Patent ID: 12219668

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein.

Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, example embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but to the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of example embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

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. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

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, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, 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. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” 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. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. 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 of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

When the terms “about” or “substantially” are used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value include a tolerance of ±10% around the stated numerical value. 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 0.1%. 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. Although the tubular elements of the embodiments may be cylindrical, other tubular cross-sectional forms are contemplated, such as square, rectangular, oval, triangular and others.

FIG.1Ais a side view of an e-vaping device10, according to some example embodiments.FIG.1Bis a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line IB-IB′ of the e-vaping device10ofFIG.1A.FIG.1Cis an orthogonal cross-sectional view along line IC-IC′ of the e-vaping device10ofFIG.1A.

In at least one example embodiment, as shown inFIGS.1A-1B, an electronic vaping device (e-vaping device)10may include a replaceable cartridge (or first section)15, sometimes referred to herein as an “e-vaping tank,” and a reusable battery section (or second section, also referred to herein as a power supply section)20, which may be coupled together at the respective interfaces25A,25B. The interfaces25A,25B may be configured to be removably coupled together, such that the first section15and the second section20are configured to be removably coupled together. It should be appreciated that each interface (also referred to herein as a connector) of the interfaces25A,25B may be any type of interface, including a snug-fit, detent, clamp, bayonet, and/or clasp. In the example embodiments shown inFIGS.1A-1C, air inlet ports27extend through a portion of the interface25B. It will be appreciated that, in some example embodiments, an air inlet port27may extend through a separate portion of the e-vaping device10, including, for example, interface25A.

In some example embodiments, at least one air inlet port27may be formed in first housing30, second housing30′, interface25A, and/or interface25B. In some example embodiments, the air inlet ports27may be machined with precision tooling such that their diameters are closely controlled and replicated from one e-vaping device10to the next during manufacture.

In some example embodiments, the air inlet ports27may be drilled with carbide drill bits or other high-precision tools and/or techniques. In some example embodiments, the first housing30and/or second housing30′ may be at least partially formed of metal or metal alloys such that the size and shape of the air inlet ports27may not be altered during manufacturing operations, packaging, and vaping. Thus, the air inlet ports27may provide consistent resistance to draw (“RTD”). In some example embodiments, the air inlet ports27may be sized and configured such that the e-vaping device10has a RTD in the range of from about 60 mm H2O to about 150 mm H2O.

In some example embodiments, one or more interfaces of the interfaces25A,25B may be the connector described in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/154,439, filed May 13, 2016 and published as U.S. Application Pub. No. 2017/0325502 on Nov. 16, 2017, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. As described in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/154,439, published as U.S. Application Pub. No. 2017/0325502 on Nov. 16, 2017, an interface of the interfaces25A,25B may be formed by a deep drawn process.

In some example embodiments, the first section15may include the first housing30and the second section20may include the second housing30′. The e-vaping device10includes an outlet-end insert35at a first end. As referred to herein, the first end of the e-vaping device10may be referred to as an outlet end45of the e-vaping device10. In some example embodiments, the outlet-end insert35and the first housing30may be transparent to visible light in one or more directions. The outlet-end insert35and the first housing30may at least partially comprise a transparent material, including one or more of a transparent plastic material, a transparent glass material, some combination thereof, or the like.

Referring toFIGS.1A-1B, in some example embodiments, the first section15may include a structural element (also referred to herein as an inner tube32) at least partially defining a reservoir34configured to hold a pre-vapor formulation, a vapor generator40configured to draw the pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir34and to heat the drawn pre-vapor formulation to form a generated vapor, and a first housing30extending along a longitudinal axis of the first section15, and the outlet-end insert35coupled to an outlet end31B of the first housing30. The first housing30may at least partially enclose the reservoir34and the vapor generator40. The first housing30has a tip end31A and the outlet end31B. The outlet-end insert35may include a cavity35A and at least one outlet air port36in flow communication with the vapor generator40via at least the cavity35A. The outlet-end insert35may be configured to direct a generated vapor, generated at the vapor generator40, out of the first section15through the at least one outlet air port36.

In some example embodiments, the first housing30and/or the second housing30′ is transparent to visible light in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first section15. In some example embodiments, the second housing30′ and/or the first housing30may be opaque to visible light.

As described further below, the first housing30may be configured to channel light through an interior of the first housing30via internal reflection. For example, as shown inFIG.1B, the first housing30may receive light92at the tip end31A of the first housing30, and the light92may be channeled, as internally-reflected light94, through an interior (thickness30C) of the first housing30from the tip end31A to the outlet end31B thereof based on internal reflection of the internally-reflected light94between an inner surface30A of the first housing30and an outer surface30B of the first housing30.

As shown inFIG.1B, the first housing30may include a tip-end portion33that is configured to receive light92at the tip end31A of the first housing30into the interior of the first housing30. As shown, the tip-end portion33is configured to enable the light92to pass into the interior of the first housing30such that the light is internally-reflected through the thickness30C of the first housing30, from the tip end31A of the first housing30to the outlet end31B of the first housing, as internally-reflected light94between the inner surface30A of the first housing30and the outer surface30B of the first housing30.

As further described below, the internally-reflected light94may be directed (“emitted”) from the outlet end31B of the first housing30to the outlet-end insert35, where the light may be further channeled through the outlet-end insert35to be emitted from the e-vaping device10as emitted light96. As shown inFIG.1B, the emitted light96may be emitted at least partially from an outlet-end surface35B of the outlet-end insert35, where the outlet-end surface35B extends at least partially orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the first section.

Referring back toFIGS.1A-1B, the first section15may include the inner tube32that defines an inner longitudinal boundary of the reservoir34, and the first housing30may define an outer longitudinal boundary of the reservoir34, such that that the reservoir34is an annular cylindrical reservoir34in the first section15. As further shown inFIG.1B, the outlet-end insert35may define an outlet-end boundary of the reservoir34, and the first section15may include a transfer pad38that defines a tip end of the reservoir34. In some example embodiments, the first section15may include a gasket assembly (not shown inFIGS.1A-1C) that defines an outlet end of the reservoir34, such that the gasket assembly is between the reservoir34and the outlet-end insert35.

The inner tube32may define at least a portion of a channel42extending through the first section15. As shown inFIG.1B, the tip end of the inner tube32is coupled with the transfer pad38such that the tip end of the inner tube32extends through the transfer pad38and the inner tube32defines the channel42such that the channel42is in fluid communication with a conduit41A, described further below. As further shown inFIG.1B, the outlet end of the inner tube32is coupled with the outlet-end insert35, at cavity35A with which the outlet air ports36are in fluid communication, such that the inner tube32defines the channel42such that the channel42is in fluid communication with the outlet air ports36.

The reservoir34may be refillable via a reservoir opening using any commercially-available pre-vapor formulation in order to continually reuse first section15. In some example embodiments, the reservoir opening is included in the outlet-end insert and enables access to the reservoir34from an exterior of the first section15.

As shown inFIG.1B, the transfer pad38provides a seal with the first housing30and further is configured to transport pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir34and between opposite (outlet-end and tip-end) surfaces of the transfer pad38to a dispensing interface41that is described further below.

In some example embodiments, the transfer pad38includes a plurality of fibers. Each fiber of the plurality of fibers may be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device10. The transfer pad38may be formed of at least one of polypropylene and polyester. The transfer pad38may be formed by melt blowing, which is a process by which micro- and/or nano-fibers are formed from at least one polymer that is melted and extruded through small nozzles surrounded by high speed blowing gas and/or air. The polymers used in the melt blowing process do not include any processing aids, such as antistatics, lubricants, bonding agents, and/or surfactants. Thus, the polymers are substantially pure and the transfer pad38is inert to the pre-vapor formulation. In some example embodiments, the polymers may be mixed with processing aids, such as antistatics, lubricants, bonding agents, and/or surfactants. The transfer pad38may be obtained from Essentra Public Limited Company (PLC).

In some example embodiments, the transfer pad38includes an outer side wall. The outer side wall may have a coating thereon that aids in reducing leakage and/or forming a seal between the transfer pad38and an inner surface of the first housing30. In some example embodiments, the transfer pad38includes a plurality of channels. Each of the plurality of channels is between adjacent ones of the plurality of fibers.

In some example embodiments, about 50% to about 100% (e.g., about 55% to about 95%, about 60% to about 90%, about 65% to about 85%, or about 70% to about 75%) of the plurality of fibers extend substantially in the longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device10. In some example embodiments, about 75% to about 95% (e.g., about 80% to about 90% or about 82% to about 88%) of the plurality of fibers extend substantially in the longitudinal axis.

The transfer pad38may be generally cylindrical or disc shaped, but the transfer pad is not limited to cylindrical or disc shaped forms and a shape of the transfer pad may depend on a shaped of the reservoir and housing. An outer diameter of the transfer pad38may range from about 3.0 mm to about 20.0 mm (e.g., about 5.0 mm to about 18.0 mm, about 7.0 mm to about 15.0 mm, about 9.0 mm to about 13.0 mm, or about 10.0 mm to about 12.0 mm).

In some example embodiments, the transfer pad38is oriented, such that the channels mostly transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first housing30(where the longitudinal axis of the first housing30may be the longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device10). In some example embodiments, the transfer pad38is oriented, such that the channels do not run transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first housing30.

While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the pre-vapor formulation travels through the channels, and a diameter of the channels is such that a liquid surface tension and pressurization within the reservoir moves and holds the pre-vapor formulation within the channel without leaking.

Based on the Hagen-Poiseuille equation and principles of capillary action, it is believed that the flow rate of the pre-vapor formulation through the channels is directly proportional to the channel pore size and the liquid surface tension. Moreover, it is believed that the flow rate of the pre-vapor formulation through the channels is inversely proportional to the liquid viscosity and channel length.

In some example embodiments, the transfer pad38has a density ranging from about 0.08 g/cc to about 0.3 g/cc (e.g., about 0.01 g/cc to about 0.25 g/cc or about 0.1 g/cc to about 0.2 g/cc). The transfer pad38has a length ranging from about 0.5 millimeter (mm) to about 10.0 mm (e.g., about 1.0 mm to about 9.0 mm, about 2.0 mm to about 8.0 mm, about 3.0 mm to about 7.0 mm, or about 4.0 mm to about 6.0 mm). In some example embodiments, as the density of the transfer pad38increases, the length of the transfer pad decreases. Thus, transfer pads38having lower densities within the above-referenced range may be longer than transfer pads38having higher densities.

In some example embodiments, the transfer pad38has a length of about 5.0 mm to about 10.0 mm and a density of about 0.08 g/cc to about 0.1 g/cc.

In some example embodiments, the transfer pad38has a length of about 0.5 mm to about 5.0 mm and a density of about 0.1 g/cc to about 0.3 g/cc.

In some example embodiments, the density and/or length of the transfer pad38is chosen based on the viscosity of a liquid flowing therethrough. Moreover, the density of the transfer pad38is chosen based on desired vapor mass, desired flow rate of the pre-vapor formulation flow rate, and the like.

As shown inFIG.1B, the vapor generator40includes the dispensing interface41, where the dispensing interface41is configured to draw pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir34, and a heating element43configured to vaporize the drawn pre-vapor formulation to form a generated vapor.

The dispensing interface41is coupled to the transfer pad38, such that the dispensing interface41may extend transversely over at least a portion of the tip-end side of the transfer pad38. As described above, the transfer pad38is configured to transport pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir34to the tip-end side of the transfer pad38. Thus, the dispensing interface41is in fluid communication with the reservoir34via the transfer pad38. As a result, the dispensing interface41is configured to transport pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir34through the transfer pad38to the heating element43.

The heating element43is configured to generate heat. As shown inFIG.1B, the heating element43is coupled to the tip-end side of the dispensing interface41and may extend along the surface of the tip-end side of the dispensing interface41.

The dispensing interface41is configured to draw pre-vapor formulation from the transfer pad38, such that the pre-vapor formulation may be vaporized from the dispensing interface41based on heating of the dispensing interface41by the heating element43.

During vaping, pre-vapor formulation may be transferred from the reservoir34and/or storage medium in the proximity of the heating element43via capillary action of the dispensing interface41. As shown, the heating element43may at least partially extend along a tip-end side of the dispensing interface41such that when the heating element43is activated to generate heat, the pre-vapor formulation in the portion of the dispensing interface41that is proximate to the tip-end side of the dispensing interface41may be vaporized by the heating element43to form a generated vapor.

As shown inFIG.1B, the dispensing interface includes the conduit41A, where the conduit41A is extending through the dispensing interface41and in fluid communication with the channel42of the inner tube32.

Still referring toFIG.1B, first section15includes an interior space44at a backside (tip-end) portion of the vapor generator40. The interior space44is at least partially defined by first housing30, interface25A, and vapor generator40. The interior space44assures communication between the channel42and one or more air inlet ports27that may extend between the interior space44and an exterior of the e-vaping device10. Thus, the conduit41A establishes fluid communication between the air inlet ports27and the channel42via the interior space44, thereby enabling air to be drawn into the channel42from the air inlet ports27.

In some example embodiments, generated vapor that is generated by the vapor generator40based on the heating element43vaporizing at least some pre-vapor formulation drawn into the dispensing interface41from the reservoir34may be at least partially entrained in air drawn into the channel42from the air inlet ports27. As a result, the generated vapor may be drawn through the channel42to the cavity35A. The generated vapor may then be drawn out of the e-vaping device via outlet air ports36in the outlet-end insert35.

Referring toFIGS.1A-1C, the first section15includes the outlet-end insert35coupled to the first housing30and the inner tube32, such that the outlet-end insert35both defines an outlet-end side of the reservoir34and establishes fluid communication between the cavity35A and outlet air ports36of the outlet-end insert35with the channel42. In some example embodiments, the first section15may further include a gasket assembly between the outlet-end insert35and the inner tube32, such that the outlet-end insert35is connected to the first housing30and is in fluid communication with the channel42via one or more conduits extending through the gasket assembly.

As shown inFIG.1A-1C, the outlet-end insert35includes one or more outlet air ports36that extend at least partially through the outlet-end insert35. As further shown, the outlet-end insert35may include the cavity35A where the cavity35A is connected to the outlet air ports36. As shown, the outlet-end insert35may be coupled to the inner tube32such that the cavity is in direct fluid communication with an outlet end of the channel42, thereby establishing fluid communication between the outlet air ports36and the channel42via the cavity35A. As a result, air drawn through the channel42towards the outlet end of the e-vaping device10may be drawn out of the e-vaping device via the cavity35A and one or more of the outlet air ports36.

Still referring toFIGS.1A-1C, the outlet-end insert35may be configured to receive internally-reflected light94channeled through an interior (thickness30C) of the first housing30between the inner surface30A of the first housing30and the outer surface30B of the first housing30, channel the received light through at least a portion of the interior of the outlet-end insert35, and emit the channeled light as emitted light96through at least one surface of the outlet-end insert35.

For example, as shown inFIG.1B, the outlet-end insert35may receive internally-reflected light94from the first housing30at an interface between the outlet-end insert35and the outlet end31B of the first housing30. The outlet-end insert35may further channel the received light, based on one or more of internal reflection, refraction, transmission, etc., to the outlet-end surface35B of the outlet-end insert35, thereby enabling the light to be emitted as emitted light96, such that the light96is emitted in one or more directions that are orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the outlet-end surface35B. In some example embodiments, the light may be at least partially emitted through one or more outer sidewalls of the outlet-end insert35. In some example embodiments, the outlet-end insert35is configured to channel the received light substantially exclusively through an outlet-end surface35B that extends at least partially orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the first section15.

As described further below, the internally-reflected light94that is channeled through the first housing30via internal reflection and emitted through a surface of the outlet-end insert35as emitted light96may provide an indication of one or more instances of information to an adult vapor from an outlet-end of the e-vaping device10. For example, as further described below, the light92that is received by the first housing30and channeled therethrough may be emitted by a light source in the e-vaping device10, where the light source emits the light92to have one or more particular properties associated with particular information, such that the emitted light96indicates the particular information to an adult vaper observing the emitted light96.

In some example embodiments, an e-vaping device10may be configured to be manipulated by an adult vaper such that the outlet end45of the e-vaping device10is proximate to the adult vaper and a tip end50is distal to the adult vaper.

Because the e-vaping device10may be configured to emit the emitted light96through a surface of the outlet-end insert35, based on the internally-reflected light94being channeled through an interior of the first housing30via internal reflection, the light96may be emitted towards an adult vaper manipulating the e-vaping device10.

Thus, where the emitted light96is emitted to provide an indication of information to the adult vaper, an e-vaping device10that is configured to emit the light96through the outlet-end insert35may be configured to provide improved visibility of the information-indicating light96to an adult vaper manipulating the e-vaping device10, thereby improving the ability of the e-vaping device10to communicate information to an adult vaper manipulating the e-vaping device10.

In addition, because the e-vaping device10is configured to emit light96from the outlet-end insert35of the e-vaping device10, the e-vaping device10is configured to reduce the visibility of the emitted light96to other portions of a proximate environment in which an adult vaper is located (e.g., away from the adult vaper).

As a result, the transmission of the emitted light96to the surrounding environment may be at least partially restricted to the adult vaper, thereby at least partially restricting the recipients of information communicated by the emitted light96to the adult vaper to which the outlet end45may be proximate. Furthermore, the reduced transmission of the emitted light96to the surrounding environment may improve privacy for the adult vaper, as observability of the emitted light96may be at least partially restricted to the adult vaper manipulating the e-vaping device.

