Abstract: A stand for an electrically heated cigarette smoking device can removably support an electrically heated cigarette smoking device, which includes a rechargeable power supply. The stand is configured to fit in a receptacle, such as a receptacle in a vehicle. Charging electronics controls charging of the rechargeable power supply when the electrically heated cigarette smoking device is supported by the stand, and the electrically heated cigarette smoking device or stand is electrically connected to the external power supply.

Abstract: A point-of-sale dispensing rack for retail consumer goods includes a high definition liquid crystal display header system for showing a variety of preprogramable picture and/or written messages over an extended period of time. The system includes a high definition liquid crystal display header and a portable memory storage device housing for receiving a portable memory storage device with preprogramable messages thereon. A computer connected between the portable memory storage device housing and the header sends the messages to the header for display. The system allows for periodic automatic rotation of several messages e.g. throughout the day and month versus paper graphics that must be changed by hand. The system also enables programming of messages at different times or dates which enhances the ability of a brand of a particular consumer product to reach its unique audience.

Abstract: A stand for an electrically heated cigarette smoking device can removably support an electrically heated cigarette smoking device, which includes a rechargeable power supply. The stand is configured to fit in a receptacle, such as a receptacle in a vehicle. Charging electronics controls charging of the rechargeable power supply when the electrically heated cigarette smoking device is supported by the stand, and the electrically heated cigarette smoking device or stand is electrically connected to the external power supply.

Abstract: An electrically heating smoking system wherein tobacco smoke is generated by heating a portion of a cigarette with an electrical resistance heating element powered by lithium ion battery cells. The lithium ion battery cells supply current to the electrical resistance heating element with current up to 20 times greater than the recommended discharge rate. To prevent damage to the lithium ion battery cells under such high discharge conditions, the smoking system includes a controller which provides modulated pulses of electrical power from the battery cells to the resistance heating element during smoking of the cigarette.

Abstract: An electrically heating smoking system wherein tobacco smoke is generated by heating a portion of a cigarette with an electrical resistance heating element powered by lithium ion battery cells. The lithium ion battery cells supply current to the electrical resistance heating element with current up to 20 times greater than the recommended discharge rate. To prevent damage to the lithium ion battery cells under such high discharge conditions, the smoking system includes a controller which provides modulated pulses of electrical power from the battery cells to the resistance heating element during smoking of the cigarette.

Abstract: A point-of-sale dispensing rack for retail consumer goods includes a high definition liquid crystal display header system for showing a variety of preprogramable picture and/or written messages over an extended period of time. The system includes a high definition liquid crystal display header and a portable memory storage device housing for receiving a portable memory storage device with preprogramable messages thereon. A computer connected between the portable memory storage device housing and the header sends the messages to the header for display. The system allows for periodic automatic rotation of several messages e.g. throughout the day and month versus paper graphics that must be changed by hand. The system also enables programming of messages at different times or dates which enhances the ability of a brand of a particular consumer product to reach its unique audience.

Abstract: A novel controller in an electrical smoking system and method, wherein the method includes the steps of: establishing a preferred thermal pathway to be executed with each heater activation responsively to a puff on an electrically heated cigarette; configuring a power cycle in accordance with the desired thermal pathway; dividing the power cycle into at least first and second phases each having a respective, predetermined time period and total energy input for each phase; and adjusting a respective duty cycle (or other power-adjusting factor) in each phase of the power cycle responsively to a voltage reading of the power source such that the established, respective total energy input of each phase is achieved during the time period of each power cycle.