includes only one section (not shown). In some example embodiments, the e-vaping device <NUM> may include an actuator button that may be pressed to initiate a heating cycle of the heater <NUM>.

In some example embodiments, the e-vaping device <NUM> may include a heater <NUM> and a filamentary wick <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The first section <NUM> may include the outer tube (or housing) <NUM> extending in a longitudinal direction and an inner tube (or chimney) <NUM> coaxially positioned within the outer tube <NUM>.

In some example embodiments, a nose portion <NUM> of a gasket (or seal) <NUM> may be fitted into an end portion <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM>, where an outer perimeter <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> may provide a liquid-tight seal with an interior surface <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> may also include a central, longitudinal conduit <NUM>, which may open into an interior of the inner tube <NUM> to define a central channel <NUM>. A transverse channel <NUM> at a portion of the gasket <NUM> may intersect and communicate with the central, longitudinal conduit <NUM> and a space <NUM> defined between the gasket <NUM> and an interface <NUM>.

In some example embodiments, a nose portion <NUM> of a gasket <NUM> is fitted into an end portion <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM>. An outer perimeter <NUM> of the gasket <NUM> may provide a substantially liquid-tight seal with the interior surface <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> includes a central channel <NUM> disposed between the central passage <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM> and the mouth end insert <NUM>.

A reservoir <NUM> may be contained in an annulus between the inner tube <NUM> and the outer housing <NUM>, and between the gasket <NUM> and the gasket <NUM>. Thus, the reservoir <NUM> may at least partially surround the central conduit <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> may contain a pre-vapor formulation. The pre-vapor formulation may be a gel formulation. It will be understood that aspects of a gel formulation described herein may also be aspects of a pre-vapor formulation even though not explicitly described as such. The reservoir may also include a storage medium (not shown), including one or more of a fibrous and/or gauze structure, configured to suspend the gel formulation. In some example embodiments, the reservoir <NUM> contains the gel formulation independently of including a liquid storage medium or a liquid at ambient conditions.

In some example embodiments, the reservoir <NUM> may be a tank reservoir with at least one side wall, a bottom wall, a top wall, and an opening in one or more of the walls through which the gel formulation may be injected. In some example embodiments, liquid produced during heating of the gel formulation may be wicked from the reservoir through the opening.

A heater <NUM> may extend through the central conduit <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM>. The heater <NUM> may extend transversely through the central conduit <NUM>. Electrical leads <NUM> may be electrically connected to the heater in order to energize the heater when the device <NUM> is actively being used by an adult vaper. In some example embodiments, one or more of the electrical leads extend to an interface <NUM> of the first section. The interface <NUM> may be configured to couple the first section <NUM> with the second section <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may be configured to couple with an interface <NUM> of the second section to couple the first and second sections <NUM>, <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may be coupled to the heater <NUM> via the one or more electrical leads <NUM>, and the interface <NUM> may be coupled to the power supply <NUM> via one or more electrical connections. In some example embodiments, coupling the interfaces <NUM>, <NUM> together electrically couples the heater <NUM> of the first section <NUM> to the power supply <NUM> of the second section.

The heater <NUM> may be in contact with the filamentary wick <NUM>, which may extend between opposing sections of the reservoir <NUM> so as to deliver the pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir <NUM> to the heater <NUM>. Delivering the pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir <NUM> to the heater <NUM> may include wicking a liquid or a semi-liquid component from the gel formulation from the reservoir <NUM> to the heater <NUM> when the heater <NUM> is operated and heats a portion of the gel formulation to a temperature above ambient. As a liquid or semi-liquid component is wicked from the gel formulation, a polymer included in the gel formulation may remain in the gel formulation, and the liquid or semi-liquid component may be volatilized by the heater <NUM> to form a vapor. Where the first section <NUM> includes the reservoir <NUM>, and the gel formulation is included in the reservoir, the polymer may remain in the reservoir as the liquid or semi-liquid component is wicked from the gel formulation. The e-vaping device <NUM> may include at least one opening <NUM> arranged distal from the mouth-end insert <NUM> relative to the heater <NUM>.

The second section <NUM> may include a power supply <NUM>, which may be a battery that is either disposable or rechargeable. The power supply <NUM> may be operable to apply a voltage across the heater <NUM>. Thus, the heater <NUM> may volatilize the pre-vapor formulation according to a power cycle of a time period. The time period may be a particular time period, including a <NUM> to <NUM> second period. The second section <NUM> may include a puff sensor <NUM> with control circuitry <NUM> which may be on a printed circuit board. The control circuitry <NUM> may also include a heater activation light <NUM> that may be operable to glow when the heater <NUM> is activated. The end cap <NUM> may be positioned on a distal end of the second section <NUM>.

The power supply <NUM> may include a battery arranged in the e-vaping device <NUM>. The power supply <NUM> may be configured to apply voltage across the heater <NUM> associated with the filamentary wick <NUM>. The power supply may be coupled to an interface <NUM> of the second section <NUM>, such that coupling interface <NUM> with interface <NUM> of the first section <NUM> electrically couples the power supply <NUM> to a heater <NUM> that is coupled to the interface <NUM>. The heater may heat the gel formulation to a temperature sufficient to cause a liquid or semi-liquid to wick from the ethanol-free gel formulation via capillary action. Thus, the heater <NUM> may volatilize the gel formulation according to a power cycle of a particular time period, including a <NUM> to <NUM> second period. The battery may be disposable or rechargeable. The teachings herein are applicable to any type of battery and any type of power cycle.

In some example embodiments, the e-vaping device <NUM> also includes control circuitry <NUM> which may be on a printed circuit board. The control circuitry <NUM> may also include the heater activation light <NUM>, including a light emitting diode (LED), that is configured to glow when the heater <NUM> is activated. In some example embodiments, the control circuitry <NUM> is configured to control a supply of electrical power to one or more heaters included in the e-vaping device. For example, the control circuitry <NUM> may selectively supply electrical power from the power supply <NUM> to the heater <NUM> to control a heating cycle of the heater <NUM>. In another example, the control circuitry <NUM> may selectively supply electrical power from the power supply <NUM> to the heater <NUM> based on adult vaper interaction with one or more user interfaces included in the e-vaping device, including an activation button. In some example embodiments, the control circuitry may selectively supply electrical power from the power supply <NUM> to the heater <NUM> based on a signal received from puff sensor <NUM>, where the puff sensor <NUM> may generate the signal based on a pressure change detected by the puff sensor <NUM>.

The outer housing <NUM> of the e-vaping device <NUM> may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. In some example embodiments, the outer housing <NUM> is cylindrical and is formed at least partially of metal and is part of the electrical circuit. Although the housing is described herein as cylindrical, other forms and shapes are contemplated.

In some example embodiments, the gel formulation may be formed by combining a vapor former, water, and a biopolymer. In some example embodiments, the gel formulation may be formed by further combining one or more of flavors, aromas, or nicotine. In some example embodiments, the gel formulation does not include ethanol because the inclusion of ethanol is believed to prevent gelation of the formulation.

In some example embodiments, the vapor former included in the gel formulation is one or more of propylene glycol, glycerin, <NUM>,<NUM>-propanediol, and combinations thereof. The vapor former may be included in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation. For example, the vapor former may be in the range of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, more preferably about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or most preferably about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%). In some example embodiments, the ethanol-free gel formulation may include a diol and glycerin. The diol may be one of propylene glycol, glycerin, <NUM>,<NUM>-propanediol, and combinations thereof. In some example embodiments, the gel formulation may include a diol and glycerin included in a weight ratio that may range from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>. In some example embodiments, the weight ratio of a diol and glycerin included in the gel formulation may preferably be about <NUM>:<NUM>. In some example embodiments, the gel formulation may include only propylene glycol, only <NUM>,<NUM>-propanediol, or only glycerin.

In some example embodiments, the gel formulation includes water. Water may be included in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation, more preferably in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation.

In some example embodiments, the gel formulation may include at least one flavorant in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation. For example gel formulation may include at least one flavorant in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation, more preferably about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation, and most preferably about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation. The at least one flavorant may include one or more of a natural flavorant or an artificial ("synthetic") flavorant. In some example embodiments, the at least one flavorant is one or more of tobacco flavor, menthol, wintergreen, savory flavors, spicy flavors, cinnamon flavors, clove flavors, roasted flavors, peppermint, herb flavors, fruit flavors, nut flavors, liquor flavors, and combinations thereof. In some example embodiments, the at least one flavorant includes one or more of a tobacco flavor ingredient, a menthol flavor ingredient, a wintergreen flavor ingredient, a savory flavor ingredient, a spicy flavor ingredient, a cinnamon flavor ingredient, a clove flavor ingredient, a roasted flavor ingredient, a peppermint flavor ingredient, an herb flavor ingredient, a fruit flavor ingredient, a nut flavor ingredient, a liquor flavor ingredient, a natural extract, a lactone substance, pyrazine, vanillin, piperonal, a carbonyl substance, and combinations thereof.

In some example embodiments, the gel formulation includes at least one biopolymer in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% by weight to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation (e.g., about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%). In some example embodiments, the biopolymer includes, without limitation, one or more of agar, carrageenan (e.g. kappa carrageenan), sodium alginate, gellan gum, pectin, and combinations thereof. Any polymer capable of forming hydrogels, cross-linked hydrogels, thermo-reversible or nonreversible gels may be included in the gel formulation. In some example embodiments, the gel formulation may be at least partially cross-linked with a crosslinking agent. In some example embodiments, the biopolymer is a food grade biopolymer. In some example embodiments, the biopolymer is a carbohydrate.

In some example embodiments, the gel formulation includes nicotine. The nicotine may be included in the gel formulation in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation. For example, the nicotine may be included in the gel formulation in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation, more preferably about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation, or most preferably about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation. In some example embodiments, the gel formulation may be nicotine-free.

In some example embodiments, the gel formulation may include nicotine in an amount of greater than about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation. In some example embodiments, a gel formulation that includes nicotine may also include one or more acids. The one or more acids may be one or more of pyruvic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, propionic acid, octanoic acid, lactic acid, levulinic acid, sorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, aconitic acid, butyric acid, cinnamic acid, decanoic acid, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>-octenoic acid, <NUM>-glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, hexanoic acid, <NUM>-hexenoic acid, trans-<NUM>-hexenoic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, <NUM>-methylbutyric acid, <NUM>-methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid, palmitic acid, <NUM>-penenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, <NUM>-phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid and combinations thereof. The acid may be included in the gel formulation in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation.

In some example embodiments, a total amount of the gel formulation included in the electronic aerosol generating device <NUM> is selected so as to be capable of forming an aerosol over the course of about <NUM> to about <NUM> puffs (e.g. about <NUM> to about <NUM> puffs, about <NUM> to about <NUM> puffs, about <NUM> to about <NUM> puffs, about <NUM> to about <NUM> puffs, about <NUM> to about <NUM> puffs, or about <NUM> to about <NUM> puffs).

In addition, the gel formulation may have a density ranging from about <NUM>/cm<NUM> to about <NUM>/cm<NUM> (e.g. about <NUM>/cm<NUM> to about <NUM>/cm<NUM>, about <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>).

The gel formulation may be formed by dissolving one or more biopolymers, which may include agar, in an amount ranging from about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation to about <NUM>% by weight based on the weight of the gel formulation in hot water having a temperature of about <NUM> while stirring until a clear solution is formed. The clear solution may then be maintained at about <NUM> until the clear solution is combined with the remaining components of the gel formulation.

While the temperature of the clear solution is maintained, the remaining components may be mixed to form a liquid system including the vapor former and water in the amounts indicated above. One or more flavorants may also be mixed with the remaining components to form the liquid system.

The liquid system may then be transferred to a sealed container and pre-heated to about <NUM> in a water bath to form a warm liquid system. The water bath may be maintained at about <NUM>.

The warm liquid system may then be quickly added to the clear solution of the biopolymer and mixed with a high speed mixer for about <NUM> minutes to form a final homogeneous mixture having a temperature of about <NUM>. The warm liquid system may be added to the clear solution of the biopolymer and mixed while remaining in the water bath.

The final homogeneous mixture may then be cooled in a cold water bath having a temperature of about <NUM> for about an hour to form a gel. For example, the final homogeneous mixture may be cooled after being injected (placed) directly into a reservoir or a cavity in an electronic aerosol generating device or injected (placed) into a mold to form a gel formulation having a particular size and shape. The size and shape may correspond to a size and shape that may be inserted into a cavity or reservoir of an e-vaping device as described herein.

In some example embodiments, to automate manufacture, the gel formulation may be injected into the reservoir <NUM> before the gel cools to room temperature and sets.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a cylindrical gel formulation, according to some example embodiments. <FIG> is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cylindrical gel formulation of <FIG>.

In some example embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment shown in <FIG>, a gel formulation may include a cylindrical body <NUM> that is sized and configured for insertion into a cavity or reservoir of an electronic aerosol generating device <NUM> as described herein. The cylindrical body <NUM> may be one or more of a pre-formed cylindrical body or a molded cylindrical body. In some example embodiments, the gel formulation may be in one or more other shapes including one or more of rectangular, square, oval or any other desired shape. In some example embodiments, the size of the pre-formed and/or molded cylindrical body <NUM> may be associated with a desired number of puffs provided to an adult vaper by the gel formulation body <NUM>, such that the size of a body <NUM> may be selected based on a desired number of puffs.

In some example embodiments, one or more fibers or particles may be added to the body of the gel formulation. The one or more fibers or particles included in the body of the gel formation may abate a tendency of the gel formulation to release liquid at ambient conditions or to leak liquid through a reservoir containing the gel formulation at one or more temperatures. In some example embodiments, the one or more fibers or particles included in the body of the gel formation may abate any tendency of the gel formulation to release liquid at ambient conditions or to leak liquid through a reservoir containing the gel formulation at any temperatures.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tubular gel formulation, according to some example embodiments. <FIG> is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tubular gel formulation of <FIG>.

In some example embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment shown in <FIG>, the gel formulation may include a tubular body <NUM> having a hollow core <NUM> therein. The tubular body <NUM> may be one or more of a pre-formed tubular body or a molded tubular body. The diameter of the hollow core <NUM> may be adjustable to enable a heater to be inserted into the hollow core <NUM>. The diameter of the hollow core <NUM> may range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, more preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, more preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or most preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The tubular body <NUM> may be configured for insertion into a cavity of an e-vaping device. The tubular body <NUM> may be configured to be inserted into the reservoir <NUM> of the first section <NUM> of the e-vaping device described herein. In some example embodiments, the size of the pre-formed and/or molded tubular body <NUM> may be associated with a desired number of puffs provided to an adult vaper by the gel formulation included in the tubular body <NUM>, such that the size of a tubular body <NUM> may be selected based on a desired number of puffs. The tubular body <NUM> may be placed in a reservoir. In some example embodiments, the tubular body may be configured to be placed in the outer housing <NUM>, and the inner tube <NUM> may be excluded from the first section <NUM>.

Where the tubular body is configured to be placed in a first section <NUM> of an e-vaping device, the tubular body <NUM> may be configured to enable a vapor to pass through the hollow core to the mouth end insert <NUM> and out of the e-vaping device, where the vapor is generated in the section <NUM> during vaping. In some example embodiments, the tubular body <NUM> is configured to enable the vapor to pass around an external surface of the tubular body <NUM>.

In some example embodiments, including embodiments shown in <FIG>, the e-vaping device <NUM> includes a first section <NUM>, where the first section <NUM> lacks an inner tube <NUM>, heater coil <NUM>, and wick <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In some example embodiments, the e-vaping device <NUM> includes at least one or more of the cylindrical body <NUM> or tubular body <NUM> of gel formulation. The body may be pre-formed and/or molded. The body may include a gel formulation that independently retains its shape. The body <NUM>, <NUM> may be inserted into the housing of the first section <NUM> at a location adjacent the location in the first section <NUM> where a heater <NUM> is shown to be located in <FIG>. The first section <NUM> may include a heater that may be in contact with the pre-formed and/or molded body <NUM>, <NUM> of gel formulation as shown in greater detail in <FIG> discussed below. The heater may be a low temperature heater that is configured to heat the gel formulation included in the body <NUM>, <NUM> to a temperature ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM> to volatilize the released liquid or semi-liquid component of the gel formulation, more preferably under <NUM> (e.g. about <NUM> to about <NUM> or about <NUM> to about <NUM>).

