ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES AND CARTRIDGES

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of aerosol generation devices, and more particularly to electronic cigarettes configured to generation of aerosols from aqueous formulations of nicotine or cannabis products. The present disclosure further provides aqueous cannabinoid compositions for use in the aerosol generation devices.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of aerosol generation devices, and more particularly to electronic cigarettes and cartridges incorporated therein, configured to generation of aerosols from aqueous formulations of nicotine or cannabis products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electronic cigarettes typically function as condensation aerosol generators, which operate by vaporizing a liquid such as a nicotine-based composition via heat applied by a heat source. Upon cooling, the vapor condenses to form an aerosol comprising droplets of liquid or particles which can be inhaled by a user through a mouthpiece.

The heated liquid in electronic cigarettes usually includes a composition or mixture of nicotine with humectants, having relatively low latent heat of vaporization, such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG). Said composition is typically referred to as “e-juice”. The liquid mixture is typically drawn into a wicking material that is in contact with a heating element, which may consist a coil of a conducting material to be heated when electric current is driven there through. When not contacted with a liquid, or after the liquid is substantially evaporated the temperature of the coil can reach in some instances a temperature of over 800 degrees Celsius.

In some e-cigarettes, nicotine is provided as a propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin formulation, and evaporated together with said solvents. The condensation of nicotine vapor is facilitated by formation of nucleation sites comprising condensed PG and/or VG. Thus, in this type of e-cigarettes PG and/or VG provides the necessary nucleation centers for nicotine condensation

One particular drawback stems from the fact that such products, while carrying a smaller risk than that associated with conventional cigarettes, still present health risks due to the evolution of hazardous compounds arising from heating propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin to elevated temperatures, as well as pyrolysis products of over-heated nicotine.

Condensation of nicotine vapor is facilitated by formation of nucleation sites. Vegetable glycerin used in liquid mixtures of electronic cigarettes provides the necessary nucleation centers for Nicotine condensation.

US 2018/0125118 discloses an atomizing element for an electronic cigarette, comprising a porous body comprising an atomizing surface and a liquid absorbing surface; and a porous heating film formed on the atomizing surface by vapor deposition; wherein the porous body is provided with a plurality of micropores with a diameter of about 1 μm to about 100 μm; wherein the diameter of the plurality of micropores on the porous body is greater than a thickness of the porous heating film.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,188,146 discloses an atomizer device, comprising an atomizer assembly; the atomizer assembly comprising a connection tube and an inner core assembly arranged in the connection tube; the connection tube defining a liquid inlet hole allowing liquid solution to flow into the connection tube; the inner core assembly comprising a heater for heating and atomizing the liquid solution flowing into the connection tube; wherein the connection tube comprises a first connection member and a second connection member detachably connected with the first connection member; and the first connection member and the second connection member defines a receiving space in which the inner core assembly is detachably arranged; the atomizer assembly further comprises a conducible atomizer base, and the connection tube is detachably connected with the atomizer base; wherein the atomizer device further comprises a liquid reservoir assembly; the atomizer assembly is detachably connected with the liquid reservoir assembly, and the liquid reservoir assembly forms a liquid reservoir chamber for containing liquid solution, a liquid outlet allowing the liquid solution to flow out of the liquid reservoir chamber, and a blocker blocking in the liquid outlet; the atomizer assembly is screwed to the liquid reservoir assembly and is capable of driving the blocker to rotate, thereby driving the blocker to rotate to open the liquid outlet while being installed and driving the blocker to rotate to close the liquid outlet while being removed; and the liquid outlet corresponds to the liquid inlet hole such that liquid solution can be injected into the connection tube when the liquid outlet is opened.

US 2019/0223497 discloses an atomizing device, comprising: a liquid reserving assembly and a cigarette holder assembly rotatably mounted at one end of the liquid reserving assembly; wherein a liquid storage cavity is formed inside the liquid reserving assembly, and a liquid inlet for injecting liquid into the liquid storage cavity is arranged at one end of the liquid reserving assembly corresponding to the cigarette holder assembly; the cigarette holder assembly comprises an axially-penetrating smoke outlet, the liquid reserving assembly comprises a smoke passage correspondingly communicating with the smoke outlet, and the cigarette holder assembly blocks the liquid inlet; a rotation axis of the cigarette holder assembly is offset from the liquid inlet to expose the liquid inlet after rotation; the cigarette holder assembly comprises a positioning member axially movable between a first position and a second position; when being in the first position, the positioning member is engaged with the liquid reserving assembly to limit the cigarette holder assembly to rotating relative to the liquid reserving assembly, and the cigarette holder assembly blocks the liquid inlet; and when being in the second position, the positioning member is separated from the liquid reserving assembly, so that the cigarette holder assembly rotates relative to the liquid reserving assembly to expose the liquid inlet.

PCT/IL2020/050347 discloses an electronic cigarette comprising a cartridge having a first end and a second end, the cartridge comprising an evaporation heater configured to generate heat and to evaporate a liquid from a surface thereof; a liquid drawing element; a liquid container; and an outlet; and an actuator having a first end and a second end, the actuator comprising a processing unit, wherein the first end of the actuator is connectable with the second end of the cartridge, wherein the electronic cigarette further comprises a first trigger configured to generate a first trigger activation signal, and a liquid deposition mechanism comprising the liquid drawing element and the liquid container, wherein the liquid drawing element is spaced apart from the evaporation heater in at least a first state of the electronic cigarette, and wherein the liquid deposition mechanism is configured to transfer a discrete volume of an aqueous formulation from the liquid drawing element to the evaporation heater in a second state of the electronic cigarette, wherein the liquid drawing element is in contact with the liquid container in both the first state of the electronic cigarette and the second state of the electronic cigarette, wherein the processing unit is configured to receive at least one operation signal and to control operations of at least one of the evaporation heater and the liquid deposition mechanism upon receiving the at least one operation signal, wherein the at least one operation signal comprises the first trigger activation signal

There is an unmet need for an e-cigarette capable of generating nicotine/THC containing aerosol, which is substantially devoid of hazardous compounds, such as those stemming from the decomposition of PG and VG. Such unmet need also requires that the generation of the aforementioned nicotine-containing aerosol follows condensation of nicotine vapor from condensation centers, of a non-hazardous liquid, such as water.

In addition, there is an unmet need for an e-cigarette capable of delivering an amount of nicotine/THC which suits the particular user requirements or needs.

There is an additional unmet need for an e-cigarette capable of changing the sensory perception of the aerosol inhaled by the user, in accordance with the user's preferences.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of aerosol generation devices, and more particularly to electronic cigarettes configured to generation of aerosols from aqueous formulations of nicotine or cannabis products. The present disclosure further provides aqueous cannabinoid compositions.

According to some embodiments, there are provided electronic cigarette cartridges configured for intermittent aerosolization of aqueous compositions. Specifically, known in the art electronic cigarette and cartridges cannot be used for vaporization of aqueous composition. As set forth below, it was found that intermittent delivery of aqueous compositions to evaporation heater results in effective vaporization of such compositions, according to some embodiments. Thus, the present invention provides electronic cigarette cartridges comprising specialized liquid deposition mechanisms configured for such intermittent deposition of aqueous composition on the heater.

According to some embodiments, there is provided an electronic cigarette cartridge comprising: a housing; an atomizing assembly comprising: an evaporation heater configured to generate heat and to evaporate a liquid from a surface thereof; and a liquid drawing element in fluid communication with the evaporation heater; a liquid reservoir, and a liquid deposition mechanism, configured to intermittently transition between a first state, in which the liquid reservoir is in fluid isolation from the liquid drawing element, and a second state, in which the liquid reservoir is in fluid communication with the liquid drawing element, wherein each of the atomizing assembly, the liquid reservoir and the liquid deposition mechanism is disposed within the housing.

According to some embodiments, the liquid deposition mechanism is configured to intermittently transition between the first state and the second state in frequency in the range of 1 Hz to 100 Hz.

According to some embodiments, the liquid deposition mechanism is configured to intermittently transition between the first state and the second state to provide a duty cycle in the range of 10% to 50%

According to some embodiments, the evaporation heater has a porous structure and is at least partially permeable to fluids.

According to some embodiments, the evaporation heater comprises a metal, a metal alloy or a combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the liquid drawing element comprises fabric, cloth, wool, felt, sponge, foam, cellulose, yarn, microfiber or a combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the liquid drawing element comprises a wick.

According to some embodiments, the liquid drawing element is a stationary wick.

According to some embodiments, the liquid reservoir contains an aqueous composition.

According to some embodiments, the evaporation heater is configured to generate heat and to evaporate water from a surface thereof.

According to some embodiments, the aqueous composition comprises nicotine, at least one cannabinoid or both.

According to some embodiments, the aqueous composition comprises nicotine.

According to some embodiments, the aqueous composition comprises at least one cannabinoid.

According to some embodiments, the cannabinoid is a cannabinoid acid or a salt thereof.

According to some embodiments, the cannabinoid is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, cannabidiolic acid and salts thereof.

According to some embodiments, the aqueous composition has a pH higher than 9.

According to some embodiments, the liquid deposition mechanism is configured to intermittently transition between a first state, in which the aqueous composition is not flowing from the liquid reservoir to the liquid drawing element, and a second state, in which the aqueous composition is flowing from the liquid reservoir through the liquid drawing element to contact the evaporation heater and be evaporated from the surface thereof.

According to some embodiments, the electronic cigarette cartridge further comprises a porous body, which is in contact and in fluid communication with each one of the liquid drawing element and the evaporation heater.

According to some embodiments, the porous body comprises plurality of micropores with a diameter of about 1 μm to about 100 μm.

According to some embodiments, the porous body is made of an electrically insulating porous ceramic.

According to some embodiments, the housing extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end, wherein the electronic cigarette cartridge comprises an aerosol outlet at the housing first end and a connection means configured to connect the electronic cigarette cartridge to an electronic cigarette actuator at the second end, wherein the housing comprises at least one wall extending longitudinally between the housing first end and the housing second end.

According to some embodiments, wherein the aerosol outlet forms a mouthpiece at the first housing end.

According to some embodiments, each one of the porous body, evaporation heater and liquid drawing element is flat and has an internal face and an external face, each of which is facing and extending longitudinally substantially in parallel to the at least one housing wall.

According to some embodiments, the evaporation heater is configured to generate heat and to evaporate a liquid from the internal face thereof, wherein the external evaporation heater face is in contact with the internal porous body face, wherein the external porous body face is in contact with the internal liquid drawing element face, wherein in the second state the liquid reservoir is in fluid communication with at least the external liquid drawing element face.

According to some embodiments, wherein the atomizing assembly is formed in a cylindrical or cuboid structure, wherein each of the evaporation heater, the porous body and the liquid drawing element has a general shape as the atomizing assembly, wherein the porous body is surrounding the evaporation heater and is surrounded by the liquid drawing element.

According to some embodiments, the atomizing assembly has a first open end, which faces the aerosol outlet, and a second end facing the connection means.

According to some embodiments, the atomizing assembly further comprises a separating wall, surrounding the liquid drawing element.

According to some embodiments, the separating wall comprises a metal, a metal alloy or a combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the separating wall is in contact with the external face of the liquid drawing element.

According to some embodiments, the separating wall is in preventing fluid communication between the liquid drawing element and an internal portion of the housing. According to some embodiments, the separating wall is in contact with the external face of the liquid drawing element and wherein the separating wall is in preventing fluid communication between the liquid drawing element and an internal portion of the housing.

According to some embodiments, in the first state the aqueous composition is not flowing from the liquid reservoir to any one of the liquid drawing element, the porous body and the evaporation heater, and wherein in the second state, the aqueous composition is flowing from the liquid reservoir through the liquid drawing element to contact the porous body and through the porous body to contact evaporation heater and to be evaporated from the internal face thereof.

According to some embodiments, the separating wall defines at least one fluid inlet hole configured to allow fluid communication between the liquid drawing element and an internal portion of the housing therethrough.

According to some embodiments, in the first state the aqueous composition is not flowing from the liquid reservoir to any one of the liquid drawing element, the porous body and the evaporation heater, and wherein in the second state, the aqueous composition is flowing from the liquid reservoir through the at least one fluid inlet hole in the separating wall to contact the liquid drawing element to contact the porous body and through the porous body to contact evaporation heater and be evaporated from the internal face thereof.

According to some embodiments, the liquid deposition mechanism is configured to intermittently transition between the first state and the second state a plurality of cycles, thereby providing a discrete quantity of the aqueous composition to the liquid drawing element in each cycle.

According to some embodiments, in each cycle the evaporation heater is evaporating the corresponding discrete quantity individually. According to some embodiments, the liquid deposition mechanism is configured to intermittently transition between the first state and the second state a plurality of cycles, thereby providing a discrete quantity of the aqueous composition to the liquid drawing element in each cycle, wherein in each cycle the evaporation heater is evaporating the corresponding discrete quantity individually.

According to some embodiments, the discrete quantity of has a volume in the range of 2 μL to 40 μL.

According to some embodiments, the liquid reservoir is movable between a first position and a second position, and wherein the liquid deposition mechanism comprises a biasing element configured to intermittently dislocate the liquid reservoir between the first position in the first state and the second position in the second state, wherein the liquid reservoir is in fluid isolation from the liquid drawing element during the first state and in fluid communication therewith during the second state.

According to some embodiments, the liquid drawing element is stationary, wherein the liquid deposition mechanism further comprises a mobile liquid drawing element, wherein a portion of the mobile liquid drawing element is inside the liquid reservoir, wherein when the liquid reservoir is in the first position the stationary liquid drawing element and the mobile liquid drawing element are spaced apart, and wherein when the liquid reservoir is in the second position the stationary liquid drawing element and the mobile liquid drawing element are in contact, to enable the fluid communication there between in the second state.

According to some embodiments, the biasing element comprises an actuator configured to intermittently dislocate the liquid reservoir between the first position and the second position.

According to some embodiments, the actuator is selected from a conveyer assembly and a solenoid assembly, wherein the conveyer assembly comprises a conveyer, a track and a conveyer motor, and wherein the solenoid assembly comprises a solenoid motor, a connecting rod and a solenoid plunger head. According to some embodiments, the biasing element comprises an actuator configured to intermittently dislocate the liquid reservoir between the first position and the second position, wherein the actuator is selected from a conveyer assembly and a solenoid assembly, wherein the conveyer assembly comprises a conveyer, a track and a conveyer motor, and wherein the solenoid assembly comprises a solenoid motor, a connecting rod and a solenoid plunger head.

According to some embodiments, in each of the first position and the second position, the liquid reservoir is positioned between the atomizing assembly and the aerosol outlet.

According to some embodiments, the stationary liquid drawing element has a first end facing the aerosol outlet and a second end facing the connection means, wherein in the second position of the liquid reservoir the mobile liquid drawing element is in contact with the stationary liquid drawing element first end and in the first position of the liquid reservoir, the mobile liquid drawing element is spaced apart from the stationary liquid drawing element first end.

According to some embodiments, in the second position of the liquid reservoir the mobile liquid drawing element is in contact with the stationary liquid drawing element, wherein said contact is made through the fluid inlet hole in the separating wall, and wherein in the first position, the mobile liquid drawing element is spaced apart from the stationary liquid drawing element.

According to some embodiments, the liquid reservoir is extending longitudinally between a liquid reservoir first end facing the aerosol outlet and a liquid reservoir second end facing the atomizing assembly, wherein the liquid reservoir has a toroid shape having a hole extending therethrough between the first and second liquid reservoir ends, allowing aerosol formed in the atomizing assembly in the second state to pass therethrough to the aerosol outlet.

According to some embodiments, in each of the first position and the second position, the liquid reservoir is offset laterally from the atomizing assembly, wherein in the second state the mobile liquid drawing element is contacting the stationary liquid drawing element through the fluid inlet hole.

According to some embodiments, the liquid drawing element is stationary, wherein the liquid deposition mechanism comprises a mobile liquid drawing element and a biasing element configured to intermittently dislocate the mobile liquid drawing element between a first position in the first state and a second position in the second state.

According to some embodiments, the liquid deposition mechanism further comprises a reservoir-coupled liquid drawing element, wherein a portion thereof is positioned inside the liquid reservoir, wherein when the mobile liquid drawing element is in the first position the mobile liquid drawing element is spaced apart from the stationary liquid drawing element and in contact with the reservoir-coupled liquid drawing element, and wherein when the mobile liquid drawing element is in the second position the stationary liquid drawing element and the mobile liquid drawing element are in contact, to enable the fluid communication there between in the second state.

According to some embodiments, the biasing element comprises an actuator configured to intermittently dislocate the mobile liquid drawing element between the first position and the second position.

According to some embodiments, actuator is selected from a conveyer assembly and a solenoid assembly, wherein the conveyer assembly comprises a conveyer, a track and a conveyer motor, and wherein the solenoid assembly comprises a solenoid motor, a connecting rod and a solenoid plunger head. According to some embodiments, the biasing element comprises an actuator configured to intermittently dislocate the mobile liquid drawing element between the first position and the second position, wherein the actuator is selected from a conveyer assembly and a solenoid assembly, wherein the conveyer assembly comprises a conveyer, a track and a conveyer motor, and wherein the solenoid assembly comprises a solenoid motor, a connecting rod and a solenoid plunger head

According to some embodiments, in each of the first position and the second position, the mobile liquid drawing element is positioned between the atomizing assembly and the aerosol outlet.

According to some embodiments, wherein the liquid reservoir is extending longitudinally between a liquid reservoir first end facing the aerosol outlet and a liquid reservoir second end facing the atomizing assembly, wherein the liquid reservoir has a toroid shape having a hole extending therethrough between the first and second liquid reservoir ends, allowing aerosol formed in the atomizing assembly in the second state to pass therethrough to the aerosol outlet.

According to some embodiments, in the second state the mobile liquid drawing element is contacting the stationary liquid drawing element through the fluid inlet hole, and in the first state the mobile liquid drawing element is spaced apart from the fluid inlet hole.

According to some embodiments, the separating wall has an internal face contacting the external liquid drawing element face and an external face, wherein the separating wall defines a wall of the liquid reservoir, wherein upon the liquid reservoir containing a liquid, the liquid is in contact with the separating wall external face, wherein the liquid deposition mechanism comprises a biasing element configured to intermittently allow passage of liquids through the fluid inlet hole in the second state and to prevent passage of liquids through the fluid inlet hole in the first state.

According to some embodiments, the biasing element is a controllable valve, configured to intermittently allow passage of liquids through the fluid inlet hole in the second state and to block passage of liquids through the fluid inlet hole in the first state.

According to some embodiments, the biasing element is a controllable gate, configured to intermittently allow passage of liquids through the fluid inlet hole in the second state and to block passage of liquids through the fluid inlet hole in the first state.

According to some embodiments, the biasing element is selected from the group consisting of sliding gate, roller gate, clamshell gate, metering gate, ball valve, butterfly valve, diaphragm valve, globe valve, needle valve.

According to some embodiments, the liquid deposition mechanism comprises a mediating liquid drawing element and a pressing mechanism, wherein the mediating liquid drawing element is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir and in contact with the liquid drawing element of the atomizing unit, wherein the contact is made through the fluid inlet hole, wherein the pressing mechanism is configured to apply pressure on fluids contained in the liquid reservoir.

According to some embodiments, the pressing mechanism is configured to apply pressure on the fluids contained in the liquid reservoir the in the second state and to relieve the pressure in the first state, wherein upon the application of pressure on the fluids, the fluids flow from the liquid reservoir to the mediating liquid drawing element.

According to some embodiments, the liquid deposition mechanism further comprises a conduit in contact in its first open end to the liquid reservoir and in its second open end to the mediating liquid drawing element, wherein upon the application of pressure, the fluid flows from the liquid reservoir through the conduit to the mediating liquid drawing element.

According to some embodiments, wherein the conduit comprises a controllable valve, configured to enable fluid flow through the conduit in the second state and the prevent fluid flow through the conduit in the first state. According to some embodiments, the liquid deposition mechanism further comprises a conduit in contact in its first open end to the liquid reservoir and in its second open end to the mediating liquid drawing element, wherein upon the application of pressure, the fluid flows from the liquid reservoir through the conduit to the mediating liquid drawing element, wherein the conduit comprises a controllable valve, configured to enable fluid flow through the conduit in the second state and the prevent fluid flow through the conduit in the first state.

According to some embodiments, wherein the pressing mechanism is a solenoid assembly comprising a solenoid motor, a connecting rod and a solenoid plunger head configured to apply pressure on the fluids.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description, examples and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 constitutes a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge.

