阅读说明：本技术 低排放物电子吸烟设备和排放物过滤设备 (Low emission electronic smoking device and emissions filtering device ) 是由 Y·申卡尔 J·格林 于 2020-01-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：在一实施例中,本公开提供一种过滤器设备,其包括烟嘴、与烟嘴连通用于过滤被呼入烟嘴的空气的过滤器组件,以及准许空气通过烟嘴被呼入过滤器组件的出口止回阀,并且出口止回阀基本上禁止空气从过滤器组件被吸入烟嘴。(In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a filter device comprising a mouthpiece, a filter assembly in communication with the mouthpiece for filtering air drawn into the mouthpiece, and an outlet check valve permitting air to be drawn into the filter assembly through the mouthpiece, and the outlet check valve substantially inhibits air from being drawn into the mouthpiece from the filter assembly.)

1. A filter apparatus, comprising:

a mouthpiece;

a filter assembly in communication with the mouthpiece for filtering air exhaled into the mouthpiece; and

an outlet check valve permitting air to be drawn into the filter assembly through the mouthpiece and substantially inhibiting air from being drawn into the mouthpiece from the filter assembly.

2. The filter apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outlet check valve is a one-way valve that opens when a user exhales into the mouthpiece and seals when a user inhales from the mouthpiece.

3. The filter device of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece is removably secured to the filter assembly.

4. The filter apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filter assembly comprises a venturi core comprising:

a funnel-shaped inlet portion having a wide end directed towards the mouthpiece to receive emissions blown into the mouthpiece and a narrow end facing away from the mouthpiece, and

a stem portion extending from the narrow end of the funnel-shaped inlet portion.

5. The filter apparatus of claim 4, wherein an inner surface of the stem portion defines an internal cavity, and the inner surface of the stem portion includes a plurality of walls.

6. The filter apparatus of claim 4, wherein the valve stem portion comprises one or more openings to permit emissions to exit the internal cavity.

7. A filter device according to claim 6, wherein the one or more openings are covered by a filter.

8. The filter apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the filter is a HEPA filter.

9. The filter apparatus of claim 8, wherein the filter is a polyester HEPA filter.

10. A filter device according to claim 6, wherein

The valve stem portion is housed within an outer body,

the area between the stem portion and the outer body defines an outer cavity, and

the one or more openings permit exhaust to exit the inner chamber into the outer chamber.

11. A filter device according to claim 10, wherein the outer chamber contains a plurality of odour absorbing particles.

12. A filter device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of odour absorbing particles comprises a plurality of carbon particles.

13. The filter apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the outer chamber contains a plurality of hygroscopic particles.

14. A filter device according to claim 10, wherein

The outer body is hollow and has a first open end opposite a second open end, and

the outer body is sealed at the first open end by the funnel-shaped inlet portion of the venturi core, and the outer body is secured at the second end to a base housing, and further wherein

The base housing includes one or more openings, and

the outlet check valve is configured to selectively seal the one or more openings based on a direction of air flow through the filter assembly.

15. The filter apparatus of claim 14, wherein the outlet check valve is configured to be pushed away from the one or more openings in the base housing when a user exhales into the mouthpiece and is configured to be pulled toward the one or more openings in the base housing when a user inhales into the mouthpiece, thereby sealing the one or more openings.

Technical Field

The present technology relates to the field of electronic smoking devices. More particularly, the present technology relates to low emission electronic smoking devices.

Background

Smoking plant material has been practiced for many centuries in many cultures. However, with increasing scientific and medical evidence regarding environmental and health risks of smoking emissions (e.g., second-hand smoke), many public places have banned traditional smoking of tobacco or other plant-based materials. In addition, social norms typically discourage smoking in any venue where others may be affected by smoking emissions.

Electronic smoking devices, commonly referred to as e-cigarettes, vaporizers or vapers, have become increasingly popular to replace or supplement traditional smoking media, such as cigarettes or pipes. Electronic smoking devices are generally claimed to be healthier than, for example, traditional cigarettes. Electronic smoking devices are also commonly claimed to have fewer harmful emissions than traditional smoking media. However, electronic smoking devices do still cause emissions, which may potentially pose health and/or environmental risks, and may be viewed negatively in public or social environments.

Disclosure of Invention

In an embodiment, the present disclosure may be embodied in a filter device comprising a mouthpiece, a filter assembly in communication with the mouthpiece for filtering air drawn into the mouthpiece, and an outlet check valve permitting air to be drawn into the filter assembly through the mouthpiece, and the outlet check valve substantially prohibits air from being drawn into the mouthpiece from the filter assembly.

In one embodiment, the outlet check valve is a one-way valve that opens when the user exhales into the mouthpiece and seals when the user inhales from the mouthpiece.

In an embodiment, the mouthpiece is removably secured to the filter assembly.

In one embodiment, the filter assembly includes a venturi core. The venturi core includes a funnel-shaped inlet portion having a wide end directed toward the mouthpiece to receive emissions blown into the mouthpiece and a narrow end facing away from the mouthpiece, and a valve stem portion extending from the narrow end of the funnel-shaped inlet portion.

In an embodiment, the inner surface of the stem portion defines an internal cavity, and the inner surface of the stem portion includes a plurality of walls.

In one embodiment, the valve stem portion includes one or more openings to permit emissions to exit the internal cavity.

In an embodiment, the one or more openings are covered by a filter.

In one embodiment, the filter is a HEPA filter.

In one embodiment, the filter is a polyester HEPA filter.

In one embodiment, the valve stem portion is housed within the outer body, the area between the valve stem portion and the outer body defines an outer cavity, and the one or more openings permit emissions to exit the inner cavity into the outer cavity.

In an embodiment, the outer chamber contains a plurality of odour absorbing particles.

In an embodiment, the plurality of odor absorbing particles comprises a plurality of carbon particles.

In one embodiment, the outer chamber contains a plurality of hygroscopic particles.

In an embodiment, the outer body is hollow and has a first open end opposite a second open end, and the outer body is sealed at the first open end by the funnel-shaped inlet portion of the venturi core, and the outer body is secured at the second end to the base housing. The base housing includes one or more openings, and the outlet check valve is configured to selectively seal the one or more openings based on a direction of air flow through the filter assembly.

In an embodiment, the outlet check valve is configured to be pushed away from the one or more openings in the base housing when a user exhales into the mouthpiece, and is configured to be pulled towards the one or more openings in the base housing when a user inhales into the mouthpiece, thereby sealing the one or more openings.

The present disclosure may also be embodied as one or more methods for using, assembling, and/or manufacturing the various electronic smoking devices, filter cartridge assemblies, and stand-alone filter devices described herein.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

Drawings

Figure 1A illustrates a perspective view of an electronic smoking device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 1B illustrates an exploded view of the electronic smoking device of figure 1A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 2A illustrates a front plan view of the electronic smoking device of figure 1A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the electronic smoking device of figure 2A taken along line 2B-2B of figure 2A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2C illustrates a close-up view of the cross-sectional view shown in fig. 2B defined by area 2C of fig. 2B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures 3A-3C illustrate various cross-sectional views of a mouthpiece and a diverter valve according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a filter cartridge assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5A illustrates a plan view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 4, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 5A taken along line 5B-5B of fig. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 5A taken along line 5C-5C of fig. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6A illustrates a plan view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 6A taken along line 6B-6B of fig. 6A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 6A taken along line 6C-6C of fig. 6A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7A illustrates an exploded view of a filter cartridge assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7B illustrates an exploded view of a concentric 4-stage filter, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 8A illustrates a plan view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 7A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 8A taken along line 8B-8B of fig. 8A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 8A taken along line 8C-8C of fig. 8A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9A illustrates a plan view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 7A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 9A taken along line 9B-9B of fig. 9A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 9A taken along line 9C-9C of fig. 9A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of various electronic smoking devices having various ways of accessing a vaporizer portion of each electronic smoking device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 11A illustrates a side plan view of an electronic smoking device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 11B illustrates a front plan view of the electronic smoking device of figure 11A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the electronic smoking device of figure 11B taken along line 12-12 of figure 11B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 13 illustrates an exploded view of the electronic smoking device of figure 11A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of a filter cartridge assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15A illustrates a plan view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 14, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 15A taken along line 15B-15B of fig. 15A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15C illustrates a close-up view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 15B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly of FIG. 15C taken along line 15D-15D of FIG. 15A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 16A illustrates a perspective view of an electronic smoking device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 16B illustrates an exploded view of the electronic smoking device of figure 16A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 17A illustrates a front plan view of the electronic smoking device of figure 16A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 17B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the electronic smoking device of figure 17A taken along line 17B-17B of figure 17A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 18A illustrates an exploded view of a filter cartridge assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 18B illustrates a front plan view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 18, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 18C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly of fig. 18B taken along line 18C-18C of fig. 18B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 19A shows an exploded view of a filter cartridge assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 19B illustrates a plan view of a mesh filter structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 19C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mesh filter structure of fig. 19B taken along line 19C-19C of fig. 19B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 20A illustrates a perspective view of the electronic smoking device of figure 16A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 20B illustrates a slightly exploded view of the electronic smoking device of figure 20A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 21A illustrates a perspective view of a filter apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 21B illustrates an exploded view of the filter apparatus of fig. 21A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 21C illustrates a side plan view of the filter apparatus of fig. 21A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 21D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter apparatus of fig. 21C taken along line 21D-21D of fig. 21C, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 21E illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter apparatus of fig. 21C taken along line 21E-21E of fig. 21C, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 21F shows a cross-sectional view of the filter apparatus previously depicted in fig. 21D, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 21G illustrates a close-up view of the filter apparatus of fig. 21F, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 21H shows a cross-sectional view of the filter apparatus previously depicted in fig. 21D, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict various embodiments of the disclosed technology for purposes of illustration only, where like reference numerals are used to identify like elements. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated in the figures may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosed technology described herein.

Detailed Description

Low emission electronic smoking device

Smoking plant material has been practiced for many centuries in many cultures. However, with increasing scientific and medical evidence regarding environmental and health risks of smoking emissions (e.g., second-hand smoke), many public places have banned traditional smoking of tobacco or other plant-based materials. In addition, social norms typically discourage smoking in any venue where others may be affected by smoking emissions.

Electronic smoking devices, commonly referred to as e-cigarettes, vaporizers or vapers, have become increasingly popular to replace or supplement traditional smoking media, such as cigarettes or pipes. Electronic smoking devices are generally claimed to be healthier than, for example, traditional cigarettes. Electronic smoking devices are also commonly claimed to have fewer harmful emissions than traditional smoking media. However, electronic smoking devices do still cause emissions, which may potentially pose health and/or environmental risks, and may be viewed negatively in public or social environments.

Accordingly, there is a need for an electronic smoking device that reduces, minimizes, and/or completely eliminates harmful or undesirable emissions. Previous work by the inventors of the present disclosure has proposed improvements to address some of the problems discussed above. These include U.S. patent No. 9,402,422 entitled "Hybrid E-Cigarette/Vaporizer With open Filter Capability" filed on month 3 of 11/2014 by Shenkal, entitled "Hybrid E-Cigarette With Valve opening Filter", and U.S. patent application No. 15/070,186 entitled "E-Cigarette With Valve opening Filter", filed on month 15 of 2016 by Shenkal et al, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. The present disclosure provides additional variations and improvements to low-emissions (or zero-emissions) electronic smoking devices capable of filtering smoking emissions.

Figure 1A illustrates a perspective view of an electronic smoking device 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B illustrates an exploded view of the electronic smoking device 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic smoking device 100 includes a mouthpiece 102 secured to an intermediate housing 104. In the example embodiment shown, the mouthpiece 102 has a curved design designed to ergonomically seal against the mouth of a user while allowing maximum inhalation and/or exhalation. In certain embodiments, the mouthpiece 102 may be a disposable and/or replaceable component. Further, in various embodiments, the mouthpiece 102 may be impregnated with various flavors and/or scents (e.g., by impregnating the material of the mouthpiece 102). The intermediate housing 104 accommodates a hob 107. The oven chamber 107 is configured to contain a material to be heated and evaporated, such as a liquid, oil, flower or leaf material. The chamber 107 may include a transparent material (e.g., glass or transparent plastic) and the intermediate housing 104 may include a transparent portion 109 (or cut-out portion) such that a user may view the material contained within the chamber 107.

The oven chamber 107 includes coils 106 to heat the material contained within the oven chamber 107. The coil 106 is in electronic communication with a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)/battery 110, the printed circuit board/battery 110 being housed within an electronics housing 108. The PCB/battery 110 provides power to the coil 106 to heat the coil 106 and also has circuitry to control various functions of the electronic smoking device 100. These functions may be controlled by the user using various inputs provided on the electronics housing 108. For example, the electronics housing 108 has an igniter button 120 that causes power to be transmitted to the coil 106, thereby heating the coil 106 and causing the material contained in the chamber 107 to vaporize. The electronics housing 108 also includes a display 122 for displaying information such as the current wattage or charge level of the electronic smoking device 100. The electronics housing 108 includes buttons 124, 126 for selecting various options. For example, the buttons 124, 126 may be used to set the wattage of the electronic smoking device 100. The electronics housing 108 also includes a micro-USB charging port 128 for charging the PCB/battery 110. A bottom cover 112 encloses the PCB/battery 110 within the electronics housing 108.

The electronic smoking device 100 includes an evaporator section that, in one embodiment, includes a cooktop 107, a coil 106, an electronics housing 108, and a PCB/battery 110. The vaporizer portion allows the user to heat and inhale the vaporized material. The electronic smoking device 100 also includes a filter section that includes a filter cartridge assembly 114. The filter cartridge assembly 114 allows a user to breath the emissions back into the electronic smoking device 100 to filter out odors and/or particulate matter in the emissions. Thus, the evaporator section can be considered to provide an "inhale" function of the electronic smoking device 100, while the filter cartridge assembly 114 and/or the filter section can be considered to provide an "exhale" function of the electronic smoking device 100. As will be described in more detail below, a user may inhale the evaporation material and exhale the emissions via the mouthpiece 102.

