Patents by Inventor William J. Crowe

William J. Crowe 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: 20230232900
    Abstract: The method includes first defining a first reservoir and a second reservoir within a housing of a cartridge, the second reservoir being in fluid communication with the first reservoir, inserting at least one first layer of absorbent material within the first reservoir, and arranging a heater and a wick to be in communication with a central channel, the wick being in contact with the absorbent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. TUCKER, Edmond Cadieux, Barry S. Smith, William J. Crowe, Nam Tran
  • Patent number: 11627762
    Abstract: The method includes establishing a first fluid gradient through a central passage, the central passage traversing through a first channel, the first channel defining at least one first hole, a housing covering the first channel, a first reservoir being defined between the housing and the first channel, a second reservoir defined between the first channel and the central passage. The method further includes establishing a second fluid gradient through the at least one first hole, through at least a first portion of the second reservoir, and through at least a second portion of a wick, a heater being in communication with the wick and the central passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. Tucker, Edmond Cadieux, Barry S. Smith, William J. Crowe, Nam Tran
  • Publication number: 20220400755
    Abstract: A cartridge for an electronic vaping device includes an outer housing extending in a longitudinal direction and a reservoir configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation. The reservoir is in the outer housing. The cartridge also includes at least two transfer pads at a reservoir end, and a wick in contact with the transfer pads. The transfer pads include a plurality of fibers. Each of the plurality of fibers is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. TUCKER, William J. CROWE, Geoffrey Brandon JORDAN, Bipin R. PATIL, Jarrett KEEN, Michael ROBERTS
  • Publication number: 20210345669
    Abstract: The method includes establishing a first fluid gradient through a central passage, the central passage traversing through a first channel, the first channel defining at least one first hole, a housing covering the first channel, a first reservoir being defined between the housing and the first channel, a second reservoir defined between the first channel and the central passage. The method further includes establishing a second fluid gradient through the at least one first hole, through at least a first portion of the second reservoir, and through at least a second portion of a wick, a heater being in communication with the wick and the central passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. TUCKER, Edmond CADIEUX, Barry S. SMITH, William J. CROWE, Nam TRAN
  • Patent number: 11071329
    Abstract: The method of making the e-vaping cartridge includes cutting at least one first hole through a first channel, sliding a housing over the first channel, the at least one first hole providing fluid communication between a first reservoir and a second reservoir, the first reservoir being defined between the housing and the first channel, where the second reservoir is defined between the first channel and a central passage traversing through the first channel. The method further includes inserting at least one first layer of absorbent material within the second reservoir, and positioning a heater and a wick in communication with the central passage. Distal ends of the wick contact the at least one first layer of absorbent material, where the heater is configured to vaporize a pre-vapor formulation that is communicated by the wick from the at least one first layer of absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. Tucker, Edmond Cadieux, Barry S. Smith, William J. Crowe, Nam Tran
  • Publication number: 20210022397
    Abstract: A cartridge for an electronic vaping device includes an outer housing extending in a longitudinal direction and a reservoir configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation. The reservoir is in the outer housing. The reservoir has a first reservoir end and a second reservoir end. The cartridge also includes a seal at the first reservoir end, a transfer pad at the second reservoir end, and a wick in contact with the transfer pad. The transfer pad includes a plurality of fibers. Each of the plurality of fibers is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. TUCKER, William J. CROWE, Geoffrey Brandon JORDAN, Bipin R. PATIL, Jarrett KEEN, Michael ROBERTS
  • Patent number: 10772356
    Abstract: A cartridge for an electronic vaping device includes an outer housing extending in a longitudinal direction and a reservoir configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation. The reservoir is in the outer housing. The reservoir has a first reservoir end and a second reservoir end. The cartridge also includes a seal at the first reservoir end, a transfer pad at the second reservoir end, and a wick in contact with the transfer pad. The transfer pad includes a plurality of fibers. Each of the plurality of fibers is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. Tucker, William J. Crowe, Geoffrey Brandon Jordan, Bipin R. Patil, Jarrett Keen, Michael Roberts
  • Publication number: 20190350267
    Abstract: The method of making the e-vaping cartridge includes cutting at least one first hole through a first channel, sliding a housing over the first channel, the at least one first hole providing fluid communication between a first reservoir and a second reservoir, the first reservoir being defined between the housing and the first channel, where the second reservoir is defined between the first channel and a central passage traversing through the first channel. The method further includes inserting at least one first layer of absorbent material within the second reservoir, and positioning a heater and a wick in communication with the central passage. Distal ends of the wick contact the at least one first layer of absorbent material, where the heater is configured to vaporize a pre-vapor formulation that is communicated by the wick from the at least one first layer of absorbent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. TUCKER, Edmond CADIEUX, Barry S. SMITH, William J. CROWE, Nam TRAN
  • Patent number: 10390567
    Abstract: The e-vaping cartridge includes a housing, a first tube extending in a longitudinal direction within the housing, the first tube defining at least one first hole that provides fluid communication between a first annulus reservoir and a second annulus reservoir, the first annulus reservoir defined between the housing and the first tube, the second annulus reservoir defined between the first tube and a central passage traversing through the first tube. At least one first layer of absorbent material is positioned within the second annulus reservoir. A wick is in communication with the central passage, where distal ends of the wick contact the at least one first layer of absorbent material. A heater is configured to vaporize a pre-vapor formulation that is communicated by the wick from the at least one first layer of absorbent material. The device includes the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. Tucker, Edmond Cadieux, Barry S. Smith, William J. Crowe, Nam Tran
  • Publication number: 20190104764
    Abstract: A folded heater of an electronic vaping device includes a first plurality of U-shaped segments arranged in a first direction and defining a first side of the heater and a second plurality of U-shaped segments arranged in the first direction and defining a second side of the heater. The second side is substantially parallel to the first side. The heater also includes a first lead portion and a second lead portion. The first plurality of U-shaped segments, the second plurality of U-shaped segments, the first lead portion, and the second lead portion are a single integral member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher S. TUCKER, Charles L. DENDY, William J. CROWE, Christopher Ryan NEWCOMB, Rangaraj S. SUNDAR, Isaac WEIGENSBERG, David RUBLI
  • Publication number: 20190104763
    Abstract: A cartridge for an electronic vaping device includes an outer housing extending in a longitudinal direction and a reservoir configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation. The reservoir is in the outer housing. The reservoir has a first reservoir end and a second reservoir end. The cartridge also includes a seal at the first reservoir end, a transfer pad at the second reservoir end, and a wick in contact with the transfer pad. The transfer pad includes a plurality of fibers. Each of the plurality of fibers is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher S. TUCKER, William J. Crowe, Geoffrey Brandon Jordan, Bipin R. Patil, Jarrett Keen, Michael Roberts
  • Publication number: 20190104766
    Abstract: A cartridge for an electronic vaping device includes an outer housing extending in a longitudinal direction and a reservoir configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation. The reservoir is in the outer housing. The cartridge also includes at least two transfer pads at a reservoir end, and a wick in contact with the transfer pads. The transfer pads include a plurality of fibers. Each of the plurality of fibers is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. TUCKER, William J. CROWE, Geoffrey Brandon JORDAN, Bipin R. PATIL, Jarrett KEEN, Michael ROBERTS
  • Publication number: 20180263293
    Abstract: The e-vaping cartridge includes a housing, a first tube extending in a longitudinal direction within the housing, the first tube defining at least one first hole that provides fluid communication between a first annulus reservoir and a second annulus reservoir, the first annulus reservoir defined between the housing and the first tube, the second annulus reservoir defined between the first tube and a central passage traversing through the first tube. At least one first layer of absorbent material is positioned within the second annulus reservoir. A wick is in communication with the central passage, where distal ends of the wick contact the at least one first layer of absorbent material. A heater is configured to vaporize a pre-vapor formulation that is communicated by the wick from the at least one first layer of absorbent material. The device includes the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. TUCKER, Edmond CADIEUX, Barry S. SMITH, William J. CROWE, Nam TRAN
  • Patent number: 10015991
    Abstract: The e-vaping cartridge includes a housing body with a first tube extending longitudinally within the housing body and defining a central passage, the first tube further defining at least one first hole. One or more layers of absorbent material are positioned within an inner annulus reservoir around at least a portion of the first tube. A wick is in communication with the central passage where distal ends of the wick traverse the first hole and is in communication with an annulus reservoir. A heater is configured to vaporize a pre-vapor formulation communicated to the wick from the annulus reservoir. The e-vaping device includes the cartridge which is connectable to a power section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. Tucker, Edmond Cadieux, Barry S. Smith, William J. Crowe, Nam Tran
  • Publication number: 20180184710
    Abstract: The e-vaping cartridge includes a housing body with a first tube extending longitudinally within the housing body and defining a central passage, the first tube further defining at least one first hole. One or more layers of absorbent material are positioned within an inner annulus reservoir around at least a portion of the first tube. A wick is in communication with the central passage where distal ends of the wick traverse the first hole and is in communication with an annulus reservoir. A heater is configured to vaporize a pre-vapor formulation communicated to the wick from the annulus reservoir. The e-vaping device includes the cartridge which is connectable to a power section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER S. TUCKER, Edmond CADIEUX, Barry S. SMITH, William J. CROWE, Nam TRAN
  • Patent number: 6810883
    Abstract: An electrically heated cigarette smoking device includes a heater unit, heater blades for applying heat to portions of a cigarette that is supported within the heater unit, the heater unit having an opening adapted to receive an end of a cigarette and adapted to position the end of the cigarette in proximity to the heater blades, and the heater unit defining at least part of a suction flow passage through which ambient air is drawn into contact with the cigarette when a smoker draws on the cigarette positioned in the heater unit. The heater unit is mounted within a partition that positions the heater unit relative to the housing and at least partially defines a bypass flow passage in fluid communication with ambient air surrounding the housing, the partition further defining a flow diverting passage leading from the bypass flow passage to the suction flow passage and through which ambient air is drawn from the bypass flow passage when a smoker puffs on a cigarette inserted in the heater unit opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: John Louis Felter, Robert E. Lee, Ashok Solanky, Clint Blake, Pamela Davis, David E. Sharpe, Mark E. Watson, Robert L. Ripley, Brett W. Stevenson, William J. Crowe
  • Publication number: 20040089314
    Abstract: An electrically heated cigarette smoking device includes a heater unit, heater blades for applying heat to portions of a cigarette that is supported within the heater unit, the heater unit having an opening adapted to receive an end of a cigarette and adapted to position the end of the cigarette in proximity to the heater blades, and the heater unit defining at least part of a suction flow passage through which ambient air is drawn into contact with the cigarette when a smoker draws on the cigarette positioned in the heater unit. The heater unit is mounted within a partition that positions the heater unit relative to the housing and at least partially defines a bypass flow passage in fluid communication with ambient air surrounding the housing, the partition further defining a flow diverting passage leading from the bypass flow passage to the suction flow passage and through which ambient air is drawn from the bypass flow passage when a smoker puffs on a cigarette inserted in the heater unit opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: John Louis Felter, Robert E. Lee, Ashok Solanky, Clint Blake, Pamela Davis, David E. Sharpe, Mark E. Watson, Robert L. Ripley, Brett W. Stevenson, William J. Crowe
  • Patent number: 5954979
    Abstract: A novel electrical smoking system and method of establishing resistance to draw upon a cigarette while smoking a cigarette in an electrical smoking system comprising the step of operatively interposing a frit between a source of ambient air and the cigarette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: Mary Ellen Counts, William J. Crowe, John L. Felter, Grier S. Fleischhauer, Mohammad R. Hajaligol, Patrick H. Hayes, Willie G. Houck, H. Neal Nunnally
  • Patent number: 5878752
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for cleaning an electrical lighter are provided. A sleeve, e.g., ceramic or metal, surrounds the heater fixture, and a resistive heating element is in thermal proximity with the sleeve. The resistive heating element is either a dedicated element or the cigarette heating elements. The sleeve serves as a aerosol barrier and condensate accumulator to protect other components. Periodically, e.g., substantially contemporaneously with a battery recharge, the heating element is activated to thermally liberate condensates deposited on the sleeve during smoking and also heats, and thereby cleans, other components. Also, a cleaning element is optionally inserted into the cigarette receptacle of the electrical lighter or placed at the exit thereof to absorb, attract and/or catalytically break down the thermally liberated condensates. The sleeve also directs a desired flow path for drawn air within an electrical lighter toward the cigarette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: John M. Adams, William J. Crowe, Grier S. Fleischhauer, Jay A. Fournier, Mohammad R. Hajaligol, Willie G. Houck, Jr., Donald B. Losee, Constance H. Morgan, John D. Naworal, H. Neal Nunnally, John B. Paine, III, Wynn R. Raymond, Robert L. Ripley, Jeffrey I. Seeman, Francis M. Sprinkel, Michael L. Watkins
  • Patent number: D469962
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: John M. Campbell, Brett W. Stevenson, William J. Crowe, Grier Fleischhauer, Wendy Marin Weiner, Robert Pandorf, Christopher O'Brien Wheeler