Abstract: [en] an aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol by heating a liquid aerosol substrate, the device comprising: a reusable section (200) comprising a heating element (210, 610); and a consumable (100) comprising the liquid aerosol substrate (110), wherein the consumable is adapted to supply the liquid aerosol substrate to the heating element in use, wherein the consumable or the reusable section comprises an aerosol generation chamber (120, 620), the aerosol generation chamber comprising a heater cradle (160) adapted to hold the heating element, the heater cradle comprising a first opening (161) adapted to receive the heating element into the heater cradle, and a capillary opening (162) adapted to draw the liquid aerosol substrate into the heater cradle in use.

[en] 1. an aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol by heating a liquid aerosol substrate, the device comprising: a reusable section comprising a heating element; anda consumable comprising the liquid aerosol substrate,wherein the consumable is adapted to supply the liquid aerosol substrate to the heating element in use,wherein the consumable or the reusable section comprises an aerosol generation chamber, the aerosol generation chamber comprising a heater cradle adapted to hold the heating element, the heater cradle comprising a first opening adapted to receive the heating element into the heater cradle, and the heater cradle comprising a capillary opening adapted to draw the liquid aerosol substrate into the heater cradle in use.
2. an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the reusable section further comprises an electrical power source connected to the heating element.
3. an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein: the consumable comprises the aerosol generation chamber, and the aerosol generation chamber contains the liquid aerosol substrate and has a consumable opening adapted to receive the heating element into the aerosol generation chamber; andthe reusable section comprises a loading mechanism configured to position the heating element in the aerosol generation chamber.
4. an aerosol generation device according to claim 3, wherein: the loading mechanism is adapted move between an open position and a closed position,the loading mechanism is configured to receive and hold the consumable in the open position, andthe loading mechanism and the heating element are arranged with respect to one another such that the heating element moves through the consumable opening as the loading mechanism moves from the open position to the closed position.
5. an aerosol generation device according to claim 4, wherein the loading mechanism comprises a positioning element adapted to engage a corresponding element on the consumable, such that the consumable is aligned to receive the heating element.
6. an aerosol generation device according to claim 3, wherein the consumable opening comprises a consumable seal.
7. an aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein the heating element comprises a rigid leading portion adapted to break the consumable seal when the heating element moves through the consumable opening.
8. an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is the capillary opening.
9. an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein: the reusable section comprises the aerosol generation chamber,the heating element is arranged in the aerosol generation chamber, andthe reusable section is adapted to receive the liquid aerosol substrate from the consumable into the aerosol generation chamber.
10. an aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein the reusable section is configured to compress the consumable in order to drive the liquid aerosol substrate into the aerosol generation chamber.
11. an aerosol generation device according to claim 10, wherein the consumable comprises a weak spot or an outlet for the liquid aerosol substrate.
12. an aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein the reusable section comprises a piercing element arranged to pierce the consumable.
13. an aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein the consumable comprises an inlet for air.
14. an aerosol generation device according to claim 13, wherein the reusable section is adapted to drive air into the consumable, in order to drive the liquid aerosol substrate into the aerosol generation chamber.
15. an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises a mesh of electrically conductive fibres configured to transport liquid through the heating element by capillary action in use.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generation device includes a power system having at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery. the power system is operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes. the aerosol generation device further includes a controller. the controller is configured to control a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on the selected operating mode. the plurality of operating modes includes a float mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generation device is maintained substantially at an aerosol generation temperature. in the float mode the controller is configured to control a power flow of the power system to maintain the heater substantially at the aerosol generation temperature, and control the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor.

[en] 1. an aerosol generation device comprising: a power system comprising at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, wherein the power system is operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes; anda controller, wherein the controller is configured to control a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on a selected one of the plurality of operating modes;wherein the plurality of operating modes comprises a float mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generation device is maintained substantially at an aerosol generation temperature, and wherein in the float mode the controller is configured to:control a power flow of the power system to maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generation device substantially at the aerosol generation temperature; andcontrol the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor.
2. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of operating modes further comprises a post-session mode, and wherein in the post-session mode the controller is configured to: when the at least one supercapacitor is not substantially charged at an end point of the float mode, control the at least one battery to continue to charge the at least one supercapacitor beyond the end point of the float mode in the post-session mode.
3. the aerosol generation device of claims 1, wherein the plurality of operating modes further comprises a first preheating mode in which the heater associated with the aerosol generation device is heated to a predetermined temperature using the power system, and wherein in the first preheating mode the controller is configured to: control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to provide power to the heater.
4. the aerosol generation device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of operating modes further comprises a second preheating mode in which the heater associated with the aerosol generation device is heated to a predetermined temperature using the power system, and wherein in the second preheating mode the controller is configured to: control the at least one supercapacitor to provide power to the heater, without the at least one battery providing power to the heater.
5. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of operating modes further comprises a first charging mode, and wherein in the first charging mode the controller is configured to: control the at least one supercapacitor to charge, from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generation device, until the at least one supercapacitor is fully charged, then control the at least one battery to charge from the external power source.
6. the aerosol generation device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of operating modes further comprises a second charging mode, and wherein in the second charging mode the controller is configured to: control the at least one supercapacitor to charge, from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generation device, until the at least one supercapacitor reaches a predetermined charge level, and then control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from the external power source.
7. the aerosol generation device of claim 6, wherein the predetermined charge level is: greater than 50 percent of a full charge.
8. the aerosol generation device of claim 6, wherein the plurality of operating modes further comprises a third charging mode, and wherein in the third charging mode the controller is configured to: control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generation device.
9. the aerosol generation device of claim 8, wherein in the third charging mode the controller is configured to: control both the at least one supercapacitor and the at least one battery to charge from an external power source connectable to the aerosol generation device when the external power source has a suitable power capability.
10. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the at least one supercapacitor comprises at least one hybrid supercapacitor and/or at least one asymmetric supercapacitor and/or at least one pseudo supercapacitor.
11. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the at least one supercapacitor is configured to store enough energy to power the associated heater to aerosolise at least one aerosol generating consumable receivable in the aerosol generation device.
12. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generation device is arranged to receive an aerosol generating consumable comprises comprising a tobacco rod.
13. a method of controlling a power system of an aerosol generation device, wherein the power system comprises at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, and the power system is operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes, the method comprising: controlling, by a controller, a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on a selected one of the plurality of operating modes; andwherein the plurality of operating modes comprises a float mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generation device is maintained substantially at an aerosol generation temperature, and in the float mode the method further comprising:controlling, by the controller, a power flow of the power system to maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generation device substantially at the aerosol generation temperature; andcontrolling, by the controller, the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor.
14. a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to control a power system of an aerosol generation device, wherein the power system comprises at least one supercapacitor and at least one battery, and the power system is operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes; wherein the instructions cause the one or more processors to: control a power flow of the at least one supercapacitor and a power flow of the at least one battery based on a selected one of the plurality of operating modes; andwherein the plurality of operating modes comprises a float mode in which a heater associated with the aerosol generation device is maintained substantially at an aerosol generation temperature, and in the float mode the instructions further cause the one or more processors to: control a power flow of the power system to maintain the heater associated with the aerosol generation device substantially at the aerosol generation temperature; andcontrol the at least one battery to charge the at least one supercapacitor.
15-32. (canceled)


