Patents by Inventor James P. Westley

James P. Westley 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: 20240032596
    Abstract: Vaporizer cartridges for vaporizer devices are disclosed herein. In one exemplary implementation, the cartridge can include a vaporization channel configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough from the atomizer to the outlet. The vaporization channel includes a plurality of channels, in which at least one channel is a grooved channel defining a fluid passageway extending from a first end to a second end, and the grooved channel having a plurality of grooves extending in a direction along the fluid passageway. Vaporizer devices are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Ariel Atkins, Christopher L. Belisle, Steven Christensen, Joshua A. de Gromoboy Dabrowicki, Alexander M. Hoopai, Eric Joseph Johnson, Jason King, Esteban Leon Duque, Matthew Rios, Andrew J. Stratton, James P. Westley
  • Publication number: 20230076259
    Abstract: Cartridges for vaporizer devices are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the cartridge can include a reservoir housing, an airflow tube that extends through the reservoir housing, and a folded mesh that is disposed within the airflow tube and includes a plurality of folds. The airflow tube defines a passageway extending therethrough and at least a portion of the airflow tube is permeable to the vaporizable material, in which the permeable portion of the airflow tube is configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir housing into the airflow tube for vaporization. The folded mesh is configured to change from a deactivated state to an activated state in response to receiving an electric current, and when in the activated state, the folded mesh is configured to generate an amount of heat that is sufficient to vaporize at least a portion of the vaporizable material drawn from the reservoir housing. Vaporizer devices are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Emily K. Pettitt, Andrew J. Stratton, James P. Westley
  • Patent number: 11564287
    Abstract: Cartridges for vaporizer devices are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the cartridge can include a reservoir being configured to contain a liquid vaporizable material that includes at least one ionic component, an airflow tube that extends though the reservoir and defines an airflow passageway therethrough, and first and second electrodes. The airflow tube includes a wicking element that is in fluid communication with the reservoir, in which the wicking element is configured to substantially draw at least a portion of the liquid vaporizable material from the reservoir into the airflow passageway. The first and second electrodes are positioned substantially on or adjacent to opposite surfaces of the wicking element, in which the liquid vaporizable material received within the wicking element is substantially vaporized in response to generation of a potential difference between the first and second electrodes. Vaporizer devices are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Rishi D. Jobanputra, Christopher James Rosser, James P. Westley
  • Patent number: 11439774
    Abstract: Cartridges for vaporizer devices are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the cartridge can include a reservoir housing, an airflow tube that extends through the reservoir housing, and a folded mesh that is disposed within the airflow tube and includes a plurality of folds. The airflow tube defines a passageway extending therethrough and at least a portion of the airflow tube is permeable to the vaporizable material, in which the permeable portion of the airflow tube is configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir housing into the airflow tube for vaporization. The folded mesh is configured to change from a deactivated state to an activated state in response to receiving an electric current, and when in the activated state, the folded mesh is configured to generate an amount of heat that is sufficient to vaporize at least a portion of the vaporizable material drawn from the reservoir housing. Vaporizer devices are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily K. Pettitt, Andrew J. Stratton, James P. Westley
  • Publication number: 20220256922
    Abstract: A vaporizer device may include a shell, a cartridge receptacle, and a skeleton. The cartridge receptacle may be formed from a cartridge interface disposed at least partially inside a sheath. The cartridge interface may be configured to provide a plurality of electrical couplings with a vaporizer cartridge when the vaporizer cartridge is disposed inside the cartridge receptacle. The plurality of electrical couplings may include a first electrical coupling with a heating element of the vaporizer cartridge. The plurality of electrical couplings may further include a second electrical coupling with a cartridge identification chip of the vaporizer cartridge. The skeleton may be coupled with the cartridge interface. The skeleton may be configured to secure the cartridge interface inside the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Ariel Atkins, Mackenzie Paige Belt, Christopher L. Belisle, Tsuey Choo Lily Chang, Brandon Cheung, Steven Christensen, Dylan E. Entelis, Nicholas J. Hatton, Alexander M. Hoopai, Eric Joseph Johnson, Jason King, Esteban Leon Duque, YongChao Li, Huei-Huei Liang, Kevin Lomeli, Matthew J. Malone, James Monsees, Nathan N. Ng, Claire O'Malley, Matthew Rios, Christopher James Rosser, Zachary T. Scott, Nihir B. Shah, Andrew J. Stratton, Alim Thawer, Val Valentine, Norbert Wesely, James P. Westley, Hao Yin, XueHai Zhang, XueQing Zhang
  • Publication number: 20220241777
    Abstract: Microfluidic features regulate the flow of fluids in a cartridge for a vaporizer device. The microfluidic features prevent leaks of liquid vaporizable material and enhance the functioning of the cartridge when there is a differential pressure between a storage chamber containing the liquid vaporizable material and ambient conditions outside the cartridge. Related systems, apparatuses, and processes, are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: Ariel Atkins, Christopher L. Belisle, Steven Christensen, Alexander M. Hoopai, Eric Joseph Johnson, Jason King, Esteban Leon Duque, Matthew Rios, Christopher James Rosser, Andrew J. Stratton, Alim Thawer, James P. Westley
