Patent Description:
An electronic smoking device, such as an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), typically has a housing accommodating an electric power source (e.g., a single use or rechargeable battery, electrical plug, or other power source), and an electrically operable atomizer. The atomizer vaporizes or atomizes liquid supplied from a reservoir and provides vaporized or atomized liquid as an aerosol. Control electronics control the activation of the atomizer. In some electronic cigarettes, an airflow sensor is provided within the electronic smoking device, which detects a user puffing on the device (e.g., by sensing an under-pressure or an airflow pattern through the device). The airflow sensor indicates or signals the puff to the control electronics to power up the device and generate vapor. In other e-cigarettes, a switch is used to power up the e-cigarette to generate a puff of vapor.

In prior art eCigs, the pressure sensor is configured to sense a user's draw on the eCig and transmit an activation signal to the heating coil to vaporize the liquid solution. However, these pressure sensors can be large and costly.

<CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT> disclose flow sensors for various purposes.

The invention is defined in the appended independent claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are matter of the dependent claims.

The characteristics, features and advantages of this invention and the manner in which they are obtained as described above, will become more apparent and be more clearly understood in connection with the following description of exemplary embodiments, which are explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings, the same element numbers indicate the same elements in each of the views:.

Throughout the following, an electronic smoking device will be exemplarily described with reference to an e-cigarette. As is shown in <FIG>, an e-cigarette <NUM> typically has a housing comprising a cylindrical hollow tube having an end cap <NUM>. The cylindrical hollow tube may be a single-piece or a multiple-piece tube. In <FIG>, the cylindrical hollow tube is shown as a two-piece structure having a power supply portion <NUM> and an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion <NUM>. Together the power supply portion <NUM> and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion <NUM> form a cylindrical tube which can be approximately the same size and shape as a conventional cigarette, typically about <NUM> with a <NUM> diameter, although lengths may range from <NUM> to <NUM> or <NUM>, and diameters from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The power supply portion <NUM> and atomizer/liquid reservoir portion <NUM> are typically made of metal (e.g., steel or aluminum, or of hardwearing plastic) and act together with the end cap <NUM> to provide a housing to contain the components of the e-cigarette <NUM>. The power supply portion <NUM> and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion <NUM> may be configured to fit together by, for example, a friction push fit, a snap fit, a bayonet attachment, a magnetic fit, or screw threads. The end cap <NUM> is provided at the front end of the power supply portion <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> may be made from translucent plastic or other translucent material to allow a light-emitting diode (LED) <NUM> positioned near the end cap to emit light through the end cap. Alternatively, the end cap may be made of metal or other materials that do not allow light to pass.

An air inlet may be provided in the end cap, at the edge of the inlet next to the cylindrical hollow tube, anywhere along the length of the cylindrical hollow tube, or at the connection of the power supply portion <NUM> and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion <NUM>. <FIG> shows a pair of air inlets <NUM> provided at the intersection between the power supply portion <NUM> and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion <NUM>.

A power supply, preferably a battery <NUM>, the LED <NUM>, control electronics <NUM> and, optionally, an airflow sensor <NUM> are provided within the cylindrical hollow tube power supply portion <NUM>. The battery <NUM> is electrically connected to the control electronics <NUM>, which are electrically connected to the LED <NUM> and the airflow sensor <NUM>. In this example, the LED <NUM> is at the front end of the power supply portion <NUM>, adjacent to the end cap <NUM>; and the control electronics <NUM> and airflow sensor <NUM> are provided in the central cavity at the other end of the battery <NUM> adjacent the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion <NUM>.

The airflow sensor <NUM> acts as a puff detector, detecting a user puffing or sucking on the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion <NUM> of the e-cigarette <NUM>. The airflow sensor <NUM> can be any suitable sensor for detecting changes in airflow or air pressure, such as a microphone switch including a deformable membrane which is caused to move by variations in air pressure. Alternatively, the sensor may be, for example, a Hall element or an electro-mechanical sensor.

The control electronics <NUM> are also connected to an atomizer <NUM>. In the example shown, the atomizer <NUM> includes a heating coil <NUM> which is wrapped around a wick <NUM> extending across a central passage <NUM> of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion <NUM>. The central passage <NUM> may, for example, be defined by one or more walls of the liquid reservoir and/or one or more walls of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion <NUM> of the e-cigarette <NUM>. The coil <NUM> may be positioned anywhere in the atomizer <NUM> and may be transverse or parallel to a longitudinal axis of a cylindrical liquid reservoir <NUM>. The wick <NUM> and heating coil <NUM> do not completely block the central passage <NUM>. Rather an air gap is provided on either side of the heating coil <NUM> enabling air to flow past the heating coil <NUM> and the wick <NUM>. The atomizer may alternatively use other forms of heating elements, such as ceramic heaters, or fiber or mesh material heaters. Nonresistance heating elements such as sonic, piezo, and jet spray may also be used in the atomizer in place of the heating coil.

The central passage <NUM> is surrounded by the cylindrical liquid reservoir <NUM> with the ends of the wick <NUM> abutting or extending into the liquid reservoir <NUM>. The wick <NUM> may be a porous material such as a bundle of fiberglass fibers or cotton or bamboo yarn, with liquid in the liquid reservoir <NUM> drawn by capillary action from the ends of the wick <NUM> towards the central portion of the wick <NUM> encircled by the heating coil <NUM>.

The liquid reservoir <NUM> may alternatively include wadding (not shown in <FIG>) soaked in liquid which encircles the central passage <NUM> with the ends of the wick <NUM> abutting the wadding. In other embodiments, the liquid reservoir may comprise a toroidal cavity arranged to be filled with liquid and with the ends of the wick <NUM> extending into the toroidal cavity.

An air inhalation port <NUM> is provided at the back end of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion <NUM> remote from the end cap <NUM>. The inhalation port <NUM> may be formed from the cylindrical hollow tube atomizer/liquid reservoir portion <NUM> or may be formed in an end cap.

In use, a user sucks on the e-cigarette <NUM>. This causes air to be drawn into the e-cigarette <NUM> via one or more air inlets, such as air inlets <NUM>, and to be drawn through the central passage <NUM> towards the air inhalation port <NUM>. The change in air pressure which arises is detected by the airflow sensor <NUM>, which generates an electrical signal that is passed to the control electronics <NUM>. In response to the signal, the control electronics <NUM> activate the heating coil <NUM>, which causes liquid present in the wick <NUM> to be vaporized creating an aerosol (which may comprise gaseous and liquid components) within the central passage <NUM>. As the user continues to suck on the e-cigarette <NUM>, this aerosol is drawn through the central passage <NUM> and inhaled by the user. At the same time, the control electronics <NUM> also activate the LED <NUM> causing the LED <NUM> to light up, which is visible via the translucent end cap <NUM>. Activation of the LED may mimic the appearance of a glowing ember at the end of a conventional cigarette. As liquid present in the wick <NUM> is converted into an aerosol, more liquid is drawn into the wick <NUM> from the liquid reservoir <NUM> by capillary action and thus is available to be converted into an aerosol through subsequent activation of the heating coil <NUM>.

Some e-cigarette are intended to be disposable and the electric power in the battery <NUM> is intended to be sufficient to vaporize the liquid contained within the liquid reservoir <NUM>, after which the e-cigarette <NUM> is thrown away. In other embodiments, the battery <NUM> is rechargeable and the liquid reservoir <NUM> is refillable. In the cases where the liquid reservoir <NUM> is a toroidal cavity, this may be achieved by refilling the liquid reservoir <NUM> via a refill port (not shown in <FIG>). In other embodiments, the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion <NUM> of the e-cigarette <NUM> is detachable from the power supply portion <NUM> and a new atomizer/liquid reservoir portion <NUM> can be fitted with a new liquid reservoir <NUM> thereby replenishing the supply of liquid. In some cases, replacing the liquid reservoir <NUM> may involve replacement of the heating coil <NUM> and the wick <NUM> along with the replacement of the liquid reservoir <NUM>. A replaceable unit comprising the atomizer <NUM> and the liquid reservoir <NUM> may be referred to as a cartomizer.

The new liquid reservoir may be in the form of a cartridge (not shown in <FIG>) defining a passage (or multiple passages) through which a user inhales aerosol. In other embodiments, the aerosol may flow around the exterior of the cartridge to the air inhalation port <NUM>.

Of course, in addition to the above description of the structure and function of a typical e-cigarette <NUM>, variations also exist. For example, the LED <NUM> may be omitted. The airflow sensor <NUM> may be placed, for example, adjacent to the end cap <NUM> rather than in the middle of the e-cigarette. The airflow sensor <NUM> may be replaced by, or supplemented with, a switch which enables a user to activate the e-cigarette manually rather than in response to the detection of a change in airflow or air pressure.

Different types of atomizers may be used. Thus, for example, the atomizer may have a heating coil in a cavity in the interior of a porous body soaked in liquid. In this design, aerosol is generated by evaporating the liquid within the porous body either by activation of the coil heating the porous body or alternatively by the heated air passing over or through the porous body. Alternatively the atomizer may use a piezoelectric atomizer to create an aerosol either in combination or in the absence of a heater.

<FIG> is a partial exploded assembly view of an eCig power supply portion <NUM> (also referred to as a power supply portion), consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. The power supply portion <NUM> houses a number of electrical components that facilitate the recharging and re-use of the power supply portion <NUM> with disposable and refillable atomizer/liquid reservoir portions (<NUM> as shown in <FIG>), which are also referred to as atomizer/liquid reservoir portions. A battery <NUM> is electrically coupled to controller circuitry <NUM> on a printed circuit board. An airflow sensor <NUM> for determining one or more characteristics of a user's draw from the eCig is also located on the printed circuit board, and communicatively coupled to the controller circuitry <NUM>. In various embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, the airflow sensor <NUM> may be a mass airflow sensor, a pressure sensor, a velocity sensor, a heater coil temperature sensor, or any other sensor that may capture relevant draw characteristics (either directly or through indirect correlations). In the present embodiment, the airflow sensor <NUM> is a mass airflow sensor that determines the flow of air across the airflow sensor <NUM>. The measured flow of air is then drawn through the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion, where heater coils atomize eCig juice into the air, and into a user's mouth. Accordingly, by measuring the mass flow rate of air through the power supply portion <NUM>, the controller circuitry <NUM> may adjust a heating profile of a heating coil in a atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (e.g., power, length of time, etc.), as well as provide a variable indication of the strength of the draw - by way of LEDs <NUM>A-E, which may be independently addressed by the controller circuitry or powered at varying intensities to indicate characteristics indicative of the eCig's functionality. For example, varying the illumination intensity based on the sensed mass airflow. In further embodiments, the LEDs may also indicate other functional aspects of the eCig, such as remaining battery life, charging, sleep mode, among others.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, electrical pins extending from the printed circuit board may be electrically coupled to a atomizer/liquid reservoir portion, and thereby allow for both energy transfer and data communication between the power supply portion <NUM> and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (not shown). In various other embodiments, pins may extend from a surface of the printed circuit board to an exterior of the power supply portion to facilitate charging and data communication with external circuitry.

To provide user indications of status, power remaining, use, error messages, among other relevant information, a flexible printed circuit board <NUM> is communicatively coupled to controller circuitry <NUM> via wire leads <NUM>A-B. The flexible circuit board <NUM> may include one or more light sources. In the present embodiment, the flexible circuit board <NUM> includes LEDs <NUM>A-E. When assembled into the rest of the power supply portion <NUM>, the LEDs <NUM>A-E both illuminate a circumferential portion of light guide <NUM>, and a tip diffuser <NUM> that illuminates a distal end of the light guide <NUM>. The tip diffuser <NUM> and the light guide <NUM> together facilitate even illumination of the distal end of the power supply portion <NUM> in response to the activation of the LEDs <NUM>A-E.

As shown in <FIG>, once electrically coupled to one another (e.g., by solder), battery <NUM>, flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, and a printed circuit board containing controller circuitry <NUM> and airflow sensor <NUM> are encased by upper sub-assembly housing <NUM> and lower sub-assembly housing <NUM>. In one embodiment, the upper sub-assembly housing <NUM> and the lower sub-assembly housing <NUM> can create a flow channel. The flow channel created by the upper sub-assembly housing <NUM> and the lower sub-assembly housing <NUM> can direct airflow over the airflow sensor. The sub-assembly housing portions positively locate the various components with the sub-assembly. In many embodiments, the sub-assembly housing portions utilize locating pins and integral locking features to maintain the sub-assembly after assembly.

Once assembly is complete on the sub-assembly, the sub-assembly may be slid into tube <NUM> from one end, and tip diffuser <NUM> and circumferential light guide <NUM> may be inserted from the opposite end of the tube to complete assembly of power supply portion <NUM>. By way of the distal tip of the circumferential light guide <NUM> and etch pattern <NUM> in tube <NUM>, LEDs <NUM>A-E may illuminate evenly around a distal circumferential portion of the tube <NUM>, and a distal tip of the power supply portion <NUM>.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more keying features may be present on an exterior surface of upper and/or lower sub-assembly housing portions <NUM> and <NUM>. When the sub-assembly is inserted into tube <NUM>, mating keying features along an inner surface of the tube <NUM> rotationally align the tube and the sub-assembly along a longitudinal axis and prevent the sub-assembly from spinning therein.

The use of a sub-assembly during manufacturing helps minimize assembly complexity, as well as reduce overall assembly time. Moreover, the sub-assembly helps to mitigate scrap as the sub-assembly allows for rapid re-work of a power supply portion <NUM>, such as when electronic circuitry within the power supply portion fails in testing. Moreover, the sub-assembly helps to mitigate common failure modes of eCigs during its useful life by reducing shock and vibration related damage to the sub-components. Specifically, by positively locating controller circuitry <NUM> and flexible circuit board <NUM> within the upper and lower sub-assembly housing portions <NUM> and <NUM>, wire leads <NUM>A-B and bonding pads electrically coupling the circuitry are less likely to experience failure modes. For example, stress fractures at a solder joint on a bonding pad.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, pattern <NUM> on tube <NUM> may include various different patterns, shapes, images and/or logos. In the present embodiment, the pattern <NUM> is a plurality of triangles positioned in proximity to one another. The pattern <NUM> may be laser etched onto a painted surface of the tube <NUM>, silk screened, drilled or otherwise cut into an outer surface of the tube <NUM>, and/or the tube itself can be translucent or semi-translucent and the pattern may be disposed on an outer surface <NUM> of circumferential light guide <NUM>. The pattern <NUM> on an outer surface of tube <NUM> allows controller circuitry <NUM> to provide visual indications of the eCigs functionality via light being emitted from LEDs <NUM>A-E through circumferential light guide <NUM>. The eCig may provide a plurality of visual indications by varying the brightness (e.g., LED duty cycle), color (e.g., output frequency and/or multi-diode LEDs), location, on/off time, patterning, among other visually distinguishable characteristics.

<FIG> is a partial exploded assembly view of an eCig power supply portion sub-assembly <NUM>, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, flex circuit <NUM> and battery <NUM> are electrically coupled to controller circuitry <NUM> via wire leads which are soldered on to the controller circuitry. Contacts <NUM>A-C (also referred to as electrical pins) are also electrically coupled to the controller circuitry <NUM> and extend toward apertures within the upper sub-assembly housing <NUM>. The contacts <NUM> A-C facilitate electrical communication between the controller circuitry <NUM> and an external circuit, as well as charging the battery <NUM>.

When assembled, flex circuit <NUM> extends over and around battery <NUM>. The battery being circumferentially enclosed by upper and lower sub-assembly housing portions <NUM> and <NUM>. Controller circuitry <NUM> is sandwiched between spacer <NUM> and MAF gasket <NUM>; the spacer and MAF gasket contacting respective surfaces of upper and lower sub-assembly housing portions <NUM> and <NUM> and thereby positively locate the controller circuitry within the sub-assembly. The spacer <NUM> includes an inner aperture that functions as a light guide to deliver light from an LED on the controller circuitry <NUM> through an aperture within the lower sub-assembly housing <NUM>. The MAF gasket <NUM> facilitates an airflow passage between the controller circuitry <NUM> and the upper sub-assembly housing <NUM>. The MAF gasket <NUM> both forms a seal between the controller circuitry <NUM> and the upper sub-assembly housing to direct the airflow past the airflow sensor <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), as well as to maintain a desired cross-sectional area of the airflow passage in the vicinity of a mass airflow sensor.

Female connector port <NUM> mates to a male connector port on a atomizer/liquid reservoir portion of the eCig, and provides a flow of air via a fluid outlet, and power and data communication signals via a plurality of electrical contacts that are communicatively coupled to corresponding electrical contacts on the male connector port (when the male and female connector ports are mated to one another). In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the male and female connector ports are hemicylindrical in shape. As used herein, "hemicylindrical" describes parts having the shape of a half a cylinder, as well as parts that include a larger or smaller portion of a cylinder when cut by a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis (or lengthwise) of the cylinder. An airflow gasket <NUM> is inserted into the female connector port <NUM> and facilitates a fluid seal with the mating male connector port. In one particular embodiment, airflow sensor <NUM> is a mass airflow sensor that measures a flow of air through the eCig, the airflow gasket <NUM> prevents additional air from entering the airflow into the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (or the escape of air from the airflow) after the mass airflow sensor has measured the airflow.

Once the sub-assembly <NUM> has been assembled and inserted into an outer tube <NUM>, a locking pin <NUM> is inserted through corresponding apertures in the outer tube and the upper sub-assembly housing <NUM> to axially and rotationally couple the sub-assembly <NUM> within the power supply portion <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of the microcontroller <NUM> constructed according to an aspect of the disclosure. The microcontroller <NUM> comprises a microcomputer <NUM>, a memory <NUM> and an interface <NUM>. The microcontroller <NUM> can include a driver <NUM> that drives an atomizer (not shown). The driver <NUM> can include, e.g., a pulse-width modulator (PWM) or signal generator. The microcomputer <NUM> is configured to execute a computer program, which can be stored externally or in the memory <NUM>, to control operations of the eCig, including activation (and deactivation) of the heating element. The memory <NUM> includes a computer-readable medium that can store one or more segments or sections of computer code to carry out the processes described in the instant disclosure. Alternatively (or additionally) code segments or code sections may be provide on an external computer-readable medium (not shown) that may be accessed through the interface <NUM>.

It is noted that the microcontroller <NUM> may include an application specific integrated circuit (IC), or the like, in lieu of the microcomputer <NUM>, driver <NUM>, memory <NUM>, and/or interface <NUM>.