As can be seen in fig. 1B, and described in greater detail herein, filter cartridge assembly 114 may be secured to mouthpiece 102 by inserting filter cartridge assembly 114 through bottom cap 112, electronics housing 108, and intermediate housing 104. In the depicted embodiment, the filter cartridge assembly 114 is inserted into the electronic smoking apparatus 100 through the bottom of the electronic smoking apparatus 100 and/or removed from the electronic smoking apparatus 100. In certain embodiments, the filter cartridge assembly 114 may be disposable and/or replaceable such that when the filter cartridge assembly 114 is no longer effective or less effective (e.g., due to over-use), it may be replaced with a new one.

Figure 2A illustrates a front plan view of the electronic smoking device 100. Figure 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the electronic smoking device 100 of figure 2A taken along line 2B-2B of figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In fig. 2B, it can be seen that the filter portion including the filter cartridge assembly 114 occupies one side of the electronic smoking device 100, and the evaporator portion 200 occupies the other side of the electronic smoking device 100. When the user inhales on the mouthpiece 102, the evaporation material is drawn upward from the chamber 107 into the user's mouth. As the user exhales into the mouthpiece 102, emissions from the user's mouth are directed into the filter cartridge assembly 114. As the emissions operate through various filtering mechanisms contained in the filter cartridge assembly 114 (various embodiments of which will be described in greater detail herein), the odor and/or particulate matter is filtered out. The filtered effluent, which is substantially free of odors and/or particulate matter, is then discharged from the bottom of the filter cartridge assembly 114.

It will be appreciated that the use of a single mouthpiece for both inhalation of the vaporising material and exhalation emissions poses various challenges. For example, when the user inhales, only the evaporation material from the cooktop 107 should be pulled upward through the mouthpiece 102. The user should not be exposed to emissions that have previously been blown into the filter cartridge assembly 114. Similarly, when a user exhales, the emissions exhaled by the user should be diverted to the filter cartridge assembly 114, and such emissions should not enter the oven chamber 107. Further, the emissions diverted to the filter cartridge assembly 114 should pass through the filter cartridge assembly 114 with little or no leakage of unfiltered emissions, as leakage of unfiltered emissions would violate the low emissions/zero emissions objectives of the present disclosure.

To perform these functions, in the embodiment shown in fig. 2A-2C, the diverter valve 210 is utilized to ensure that only the evaporative material is inhaled by the user and that the exhaled exhaust is properly and efficiently delivered into the filter cartridge assembly 114. FIG. 2C illustrates a close-up view of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 2B, as defined by area 2C-2C of FIG. 2B. Fig. 2C provides a close-up view of diverter valve 210. The diverter valve 210 seals against the mouthpiece 102 to prevent any undesirable leakage of emissions from the filter cartridge assembly 114 and/or evaporative material from the oven chamber 107. In certain embodiments, the diverter valve 210 includes two one-way valves: an inlet check valve 212 and an outlet check valve 214. The inlet check valve 212 is a one-way valve that allows vapor to escape from the cooktop into the mouthpiece 102 upon inhalation, but substantially prevents and/or inhibits emissions from entering the cooktop from the mouthpiece 102 upon exhalation. The outlet check valve 214 is a one-way valve that allows exhaled emissions to enter the filter cartridge assembly 114 from the mouthpiece 102, but substantially prevents and/or inhibits emissions from exiting the filter cartridge assembly 114 into the mouthpiece 102 upon inhalation.

In the depicted embodiment, inlet check valve 212 is implemented using a one-way umbrella valve. When a user inhales on the mouthpiece 102, the pressure differential caused by the inhalation causes the body portion of the umbrella valve to lift away from the base portion, allowing the evaporation material to move from the cooktop 107 into and out of the mouthpiece 102. However, when the user exhales into the mouthpiece 102, the body portion of the umbrella valve is pushed into the base portion. This causes the body portion to become seated within the base portion and close the inlet check valve 212, thereby preventing any emissions from the mouthpiece 102 from entering the cooktop 107.

In the depicted embodiment, outlet check valve 214 is implemented using a duckbill valve. The duckbill valve includes two or more valve flaps that meet at a point (220). When the user inhales on the mouthpiece 102, the flaps are drawn towards each other, closing the outlet check valve 214. Thus, inhalation does not cause any emissions to escape from the filter cartridge assembly 114 into the mouthpiece 102. When the user exhales into the mouthpiece 102, the flap is pushed open, creating an opening at the end point 220 and allowing exhaled emissions to flow from the mouthpiece 102 through the outlet check valve 214 into the filter cartridge assembly 114.

While the exemplary embodiment and the figures depict inlet check valve 212 as an umbrella valve and outlet check valve 214 as a duckbill valve, it should be understood that in various embodiments, inlet check valve 212 and outlet check valve 214 may be implemented using any one-way valve.

It can be seen in fig. 2C that inlet check valve 212 is angled toward outlet check valve 214. This angle of the inlet check valve 212 allows any non-gaseous emissions (e.g., saliva, resin, etc.) to be pulled by gravity toward the outlet check valve 214 and into the filter cartridge assembly 114. In certain scenarios, if the inlet check valve 212 is not angled toward the outlet check valve 214, the liquid and viscous resin may become trapped within the mouthpiece 102, which may cause an undesirable accumulation of waste material within the mouthpiece 102.

Figures 3A-3C provide various cross-sectional views of the mouthpiece 102, the inlet check valve 212, and the outlet check valve 214.

Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an example filter cartridge assembly 400, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the filter cartridge assembly 400 of fig. 4 may be used as the filter cartridge assembly 114 of fig. 1B.

The filter cartridge assembly 400 includes an open-ended tubular, cylindrical main housing body 414 that is at least partially closed at the top by an inlet cap 402 and at least partially closed at the bottom by a vent outlet cap 422. Between the inlet cap 402 and the vent outlet cap 422, and contained within the main housing body 414, are various filtering mechanisms that assist in removing odors and particulate matter from the emissions blown into the filter cartridge assembly 400. The emissions are received into the filter cartridge assembly 400 via the inlet cap 402. Once the emissions pass through the various filtering mechanisms housed within the main housing body 414, the clean, filtered emissions are discharged via the vent outlet cap 422.

The inlet cap 402 may be configured to form an air-tight seal with the outlet check valve 214 (see fig. 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C) to ensure that emissions that have entered the filter cartridge assembly 400 do not leak at the inlet cap/outlet check valve junction. For example, inlet cap 402 may include threads that may be secured to corresponding threads around outlet check valve 214. Inlet cap 402 may also include an O-ring 404 to further ensure a tight seal between inlet cap 402 and outlet check valve 214.

Below the inlet cap 402 is a screen 406. The screens 406 act as a mist eliminator and assist in condensing the vapor discharge into condensate. The screen 406 and any other components described herein may be made of any suitable material. For example, in certain embodiments, the screen 406 may be made of stainless steel or plastic. Below the screen 406 is an air separator inlet 408. The screen 406 may be sized to substantially cover the top opening of the air separator inlet 408. The air separator inlet 408 is an elongated tube that is divided into sections by dividing walls that run substantially the length of the air separator inlet 408. The divider wall is more clearly shown in fig. 5C. A dividing wall within the air separator inlet 408 divides the exhaled exhaust into various sections and provides a surface area that encourages further condensation of the exhaust. The air separator inlet 408 feeds into the venturi reaction chamber 412. Positioned between the air separator inlet 408 and the venturi reaction chamber 412 is a polyester felt filter 410. The polyester felt filter 410 absorbs a portion of the condensate that has formed and also filters out some of the particulate matter in the emissions. In certain embodiments, the polyester felt filter 410 is a1 micron polyester felt filter.

