Patents by Inventor Eric FORCE
Eric FORCE 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).
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Patent number: 11903420Abstract: An aerosol-generating system includes a reservoir containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The system also includes first and second heating elements and first and second liquid transfer elements. The first and second heating elements are spaced apart from the reservoir. The first and second liquid transfer elements are configured to deliver aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir to the heating elements. The first liquid transfer element has first and second end portions and a portion between the first and second end portions at the first heating element. The second liquid transfer element has first and second end portions and a portion between the first and second end portions at the second heating element. The portion of the first liquid transfer element at the first heating element may extend in a first direction. The portion of the second liquid transfer element at the second heating element may extend in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Eric Force, Yonglu Guo, Yonghai Li
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Publication number: 20240023618Abstract: A split airflow system for an electrically heatable smoking system for generating aerosol is provided, the system having a downstream end, the system including: a first channel defining a first flow route; and a second Channel defining a second flow route, the first flow route directing ambient air from outside the split airflow system to the downstream end of the split airflow system, the second flow route directs ambient air from outside the split airflow system towards a substantially flat, fluid-permeable heating element before conveying the ambient air to the downstream end, and the first channel and the second channel define a total volume of ambient air passing through the split airflow system and the first channel provides at least 50 percent of the total volume of ambient air passing through the split airflow system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Applicant: Philip Morris Products S.A.Inventors: Eric FORCE, Oleg MIRONOV, Ihar Nikolaevich ZINOVIK, Keethan Dasnavis FERNANDO
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Patent number: 11805817Abstract: A cartridge system is provided, including a liquid storage portion including a housing to hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a mouthpiece having an outlet opening removably connected to a first end of the storage portion; and a heater assembly including an electrical heating element to heat the substrate to form an aerosol, and a porous capillary material having a first face contacting part of the heating element and to convey the substrate to the heating element by capillary action, the heating element disposed across the first face of the material, the liquid storage portion disposed at a first side of the heater assembly and a first airflow channel disposed at a second side of the assembly and defining an airflow path directed at a center of the heating element, and part of a second airflow channel extending to the outlet opening via a central channel of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.Inventors: Eric Force, Oleg Mironov, Ihar Nikolaevich Zinovik, Keethan Dasnavis Fernando
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Publication number: 20230301351Abstract: An aerosol generating system includes a liquid storage portion, a liquid transfer element, a power supply, and a heating element operably coupled to the power supply and configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate. The system also includes a cover over the liquid storage portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Inventor: Eric FORCE
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Publication number: 20230292837Abstract: An aerosol-generating system may include a capsule and a releasably connectable vaporizer or vaporizing unit. The capsule comprises a distal end and defines a reservoir configured to contain an aerosol-generating substrate. The vaporizing unit comprises a housing and a heating element and a transfer element disposed in the housing. The heating element is configured to heat the transfer element to vaporize the aerosol-generating substrate. The housing of the vaporizing unit has a proximal end. A portion of the transfer element extends beyond the proximal end of the housing. The vaporizing unit is configured such that the transfer element is the initial part of the vaporizing unit to penetrate into the reservoir of the capsule as the distal end of the capsule is moved towards the proximal end of the vaporizing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2023Publication date: September 21, 2023Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventor: Eric FORCE
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Patent number: 11700888Abstract: An aerosol generating system includes a liquid storage portion, a liquid transfer element, a power supply, and a heating element operably coupled to the power supply and configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate. The system also includes a cover over the liquid storage portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2020Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventor: Eric Force
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Patent number: 11684084Abstract: An aerosol-generating system may include a capsule and a releasably connectable vaporizer or vaporizing unit. The capsule comprises a distal end and defines a reservoir configured to contain an aerosol-generating substrate. The vaporizing unit comprises a housing and a heating element and a transfer element disposed in the housing. The heating element is configured to heat the transfer element to vaporize the aerosol-generating substrate. The housing of the vaporizing unit has a proximal end. A portion of the transfer element extends beyond the proximal end of the housing. The vaporizing unit is configured such that the transfer element is the initial part of the vaporizing unit to penetrate into the reservoir of the capsule as the distal end of the capsule is moved towards the proximal end of the vaporizing unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLCInventor: Eric Force
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Publication number: 20230112844Abstract: An aerosol-generating system may comprise a releasably connectable capsule and vaporizing unit. The capsule may comprise a reservoir for containing an aerosol-generating substrate, an opening in fluidic communication with the reservoir, and a valve configured to control a flow of the aerosol-generating substrate from the reservoir through the opening. The valve may comprise one or more resilient closing members biased towards a closed position. The vaporizing unit may comprise a transfer element and a heating element disposed in a housing. The heating element is configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate in the transfer element. The vaporizing unit may also comprise an elongate element configured to engage with the valve to deflect the one or more resilient closing members from the closed position to an open position so as place the transfer element in fluidic connection with the reservoir when the capsule is connected to the vaporizing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2022Publication date: April 13, 2023Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventor: Eric Force
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Publication number: 20230086893Abstract: An aerosol-generating system includes a reservoir containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The system also includes first and second heating elements and first and second liquid transfer elements. The first and second heating elements are spaced apart from the reservoir. The first and second liquid transfer elements are configured to deliver aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir to the heating elements. The first liquid transfer element has first and second end portions and a portion between the first and second end portions at the first heating element. The second liquid transfer element has first and second end portions and a portion between the first and second end portions at the second heating element. The portion of the first liquid transfer element at the first heating element may extend in a first direction. The portion of the second liquid transfer element at the second heating element may extend in a second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2022Publication date: March 23, 2023Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Eric FORCE, Yonglu GUO, Yonghai LI
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Patent number: 11546971Abstract: An aerosol-generating system may comprise a releasably connectable capsule and vaporizing unit. The capsule may comprise a reservoir for containing an aerosol-generating substrate, an opening in fluidic communication with the reservoir, and a valve configured to control a flow of the aerosol-generating substrate from the reservoir through the opening. The valve may comprise one or more resilient closing members biased towards a closed position. The vaporizing unit may comprise a transfer element and a heating element disposed in a housing. The heating element is configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate in the transfer element. The vaporizing unit may also comprise an elongate element configured to engage with the valve to deflect the one or more resilient closing members from the closed position to an open position so as place the transfer element in fluidic connection with the reservoir when the capsule is connected to the vaporizing unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLCInventor: Eric Force
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Patent number: 11490658Abstract: An aerosol-generating system includes a reservoir containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The system also includes first and second heating elements and first and second liquid transfer elements. The first and second heating elements are spaced apart from the reservoir. The first and second liquid transfer elements are configured to deliver aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir to the heating elements. The first liquid transfer element has first and second end portions and a portion between the first and second end portions at the first heating element. The second liquid transfer element has first and second end portions and a portion between the first and second end portions at the second heating element. The portion of the first liquid transfer element at the first heating element may extend in a first direction. The portion of the second liquid transfer element at the second heating element may extend in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Eric Force, Yonglu Guo, Yonghai Li
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Patent number: 11241039Abstract: The split airflow system for an electrically heated smoking system for generating aerosol, the split airflow system having a downstream end comprises a first channel defining a first flow route and a second channel defining a second flow route. The first flow route directs ambient air from outside the system to the downstream end of the system. The second flow route directs ambient air from outside the system towards a preferably substantially flat, fluid permeable, heating element before conveying the ambient air to the downstream end. The first channel and the second channel define a total volume of ambient air passing through the system and the first channel provides at least 50 percent of the total volume of ambient air passing through the system. The invention also refers to a method for guiding an airflow in an electrically heated smoking system for generating aerosol and an electrically heated smoking system comprising the split airflow system.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.Inventors: Eric Force, Oleg Mironov, Ihar Nikolaevich Zinovik, Keethan Dasnavis Fernando
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Publication number: 20210244099Abstract: A cartridge system is provided, including a liquid storage portion including a housing to hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a mouthpiece having an outlet opening removably connected to a first end of the storage portion; and a heater assembly including an electrical heating element to heat the substrate to form an aerosol, and a porous capillary material having a first face contacting part of the heating element and to convey the substrate to the heating element by capillary action, the heating element disposed across the first face of the material, the liquid storage portion disposed at a first side of the heater assembly and a first airflow channel disposed at a second side of the assembly and defining an airflow path directed at a center of the heating element, and part of a second airflow channel extending to the outlet opening via a central channel of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2021Publication date: August 12, 2021Applicant: Philip Morris Products S.A.Inventors: Eric FORCE, Oleg MIRONOV, Ihar Nikolaevich ZINOVIK, Keethan Dasnavis FERNANDO
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Patent number: 11006676Abstract: An assembly for an aerosol-generating system is provided, including: a liquid storage portion configured to hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a mouthpiece having an outlet opening at a proximal end; and a heater assembly including an electrical heating element configured to heat the substrate to form an aerosol, and a porous capillary material disposed in contact with the heating element and including a ceramic or a ceramic-based material, the heating element being disposed along a surface of the capillary material, the liquid storage portion being disposed at a first side of the heater assembly and a first airflow channel is disposed at a second side of the heater assembly, the first airflow channel defining an airflow path that extends in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the capillary material and is directed at a center of the heating element. An aerosol-generating system and a heater assemble are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A.Inventors: Eric Force, Oleg Mironov, Ihar Nikolaevich Zinovik, Keethan Dasnavis Fernando
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Publication number: 20210106060Abstract: An aerosol generating system includes a liquid storage portion, a liquid transfer element, a power supply, and a heating element operably coupled to the power supply and configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate. The system also includes a cover over the liquid storage portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventor: Eric FORCE
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Patent number: 10905168Abstract: An aerosol generating system includes a liquid storage portion, a liquid transfer element, a power supply, and a heating element operably coupled to the power supply and configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate. The system also includes a cover over the liquid storage portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2019Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventor: Eric Force
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Publication number: 20200275695Abstract: An assembly for an aerosol-generating system is provided, including: a liquid storage portion configured to hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a mouthpiece having an outlet opening at a proximal end; and a heater assembly including an electrical heating element configured to heat the substrate to form an aerosol, and a porous capillary material disposed in contact with the heating element and including a ceramic or a ceramic-based material, the heating element being disposed along a surface of the capillary material, the liquid storage portion being disposed at a first side of the heater assembly and a first airflow channel is disposed at a second side of the heater assembly, the first airflow channel defining an airflow path that extends in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the capillary material and is directed at a center of the heating element. An aerosol-generating system and a heater assemble are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2020Publication date: September 3, 2020Applicant: PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A.Inventors: Eric FORCE, Oleg MIRONOV, Ihar Nikolaevich ZINOVIK, Keethan Dasnavis FERNANDO
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Publication number: 20200221770Abstract: An aerosol-generating system may include a capsule and a releasably connectable vaporizer or vaporizing unit. The capsule comprises a distal end and defines a reservoir configured to contain an aerosol-generating substrate. The vaporizing unit comprises a housing and a heating element and a transfer element disposed in the housing. The heating element is configured to heat the transfer element to vaporize the aerosol-generating substrate. The housing of the vaporizing unit has a proximal end. A portion of the transfer element extends beyond the proximal end of the housing. The vaporizing unit is configured such that the transfer element is the initial part of the vaporizing unit to penetrate into the reservoir of the capsule as the distal end of the capsule is moved towards the proximal end of the vaporizing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2020Publication date: July 16, 2020Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventor: Eric FORCE
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Publication number: 20200214345Abstract: An aerosol-generating system may comprise a releasably connectable capsule and vaporizing unit. The capsule may comprise a reservoir for containing an aerosol-generating substrate, an opening in fluidic communication with the reservoir, and a valve configured to control a flow of the aerosol-generating substrate from the reservoir through the opening. The valve may comprise one or more resilient closing members biased towards a closed position. The vaporizing unit may comprise a transfer element and a heating element disposed in a housing. The heating element is configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate in the transfer element. The vaporizing unit may also comprise an elongate element configured to engage with the valve to deflect the one or more resilient closing members from the closed position to an open position so as place the transfer element in fluidic connection with the reservoir when the capsule is connected to the vaporizing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2020Publication date: July 9, 2020Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventor: Eric Force
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Publication number: 20200196667Abstract: An aerosol-generating system includes a reservoir containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The system also includes first and second heating elements and first and second liquid transfer elements. The first and second heating elements are spaced apart from the reservoir. The first and second liquid transfer elements are configured to deliver aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir to the heating elements. The first liquid transfer element has first and second end portions and a portion between the first and second end portions at the first heating element. The second liquid transfer element has first and second end portions and a portion between the first and second end portions at the second heating element. The portion of the first liquid transfer element at the first heating element may extend in a first direction. The portion of the second liquid transfer element at the second heating element may extend in a second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2020Publication date: June 25, 2020Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Eric FORCE, Yonglu GUO, Yonghai LI