  • Publication number: 20220117300
    Abstract: A cartridge may include a cartridge housing, a reservoir and a wick housing disposed inside the cartridge housing, a heating element, and a wicking element. The cartridge housing may be configured to extend below an open top of a receptacle in the vaporizer device when the cartridge is coupled with the vaporizer device. The reservoir may be configured to contain a vaporizable material. The heating element may include a heating portion disposed at least partially inside the wick housing and a contact portion disposed at least partially outside the wick housing. The contact portion may include cartridge contacts that form an electric coupling with receptacle contacts in the receptacle. The wicking element may be disposed within the wick housing and proximate to the heating portion of the heating element. The wicking element may be configured to draw the vaporizable material to the wick housing for vaporization by the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Ariel Atkins, Christopher L. Belisle, Brandon Cheung, Steven Christensen, Dylan E. Entelis, Alexander M. Hoopai, Eric Joseph Johnson, Jason King, Esteban Leon Duque, Matthew J. Malone, James Monsees, Nathan N. Ng, Claire O' Malley, Matthew Rios, Christopher James Rosser, Zachary T. Scott, Andrew J. Stratton, Alim Thawer, Norbert Wesely, James P. Westley
  • Patent number: 11253001
    Abstract: A cartridge may include a cartridge housing, a reservoir and a wick housing disposed inside the cartridge housing, a heating element, and a wicking element. The cartridge housing may be configured to extend below an open top of a receptacle in the vaporizer device when the cartridge is coupled with the vaporizer device. The reservoir may be configured to contain a vaporizable material. The heating element may include a heating portion disposed at least partially inside the wick housing and a contact portion disposed at least partially outside the wick housing. The contact portion may include cartridge contacts that form an electric coupling with receptacle contacts in the receptacle. The wicking element may be disposed within the wick housing and proximate to the heating portion of the heating element. The wicking element may be configured to draw the vaporizable material to the wick housing for vaporization by the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Ariel Atkins, Christopher L. Belisle, Brandon Cheung, Steven Christensen, Dylan E. Entelis, Alexander M. Hoopai, Eric Joseph Johnson, Jason King, Esteban Leon Duque, Matthew J. Malone, James Monsees, Nathan N. Ng, Claire O'Malley, Matthew Rios, Christopher James Rosser, Zachary T. Scott, Andrew J. Stratton, Alim Thawer, Norbert Wesely, James P. Westley
  • Publication number: 20210307402
    Abstract: Vaporizer devices are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a vaporizer device can include a vaporizer body including a first airflow path extending at least partially therethrough, and a sensor assembly residing at least partially within the vaporizer body. The sensor assembly includes a flexible sensor that is in communication with the first airflow path. The flexible sensor is configured to reversibly deflect from an initial state to a first state in response to a first user-activated force representing air being drawn through the first airflow path, and configured to reversibly deflect from the initial state to a second state in response to a second user-activated force representing an acceleration of the vaporizer body. Sensor assemblies for a vaporizer device are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Oliver J. Batley, Joshua A. de Gromoboy Dabrowicki, Alex M. Gee, Zhenqiang Lin, Christopher James Rosser, James P. Westley
  • Publication number: 20210220576
    Abstract: A heating element for a vaporizer cartridge is provided. The vaporizer cartridge may include a reservoir containing vaporizable material and a wicking element in fluid communication with the reservoir. The heating element may include a heating portion, a cartridge contact, and a leg. The heating portion includes at least two tines spaced apart from one another. The cartridge contact may be in in electrical communication with a power source. The leg extends between the heating portion and the cartridge contact. The heating portion may be crimped around the wicking element such that the heating portion secures the wicking element to the heating element and contacts at least two surfaces of the wicking element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Ariel Atkins, Christopher L. Belisle, Steven Christensen, Alexander M. Hoopai, Eric Joseph Johnson, Jason King, Esteban Leon Duque, Matthew Rios, Christopher James Rosser, Andrew J. Stratton, Alim Thawer, James P. Westley
  • Patent number: 10905835
    Abstract: A heating element for a vaporizer cartridge is provided. The vaporizer cartridge may include a reservoir containing vaporizable material and a wicking element in fluid communication with the reservoir. The heating element may include a heating portion, a cartridge contact, and a leg. The heating portion includes at least two tines spaced apart from one another. The cartridge contact may be in electrical communication with a power source. The leg extends between the heating portion and the cartridge contact. The heating portion may be crimped around the wicking element such that the heating portion secures the wicking element to the heating element and contacts at least two surfaces of the wicking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Ariel Atkins, Christopher L. Belisle, Steven Christensen, Alexander M. Hoopai, Eric Joseph Johnson, Jason King, Esteban Leon Duque, Matthew Rios, Christopher James Rosser, Andrew J. Stratton, Alim Thawer, James P. Westley
  • Publication number: 20200275696