The effluent then enters the venturi reaction chamber 412, the venturi reaction chamber 412 being a funnel-shaped tube with a wider mouth portion that narrows to a narrower valve stem portion. This narrowing causes the exhaust to accelerate through the venturi reaction chamber 412. As the exhaust accelerates through the venturi reaction chamber 412, additional air is drawn into the venturi reaction chamber 412 through an opening 413 near the top end of the valve stem of the venturi reaction chamber 412. As will be described in greater detail below, the design of venturi reaction chamber 412 assists in keeping the emissions trapped within filter cartridge assembly 400 for a longer period of time, thereby increasing the efficiency with which the emissions can be filtered.

The narrower stem portion of the venturi reaction chamber 412 is surrounded by a cylindrical mesh filter 416. The stem portion of the venturi reaction chamber 412 and the cylindrical mesh filter 416 are inserted into a flow splitter 418. The flow splitter 418 is surrounded by a ribbed housing 419. The ribbed housing 419 centers the flow splitter 418 within the main housing body 414. Openings in ribbed housing 419 allow exhaust to circulate around the area between the outer surface of flow splitter 418 and the inner surface of main housing body 414.

The flow splitter 418 can be seen in FIG. 4 to have a cylindrical body and a tapered bottom portion. The flow diverter 418 is closed at the bottom and open at the top. As the exhaust exits the valve stem of the venturi reaction chamber 412, it is directed toward the tapered bottom portion of the flow splitter 418 and reflected from the tapered bottom portion of the flow splitter 418 back into the cylindrical body of the flow splitter 418. The cylindrical mesh filter 416 encourages the emissions to condense into condensate as they flow through the cylindrical body of the flow splitter 418. Some residual emissions are drawn back into the venturi reaction chamber 412 via opening 413, while some emissions are permitted to escape from the top of the flow splitter 418. Any emissions escaping from the top of the flow splitter 418 eventually travel down (via openings in the ribbed housing 419) around the outer surface of the flow splitter 418 toward the HEPA filter 420. In some embodiments, HEPA filter 420 is a 0.25 micron HEPA filter. In certain embodiments, the carbon filter may be layered with the HEPA filter 420 to assist in removing any residual odor. The HEPA filter 420 (and carbon filter, if any) may be secured between the vent outlet cap 422 and the ribbed housing 419. Once they have passed through the HEPA filter 420, the filtered emissions exit the filter cartridge assembly 400 via the vent outlet cap 422.

Fig. 5A shows a plan view of a filter cartridge assembly 400. Fig. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly 400 along line 5B-5B of fig. 5A, and fig. 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly 400 along line 5C-5C of fig. 5A. Fig. 5B shows the filter cartridge assembly in a fully assembled form. Fig. 5C shows a partition wall formed within the air separator inlet 408.

Fig. 6A shows a plan view of the filter cartridge assembly 400 and fig. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly 400 along line 6B-6B of fig. 6A. Fig. 6B includes arrows to indicate how the emissions pass through the filter cartridge assembly 400, as described above with reference to fig. 4. The emissions are blown into a mouthpiece of the electronic smoking device and through an outlet check valve. Once through the outlet check valve, the discharge enters the filter cartridge assembly 400 via inlet 402. The discharge then passes through a screen/demister 406 and then through an air separation inlet 408. After exiting the air separation inlet 408, the exhaust passes through a polyester felt filter 410 into the mouth portion of a venturi reaction chamber 412. The emissions accelerate through the narrower valve stem portion of the venturi reaction chamber 412. As the emissions accelerate through the venturi reaction chamber 412, ambient air within the filter cartridge assembly 400 is drawn into the venturi reaction chamber 412 via the opening 413. As the exhaust exits the bottom valve stem portion of the venturi reaction chamber 412, it bounces off the tapered bottom portion of the flow splitter 418. The exhaust bounces off the tapered bottom portion of the flow splitter 418 into a cavity 417 defined by the outer surface of the venturi reaction chamber 412 and the inner surface of the cylindrical body of the flow splitter 418. Also contained within the cavity 417 is a cylindrical mesh filter 416. As the effluent travels upward through the cavity 417, the cylindrical mesh filter 416 causes some of the effluent to condense into condensate. Some of the exhaust within the cavity 417 is drawn back into the venturi reaction chamber 412 via the opening 413, while some of the exhaust escapes from the top of the flow splitter 418. Emissions escaping from the top of the flow diverter 418 are directed back down the outer chamber 421 defined by the inner surface of the housing 414 and the outer surface of the flow diverter 418, toward the HEPA filter and/or charcoal filter 420. The emissions then exit the filter cartridge assembly 400 via the vent outlet cap 422.

Fig. 6C shows a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly 400 along line 6C-6C of fig. 6A. As previously described, the HEPA filter 420 is secured between the vent outlet cap 422 and the ribbed housing 419 (see fig. 4). However, for the HEPA filter 420 to work effectively, the HEPA filter 420 must have sufficient surface area exposed so that the emissions can pass through the HEPA filter 420. Thus, a narrow strip of material (e.g., ribs) may be utilized to secure the HEPA filter 420 in position between the vent outlet cap 422 and the ribbed housing 419, while still ensuring sufficient open surface area for emissions to pass through and be filtered. In certain embodiments, no more than 23.5% of the surface area of the HEPA filter 420 should be covered such that the emissions can pass through at least 76.5% of the surface area of the HEPA filter. For example, if the total surface area of the HEPA filter 420 shown in fig. 6C is about 0.460 square inches, no more than 0.108 square inches of the surface of the HEPA filter 420 should be covered/blocked by the vent outlet cap 422 and the ribbed housing 419.

Fig. 7A illustrates an exploded view of a filter cartridge assembly 700 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the filter cartridge assembly 700 may be used as the filter cartridge assembly 114 of fig. 1B. The filter cartridge assembly 400 discussed above utilizes a combination of condenser design and filter to condense the emissions into condensate and filter out particulates and odors. The filter cartridge assembly 700 depicted in fig. 7-9 utilizes a capillary filtration method more. As can be seen in fig. 7A, similar to the filter cartridge assembly 400, the filter cartridge assembly 700 has a main housing body 706 sealed at the top by an inlet cap 702 and at the bottom by a vent outlet cap 710. Housed within main housing body 706 is concentric stage 4 filter 704.

Fig. 7B shows an exploded view of the concentric level 4 filter 704. The concentric 4-stage filter 704 includes an inner mesh substrate 712, the inner mesh substrate 712 surrounded by a large diameter foam 714 (in this example, 1 micron foam), the large diameter foam 714 surrounded by an outer mesh substrate 716, and the outer mesh substrate 716 surrounded by a small diameter foam 718 (in this example, 0.25 micron foam). The four concentric layers are secured to a base 720. As will be described in more detail with reference to fig. 8 and 9, as the emissions enter the concentric stage 4 filter 704, they are pushed outward, away from the central axis of the concentric stage 4 filter 704. As the emissions are pushed outward, they must pass through four layers of concentric 4-stage filters 704. Each layer filters and/or condenses the emissions to remove particulate matter and odors. While the example embodiment presented has four concentric layers, it should be understood that fewer or more concentric layers may be used.

As seen in fig. 7A, the HEPA filter 708 is secured between the base 720 and the vent outlet cap 710. Once the emissions have passed through the concentric level 4 filters, they pass through the HEPA filter 708 and the clean, filtered emissions exit the vent outlet cap 710. As described above, the narrow ribs on the base 720 and the vent outlet cap 710 can hold the HEPA filter 708 in place while still allowing sufficient open surface area of the HEPA filter 708 through which emissions can pass.

Fig. 8A shows a plan view of a filter cartridge assembly 700. Fig. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly 700 taken along line 8B-8B of fig. 8A. Fig. 8C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly 700 taken along line 8C-8C of fig. 8A. It can be seen that there are four layers of porous filter material (alternating layers of screen and foam) through which the effluent can be filtered.

Fig. 9A shows a plan view of a filter cartridge assembly 700. Fig. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly 700 taken along line 9B-9B of fig. 9A. Fig. 9C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly 700 taken along line 9C-9C of fig. 9A.

Fig. 9B illustrates the general airflow path that the emissions follow as they pass through the filter cartridge assembly 700. The emissions enter through the top of the filter cartridge assembly 700 and enter the internal cavity 902. In certain embodiments, as seen in fig. 8C and 9C, the lumen 902 may be divided into one or more sections by one or more partitions. The lower end of the interior cavity 902 is sealed by a seat 720 and the top of the filter cartridge assembly 700 is sealed by an exhalation check valve (e.g., outlet check valve 214 of fig. 2-3). Thus, the emissions are forced through the porous filtration layer of the concentric 4-stage filter 704 that defines the sidewall of the internal cavity 902. As the user exhales into the filter cartridge assembly 700, the emissions are forced through the inner mesh substrate 712, the large diameter foam 714, the outer mesh substrate 716, and the small diameter foam 718. The mesh substrates 712, 716 force some of the emissions to condense into condensate and provide some filtering capability, while the foam layers 714, 718 filter out particulate matter and odors. Once through all four layers, the exhaust may pass through the base 720 and the HEPA filter 708, and then out the vent outlet cap 710.

Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of various electronic smoking devices, each including different ways of accessing a vaporizer portion of the electronic smoking device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As discussed above, it is generally desirable that once the emissions are exhaled into the electronic smoking device 100, they are sealed inside and do not leak without passing through the filter mechanism of the filter cartridge assembly. Thus, in certain embodiments, a diverter valve, such as diverter valve 210 of figure 2, may be sealed to a mouthpiece, such as mouthpiece 102 of figure 2, to prevent leakage up through the diverter valve and out of the mouthpiece. However, users often need access to the evaporator portion of the electronic smoking device. For example, in the example embodiments shown in fig. 2-3, a user may have to replace and/or refill materials into the oven chamber 107. To ensure that the seal between the diverter valve 210 and the mouthpiece 102 remains secure and leak-proof, a user needs to access the vaporizer portion of the electronic smoking device without breaking the seal between the diverter valve 210 and the mouthpiece 102. In figure 10, four different embodiments are illustrated by which a user may access the vaporiser part without removing the mouthpiece 102. In the leftmost embodiment, a removable cap is provided that provides access to the vaporiser part without removing the mouthpiece 102. Similarly, in both intermediate embodiments, side and top hinged caps provide access to the evaporator section. In the rightmost embodiment, the mouthpiece 102 has been offset. The mouthpiece 102 is no longer centered and is disposed toward the filter cartridge assembly portion of the electronic smoking device to provide more convenient access to the evaporator portion.

It should be noted that while the various example embodiments presented in the figures and discussed above have utilized an open canister electronic smoking device in which a user may access and refill material into a chamber, such example embodiments are provided for ease of explanation and the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. The various features and improvements discussed herein, such as the on-board filtration solution and the two-way diverter valve system, may be implemented on any electronic smoking device, non-electronic smoking device, and/or electronic smoking device of any form factor, shape, and/or size. For example, the techniques disclosed herein may be applied to open-can tobacco products, closed-can tobacco products, and products designed for any material, including liquids, waxes, and dry leaf materials.

Fig. 11A and 11B show side and front plan views, respectively, of another electronic smoking device 1000, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic smoking device 1000 includes a mouthpiece 1002 secured to an intermediate housing 1004. In certain embodiments, the mouthpiece 1002 may be a disposable and/or replaceable component. In various embodiments, different mouthpieces 1002 may be flavored with different flavors, such that a user may select and install a mouthpiece 1002 based on the flavor selected by the user, and if the user wishes to experience a different flavor, the mouthpiece may be replaced with a new mouthpiece. It should be understood that this feature may be applied to any of the various mouthpieces disclosed herein, and similarly, any feature described with respect to any particular component or embodiment described herein may be applied to any other similar component or embodiment described herein.

The intermediate housing 1004 houses a chamber configured to contain a material to be heated and evaporated, such as a liquid, oil, flower, or leaf material. The middle housing 1004 may include a transparent portion 1009 so that a user may view the materials contained within the oven chamber. The electronic smoking device 1000 includes an igniter button 1020 that a user can press to heat and vaporize material in the oven chamber and a charging port 1028 to charge the electronic smoking device 1000.

Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the electronic smoking device 1000 taken along line 12-12 of figure 11B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In fig. 12, it can be seen that the filter portion including the filter cartridge assembly 1014 occupies one side of the electronic smoking device 1000, and the evaporator portion 1100 occupies the other side of the electronic smoking device 1000. In various embodiments, the filter cartridge assembly 1014 can be a disposable and/or replaceable component such that a user can periodically replace the filter cartridge assembly 1014 with a new, fresh filter cartridge assembly.

It can be seen that, in general, the structure of the electronic smoking device 1000 is very similar to the electronic smoking device 100 described previously in this disclosure. However, one significant difference in this embodiment is the placement of the inlet check valve 1112 within the evaporator section 1100 and the placement of the outlet check valve 1114 within the filter cartridge assembly 1014. In the previous embodiment depicted in fig. 2B and 3A-3C, an inlet check valve 212 and an outlet check valve 214 were positioned within the mouthpiece 102. However, in this embodiment, these components have been moved into the evaporator section 1100 and the filter cartridge assembly 1014, respectively. The various components of the evaporator section 1100 and the filter cartridge assembly 1014 will now be described in more detail with reference to fig. 13, 14, and 15A-15D.

