Patents by Inventor Yannick Hourmand

Yannick Hourmand has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240148060
    Abstract: A heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol-generating device may include a capsule and a device body. The capsule may include an aerosol-forming substrate and a conductive component. The conductive component may include a first end section, an intermediate section, and a second end section. The intermediate section may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The first end section and the second end section may each have at least one surface discontinuity. The device body may include connector pins configured to engage with the at least one surface discontinuity of each of the first end section and the second end section of the conductive component so as to establish an electrical connection with the capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Zack W. BLACKMON, Jarrett KEEN, Raymond W. LAU, Eric HAWES, Dean TWITE, Ryan MCGINLEY, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Thomas TRAN, Yannick HOURMAND, Gary BROADFIELD
  • Publication number: 20240090586
    Abstract: A session control system for a device includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory is configured to store instructions. The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the session control system to detect when a session has started, start a session timer, increment a puff variable when an airflow sensor detects that a puff has been taken, monitor the session timer against a time threshold and the puff variable against a puff threshold, and in response to a session threshold being met, end the session. The session timer is configured to measure a length of the session and the puff variable corresponds to a total number of puffs taken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Zack W. BLACKMON, Thomas TRAN, Terry BACHE, Jarrett KEEN, Niall GALLAGHER, Yannick HOURMAND, Guillaume MICHEL, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Raymond W. LAU, Eric HAWES
  • Publication number: 20240097463
    Abstract: A charging system for an aerosol-generating device includes a processor and a memory in communication with the processor and configured to store instructions is provided. The instructions define at least one of a disable mode, an intra-session mode, or an inter-session mode. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the charging system to detect when the device is connected to a charging device; activate a power source charger in response to the connection to the charging device; identify a selected mode; enable or disable a heater of the capsule dependent upon the selected mode; if the heater is enabled, display a first display indicating the connection of the charging device; if the heater is enabled, detect if a session of the aerosol-generating device is ongoing; and if the session is ongoing, enable or suspend charging in response to the identification of the selected mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Zack W. BLACKMON, Thomas TRAN, Terry BACHE, Jarrett KEEN, Niall GALLAGHER, Yannick HOURMAND, Guillaume MICHEL, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Raymond W. LAU, Eric HAWES
  • Publication number: 20240091467
    Abstract: A capsule may include a housing containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The capsule may additionally include a conductive component including a first end section, an intermediate section, and a second end section. The intermediate section may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The first end section and the second end section may each have at least one surface discontinuity configured to enhance an electrical connection therewith. An aerosol-generating device may include a device body configured to receive the capsule. The device body may include connector pins configured to engage with the at least one surface discontinuity of each of the first end section and the second end section of the conductive component so as to establish an electrical connection with the capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Yannick HOURMAND, Gary BROADFIELD
  • Publication number: 20240097357
    Abstract: An electrical contact pad includes a conductive component having at least one surface discontinuity configured to enhance an electrical connection therewith. A power-receiving unit may include a pair of the electrical contact pads. A power-supplying unit may include connector pins configured to engage with the at least one surface discontinuity of each of the pair of electrical contact pads so as to establish an electrical connection with the power-receiving unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Yannick HOURMAND, Gary BROADFIELD
  • Publication number: 20240090589
    Abstract: A power control system for an aerosol-generating device includes at least one processor and a memory. The memory is coupled to the at least one processor and is configured to store instructions. The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the power control system to determine whether a first power to be applied to a heater of the aerosol-generating device exceeds a power threshold, in response to the first power exceeding the power threshold, apply a second power to the heater, and in response to the first power not exceeding the power threshold, apply the first power to the heater. The first power is based on a desired heater temperature. The second power does not exceed the power threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Zack W. BLACKMON, Thomas TRAN, Terry BACHE, Jarrett KEEN, Niall GALLAGHER, Yannick HOURMAND, Guillaume MICHEL, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Eric HAWES, Raymond W. LAU
  • Publication number: 20240091466
    Abstract: A cooldown system for a device includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory is configured to store instructions. The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the cooldown system to detect when a session has ended, activate a cooldown timer to measure a cooldown time, provide an indication of a remaining time of the cooldown timer, and in response to the cooldown timer elapsing, return the device to normal operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Zack W. BLACKMON, Thomas TRAN, Terry BACHE, Jarrett KEEN, Niall GALLAGHER, Yannick HOURMAND, Guillaume MICHEL, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Raymond W. LAU, Eric HAWES
  • Publication number: 20240090587
    Abstract: A capsule monitoring system for an aerosol-generating device includes at least one processor and a memory. The memory is coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions. The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the capsule monitoring system to detect a mechanism detection switch of the aerosol-generating device being actuated, apply a first power to a first contact point of the aerosol-generating device, determine a first resistance between the first contact point and a second contact point, determine whether the first resistance is within a resistance operation range, and in response to the first resistance being within of the resistance operation range, display a capsule accepted indicator. The first contact point is configured to contact a heater. The second contact point is configured to contact the heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Zack W. BLACKMON, Thomas TRAN, Terry BACHE, Jarrett KEEN, Niall GALLAGHER, Yannick HOURMAND, Guillaume MICHEL, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Raymond W. LAU, Eric HAWES
  • Publication number: 20240058536
    Abstract: According to the invention, an auto-injector for administering a dose of a liquid medicament (M) comprises of a substantially cylindrical housing arranged to contain a pre-filled syringe filled with the medicament (M), a needle shroud slidably arranged with respect to the housing and adapted to rest on the skin of a patient receiving an injection, a releasable drive means arranged within the housing that is capable of, upon release, translating the needle shroud in a proximal direction (P) towards a safe position (PS) and a rotating collar rotatably arranged within the housing. The needle shroud in the safe position (PS) surrounds the injection needle after the injection has been carried out. The rotating collar engages the needle shroud in a manner that forces the rotating collar to rotate within the housing when the needle shroud is translated in the proximal direction (P).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Yannick Hourmand, Timothy Donald Barrow-Williams, Matthew Ekman
  • Patent number: 11882872
    Abstract: A capsule for a heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol-generating device may include a base of a thermally-conductive material, the base defining a first cavity therein, the base including a first surface, the first surface defining an opening to a second cavity, the first surface including a first plurality of apertures through the first surface. The capsule may further include a cover coupled to the base and on the base, the cover including a second plurality of apertures in a middle portion of the cover, the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures defining an air flow path through the base and the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Yannick Hourmand, Niall Gallagher, Zack Blackmon, Patrick M. Good, Jarrett Keen, Rangaraj S. Sundar, Eric Hawes
  • Patent number: 11833331
    Abstract: According to the invention, an auto-injector for administering a dose of a liquid medicament (M) comprises of a substantially cylindrical housing arranged to contain a pre-filled syringe filled with the medicament (M), a needle shroud slibably arranged with respect to the housing and adapted to rest on the skin of a patient receiving an injection, a releasable drive means arranged within the housing that is capable of, upon release, translating the needle shroud in a proximal direction (P) towards a safe position (PS) and a rotating collar rotatably arranged within the housing. The needle shroud in the safe position (PS) surrounds the injection needle after the injection has been carried out. The rotating collar engages the needle shroud in a manner that forces the rotating collar to rotate within the housing when the needle shroud is translated in the proximal direction (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventors: Yannick Hourmand, Timothy Donald Barrow-Williams, Matthew Ekman
  • Publication number: 20230363450
    Abstract: A capsule for an aerosol-generating device may include a housing, a filter, and an aerosol-forming substrate. The housing may have a gas-permeable end and an impermeable end. The filter may be disposed within the housing so as to be adjacent to the impermeable end. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the housing so as to be between the filter and the gas-permeable end. The housing may be configured to facilitate a heating of the aerosol-forming substrate via one of conduction, convection, or both conduction and convection so as to generate an aerosol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Zack W. BLACKMON, Patrick GOOD, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Jarrett KEEN, Eric HAWES, Yannick HOURMAND, Niall GALLAGHER
  • Patent number: 11813436
    Abstract: Auto-injector for administering a dose of a liquid medicament includes a housing to contain a syringe with a hollow needle and a stopper for sealing the syringe and displacing the medicament, the housing having a distal end and a proximal end with an orifice to apply against an injection site. A spring means, upon activation, can push the needle from inside the housing through the orifice and past the proximal end, operate the syringe to supply the dose of medicament, and retract the syringe with the needle after delivering the medicament. An activating means can lock the spring means in a pressurized state prior to manual operation and capable of, upon manual operation, releasing the spring means for injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventors: Matthew Ekman, Yannick Hourmand, Timothy Donald Barrow-Williams
  • Patent number: 11744288
    Abstract: A capsule for an aerosol-generating device may include a housing, a filter, and an aerosol-forming substrate. The housing may have a gas-permeable end and an impermeable end. The filter may be disposed within the housing so as to be adjacent to the impermeable end. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the housing so as to be between the filter and the gas-permeable end. The housing may be configured to facilitate a heating of the aerosol-forming substrate via one of conduction, convection, or both conduction and convection so as to generate an aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Zack W. Blackmon, Patrick Good, Rangaraj S. Sundar, Jarrett Keen, Eric Hawes, Yannick Hourmand, Niall Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20230270944
    Abstract: Auto-injector for administering a dose of a liquid medicament includes a housing to contain a syringe with a hollow needle and a stopper for sealing the syringe and displacing the medicament, the housing having a distal end and a proximal end with an orifice to apply against an injection site. A spring means, upon activation, can push the needle from inside the housing through the orifice and past the proximal end, operate the syringe to supply the dose of medicament, and retract the syringe with the needle after delivering the medicament. An activating means can lock the spring means in a pressurized state prior to manual operation and capable of, upon manual operation, releasing the spring means for injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew Ekman, Yannick Hourmand, Timothy Donald Barrow-Williams
  • Patent number: 11730888
    Abstract: An auto-injector for administering a dose of a liquid medicament includes an elongate housing arranged to contain a syringe with a hollow needle and a stopper for sealing the syringe and displacing the medicament, the housing having a distal end and a proximal end with an orifice intended to be applied against an injection site. The syringe is slidably arranged with respect to the housing. A spring capable of, upon activation: pushing the needle from a covered position inside the housing into an advanced position through the orifice and past the proximal end (P), operating the syringe to supply the dose of medicament (M), and retracting the syringe with the needle into the covered position. After delivering the medicament, an activator arranged to lock the spring in a pressurized state prior to manual operation and capable of, upon manual operation, releasing the spring for injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventors: Matthew Ekman, Timothy Donald Barrow-Williams, Yannick Hourmand
  • Publication number: 20230200442
    Abstract: A non-nicotine e-vaping device may include a non-nicotine pod assembly and a device body. The non-nicotine pod assembly has upstream and downstream ends and is configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The upstream end may define at least one upstream recess, and the downstream end may define at least one downstream recess. The device body defines a through hole configured to receive the non-nicotine pod assembly. The through hole includes an upstream sidewall and a downstream sidewall. The upstream sidewall may include at least one upstream protrusion, and the downstream sidewall may include at least one downstream protrusion. The at least one upstream protrusion and the at least one downstream protrusion may be configured to engage with the at least one upstream recess and the at least one downstream recess, respectively, so as to retain the non-nicotine pod assembly within the through hole of the device body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Dean Twite, Yannick Hourmand, Charles Dendy, Bipin Patil, Rangaraj S. Sundar, Christopher Newcomb, Niall Gallagher, Raymond W. Lau, Eric Hawes
  • Publication number: 20230189886
    Abstract: A nicotine e-vaping device may include a nicotine pod assembly and a device body. The nicotine pod assembly has upstream and downstream ends and is configured to hold a nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The upstream end may define at least one upstream recess, and the downstream end may define at least one downstream recess. The device body defines a through hole configured to receive the nicotine pod assembly. The through hole includes an upstream sidewall and a downstream sidewall. The upstream sidewall may include at least one upstream protrusion, and the downstream sidewall may include at least one downstream protrusion. The at least one upstream protrusion and the at least one downstream protrusion may be configured to engage with the at least one upstream recess and the at least one downstream recess, respectively, so as to retain the nicotine pod assembly within the through hole of the device body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Dean TWITE, Yannick HOURMAND, Charles DENDY, Bipin PATIL, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Christopher NEWCOMB, Niall GALLAGHER, Raymond W. LAU, Eric HAWES
  • Publication number: 20230181827
    Abstract: An auto-injector for administering a dose of a liquid medicament includes an elongate housing arranged to contain a syringe with a hollow needle and a stopper for sealing the syringe and displacing the medicament, the housing having a distal end and a proximal end with an orifice intended to be applied against an injection site. The syringe is slidably arranged with respect to the housing. A spring capable of, upon activation: pushing the needle from a covered position inside the housing into an advanced position through the orifice and past the proximal end (P), operating the syringe to supply the dose of medicament (M), and retracting the syringe with the needle into the covered position. After delivering the medicament, an activator arranged to lock the spring in a pressurized state prior to manual operation and capable of, upon manual operation, releasing the spring for injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew Ekman, Timothy Donald Barrow-Williams, Yannick Hourmand
  • Publication number: 20230172268
    Abstract: A non-nicotine e-vaping device may include a non-nicotine pod assembly and a device body defining a through hole configured to receive the non-nicotine pod assembly. The non-nicotine pod assembly is configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The through hole of the device body includes at least one sidewall that is configured to deflect during an insertion of the non-nicotine pod assembly. One or more sidewalls of the through hole may include at least one protrusion configured to engage with corresponding recesses of the non-nicotine pod assembly so as to retain the non-nicotine pod assembly within the through hole of the device body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Yannick HOURMAND, Christopher NEWCOMB, Raymond W. LAU, Eric HAWES