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generating device (100) is disclosed comprising a heater (220) which heats an aerosol forming substrate (108), a wireless communication interface (114) which communicates with wireless enabled devices, and a controller (112) which controls the operation of the device. the controller (112) is configured to enable generation of an aerosol when the wireless interface (114) establishes that a link is available with a user electronic device (116). the controller (112) is further configured to disable aerosol generation but enable pre-heating of the aerosol forming substrate when the wireless communication interface (114) has not established that a wireless link is available with the user electronic device (116).

[en]     claims   1. an aerosol generating device configured to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heater configured to heat an aerosol forming substrate to generate an aerosol; a wireless communication interface configured to communicate wirelessly with a user electronic device; and a controller configured to enable the generation of an aerosol for inhalation by a user when the wireless communication interface has established that a wireless link with the user electronic device is available; wherein the controller is configured to enable pre-heating of an aerosol forming substrate when the wireless communication interface has not established that a wireless link is available with the user electronic device; wherein the wireless communication interface is configured to search for a wireless link for a predetermined time period; and wherein the controller is configured to disable pre-heating of an aerosol forming substrate when the wireless communication interface has established that a wireless link is not available within the predetermined time period.
2. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to enable aerosol generation until the end of the vaping session, after the wireless communication interface has established that a wireless link is available with a user electronic device.
3. the aerosol generating device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising an indicator configured to indicate to the user a status of the aerosol generating device.
4. the aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the indicator comprises an elongate light source configured to indicate the relative completion of a scanning or vaping operation, or the relative amount of a consumable resource remaining in the aerosol generating device.
5. the aerosol generating device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless communication interface is configured to stop searching for a wireless link if a wireless link with a user electronic device is found.
6. the aerosol generating device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to enable pre-heating for a predetermined time period when the wireless communication interface has not established that a wireless link with the user electronic device is available.
7. the aerosol generating device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to enable pre-heating of the aerosol forming substrate up to a predetermined temperature, which is below the temperature of vapour generation.
8. the aerosol generating device of claim 7, further comprising a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the aerosol forming substrate.
9. the aerosol generating device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol forming substrate comprises tobacco.
10. the aerosol generating device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless communication interface is a bluetooth interface.
11. the aerosol generating device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the user electronic device is a smartphone.
12. the aerosol generating device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a memory in which identifiers for user electronic devices are stored.
13. the aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to enable the generation of an aerosol for inhalation by a user when an identifier for a user electronic device in wireless communication with the aerosol generating device matches an identifier stored in the memory.
14. a method of operation for an aerosol generating device, comprising the steps of: establishing, for a predetermined time period, whether or not a wireless link between the aerosol generating device and a user electronic device is available; enabling the generation of an aerosol for inhalation by a user when a wireless communication interface has established that a wireless link is available with the user electronic device; enabling pre-heating of an aerosol forming substrate when the wireless communication interface has not established if a wireless link is available with the user electronic device; and disabling pre-heating of an aerosol forming substrate when the wireless communication interface has established that a wireless link is not available within the predetermined time period.
15. a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform steps comprising: establishing, for a predetermined time period, whether or not a wireless link between an aerosol generating device and a user electronic device is available; enabling the generation of an aerosol for inhalation by a user when a wireless communication interface has established that a wireless link with the user electronic device is available; enabling pre-heating of an aerosol forming substrate when the wireless communication interface has not established if a wireless link is available with the user electronic device; and disabling pre-heating of an aerosol forming substrate when the wireless communication interface has established that a wireless link is not available within the predetermined time period.


Abstract: [en] a vaporiser for an aerosol generating device comprises: a heating element including a sheet of heating material; a tubular heater housing arranged to hold the heating element within the heater housing; and a liquid store. the heater housing comprises a longitudinal gap running along the length of the tubular heater housing, and the heating element is arranged such that a peripheral edge of the heating element is supported within the gap. the gap is arranged to allow a liquid to pass from the liquid store into the heater housing to be vaporised by the heating element during use. the size of the gap is variable to change the rate of liquid flow through the gap, and, in particular, to maintain an optimum liquid flow rate despite a varying viscosity of the vaporisable liquid due to temperature or to differing types of vaporisable liquid being used.

[en] 1. a vaporiser for an aerosol generating device, the vaporiser comprising: a heating element comprising a sheet of heating material;a tubular heater housing arranged to hold the heating element within the heater housing; and a liquid store;wherein the heater housing comprises a longitudinal gap running along the length of the tubular heater housing and the heating element is arranged such that a peripheral edge of the heating element is supported within the gap;wherein the gap is arranged to allow a liquid to pass from the liquid store into the heater housing to be vaporised by the heating element during use; andwherein a size of the gap is variable so as to change the rate of liquid flow through the gap.
2. the vaporiser of claim 1 wherein the sheet of heating material comprises a sheet of electrically conductive fibre mesh arranged to transport liquid by capillary action.
3. the vaporiser of claim 1 wherein the heater housing is configured such that the size of the gap varies with temperature.
4. the vaporiser of claim 3 wherein a portion of the heater housing adjacent to the gap comprises a material which expands with increasing temperature such that the size of the gap decreases as the temperature of the portion of the heater housing increases.
5. the vaporiser of claim 3 wherein a portion of the heater housing adjacent to the gap comprises a shape memory alloy configured to change shape when exposed to increasing temperature, so as to change the size of the gap in the heater housing.
6. the vaporiser of claim 1 wherein the heater housing further comprises a gasket configured to mechanically vary the size of the gap.
7. the vaporiser of claim 6 further comprising a user control for operating the gasket to allow a user to change the size of the gap in the heater housing.
8. the vaporiser of claim 6 further comprising a sensing element wherein the gasket is configured to change the size of the gap according to a sensed parameter of the heating element or the liquid store.
9. the vaporiser of claim 8 wherein the sensing element is configured to sense one or more of: the temperature of a liquid in the liquid store;the temperature of the heating element; andinformation provided in a machine-readable id.
10. the vaporiser of claim 1 wherein the size of the gap is variable across a range of at least 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm.
11. the vaporiser of claim 1 further comprising a vaporisable liquid held within the liquid store, the vaporisable liquid comprising vegetable glycerine (vg) and propylene glycol (pg), wherein: the size of the gap is variable to a value in a range of 0.05 to 0.25 mm and the ratio of vg:pg is 30:70; orthe size of the gap is variable to a value in a range of 0.15 to 0.35 mm and the ratio of vg:pg is 50:50; orthe size of the gap is variable to a value in a range of 0.2 to 0.45 mm and the ratio of vg:pg is 70:30.
12. an aerosol generating device comprising: the vaporiser of claim 1; anda power source arranged to provide current to the heating element of the vaporiser.
13. the aerosol generating device of claim 12 further comprising: a cartridge seating configured to receive a removable cartridge; anda removable cartridge wherein the vaporiser is provided within the removable cartridge.
14. a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, the cartridge comprising the vaporiser of claim 1.
15. the vaporiser of claim 1 wherein the size of the gap is variable across a range of at least 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generating device (10) for heating an aerosol generating substrate, e.g., an aerosol generating liquid (21) or a non-liquid aerosol generating substrate (78), to generate an aerosol for inhalation comprises a heat pipe (36) and a heater (34). the heat pipe is partially filled with a liquid which is vaporisable to form a vapour and has a first end (38) arranged to be positioned away from the aerosol generating substrate (21) and an opposite second end (40). the heater is positioned at the first end of the heat pipe for heating and vaporising the liquid. the heat pipe comprises at least one heat transfer surface (46) positioned away from the first end for transferring heat from the vapour inside the heat pipe to the aerosol generating substrate to thereby heat the aerosol generating substrate.

[en] claims 1. an aerosol generating device (10, 60, 70, 100) for heating an aerosol generating substrate (21, 78) to generate an aerosol for inhalation, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heat pipe (36, 90) comprising: a liquid which is vaporisable to form a vapour; a first end (38) arranged to be positioned away from the aerosol generating substrate (21, 78); a second end (40); a heater (34) positioned at the first end (38) of the heat pipe (36, 90) for heating and vaporising the liquid; and at least one heat transfer surface (46) positioned away from the first end (38) of the heat pipe (36, 90) for transferring heat from the vapour to the aerosol generating substrate (21, 78) to thereby heat the aerosol generating substrate (21, 78).
2. an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein at least the second end (40) is arranged to be positioned adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate (21, 78) to position the at least one heat transfer surface (46) adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate (21, 78).
3. an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a portion of the heat pipe (90) extending from a position between the first end (38) and the second end (40) of the heat pipe (90) to a position at the second end (40) of the heat pipe (90) is arranged to be positioned adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate (78) to position the at least one heat transfer surface (46) adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate (78).
4. an aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat pipe (36) comprises a heat transfer element (48) positioned at the second end (40) and the heat transfer surface (46) is at least partly defined by the heat transfer element (48).
5. an aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the heat transfer element (48) includes a plurality of openings (50).
6. an aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heater (34) comprises a resistive heating element.
7. an aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the heater (34) is attached to an outer surface (42) of the heat pipe (36, 90) at the first end (38).
8. an aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the heater (34) is embedded in a side wall (44) of the heat pipe (36, 90) at the first end (38).
9. an aerosol generating device according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heater (34) comprises an inductively heatable susceptor (64) and the aerosol generating device comprises an induction coil (62) arranged to generate an alternating electromagnetic field for inductively heating the inductively heatable susceptor (64).
10. an aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor (64) is positioned inside the heat pipe (36, 90) at the first end (38).
11. an aerosol generating device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor (64) comprises an elongate susceptor element.
12. an aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat pipe (36, 90) includes a wick positioned inside the heat pipe (36, 90) to convey condensed liquid, held in the heat pipe (36, 90), from the second end (40) to the first end (38), and the wick comprises an inductively heatable susceptor material.
13. an aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid has a boiling point up to approximately 350 degrees centigrade
14. an aerosol generating system (1, 2) comprising an aerosol generating device (10, 60) and a cartridge (12) containing an aerosol generating liquid (21) releasably connectable to the aerosol generating device (10, 60), the aerosol generating device (10, 60) comprising: a heat pipe (36) comprising: a liquid which is vaporisable to form a vapour; a first end (38) arranged to be positioned away from the aerosol generating liquid (21); a second end (40) arranged to be positioned adjacent to the aerosol generating liquid (21); a heater (34) positioned at the first end (38) of the heat pipe (36) for heating and vaporising the liquid; and a heat transfer surface (46) at the second end (40) of the heat pipe (36), the heat transfer surface (46) being positioned adjacent to the aerosol generating liquid (21) for transferring heat from the vapour to the aerosol generating liquid (21) to thereby heat the aerosol generating liquid (21).
15. an aerosol generating system according to claim 14, wherein the cartridge (12) comprises a liquid store (20) and a liquid transfer element (28) configured to convey aerosol generating liquid (21) from the liquid store (20) to the heat transfer surface (46).
16. an aerosol generating system according to claim 15, wherein the heat pipe (36) comprises a heat transfer element (48) positioned at the second end (40) in contact with the liquid transfer element (28), and the heat transfer surface (46) is at least partly defined by the heat transfer element (48).
17. an aerosol generating system (3, 4) comprising an aerosol generating device (70, 100) and an aerosol generating article (72) comprising a non-liquid aerosol generating substrate (78), the aerosol generating device (70, 100) comprising: a heat pipe (90) comprising: a liquid which is vaporisable to form a vapour; a first end (38) arranged to be positioned away from the non-liquid aerosol generating substrate (78); a second end (40); a heater (34) positioned at the first end (38) of the heat pipe (90) for heating and vaporising the liquid; and at least one heat transfer surface (46) positioned away from the first end (38) of the heat pipe (90) for transferring heat from the vapour to the non-liquid aerosol generating substrate (78) to thereby heat the non-liquid aerosol generating substrate (78).
18. an aerosol generating system according to claim 17, wherein a portion of the heat pipe (90) extending from a position between the first end (38) and the second end (40) of the heat pipe (90) to a position at the second end (40) of the heat pipe (90) is positioned in the non-liquid aerosol generating substrate (78) to position the at least one heat transfer surface (46) in the non-liquid aerosol generating substrate (78).
19. an aerosol generating system according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the aerosol generating device (70, 100) includes a heating chamber (74) for receiving the non-liquid aerosol generating substrate (78), and the heat pipe (90) extends into the heating chamber (74) so that the at least one heat transfer surface (46) is positioned in the heating chamber (74).


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generating device is disclosed comprising a heater for generating an aerosol and a vapour flow passage configured to transport the generated aerosol from the heater to a mouth end of the vapour flow passage. the vapour flow passage is extendable such that a length between the heater and the mouth end is adjustable.

[en] 1. an aerosol generating device, comprising: a heater for generating an aerosol; anda vapour flow passage configured to transport the generated aerosol from the heater to a mouth end of the vapour flow passage,wherein the vapour flow passage is extendable such that a length between the heater and the mouth end is adjustable.
2. the aerosol generation device according claim 1 comprising a sliding mechanism or a screw mechanism for extending the vapour flow passage.
3. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 further comprising: two contact points arranged to provide a current to the heater between the contact points; and a heater control arranged to change the position of a contact point on the heater to adjust the distance between the contact points through which a current is applied.
4. the aerosol generating device according to claim 3 wherein the heater control comprises a sliding mechanism or a screw mechanism.
5. the aerosol generating device according to claim 3 further comprising a power source, wherein the heater control is configured to measure the resistance between the two contact points and adjust an applied voltage from the power source based on the measured resistance.
6. the aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the heater control is further configured to adjust the length of the vapour flow passage between the heater and the mouth end.
7. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 wherein the heater comprises a mesh of electrically conductive fibres configured to transport liquid through the heater by capillary action in use.
8. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 wherein the device comprises a mouthpiece defining at least a portion of the vapour flow passage; wherein the mouthpiece is extendable to adjust the length of the vapour flow passage between the heater and the mouth end.
9. the aerosol generating device according to claim 8 wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a consumable cartridge and the consumable cartridge comprises the mouthpiece.
10. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 wherein the heater comprises a planar sheet of electrically conductive fibre mesh.
11. the aerosol generating device of claim 10 further comprising a heater cradle for supporting the heater within the device; wherein the heater cradle comprises: two parts which meet at an interface which runs along a length of the cradle; wherein the heater is supported within a longitudinal gap at the interface between the two heater cradle parts.
12. the aerosol generating device of claim 11 further comprising a liquid store positioned around the heater cradle such that liquid is drawn from the liquid store to the heater by capillary action through the heater.


Abstract: [en] the present invention concerns an aerosol delivering system (10) for an aerosol generating device (11) and/or a cartridge (12), the aerosol delivering system (10) comprising a main reservoir (31) storing a liquid vaporisable material, a vaporising unit (32) configured to vaporise the vaporisable material and a priming bulb (33) arranged between the main reservoir (31) and the vaporising unit (32). the priming bulb (33) comprising a bulb inlet connected to the main reservoir (31) and a bulb outlet connected to the vaporising unit (32), and being configured, upon its actuating, to expel a predetermined quantity of vaporizable material from the bulb outlet and suck the same quantity of vaporizable material from the bulb inlet.

[en] claims 1. an aerosol delivering system (10; 1 10) for an aerosol generating device (11; 11 1) and/or a cartridge (12), the aerosol delivering system (10; 110) comprising a main reservoir (31) storing a liquid vaporisable material, a vaporising unit (32) configured to vaporise the vaporisable material and a priming bulb (33) arranged between the main reservoir (31) and the vaporising unit (32); the priming bulb (33) comprising a bulb inlet (51) connected to the main reservoir (31) and a bulb outlet (54) connected to the vaporising unit (32), and being configured, upon its actuating, to expel a predetermined quantity of vaporizable material from the bulb outlet (54) and suck the same quantity of vaporizable material from the bulb inlet (51).
2. the aerosol delivering system (10; 1 10) according to claim 1, further comprising a secondary reservoir (34) arranged between the vaporising unit (32) and the priming bulb (33), the secondary reservoir (34) being connected to the bulb outlet (54).
3. the aerosol delivering system (10; 110) according to claim 2, wherein the secondary reservoir (34) defines an internal volume (60) configured to receive the predetermined quantity of vaporisable material.
4. the aerosol delivering system (10; 1 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined quantity of vaporisable material corresponds to a dose of the vaporisable material for a single vaping session.
5. the aerosol delivering system (10; 1 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the priming bulb (33) is configured to be actuated by a user before starting a vaping session.
6. the aerosol delivering system (10; 1 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the priming bulb (33) comprises a housing (50) defining an internal volume (60) of the priming bulb (33).
7. the aerosol delivering system (10; 1 10) according to claim 6, wherein the priming bulb (33) further comprises an inlet valve allowing a flow passage from the bulb inlet (51) to the internal volume (60) of the priming bulb (33) and an outlet valve allowing a flow passage from the internal volume (60) of the priming bulb to the bulb outlet (54).
8. the aerosol delivering system (10; 1 10) according to claim 7, wherein the inlet valve and the outlet valve form one single piece (62).
9. the aerosol delivering system (10; 1 10) according to claim 8, wherein said piece (62) comprises a support part (64) and a flexible part (66) extending around the support part (64), the support part (64) defining a through hole (69).
10. the aerosol delivering system (10; 110) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the housing (50) of the priming bulb (33) is made at least partially from an elastic material.
1 1. the aerosol delivering system (10; 110) according to claim 10, wherein actuating the priming bulb corresponds to a compression of its housing (50).
12. the aerosol delivering system (10; 1 10) according to any one of claims, wherein the bulb inlet (51) and the bulb outlet (54) are formed by two concentric conduits.
13. a cartridge (12) configured to operate with an aerosol generating device (1 1), the cartridge (12) comprising an aerosol delivering system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.
14. an aerosol generating device (11 1) comprising an aerosol delivering system (1 10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generating article (1, 2, 3, 4) for use with an aerosol generating device (102) comprises a substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14) comprising at least first and second portions (16, 18) of aerosol generating material. the first and second portions (16, 18) of aerosol generating material have different thermal diffusivities.

[en] claims 1. an aerosol generating article (1, 2, 3, 4) for use with an aerosol generating device (102), the aerosol generating article comprising: a substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14) comprising at least first and second portions (16, 18) of aerosol generating material; wherein the first and second portions (16, 18) of aerosol generating material have different thermal diffusivities; wherein the first portion (16) of aerosol generating material has a higher thermal diffusivity than the second portion (18) of aerosol generating material and wherein the first portion (16) of aerosol generating material forms an outer layer (22) of the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14) relative to the second portion (18) of aerosol generating material.
2. an aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the second portion (18) of aerosol generating material forms an external layer (22) of the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14).
3. an aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first portion (16) of aerosol generating material encloses the second portion (18) of aerosol generating material and forms a continuous outer layer at least partially surrounding the second portion (18) of aerosol generating material, optionally forming an external surface (24) of the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14).
4. an aerosol generating article according to claim 2, wherein the first and second portions (16, 18) of aerosol generating material form at least oppositely disposed first and second external layers (22) of the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14).
5. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first portion (16) of aerosol generating material has one or more of a lower density (o) than the second portion (18) of aerosol generating material, a lower specific heat capacity cp) than the second portion (18) of aerosol generating material, and a higher thermal conductivity (k) than the second portion (18) of aerosol generating material.
6. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first portion (16) of aerosol generating material has a lower density o) and a lower specific heat capacity cp) than the second portion (18) of aerosol generating material.
7. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating substrate (14) comprises a non-liquid aerosol generating material and an aerosol-former, and the weight ratio of aerosol-former to non-liquid aerosol generating material is lower in the first portion (16) of aerosol generating material than in the second portion (18) of aerosol generating material.
8. an aerosol generating article according to claim 7, wherein the weight ratio is from 1:8 to 1: 12 in the first portion (16) of aerosol generating material and from 1:5 to 1: 10 in the second portion (18) of aerosol generating material.
9. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14) comprises recesses (30) or embossings in a surface (14b) of the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14).
10. a method for producing an aerosol generating article (1, 2, 3, 4) according to any preceding claim, wherein the method comprises extruding the first and second portions (16, 18) of aerosol generating material to form the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14).
11. a method according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises co-extruding the first and second portions (16, 18) of aerosol generating material to form the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14).
12. a method according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises separately extruding the first and second portions (16, 18) of aerosol generating material and thereafter assembling the separately extruded first and second portions (16, 18) of aerosol generating material to form the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14).
13. a method according to claim 12, wherein the step of assembling the separately extruded first and second portions (16, 18) of aerosol generating material comprises laminating the first and second portions (16, 18) of aerosol generating material.
14. an aerosol generating system (100) comprising: an aerosol generating device (102) including a heater (104); and an aerosol generating article (1, 2, 3, 4) according to any of claims 1 to 9; wherein the first portion (16) of aerosol generating material has a higher thermal diffusivity than the second portion (18) of aerosol generating material, and wherein at least part of the first portion (16) of aerosol generating material is positioned closer to the heater (104) than the second portion (18) of aerosol generating material.
15. a method for generating an aerosol in an aerosol generating device (102) including a heater (104) by heating an aerosol generating article (1, 2, 3, 4) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first portion (16) of aerosol generating material has a higher thermal diffusivity than the second portion (18) of aerosol generating material, and wherein the method comprises positioning at least part of the first portion (16) of aerosol generating material closer to the heater (104) than the second portion (18) of aerosol generating material.


Abstract: [en] a heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device comprising includes a heating element supported within a housing and extending along the length of the housing and an air flow path arranged to transport air over the heating element, wherein the air flow path includes an air inlet located on a lateral portion of the housing with respect to the length of the housing.

[en] 1. a heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating element supported within a housing and extending along a length of the housing; andan air flow path arranged to transport air over the heating element,wherein the air flow path comprises an air inlet located on a lateral portion of the housing with respect to the length of the housing.
2. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises a sheet of heating material.
3. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating element extends between a first point and a second point along the length of the housing, and the air inlet is located at a position between the first and second points.
4. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion that cooperatively engage along the length of the housing to define an interface, and wherein the heating element is supported in the interface between the first and second housing portions.
5. the heating apparatus of claim 4, wherein the air inlet is located at the interface.
6. the heating apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a liquid supply configured to supply liquid to the heating element.
7. the heating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the heating element comprises a sheet of heating material comprising a wicking structure for transporting liquid from the liquid supply by capillary action.
8. the heating apparatus of claim 7, wherein the sheet of heating material comprises a mesh of electrically conductive fibres.
9. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises a sheet of heating material comprising slots extending inwardly from an edge of the sheet.
10. the heating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the liquid supply is arranged to supply liquid to the heating element through a first portion of the interface, and wherein the air inlet is arranged to transport air to the heating element through a second portion of the interface.
11. the heating apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first and second portions of the interface are on opposite sides of the housing.
12. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein an air flow coming from the air inlet can be adjusted to alter air flow to the heating element.
13. the heating apparatus of claim 12, wherein a size of the air inlet is adjustable to alter air flow to the heating element.
14. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air inlet comprises a first series of apertures.
15. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air flow path is arranged to direct air along a portion of a length of the heating element such that the air is preheated prior to being transported over a remainder portion of the heating element.
16. the heating apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a sliding member configured to adjust the size of the air inlet.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generating device includes a planar heating element including a mesh of electrically conductive fibres, a heating rod in contact with a central portion of the planar heating element to provide a central region of high current density, thereby providing a temperature gradient across the planar heating element during use, a liquid store, and a liquid transport element arranged between the liquid store and the planar heating element and configured to transport liquid from the liquid store to the planar heating element under capillary action during use, wherein the liquid transport element is arranged in contact with an edge portion of the mesh.

[en] 1. an aerosol generating device comprising: a planar heating element comprising a mesh of electrically conductive fibres;a heating rod in contact with a central portion of the planar heating element to provide a central region of high current density, thereby providing a temperature gradient across the planar heating element during use;a liquid store; anda liquid transport element arranged between the liquid store and the planar heating element and configured to transport liquid from the liquid store to the planar heating element under capillary action during use;wherein the liquid transport element is arranged in contact with an edge portion of the mesh.
2. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid transport element comprises a porous or fibrous material.
3. the aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the liquid transport element comprises cotton or a ceramic.
4. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the planar heating element is configured to transport liquid by capillary action in use.
5. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the planar heating element comprises slots extending inwardly from an edge of the planar heating element.
6. the aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein the slots are arranged such that the planar heating element comprises a square wave shape.
7. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the liquid transport element comprises a first wicking material and a second wicking material, wherein the first wicking material has a higher resistance to thermal degradation than the second wicking material.
8. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the liquid transport element comprises ceramic material and the mesh is arranged on or embedded in the ceramic material such that liquid is transported to the mesh through the ceramic material.
9. (canceled)
10. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid transport element is in contact with a plurality of contact portions of the mesh.
11. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising: a heater housing arranged to hold the planar heating element within the heater housing, wherein the heater housing comprises a gap arranged to allow a liquid to pass from the liquid store into the heater housing; whereinthe liquid transport element is arranged within gap in the heater housing.
12. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a tubular heater housing having one or more longitudinal gaps running along a length of the heater housing; whereinthe liquid store surrounds the tubular heater housing;the planar heating element runs axially through the tubular heater housing; andone or more liquid transport elements are positioned within the one or more longitudinal gaps and arranged to transport liquid from the liquid store through the one or more longitudinal gaps in the tubular heater housing to the planar heating element.
13. the aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the one or more liquid transport elements are arranged to fill the one or more longitudinal gaps.


Abstract: [en] the present invention relates to an aerosol generation device and a consumable article. in particular, the invention relates to an aerosol generation device with an electrical interface for connecting with an electrical interface of the consumable article for determining the thermal properties of a heat transfer element of the consumable article. the aerosol generation device includes a heating element having a contacting surface providing a thermal interface, circuitry and an electrical interface. the electrical interface of the aerosol generation device is configured to be electrically connected with an electrical interface of the consumable article when the consumable article is connected to the aerosol generation device such that an electrical circuit is formed between the circuitry of the aerosol generation device and an electrical interface of the consumable article. the aerosol generation device is further configured to obtain a temperature of the heat transfer element by means of the electrical circuit.

[en] 1. an aerosol generation device comprising: a heating element having a contacting surface providing a thermal interface;electrical circuitry; andan electrical interface, whereinthe electrical interface of the aerosol generation device is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical interface of a consumable article when the consumable article is connected to the aerosol generation device such that an electrical circuit is formed between the electrical circuitry of the aerosol generation device and the electrical interface of the consumable article, andwherein the aerosol generation device is configured to obtain a temperature of a heat transfer element of the consumable article by means of the electrical circuit.
2. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical interface of the aerosol generation device is configured to mechanically connect with the electrical interface of the consumable article to releasably secure the consumable article to the aerosol generation device.
3. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical interface of the aerosol generation device comprises one or more second electrical connectors complementary to one or more corresponding first electrical connectors of the consumable article.
4. the aerosol generation device according to claim 3, wherein the one or more first and second electrical connectors of the aerosol generation device comprise one or more pogo pins and one or more complementary pogo pin receptables.
5. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical circuit is configured such that an electrical resistance of the heat transfer element of the consumable article can be measured in the aerosol generation device.
6. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol general device is configured to control the power supplied to the heating element based on the temperature of the heat transfer element obtained by the aerosol generation device.
7. the aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein the power control is based on a predetermined threshold temperature.
8. the aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein controlling the power supplied to the heating element comprises turning the heating element on or off and/or adjusting an amount of power supplied to the heating element.
9. a consumable article for use with an aerosol generation device comprising a heating element having a contact surface forming a thermal interface, and an electrical interface, the consumable article comprising: a heat transfer element configured to be heated by the heating element of the aerosol generation device when contacted by the thermal interface of the heating element;an aerosol generation substrate configured to be heated by the heat transfer element; andan electrical interface electrically connectable with the electrical interface of the aerosol generation device when the consumable article is connected to the aerosol generation device such that an electrical circuit is formed between the electrical interface of the consumable article and an electrical circuitry of the aerosol generation device, thereby enabling the aerosol generation device to obtain a temperature of the heat transfer element by means of the electrical circuit.
10. the consumable according to claim 9, wherein the electrical interface of the consumable article is configured to mechanically connect with the electrical interface of the aerosol generation device to releasably secure the consumable article to the aerosol generation device.
11. the consumable article according to claim 9, wherein the electrical interface of the consumable article comprises one or more first electrical connectors or more second electrical connectors corresponding to the one or more first electrical connectors for connecting with the electrical interface of the aerosol generation device.
12. the consumable article according to claim 11, wherein the one or more first electrical connectors comprise one or more pogo pins and the one or more second electrical connectors comprise one or more pogo pin receptables, and/or vice versa.
13. the consumable article according to claim 9, wherein the electrical interface of the consumable article is integrally formed in the heat-transfer element.
14. the consumable article according to claim 9, wherein the heat-transfer element comprises of a metal, a metal alloy, or a heat conductive ceramic.
15. a system comprising: an aerosol generation device comprising: a heating element having a contacting surface providing a thermal interface;electrical circuitry; andan electrical interface; anda consumable article connectable to the aerosol generation device, the consumable article comprising: a heat transfer element heatable when contacted by the thermal interface of the heating element;an aerosol generation substrate heatable by the heat transfer element; andan electrical interface in connection with the heat transfer element;wherein the electrical interface of the aerosol generation device is configured to be electrically connected with the electrical interface of the consumable article when the consumable article is connected to the aerosol generation device such that an electrical circuit is formed between the electrical circuitry of the aerosol generation device and the electrical interface of the consumable article, andwherein the aerosol generation device is configured to obtain the temperature of the heat transfer element by means of the electrical circuit.


Abstract: [en] a method of authenticating a consumable for use with an aerosol generating device, includes initiating a communication between the aerosol generating device and a first entity to obtain the consumable from the first entity for use with the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device being associated with a device id and the consumable being associated with a consumable id; sending the device id and the consumable id from the first entity to a second entity, wherein the second entity is configured to associate and store the device id with the consumable id; and verifying use of the consumable with the aerosol generating device.

[en] 1. a method of authenticating a consumable for use with an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: initiating a communication between the aerosol generating device and a first entity to obtain the consumable from the first entity for use with the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device being associated with a device id and the consumable being associated with a consumable id;sending the device id and the consumable id from the first entity to a second entity, wherein the second entity is configured to associate and store the device id with the consumable id; andverifying use of the consumable with the aerosol generating device.
2. the method of claim 1, wherein use of the consumable with the aerosol generating device is verified based on an association between the device id and the consumable id.
3. the method of claim 2, further comprising: storing the consumable id of the consumable that is used with the aerosol generating device at the aerosol generating device regardless of whether the consumable is authenticated or not; andsending the consumable id stored at the aerosol generating device together with the device id from the aerosol generating device to the second entity.
4. the method of claim 3, further comprising: comparing the device id and the consumable id received from the aerosol generating device to the association between the device id and the consumable id received from the first entity to determine whether use of the consumable with the aerosol generating device is verified or not.
5. the method of claim 1, further comprising sending the consumable id by the first entity to the aerosol generating device after the consumable is obtained.
6. the method of claim 5, further comprising storing the consumable id in the aerosol generating device, and unlocking the aerosol generating device for use based on the stored consumable id.
7. the method of claim 6, further comprising scanning the consumable id to compare with the consumable id received from the first entity and stored at the aerosol generating device.
8. the method of claim 1, further comprising sending an unlocking command by the first entity to the aerosol generating device after the consumable is obtained, wherein the unlocking command comprises information indicating a number of items in a pack of the consumable to be allowed for use with the aerosol generating device.
9. the method of claim 8, wherein the unlocking command further comprises information indicating a time period of usage associated with the consumable.
10. the method of claim 8, further comprising automatically locking the aerosol generating device when the number of items in the pack of the consumable are used.
11. the method of claim 1, further comprising initiating a contactless payment using a contactless payment interface to provide an identity of the aerosol generating device to the first entity when a security condition is satisfied.
12. the method of claim 11, further comprising communicating wirelessly with a personal computing device, wherein the security condition comprises detecting the personal computing device to be in a vicinity of the aerosol-generating device.
13. an aerosol generating device comprising: a processor to execute the steps in the method of claims 12;a memory for storing the device id and/or the consumable id; anda communication unit configured to communicate with at least one of the first entity, the second entity, and the personal computing device.
14. a remote server comprising: a memory;a communication interface configured to receive a first device id for an aerosol generating device and a first consumable id for a consumable from a first entity, and a second device id for the aerosol generating device and a second consumable id for the consumable from a personal computing device; anda processor configured to compare the first device id and the first consumable id with the second device id and the second consumable id respectively to verify an authenticity of the consumable.
15. a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising software instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to carry out the method according to claim 1.
16. the method of claim 4, further comprising: sending a notification to the aerosol generating device when use of the consumable with the aerosol generating device is not verified.
17. the method of claim 7, further comprising deleting the consumable id from the aerosol generating device when a comparison of the scanned consumable id with the consumable id received from the first entity and stored at the aerosol generating device is a match.
18. the method of claim 9, further comprising automatically locking the aerosol generating device when the time period of usage associated with the consumable is expired.