In some example embodiments, not according to the invention, the heater <NUM> may include one or more other heater shapes, including serpentine heaters, which may contact the end surface <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

In some example embodiments, a heater <NUM> is a resistive heater. In some example embodiments, a heating element of a resistive heater is a wire trace. A resistive heater <NUM> may be constructed from a selected material and may have one or more selected physical structure parameters based on one or more dimensional parameters of the gel formulation. The selected material of the heater <NUM> may be one or more metals or alloys. For example, the selected material may include one or more of Ni, Cr, Al, Fe, Mn, Si, C, Mo, Cu, Ti, Co, W and Nb. Different metals or alloys may be associated with different electrical properties, thermal properties, and toxicological properties. A resistive heater <NUM> may be constructed from a selected material based on one or more of said properties with regard to one or more elements of the e-vaping device <NUM>, including one or more elements of the gel formulation. A resistive heater <NUM> may be constructed from a selected material based on a material composition of the gel formulation. In some example embodiments, the heater <NUM> may be constructed from a suitable electrically conductive and resistive material, including a fine nichrome wire. A selected physical structure parameter of the heater <NUM> may include one or more of a diameter of a wire included in the heater <NUM>, a length of a wire in the heater <NUM>, a number of turns of a coiled wire in the heater <NUM>, a spacing of adjacent turns in a coiled wire in the heater <NUM>, a number of wave patterns of a wire in the heater <NUM>, a size of individual wave patterns of a wire in the heater <NUM>, and some combination thereof. In some example embodiments, a wire included in a heater <NUM> includes a wire having a gauge size between about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In some example embodiments, where the heater <NUM> is a resistive heater, the heater <NUM> may have a resistance between about <NUM> ohms to about <NUM> ohms, inclusively.

In some example embodiments, the heater <NUM> shown in <FIG> may include a coiled heater <NUM> constructed of fine nichrome wire, where the nichrome wire is wound in a coil having between <NUM>-<NUM> turns inclusively, and where adjacent turns in the coil are spaced apart by about <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an e-vaping device first section that includes a cylindrical gel formulation and heater, according to some example embodiments. As shown in <FIG>, the first section <NUM> may include the cylindrical body <NUM>, placed adjacent to heater <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the heater <NUM> may include a wire coil heater <NUM> having electrical leads <NUM> extending therefrom to an interface <NUM> of the first section <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may be configured to form an electrical connection with the power supply <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), based on the first section <NUM> and second section <NUM> being coupled. The cylindrical body <NUM> may or may not be contained in a reservoir, including the reservoir <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The wire coil heater <NUM> may contact a surface of the cylindrical body <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the wire coil <NUM> contacts an end surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>. However, it will be understood that the wire coil heater <NUM> may contact any surface of the cylindrical body <NUM>. Based at least in part upon the wire coil heater <NUM> contacting a surface of the cylindrical body <NUM>, a wick may be absent from the first section <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an e-vaping device first section that includes a cylindrical gel formulation and heater, that is not according to the invention. As shown in <FIG>, the first section <NUM> may include the cylindrical body <NUM> and a heater <NUM> that includes a surface planar heater <NUM> that contacts a planar end surface <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM> and has electrical leads <NUM> extending therefrom to an interface <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may be configured to form an electrical connection with the power supply <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), based on the first section <NUM> and second section <NUM> being coupled. The cylindrical body <NUM> may or may not be contained in a reservoir, including the reservoir <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Based at least in part upon the surface planar heater <NUM> contacting a planar end surface <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM>, a wick may be absent from the first section <NUM>. The surface planar heater may include a heater element arranged in one or more patterns. The one or more patterns may include a wave pattern. The wave pattern may include a sinusoidal wave pattern of heater elements.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an e-vaping device first section that includes a cylindrical gel formulation and heater, that is not according to the invention. As shown in <FIG>, the first section <NUM> may include the cylindrical body <NUM> and a heater <NUM> that includes a ring shaped, planar heater <NUM> that contacts a surface <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM> and has electrical leads <NUM> extending therefrom to an interface <NUM>. The ring shaped, planar heater may include a heater element which is arranged in a ring pattern. The ring pattern may be a partial ring pattern, where the heater elements extend along a portion of a full ring shape. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the heater <NUM> is "C" shaped. The wave pattern may include a sinusoidal wave pattern of heater elements. The interface <NUM> may be configured to form an electrical connection with the power supply <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), based on the first section <NUM> and second section <NUM> being coupled. The cylindrical body <NUM> may or may not be contained in a reservoir, including the reservoir <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Based at least in part upon the surface planar heater <NUM> contacting a planar end surface <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM>, a wick may be absent from the first section <NUM>.