Still referring toFIG.1B, the e-vaping device10includes electrical pathways48A,48B that may electrically couple at least the heating element43to a power supply12included in the second section20. The electrical pathways48A,48B may include one or more electrical connectors. In some example embodiments, if and/or when interfaces25A,25B are coupled together, the heating element43and the power supply12may be electrically coupled together via electrical pathways48A,48B.

In some example embodiments, one or more of the interfaces25A,25B include one or more of a cathode connector and an anode connector, such that, if and/or when interfaces25A,25B are coupled together, the coupled interfaces25A,25B may electrically couple the heating element43and the power supply12together.

If and/or when interfaces25A,25B are coupled together, one or more electrical circuits through the first section15and the second section20may be established (“closed”). The established electrical circuits may include at least the heating element43, a control circuitry11, the power supply12, and a light source14. The electrical circuit may include electrical pathways48A,48B, interfaces25A,25B, and/or a sensor13.

Still referring toFIG.1AandFIG.1B, the second section20includes the second housing30′ extending in a longitudinal direction, the sensor13, where the sensor13is responsive to air drawn into the second section20via an air inlet port27A adjacent to a free end or tip end50of the e-vaping device10, at least one power supply12, control circuitry11, and light source14. The power supply12may include a rechargeable battery. The sensor13may be one or more of a pressure sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, etc.

In some example embodiments, the power supply12includes a battery arranged in the e-vaping device10such that the anode is downstream of the cathode. A connector element included in the electrical pathway48B may contact the downstream end of the battery. The heating element43may be coupled to the power supply12by at least the two spaced apart electrical leads included in the separate, respective electrical pathways48A,48B, the interfaces25A,25B, sensor13, light source14, and/or control circuitry11.

The power supply12may be a Lithium-ion battery or one of its variants, for example a Lithium-ion polymer battery. Alternatively, the power supply12may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lithium-manganese battery, a lithium-cobalt battery or a fuel cell. The e-vaping device10may be usable by an adult vaper until the energy in the power supply12is depleted or in the case of lithium polymer battery, a minimum voltage cut-off level is achieved.

Further, the power supply12may be rechargeable and may include circuitry configured to allow the battery to be chargeable by an external charging device. To recharge the e-vaping device10, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charger or other suitable charger assembly may be used.

Upon completion of the connection between the first section15and the second section20, the power supply12may be electrically connected with the heating element43of the vapor generator40upon actuation of the sensor13. Air is drawn primarily into the first section15through one or more air inlet ports27. The one or more air inlet ports27may be located along the first and second housings30and30′ of the first and second sections15,20or at one or more of the coupled interfaces25A,25B.

The sensor13may be configured to sense an air pressure drop and initiate application of voltage from the power supply12to the heating element43of the vapor generator40. In addition, the at least one air inlet port27A may be located adjacent to the sensor13, such that the sensor13may sense air flow indicative of vapor being drawn through the outlet end of the e-vaping device10. The sensor13may activate the power supply12and the light source14.

Referring toFIG.1B, the e-vaping device10may include the light source14. The light source14may be configured to glow when the heating element43is activated. The light source14may include a light emitting diode (LED). As shown, the light source14may be located proximate to an outlet end of the second section20. For example, the light source14may be coupled to the control circuitry11. As shown, the light source14may be configured to emit light92that passes through the opening at the interface between interfaces25A,25B, such that the light92enters the first section15through an opening at the tip end of the first section15, passes through interior space44, and is received into the first housing30interior via the tip end portion at the tip end31A of the first housing30.

In some example embodiments, the sensor13is configured to generate an output indicative of a magnitude and direction of airflow in the e-vaping device10. The control circuitry11receives the output of the sensor13, and determines if (1) a direction of the airflow in flow communication with the sensor13indicates a draw on the outlet-end insert35(e.g., a flow through the outlet-end insert35towards an exterior of the e-vaping device10from the channel42) versus blowing (e.g., a flow through the outlet-end insert35from an exterior of the e-vaping device10towards the channel42) and (2) the magnitude of the draw (e.g., flow velocity, volumetric flow rate, mass flow rate, some combination thereof, etc.) exceeds a threshold level. If and/or when the control circuitry11determines that the direction of the airflow in flow communication with the sensor13indicates a draw on the outlet-end insert35(e.g., a flow through the outlet-end insert35towards an exterior of the e-vaping device10from the channel42) versus blowing (e.g., a flow through the outlet-end insert35from an exterior of the e-vaping device10towards the channel42) and the magnitude of the draw (e.g., flow velocity, volumetric flow rate, mass flow rate, some combination thereof, etc.) exceeds a threshold level, the control circuitry11may electrically connect the power supply12to the heating element43, thereby activating the vapor generator40. Namely, the control circuitry11may selectively electrically connect the electrical pathways48A,48B in a closed electrical circuit (e.g., by activating a heater power control circuit included in the control circuitry11) such that the heating element43becomes electrically connected to the power supply12. In some example embodiments, the sensor13may indicate a pressure drop, and the control circuitry11may activate the vapor generator40in response thereto.

In some example embodiments, the control circuitry11may include a time-period limiter. In some example embodiments, the control circuitry11may include a manually operable switch for an adult vaper to initiate heating. The time-period of the electric current supply to the heating element43of the vapor generator40may be set or pre-set depending on the amount of pre-vapor formulation desired to be vaporized. In some example embodiments, the sensor13may detect a pressure drop and the control circuitry11may supply power to the heating element43as long as heater activation conditions are met. Such conditions may include one or more of the sensor13detecting a pressure drop that at least meets a threshold magnitude, the control circuitry11determining that a direction of the airflow in flow communication with the sensor13indicates a draw on the outlet-end insert35(e.g., a flow through the outlet-end insert35towards an exterior of the e-vaping device10from the channel42) versus blowing (e.g., a flow through the outlet-end insert35from an exterior of the e-vaping device10towards the channel42), and the magnitude of the draw (e.g., flow velocity, volumetric flow rate, mass flow rate, some combination thereof, etc.) exceeds a threshold level.

In some example embodiments, the control circuitry11may include a maximum, time-period limiter. In some example embodiments, the control circuitry11may include a manually operable switch for an adult vaper to initiate a vaping. The time-period of the electric current supply to the heating element43may be given, or alternatively pre-set (e.g., prior to controlling the supply of electrical power to the heating element43), depending on the amount of pre-vapor formulation desired to be vaporized. In some example embodiments, the control circuitry11may control the supply of electrical power to the heating element43as long as the sensor13detects a pressure drop.

Still referring toFIG.1B, in some example embodiments, the control circuitry11is configured to control the supply of electrical power to the light source14to control one or more particular properties of the light92emitted by the light source14, such that the emitted light92, when emitted as emitted light96, communicates information based on the one or more particular properties of the emitted light. The one or more particular properties of the light may include a color temperature of the emitted light92and/or a brightness of the emitted light92and/or a length of time (“period of elapsed time”) that the light92is emitted by the light source14. As referred to herein, a “color temperature” of emitted light may be referred to as a “color” of the emitted light.

The control circuitry11may monitor one or more properties associated with the e-vaping device10. For example, the control circuitry11may determine (“monitor,” “track,” “calculate,” etc.) an amount of pre-vapor formulation held in the reservoir34, an amount of electrical energy (“electrical charge”) held in the power supply12, a magnitude of generated vapor that is generated by the vapor generator40during one or more individual instances of generating the vapor a flow rate of air through at least a portion of the e-vaping device10, some combination thereof, or the like. Such properties associated with the e-vaping device10may be referred to herein as “e-vaping device properties.” The control circuitry11may monitor the one or more e-vaping device properties, based on processing sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices in the e-vaping device10, including information received through a communication interface of the e-vaping device10.

In some example embodiments, the control circuitry11may control the supply of electrical power to the light source14to control the one or more properties of the light92emitted by the light source14such that the emitted light92has properties that correspond to the one or more e-vaping device properties monitored by the control circuitry11.

As referred to herein, properties of the light92may be the same or substantially the same (e.g., the same within manufacturing tolerances and/or material tolerances) as the properties of the emitted light96. The control circuitry11may thus enable the e-vaping device10to emit an emitted light96that has one or more properties corresponding to the one or more e-vaping device properties, such that the e-vaping device10may communicate, to an adult vaper observing the outlet end45of the first section15, information indicating one or more properties of the e-vaping device10.

In an example, the control circuitry11may, based on both determining that electrical power is to be supplied to the heating element43to cause vapor to be generated and further determining that one or more monitored e-vaping device properties at least meet one or more threshold values and/or are within one or more ranges, control the supply of electrical power to the light source14so that the light source14emits light92having one or more properties determined by the control circuitry11to correspond to the one or more e-vaping device properties.

The correspondence (“association,” “relationship,” etc.) between various light properties and various particular e-vaping device properties, including correspondence between particular values and/or ranges of values thereof, may be stored in a look-up table that may be further stored in a memory. The memory may be included in the e-vaping device10, including within the control circuitry11. The control circuitry may, upon determining a value of an e-vaping device property based on processing data from a sensor device, access the look-up table to determine a corresponding property value of at least one property of light92to be emitted by the light source14. The control circuitry11may further determine one or more corresponding properties of the electrical power to be supplied to the light source14to cause the light source14to emit light92having the at least one property identified in the look-up table.

In an example, the control circuitry11may be configured to cause the light source14to emit light92having a particular color temperature and brightness based on vapor being generated by the vapor generator40. The color temperature of the emitted light92, in a range of color temperatures, may be proportional to an amount of electrical charge held in the power supply12. The brightness of the light92may be proportional to an amount of pre-vapor formulation held in the reservoir34. Thus, the color temperature and brightness of the emitted light92, and thus the color temperature and brightness of the emitted light96, may communicate information indicating both an amount of electrical charge in the power supply12and an amount of pre-vapor formulation held in the reservoir34.

In another example, the control circuitry11may be configured to cause the light source14to emit light92having a particular color temperature and brightness based on vapor being generated by the vapor generator40. The color temperature of the emitted light92, in a range of color temperatures, may correspond to a particular flavorant, of a set of flavorants corresponding to separate color temperatures in the range of color temperatures, that is included in the pre-vapor formulation held in the reservoir34. The brightness of the light92may be proportional to an amount of pre-vapor formulation held in the reservoir34. Thus, the color temperature and brightness of the emitted light92, and thus the color temperature and brightness of the emitted light96, may communicate information indicating both a flavorant associated with the pre-vapor formulation held in the reservoir34and an amount of pre-vapor formulation held in the reservoir34.

In some example embodiments, a property of the light92emitted by the light source14, and thus the emitted light96that is emitted by a surface of the outlet-end insert35, may be a period of elapsed time during which the light92is emitted by the light source14. For example, the control circuitry11may be configured to cause the light source14to emit light92for a particular period of time that is proportional to the amount of electrical charge held in the power supply12, an amount of pre-vapor formulation held in the reservoir34, some combination thereof, or the like. As used herein, a value that is “proportional” to another value may include various types of relationships between the two values, including “inversely proportional,” “directly proportional,” or the like.

In some example embodiments, the control circuitry may, upon determining that vapor is to be generated based on data received from sensor13, control a supply of electrical power to both the heating element43and the light source14, simultaneously or according to a control sequence. As described above, the control circuitry11may control the supply of electrical power to the light source14to cause the light source14to emit light92having one or more particular properties that correspond to one or more monitored properties of the e-vaping device10. The control circuitry11may cause the light source14to emit the light92for a particular period of time.

