Electronic Vaporizer
Patent No. US12194227 (titled "Electronic Vaporizer") was filed by Njoy Llc on Nov 14, 2022.
What is this patent about?
’227 is related to the field of electronic vaporizers, specifically focusing on the design and construction of cartridges used within these devices. The background acknowledges the increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes as alternatives to traditional tobacco products, driven by factors like rising taxes. These devices typically consist of a battery, a heating element, and a mouthpiece containing a nicotine-based solution, which is vaporized upon activation.
The underlying idea behind ’227 is to improve the cartridge design in electronic vaporizers, particularly concerning the housing material, heating element placement, and solution delivery. The key inventive insight is to use a non-metallic housing (polymer or ceramic) for the cartridge, combined with a resistive heating element positioned directly within the airflow path. This arrangement ensures efficient vaporization of the solution and direct delivery of the vapor to the user.
The claims of ’227 focus on a cartridge designed to mechanically and electrically connect to an electronic vaporizer's power source. The cartridge features a housing with a solution reservoir, a first aperture, and a second aperture at the center of the second end. The housing has two conductive elements at the first end to electrically couple to the power source. The first and second apertures are in communication with one another to permit an airflow from the first aperture to the second aperture at least partially through an airflow passageway of the housing. The solution holding reservoir surrounds at least a portion of the airflow passageway. A resistive heating element is located in the interior of the housing, extending substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the housing, and is positioned within the airflow path. A wicking material draws the liquid solution toward the heating element, which vaporizes the solution upon receiving power.
In practice, the cartridge is designed to be easily connected to a power source, establishing both a mechanical and electrical connection. When a user inhales, air flows through the cartridge, passing directly over the resistive heating element. The wicking material ensures a continuous supply of liquid solution to the heating element, which then vaporizes the solution, creating a vapor that is drawn through the mouthpiece and inhaled by the user. The airflow path is crucial for efficient vaporization and delivery.
This design differentiates itself from prior approaches by using a non-metallic housing, which can offer advantages in terms of heat resistance, chemical inertness, and manufacturing cost. The placement of the resistive heating element directly in the airflow path maximizes heat transfer and vaporization efficiency. The use of a wicking material ensures a consistent and controlled delivery of the solution to the heating element, preventing dry hits and ensuring a smooth vaping experience. The two conductive elements at the first end of the housing provide a reliable electrical connection to the power source.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the late 2000s when ’227 was filed, electronic cigarettes were at a time when X was typically implemented using Y. At that time, electronic cigarettes generally included a battery, a heating element, and a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece included a liquid solution that comprises nicotine, and the battery provides power to the heating element, which in turn operates to vaporize the solution.
Novelty and Inventive Step
Claims 1 and 21-29 were rejected. The drawings were objected to. An affidavit filed under 37 CFR 1.131 was noted, but failed to provide original support for the new claims and limitations not supported by the original disclosure. The applicant's amendment necessitated a new ground of rejection. This action was made final.
Claims
There are 6 claims in total, with claim 1 being the only independent claim. Independent claim 1 is directed to a cartridge for an electronic vaporizer, detailing its mechanical and electrical coupling, housing features, airflow, heating element, and wicking material. Claims 2-6 are dependent and further specify aspects of the cartridge described in claim 1, such as the type of connection, heating element, location of the heating element, and wicking material characteristics.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
Patent Family
File Wrapper
The dossier documents provide a comprehensive record of the patent's prosecution history - including filings, correspondence, and decisions made by patent offices - and are crucial for understanding the patent's legal journey and any challenges it may have faced during examination.
Date
Description
Get instant alerts for new documents
US12194227
- Application Number
- US17986296
- Filing Date
- Nov 14, 2022
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Jul 27, 2030
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents