Patents Assigned to RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11980220
    Abstract: A smoking article may include a cigarette incorporated within an electrically powered aerosol generating device that acts as a holder for that cigarette. The smoking article possesses at least one form of tobacco. The smoking article also possesses a mouth-end piece that is used by the smoker to inhale components of tobacco that are generated by the action of heat upon components of the cigarette. A representative smoking article possesses an outer housing incorporating a source of electrical power (e.g., a battery), a sensing mechanism for powering the device at least during periods of draw, and a heating device (e.g., at least one electrical resistance heating element) for forming a thermally generated aerosol that incorporates components of tobacco. During use, the cigarette is positioned within the device, and after use, the used cigarette is removed from the device and replaced with another cigarette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: RAI STRATEGIC HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: John Howard Robinson, David William Griffith, Jr., Billy Tyrone Conner, Evon Llewellyn Crooks, Dempsey Bailey Brewer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11974603
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices and cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. The cartridge comprises a mouthpiece having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the mouthpiece having an exit portal defined therethrough, a tank defining a proximal end and a closed distal end, the tank being configured to contain a liquid composition that includes a distinctive characteristic, and a heater configured to heat the liquid composition. The distal end of the mouthpiece is configured to engage the proximal end of the tank, and when the cartridge is coupled with the aerosol delivery device at least one feature of the cartridge, or at least one feature of the control device, or at least one feature of both the cartridge and the control device, provides a visual indication of a color associated with the distinctive characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Aller, Charles Jacob Novak, III, Sean A. Daugherty, Michael Ryan Galloway, Matthew Joel Nettenstrom, Thomas Michael McKeon
  • Patent number: 11969545
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device that includes a housing including a power source and a control component, a reservoir configured to contain a liquid composition, a liquid delivery component including a micropump, and an atomizing assembly including a vibrating component and a mesh plate. The micropump is configured to be controlled by the control component to deliver at least a portion of the liquid composition to the atomizing assembly, the atomizing assembly is configured to be controlled by the control component to vaporize the portion of the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the micropump and the atomizing assembly are integrated together using a common element. In another implementation, the micropump comprises a biomimetic micropump. In some implementations, the biomimetic micropump may include a xylem model structure and a leaf model structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Dakota Holt, Andries Don Sebastian, Stephen B. Sears, Vahid Hejazi, Rajesh Sur, Cassidy S. McMahan, S. Keith Cole
  • Patent number: 11967793
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device and a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device. In various implementations, the aerosol delivery device comprises a control device that includes an outer housing defining a cartridge receiving chamber, and further includes a power source and a control component, and a cartridge that includes a mouthpiece, a tank, a heating assembly, and a bottom cap. The mouthpiece defines an exit portal in an end thereof, and the tank is configured to contain a liquid composition therein. The cartridge is configured to be removably coupled with the receiving chamber of the control device, and the heating assembly defines a vaporization chamber and is configured to heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol. The heating assembly comprises a substantially planar heating member and a liquid transport element, wherein the heating member is installed in a bowed orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Jacob Novak, III, Sean A. Daugherty, Jared Aller, Michael Ryan Galloway, Justin Holt, Matthew Joel Nettenstrom, Steven Michael Schennum
  • Patent number: 11964098
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods of producing such devices, and elements of such devices. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices configured for vaporization of an aerosol precursor composition that is contained in a reservoir and transported to a heating element by a liquid transport element. The liquid transport element may include a porous monolith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Davis, Percy D. Phillips, James W. Rogers, Frederic P. Ampolini, David A. Clemens, William K. Carpenter, Owen L. Joyce, Michael L. King, Sean M. Ahr
  • Patent number: 11964301
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device that may comprise a housing defining an outer wall and further including a power source and a control component. The device also includes a mouthpiece portion that defines an exit aerosol path, a tank portion that includes a reservoir configured to contain a liquid composition, and an atomization assembly configured to vaporize the liquid composition to generate an aerosol. The atomization assembly includes a mesh plate and a vibrating component, wherein the mesh plate and the vibrating component are configured to be separable from each other at a detachable interface. The detachable interface may be located at various locations of the device, including between the mouthpiece portion and the tank portion, within the mouthpiece portion, within the tank portion, within a separable atomization assembly, within a cartridge, within a control unit, or between a cartridge and a control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Vahid Hejazi