FIG. 2A constitutes a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a first state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2B constitutes a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a second state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 3A-D constitute different views of atomizing assemblies, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 4A-D constitute different views of atomizing assemblies, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-D constitute different views of atomizing assemblies, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-D constitute different views of atomizing assemblies, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7A constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a first state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7B constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a second state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7C constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a second state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8A constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a first state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8B constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a second state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8C constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a second state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9A constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a first state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9B constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a second state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10A constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a first state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10B constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a second state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 10C-F constitute views in prospective of atomizing assemblies of the electronic cigarette cartridge of FIGS. 10A-B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 12 and 13 constitute views in prospective of electronic cigarette cartridges, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein are electronic cigarettes and cartridges. In the following description, various aspects of the disclosure will be described. For the purpose of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the different aspects of the disclosure. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the disclosure may be practiced without specific details being presented herein. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the disclosure. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. Throughout the figures of the drawings, different superscripts for the same reference numerals are used to denote different embodiments of the same elements. Embodiments of the disclosed devices and systems may include any combination of different embodiments of the same elements. Specifically, any reference to an element without a superscript may refer to any alternative embodiment of the same element denoted with a superscript. Components having the same reference number followed by different lowercase letters may be collectively referred to by the reference number alone. If a particular set of components is being discussed, a reference number without a following lowercase letter may be used to refer to the corresponding component in the set being discussed.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which constitutes schematic illustration of an electronic cigarette. The terms “electronic cigarette” and “e-cigarette” as used herein, are interchangeable and refer to a device configured to produce a vapor or aerosol from a liquid or solid composition and comprises at least a heating unit for heating the composition, and an outlet for delivering out the formed aerosol composition for a user to inhale, typically through a mouthpiece. Most aerosol generating devices designed for consumption of cannabis products are conventionally referred as vaporizers and/or vaping devices, which are similarly under the definition of e-cigarettes.

The electronic cigarette cartridge shown in FIG. 1 is based on a standard concept and some aspects thereof are described in the US patent and applications disclosed in the present background section. Specifically, the cigarette cartridge shown in FIG. 1 comprises a liquid container surrounding a multi-component atomizer having layers, which are arranged to continuously absorb liquids from the container to a heater to be evaporated. The liquids in the container continuously flow to the atomizer through inlet holes, until the liquid is consumed (i.e. it is vaporized and inhaled).

The electronic cigarette cartridge shown in FIG. 1 is typically provided with a non-aqueous composition for inhalation, typically containing organic liquids as a main component. It was found by the inventor of the present invention that upon replacement of the original compositions with an aqueous composition for inhalation, effective aerosolization of the active compound is not possible. Specifically, upon addition of water, the electronic cigarette cartridges as shown in FIG. 1 is vaporizing the water first and drying the aqueous composition.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which constitute schematic illustrations of an electronic cigarette cartridge 100 as disclosed herein. Specifically, the inventor of the present invention has found that upon shifting from a paradigm of a continuous delivery of liquids to be evaporated to a concept of delivering relatively small, discrete amounts of a liquid composition to be vaporized, aqueous compositions may be effectively vaporized.

It is to be understood that in contrast with known e-cigarettes, which employ liquid deposition mechanisms, in which the evaporation surface is in continuous fluid communication with a large reservoir of nicotine/cannabinoid formulation (as shown in FIG. 1), the liquid deposition mechanism disclosed herein delivers small and discrete amounts of aqueous nicotine/cannabinoid formulations. Without wishing to be bound by any theory or mechanism of action, when aqueous solutions of nicotine/cannabinoid(s) are loaded into the ‘soaking’ liquid deposition mechanisms of the known devices, the heat transfer from the heating element to the formulation maintains the formulation temperature at around the boiling point of water. Since the boiling temperature of water (100° C.) is not sufficient for effective evaporation of nicotine or THC, the liquid deposition mechanisms known to date fail to efficiently evaporate aqueous nicotine/cannabinoid formulations. In contrast, it was found that delivery of discrete and small amounts of aqueous nicotine/cannabinoid formulations to the evaporation heater, as disclosed herein, provides sufficient heating of the formulations, thereby enabling substantial evaporation of nicotine. Specifically, the boiling of discrete volumes entails breaking the continuous delivery (performed by standard electronic cigarettes) into a series of discrete aerosolization events. Each event involves deposition of the aqueous formulation, water evaporation and nicotine/cannabinoid evaporation. Thus, the discrete boiling approach disclosed herein combines rapid water evaporation and rapid temperature rise thereafter to an evaporation temperature of nicotine/THC, thereby achieving quick and effective evaporation of nicotine or THC.

The terms “effective evaporation” and “substantial evaporation” are interchangeable and are intended to mean that at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, least 97%, least 98%, least 99%, least 99.5% or least 99.9% of the liquid is transformed from liquid to gaseous state.

FIG. 2A constitutes a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a first state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments. FIG. 2B constitutes a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a second state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

According to some embodiments, there is provided an electronic cigarette cartridge 100 comprising: a housing 120; an atomizing assembly 150 comprising: an evaporation heater 160 configured to generate heat and to evaporate a liquid from a surface thereof; and a liquid drawing element 180 in fluid communication with the evaporation heater 160; a liquid reservoir 130, and a liquid deposition mechanism 110, configured to intermittently transition between a first state, in which the liquid reservoir 130 is in fluid isolation from liquid drawing element 180, and a second state, in which the liquid reservoir 130 is in fluid communication with liquid drawing element 180, wherein each of the atomizing assembly 150, the liquid reservoir 130 and liquid deposition mechanism 110 is disposed within the housing 120.

According to some embodiments, the liquid drawing element 180 is in constant fluid communication with the evaporation heater 160 during both the first stage and the second stage.

The term “fluid communication” refers to the ability of fluid to move from one part, element, or component to another; or the state of being connected, such that fluid can move by pressure differences or by capillary force from one portion that is connected to another portion.

The term “fluid communication” is defined as either direct fluid communication, for example, two elements can be in fluid communication with each other via an unobstructed fluid passageway connecting the two regions or can be capable of being in fluid communication, for example, two regions can be capable of fluid communication with each other when they are contacting each other or connected via a mediator, such as a conduit. Alternatively, two elements can establish indirect fluid communication when fluid is transferred from one element via a carrier, courier or vehicle to the other element.

The term “fluid isolation” refers to the state of inability of fluids to pass directly or indirectly from one element to another element, as long as the conditions are not changed to establish fluid communication.

It is to be understood that the states of fluid communication and isolation may be temporary and two the state between two or more elements may be converted from fluid isolation to fluid communication and vice versa.

According to some embodiments, liquid deposition mechanism 110 is configured to intermittently transition between the first state and the second state in frequency in the range of 1 Hz to 100 Hz.

According to some embodiments, liquid deposition mechanism 110 is configured to intermittently transition between the first state and the second state to provide a duty cycle in the range of 10% to 50%.

The term “duty cycle” as used herein refers to the fraction of one period in which a system is active. With reference to the present electronic cigarette cartridge, “duty cycle” is defined as the fraction of time in which the second state is applied though the operation of the electronic cigarette.

Reference is made, in addition to FIGS. 2A-B, to FIGS. 3A-D, 4A-D, 5A-D and 6A-D. FIGS. 3A-D, 4A-D, 5A-D and 6A-D show the components and different embodiment describing the atomizer assembly 150 and the components thereof, according to some embodiments. Said components are discussed herein below.