    Abstract: A cartridge may include a cartridge housing, a reservoir and a wick housing disposed inside the cartridge housing, a heating element, and a wicking element. The cartridge housing may be configured to extend below an open top of a receptacle in the vaporizer device when the cartridge is coupled with the vaporizer device. The reservoir may be configured to contain a vaporizable material. The heating element may include a heating portion disposed at least partially inside the wick housing and a contact portion disposed at least partially outside the wick housing. The contact portion may include cartridge contacts that form an electric coupling with receptacle contacts in the receptacle. The wicking element may be disposed within the wick housing and proximate to the heating portion of the heating element. The wicking element may be configured to draw the vaporizable material to the wick housing for vaporization by the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Ariel Atkins, Christopher L. Belisle, Tsuey Chang, Brandon Cheung, Steven Christensen, Dylan E. Entelis, Alexander M. Hoopai, Eric Joseph Johnson, Jason King, Esteban Leon Duque, YongChao Li, Huei-Huei Liang, Matthew J. Malone, James Monsees, Nathan N. Ng, Claire O'Malley, Matthew Rios, Christopher James Rosser, Zachary T. Scott, Andrew J. Stratton, Alim Thawer, Norbert Wesely, James P. Westley, Hao Yin, XueHai Zhang, XueQing Zhang
  • Publication number: 20200138115
    Abstract: Cartridges for vaporizer devices are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the cartridge can include a reservoir housing, an airflow tube that extends through the reservoir housing, and a folded mesh that is disposed within the airflow tube and includes a plurality of folds. The airflow tube defines a passageway extending therethrough and at least a portion of the airflow tube is permeable to the vaporizable material, in which the permeable portion of the airflow tube is configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir housing into the airflow tube for vaporization. The folded mesh is configured to change from a deactivated state to an activated state in response to receiving an electric current, and when in the activated state, the folded mesh is configured to generate an amount of heat that is sufficient to vaporize at least a portion of the vaporizable material drawn from the reservoir housing. Vaporizer devices are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Emily K. Pettitt, Andrew J. Stratton, James P. Westley
  • Publication number: 20200138116
    Abstract: Cartridges for vaporizer devices are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the cartridge can include a reservoir being configured to contain a liquid vaporizable material that includes at least one ionic component, an airflow tube that extends though the reservoir and defines an airflow passageway therethrough, and first and second electrodes. The airflow tube includes a wicking element that is in fluid communication with the reservoir, in which the wicking element is configured to substantially draw at least a portion of the liquid vaporizable material from the reservoir into the airflow passageway. The first and second electrodes are positioned substantially on or adjacent to opposite surfaces of the wicking element, in which the liquid vaporizable material received within the wicking element is substantially vaporized in response to generation of a potential difference between the first and second electrodes. Vaporizer devices are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Rishi D. Jobanputra, Christopher James Rosser, James P. Westley
  • Publication number: 20200128874
    Abstract: A vaporization device includes a cartridge for a vaporizer device. For example, the vaporizer cartridge and/or features thereof may improve management of leaks of vaporizable material from the vaporizer cartridge, control of airflow within and/or near the vaporizer cartridge, heating of vaporizable material in the vaporizer cartridge, management of condensate in the vaporizer cartridge, and/or other assembly features of the vaporizer cartridge. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Ariel Atkins, Steven Christensen, Alexander M. Hoopai, Eric J. Johnson, Jason King, Esteban Leon Duque, Christopher James Rosser, Andrew J. Stratton, Alim Thawer, Norbert Wesely, James P. Westley
  • Publication number: 20200113245
    Abstract: Cartridges for vaporizer devices are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the cartridge can include a reservoir housing having at least one inner container that is configured to hold a vaporizable material, and a vaporization chamber in communication with the reservoir housing and including at least one wicking element configured to draw the vaporizable material from the at least one inner container to the vaporization chamber to be vaporized by a heating element, in which the at least one inner container is substantially sealed to the at least one wicking element, and wherein the at least one inner container is configured to collapse as the vaporizable material is withdrawn therefrom. Vaporizer devices are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rosser, Simon J. Smith, James P. Westley
  • Publication number: 20200114094
    Abstract: A heating element for a vaporizer cartridge is provided. The vaporizer cartridge may include a reservoir containing vaporizable material and a wicking element in fluid communication with the reservoir. The heating element may include a heating portion, a cartridge contact, and a leg. The heating portion includes at least two tines spaced apart from one another. The cartridge contact may be in electrical communication with a power source. The leg extends between the heating portion and the cartridge contact. The heating portion may be crimped around the wicking element such that the heating portion secures the wicking element to the heating element and contacts at least two surfaces of the wicking element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Ariel Atkins, Steven Christensen, Alexander M. Hoopai, Eric J. Johnson, Jason King, Esteban Leon Duque, Christopher James Rosser, Andrew J. Stratton, Alim Thawer, James P. Westley
  • Patent number: D970805
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Belisle, Steven Christensen, Alexander M. Hoopai, Jason King, Esteban Leon Duque, Eric Joseph Johnson, Andrew J. Stratton, James P. Westley