  • Patent number: 11950633
    Abstract: An atomizer and an aerosol delivery device are described, where the atomizer has a fluid transport element formed from a rigid monolith having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The atomizer also has a heater. The heater provides a substantially planar heating surface. The heating surface is positioned to face the first side of the rigid monolith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Vahid Hejazi
  • Publication number: 20240099375
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods of forming such devices, and elements of such devices. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a heating member that can be formed of a heating element conformed to a heater substrate configured as a truncated cone (or similar shape) having a first end of a first size and a second end of greater size. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides methods of forming an aerosol delivery device, which can include providing a shell, providing a heating member formed of a heating element conformed to a substrate, configuring the heating member as a truncated cone (or similar shape) having a first end of a first size and a second end of greater size, and inserting the heating member within the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: RAI STRATEGIC HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Karen V. Taluskie, Stephen Benson Sears, Eric Taylor Hunt, William Robert Collett, Yi-ping Chang, Kristen Dodds Weight, Jeffrey A. Karg, Graham P. Eacock, Matthew C. Ebbs, Robert C. Uschold, Walker MacLaughlin Sloan, III
  • Patent number: 11937647
    Abstract: An aerosol delivery device is provided that includes a reservoir configured to retain aerosol precursor composition, a valve configured to control a flow of aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir to a heating element controllable to activate and vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition, a sensor configured to measure reflectance or temperature at the heating element and generate a signal corresponding to the reflectance or temperature so measured, and a control component. The control component controls operation of the valve including receiving the signal and based thereon determining a volume of aerosol precursor composition at the heating element, and causing the valve to decrease or increase a rate of the flow of aerosol precursor composition in response to the volume being respectively above or below a predetermined threshold volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh Sur, Stephen B. Sears, Eric T. Hunt
  • Patent number: 11930861
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the concept of integrating a charger with an electronic aerosol provision device into a single unit, so as to eliminate the need for a user to carry or stow charging cables, adaptors, and/or docks. In various implementations, the device utilizes a standard USB plug that is permanently attached to the device body and fully integrated with the charging circuitry. In some implementations, the plug may extend from an end of the device or be deployed from a side wall of the device and/or from the mouthpiece end of the device. The charger may be covered or otherwise hidden when the device is not charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Sawyer Hubbard, Jason Short, Cassidy McMahan, Vahid Hejazi, Jason L. Wood
  • Patent number: 11937344
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device and a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device. In various implementations, the cartridge may comprise a housing defining a liquid reservoir, an atomizer configured to produce an aerosol, the atomizer comprising a first liquid transport element, a second liquid transport element, and a microvalve located between the liquid reservoir and the second liquid transport element. The microvalve may comprise a base member including at least one channel, and an actuating member at least a portion of which comprises a shape-memory material, and which is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the actuating member substantially blocks fluid flow from the liquid reservoir through the channel, and in the second position, the actuating member allows fluid flow from the liquid reservoir through the channel and to the second liquid transport element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Vahid Hejazi, Stephen B. Sears, Eric T. Hunt, Karen V. Taluskie
  • Patent number: 11935350
    Abstract: An aerosol delivery or electronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS”) device may include smoking articles that produce aerosol. The device may operate upon authentication. The authentication may first include an age verification before an authentication allows for operation of the device. The authentication may include a control signal communication to the device. The control signal communication may include an audio signal, such as an authentication tone that is detected by a microphone or pressure sensor on the device. The control signal communication may include a visual, optical, or light signal that is detected by a light sensor or photodiode on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: RAI STRATEGIC HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Sawyer Hubbard
  • Patent number: 11925202
    Abstract: A smoking article may include a cigarette incorporated within an electrically powered aerosol generating device that acts as a holder for that cigarette. The smoking article possesses at least one form of tobacco. The smoking article also possesses a mouth-end piece that is used by the smoker to inhale components of tobacco that are generated by the action of heat upon components of the cigarette. A representative smoking article possesses an outer housing incorporating a source of electrical power (e.g., a battery), a sensing mechanism for powering the device at least during periods of draw, and a heating device (e.g., at least one electrical resistance heating element) for forming a thermally generated aerosol that incorporates components of tobacco. During use, the cigarette is positioned within the device, and after use, the used cigarette is removed from the device and replaced with another cigarette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: John Howard Robinson, David William Griffith, Jr., Billy Tyrone Conner, Evon Llewellyn Crooks, Dempsey Bailey Brewer, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20240065330