According to some embodiments, the evaporation heater 160 has a porous structure and is at least partially permeable to fluids.

According to some embodiments, evaporation heater 160 comprises a metal, a metal alloy or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, evaporation heater 160 is is a porous heating film formed on the atomizing surface by vapor deposition. According to some embodiments, evaporation heater 160 can be a heating coil, a heating film, or other heating components arranged inside the atomizer assembly 150.

According to some embodiments, liquid drawing element 180 comprises fabric, cloth, wool, felt, sponge, foam, cellulose, yarn, microfiber or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, liquid drawing element 180 can be a tubular liquid absorbing sponge, a tubular porous ceramic body, or a combination of the tubular porous ceramic body and the liquid absorbing sponge enclosing the porous ceramic body

According to some embodiments, liquid drawing element 180 comprises a wick.

According to some embodiments, the liquid reservoir 130 contains an aqueous composition 131.

According to some embodiments, the evaporation heater 160 is configured to generate heat and to evaporate water from a surface thereof. According to some embodiments, the evaporation heater 160 is configured to generate heat and to evaporate water from internal evaporation heater face 1601.

According to some embodiments, the aqueous composition 131 comprises nicotine.

According to some embodiments, the aqueous composition 131 comprises at least one cannabinoid.

According to some embodiments, the cannabinoid is a cannabinoid acid or a salt thereof.

According to some embodiments, the cannabinoid is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, cannabidiolic acid and salts thereof.

According to some embodiments, the aqueous composition 131 has a pH higher than 9.

According to some embodiments, liquid deposition mechanism 110 is configured to intermittently transition between a first state, in which the aqueous composition 131 is not flowing from the liquid reservoir 130 to liquid drawing element 180, and a second state, in which the aqueous composition 131 is flowing from the liquid reservoir 130 through liquid drawing element 180 to contact the evaporation heater 160 and be evaporated from the surface thereof. According to some embodiments, liquid deposition mechanism 110 is configured to intermittently transition between a first state, in which the aqueous composition 131 is not flowing from the liquid reservoir 130 to liquid drawing element 180, and a second state, in which the aqueous composition 131 is flowing from the liquid reservoir 130 through liquid drawing element 180 to contact the evaporation heater 160 and be evaporated from internal evaporation heater face 1601.

According to some embodiments, electronic cigarette cartridge 100 further comprises a porous body 170, which is in contact and in fluid communication with each one of liquid drawing element 180 and the evaporation heater 160.

According to some embodiments, the porous body 170 comprises plurality of micropores 172 with a diameter of about 1 μm to about 100 μm. According to some embodiments, the diameter of the plurality of micropores 172 on the porous body 170 is greater than a thickness of the evaporation heater 160.

According to some embodiments, the porous body 170 is made of an electrically insulating porous ceramic.

According to some embodiments, the housing 120 extends longitudinally between a first housing end 1201 and a second housing end 1202, wherein electronic cigarette cartridge 100 comprises an aerosol outlet 121 at the first housing end 1201 and a connection means 122 configured to connect electronic cigarette cartridge 100 to an electronic cigarette actuator at the second housing end 1202, wherein the housing 120 comprises at least one wall 123 extending longitudinally between the first housing end 1201 and the second housing end 1202.

According to some embodiments, wherein the aerosol outlet 121 forms a mouthpiece 1215 at the first housing end 1201.

According to some embodiments, evaporation heater 160 is flat and has an internal evaporation heater face 1601 and an external evaporation heater face 1602. According to some embodiments, each of internal evaporation heater face 1601 and external evaporation heater face 1602 is facing and extending longitudinally substantially in parallel to the at least one housing wall 123.

According to some embodiments, liquid drawing element 180 is flat and has an internal liquid drawing element face 1801 and an external liquid drawing element face 1802. According to some embodiments, each of internal liquid drawing element face 1801 and external liquid drawing element face 1802 is facing and extending longitudinally substantially in parallel to the at least one housing wall 123.

According to some embodiments, porous body 170 is flat and has an internal porous body face 1701 and an external porous body face 1702. According to some embodiments, each of internal porous body face 1701 and external porous body face 1702 is facing and extending longitudinally substantially in parallel to the at least one housing wall 123.

According to some embodiments, the evaporation heater 160 is configured to generate heat and to evaporate a liquid from the internal evaporation heater face 1601, wherein the external evaporation heater face 1602 is in contact with the internal porous body face 1701, wherein the external porous body face 1702 is in contact with internal liquid drawing element face 1801, wherein in the second state the liquid reservoir 130 is in fluid communication with at least external liquid drawing element face 1802.

According to some embodiments, wherein the atomizing assembly 150 is formed in a cylindrical or cuboid structure, wherein each of the evaporation heater 160, the porous body 170 and liquid drawing element 180 has a general shape as the atomizing assembly 150, wherein the porous body 170 is surrounding the evaporation heater 160 and is surrounded by liquid drawing element 180. It is to be understood that the phrase has a “general shape as the atomizing assembly 150” means that the shapes are substantially matching, e.g. two cylinders, even if not having exactly the same dimensions.

According to some embodiments, the atomizing assembly 150 has a first atomizing assembly open end 1501, which faces the aerosol outlet 121, and a second atomizing assembly end 1502 facing the connection means 122. According to some embodiments, upon aerosolization of a liquid from the atomizing assembly 150, the formed aerosol 105 flows through first atomizing assembly open end 1501 in the direction of the aerosol outlet 121.

According to some embodiments, the atomizing assembly 150 further comprises a separating wall 190, surrounding liquid drawing element 180.

According to some embodiments, the separating wall 190 comprises a metal, a metal alloy or a combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the separating wall 190 is in contact with the external face of liquid drawing element 180.

According to some embodiments, the separating wall 190 is in preventing fluid communication between liquid drawing element 180 and an internal portion 1205 of the housing 120.

According to some embodiments, in the first state the aqueous composition 131 is not flowing from the liquid reservoir 130 to any one of liquid drawing element 180, the porous body 170 and the evaporation heater 160, and wherein in the second state, the aqueous composition 131 is flowing from the liquid reservoir 130 through liquid drawing element 180 to contact the porous body 170 and through the porous body 170 to contact evaporation heater 160 and to be evaporated from the internal face thereof.

According to some embodiments, the separating wall 190 defines at least one fluid inlet hole 191 configured to allow fluid communication between liquid drawing element 180 and an internal portion 1205 of the housing 120 therethrough.

According to some embodiments, in the first state the aqueous composition 131 is not flowing from the liquid reservoir 130 to any one of liquid drawing element 180, the porous body 170 and the evaporation heater 160, and wherein in the second state, the aqueous composition 131 is flowing from the liquid reservoir 130 through the at least one fluid inlet hole 191 in the separating wall 190 to contact liquid drawing element 180 to contact the porous body 170 and through the porous body 170 to contact evaporation heater 160 and be evaporated from the internal evaporation heater face 1601.

According to some embodiments, liquid deposition mechanism 110 is configured to intermittently transition between the first state and the second state a plurality of cycles, thereby providing a discrete quantity of the aqueous composition 131 to liquid drawing element 180 in each cycle.