The microcontroller may be configured to log medium flow data, including mass flow, volume flow, velocity data, time data, date data, flow duration data, and the like, that are associated with the medium flow. The medium may comprise an aerosol, a gas (e.g., air), a liquid, or the like. The microcontroller may be configured not only to turn ON/OFF a heater based on such data, but to also adjust control parameters such as heater PWM or amount of liquid solution dispensed onto a heating surface. This control may be done proportionally to the flow data or according to an algorithm where flow data is a parameter. In addition, the microcontroller may use flow data to determine flow direction and restrict or limit false activation of the heater in case the user accidentally blows into the eCig.

<FIG> shows an example of a flow sensor <NUM> that is constructed according to an aspect of the disclosure. The flow sensor <NUM> comprises a substrate <NUM> and a thermopile (e.g., two or more thermocouples), including an upstream thermopile (or thermocouple) <NUM> and a downstream thermopile (or thermocouple) <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> may include a thermal isolation base. The flow sensor <NUM> may comprise a heater element <NUM>. The flow sensor <NUM> may comprise a reference element <NUM>. The heater element <NUM> may include a heater resistor. The reference element <NUM> may include a reference resistor.

As seen in <FIG>, the thermopiles <NUM>, <NUM> may be symmetrically positioned upstream and downstream from the heater element <NUM>. The heater element <NUM> heats up the hot junctions of the thermopiles <NUM>, <NUM>. In response, each of the thermopiles <NUM>, <NUM> generates an output voltage that is proportional to the temperature gradient between its hot and cold junctions (the "Seebeck" effect). The hot junctions of the thermopiles <NUM>, <NUM> and the heater element <NUM> may reside on the thermal isolation base. Mass airflow sensor signal conditioning may be composed of various forms of filters or gain amplifiers. Filters may be used to eliminate noise before or after signal amplification, thereby reducing sensitivity to unwanted environmental noises or pressure changes. Filtering can be accomplished using low pass, high pass, band pass, or a combination thereof. Signal gain amplification may be accomplished by employing electronic amplification on the upstream or downstream thermopile signals, or a combination thereof. Amplification of upstream or downstream thermopile signals may use a single state or multiple cascaded stages for each signal, or combination of these signals to form a sum or difference. The amplifier circuit may include means to introducing a signal offset. The amplifier may include transistors, operational amplifiers, or other integrated circuits.

<FIG> illustrate an example of a single amplifier with a filter <NUM> and a difference amplifier and filters for upstream and downstream, with offset <NUM>. As shown in the single amplifier with a filter <NUM> in <FIG>, the airflow signal <NUM> passes through a filter <NUM> and a gain amplifier <NUM> before a signal output <NUM> is transmitted. The difference amplifier and filters for upstream and downstream, with offset <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises an upstream airflow signal <NUM> and a downstream airflow signal <NUM>. The upstream airflow signal <NUM> passes through a first filter <NUM> and the downstream airflow signal passes through a second filter <NUM>. The outputs of the first and second filters <NUM>,<NUM> then enter a difference amplifier <NUM>. A signal is then output from the difference amplifier <NUM> and enters a gain amplifier <NUM> along with an offset <NUM>. The gain amplifier <NUM> then outputs a signal output <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an electrical diagram of an embodiment of the disclosure comprising a first thermopile <NUM> and a second thermopile <NUM>. The eCig depicted in <FIG> comprises a microcontroller <NUM>, a mass airflow sensor <NUM>, an amplifier <NUM>, and a heater <NUM>. The mass airflow sensor <NUM> comprises a mass airflow heater <NUM>, a first thermopile <NUM>, and a second thermopile <NUM>. The electrical diagram further illustrates the direction of airflow <NUM> over the mass airflow heater <NUM> and the first and second thermopiles <NUM>, <NUM>. The microcontroller <NUM> can comprise a data acquisition circuit <NUM>, and an analog-to-digital converter <NUM>. The data acquisition circuit <NUM> can log and transmit data such as temperature of the heater <NUM>, the number of times the heater <NUM> has been activated in a certain time, the length of time the heater <NUM> had been activated, and other information. A more detailed description of data acquisition and transmission can be found in commonly assigned <CIT>. The analog-to-digital converter <NUM> can output information about the eCig to the microcontroller <NUM>, the data acquisition circuit <NUM>, and other devices and sensors that may be present on the microcontroller <NUM> or otherwise connected to the eCig.

<FIG> illustrates an electrical diagram of another embodiment of the disclosure comprising one thermopile <NUM>. The eCig depicted in <FIG> comprises a microcontroller <NUM>, a mass airflow sensor <NUM>, an amplifier <NUM>, and a heater <NUM>. The mass airflow sensor <NUM> comprises a mass airflow heater <NUM> and a thermopile <NUM>. The electrical diagram further illustrates the direction of airflow over the heater <NUM> and the thermopile <NUM>. The microcontroller <NUM> can comprise a data acquisition circuit <NUM>, and an analog-to-digital converter <NUM>. The data acquisition circuit <NUM> can log and transmit data such as temperature of the heater <NUM>, the number of times the heater <NUM> has been activated in a certain time, the length of time the heater <NUM> had been activated, and other information. The analog-to-digital converter <NUM> can output information about the eCig to the microcontroller <NUM>, the data acquisition circuit <NUM>, and other devices and sensors that may be present on the microcontroller <NUM> or otherwise connected to the eCig. In one embodiment, the eCig can also comprise feedback and gain resistors <NUM>, <NUM>. More information regarding the airflow sensor can be found in <CIT>.

<FIG> show an example of a flow channel according to the principles of the disclosure. As seen in <FIG>, the flow channel can be shaped in the vicinity of the sensor so as to direct a majority of flow over the sensing surface, thus increasing the sensitivity of the system. <FIG> depicts a top down view of one embodiment of a flow channel <NUM>. <FIG> depicts an end view of the flow channel <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The flow channel <NUM> comprises a first side wall <NUM>, a second side wall <NUM>, a top wall <NUM>, a bottom wall <NUM>, an incoming airflow opening <NUM>, an incoming airflow pathway <NUM>, a sensor assembly <NUM>, an outgoing airflow pathway <NUM>, and an outgoing airflow opening <NUM>. The first side wall <NUM>, the second side wall <NUM>, the top wall <NUM>, and the bottom wall <NUM> define the incoming airflow opening <NUM>, the incoming airflow pathway <NUM>, the outgoing airflow pathway <NUM>, and the outgoing airflow opening <NUM>. The incoming airflow opening <NUM> can allow air to enter the flow channel <NUM>. The incoming airflow pathway <NUM> can extend along a longitudinal axis of the flow channel <NUM>. The incoming airflow pathway <NUM> can extend a distance along the longitudinal axis and comprise enough volume so that any air entering the flow channel <NUM> through the incoming airflow opening <NUM> creates a laminar flow before passing over the sensor assembly <NUM>. In one embodiment, to achieve a laminar flow over the sensor assembly, the incoming airflow pathway can comprise a longitudinal length of <NUM>-<NUM>. In other embodiments, the longitudinal length of the incoming airflow pathway can be adjusted in response to different dimensions and volumes of the flow channel. The sensitivity of the sensor assembly <NUM> can be increased by decreasing the volume of the flow channel <NUM>. However, by decreasing the volume of the flow channel 601a draw resistance for a user is increased. As the volume of the flow channel <NUM> increases the signal quality decreases, but the draw resistance is decreased. After the air has passed over the sensor assembly <NUM>, the airflow can be turbulent as it passes through the rest of the system. The sensor assembly <NUM> can comprise a sensor <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> can detect an airflow over the sensor assembly <NUM> and can further detect a mass of airflow over the sensor assembly <NUM> and passing through the flow channel <NUM>. The airflow can move over the sensor along the airflow path <NUM> In one embodiment, the sensor can comprise a mass airflow sensor. In another embodiment, the sensor can comprise a capacitive sensor. After passing over the sensor assembly <NUM>, an airflow through the flow channel <NUM> can enter the outgoing airflow pathway <NUM> and exit the flow channel 601through the outgoing airflow opening <NUM>. After leaving the flow channel <NUM>, the airflow can enter an external airflow pathway <NUM>. In one embodiment, the external airflow pathway <NUM> can be sealed such that any air entering the flow channel <NUM> and passing over the sensor assembly <NUM> can be routed through the flow channel <NUM> and the external airflow pathway <NUM> to an atomizer (not shown).

In other embodiments, a diverter can be present after the airflow has passed over the sensor assembly such that a portion of the air passes over the atomizer and a portion of the air diverts around the atomizer. In these embodiments, the electronic smoking device is configured to, at least in part, pass the airflow over the atomizer. In one embodiment, the portion of air that passes over the atomizer can be <NUM>% or greater of the air that passes over the sensor assembly. In another embodiment, the portion of air that passes over the atomizer can be <NUM>% or less of the air that passes over the sensor assembly. By diverting a portion of the airflow that passes over the sensor assembly, the amount of air that passes over the atomizer can be controlled and the amount of aerosol or vapor created by the atomizer can be regulated. In yet other embodiments, an additional air inlet can be added downstream of the sensor assembly, such that additional air can be added to the airflow that has passed over the sensor assembly. In one embodiment, adding an additional air inlet downstream of the sensor assembly can decrease the sensitivity of the sensor signal, but can further dilute the vapor stream. In yet other embodiments, additional components can be added to divert or add airflow to the airflow stream after it has passed the sensor assembly. The additional components can be used to divert the airflow stream away from the atomizer, add additional air to the airflow stream, or impart additional airflow after the airflow stream has passed the atomizer. In yet other embodiments, the airflow passing over the sensor assembly can comprise a first portion of the airflow passing through a downstream portion of the electronic smoking device. A second portion of the airflow passing through an upstream portion of the electronic smoking device can be diverted around the sensor assembly. In one embodiment, the second portion of the airflow can join with the first portion of the airflow after the first portion of the airflow has passed over the sensor assembly. In one embodiment, the atomizer can comprise a heater. In other embodiments, the atomizer can comprise a mechanical or thermal atomizer as would be known to one in the art. In one embodiment, the flow channel can be defined by the foam and plastic portions of the battery housing as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. In one embodiment, the foam portion of the flow channel can comprise a minimum compression ratio of <NUM>%. When foam is used within the flow channel, the foam can be compressed enough to keep the flow channel sealed, but not compressed to an extent that the foam intrudes into the channel. In one embodiment, the foam can comprise a micro closed-seal foam.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a sensor assembly <NUM>. The sensor assembly <NUM> can comprise a support structure <NUM>, a sensor <NUM>, a first layer <NUM>, and a second layer <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> can comprise a PCB or other component that can be electrically coupled to the sensor <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> can detect an airflow over the sensor assembly <NUM> and can further detect a mass of airflow over the sensor assembly <NUM>. In one embodiment, the sensor can comprise a mass airflow sensor. In another embodiment, the sensor can comprise a capacitive sensor. The first layer <NUM> and the second layer <NUM> can be used to create an upper surface <NUM> that extends along an incoming portion <NUM> of the sensor assembly <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> can comprise a height above the support structure <NUM> similar to the height the sensor <NUM> extends above the support structure <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> created by the first layer <NUM> and the second layer <NUM> can be used to minimize turbulence created by an airflow passing through an airflow pathway <NUM> and over the sensor assembly <NUM>. The first layer <NUM> can comprise any one of a number of substances that can be used during a PCB manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the first layer <NUM> can comprise copper. In other embodiments, the first layer <NUM> can comprise solder mask, silkscreen, or any other material that can be deposited on a PCB or other support structure. The second layer <NUM> can comprise any one of a number of substances that can be used during a PCB manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the second layer <NUM> can comprise solder mask. In other embodiments, the second layer <NUM> can comprise copper, silkscreen, or any other material that can be deposited on a PCB or other support structure. In one embodiment, a silkscreen layer can be further deposited on top of the second layer <NUM>. These materials can be used during the manufacturing of the sensor assembly <NUM>. Using materials already present during the manufacture of a PCB component, additional manufacturing costs can be limited. In one embodiment, the sensor can be formed and then a backgrinding process can be used to remove portions of the sensor that are not integral to the sensor. By backgrinding the sensor, the height of the sensor can be decreased, requiring less additional material to be placed on the support structure. In one embodiment, after undergoing the backgrinding process the sensor can comprise a height of. In another embodiment, after undergoing the backgrinding process the sensor can comprise a height of.

