What is an Electronic Cigarette?
With all the new gizmos and gadgets of modern technology, it seems as though the impossible is now becoming possible. Who would’ve thought that a safer, longer-lasting type of cigarette could ever exist? It helps smokers cut down on their bad habit by offering them a more inventive, yet satisfying form of nicotine replacement therapy.
The latest innovation on the cigarette market seems to have all the benefits bundled up in one device. Electronic cigarettes are not a health hazard as they don’t contain tobacco, while they also don’t vanish after a few puffs, given their solid stainless steel or plastic structure. Yet, they look just like the real thing.
Electronic cigarettes are a new concept, rivaling the usual cigars, cigarettes and pipes that have been available for years. These battery-powered devices work by releasing a vapor consisting of a nicotine hybrid solution, which the smoker can easily inhale without the usual tobacco and smoke that is involved in the process.
The liquid nicotine cocktail is located in the mouthpiece and is available in a variety of flavors such as regular tobacco or menthol, and more adventurous options like coffee, caramel, strawberry, mint and vanilla. Depending on user preference, nicotine levels can range from high to low doses, and you can even opt for a non-nicotine alternative.
Along with the vapor emitted, the built-in flavor creates the sensation of smoking actual tobacco. This makes it possible to skip over the combustion step, making for a more health-conscious approach to smoking as fewer harmful toxins make their way into your body and the environment.
This state-of-the-art functionality uses micro-electronics, offering users a smoking experience that is smoke-free but still enjoyable. Dubbed as “e-cigarettes” or “e-cigs”, these ultra-modern gadgets are set to be the latest craze amongst smokers or those looking to quit.
The product patent belongs to the Chinese corporation Ruyan Group (Holdings) Limited, which masterminded the first design and passed the concept onto other industry consortiums worldwide. A line of disposable electronic cigarettes have also been produced by both Ruyan and the UK-based Gamucci Ltd.
Design-wise the cigarettes are tubular and most of them mimic the physical appearance of regular cigarettes. Also growing in popularity is the pen-style where the device resembles a ball-point pen, and often a detachable battery is included.
While structurally, there are new developments constantly on the horizon, each “e-cigarette” retains the same basic parts including a heating element, mouthpiece, rechargeable battery, and a collection of electronic circuits that power the device.
The cigarette devices are packaged as part of a kit which comprises of a range of electronic cigarettes with varying amounts of nicotine, a set of batteries, a charger, and a user-friendly manual to ensure easy use.
This invention may sound like something out of an episode of “Inspector Gadget”, but it is really the first glimpse into what possibilities the future of the cigarette industry holds, as far as more health-conscious smoking is concerned.
