(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2017/0208863 A1 Davis Et Al

US 20170208863A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2017/0208863 A1 Davis et al. (43) Pub. Date: Jul. 27, 2017

(54) ONE-WAY VALVE FOR REFILLING AN FI6K 700 (2006.01) AEROSOL DELVERY DEVICE FI6K I5/4 (2006.01) (52) U.S. Cl. (71) Applicant: R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO CPC ...... A24F 47/008 (2013.01); F16K 7/00 COMPANY, Winston-Salem, NC (US) (2013.01); FI6K 15/14 (2013.01); F16K I5/044 (2013.01); F 16K 15/00 (2013.01) (72) Inventors: Michael F. Davis, Clemmons, NC (US); Percy D. Phillips, Pfafftown, NC (57) ABSTRACT (US); James William Rogers, An aerosol delivery device having a check valve therein for Winston-Salem, NC (US); Noah M. use with refilling the aerosol delivery device is provided. Minskoff, Palo Alto, CA (US) The aerosol delivery device may comprise at least one housing defining a refillable reservoir for storing an aerosol (21) Appl. No.: 15/008,323 precursor composition, and a heating element contained within the at least one housing and configured to activate and (22) Filed: Jan. 27, 2016 vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition. A connector may be coupled to the at least one housing and Publicati sealably connectable with a container of aerosol precursor ublication Classification composition for refilling the reservoir. The connector may (51) Int. Cl. include a check valve configured to enable only a one-way A24F 4700 (2006.01) flow of aerosol precursor composition from the container FI6K I5/00 (2006.01) into the reservoir when the connector is sealably connected FI6K I5/04 (2006.01) with the container.

Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2017 Sheet 1 of 10 US 2017/0208863 A1

100

FIG. A Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2017 Sheet 2 of 10 US 2017/0208863 A1

100

FIG. B Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2017 Sheet 3 of 10 US 2017/0208863 A1

FIG.2 Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2017 Sheet 4 of 10 US 2017/0208863 A1

Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2017 Sheet 5 of 10 US 2017/0208863 A1

300

FIG. 4 atent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2017. Sheet 6 of 10 US 2017/0208863 A1

5 Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2017 Sheet 7 of 10 US 2017/0208863 A1

Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2017 Sheet 8 of 10 US 2017/0208863 A1

FIG.7 Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2017 Sheet 9 of 10 US 2017/0208863 A1

FIG. 8 Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2017. Sheet 10 of 10 US 2017/0208863 A1

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FIG.9 US 2017/0208863 A1 Jul. 27, 2017

ONE-WAY VALVE FOR REFILLING AN tainer of aerosol precursor composition for refilling the AEROSOL DELVERY DEVICE reservoir. The connector includes a check valve configured to control a flow of aerosol precursor composition from the TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD container into the reservoir when the connector is sealably connected with the container. 0001. The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery 0004. In some example implementations of the aerosol devices such as Smoking articles that may utilize electrically delivery device of any preceding or any Subsequent example generated heat for the production of aerosol (e.g., Smoking implementation, or any combination thereof, the connector articles commonly referred to as electronic cigarettes). The includes a body integral with or coupled to the check valve Smoking articles may be configured to heat the aerosol in which the body defines an airflow port for the flow of air precursor, which may incorporate materials that may be through the connector from at least the portion of the at least made or derived from tobacco or otherwise incorporate one housing. tobacco, the precursor being capable of forming an inhalable 0005. In some example implementations of the aerosol Substance for human consumption. delivery device of any preceding or any Subsequent example BACKGROUND implementation, or any combination thereof, the check valve is a diaphragm check valve including a flexible diaphragm 0002 Many smoking devices have been proposed sized to fit an opening of the reservoir. The diaphragm through the years as improvements upon, or alternatives to, defines a naturally-closed passageway that is configured to Smoking products that require combusting tobacco for use. flex open and thereby allow through the passageway, the Many of those devices purportedly have been designed to flow of aerosol precursor composition in response to at least provide the sensations associated with cigarette, cigar or a threshold positive pressure differential on a container pipe Smoking, but without delivering considerable quantities facing side of the flexible diaphragm when the connector is of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products that result sealably connected with the container. from the burning of tobacco. To this end, there have been 0006. In some example implementations of the aerosol proposed numerous Smoking products, flavor generators and delivery device of the preceding or any Subsequent example medicinal inhalers that utilize electrical energy to vaporize implementation, or any combination thereof, the check valve or heat a volatile material, or attempt to provide the sensa includes a valve member movable by the container to open tions of cigarette, cigar or pipe Smoking without burning a passageway and thereby allow through the passageway, the tobacco to a significant degree. See, for example, the various flow of aerosol precursor composition when the connector is alternative Smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and sealably connected with the container. heat generating sources set forth in the background art 0007. In some example implementations of the aerosol described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al. and delivery device of any preceding or any Subsequent example U.S. Pat. No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., which are incor implementation, or any combination thereof, the check valve porated herein by reference. See also, for example, the includes a spring-loaded valve member configured to open various types of Smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices a passageway and thereby allow through the passageway, the and electrically-powered heat generating sources referenced flow of aerosol precursor composition when the connector is by brand name and commercial source in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. sealably connected with the container. 2015/0216232 to Bless et al., which is incorporated herein 0008. In some example implementations of the aerosol by reference. Additionally, various types of electrically delivery device of any preceding or any Subsequent example powered aerosol and vapor delivery devices also have been implementation, or any combination thereof, the check valve proposed in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2014/0096781 to Sears et al. is a Tesla Valve or series of Tesla valves defining a channel and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2014/0283859 to Minskoff et al., as configured to allow the flow of aerosol precursor composi well as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/282,768 to Sears tion in only one direction, from the container into the et al., filed May 20, 2014: Ser. No. 14/286,552 to Brinkley reservoir. et al., filed May 23, 2014: Ser. No. 14/327,776 to Ampolini 0009. In some example implementations of the aerosol et al., filed Jul. 10, 2014: Ser. No. 14/465,167 to Worm et al., delivery device of any preceding or any Subsequent example filed Aug. 21, 2014; all of which are incorporated herein by implementation, or any combination thereof, the connector reference. further includes a slot mateable with a matching tab of the at least one housing to guide the connector into alignment SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE with the at least one housing for coupling therewith. 0003. The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery 0010. In some example implementations of the aerosol devices, methods of forming such devices, and elements of delivery device of any preceding or any Subsequent example such devices. The present disclosure thus includes, without implementation, or any combination thereof, the aerosol limitation, the following example implementations. In some delivery device further comprises a mouthpiece removably example implementations, an aerosol delivery device is coupled to the at least one housing over the connector Such provided that includes at least one housing coupled to a that the connector is exposed upon removal of the mouth connector, and a heating element contained within the piece. housing. The housing defines a refillable reservoir for stor 0011. In some example implementations, a method of ing an aerosol precursor composition. The heating element refilling an aerosol delivery device with aerosol precursor is configured to activate and vaporize components of the composition is provided. The aerosol delivery device may aerosol precursor composition in response to a flow of air include at least one housing defining a refilable reservoir for through at least a portion of the at least one housing. The air storing aerosol precursor composition, and include a heating is combinable with a thereby formed vapor to form an element configured to activate and vaporize components of aerosol. The connector is sealably connectable with a con the aerosol precursor composition stored in the reservoir in US 2017/0208863 A1 Jul. 27, 2017 response to a flow of air through at least a portion of the at 0018. These and other features, aspects, and advantages least one housing. The air is combinable with a thereby of the present disclosure will be apparent from a reading of formed vapor to form an aerosol. The method includes the following detailed description together with the accom sealably connecting a connector of the aerosol delivery panying drawings, which are briefly described below. The device with a container of aerosol precursor composition for present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, refilling the reservoir. The connector includes a check valve four or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, controlling flow of aerosol precursor composition from the regardless of whether such features or elements are container into the reservoir when the connector is sealably expressly combined or otherwise recited in a specific connected with the container. The method also includes example implementation described herein. This disclosure is transferring aerosol precursor composition from the con intended to be read holistically such that any separable tainer through the check valve and into the reservoir to features or elements of the disclosure, in any of its aspects thereby refill the reservoir. and example implementations, should be viewed as 0012. In some example implementations of the method of intended, namely to be combinable, unless the context of the any preceding or any Subsequent example implementation, disclosure clearly dictates otherwise. or any combination thereof, the connector includes a body (0019. It will therefore be appreciated that this Brief integral with or coupled to the check valve in which the body Summary is provided merely for purposes of Summarizing defines an airflow port for the flow of air through the Some example implementations so as to provide a basic connector from at least the portion of the at least one understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. Accord housing. ingly, it will be appreciated that the above described 0013. In some example implementations of the method of example implementations are merely examples and should any preceding or any Subsequent example implementation, not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the or any combination thereof, the check valve is a diaphragm disclosure in any way. Other example implementations, check valve including a flexible diaphragm sized to fit an aspects and advantages will become apparent from the opening of the reservoir and defining a naturally-closed following detailed description taken in conjunction with the passageway, and transferring aerosol precursor composition accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of includes causing at least a threshold positive pressure dif example, the principles of Some described example imple ferential on a container-facing side of the flexible diaphragm mentations. to thereby cause the passageway to flex open and thereby allow through the passageway, the flow of aerosol precursor BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES composition. 0020 Having thus described the disclosure in the fore 0014. In some example implementations of the method of going general terms, reference will now be made to the the preceding or any Subsequent example implementation, accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to or any combination thereof, the check valve includes a scale, and wherein: movable valve member, and sealably connecting the con 0021 FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of aerosol delivery nector with the container includes the container moving the device including a tank coupled to a control body according valve member to open a passageway and thereby allow to an example implementation of the present disclosure; through the passageway, the flow of aerosol precursor com 0022 FIG. 1B illustrates a sectional view of the aerosol position when the connector is sealably connected with the delivery device of FIG. 1; container. 0023 FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol 0015. In some example implementations of the method of delivery device, according to an example implementation of any preceding or any Subsequent example implementation, the present disclosure; or any combination thereof, the check valve includes a 0024 FIG. 3 illustrates a tank of an aerosol delivery spring-loaded valve member, and Sealably connecting the device that may correspond to that of FIG. 2, which tank connector with the container includes the valve member may include a one-way valve for refilling its reservoir, opening a passageway and thereby allowing through the according to an example implementation of the present passageway, the flow of aerosol precursor composition when disclosure; the connector is sealably connected with the container. 0025 FIG. 4 illustrates a partially cut-away view of the 0016. In some example implementations of the method of tank of FIG. 3, according to an example implementation of any preceding or any Subsequent example implementation, the present disclosure; or any combination thereof, the check valve is a Tesla valve (0026 FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a diaphragm check or series of Tesla Valves defining a channel configured to valve that may be useful for refilling the tank of an aerosol allow the flow of aerosol precursor composition in only one delivery device, according to an example implementation of direction, from the container into the reservoir, and trans the present disclosure; ferring aerosol precursor composition includes transferring 0027 FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a ball check valve that aerosol precursor composition from the container through may be useful for refilling the tank of an aerosol delivery the channel and into the reservoir. device, according to an example implementation of the 0017. In some example implementations of the method of present disclosure; any preceding or any Subsequent example implementation, (0028 FIG. 7 illustrates a Tesla valve that may be useful or any combination thereof, the aerosol delivery device for refilling the tank of an aerosol delivery device, according further includes a mouthpiece removably coupled to the at to an example implementation of the present disclosure; least one housing over the connector, and the method further 0029 FIG. 8 illustrates a partially cut-away view of the comprises removing the mouthpiece from the at least one tank of FIG. 3 further including a removably coupled housing Such that the connector is exposed before sealably mouthpiece over its one-way valve, according to an example connecting the connector with the container. implementation of the present disclosure; and US 2017/0208863 A1 Jul. 27, 2017

0030 FIG. 9 illustrates various operations in a method of Solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas). For purposes of refilling an aerosol delivery device with aerosol precursor simplicity, the term “aerosol as used herein is meant to composition, according to an example implementation of the include vapors, gases and aerosols of a form or type Suitable present disclosure. for human inhalation, whether or not visible, and whether or not of a form that might be considered to be smoke-like. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 0035 Aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure 0031. The present disclosure will now be described more generally include a number of components provided within fully hereinafter with reference to example implementations an outer body or shell, which may be referred to as a thereof. These example implementations are described so housing. The overall design of the outer body or shell can that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will vary, and the format or configuration of the outer body that fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in can define the overall size and shape of the aerosol delivery the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many device can vary. Aerosol delivery devices are often config different forms and should not be construed as limited to the ured in a manner that mimics aspects of certain traditional implementations set forth herein; rather, these implementa Smoking devices Such as cigarettes or cigars. In this regard, tions are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy appli aerosol delivery devices typically define a substantially cable legal requirements. As used in the specification and the cylindrical configuration. Typically, an elongated body appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the' and the resembling the shape of a cigarette or cigar can be a formed like include plural referents unless the context clearly dic from a single, unitary housing or the elongated housing can tates otherwise. beformed of two or more separable bodies. For example, an 0032. As described hereinafter, example implementations aerosol delivery device can comprise an elongated shell or of the present disclosure relate to aerosol delivery systems. body that can be substantially tubular in shape and, as such, Aerosol delivery systems according to the present disclosure resemble the shape of a conventional cigarette or cigar. use electrical energy to heat a material (preferably without Aerosol delivery devices often include a control body and a combusting the material to any significant degree and/or cartridge which attach in an end-to-end relationship to define without significant chemical alteration of the material) to the Substantially cylindrical configuration. form an inhalable Substance; and components of Such sys 0036 While such configurations may provide a look and tems have the form of articles that most preferably are feel that is similar to traditional Smoking articles, these sufficiently compact to be considered hand-held devices. configurations may suffer from certain detriments. For That is, use of components of preferred aerosol delivery example, cylindrically-configured aerosol delivery devices systems does not result in the production of Smoke in the may not define attachment points usable to retain the aerosol sense that aerosol results principally from by-products of delivery device in a desired position when not in use. combustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, but rather, use of those Further, the cylindrical configuration may result in the preferred systems results in the production of vapors result mouthpiece being exposed to the Surrounding environment ing from Volatilization or vaporization of certain compo and therefore Susceptible to contamination. Accordingly, it nents incorporated therein. In some example implementa may be desirable to provide aerosol delivery devices in tions, components of aerosol delivery systems may be configurations that differ from shapes associated with tradi characterized as electronic cigarettes, and those electronic tional Smoking articles. cigarettes most preferably incorporate tobacco and/or com 0037. In one example, all of the components of the ponents derived from tobacco, and hence deliver tobacco aerosol delivery device are contained within one housing. derived components in aerosol form. Alternatively, an aerosol delivery device can comprise two 0033 Aerosol generating pieces of certain preferred or more housings that are joined and are separable. For aerosol delivery systems may provide many of the sensa example, an aerosol delivery device can possess at one end tions (e.g., inhalation and exhalation rituals, types of tastes a control body comprising a housing containing one or more or flavors, organoleptic effects, physical feel, use rituals, reusable components (e.g., an accumulator Such as a visual cues such as those provided by visible aerosol, and the rechargeable battery and/or capacitor, and various electron like) of Smoking a cigarette, cigar or pipe that is employed ics for controlling the operation of that article), and at the by lighting and burning tobacco (and hence inhaling tobacco other end and removably coupleable thereto, an outer body Smoke), without any Substantial degree of combustion of or shell containing a disposable portion (e.g., a disposable any component thereof. For example, the user of an aerosol flavor-containing cartridge). generating piece of the present disclosure can hold and use 0038 Aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure that piece much like a Smoker employs a traditional type of most preferably comprise some combination of a power Smoking article, draw on one end of that piece for inhalation Source (i.e., an electrical power source), at least one control of aerosol produced by that piece, take or draw puffs at component (e.g., means for actuating, controlling, regulating selected intervals of time, and the like. and ceasing power for heat generation, such as by control 0034 Aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure ling electrical current flow the power source to other com also can be characterized as being vapor-producing articles ponents of the article—e.g., a microprocessor, individually or medicament delivery articles. Thus, such articles or or as part of a microcontroller), a heater or heat generation devices can be adapted so as to provide one or more member (e.g., an electrical resistance heating element or Substances (e.g., flavors and/or pharmaceutical active ingre other component, which alone or in combination with one or dients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, inhalable more further elements may be commonly referred to as an Substances can be substantially in the form of a vapor (i.e., "atomizer”), an aerosol precursor composition (e.g., com a Substance that is in the gas phase at a temperature lower monly a liquid capable of yielding an aerosol upon appli than its critical point). Alternatively, inhalable substances cation of Sufficient heat, Such as ingredients commonly can be in the form of an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine referred to as “smoke juice.” “e-liquid” and “e-juice'), and US 2017/0208863 A1 Jul. 27, 2017 a mouthend region or tip for allowing draw upon the aerosol Some examples, the housing may be formed of at least one delivery device for aerosol inhalation (e.g., a defined airflow of a metal or alloy, Such as stainless steel, aluminum or the path through the article Such that aerosol generated can be like. Other Suitable materials include various plastics (e.g., withdrawn therefrom upon draw). polycarbonate), metal-plating over plastic, glass, and the 0039. In various examples, an aerosol delivery device can like. comprise a reservoir configured to retain the aerosol pre 0044. In some example implementations, one or both of cursor composition. The reservoir may be a Void space for the control body 102 or the tank 104 of the aerosol delivery bulk fluid or particularly can be formed of a porous material device 100 may be referred to as being disposable or as (e.g., a rigid, porous material or primarily fibrous material) being reusable. The aerosol delivery device may include and thus may be referred to as a porous Substrate. various other components disposed within the control body 0040. A fibrous substrate useful as a reservoir in an or tank or otherwise coupled thereto. These components may aerosol delivery device can be a woven or nonwoven be distributed between the control body and the tank in any material formed of a plurality of fibers or filaments and can of various manners. For example, the control body may have be formed of one or both of natural fibers and synthetic a replaceable battery or removable battery or a rechargeable fibers. For example, a fibrous Substrate may comprise a battery and thus may be combined with any type of recharg fiberglass material. In particular examples, a cellulose ing technology, including connection to a typical alternating acetate material can be used. In other example implemen current electrical outlet, connection to a car charger (i.e., a tations, a carbon material can be used. In further example cigarette lighter receptacle), connection to a computer, Such implementations, organic cotton, polyethylene terephtha as through a universal serial bus (USB) cable or connector, late, porous ceramic or glass, or porous sintered can be used. or connection to a photovoltaic cell (sometimes referred to A reservoir may be substantially in the form of a container as a Solar cell) or Solar panel of Solar cells. For example, an and may include a fibrous material included therein. In other adaptor including a USB connector at one end and a control implementations, the reservoir may be formed of a glass, body connector at an opposing end is disclosed in U.S. Pat. plastic, or other materials not explicitly set forth herein. Pub. No. 2014/0261495 to Novak et al., which is incorpo 0041. In some implementations, the aerosol delivery rated herein by reference in its entirety. device can include an indicator, which may comprise one or 0045. In one example implementation, the control body more light emitting diodes or a graphical user interface via 102 and tank 104 forming the aerosol delivery device 100 a display. The indicator can be in communication with the may be permanently and/or removably coupled to one control component through a connector circuit and illumi another. Examples of aerosol delivery devices that may be nate, for example, during a user draw on the mouthend as configured to be disposable and/or which may include first detected by the flow sensor. and second outer bodies that are configured for permanent 0.042 More specific formats, configurations and arrange coupling are disclosed in U.S. Pat. App. No. 2015/0216232 ments of components within the aerosol delivery systems of to Bless et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in the present disclosure will be evident in light of the further its entirety. In another example implementation, the tank and disclosure provided hereinafter. Additionally, the selection control body may be configured in a single-piece, non and arrangement of various aerosol delivery system com detachable form and may incorporate the components, ponents can be appreciated upon consideration of the com aspects, and features disclosed herein. However, in another mercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such example implementation, the control body and tank may be as those representative products referenced in background configured to be separable Such that, for example, the tank art section of the present disclosure. may be refilled or replaced. 0.043 FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an aerosol 0046 FIG. 1B illustrates a more particular example of the delivery device 100, and FIG. 1B illustrates a modified aerosol delivery device 100 in which the components are sectional view through the aerosol delivery device (collec representative of the components that may be present in a tively FIG. 1), according to an example implementation of suitable control body 102 and a tank 104 and are not the present disclosure. As illustrated, the aerosol delivery intended to limit the scope of control body and tank com device may include a control body 102 and a tank 104. In ponents that are encompassed by the present disclosure. particular, FIG. 1 illustrates the control body and the tank 0047. The tank 104 can be formed of a tank shell 106 coupled to one another. The control body and the tank may enclosing a reservoir 108 configured to retain the aerosol be permanently or detachably aligned in a functioning precursor composition, and including a heater 110 (some relationship. Various mechanisms may connect the tank to times referred to as a heating element). In various configu the control body to result in a threaded engagement, a rations, this structure may be referred to as a cartridge; and press-fit engagement, an interference fit, a magnetic engage accordingly, the terms “tank,” “cartridge' and the like may ment or the like. In some examples, the aerosol delivery be used interchangeably to refer to a shell or other housing device may be substantially rod-like, substantially tubular enclosing a reservoir for aerosol precursor composition, and shaped, or substantially cylindrically shaped in some including a heater. example implementations when the tank and the control 0048. In some example, the reservoir 108 of the tank 104 body are in an assembled configuration. In other examples, may comprise a refillable reservoir. The reservoir may be further shapes and dimensions are encompassed—e.g., a configured to retain the aerosol precursor composition. In rectangular or triangular cross-section, multifaceted shapes, Some example implementations, the reservoir particularly or the like. The tank and control body may include a unitary can be formed of a porous material (e.g., a fibrous material) housing or outer body or separate, respective housings or and thus may be referred to as a porous Substrate (e.g., a outer bodies, which may be formed of any of a number of fibrous substrate). A fibrous substrate useful as a reservoir in different materials. The housing may be formed of any an aerosol delivery device can be a woven or nonwoven combination of Suitable, structurally-sound materials. In material formed of a plurality of fibers or filaments and can US 2017/0208863 A1 Jul. 27, 2017

be formed of one or both of natural fibers and synthetic be included in addition to or as an alternative to the LED. fibers. For example, a fibrous Substrate may comprise a Additional representative types of components that yield fiberglass material. In particular examples, a cellulose visual cues or indicators, such as light emitting diode (LED) acetate material can be used. In other example implemen components, and the configurations and uses thereof, are tations, a carbon material can be used. A reservoir may be described in U.S. Pat. No. 154,192 to Sprinkel et al.; U.S. Substantially in the form of a container and may include a Pat. No. 8,499,766 to Newton and U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,959 fibrous material included therein. In other implementations, to Scatterday; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/173, the reservoir may be formed of a glass, ceramic, plastic, or 266, filed Feb. 5, 2014, to Sears et al.; which are incorpo other materials not explicitly set forth herein. rated herein by reference. 0049. The reservoir 108 may be in fluid communication 0054 The control component 118 may be configured to with a liquid transport element adapted to wick or otherwise direct electrical power from the power source 120 to the transport an aerosol precursor composition stored in the heater 110 to heat aerosol precursor composition retained in reservoir housing to the heater 110. In some examples, a the tank 104 to produce a vapor, which may occur during a valve may be positioned between the reservoir and heater, user draw on a mouthpiece 112 of the tank. The control and configured to control an amount of aerosol precursor component 118 may include a number of electronic com composition passed or delivered from the reservoir to the ponents, and in Some examples may be formed of an heater. electronic or printed circuit board (PCB) that supports and 0050. Various examples of materials configured to pro electrically connects the electronic components. Examples duce heat when electrical current is applied therethrough of Suitable electronic components include a microprocessor may be employed to form the heater 110. The heater in these or processor core, an integrated circuit (IC), a memory, and examples may be resistive heating element Such as a coil. the like. Example materials from which the coil may be formed 0055. In some examples, the control component 118 may include Titanium (Ti), Kanthal (FeCrAl), Nichrome, Molyb include a microcontroller with an integrated processor core denum disilicide (MoSi.), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), and memory, and which may further include one or more Molybdenum disilicide doped with Aluminum (Mo(Si,Al)), integrated input/output peripherals. In some examples, the graphite and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based control component may be coupled to a communication foams and yarns) and ceramics (e.g., positive or negative interface to enable wireless communication with one or temperature coefficient ceramics). The heating element may more networks, computing devices or other appropriately comprise a wire structure defining a mesh, screen or lattice enabled devices. Examples of suitable communication inter structure positioned about the liquid transport element. faces are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. Example materials from which the wire mesh, screen, or 14/638,562, filed Mar. 4, 2015, to Marion et al., the content lattice that may be formed of, or include titanium, platinum, of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. And silver, palladium, Kanthal (FeCrAl), Nichrome, Molybde examples of suitable manners according to which the aerosol num disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), delivery device may be configured to wirelessly communi Molybdenum disilicide doped with Aluminum (Mo(Si,Al)), cate are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/327. graphite and graphite-based materials; and ceramic (e.g., a 776, filed Jul. 10, 2014, to Ampolini et al., and U.S. patent positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic). application Ser. No. 14/609,032, filed Jan. 29, 2015, to Example implementations of heaters or heating members Henry, Jr. et al., each of which is incorporated herein by useful in aerosol delivery devices according to the present reference in its entirety. disclosure are further described below, and can be incorpo 0056. The control body 102 and the tank 104 may include rated into devices described herein. components adapted to facilitate a fluid engagement ther 0051. A mouthpiece 112 having an opening defined ebetween. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the control body can therein may be coupled to the tank shell 106 (e.g., at the include a connector 124. The base 114 of the tank can be mouthend) to allow for egress of formed aerosol from the adapted to engage the connector and can include a projection tank 104. adapted to fit within the connector. Such engagement can 0052. The tank 104 may also include one or more elec facilitate a stable connection between the control body and tronic components, which may include an integrated circuit, the tank as well as establish an electrical connection between a memory component, a sensor, or the like. The electronic the battery 120 and control component 118 in the control components may be adapted to communicate with a control body, and the heater 110 in the tank. Further, the control component of the control body and/or with an external body shell 116 can include an air intake, which may be a device by wired or wireless means. The electronic compo notch in the shell where it connects to the connector that nents may be positioned anywhere within the tank or a base allows for passage of ambient air around the connector and 114 thereof. into the shell where it then passes through the connector and 0053 As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the control body 102 can into the tank through the projection. be formed of a control body shell 116 that can include a 0057. A connector and a base useful according to the control component 118 (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), present disclosure are described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. an integrated circuit, a memory component, a microproces 2014/0261495 to Novak et al., which is incorporated herein Sor, individually or as part of a microcontroller, and the like), by reference in its entirety. However, various other examples a power source 120, and one or more indicators 122 such as of structures, shapes and components may be employed to light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and Such components can be couple the base to the connector. In some examples the variably aligned. The power source may include, for connection between the base of the tank 104 and the example, a battery (single-use or rechargeable), Supercapaci connector of the control body 102 may be substantially tor or the like. Further indicators (e.g., a haptic feedback permanent, whereas in other examples the connection ther component, an audio feedback component, or the like) can ebetween may be releasable such that, for example, the US 2017/0208863 A1 Jul. 27, 2017

control body may be reused with one or more additional computer) may be used as an input element in addition to or tanks that may be disposable and/or refillable. in lieu of an input element 126 on the aerosol delivery device 0058. The reservoir 108 illustrated in FIG. 1B can be a itself. In particular, the aerosol delivery device 100 may be container or can be a reservoir, as presently described. For wired to the computer or other device, such as via use of a example, the reservoir can be substantially formed into the USB cord or similar protocol. The aerosol delivery device shape of a tube encircling the interior of the tank shell 106, also may communicate with a computer or other device in this example. An aerosol precursor composition can be acting as an input via wireless communication. See, for retained in the reservoir. Liquid components, for example, example, the systems and methods for controlling a device can be retained by the reservoir. The reservoir can be in fluid via a read request as described in U.S. patent application Ser. connection with the liquid transport element. The liquid No. 14/327,776, filed Jul. 10, 2014, to Ampolini et al., the transport element can transport the aerosol precursor com disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In position stored in the reservoir via capillary action to the Such implementations, application software may be used in heater 110 that is in the form of a metal wire coil in this connection with the computing device to input control example. As such, the heater is in a heating arrangement instructions to the aerosol delivery device, such control with the liquid transport element. Example implementations instructions including, for example, the ability to form an of reservoirs and transport elements useful in aerosol deliv aerosol of specific composition by choosing the nicotine ery devices according to the present disclosure are further content and/or content of further flavors to be included. described below, and such reservoirs and/or transport ele 0062. In some examples, the aerosol delivery device 100 ments can be incorporated into devices as described herein. may include a number of additional hardware-implemented In particular, specific combinations of heating members and or software-controlled functions. For example, the aerosol transport elements as further described below may be incor delivery device may include a battery protection circuit porated into devices. configured to detect battery input, loads on the battery 0059. In use, when a user draws on the aerosol delivery terminals, and charging input. The battery protection circuit device 100, airflow is detected by a flow sensor, and the may include short-circuit protection and under-Voltage lock heater 110 is activated to vaporize components of the aerosol out. The aerosol delivery device may also include compo precursor composition. In some implementations, a manual nents for ambient temperature measurement, and its control button may be used exclusively, or in combination with a component 118 may be configured to control at least one flow sensor, to activate the heater. Alternatively, the manual functional element to inhibit battery charging if the ambient button may be depressed to activate the heater in lieu of a temperature is below a certain temperature (e.g., 0°C.) or flow sensor. Drawing upon the mouthpiece 112 of the above a certain temperature (e.g., 45° C.) prior to start of aerosol delivery device causes ambient air to enter the air charging or during charging. intake and pass through the connector 124 and a central 0063 Power delivery from the battery 120 may vary over opening in a projection of the base 114. In the tank 104, the the course of each puff on the device 100 according to a drawn air combines with the formed vapor to form an power control mechanism. The device may include a “long aerosol. The aerosol is whisked, aspirated or otherwise puff safety timer such that in the event that a user or an drawn away from the heater and out the opening in the inadvertent mechanism causes the device to attempt to puff mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery device. continuously, the control component 118 may control at least 0060 An input element 126 may be included with the one functional element to terminate the puff automatically aerosol delivery device 100. The input element may be after some period of time (e.g., four seconds). Further, the included to allow a user to control functions of the device time between puffs on the device may be restricted to greater and/or for output of information to a user. For example, a than a period of time (e.g., one hundred (100) milliseconds). user may utilize the input element to vaporize an aerosol A watchdog safety timer may automatically reset the aerosol precursor composition and/or activate an on/off function. delivery device if its control component or software running The input element may comprise a pushbutton or other on it becomes unstable and does not service the timer within switch configured to receive an input from a user. When the an appropriate time interval (e.g., eight seconds). Further input element is actuated, the aerosol delivery device may safety protection may be provided in the event of a defective produce an output corresponding to a status of the aerosol or otherwise failed flow sensor, such as by permanently delivery device. For example, the aerosol delivery device disabling the aerosol delivery device in order to prevent may output Sound, vibration, or light. Any component or inadvertent heating. A puffing limit Switch may deactivate combination of components may be utilized as an input for the device in the event of a pressure sensor fail causing the controlling the function of the device. For example, one or device to continuously activate without stopping after the more pushbuttons may be used as described in U.S. patent four second maximum puff time. application Ser. No. 14/193,961, filed Feb. 28, 2014, to 0064. The various components of an aerosol delivery Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. device according to the present disclosure can be chosen Likewise, a touchscreen may be used as described in U.S. from components described in the art and commercially patent application Ser. No. 14/643,626, filed Mar. 10, 2015, available. Examples of batteries that can be used according to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. As to the disclosure are described in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/ a further example, components adapted for gesture recog 0028766 to Peckerar et al., the disclosure of which is nition based on specified movements of the aerosol delivery incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. device may be used as an input. See U.S. patent application 0065. The aerosol delivery device 100 most preferably Ser. No. 14/565,137, filed Dec. 9, 2014, to Henry et al., incorporates the control component 118 or another control which is incorporated herein by reference. mechanism for controlling the amount of electric power to 0061. In some example implementations, a computing the heater 110 during draw. In some implementations, the device Such as a mobile computer (e.g., Smartphone, tablet control component may effect control of different power US 2017/0208863 A1 Jul. 27, 2017 settings on the aerosol delivery device. For example, at least 0069. The aerosol precursor composition, also referred to a low, medium, and high power setting may be controlled for as a vapor precursor composition, may comprise a variety of adjusting aerosol production within the aerosol delivery components including, by way of example, a polyhydric device. Representative types of electronic components, alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, or a mixture structure and configuration thereof, features thereof, and thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract, and/or fla general methods of operation thereof, are described in U.S. Vorants. Various components that may be included in the Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,874 aerosol precursor composition are described in U.S. Pat. No. to Brooks et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., 7,726.320 to Robinson et al., which is incorporated herein U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., U.S. Pat. No. by reference in its entirety. Additional representative types 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8.205,622 to Pan, of aerosol precursor compositions are set forth in U.S. Pat. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2009/023.0117 to Fernando et al., No. 4.793,365 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0060554 to Collet et al., U.S. 5,101,839 to Jakob et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,531 to Biggs Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0270727 to Ampolini et al., and et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0008457 to Zheng et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/209,191 to Henry et al., and Chemical and Biological Studies on New Cigarette filed Mar. 13, 2014, all of which are incorporated herein by Prototypes that Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco, R. J. Reyn reference in their entireties. olds Tobacco Company Monograph (1988), all of which are 0066. The aerosol delivery device 100 can also incorpo incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. rate the flow sensor or another sensor or detector for control 0070 Representative types of aerosol precursor compo of supply of electric power to the heater 110 when aerosol nents and formulations also are set forth and characterized in generation is desired (e.g., upon draw during use). As such, U.S. Pat. No. 7,217,320 to Robinson et al., 2013/0213417 to for example, there is provided a manner or method of Chong et al., 2014/0060554 to Collett et al., 2015/0020823 turning off the power Supply to the heating element when the to Lipowicz et al.; and 2015/0020830 to Koller, as well as aerosol delivery device is not be drawn upon during use, and WO 2014/182736 to Bowen et al, the disclosures of which for turning on the power Supply to actuate or trigger the are incorporated herein by reference. Other aerosol precur generation of heat by the heating element during draw. sors that may be employed include the aerosol precursors Additional representative types of sensing or detection that have been incorporated in the VUSER) product by R. J. mechanisms, structure and configuration thereof, compo Reynolds Vapor Company, the BLUTM product by Imperial nents thereof, and general methods of operation thereof, are Tobacco Group PLC, the MISTIC MENTHOL product by described in U.S. Pat. No. 5.261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr., U.S. Mistic Ecigs, and the VYPE product by CN Creative Ltd. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., and PCT Pat. App. Also desirable are the so-called “smoke juices' for elec Pub. No. WO 2010/003480 to Flick, all of which are tronic cigarettes that have been available from Johnson incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Creek Enterprises LLC. 0071. The amount of aerosol precursor that is incorpo 0067 Representative types of substrates, reservoirs or rated within the aerosol delivery system is such that the other components for Supporting the aerosol precursor are aerosol generating piece provides acceptable sensory and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,528,569 to Newton, U.S. Pat. desirable performance characteristics. For example, it is App. Pub. No. 2014/0261487 to Chapman et al., U.S. patent highly preferred that Sufficient amounts of aerosol forming application Ser. No. 14/011,992 to Davis et al., filed Aug. 28, material (e.g., glycerin and/or propylene glycol), be 2013, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/170,838 to employed in order to provide for the generation of a visible Bless et al., filed Feb. 3, 2014, all of which are incorporated mainstream aerosol that in many regards resembles the herein by reference in their entireties. Additionally, various appearance of tobacco Smoke. The amount of aerosol pre wicking materials, and the configuration and operation of cursor within the aerosol generating system may be depen those wicking materials within certain types of electronic dent upon factors such as the number of puffs desired per cigarettes, are set forth in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/ aerosol generating piece. Typically, the amount of aerosol 0209105 to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by precursor incorporated within the aerosol delivery system, reference in its entirety. and particularly within the aerosol generating piece, is less 0068 For aerosol delivery systems that are characterized than about 5 g, generally less than about 2.5 g, often less as electronic cigarettes, the aerosol precursor composition than about 2 g and frequently less than about 1 g. most preferably incorporates tobacco or components derived 0072 Additional representative types of components that from tobacco. In one regard, the tobacco may be provided as yield visual cues or indicators may be employed in the parts or pieces of tobacco. Such as finely ground, milled or aerosol delivery device 100, such as LEDs and related powdered tobacco lamina. In another regard, the tobacco components, auditory elements (e.g., speakers), vibratory may be provided in the form of an extract, such as a spray elements (e.g., vibration motors) and the like. Examples of dried extract that incorporates many of the water soluble Suitable LED components, and the configurations and uses components of tobacco. Alternatively, tobacco extracts may thereof, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel have the form of relatively high nicotine content extracts, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,766 to Newton, U.S. Pat. No. which extracts also incorporate minor amounts of other 8,539.959 to Scatterday, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. extracted components derived from tobacco. In another 14/173,266 to Sears et al., filed Feb. 5, 2014, all of which are regard, components derived from tobacco may be provided incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. in a relatively pure form, such as certain flavoring agents 0073 Yet other features, controls or components that can that are derived from tobacco. In one regard, a component be incorporated into aerosol delivery devices of the present that is derived from tobacco, and that may be employed in disclosure are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,148 to Harris a highly purified or essentially pure form, is nicotine (e.g., et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,289 to Watkins et al., U.S. Pat. No. pharmaceutical grade nicotine). 5,954,979 to Counts et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to US 2017/0208863 A1 Jul. 27, 2017

Fleischhauer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,742 to Hon, U.S. Pat. through the connector from the tank shell 302. More par No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. ticularly, the airflow ports may be for the flow of air through 2005/0016550 to Katase, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/ the tank shell when the connector and the container are 0163063 to Fernando et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/ disengaged, such as during use of the aerosol delivery 0192623 to Tucker et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/ device. As used herein, a port may refer to a narrow and 0298905 to Leven et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/ elongated passageway through which liquid, air, and the like 0180553 to Kim et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/ may be transported. As illustrated, in one example imple 0000638 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/ mentation, the airflow ports may be substantially cylindri 0261495 to Novak et al., and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. cally shaped so as to allow for the smooth transfer of air. As 2014/0261408 to DePiano et al., all of which are incorpo illustrated the airflow ports may be arranged such that the rated herein by reference in their entireties. flow path through the port is tortuous (e.g., including one or 0074 FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a suitable a plurality of turns) in order to preferentially allow the aerosol delivery device 200 that in some examples may transport of aerosol and to prevent the transfer of the aerosol correspond to the aerosol delivery device 100 of FIG. 1. As precursor out the mouthend. In other example implementa shown, the aerosol delivery device can comprise a control tions, further shapes and dimensions may be encompassed— body 202 and a tank 204, which may correspond to respec e.g., a rectangular or triangular cross-section, multifaceted tively the control body 102 and tank 104 of FIG. 1. The shapes, or the like. control body may define an ergonomic shape configured to 0079. In some example implementations, the connector comfortably fit within a users hand. The shape of the 308 may further include a slot 406, defined by the body 400, housing, however, is not limited and may be any shape that and mateable with a matching tab 408 of the tank shell 302 accommodates the various elements as described herein. In to guide the connector into alignment with the tank shell, Some implementations, the housing may be expressly non and more particularly, into alignment with a mouthpiece cylindrical. interface 410 of the tank shell, for coupling therewith. 0075. As previously explained, the tank 204 can be 0080. In one example implementation, as illustrated in formed of a tank shell 206 enclosing a reservoir 208 therein. FIGS. 3 and 4, the check valve 402 is a diaphragm check In some example implementations, the reservoir may be a valve including a flexible diagram sized to fit an opening 412 refillable reservoir, and a container of aerosol precursor of the reservoir 304, and more particularly an opening within composition may be provided for refilling the reservoir. The the mouthpiece interface 410, which defines an opening of tank and container may be removably, sealably connectable the reservoir 304. The diaphragm check valve may define a to one another such that the sealed coupling between the naturally-closed passageway 414 that is configured to flex tank and the container may be configured to enable the open and thereby allow through the passageway, the flow of transfer of aerosol precursor composition between the con aerosol precursor composition in response to at least a tainer and the aerosol delivery device. threshold positive pressure differential on a container-facing 0076 FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a portion of a tank 300 of side of the flexible diaphragm when the connector is seal an aerosol delivery device that in some examples may ably connected with the container. In these implementations, correspond to the tank 204 of FIG. 2. As shown, the tank transferring aerosol precursor composition includes trans may include a tank shell 302, reservoir 304, and heater 306 ferring aerosol precursor composition from the container that may correspond to respective ones of the tank shell 216, through the passageway of the diaphragm check valve and reservoir 218, and heater 222 of the tank 204 of FIG. 2. As into the reservoir. Upon disengaging the connector and the more particularly shown in FIG. 3, the aerosol delivery container, and thereby relieving the pressure, the diaphragm device may include a connector 308 coupled to the tank shell check valve may automatically flex back to an original (housing) and sealably connectable with a container of closed position. In these example implementations, the aerosol precursor composition for refilling the reservoir. The check valve may be formed of silicone, rubber, or another connector may be adapted to sealably connect with a Suit suitable material. able container of aerosol precursor composition in any of a I0081. In an alternative implementation, the check valve number of different manners. Various mechanisms may 402 may be comprised of a flexible metal or alloy that may connect the connector to the container Such as a threaded be coated with a thermoplastic elastomer Such as silicone, engagement, a press-fit engagement, an interference fit, a rubber, or another suitable material. In another implemen magnetic engagement or the like. tation, the check valve 402 may be a self-sealing and/or 0077. In some examples, the container may include a self-healing elastic material in which the aerosol precursor nozzle with which the connector 308 may be sealably may be delivered through a conical, cylindrical, or needle connectable. In this regard, in Some examples, the connector shaped feature which may be inserted through the check may be configured to receive a standard (e.g., one centime valve. Such that upon removal of the conical, cylindrical ter) nozzle, or configured to mate with a corresponding and/or needle shaped feature the check valve opening may manufacturer-specific nozzle. As shown in FIG. 4, the close back upon itself due to the self-sealing and/or self connector may include a body 400 integral with or coupled healing nature of the check valve material thereby prevent to a check valve 402 configured to control a flow of aerosol ing the escape of the aerosol precursor. precursor composition from the container into the reservoir I0082 In some example implementations, the check valve when the connector is sealably connected with the container. 402 may be or include two or more components operatively The check valve may control the flow of aerosol precursor coupled via a magnetic mechanism in which upon coupled composition by allowing the aerosol precursor composition the components effect a magnetic Seal. In these implemen to flow through it in only one direction. tations, upon the magnetic seal being broken, an opening is 0078. In some examples, the body 400 of the connector created to allow for the transfer of the aerosol precursor. The 308 may define airflow ports 404a, 404b for the flow of air two or more components may be or include magnetic US 2017/0208863 A1 Jul. 27, 2017 components (e.g., magnets) that may be contained within moving components, and thereby may be incorporated into another material Such as plastic, thermoplastic elastomer, or a mold or fluid module of the aerosol delivery device. In other Suitable materials. The magnetic components may be Some examples, the Tesla Valve may be incorporated within electromagnets where, for example, a change in Voltage micro-scale applications and may have greater reliability across the magnetic component reduces the force in which compared to check valves with moving parts (e.g., check the magnetic components are held in a sealed position. In valve 400, 500, 600). In other examples, multiple Tesla these implementations, the aerosol precursor may be deliv valves may be joined together in series to improve the ered through the arrangement of the sealed magnetic com direction-dependent flow of aerosol precursor. ponent that form a sealed interface to allow for the transfer 0086. As indicated above and further illustrated in FIG. 8, of the aerosol precursor to the reservoir. a mouthpiece 800 may be removably coupled to the at least 0083. It should be noted that although example imple one housing 304 of the aerosol delivery device. More mentations of FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the connector 308 in particularly, the mouthpiece may be coupled to the mouth which the check valve 402 is a diaphragm check valve, the piece interface 410 over the connector 308 such that the connector may be embodied by various other forms includ check valve 402 is exposed upon removal of the mouthpiece. ing one or more one-way valves not expressly stated herein. The mouthpiece may correspond to the mouthpiece 224 of For example, FIGS. 5A and 5B highlight one example of a FIG. 2. In some examples, the connector may be positioned suitable check valve 500 including a valve member movable underneath the mouthpiece, and upon removal of the mouth by the container to open a passageway and thereby allow piece, the connector may be brought into direct engagement through the passageway, the flow of aerosol precursor com with the container. position when the connector is sealably connected with the I0087 FIG. 9 illustrates various operations in a method container. More particularly, for example, the check valve 900 of refilling an aerosol delivery device with aerosol 500 may be a swing check valve including a movable valve precursor composition, according to an example implemen member or disc 502 sized to block a passageway 504 of the tation of the present disclosure. The aerosol delivery device check valve from a transfer of aerosol precursor composition may include at least one housing defining a refillable reser and Swing open to allow the flow of aerosol precursor voir for storing aerosol precursor composition, and include composition into the reservoir in response to the disc being a heating element configured to activate and vaporize com displaced by the nozzle 506 of a container as the connector ponents of the aerosol precursor composition stored in the is sealably connected with the container, as shown in FIG. reservoir in response to a flow of air through at least a SB. portion of the at least one housing. The air may be combin 0084 FIGS. 6A and 6B highlight another example of a able with a thereby formed vapor to form an aerosol. As suitable check valve 600 in which the check valve includes shown in block 902, the method may include sealably a spring-loaded valve member 602 configured to open a connecting a connector of the aerosol delivery device with passageway 604 and thereby allow through the passageway, a container of aerosol precursor composition for refilling the the flow of aerosol precursor composition when the connec reservoir. The connector may include a check valve control tor is sealably connected with the container. One example of ling flow of aerosol precursor composition from the con a suitable check valve including a spring-loaded member is tainer into the reservoir when the connector is sealably a ball check valve. Accordingly, the spring-loaded member connected with the container. As shown at block 904, the may include a spherical ball. As shown in FIG. 6A, a method may also include transferring aerosol precursor depressible spring 606 may be naturally extended such that composition from the container through the check valve and the ball blocks the passageway from transfer of aerosol into the reservoir to thereby refill the reservoir. precursor composition and thereby the flow of aerosol I0088. The foregoing description of use of the article(s) precursor composition into the reservoir (e.g., reservoir can be applied to the various example implementations 304). As shown in FIG. 6B, the spring may be depressible described herein through minor modifications, which can be as the connector is sealably connected with the container, apparent to the person of skill in the art in light of the further and the ball may be thereby configured to open the passage disclosure provided herein. The above description of use, way to allow the flow of aerosol precursor composition into however, is not intended to limit the use of the article but is the reservoir. provided to comply with all necessary requirements of I0085 FIG. 7 illustrates yet another example of a suitable disclosure of the present disclosure. Any of the elements check valve 700 in which the check valve is a Tesla Valve shown in the article(s) illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 or as other defining a channel 702 configured to allow the flow of wise described above may be included in an aerosol delivery aerosol precursor composition in only one direction, from device according to the present disclosure. the container into the reservoir. The Tesla valve may include I0089 Many modifications and other implementations of a body defining a direction-dependent flow resistance, the the disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one one-way flow of aerosol precursor composition being based skilled in the art to which these disclosure pertain having the at least in part on direction-dependent flow resistance. As benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descrip shown in FIG. 7, during engagement with a container, tions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be aerosol precursor composition may follow the forward flow understood that the disclosure are not to be limited to the direction 702a into the reservoir. In instances in which the specific implementations disclosed and that modifications aerosol delivery device is inverted, aerosol precursor com and other implementations are intended to be included position flowing in the reverse direction 702b may encounter within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, a different flow resistance as a result of the geometry of the although the foregoing descriptions and the associated draw connector, the direction-dependent flow resistance thereby ings describe example implementations in the context of preventing aerosol precursor composition from flowing out certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, of the reservoir. The Tesla valve may not include any it should be appreciated that different combinations of US 2017/0208863 A1 Jul. 27, 2017 elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative 9. A method of refilling an aerosol delivery device with implementations without departing from the scope of the aerosol precursor composition, the aerosol delivery device appended claims. In this regard, for example, different including at least one housing defining a refillable reservoir combinations of elements and/or functions than those for storing aerosol precursor composition, and including a explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be heating element configured to activate and vaporize com set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific ponents of the aerosol precursor composition stored in the terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and reservoir in response to a flow of air through at least a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. portion of the at least one housing, the air being combinable What is claimed is: with a thereby formed vapor to form an aerosol, the method 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: comprising: at least one housing defining a refillable reservoir for sealably connecting a connector of the aerosol delivery storing an aerosol precursor composition; device with a container of aerosol precursor composi a heating element contained within the at least one tion for refilling the reservoir, the connector including housing and configured to activate and vaporize com a check valve controlling flow of aerosol precursor ponents of the aerosol precursor composition in composition from the container into the reservoir when response to a flow of air through at least a portion of the the connector is sealably connected with the container; at least one housing, the air being combinable with a and thereby formed vapor to form an aerosol; and transferring aerosol precursor composition from the con a connector coupled to the at least one housing and tainer through the check valve and into the reservoir to Sealably connectable with a container of aerosol pre thereby refill the reservoir. cursor composition for refilling the reservoir, the con 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the connector nector including a check valve configured to control a includes a body integral with or coupled to the check valve, flow of aerosol precursor composition from the con the body defining an airflow port for the flow of air through tainer into the reservoir when the connector is sealably the connector from at least the portion of the at least one connected with the container. housing. 2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a body integral with or coupled to the 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the check valve is a check valve, the body defining an airflow port for the flow diaphragm check valve including a flexible diaphragm sized of air through the connector from at least the portion of the to fit an opening of the reservoir and defining a naturally at least one housing. closed passageway, and 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the wherein transferring aerosol precursor composition check valve is a diaphragm check valve including a flexible includes causing at least a threshold positive pressure diaphragm sized to fit an opening of the reservoir, the differential on a container-facing side of the flexible diaphragm defining a naturally-closed passageway that is diaphragm to thereby cause the passageway to flex configured to flex open and thereby allow through the open and thereby allow through the passageway, the passageway, the flow of aerosol precursor composition in flow of aerosol precursor composition. response to at least a threshold positive pressure differential 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the check valve on a container-facing side of the flexible diaphragm when includes a movable valve member, and Sealably connecting the connector is sealably connected with the container. the connector with the container includes the container 4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the moving the valve member to open a passageway and thereby check valve includes a valve member movable by the allow through the passageway, the flow of aerosol precursor container to open a passageway and thereby allow through composition when the connector is sealably connected with the passageway, the flow of aerosol precursor composition the container. when the connector is sealably connected with the container. 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the check valve 5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the includes a spring-loaded valve member, and Sealably con check valve includes a spring-loaded valve member config necting the connector with the container includes the valve ured to open a passageway and thereby allow through the member opening a passageway and thereby allowing passageway, the flow of aerosol precursor composition when through the passageway, the flow of aerosol precursor com the connector is sealably connected with the container. position when the connector is sealably connected with the 6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the container. check valve is a Tesla valve or series of Tesla Valves defining 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the check valve is a a channel configured to allow the flow of aerosol precursor Tesla valve or series of Tesla Valves defining a channel composition in only one direction, from the container into configured to allow the flow of aerosol precursor composi the reservoir. tion in only one direction, from the container into the 7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir, and connector further includes a slot mateable with a matching tab of the at least one housing to guide the connector into wherein transferring aerosol precursor composition alignment with the at least one housing for coupling there includes transferring aerosol precursor composition with. from the container through the channel and into the 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 further com reservoir. prising a mouthpiece removably coupled to the at least one 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the aerosol delivery housing over the connector Such that the connector is device further includes a mouthpiece removably coupled to exposed upon removal of the mouthpiece. the at least one housing over the connector, and US 2017/0208863 A1 Jul. 27, 2017 11

wherein the method further comprises removing the mouthpiece from the at least one housing such that the connector is exposed before sealably connecting the connector with the container.

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