According to some embodiments, in each cycle the evaporation heater 160 is evaporating the corresponding discrete quantity individually.

According to some embodiments, the discrete quantity of has a volume in the range of 2 μL to 40 μL.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A-C and 9A-B which illustrate a representative electronic cigarette cartridge 100 comprising liquid deposition mechanism 110, configured to intermittently transition between a first state, in which the liquid reservoir 130 is in fluid isolation from the liquid drawing element 180, and a second state, in which the liquid reservoir 130 is in fluid communication with the liquid drawing element 180. It is to be understood that some embodiments described when referring to the electronic cigarette cartridge 100 of FIGS. 2A-B similarly apply for the electronic cigarette cartridge 100 of FIGS. 7A-C and 9A-B.

FIG. 7A constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a first state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7B constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a second state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7C constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a second state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9A constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a first state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9B constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a second state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

According to some embodiments, the liquid reservoir 130 is movable between a first position and a second position, and wherein liquid deposition mechanism 110 comprises biasing element 111 configured to intermittently dislocate the liquid reservoir 130 between the first position in the first state and the second position in the second state, wherein the liquid reservoir 130 is in fluid isolation from the liquid drawing element 180 during the first state and in fluid communication therewith during the second state.

According to some embodiments, liquid drawing element 180 is stationary, wherein liquid deposition mechanism 110 further comprises a mobile liquid drawing element 112, wherein a mobile liquid drawing element first portion 1121 is inside the liquid reservoir 130, wherein when the liquid reservoir 130 is in the first position the stationary liquid drawing element 180 and mobile liquid drawing element 112 are spaced apart, and wherein when the liquid reservoir 130 is in the second position stationary liquid drawing element 180 and mobile liquid drawing element 112 are in contact, to enable the fluid communication there between in the second state.

The phrase “wherein a mobile liquid drawing element first portion 1121 is inside the liquid reservoir 130” is intended to mean that at least a portion of mobile liquid drawing element 112 is in contact with the interior volume of the liquid reservoir 130.

According to some embodiments, liquid drawing element 180 is stationary, wherein liquid deposition mechanism 110 further comprises a mobile liquid drawing element 112, wherein a mobile liquid drawing element first portion 1121 is contacting an interior cavity of the liquid reservoir 130, wherein when the liquid reservoir 130 is in the first position the stationary liquid drawing element 180 and mobile liquid drawing element 112 are spaced apart, and wherein when the liquid reservoir 130 is in the second position stationary liquid drawing element 180 and mobile liquid drawing element 112 are in contact, to enable the fluid communication there between in the second state. According to some embodiments, the mobile liquid drawing element first portion 1121 is confined to the liquid reservoir 130.

According to some embodiments, biasing element 111 comprises an actuator configured to intermittently dislocate the liquid reservoir 130 between the first position and the second position.

According to some embodiments, the actuator is selected from a conveyer assembly and a solenoid assembly, wherein the conveyer assembly comprises a conveyer, a track and a conveyer motor, and wherein the solenoid assembly comprises a solenoid motor, a connecting rod and a solenoid plunger head.

According to some embodiments, in each of the first position and the second position, the liquid reservoir 130 is positioned between the atomizing assembly 150 and the aerosol outlet 121.

According to some embodiments, stationary liquid drawing element 180 has a first stationary liquid drawing element end 1803 facing the aerosol outlet 121 and a second stationary liquid drawing element end 1804 facing the connection means 122, wherein in the second position of liquid reservoir 130, mobile liquid drawing element 112 is in contact with first stationary liquid drawing element end 1803 and in the first position of the liquid reservoir 130, mobile liquid drawing element 112 is spaced apart from the first stationary liquid drawing element end 1804.

Although the mobile liquid drawing element 112 may descend in the direction of the second housing end 1202 to contact the first stationary liquid drawing element end 1803, as shown in FIGS. 7A-C, it may also move to come in contact with liquid drawing element external face 1802 through the fluid inlet hole 191, as shown in FIGS. 9A-B.

According to some embodiments, in the second position of the liquid reservoir 130, mobile liquid drawing element 112 is in contact with stationary liquid drawing element 180, wherein said contact is made through the fluid inlet hole 191 in the separating wall 190, and wherein in the first position, mobile liquid drawing element 112 is spaced apart from the stationary liquid drawing element 180. According to some embodiments, in the second position of the liquid reservoir 130, mobile liquid drawing element 112 is in contact with stationary external liquid drawing element face 1802, wherein said contact is made through the fluid inlet hole 191 in the separating wall 190, and wherein in the first position, mobile liquid drawing element 112 is spaced apart from the stationary external liquid drawing element face 1802.

According to some embodiments, the liquid reservoir 130 is extending longitudinally between a first liquid reservoir end 1301 facing the aerosol outlet 121 and a second liquid reservoir end 1302 facing the atomizing assembly 150, wherein the liquid reservoir 130 has a toroid shape having a hole 132 extending therethrough between the first liquid reservoir end 1301 and second liquid reservoir end 1302, allowing aerosol 105 formed in the atomizing assembly 150 in the second state to pass therethrough to the aerosol outlet 121.

According to some embodiments, in each of the first position and the second position, the liquid reservoir 130 is offset laterally from the atomizing assembly 150, wherein in the second state mobile liquid drawing element 112 is contacting the stationary liquid drawing element 180 through the fluid inlet hole 191. According to some embodiments, in each of the first position and the second position, the liquid reservoir 130 is offset laterally from the atomizing assembly 150, wherein in the second state mobile liquid drawing element 112 is contacting the external stationary liquid drawing element face 1802 through the fluid inlet hole 191.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A-C which illustrate a representative electronic cigarette cartridge 100 comprising liquid deposition mechanism 110, configured to intermittently transition between a first state, in which the liquid reservoir 130 is in fluid isolation from the liquid drawing element 180, and a second state, in which the liquid reservoir 130 is in fluid communication with the liquid drawing element 180. It is to be understood that some embodiments described when referring to the electronic cigarette cartridge 100 of FIGS. 2A-B similarly apply for the electronic cigarette cartridge 100 of FIGS. 8A-C.

FIG. 8A constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a first state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8B constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a second state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8C constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a second state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

According to some embodiments, the liquid drawing element 180 is stationary, wherein liquid deposition mechanism 110 comprises mobile liquid drawing element 112 and biasing element 111 configured to intermittently dislocate mobile liquid drawing element 112 between a first position in the first state and a second position in the second state.

According to some embodiments, liquid deposition mechanism 110 further comprises a reservoir-coupled liquid drawing element 116, wherein a portion thereof 1161 is positioned inside the liquid reservoir 130, wherein when the mobile liquid drawing element 112 is in the first position mobile liquid drawing element 112 is spaced apart from the stationary liquid drawing element 180 and in contact with the reservoir-coupled liquid drawing element 116, and wherein when the mobile liquid drawing element 112 is in the second position the stationary liquid drawing element 180 and the mobile liquid drawing element 112 are in contact, to enable the fluid communication there between in the second state.

According to some embodiments, biasing element 111 comprises an actuator configured to intermittently dislocate mobile liquid drawing element 112 between the first position and the second position.

According to some embodiments, actuator is selected from a conveyer assembly and a solenoid assembly, wherein the conveyer assembly comprises a conveyer, a track and a conveyer motor, and wherein the solenoid assembly comprises a solenoid motor, a connecting rod and a solenoid plunger head.

According to some embodiments, in each of the first position and the second position, mobile liquid drawing element 112 is positioned between the atomizing assembly 150 and the aerosol outlet 121.

According to some embodiments, wherein the liquid reservoir 130 is extending longitudinally between a first liquid reservoir end 1301 facing the aerosol outlet 121 and a second liquid reservoir end 1302 facing the atomizing assembly 150, wherein the liquid reservoir 130 has a toroid shape having a hole 132 extending therethrough between the first liquid reservoir end 1301 and second liquid reservoir end 1302, allowing aerosol 105 formed in the atomizing assembly 150 in the second state to pass therethrough to the aerosol outlet 121.

According to some embodiments, in the second state mobile liquid drawing element 112 is contacting the stationary liquid drawing element 180 through the fluid inlet hole 191, and in the first state mobile liquid drawing element 112 is spaced apart from the fluid inlet hole 191. According to some embodiments, in the second state mobile liquid drawing element 112 is contacting the stationary liquid drawing element 180 through the fluid inlet hole 191, and in the first state mobile liquid drawing element 112 is offset longitudinally and/or laterally from the fluid inlet hole 191.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A-B which illustrate a representative electronic cigarette cartridge 100 comprising liquid deposition mechanism 110, configured to intermittently transition between a first state, in which the liquid reservoir 130 is in fluid isolation from the liquid drawing element 180, and a second state, in which the liquid reservoir 130 is in fluid communication with the liquid drawing element 180. It is to be understood that some embodiments described when referring to the electronic cigarette cartridge 100 of FIGS. 2A-B similarly apply for the electronic cigarette cartridge 100 of FIGS. 8A-C. Reference is also made to FIGS. 10C-F depicting close-up prospective views of atomizer assemblies shown the liquid deposition mechanism of electronic cigarette cartridge 100 of FIGS. 10A-B.

FIG. 10A constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a first state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10B constitutes a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in a second state of its liquid deposition mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 10C-F constitute views in prospective of atomizing assemblies of the electronic cigarette cartridge of FIGS. 10A-B, according to some embodiments.

According to some embodiments, the separating wall 190 has an internal separating wall face 1901 contacting the external liquid drawing element face 1802 and an external separating wall face 1902, wherein the separating wall 190 defines an internal wall 133 of the liquid reservoir 130, wherein upon the liquid reservoir 130 containing a liquid, the liquid is in contact with the separating wall external face 1902, wherein liquid deposition mechanism 110 comprises biasing element 111 configured to intermittently allow passage of liquids through the fluid inlet hole 191 in the second state and to prevent passage of liquids through the fluid inlet hole 191 in the first state. According to some embodiments, the liquid is the aqueous composition 131 described herein.

According to some embodiments, biasing element 111 is a controllable valve, configured to intermittently allow passage of liquids through the fluid inlet hole 191 in the second state and to block passage of liquids through the fluid inlet hole 191 in the first state

According to some embodiments, biasing element 111 is a controllable gate, configured to intermittently allow passage of liquids through the fluid inlet hole 191 in the second state and to block passage of liquids through the fluid inlet hole 191 in the first state

According to some embodiments, biasing element 111 is selected from the group consisting of sliding gate, roller gate, clamshell gate, metering gate, ball valve, butterfly valve, diaphragm valve, globe valve, needle valve.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11 which illustrate a representative electronic cigarette cartridge 100 comprising liquid deposition mechanism 110, configured to intermittently transition between a first state, in which the liquid reservoir 130 is in fluid isolation from the liquid drawing element 180, and a second state, in which the liquid reservoir 130 is in fluid communication with the liquid drawing element 180. It is to be understood that some embodiments described when referring to the electronic cigarette cartridge 100 of FIGS. 2A-B similarly apply for the electronic cigarette cartridge 100 of FIG. 11.

Specifically, since visually the electronic cigarette cartridge 100 looks similar in the first and second states, wherein the liquid flow is varying between the states, a single Figure is provided.

According to some embodiments, liquid deposition mechanism 110 comprises a mediating liquid drawing element 113 and a pressing mechanism 114, wherein mediating liquid drawing element 113 is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir 130 and in contact with the liquid drawing element 180, wherein the contact is made through the fluid inlet hole 191, wherein the pressing mechanism 114 is configured to apply pressure on fluids contained in the liquid reservoir 130. It is to be understood that when aqueous composition 131 is contained inside liquid reservoir 130 pressing mechanism 114 is configured to apply pressure on the aqueous composition 131, such that it flows towards liquid drawing element 180. However, the definition of fluids in not limited to water-based composition, as when the electronic cigarette cartridge 100 is empty (e.g. it is sold without a composition) liquid reservoir 130 contains air, which is fluid and will react similarly to application of pressure.

According to some embodiments, the pressing mechanism 114 is configured to apply pressure on the fluids contained in the liquid reservoir 130 in the second state and to relieve the pressure in the first state, wherein upon the application of pressure on the fluids, the fluids flow from the liquid reservoir 130 to the mediating liquid drawing element 113. According to some embodiments, the pressing mechanism 114 is configured to apply pressure on the fluids contained in the liquid reservoir 130 in the second state and to relieve the pressure in the first state, wherein upon the application of pressure on the fluids, the fluids flow from the liquid reservoir 130 to the mediating liquid drawing element 113 and from the mediating liquid drawing element 113 to liquid drawing element 180.

According to some embodiments, the pressing mechanism 114 is configured to apply pressure on the fluids contained in the liquid reservoir 130 in the second state and to relieve the pressure in the first state, wherein upon the application of pressure on the fluids, the fluids flow from the liquid reservoir 130 to the mediating liquid drawing element 113 and from the mediating liquid drawing element 113 through liquid drawing element 180 to evaporation heater 160. According to some embodiments, the pressing mechanism 114 is configured to apply pressure on the fluids contained in the liquid reservoir 130 in the second state and to relieve the pressure in the first state, wherein upon the application of pressure on the fluids, the fluids flow from the liquid reservoir 130 to the mediating liquid drawing element 113 and from the mediating liquid drawing element 113 through liquid drawing element 180 and porous body 170 to evaporation heater 160.

According to some embodiments, liquid deposition mechanism 110 further comprises a conduit 115 in contact in its first open end 1151 to the liquid reservoir 130 and in its second open end 1152 to the mediating liquid drawing element 113, wherein upon the application of pressure, the fluid flows from the liquid reservoir 130 through the conduit 115 to mediating liquid drawing element 113.

According to some embodiments, wherein the conduit 115 comprises a controllable valve, configured to enable fluid flow through the conduit 115 in the second state and the prevent fluid flow through the conduit 115 in the first state.