In some example embodiments that are not according to the invention, the heater <NUM> may include one or more other heater shapes, including serpentine heaters, which may contact the end surface <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

In some example embodiments that are not according to the invention, a planar heater, conformal heater, etc. includes a solid state heater. A solid state heater may include a heating element that is one or more sets of resistive traces. A solid state heater may be a ceramic solid state heater. A solid state heater may be constructed from a combination of platinum and at least one ceramic material. A solid state heater may have a three-dimensional heating element geometric structure. A solid state heater may include multiple separate heating elements. A solid state heater may include an aluminum nitride ceramic material. A solid state heater may include a ceramic material and one or more internal resistance traces. A resistance trace may be constructed from tungsten. A solid state heater may include Aluminum nitride (ALN) ceramic and tungsten. Where a solid state heater includes ALN and tungsten, the tungsten metal and ALN may be bonded via chemical bonding. An oxide phase may be inter-diffused between the ALN and Tungsten metal.

A solid state heater may have a linear coefficient of expansion per degree Celsius of about <NUM>×<NUM>-<NUM>. A solid state heater may have a DC breakdown of <NUM> KV/mil, a Young's Modulus of about <NUM> GPa, a flexural strength of about <NUM> MPa, a thermal conductivity of about 130W/m-k at <NUM> degrees Celsius, a thermal conductivity of about <NUM> W/m-k at room temperature, a dielectric loss of about <NUM>×<NUM>-<NUM> at room temperature and a frequency of <NUM>, a dielectric constant of about <NUM>-<NUM> at room temperature and a frequency of <NUM>, and some combination thereof. In some example embodiments, a planar heater includes a planar metal surface heater.

In some example embodiments, as the vapor is generated, the vapor may pass around an external surface of the cylindrical body <NUM>, such as through a space <NUM> defined between an external surface of the cylindrical body <NUM> and an internal surface of the outer housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an e-vaping device first section that includes a cylindrical gel formulation and heater, that is not according to the invention. <FIG> is a perspective view of an e-vaping device first section that includes a cylindrical gel formulation and heater, that is not according to the invention. <FIG> is a perspective view of an e-vaping device first section that includes a cylindrical gel formulation and heater, that is not according to the invention. <FIG> is a perspective view of an e-vaping device first section that includes a cylindrical gel formulation and heater, that is not according to the invention.

In these embodiments not according to the invention, including the embodiments shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the heater <NUM> may be at least partially wrapped about a circumference of the cylindrical body <NUM>. Such a heater <NUM> may extend along at least a portion of a length ("L") of the cylindrical body <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the heater <NUM> may include a coil heater <NUM> that is wrapped about the circumference of the cylindrical body <NUM>. The coil heater <NUM> may include a particular quantity of coils around the cylindrical body <NUM>. The coil heater <NUM> may be spaced a particular distance from the surface of the cylindrical body <NUM>. The coils may be spaced a particular distance apart.

As shown in <FIG>, the heater <NUM> may include a conformal, planar surface heater <NUM> that is in contact with a portion of an outer circumference of the cylindrical body <NUM>. The conformal planar surface heater <NUM> may extend along a particular proportion of the body <NUM> circumference. The conformal planar surface heater <NUM> may include a heater element arranged in one or more patterns. The one or more patterns may include a wave pattern. The wave pattern may include a sinusoidal wave pattern of heater elements. The sinusoidal waves included in the sinusoidal wave pattern may be spaced apart by a particular distance. The conformal ring surface heater may extend along a particular proportion of a length "L" of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the heater <NUM> may include a conformal ring surface heater <NUM> that extends completely around the circumference of the cylindrical body <NUM>. The conformal ring surface heater <NUM> may include a heater element arranged in one or more patterns. The one or more patterns may include a wave pattern. The wave pattern may include a sinusoidal wave pattern of heater elements. The sinusoidal waves included in the sinusoidal wave pattern may be spaced apart by a particular distance. The conformal ring surface heater may extend along a particular proportion of a length "L" of the cylindrical body <NUM>. In some example embodiments, the heaters <NUM>, <NUM> are resistive heaters.

A conformal heater, planar heater, etc. may be a flexible heater. A flexible heater may be a thick film heater constructed of one or more thick films. A flexible heater may include one or more resistive traces arranged in a pattern of resistive traces on a substrate. The substrate may be a flexible substrate. The flexible heater may include one or more adhesive layers configured to bond the flexible heater to a surface, including a gel formulation surface. An adhesive layer may include a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer.

A thick film heater may be a printed thick film heater where a pattern of resistive traces included in the thick film heater is a pattern of an ink material printed on a film substrate layer. The ink material may include a resistive ink. The film may include a PSA layer applied to the substrate on which the ink is printed. The thick film heater may include another layer laminated to the substrate and ink layer with the PSA layer. In some example embodiments, a film layer includes a <NUM>-inch thick thermoplastic or thermoset polymer substance, where the substance is configured to exhibit thermal conductivity while providing electrical insulation. For example, the film layer may be formed of polyester or polyimide. An additional layer of PSA may be applied to an exterior surface of the thick film heater, such that the thick film heater may be bonded directly to the gel formulation, thereby enhancing thermal transfer between the heater <NUM> and the gel formulation.

A thick film heater may include a substrate constructed from one or more of polyester, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, thermoset laminate, polyethylene napthalate, polyimide, silicone rubber, or some combination thereof. A thick film heater may include a PSA layer formed of one or more of acrylic materials or silicone materials. A thick film heater may have a minimum width of <NUM>. A thick film heater may have a dielectric strength of up to <NUM> VAC. A thick film heater may have a watt density of up to 25W/square inches. A thick film heater may have an operating voltage of up to about <NUM> VAC or <NUM> VDC. A thick film heater may have an overall maximum operating temperature of about <NUM> degrees Celsius.

A flexible heater may include one or more of a single-sided heater, a double-sided heater, a multi-layer heater, a rigid-flex heater, and some combination thereof. A single sided heater includes a single heating element layer, which may be a resistive trace. A double sided heater includes two heating element layers. A flexible heater may include a sculptured heating element, where a sculptured heating element has variable thickness through the heater structure. A sculptured heating element may have bare metal portions exposed from the heater structure. A rigid-flex heater includes at least one rigid layer and at least one flexible layer. A flexible heater may have a thickness of at least <NUM> inches. A flexible heater may include at least two parallel traces having different resistances. The parallel traces may be separately, selectively activated to provide different rates of heating. A flexible heater may have a bend radius that is about <NUM> times the thickness of the flexible heater. One or more heating elements in the flexible heater may be radiused resistive traces. Where a flexible heater includes multiple layers of parallel heating elements, the separate layers may have a staggered configuration, thereby providing augmented flexibility of the flexible heater.

As shown in <FIG>, the heater <NUM> may include an inductive coil heater <NUM> that does not contact a surface of the cylindrical body <NUM>. The inductive coil heater <NUM> may be referred to as being isolated from contacting a surface of the cylindrical body <NUM>. The inductive coil heater <NUM> may be configured to heat the gel formulation included in the cylindrical body <NUM> to a temperature sufficient to release a liquid/semi-liquid component from the gel formulation. The released component may then be vaporized by at least some heat generated by the heater <NUM> to generate the vapor. The inductive coil heater <NUM> may include a particular quantity of coils around the cylindrical body <NUM>. The inductive coil heater <NUM> coils may be spaced a particular distance from the surface of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

A heater that includes an inductive coil heater <NUM> may be configured to apply inductive heating by transferring energy from a primary coil (not shown in <FIG>) to the coil heater <NUM>, where the coil heater <NUM> is a secondary coil.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an e-vaping device first section that includes a tubular gel formulation and heater, that is not according to the invention. <FIG> is a perspective view of an e-vaping device first section that includes a tubular gel formulation and heater, that is not according to the invention. In some example embodiments, including the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the first section <NUM> may include the tubular body <NUM> and a heater <NUM>. As further shown in <FIG>, the heater may be a heater coil <NUM> or a surface planar heater <NUM> inserted into the hollow core <NUM> of the tubular body <NUM>. In some example embodiments, a surface planar heater <NUM> includes one or more of a solid state heater, a flexible heater, and some combination thereof. In some example embodiments, the heater <NUM> may be a heater rod (not shown). As shown in <FIG>, the tubular body <NUM> may be friction fit within the housing <NUM> and the heater <NUM> may be held within the hollow core <NUM> of the tubular body <NUM>. Where a vapor is formed in a first section <NUM> which includes a tubular body <NUM>, including the illustrated embodiments of <FIG>, the vapor may flow through the core <NUM> of the tubular body <NUM> to the mouth end insert <NUM> and out of the e-vaping device which includes the first section <NUM>.

In some example embodiments, electrical power is supplied to the heater <NUM> from the power supply included in the second section <NUM> via an interface <NUM> coupled to the second section and electrical leads <NUM> coupled to the interface <NUM>. Power may be supplied to the heater <NUM> in response to a puff sensed by a puff sensor <NUM> as described above with respect to <FIG>. In some example embodiments, power may be supplied to the heater <NUM> in response a push button included on one or more of the sections <NUM>, <NUM> being operated. In some example embodiments, the heaters <NUM>, <NUM> are resistive heaters.

<FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of an e-vaping device, according to some example embodiments. As shown in <FIG>, a gel formulation <NUM> may be positioned within the housing <NUM> of a first section <NUM>, and the heater <NUM> included in the first section <NUM> may contact a side surface of the gel formulation <NUM>. The gel formulation <NUM> may include one or more of a cylindrical body or a tubular body. The heater <NUM> may heat the gel formulation <NUM> to vaporize at least a portion of the gel formulation to form a vapor. As the vapor is formed the vapor may pass along a side of the gel formulation to a mouth end insert <NUM> of the first section <NUM>, via which the vapor may exit the e-vaping device <NUM>. The first section includes electrical leads <NUM> coupling the heater <NUM> to interface <NUM>.

In some example embodiments, the heater <NUM> may contact the gel formulation <NUM> included in a cylindrical or tubular body <NUM>, <NUM> of a first section. In some example embodiments, a first section <NUM> may include a wick that couples one or more portions of the gel formulation <NUM> included in a cylindrical or tubular body <NUM>, <NUM> of the first section <NUM> to the heater <NUM>. The wick may include a filamentary wick.

While some liquid formulations for use in e-vaping devices may include biopolymers, gels cannot be formed when such formulations include ethanol therein. It has been found that when combining the ingredients in Table <NUM> below, according to the process described below, colloidal suspensions were formed, but no gel or gelation was observed.

To determine whether a solution including ethanol could form a gel, the ingredients of Table <NUM> were combined as follows. The agar for each of Sample A and Sample B was transferred into a <NUM> vial containing water. The mixture was heated to <NUM> to allow the agar to dissolve in the water under mild stirring. The propylene glycol, glycerol and ethanol were then added to the hot agar solution, which was then allowed to cool down to room temperature overnight. Neither Sample A nor Sample B showed any signs of gel or gelation, and each was in the form of a colloidal suspension.

Claim 1:
An apparatus, comprising:
a body of pre-vapor formulation (<NUM>) configured to be contained within a reservoir (<NUM>), the pre-vapor formulation being a gel formulation; and
a surface heater (<NUM>) including a wire (<NUM>) in contact with a surface (<NUM>) of the body of gel formulation (<NUM>), the surface heater (<NUM>) being configured to heat the body of gel formulation (<NUM>) to form a vapor.