<FIG> depicts a schematic view of another embodiment of a sensor assembly <NUM>. The sensor assembly <NUM> can comprise a support structure <NUM>, a sensor <NUM> a first structure component <NUM>, and a second structure component <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> can be coupled to the support structure <NUM>. In one embodiment, the sensor <NUM> can be electrically coupled to the support structure <NUM>. The first structure component <NUM> and the second structure component <NUM> can be coupled to the support structure <NUM>. The first structure component <NUM> and the second structure component <NUM> can assist in securing the sensor <NUM> to the support structure <NUM>. In another embodiment, the first structure component <NUM> and the second structure component <NUM> can each comprise an upper surface adjacent to an upper surface of the sensor <NUM>. The first support structure <NUM> and the second support structure <NUM> can be used to assist in directing an airflow over the sensor <NUM> and to minimize air currents that could be disruptive or otherwise unwanted when air is passed over the sensor <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment of a sensor assembly <NUM>. The sensor assembly <NUM> can comprise a support structure <NUM>, a sensor base portion <NUM>, a sensor top portion <NUM>, and a sensor transition region <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> can comprise a depression sized and configured to house the sensor base portion <NUM>. When the sensor base portion <NUM> is placed within the depression of the support structure <NUM>, the sensor top portion <NUM> can be above an upper portion of the support structure. The sensor transition region <NUM> can be lined up with an upper surface of the support structure <NUM>. By securing the sensor base portion <NUM> within a depression of the support structure <NUM>, the sensor top portion <NUM> can minimize any effects of the sensor top portion <NUM> on airflow flowing past the sensor assembly <NUM>. As stated above, in other embodiments, additional material can be placed on the support structure to further minimize any effects, turbulence or otherwise, possibly caused on an airflow passing over the sensor assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the sensor of <FIG>. The sensor comprises the sensor base portion <NUM>, the sensor top portion <NUM>, and the sensor transition region <NUM>. As described above, the sensor base portion <NUM> can be placed within a depression in a support structure. In other embodiments, the sensor base portion <NUM> can be coupled to a top surface of a support structure. The sensor top portion <NUM> can comprise the portion of the sensor that is needed to interact with an airflow passing over the sensor to measure an airflow rate. In one embodiment, the sensor transition region <NUM> can be denoted as separating the portion of the sensor that needs to be exposed to a passing airflow (the sensor top portion <NUM>) and the portion of the sensor that does not need to be exposed to a passing airflow (the sensor bottom portion <NUM>).

<FIG> depicts a schematic view of one embodiment of a flow channel <NUM>. The flow channel <NUM> can comprise an upper housing <NUM>, a support structure <NUM>, a support depression <NUM>, a sensor <NUM>, and an airflow pathway <NUM>. The upper housing <NUM>, the support structure <NUM>, and the sensor <NUM> can define the airflow pathway <NUM>. Air entering the flow channel <NUM> can pass over the sensor <NUM> in the airflow direction <NUM>. The support depression <NUM> can be sized and configured to house a lower portion of the sensor <NUM>. When the lower portion of the sensor <NUM> is placed within the support depression <NUM>, an upper portion of the sensor <NUM> can be above an upper surface of the support structure <NUM>. By securing the sensor <NUM> within the support depression <NUM>, the sensor <NUM> can minimize any effects on airflow flowing past the sensor <NUM>. As stated above, in other embodiments, additional material can be placed on the support structure to further minimize any effects, turbulence or otherwise, possibly caused on an airflow passing over the sensor <NUM>. The upper housing can comprise a variety of materials. In one embodiment, the upper housing can comprise plastic. In another embodiment, the upper housing can comprise tape placed over the flow channel. In yet other embodiments, the upper housing can comprise any other material that can withstand deformation from air flowing through the airflow pathway.

<FIG> depicts a schematic view of another embodiment of a flow channel <NUM>. The flow channel <NUM> can comprise an upper housing <NUM>, a support structure <NUM>, a sensor <NUM>, a first structure component <NUM>, a second structure component <NUM>, and an airflow pathway <NUM>. The upper housing <NUM>, the support structure <NUM>, the first structure component <NUM>, the second structure component <NUM>, and the sensor <NUM> can define the airflow pathway <NUM>. Air entering the flow channel <NUM> can pass over the sensor <NUM> in the airflow direction <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> can be coupled to the support structure <NUM>. In one embodiment, the sensor <NUM> can be electrically coupled to the support structure <NUM>. The first structure component <NUM> and the second structure component <NUM> can be coupled to the support structure <NUM>. The first structure component <NUM> and the second structure component <NUM> can assist in securing the sensor <NUM> to the support structure <NUM>. In another embodiment, the first structure component <NUM> and the second structure component <NUM> can each comprise an upper surface adjacent to an upper surface of the sensor <NUM>. The first support structure <NUM> and the second support structure <NUM> can be used to assist in directing an airflow over the sensor <NUM> and to minimize air currents that could be disruptive or otherwise unwanted when air is passed over the sensor <NUM>. The upper housing can comprise a variety of materials. In one embodiment, the upper housing can comprise plastic. In another embodiment, the upper housing can comprise tape placed over the flow channel. In yet other embodiments, the upper housing can comprise any other material that can withstand deformation from air flowing through the airflow pathway.

<FIG> depicts a schematic view of another embodiment of a flow channel <NUM>. The flow channel <NUM> can comprise an upper housing <NUM>, a first side support structure <NUM>, a second side support structure <NUM>, a sensor support structure <NUM>, a sensor <NUM>, an airflow pathway <NUM>, an airflow sensor entrance <NUM>, and an airflow sensor exit <NUM>. The upper housing <NUM>, the first side support structure <NUM>, the second side support structure <NUM>, the sensor support structure <NUM>, and the sensor <NUM> can define the airflow pathway <NUM>. The first side support structure <NUM> and the sensor support structure <NUM> can define an airflow sensor entrance <NUM>. The sensor support structure <NUM> and the second side support structure <NUM> can define an airflow sensor exit <NUM>. Air entering the flow channel <NUM> can enter through the airflow sensor entrance <NUM>, can pass over the sensor <NUM>, and can exit through the airflow sensor exit <NUM> in the airflow direction <NUM>. As described above, the sensor <NUM> can be placed within a depression in the sensor support structure <NUM>. The upper housing can comprise a variety of materials. In one embodiment, the upper housing can comprise plastic. In another embodiment, the upper housing can comprise tape placed over the flow channel. In yet other embodiments, the upper housing can comprise any other material that can withstand deformation from air flowing through the airflow pathway.

<FIG> depicts a graph illustrating one embodiment of the power delivered for a given flow rate <NUM>. The depicted graph illustrates a response curve <NUM> showing a logarithmic graph with a power level for a sensed airflow rate. As seen in in the illustrated embodiment, a first position <NUM> on the graph comprises a power level of <NUM> W that can be output to an atomizer at a first flow rate. A second position <NUM> on the graph comprises a power level of <NUM> W that can be output to an atomizer at a second flow rate. The response curve comprises a logarithmic curve where the power output is exponential in response to the flow rate. An exponential increase in power output can be used as an atomizer may not be properly heated with an increasing rate of airflow using a linear response. In other embodiments, the power output can be increased in an exponential fashion in response to an increased airflow so that the atomizer can deliver a larger amount of aerosol in response to a larger or faster rate of airflow over the sensor and through the system as a whole. The larger amount of aerosol produced by the atomizer can attempt to mimic the increased amount of smoke that can be produced by a user who takes a deeper or longer drag on a traditional cigarette. In another embodiment, where an increase in aerosol is not desired, the power output can comprise a linear increase as airflow is increased.

<FIG> depicts a graph illustrating several embodiments of response to flow rate <NUM>. The response illustrated in <FIG> is the response from the airflow sensor for a given flow rate. The graph illustrates a first response curve <NUM>, a second response curve <NUM>, and a third response curve <NUM>. Each of the first response curve <NUM>, the second response curve <NUM>, and the third response curve <NUM> illustrate a response from different individual airflow sensors. The second response curve <NUM> further depicts a plurality of response points <NUM>. The plurality of response points can each individually comprise a known response for a given flow rate. In another embodiment, only a portion of the plurality of response points <NUM> can be determined during testing and other of the plurality of response points <NUM> can be determined by calculating a curve to fit the determined response points. As shown in <FIG>, a first response flow rate <NUM> can comprise a <NUM>/s flow rate and a second response flow rate <NUM> can comprise a <NUM>/s flow rate.

<FIG> depicts a graph illustrating one embodiment of a flow v time output <NUM>. The flow v time output <NUM> comprises a user puff <NUM>. The user puff <NUM> comprises a varying flow rate over time. As shown in the depicted user puff <NUM>, initially the flow rate is negligible. At a later time, a user initiates the puff, and the flow rate increases until it reaches a maximum flow rate. The flow rate then slowly lowers over the course of time, until dropping back to the initial negligible flow rate.

<FIG> depicts a graph illustrating several embodiments of response to flow rate <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the response illustrated is the response from the airflow sensor for a given flow rate. The graph illustrates a first response curve <NUM>, a second response curve <NUM>, a third response curve <NUM>, and a fourth response curve <NUM>. Each of the first response curve <NUM>, the second response curve <NUM>, the third response curve <NUM>, and the fourth response curve <NUM> illustrate a response from different individual airflow sensors. As seen in the illustrated embodiments, all of the sensors have different curves and different baseline conditions. The signals from each sensor can then be driven higher or lower to bring each sensor to a common baseline signal. Even after a common baseline signal has been assigned, each sensor still displays a different curve. The curve for each sensor can be calculated by determining the response signal for a subset of airflow rates. In one embodiment, three response signals can be determined to calculate the response curve. In the illustrated embodiment, the response signals can be determined at a first response location <NUM>, a second response location <NUM>, and a third response location <NUM>. In one embodiment the three response signals can be recorded at <NUM>/s, <NUM>/s, and <NUM>/s. The response signal received at each of the three flow rates can be used to calibrate the response curve. Each of the sensors comprises a response curve that is logarithmic or exponential. The response curve can be used to generate a table of points <NUM> that can be looked up by the system. The number of points within the look up table can vary. In one embodiment, the look up table can comprise <NUM> values. Other embodiments can have fewer or more points within the look up table. In another embodiment, an equation can be used to determine a flow rate for a specific signal. In another embodiment, the look up table can be limited in maximum range to what can be performed by a user using the device. In one embodiment, that upper range can comprise <NUM>/s to <NUM>/s. Further, the lowest airflow than an average user will be able to sustain for a light puff is about <NUM>/s. As a result, the normal range that can be used within the lookup table is <NUM>/s to <NUM>/s. In another embodiment, the normal range that can be used within the lookup table is <NUM>/s to <NUM>/s. In yet another embodiment, the normal range that can be used is <NUM>/s to <NUM>/s. In yet other embodiments, other ranges can be used. In one embodiment, the responsiveness can be scaled in terms of power output within that range. In another embodiment, an airflow rate above <NUM>/s will not increase a power output to the atomizer. In yet another embodiment, an airflow rate below <NUM>/s will not decrease the power output to the atomizer. Further, in one embodiment, the values included in the look up table are not evenly spread out. In this embodiment, the values above <NUM>/s can be further apart than those below <NUM>/s. In another embodiment, a threshold airflow rate of <NUM>/s can be used to start a puff event. While <NUM>/s airflow rate can be used to start a puff event, the coil does not energize until an airflow rate of <NUM>/s occurs. In one embodiment, the baseline value ceases updating after the puff event starts at <NUM>/s. Further, in another embodiment, the atomizer starts energizing at <NUM>/s, and then once the airflow rate decreases below <NUM>/s, the atomizer stops energizing. Further, the puff event stops after the airflow rate drops below <NUM>/s. Further, in other embodiments, the energization and puff event values can comprise different amounts than those listed herein.

<FIG> illustrates a flow-chart of the process by which the microcontroller or other component can interpret signals from the mass airflow sensor or other device. In step <NUM> a microcontroller can monitor a sensor signal sent from the mass airflow sensor. When the microcontroller monitors a change in the sensor signal that is being monitored in step <NUM>, the microcontroller can determine if the change in the sensor signal is below a programmed threshold <NUM>. If the change in the sensor signal over a length of time is below the programmed threshold the microcontroller or other component can alter a reference signal and a relation signal to a predetermined baseline <NUM>. In one embodiment the reference signal can be set to a baseline reading of <NUM> volts. The microcontroller than continues to monitor the mass airflow sensor for a change in the sensor signal <NUM>. If the change in the sensor signal over time is above a programmed threshold <NUM>, then the microcontroller or other component reads the difference between the reference signal and the relation signal <NUM>. In step <NUM>, the microcontroller or other component can operate a device, sensor, or other component according to the difference between the reference signal and the relation signal. The process then goes back to step <NUM> and the microcontroller or other component continues to monitor the mass airflow sensor for a change in the sensor signal over time.

The sensor can drift as the temperature of the sensor increases. The drift can comprise about. <NUM>% per degree Celsius. While the drift can appear minimal, at higher end flow rates, because of the low overall signal, the small difference can make a big difference in the sensed airflow rate. To account for the temperature drift error two approaches can be used. The first approach is to add a thermistor to the sensor. This thermistor can be powered through the offset and the resistance of the thermistor can vary with temperature. The resistance can be sampled and the temperature of the sensor can be determined. The second approach can use the sensor itself and look at the value output by the sensor when a puff event starts and use this signal as a baseline. A baseline of when a puff event is not occurring and a signal output by the sensor when a puff event occurs. The baseline signal when a puff event is not occurring will tend to shift slightly. This shift can be correlated to temperature. In one embodiment, a look up table can be used to determine a temperature shift. In another embodiment, an algorithm can be used to determine a temperature shift. The temperature shift described herein can be used for any airflow sensor, including mass airflow sensors, capacitive sensors, or others as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an electronic smoking device. The electronic smoking device can comprise a flow channel and an atomizer. The flow channel can comprise an incoming airflow opening, an incoming airflow pathway, a sensor assembly, and an outgoing airflow opening. The atomizer can be fluidly coupled to the flow channel. The flow channel can be configured to direct an airflow from the incoming airflow opening, through the incoming airflow pathway, over the sensor assembly, and through the outgoing airflow opening. The electronic smoking device can further be configured to pass the airflow, at least in part, over the atomizer. In a more specific embodiment, the electronic smoking device can further comprise an outgoing airflow pathway between the sensor assembly and the outgoing airflow opening. In a more specific embodiment, the electronic smoking device can further comprise an external airflow pathway coupled to the flow channel, wherein the external airflow pathway is configured to direct air from the outgoing airflow opening to the atomizer.

In a more specific embodiment, the flow channel further comprises a first side wall, a second side wall, a bottom wall, and a top wall, and wherein the first side wall, the second side wall, the bottom wall, and the top wall define the incoming airflow opening. In a more specific embodiment, the flow channel is sized and configured to create a laminar flow of air in the incoming airflow pathway before the airflow reaches the sensor assembly. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly comprises a support structure and a sensor, and wherein the sensor is coupled to the support structure. In other embodiments, the sensor assembly further comprises a first layer and a second layer coupled to the support structure. In yet other embodiments, the first layer and the second layer create an upper surface. In other embodiments, the upper surface comprises a height above the support structure similar to a height of the sensor. In yet other embodiments, the upper surface is configured to minimize turbulence of the airflow over the sensor. In some embodiments, the first layer comprises copper. In other embodiments, the second layer comprises solder mask. In yet other embodiments, the sensor assembly further comprises a silkscreen material deposited on top of the second layer.

In another embodiment, the support structure comprises a PCB. In yet another embodiment, the support structure comprises a support depression. In other embodiments, a lower portion of the sensor is sized and configured to fit within the support depression. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly further comprises a sensor, and wherein the sensor comprises a height of no more than.

Other various embodiments consistent with the present disclosure are directed to an electronic smoking device. The electronic smoking device can comprise a flow channel. The flow channel can comprise an incoming airflow opening, an incoming airflow pathway, a sensor assembly, and an outgoing airflow opening. The flow channel can be configured to direct an airflow from the incoming airflow opening, through the incoming airflow pathway, over the sensor assembly, and through the outgoing airflow opening. In other various embodiments, the flow channel is sized and configured to create a laminar flow of air in the incoming airflow pathway before the airflow reaches the sensor assembly. In yet other embodiments, the sensor assembly comprises a support structure, a first layer, a second layer, and a sensor, and wherein the sensor, the first layer, and the second layer are coupled to the support structure.

It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the disclosure. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the disclosure may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

The terms "including," "comprising" and variations thereof, as used in this disclosure, mean "including, but not limited to," unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms "a," "an," and "the," as used in this disclosure, means "one or more," unless expressly specified otherwise.

Although process steps, method steps, algorithms, or the like, may be described in a sequential order, such processes, methods and algorithms may be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of the processes, methods or algorithms described herein may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously.

When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one device or article may be used in place of a single device or article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that a single device or article may be used in place of the more than one device or article. The functionality or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality or features.

Although several embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present teachings. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

Various embodiments are described herein of various apparatuses, systems, and methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments, the scope of which is defined solely by the appended claims.

Reference throughout the specification to "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation.

It will be appreciated that the terms "proximal" and "distal" may be used throughout the specification with reference to a clinician manipulating one end of an instrument used to treat a patient. The term "proximal" refers to the portion of the instrument closest to the clinician and the term "distal" refers to the portion located furthest from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that for conciseness and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "up," and "down" may be used herein with respect to the illustrated embodiments. However, surgical instruments may be used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute.

Claim 1:
Electronic smoking device (<NUM>) comprising:
a flow channel (<NUM>) comprising an upper housing (<NUM>), a first side support structure (<NUM>), a second side support structure (<NUM>), a sensor support structure (<NUM>), a sensor (<NUM>) coupled to the sensor support structure (<NUM>), and an airflow pathway (<NUM>), wherein the first side support structure (<NUM>) and the sensor support structure (<NUM>) define an airflow sensor entrance (<NUM>), the airflow sensor entrance (<NUM>) being delimited on one side by the first side support structure (<NUM>) and on the other side by the sensor support structure (<NUM>), and wherein the sensor support structure (<NUM>) and the second side support structure (<NUM>) define an airflow sensor exit (<NUM>), the airflow sensor exit (<NUM>) being delimited on one side by the sensor support structure (<NUM>) and on the other side by the second side support structure (<NUM>);
wherein the flow channel (<NUM>) is configured to direct an airflow from the airflow sensor entrance (<NUM>), through the airflow pathway (<NUM>), over the sensor (<NUM>), and through the airflow sensor exit (<NUM>).