According to some embodiments, wherein the pressing mechanism 114 is a solenoid assembly comprising a solenoid motor, a connecting rod and a solenoid plunger head configured to apply pressure on the fluids.

It is understood that aspect and embodiments described herein include “consisting” and/or “consisting essentially of” aspects and embodiments. As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural references unless indicated otherwise.

While this invention has been disclosed with reference to specific embodiments, it is apparent that other embodiments and variations of this invention may be devised by others skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. The appended claims are intended to be construed to include all such embodiments and equivalent variations.

Claims

1. An electronic cigarette cartridge comprising: wherein each of the atomizing assembly, the liquid reservoir and the liquid deposition mechanism is disposed within the housing.

a housing;

an atomizing assembly comprising: an evaporation heater configured to generate heat and to evaporate a liquid from a surface thereof; and a liquid drawing element in fluid communication with the evaporation heater;

a liquid reservoir, and

a liquid deposition mechanism, configured to intermittently transition between a first state, in which the liquid reservoir is in fluid isolation from the liquid drawing element, and a second state, in which the liquid reservoir is in fluid communication with the liquid drawing element,

2. The electronic cigarette cartridge of claim 1, wherein the liquid drawing element is stationary.

3. The electronic cigarette cartridge of claim 1, wherein the liquid deposition mechanism is the only moving part in the electronic cigarette cartridge.

4. The electronic cigarette cartridge of claim 1, wherein the liquid deposition mechanism is configured to intermittently transition between the first state and the second state in frequency in the range of 1 Hz to 100 Hz, and wherein the liquid deposition mechanism is configured to intermittently transition between the first state and the second state to provide a duty cycle in the range of 10% to 50%.

5. (canceled)

6. The electronic cigarette cartridge of claim 1, wherein the evaporation heater has a porous structure and is at least partially permeable to fluids and comprises a metal, a metal alloy or a combination thereof.

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. The electronic cigarette of claim 1, wherein the liquid drawing element is a stationary wick.

10. The electronic cigarette of claim 1, wherein the liquid reservoir contains an aqueous composition.

11. The electronic cigarette of claim 10, wherein the evaporation heater is configured to generate heat and to evaporate water from a surface thereof.

12. The electronic cigarette of claim 10, wherein the aqueous composition comprises nicotine, at least one cannabinoid or both.

13. The electronic cigarette of claim 10, wherein the liquid deposition mechanism is configured to intermittently transition between a first state, in which the aqueous composition is not flowing from the liquid reservoir to the liquid drawing element, and a second state, in which the aqueous composition is flowing from the liquid reservoir through the liquid drawing element to contact the evaporation heater and be evaporated from the surface thereof.

14. The electronic cigarette cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a porous body, which is in contact and in fluid communication with each one of the liquid drawing element and the evaporation heater.

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. The electronic cigarette cartridge of claim 14, wherein the housing extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end, wherein the electronic cigarette cartridge comprises an aerosol outlet at the housing first end, wherein the housing comprises at least one wall extending longitudinally between the housing first end and the housing second end, wherein each one of the porous body, evaporation heater and liquid drawing element is flat and has an internal face and an external face, each of which is facing and extending longitudinally substantially in parallel to the at least one housing wall, wherein the evaporation heater is configured to generate heat and to evaporate a liquid from the internal face thereof, wherein the external evaporation heater face is in contact with the internal porous body face, wherein the external porous body face is in contact with the internal liquid drawing element face, wherein in the second state the liquid reservoir is in fluid communication with at least the external liquid drawing element face.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. The electronic cigarette cartridge of claim 17, wherein the atomizing assembly further comprises a separating wall, surrounding the liquid drawing element, wherein the separating wall defines at least one fluid inlet hole configured to allow fluid communication between the liquid drawing element and an internal portion of the housing therethrough.

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

29. The electronic cigarette cartridge of claim 1, wherein the liquid reservoir is movable between a first position and a second position, and wherein the liquid deposition mechanism comprises a biasing element configured to intermittently dislocate the liquid reservoir between the first position in the first state and the second position in the second state, wherein the liquid reservoir is in fluid isolation from the liquid drawing element during the first state and in fluid communication therewith during the second state.

30. The electronic cigarette cartridge of claim 29, wherein the liquid drawing element is stationary, wherein the liquid deposition mechanism further comprises a mobile liquid drawing element, wherein a portion of the mobile liquid drawing element is inside the liquid reservoir, wherein when the liquid reservoir is in the first position the stationary liquid drawing element and the mobile liquid drawing element are spaced apart, and wherein when the liquid reservoir is in the second position the stationary liquid drawing element and the mobile liquid drawing element are in contact, to enable the fluid communication there between in the second state.

31. The electronic cigarette cartridge of claim 29, wherein the biasing element comprises an actuator configured to intermittently dislocate the liquid reservoir between the first position and the second position, wherein the actuator is selected from a conveyer assembly and a solenoid assembly, wherein the conveyer assembly comprises a conveyer, a track and a conveyer motor, and wherein the solenoid assembly comprises a solenoid motor, a connecting rod and a solenoid plunger head.

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. (canceled)

36. (canceled)

37. The electronic cigarette cartridge of claim 1, wherein the liquid drawing element is stationary, wherein the liquid deposition mechanism comprises a mobile liquid drawing element and a biasing element configured to intermittently dislocate the mobile liquid drawing element between a first position in the first state and a second position in the second state.

38. The electronic cigarette cartridge of claim 37, wherein the liquid deposition mechanism further comprises a reservoir-coupled liquid drawing element, wherein a portion thereof is positioned inside the liquid reservoir, wherein when the mobile liquid drawing element is in the first position the mobile liquid drawing element is spaced apart from the stationary liquid drawing element and in contact with the reservoir-coupled liquid drawing element, and wherein when the mobile liquid drawing element is in the second position the stationary liquid drawing element and the mobile liquid drawing element are in contact, to enable the fluid communication there between in the second state.

39. The electronic cigarette cartridge of claim 37, wherein the biasing element comprises an actuator configured to intermittently dislocate the mobile liquid drawing element between the first position and the second position, wherein the actuator is selected from a conveyer assembly and a solenoid assembly, wherein the conveyer assembly comprises a conveyer, a track and a conveyer motor, and wherein the solenoid assembly comprises a solenoid motor, a connecting rod and a solenoid plunger head.

40. (canceled)

41. (canceled)

42. (canceled)

43. The electronic cigarette cartridge of claim 22, wherein the separating wall has an internal face contacting the external liquid drawing element face and an external face, wherein the separating wall defines a wall of the liquid reservoir, wherein upon the liquid reservoir containing a liquid, the liquid is in contact with the separating wall external face, wherein the liquid deposition mechanism comprises a biasing element configured to intermittently allow passage of liquids through the fluid inlet hole in the second state and to prevent passage of liquids through the fluid inlet hole in the first state, wherein the biasing element is a controllable valve, configured to intermittently allow passage of liquids through the fluid inlet hole in the second state and to block passage of liquids through the fluid inlet hole in the first state.

44. (canceled)

45. (canceled)

46. (canceled)

47. (canceled)

48. (canceled)

49. (canceled)

50. (canceled)