Flow distributor of an electrically heated cigarette smoking system

Abstract

A heater fixture for use in an electrically heated cigarette smoking system having a source of electrical energy for heating a cigarette includes an inner wall or barrel having at least one opening through the inner wall extending from an outer peripheral surface to an inner surface of the inner wall, and at least one flow distributing element positioned within the at least one opening and extending inwardly from the inner surface. The flow distributing element or elements are provided with a plurality of openings that are in fluid communication with an interior of the heater.

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       14 . A method of operating an electrically heated cigarette smoking system, comprising: 
 establishing operative contact between a heater blade and a cigarette;    directing air flow adjacent said heater blade by causing the air flow to flow in different directions relative to the inserted cigarette before the air is drawn through the cigarette;    establishing operative contact between a heater blade and a cigarette in an electrically heated cigarette smoking system; and    directing air flow in a plurality of directions at a location adjacent the operatively contacted cigarette.    
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the air flow is passed through at least one air flow distributing element having openings in fluid communication with a space around the heater blades within the heater.  
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the openings in the at least one air flow distributing element direct the air flow at least in opposite directions.  
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the openings direct the air flow in four different directions.  
   
   
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