View source for Electronic Cigarettes - Product Introduction

Being quite a new phenomenon in the smoking industry, electronic cigarettes arise intense interest in our society.  Smokers are concerned whether it can be a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco, non-smokers hope that this way of smoking won't create any second-hand smoking harm. Both concerns are obvious. Without further ado,  first we will try to find out how this thing works.

Electronic cigarette uses advanced microelectronic and physical atomization technology to atomize nicotine dilution extracted from tobacco. The nicotine dilution contains nicotine and tobacco flavor. 

Some flavor varieties attempt to resemble traditional cigarette types, such as regular tobacco and menthol and some even try to mimic specific cigarette brands, such as Marlboro or Camel. Fruit and other flavors are also available, such as vanilla, caramel and coffee.


===Electronic Cigarette Structure===

There are many different styles of e-cigarettes on the market today. However, all models are made of the same basic components and operate in the same general manner.

The major components of the electronic cigarette are battery, atomizer, inhaler, e-Liquid container and indicator light. Inhaler and e-Liquid container represent the atomization cartridge.  E-Liquid container contains atomized nicotine dilution. The inhaler is for one-use only.


===Operating Mode===

After installing cartridge and battery correctly, the electronic cigarette enters its standby status and smoking action can be stimulated through dragging on the inhaler. When smoking action begins, the circuit is activated and the indicator in the front part of the cigarette body lights up immediately; when inhaling ends, atomization stops accordingly and its operating mode turns into standby. The best angle of using this unit is horizontal and it is forbidden to use it upwards to prevent any small amount of liquid from flowing into the mouth which may cause stimulation of oral mucositis. 

The built-in micro-computer controlled programs have self-cleaning function; when accumulated number of  electronic cigarette  suctions reaches 1,500, the indicator in the front part of the cigarette body will keep on lighting for 6 seconds, which means that the micro-computer controlled programs are cleaning the unit automatically. 

Old cartridge will have to be replaced by a new one, if smoke is reduced. When the power of the dedicated lithium battery is used up, the indicator light in the front part of the cigarette body flashes continuously, giving a signal that new dedicated lithium battery should be installed. 


===Use of AC Charger===

The dedicated lithium battery should be screwed into electronic cigarette's dedicated charger. Charger can work normally at AC 100V-240V 50/60Hz voltage. To avoid the risk of electric shock, charger should be unplugged from its power source before cleaning it. Charger is prohibited to be used outdoors or in a damp environment. 


===History===

The electronic cigarette was first developed with a registered patent, in April 2003 by SBT Co. Ltd., a Beijing based company, which is now controlled by the Golden Dragon Group Ltd. In 2004, Ruyan took over the project to further develop the emerging technology. Ruyan officially absorbed SBT Co. Ltd. and their name was changed to SBT RUYAN Technology & Development Co., Ltd. Already in May 2004, Ruyan sold the first electronic cigarette in China. In its first 3 years of production, SBT RUYAN showed steady increases in sales, from  $1.7 million in 2004 to $37 million in 2006.
In April 2006, the electronic cigarette was brought to Europe, and officially launched at the "RUYAN" Overseas Promotion Conference in Austria. After its introduction, this product was adapted to the European market and marketed in UK as the "Electro fag".  According to Matt Salmon, president of the recently formed Electronic Cigarette Association, the total number of electronic cigarette users was estimated to be 300,000 people  in October 2009, based on survey results.