Figure 13 illustrates an exploded view of an electronic smoking device 1000 without a filter cartridge assembly 1014, and with particular emphasis on the evaporator section 1100, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 13 depicts a mouthpiece 1002 secured to an intermediate housing 1004. The intermediate housing 1004 is at least partially enclosed by an outer casing 1008. The intermediate housing 1004 houses a chamber 1006, the chamber 1006 being configured to contain a material to be heated and evaporated. The oven chamber 1006 also includes heating elements, such as coils, to heat and vaporize the material contained therein. The heating element may draw power from the battery 1010. The oven chamber 1006 is sealed by a seal 1113. The seal 1113 and the valve housing 1115 are secured together to accommodate the inlet check valve 1112. The inlet check valve 1112 is a one-way valve that allows vapor to escape from the cooktop chamber 1006 into the mouthpiece 1002 when a user inhales on the mouthpiece 1002, but substantially prevents and/or inhibits emissions from entering the cooktop chamber 1006 or the vaporizer portion 1100 when a user exhales into the mouthpiece 1002. For example, when a user inhales, the inlet check valve 1112 may be lifted away from the valve housing 1115, allowing air to flow into the oven chamber 1006 and out the mouthpiece 1002. When the user exhales, the inlet check valve 1112 may be pushed against the valve housing 1115, preventing any air from entering the oven chamber 1006 or the evaporator section 1100.

Fig. 14 illustrates an exploded view of the filter cartridge assembly 1400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the filter cartridge assembly 1400 can be used as the filter cartridge assembly 1014 of fig. 12. In various embodiments, the filter cartridge assembly 1400 may be used in conjunction with any of the various electronic smoking device embodiments described herein.

The filter cartridge assembly 1400 includes an open-ended cylindrical outer body 1414 that is at least partially closed at the top by an inlet cap 1402 and at least partially closed at the bottom by a vent outlet cap 1422. In various embodiments, inlet cap 1402 may be sealed with an O-ring, quarter turn lock, and/or threaded seal with outer body 1414, or any other suitable sealing mechanism to form a leak-free seal. Between the inlet cap 1402 and the vent outlet cap 1422 and housed within the main housing body 1414 are various filtering mechanisms that assist in removing odors and particulate matter from the emissions blown into the filter cartridge assembly 1400. The emissions are received into the filter cartridge in-assembly 1400 via the inlet cap 1402. Once the emissions pass through the various filtering mechanisms housed within the main housing body 1414, the clean, filtered emissions are discharged via the vent outlet cap 1422.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the emissions pass through the inlet cap 1402 into the air separator 1408. The air separator 1408 may be an elongated tube that is divided into sections by a dividing wall, similar to the air separator inlet 408 described above with reference to fig. 4. The air separator 1408 separates the exhaled exhaust into various sections and provides a surface area that encourages the exhaust to condense. Once the emissions pass through the air separator 1408, they pass through a cylindrical mesh filter 1416. In various embodiments, the mesh filter 1416 can comprise a stainless steel material, a plastic, and/or a polymeric material. The mesh filter 416 is also surrounded by a HEPA filter 1420. The HEPA1420 filter is secured and sealed to the mesh filter 1416 and/or the air separator 1408 by adhesive 1421 around the perimeter of the HEPA filter 1420. Once the emissions pass through the HEPA filter 1420 they are pushed down the other air separator 1419, through the outlet check valve 1114 and out through the cowl 1422.

The air separator 1419 and the ventilator cap 1422 are ribbed to allow air to pass through (see, e.g., fig. 15D), and an outlet check valve 1114 is secured between the air separator 1419 and the ventilator cap 1422. Outlet check valve 1114 is a one-way valve that acts in opposition to inlet check valve 1112 described above. The outlet check valve 1114 allows a user to inhale air into the mouthpiece 1002 and exhale through the filter cartridge assembly 1400, but substantially prevents and/or inhibits air from entering the mouthpiece 1002 through the filter cartridge assembly 1400 when a user inhales on the mouthpiece 1002. For example, when the user exhales, the outlet check valve 1114 can be lifted away from the air separator 1419, allowing air to flow into and through the filter cartridge assembly 1400 and out the vent outlet cap 1422. When a user inhales, outlet check valve 1114 may be pushed against air separator 1419, preventing any air from moving through filter cartridge assembly 1400.

Fig. 15A shows a plan view of a filter cartridge assembly 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 15B shows a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly 1400 along line 15B-15B of fig. 15A. Fig. 15C shows a close-up view of the filter cartridge assembly 1400. As can be seen more clearly in fig. 15B and 15C, when a user exhales into a mouthpiece of an electronic smoking device (e.g., mouthpiece 1002 of electronic smoking device 1000 of fig. 12), emissions from the user enter the filter cartridge assembly 1400 through the inlet cap 1402 into the air separator 1408. The emissions are then pushed through a mesh filter 1416 and a HEPA filter 1420. The filtered emissions then pass through the air separator 1419 and outlet check valve 1114 and exit the filter cartridge assembly 1400 via the cowl 1422.

Fig. 15D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly 1400 along line 15D-15D of fig. 15A. Fig. 15D shows openings in the air separator 1419 and vent outlet cap 1422 that allow two components to secure the outlet check valve 1114 while still allowing air to pass through. When a user inhales on the electronic smoking device, the outlet check valve 1114 seals the air separator 1419 to prevent air from flowing through the filter cartridge assembly 1400. When a user exhales on the electronic smoking device, the outlet check valve 1114 lifts away from the air separator 1419, allowing air to flow through the filter cartridge assembly 1400.

Figure 16A illustrates a perspective view of an electronic smoking device 1600, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16B shows an exploded view of the electronic smoking device 1600. The electronic smoking device 1600 includes a mouthpiece 1602 secured to a body housing 1604. In certain embodiments, the mouthpiece 1602 may be a disposable and/or replaceable component, as discussed above. The body housing houses an evaporator cartridge assembly 1620 and a filter cartridge assembly 1630. The evaporator filter assembly 1620 houses the materials to be heated and evaporated. In various embodiments, the evaporator cartridge assembly 1620 can be a removable and disposable component such that when the evaporator cartridge assembly 1620 is substantially empty (e.g., a user has evaporated all of the materials contained within the evaporator cartridge assembly 1620), it can be replaced with a new evaporator cartridge assembly. In various embodiments, the evaporator cartridge assembly 1620 can also be a sealed assembly, thereby discouraging and/or preventing a user from refilling the evaporator cartridge assembly 1620.

The body housing 1604 includes a display 1606. The display 1606 may be, for example, an electronic display. In another example, display 1606 can be a transparent window through which a user can view the material contained in filter component 1620. The electronic smoking device 1600 includes an igniter button 1608, one or more LED display lights 1610, and a charging port 1612 for charging the electronic smoking device 1600, which a user can press to heat and vaporize material in the evaporator filter cartridge assembly 1620. The one or more LED display lights 1610 can provide, for example, an indication of the amount of battery power remaining in the electronic smoking device 1600, an indication of the wattage level of the electronic smoking device 1600, and/or an indication of the remaining filter cartridge life of the evaporator filter cartridge assembly 1620. The main body housing 1604 also includes a removable storage cover 1614. As will be described in greater detail below, the removable storage cover 1614 may be removed to expose the storage compartment, for example, where additional evaporator filter cartridge components may be stored.

Figure 17A shows a front plan view of the electronic smoking device 1600. Figure 17B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the electronic smoking device 1600 taken along line 17B-17B of figure 17A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In fig. 17B, the evaporator filter cartridge assembly 1620 can be seen connected to a PCB/battery 1622. The electronic smoking device 1600 includes an evaporator portion 1602, the evaporator portion 1602 including an evaporator filter cartridge assembly 1620 and a PCB/battery 1622. The electronic smoking device 1600 also includes a filter section 1603, the filter section 1603 including a filter cartridge assembly 1630. In various embodiments, both the evaporator cartridge assembly 1620 and the filter cartridge assembly 1630 are disposable and/or replaceable components such that a user can periodically replace the evaporator cartridge assembly 1620 with a new evaporator cartridge assembly and can periodically replace the filter cartridge assembly 1630 with a new filter cartridge assembly.

Similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 12-15, the evaporator cartridge assembly 1620 includes an inlet check valve 1650, and the filter cartridge assembly 1650 includes an outlet check valve 1660. Similar to other inlet check valves described herein, the inlet check valve 1620 is a one-way valve that allows vapor to escape from the evaporator filter cartridge assembly 1620 into the mouthpiece 1602 when a user inhales on the mouthpiece 1602, but substantially blocks and/or inhibits emissions from entering the evaporator filter cartridge assembly 1620 when a user exhales into the mouthpiece 1602. The outlet check valve 1660 allows a user to inhale air into the mouthpiece 1602 and exhale through the filter cartridge assembly 1630, but substantially prevents and/or inhibits air from passing through the filter cartridge assembly 1630 into the mouthpiece 1602 when the user inhales on the mouthpiece 1602.

Fig. 18A shows an exploded view of a filter cartridge assembly 1800, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 18B shows a plan view of the filter cartridge assembly 1800 in an assembled state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 18C shows a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge assembly 1800 along line 18C-18C of fig. 18B in an assembled state. In various embodiments, the filter cartridge assembly 1800 may be used as the filter cartridge assembly 1630 of fig. 16B. In various embodiments, the filter cartridge assembly 1800 may be used in conjunction with any of the various electronic smoking device embodiments described herein. In various embodiments, any of the various filter cartridge assembly embodiments disclosed herein can be used in conjunction with any of the various electronic smoking device embodiments described herein.

The filter cartridge assembly 1800 includes an open-ended outer body 1810, the outer body 1810 being closed at the top by an inlet cap 1804 and closed at the bottom by a vent outlet cap 1814. In various embodiments, the inlet cap 1804 may be sealed with an O-ring (e.g., O-ring 1802), a quarter turn lock, a threaded seal, or just a tight material that fits within the outer body 1810, or any other suitable sealing mechanism to form a leak-free seal. Between the inlet cap 1804 and the vent outlet cap 1814 and contained within the main housing body 1810 are various filtering mechanisms that assist in removing odors and particulate matter from the emissions blown into the filter cartridge assembly 1800. The emissions are received into the filter cartridge in-assembly 1800 via the inlet cap 1804. Once the emissions pass through the various filtering mechanisms housed within the main housing body 1810, the clean, filtered emissions are discharged via the vent outlet cap 1814.

In the example embodiment shown in fig. 18, the emissions pass through the inlet cap 1804 into the reticulated support structure 1807. The mesh support structure 1807 supports a cylindrical mesh filter 1806. In various embodiments, the mesh filter 1806 may comprise a stainless steel material, a plastic, and/or a polymeric material. The mesh filter 1806 is also surrounded by a HEPA filter 1808. The HEPA 1808 filter is secured and sealed to the mesh filter 1806, mesh support structure 1807, inlet cap 1804 and/or ventilation outlet cap 1814 by adhesive 1809 around the perimeter of the HEPA filter 1808. The top end of the mesh support structure 1807 adjacent to the inlet cap 1804 is open to allow for the inflow of emissions from the inlet cap 1804. The opposite bottom end of the mesh support structure 1807 may be closed such that emissions entering the inlet cap 1804 must pass through the mesh filter 1806 and the HEPA filter 1808. Once the emissions have passed through both the mesh filter 1806 and the HEPA filter 1808, the emissions may move through the open outlet check valve 1812 and exit the filter cartridge assembly 1800 through the vent outlet cap 1814.

Fig. 19A shows an exploded view of filter cartridge assembly 1900, filter cartridge assembly 1900 being a slightly modified embodiment of filter cartridge assembly 1800. In fig. 19A, the HEPA filter 1808 of fig. 18A has been replaced with a corrugated filter 1908. The corrugated filter 1908 may also be a HEPA filter, but is corrugated. The corrugated shape of the corrugated filter 1908 provides additional surface area for additional filtration while also providing more channels to provide improved air flow through the filter cartridge assembly 1800. Fig. 19B provides a plan view of the support structure 1807 and the corrugated filter 1908. Fig. 19C provides a cross-sectional view of the support structure 1807 and the corrugated filter 1908 taken along line 19C-19C of fig. 19B.

Figure 20A shows a perspective view of the electronic smoking device 1600 of figure 16A. Figure 20B shows a perspective view of the electronic smoking device 1600 with the removable storage cover 1614 removed to expose two compartments 1621 for storing additional evaporator filter cartridge assemblies 1620a, 1620B.

Fig. 21A illustrates a perspective view of an example stand-alone filter apparatus 1700, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The stand-alone filter apparatus 1700 allows a user to exhale emissions into the stand-alone filter apparatus 1700 to filter out odors and/or particulate matter. It should be understood that while a stand-alone filter apparatus 1700 is depicted in certain embodiments, any of the various filter assemblies described herein and/or various components thereof may be used in various combinations in alternative stand-alone filter apparatus embodiments that fall within the scope of the present disclosure. The stand-alone filter device 1700 includes a mouthpiece 1702, an outer body (or housing) 1704 and a vented outlet cap 1706. The user may exhale into the mouthpiece 1702. The mouthpiece 1702 may have any of the characteristics of the various mouthpieces disclosed herein. For example, the mouthpiece may be removable and/or replaceable, and may be impregnated with various flavors and/or scents. The user's exhaled emissions are filtered by a filter assembly comprising various filter components housed within an outer body 1704, and the filtered air exits the stand-alone filter apparatus 1700 through a vent outlet cap 1706.

Fig. 21B illustrates an exploded view of a stand-alone filter apparatus 1700 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Fig. 21C shows a plan view of the stand-alone filter apparatus 1700. Fig. 21D shows a cross-sectional view of the individual filter apparatus 1700 along the line 21D-21D of fig. 21C, and fig. 21E shows a cross-sectional view of the individual filter 1700 along the line 21E-21E of fig. 21C. Fig. 21F shows the same cross-sectional view as the stand-alone filter apparatus 1700 shown in fig. 21D. Fig. 21G shows a close-up view of the stand-alone filter apparatus 1700 defined by the area 21G of fig. 21F.

As best seen in fig. 21B, the stand-alone filter apparatus 1700 includes an open-ended hollow outer body 1704. One end of the outer body 1704 is configured to be secured to the mouthpiece 1702, and an opposite end of the outer body 1704 is configured to be secured to the ventilation outlet cap 1706. Between the mouthpiece 1702 and the ventilation outlet cap 1706 and contained within the outer body 1704 is a filter assembly that includes various filter mechanisms that assist in removing odors and particulate matter from emissions blown into the stand-alone filter apparatus 1700. Once the emissions pass through the filter assembly housed within the main outer body 1704, the clean, filtered emissions are discharged via the vent outlet cap 1706.

As the user blows the emissions into the mouthpiece 1702, the emissions enter the venturi core 1708. As shown most clearly in fig. 21G, the venturi core 1708 and the outer body 1704 may be configured to form an airtight seal to ensure that emissions that have entered the stand-alone filter apparatus 1700 do not leak. For example, the venturi core 1708 and the outer body 1704 may be permanently and/or semi-permanently sealed together using an adhesive, or sonic welding, or any other hermetic sealing means. The venturi core 1708 includes a funnel shaped inlet 1718, the funnel shaped inlet 1718 having a wider mouth portion that narrows to a valve stem portion 1719. Narrowing the funnel shaped inlet 1718 to the stem portion 1719 serves several purposes. First, the narrowing causes the thick effluent cloud blown into the mouthpiece 1702 to assume a thinner, longer shape. The thinning of the emissions causes most of the emissions to contact any inner wall of the venturi core 1708, thereby stimulating condensation of the emissions. The condensation of the effluent removes impurities and particulate matter from the effluent.

The narrowing of the funnel-shaped inlet 1718 into the stem portion 1719 also causes the exhaust to accelerate through the lumen 1720 of the venturi core 1708 due to the venturi effect. The lumen 1720 is defined by a plurality of interior surfaces (e.g., walls) that extend substantially along the length of the narrow stem portion 1719 of the venturi core 1708, as best shown in fig. 21D and 21E. As best seen in fig. 21D, the inner cavity 1720 is substantially enclosed, except for several ports 1710 that are placed around the stem portion 1719. Due to the limited number of openings 1710 from the inner cavity 1720, emissions entering the inner cavity 1720 circulate around the stem portion 1720 before they gradually exit the various openings 1710. As emissions circulate around the inner cavity 1720, they contact various surfaces within the inner cavity 1720. Surfaces (e.g., walls) within the narrow body portion 1719 provide surface area for stimulating condensation of emissions. The venturi effect and increased velocity of the effluent also causes a greater degree of convection and movement within the lumen 1720, which encourages greater condensation and removal of impurities. In this manner, the design of the venturi core 1708 assists in keeping the emissions trapped within the stand-alone filter device 1700 longer and encourages the emissions within the venturi core 1708 to condense, thereby increasing the efficiency with which the emissions are filtered.

The narrower stem portion 1719 of the venturi core 1708 is surrounded by a cylindrical filter 1712. The filter 1712 may be, for example, a HEPA filter made of polyester, metal, or any other suitable material. In various embodiments, the filter 1712 may be made of any of the other filter materials discussed herein. The emissions may exit the inner cavity 1720 via one or more openings 1710 in the stem portion 1719 and then pass through a filter 1712. The effluent passes through filter 1712 into an outer chamber 1722 defined by the area between cylindrical filter 1712 and outer body 1704 (FIG. 21D). In an embodiment, the outer chamber 1722 can be filled with odor absorbing microparticles (e.g., microcarbon particles) and/or moisture absorbing microparticles. The emissions pass through the odor absorbing and/or moisture absorbing microparticles in the outer chamber 1722 towards the base housing 1714. The base housing 1714 includes one or more openings. One or more openings are aligned with one-way outlet check valve 1716. The base housing 1714 may be permanently and/or semi-permanently sealed with the outer body 1704. For example, the base housing 1714 may be permanently and/or semi-permanently sealed to the outer body 1704 using an adhesive and/or sonic welding. The one-way outlet check valve 1716 prevents the user from inhaling on the mouthpiece 1702 so that the user can only exhale emissions into the self-contained filter apparatus 1700. In the depicted embodiment, when a user attempts to inhale on the mouthpiece 1702, the one-way outlet check valve 1716 is pulled toward the base housing 1714 and covers all openings in the base housing 1714 to form an airtight seal that prevents inhalation. When the user exhales into the mouthpiece 1702, the one-way outlet check valve 1716 is pushed away from the base housing 1714, exposing one or more openings in the base housing 1714. The filtered emissions may pass through one or more openings in the base housing 1714 and exit the standalone filter apparatus 1700 via one or more openings in the vent outlet cap 1706. The vent outlet cap 1706 may also be permanently and/or semi-permanently sealed to the outer body 1704 (e.g., using an adhesive, or sonic welding, or any other suitable method).

In an embodiment, the stand-alone filter apparatus 1700 can be used as a filter cartridge assembly that is inserted into an electronic smoking apparatus, various embodiments of which are disclosed herein. For example, as discussed above, the outer body 1704 may be permanently and/or semi-permanently sealed to the venturi core 1718, the base housing 1714, and the vent outlet cap 1706 such that these components and the components contained therein (e.g., the filter 1712, the outlet check valve 1716, odor absorbing and/or moisture absorbing microparticles) may define a hermetically sealed filter cartridge assembly. By securing the mouthpiece 1702, the encapsulated filter cartridge assembly may be used as a stand-alone filter device, or the mouthpiece 1702 may be removed and the encapsulated filter cartridge assembly may be inserted into an electronic smoking device.

Fig. 21H shows the same cross-sectional view as the stand-alone filter apparatus 1700 depicted in fig. 21D. Fig. 21H includes arrows to indicate how the emissions pass through the stand-alone filter apparatus 1700, as previously described above with reference to fig. 21A-21G. The emissions are blown into the mouthpiece 1702 of the self-contained filter apparatus 1700 and the funnel-shaped inlet 1718 of the venturi core 1708. The funnel shaped inlet 1718 causes the emissions to be thinner, more forgiving in form, and also causes the emissions to accelerate into the lumen 1720 of the narrower stem portion 1719. The effluent circulates within the internal cavity 1720. The multiple surfaces/walls surrounding the inner lumen 1720 cause the effluent to condense into condensate. As the emissions circulate within the internal cavity 1720, the emissions gradually exit the internal cavity 1720 through one or more openings 1710 in the stem portion 1719. The narrow valve stem portion 1719 is surrounded by a filter (e.g., HEPA filter) 1712. Thus, exhaust passing through the one or more openings 1710 passes through the filter 1712 into the outer chamber 1722. In various embodiments, the outer chamber 1722 can be filled with odor absorbing and/or moisture absorbing microparticles. The emissions pass through the odor absorbing and/or moisture absorbing microparticles in the outer chamber 1722 towards the base housing 1714. The downward moving emissions push the one-way outlet check valve 1716 away from the one or more openings in the base housing 1714 and out of the stand-alone filter apparatus 1700 through the vent outlet cap 1706.

While various embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. Likewise, the various figures may depict example configurations of the disclosed technology, which is done to aid in understanding features and functions that may be included in the disclosed technology. For example, while the example electronic smoking device 100 is depicted and described in connection with the evaporator portion 200 and the filter cartridge assembly 114; the electronic smoking device 1000 is depicted and described in connection with the evaporator section 1100 and the filter cartridge assembly 1014; and the electronic smoking device 1600 is depicted and described in connection with the evaporator portion 1601 and the filter portion 1603, it should be understood that the various evaporator portions and/or filter portions and their respective components can be used interchangeably and in various combinations and can be used in different electronic smoking device embodiments. Similarly, while various example materials and example dimensions have been disclosed, these materials and dimensions are disclosed merely as possible embodiments to facilitate an understanding and description of various features and functions of the disclosed technology. The disclosed technology is not limited to the example configurations shown, but may employ a variety of alternative configurations to implement desired features. Therefore, it is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue based on the application herein. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims.