Abstract: An electronic cigarette (“e-Cig”) may be wirelessly charged through an inductive charging system. A receiving coil in or on the e-Cig may be in proximity to a wireless charger that transmits electrical power to the battery of the e-Cig. Alignment of the receiving coil in the e-Cig with a charging base can wirelessly charge the battery of the e-Cig.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette (“e-Cig”) may include functionality for monitoring and controlling the thermal properties of the e-Cig. The system and method described herein may monitor a temperature based on a resistor (i.e. hot wire) near the wick and model the thermal cycle of an e-Cig. The model can be used for controlling the temperature of the e-Cig and preventing burning. The temperature control may dictate optimal conditions for atomization and smoke generation in an e-Cig while avoiding hotspots and burning to the atomizer or cartomizer.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette (“e-Cig”) may include a controller for providing various operations within an e-Cig. Enhancements for the controller may provide for improved operations and control for the e-Cig with a consumer device, such as a smartphone. Applications on the smartphone may be developed for improving the operations and the control of the e-Cig, as well as making use of data communicated from the e-Cig. Applications may be developed for controlling smoke properties, monitoring operations, adjusting settings, receiving product notifications, or compiling/analyzing data from the e-Cig. Applications may also provide other capabilities that may not be unique to an e-Cig, but may incorporate capabilities of the e-Cig, including entertainment, medical, or gaming applications.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette (“e-Cig”) may include functionality for targeted marketing. The marketing may be through communications with a computing device, such as a smartphone. For example, a smartphone application may be used for monitoring e-Cig usage and collecting data regarding the user and the usage. That data may result in targeted marketing. In another example, location information may also be used for targeted advertisements from a retailer.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette (“e-Cig”) may include a controller for providing various operations within an e-Cig. Enhancements for the controller may provide for improved operations and control for the e-Cig. In one embodiment, there may be a communications capability that may allow for the e-Cig to communicate with a consumer device. The consumer may then control smoke properties, monitor operations, adjust settings, and/or receive product notifications or offers through the consumer device's communication with the e-Cig. The communications may enable connections to various websites on the Internet for usage tracking or social networking.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for predicting failure in a system is provided having a measurement unit for repeatedly measuring a disorder indicator of the system, and a comparator for comparing obtained measurements of the disorder indicator with a predetermined statistical description of the disorder indicator. The comparison is used to determine whether a deviation is present between presently measured values of the disorder indicator and the statistical description. The apparatus issues a failure prediction upon determination of the presence of such a deviation. The apparatus is able to use routine monitoring of the system and relies on its own statistical analysis of the behavior of the disorder indicator, to provide fault prediction which is non-specific to the type of fault.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for predicting failure in a system, comprises: a measurement unit for repeatedly measuring a disorder indicator of the system, and a comparator for comparing obtained measurements of the disorder indicator with a predetermined statistical description of the disorder indicator. The comparison is used to determine whether a deviation is present between presently measured values of the disorder indicator and the statistical description. The apparatus issues a failure prediction upon determination of the presence of such a deviation. The apparatus is able to use routine monitoring of the system and relies on its own statistical analysis of the behavior of the disorder indicator, to provide fault prediction which is non-specific to the type of fault. Thus no detailed knowledge of the system being monitored is required, and furthermore the apparatus is applicable to systems irrespectively of the system complexity.

Abstract: An intermediate transfer member having a release surface suitable for receiving liquid toner images which include toner particles and a hydrocarbon carrier liquid from a first surface and for transferring them to a second surface, wherein the release surface includes a silicone material, preferably, a oxime cured silicone rubber. Imaging apparatus incorporating the member preferably includes a device for removing excess carrier liquid from the silicone material after an image is transferred to the second surface.