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods of forming such devices, and elements of such devices. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a heating member that can be formed of a heating element conformed to a heater substrate configured as a truncated cone (or similar shape) having a first end of a first size and a second end of greater size. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides methods of forming an aerosol delivery device, which can include providing a shell, providing a heating member formed of a heating element conformed to a substrate, configuring the heating member as a truncated cone (or similar shape) having a first end of a first size and a second end of greater size, and inserting the heating member within the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: RAI STRATEGIC HOLDINGS, INC
    Inventors: Karen V. Taluskie, Stephen Benson Sears, Eric Taylor Hunt, William Robert Collett, Yi-ping Chang, Kristen Dodds Weight, Jeffrey A. Karg, Graham P. Eacock, Matthew C. Ebbs, Robert C. Uschold, Walker MacLaughlin Sloan, III
  • Patent number: 11911561
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an aerosol production assembly. The aerosol production assembly may include a reservoir that contains an aerosol precursor composition and an atomizer that receives the aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir and heats the aerosol precursor composition to produce an aerosol. The aerosol production assembly may additionally include a body that directs the aerosol through an outlet. The body may include a surface including a micro-pattern that defines at least one of hydrophobic and anti-microbial properties. The surface including the micro-pattern may not include a chemical coating that provides these properties. Rather, the surface may define a three-dimensional structure that provides hydrophobic and/or anti-microbial properties. A related assembly method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Andries Don Sebastian, Michael F. Davis, Ercilia Hernandez Garcia
  • Patent number: 11896053
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device. In various implementations, the aerosol delivery device comprises a control body having an outer housing, an electrical energy source located within the housing, a control component operatively connected to the electrical energy source, a heating assembly operatively connected to the control component, and an aerosol source member that includes an aerosol generating component configured to be positioned proximate the heating assembly. The heating assembly comprises a series of heating members, and each heating member is independent and distinct and configured to heat a segment of the aerosol source member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Vahid Hejazi, Rajesh Sur
  • Patent number: 11889869
    Abstract: An aerosol provision device includes a housing; circuitry; and a coupler or a receptacle structured to engage and hold a consumable including aerosol-generating material. The aerosol provision device or the consumable includes an aerosol generator powered to energize the aerosol-generating material. The circuitry includes a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. The circuitry also includes a high-side load switch coupled to or coupleable with the aerosol generator, and processing circuitry coupled to the high-side load switch, the pressure sensor, and the temperature sensor. The processing circuitry is configured to output a modulated signal with an adjustable duty cycle to cause the high-side load switch to connect and disconnect power to the aerosol generator based on the measurements of pressure and temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Sky Carman
  • Patent number: 11889861
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device that may comprise a housing defining an outer wall. The device may further include a power source and a control component, an exit aerosol path defined through an opening, a tank portion that includes a reservoir configured to contain a liquid composition, and an atomization assembly configured to vaporize the liquid composition to generate an aerosol. The atomization assembly may comprise two or more vibrating assemblies each of which includes a mesh plate. In some implementations, the mesh plates may be substantially coplanar and substantially perpendicular to the exit aerosol path. In other implementations, the mesh plates may be non-coplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: RAI STRATEGIC HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Vahid Hejazi, Rajesh Sur, S Keith Cole, Cassidy S. McMahan, Gary M. Dull
  • Patent number: 11882867
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides aerosol generating substrates and aerosol source members comprising aerosol generating substrates, as well as methods of manufacturing thereof. In an example implementation, an aerosol generating substrate may comprise a fibrous filler material, an aerosol forming material, and a plurality of heat conducting constituents, wherein the substrate is formed as a sheet, and wherein the heat conducting constituents are part of the sheet. The heat conducting constituents may be incorporated within the sheet, or may be formed on a surface of the sheet. In another example implementation, an aerosol source member may comprise a substrate portion formed of a collection of intermingled pieces cut from an aerosol substrate sheet. In addition, or alternatively, a substrate portion may be formed of a series of overlapping layers of an aerosol substrate sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Andries Sebastian, Stephen Benson Sears, Billy Tyrone Conner, Rajesh Sur, S. Keith Cole, Thaddeus Jackson, Timothy Frederick Thomas, Paul E. Braxton, Curtis Foster Doe, Vahid Hejazi, Kathryn Lynn Wilberding
  • Patent number: D1018275
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas H. Watson