The control circuitry11may monitor the amount of elapsed time that light is emitted by the light source14. In some example embodiments, the control circuitry11may control the supply of electrical power to the light source14to cause the light source14to emit a sequence of lights92, where each separate instance of emitted light92has different properties, according to a control sequence. Thus, the control circuitry11may control the light source14to emit various instances of light92that communicate various instances of information associated with various e-vaping device properties. As referred to herein, a given “instance” of light refers to a particular continuous emission of light having a particular set of properties.

The control circuitry11may control the light source14to emit a first instance of light (“first light”) having one or more particular properties that correspond to one or more property values of a first set of monitored e-vaping device properties. The control circuitry11may cause the light source14to emit the first light for a particular period of elapsed time, where the particular period of elapsed time may be associated with the first instance of light and/or may be a magnitude of elapsed time determined based on a determined value of one or more monitored e-vaping device properties in the first set of monitored e-vaping device properties.

The control circuitry11may subsequently control the light source14to emit one or more additional instances of light (“one or more additional lights”) having one or more different properties that correspond to one or more additional sets of monitored e-vaping device properties. The control circuitry11may cause the light source14to emit an additional instance of light for a separate, particular period of elapsed time, where the separate, particular period of elapsed time may be associated with the additional instance of light and/or may be a magnitude of elapsed time determined based on a determined value of one or more monitored e-vaping device properties in the additional set of monitored e-vaping device properties.

Thus, the control circuitry11may enable the e-vaping device10to communicate a relatively large range of information via controlling the properties of light92emitted by the light source14.

As indicated above, the control circuitry11may associate each instance of light92emitted by the light source14in a control sequence with a particular amount of elapsed time (“period of elapsed time”). As noted above, the magnitude of the period of elapsed time associated with a particular instance of emitted light may be controlled based on one or more monitored e-vaping device properties of the e-vaping device10, such that even the amount of time during which a particular instance of light92is emitted may thus communicate information regarding the one or more monitored properties.

Upon controlling the light source14to emit a particular instance of light92(e.g., light92having one or more particular properties), the control circuitry11may enable the light source14to emit the particular instance of light92for the particular period of elapsed time that is associated with the particular instance of light92.

In response to determining that the particular period of elapsed time associated with an emitted instance of light has elapsed, the control circuitry11may control the light source14to emit a different instance of light, having different properties (e.g., color temperature and/or brightness) corresponding to a different set of monitored e-vaping device properties of the e-vaping device10for a different period of elapsed time associated with the different instance of light. Upon controlling the light source14to emit all instances of light in the control sequence for the associated periods of elapsed time, the control circuitry11may cause the light source14to be deactivated.

In an example, based on receiving data from the sensor13indicating that vapor is to be generated, the control circuitry11may control light source14to emit two separate instances of light in sequence, where the first instance of emitted light92, emitted for a first period of time that is proportional to the amount of pre-vapor formulation in the reservoir34, has a color corresponding to a determined flavorant included in the pre-vapor formulation and has a brightness corresponding to the amount of vapor generated in response to the received data.

Continuing the example, upon the determination that the first period of time has elapsed, the control circuitry11may control light source14to switch from emitting the first instance of light92to emitting a second instance of light92for a second period of time that is fixed (e.g. a constant value that is independent of any monitored e-vaping device properties), where the second instance of light92has a color temperature and brightness that are both proportional with the determined amount of electrical charge in the power supply12. In response to a determination that the second period of time has elapsed, the control circuitry11may deactivate the light source14.

To control the supply of electrical power to the heating element43and/or the light source14, the control circuitry11may execute one or more instances of computer-executable program code. The control circuitry11may include a processor and a memory. The memory may be a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable code.

The control circuitry11may include processing circuity including, but not limited to, a processor, Central Processing Unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, or any other device capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner. In some example embodiments, the control circuitry11may be at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and an ASIC chip.

The control circuitry11may be configured as a special purpose machine by executing computer-readable program code stored on a storage device. The program code may include program or computer-readable instructions, software elements, software modules, data files, data structures, and/or the like, capable of being implemented by one or more hardware devices, such as one or more instances of the control circuitry11mentioned above. Examples of program code include both machine code produced by a compiler and higher level program code that is executed using an interpreter.

The control circuitry11may include one or more storage devices. The one or more storage devices may be tangible or non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), a permanent mass storage device (such as a disk drive), solid state (e.g., NAND flash) device, and/or any other like data storage mechanism capable of storing and recording data. The one or more storage devices may be configured to store computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, for one or more operating systems and/or for implementing the example embodiments described herein. The computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, may also be loaded from a separate computer readable storage medium into the one or more storage devices and/or one or more computer processing devices using a drive mechanism. Such separate computer readable storage medium may include a USB flash drive, a memory stick, a Blu-ray/DVD/CD-ROM drive, a memory card, and/or other like computer readable storage media. The computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, may be loaded into the one or more storage devices and/or the one or more computer processing devices from a remote data storage device via a network interface, rather than via a local computer readable storage medium. Additionally, the computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, may be loaded into the one or more storage devices and/or the one or more processors from a remote computing system that is configured to transfer and/or distribute the computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, over a network. The remote computing system may transfer and/or distribute the computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, via a wired interface, an air interface, and/or any other like medium.

The control circuitry11may be a special purpose machine configured to execute the computer-executable code to control the supply of electrical power to the heating element43and/or to the light source14. Controlling the supply of electrical power to the heating element43may be referred to herein interchangeably as activating the heating element43. Controlling the supply of electrical power to the light source14may be referred to herein interchangeably as activating the light source14.

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. In some example embodiments, a flavorant is configured to interact with at least one adult vaper sensory receptor. A flavorant may be configured to interact with the sensory receptor via at least one of orthonasal stimulation and retronasal stimulation. A flavorant may include one or more volatile flavor substances.

The at least one flavorant may include one or more of a natural flavorant or an artificial (“synthetic”) flavorant. The at least one flavorant may include one or more plant extract materials. In some example embodiments, the at least one flavorant is one or more of tobacco flavor, menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, herb flavors, fruit flavors, nut flavors, liquor flavors, and combinations thereof. In some example embodiments, the flavorant is included in a botanical material. A botanical material may include material of one or more plants. A botanical material may include one or more herbs, spices, fruits, roots, leaves, grasses, or the like. For example, a botanical material may include orange rind material and sweetgrass material. In another example, a botanical material may include tobacco material. In some example embodiments, a flavorant that is a tobacco flavor (a “tobacco flavorant”) includes at least one of a synthetic material and a plant extract material. A plant extract material included in a tobacco flavorant may be an extract from one or more tobacco materials.

In some example embodiments, the first housing30and the second housing30′ may have a generally cylindrical cross-section. In some example embodiments, the first and second housings30and30′ may have a generally triangular cross-section along one or more of the first section15and the second section20. Furthermore, the first and second housings30and30′ may have the same or different cross-section shape, or the same or different size. As discussed herein, the first and second housings30and30′ may also be referred to as outer housings or main housings.

In some example embodiments, the first housing30and second housing30′ may be a single tube housing both the first section15and the second section20, and the entire e-vaping device10may be disposable.

Pre-vapor formulation, as described herein, is a material or combination of materials that may be transformed into a vapor. For example, the pre-vapor formulation may be a liquid, solid and/or gel formulation including, but not limited to, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, and/or vapor formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol. The pre-vapor formulation may include those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0020823 to Lipowicz et al. filed Jul. 16, 2014 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0313275 to Anderson et al. filed Jan. 21, 2015, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

In some example embodiments, the pre-vapor formulation is one or more of propylene glycol, glycerin and combinations thereof.

The pre-vapor formulation may include nicotine or may exclude nicotine. The pre-vapor formulation may include one or more tobacco flavors. The pre-vapor formulation may include one or more flavors that are separate from one or more tobacco flavors.

In some example embodiments, a pre-vapor 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, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 1-glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, hexanoic acid, 3-hexenoic acid, trans-2-hexenoic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid, palmitic acid, 4-penenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid and combinations thereof.

The reservoir34, in some example embodiments, may include a storage medium that may hold the pre-vapor formulation. The storage medium may be a fibrous material including at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon and combinations thereof. The fibers may have a diameter ranging in size from about 6 microns to about 15 microns (e.g., about 8 microns to about 12 microns or about 9 microns to about 11 microns). The storage medium may be a sintered, porous or foamed material. Also, the fibers may be sized to be irrespirable and may have a cross-section that has a Y-shape, cross shape, clover shape or any other suitable shape. If and/or when the reservoir34includes a storage medium, the propagation of light through the reservoir34may be at least partially inhibited, such that external observation of pre-vapor formulation in the reservoir34may be at least partially inhibited and light92may be restricted to being emitted to an environment external to the e-vaping device10, as emitted light96, through a surface of the outlet-end insert35. In some example embodiments, the reservoir34may include a filled tank lacking any storage medium and containing only pre-vapor formulation. If and/or when the reservoir34includes lacks any storage medium, the propagation of light through the reservoir34may be at least partially enabled, such that external observation of pre-vapor formulation in the reservoir34may be at least partially enabled and at least some light92may be emitted to an environment external to the e-vaping device, as emitted light96, through at least a portion of the reservoir34. For example, at least a portion of the light92may be directed through pre-vapor formulation held in the reservoir34, and out into the external environment via the first housing30, such that the pre-vapor formulation held in the reservoir34is illuminated to external observation.

The reservoir34may be sized and configured to hold enough pre-vapor formulation such that the e-vaping device10may be configured for vaping for at least about 1000 seconds. The e-vaping device10may be configured to allow each vaping to last a maximum of about 10 seconds.

The dispensing interface41may include a wick. The dispensing interface41may include filaments (or threads) having a capacity to draw the pre-vapor formulation. For example, the dispensing interface41may be a wick that is a bundle of glass (or ceramic) filaments, a bundle including a group of windings of glass filaments, etc., all of which arrangements may be capable of drawing pre-vapor formulation via capillary action by interstitial spacings between the filaments. The filaments may be generally aligned in a direction perpendicular (transverse) to the longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device10.

The dispensing interface41may include any suitable material or combination of materials, also referred to herein as wicking materials. Examples of suitable materials may be, but not limited to, glass, ceramic- or graphite-based materials. The dispensing interface41may have any suitable capillary drawing action to accommodate pre-vapor formulations having different physical properties such as density, viscosity, surface tension and vapor pressure.

In some example embodiments, the heating element43may include a wire element. As shown inFIG.1B, the heating element43may at least partially extend over a tip-end side of the dispensing interface41and may at least partially surround an aperture of the conduit41A extending through the dispensing interface41. The wire element may be a metal wire. In some example embodiments, the wire element may be isolated from direct contact with the dispensing interface41.

In some example embodiments, the heating element43includes a stamped structure, a cut structure, an etched structure, some combination thereof, or the like. A cut structure may be a laser-cut structure, a chemical-cut structure, a mechanically-cut structure, some combination thereof, or the like. An etched structure may be a chemical-etched structure, a laser-etched structure, a mechanically-etched structure, some combination thereof, or the like.

The heating element43may be formed of (“may at least partially comprise”) any suitable electrically resistive materials. Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials may include, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum and metals from the platinum group. Examples of suitable metal alloys include, but not limited to, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel. For example, the heating element43may be formed of nickel aluminide, a material with a layer of alumina on the surface, iron aluminide and other composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required. The heating element43may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, super alloys and combinations thereof. In some example embodiments, the heating element43may be formed of nickel-chromium alloys or iron-chromium alloys. In some example embodiments, the heating element43may be a ceramic heater having an electrically resistive layer on an outside surface thereof.

The heating element43may heat a pre-vapor formulation in the dispensing interface41by thermal conduction. Alternatively, heat from the heating element43may be conducted to the pre-vapor formulation by means of a heat conductive element or the heating element43may transfer heat to the incoming ambient air that is drawn through the e-vaping device10during vaping, which in turn heats the pre-vapor formulation by convection.

It should be appreciated that, instead of using the dispensing interface41, the vapor generator40may include the heating element43such that the heating element43is a porous material which incorporates a resistance heater formed of a material having a high electrical resistance capable of generating heat quickly.

In some example embodiments, the e-vaping device10may be about 80 mm to about 110 mm long and about 7 mm to about 8 mm in diameter. For example, in some example embodiments, the e-vaping device10may be about 84 mm long and may have a diameter of about 7.8 mm.

FIG.1Dis a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an outlet end of an e-vaping device, according to some example embodiments.FIG.1Eis a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of an e-vaping device, according to some example embodiments.

Referring toFIG.1D, in some example embodiments, the outlet-end insert35and the first housing30may be integral with each other and thus included in an individual integral element that is the first housing30. Thus, as shown inFIG.1, the first housing30may extend over the outlet end45of the first section15and thus may define an outlet end of the reservoir34and an outlet end of the channel42. As shown inFIG.1D, the first housing30may further include cavity35A and outlet air ports36extending from the cavity35A to the outlet end31B of the first housing30, where the outlet end31B of the first housing30is also common with the outlet-end surface35B. Thus, the outlet air ports36may be in fluid communication with the channel42through the cavity35A, and generated vapor that is drawn through the channel42may further be drawn out of the e-vaping device10through cavity35A and one or more outlet air ports36in the first housing30.

Still referring toFIG.1D, the first housing30may include a cylindrical portion extending along the longitudinal axis of the first section15to the outlet end45, where the first housing30further includes a disc portion through which the one or more outlet air ports36extend. Internally-reflected light94that is channeled through the cylindrical portion (thickness30C) of the first housing30between the inner surface30A of the first housing30and the outer surface30B of the first housing30, as shown inFIG.1D, may propagate through the disc portion of the first housing30to the outlet-end surface35B at the outlet end31B of the first housing30to be emitted from the e-vaping device10as emitted light96.

By including the outlet-end insert35and the first housing30in an individual, integral element, the first section15may be configured to reduce the quantity of parts of the first section15and may further enable reduced expenditures of time, effort, costs, and/or various resources to assemble and/or maintain at least the first section15of the e-vaping device10.

Referring now toFIG.1E, in some example embodiments the tip-end portion33of the first housing30may be integral with interface25A, such that the tip-end portion33of the first housing30is configured to both receive light92into the interior of the first housing30and is further configured to connect with interface25B to couple the first section15to the second section20.

FIG.2is a flowchart illustrating operations that may be performed, according to some example embodiments. The operations shown inFIG.2may be implemented at least partially by any of the example embodiments of the e-vaping device10included herein, including any example embodiments of the control circuitry11.

At S202, at least a control circuitry11of an e-vaping device10may detect at least a threshold amount of air flow in the e-vaping device10, based on sensor data generated by sensor13. The control circuitry11may detect air flow based on air being drawn into the e-vaping device10via one or more of the air inlet ports27and/or air inlet ports27A.

At S204and S206, the control circuitry11may control the vapor generator40, based on the detection at S202, to generate a vapor (S204) and may further control the light source14to emit a first instance of light92(S206). Operations S204and S206may be implemented simultaneously or substantially simultaneously (e.g., in parallel). Operations S204and S206may be implemented in series according to a sequence of operations.

Controlling the vapor generator40at operation S204may include controlling a supply of electrical power from the power supply12to the heating element43to cause the heating element43to generate heat to vaporize at least a portion of the pre-vapor formulation held in the dispensing interface41. The supply of electrical power may be controlled to cause a particular amount of electrical power to be supplied to the heating element43for a particular period of time, thereby causing a particular amount of vapor to be generated.

Controlling the light source14at operation S206may include causing the light source to emit light92having one or more particular properties for a particular period of elapsed time. For example, the light source14may be controlled to emit light having a particular brightness and/or color temperature for a particular period of elapsed time. The period of elapsed time may extend from a point in time at which a detected drawing of air through at least a portion of the e-vaping device ceases or drops below a threshold flow value (referred to herein as a cessation of air being drawn through at least the portion of the e-vaping device). The one or more particular properties of the first instance of light may be selected based on one or more values of a set of one or more monitored e-vaping device properties of the e-vaping device10. Such one or more e-vaping properties may include a determined amount of pre-vapor formulation held in the reservoir34, a determined amount of electrical charge held in the power supply section, and/or a magnitude of generated vapor that is generated by the vapor generator40at operation S204.

As noted above, controlling the light source14at operation S206may include causing the light source to emit the first light for a first period of elapsed time. The first period of elapsed time may be a period of elapsed time extending from the time at which the light source14first emits the first light at operation206to a first threshold value of elapsed time.

At S208, based on a determination that the light source14has emitted the first light for at least the first period of elapsed time (e.g., a period of elapsed time extending from the time at which the light source14first emits the first light at operation206to at least the first threshold value of elapsed time), the control circuitry11may make a determination regarding whether an additional instance of light (e.g., light having one or more properties different from the first instance of light) is to be emitted by the light source14. If not, at S216, then the control circuitry11may deactivate the light source14.

If, at S212, a determination is made at S210that at least one additional instance of light having one or more properties associated with an additional set of monitored e-vaping device properties is to be emitted by the light source14, the control circuitry11may control the light source14to emit an additional instance of light92, having one or more properties different from the first instance of light92and corresponding to the additional set of monitored e-vaping device properties, for an additional period of elapsed time. At S214, upon a determination that the additional period of elapsed time has elapsed, the control circuitry11may either control the light source14to emit a further additional instance of light at S210and S212or may deactivate the light source14at S216.

Example embodiments have been disclosed herein; it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.