Abstract: [en] there is provided a method performed by an electrical charger device (10) for an electronic cigarette (20), and an electrical charger device. the method comprises: establishing a communicative pairing (32) between the electrical charger device (10) and a computing device (30); establishing a communicative pairing between the electrical charger device (10) and the electronic cigarette (20); acquiring data relating to a user of the electronic cigarette; determining a charge level to be provided to the electronic cigarette based on the acquired data; and charging the electronic cigarette when the electrical charger device and the electronic cigarette are electrically connected based on the determined charge level. the data acquired from the electronic cigarette may include a health status of a battery. the determination of charging level may be further based on configurable rules regarding maximum usage level of the electronic cigarette. the charger device may comprise a biometric sensor (18) to receive biometric user data such as a fingerprint.

[en]       claims   1. a method performed by an electrical charger device for an electronic cigarette, the method comprising: establishing a communicative pairing between the electrical charger device and a computing device; establishing a communicative pairing between the electrical charger device and the electronic cigarette; acquiring data relating to a user of the electronic cigarette from the computing device and from the electronic cigarette; determining a charge level to be provided to the electronic cigarette based on the acquired data; and charging the electronic cigarette, when the electrical charger device and the electronic cigarette are electrically connected, to the determined charge level.
2. the method according to claim 1, wherein the acquired data from the electronic cigarette includes a health status of a battery of the electronic cigarette.
3. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of charging level is further based on configurable rules regarding a desired maximum usage level of the electronic cigarette.
4. the method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the acquired data including usage amount of the electronic cigarette over a predetermined period of time and/or data related to a user of the electronic cigarette over a predetermined period of time.
5. the method according to any preceding claims, wherein the determination of charge level is further based on predicted usage amount of the electronic cigarette predicted based on acquired data and/or a previously predicted usage amount.
6. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging being based on the determined charge level providing charging according to a charging scheme, the method further comprising: storing biometric user data in the electrical charger device; acquiring biometric data from a user seeking to charge the electronic cigarette; establishing whether the acquired biometric data matches the stored biometric data; and authorising charging of the electronic cigarette according to the charging scheme based on the established match.
7. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: storing biometric user data in the electrical charger device; acquiring biometric data from a user seeking to charge the electronic cigarette; establishing whether the acquired biometric data matches the stored biometric data; and authenticating the electrical charger device for connection to a further device based on the established match.
8. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: storing biometric user data in the electrical charger device; acquiring biometric data from a user seeking to charge the electronic cigarette; establishing whether the acquired biometric data matches the stored biometric data; and permitting the acquiring, by the electrical charger device, of data relating to a user of the electronic cigarette based on the established match.
9. the method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the biometric data comprises a fingerprint.
10. the method of any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising updating the stored biometric user data when the owner of the electronic cigarette and/or electrical charger device is changed.
11. the method of any one of claims 6 to 10, further comprising receiving an id tag associated with the electronic cigarette at the electrical charger device.
12. an electrical charger device, comprising: an interface configured to establish a communicative pairing between the electrical charger device and a computing device and configured to establish a communicative pairing between the electrical charger device and an electronic cigarette; and a controller configured to acquire data relating to a user of the electronic cigarette from the computing device and the electronic cigarette, determine a charge level to be provided to the electronic cigarette based on the acquired data and to charge the electronic cigarette when the electrical charger device and the electronic cigarette are electrically connected based on determined charge level.
13. the electrical charger device according to claim 12, further comprising a biometric sensor configured to receive biometric user data.


Abstract: [en] the present invention relates to an aerosol generation article with optical code and a system comprising the article and an aerosol generation device. more specifically, a consumable (1) for an aerosol generation device (2), comprises an aerosol-generating substrate (11) and a wrapper (12), the consumable (1) comprising information which is coded in the form of at least one machine-readable optical pattern (102) which is applied on a first surface (14) of a component of the consumable (1) and is covered by an outer wall (13) of the wrapper (12), wherein the outer wall (13) is light-permeable such that the optical pattern (102) can be read by an optical detection unit (23) of the aerosol generation device (2) through the wall when the consumable (1) is attached to the aerosol generation device (2) for consumption.

[en]     claims   1. a consumable (l) for an aerosol generation device (2), comprising an aerosol generating substrate (11) and a wrapper (12), the consumable (1) comprising information which is coded in the form of at least one machine-readable optical pattern (102) which is applied on a first surface (14) of a component of the consumable (1) and is covered by an outer wall (13) of the wrapper (12), wherein the outer wall (13) is light- permeable such that the optical pattern (102) can be read by an optical detection unit (23) of the aerosol generation device (2) through the wall when the consumable (1) is attached to the aerosol generation device (2) for consumption.
2. the consumable (1) according to claim 1, wherein the wrapper (12) comprises multiple layers, wherein the first surface (14) is an inner surface of the outermost layer or an inner or outer surface of an internal layer of the wrapper.
3. the consumable (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein information which is coded in the form of at least one second machine-readable optical pattern (102) is applied on a second surface (15), of a component of the consumable (1), which is covered by the outer wall (13) of the wrapper (12), the second surface (15) being distinct from the first surface (14) of the consumable (1).
4. the consumable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one machine-readable optical pattern (102) represents a ld, 2d barcode, a qr code, dots, or an image.
5. the consumable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the information is coded in the form of at least two machine-readable optical patterns (102) applied on at least two separate surface areas, whose reflectivity or diffraction properties are different from one another.
6. the consumable (1) according to claim 5, wherein each surface area is on a separate band (105) surrounding or enclosing a section of the aerosol-generating substrate (11).
7. the consumable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer wall (13) of the wrapper (12) is at least partially transparent such that the optical pattern (102) is visible from outside.
8. the consumable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pattern (102) is applied on the first surface (14) by printing a material which reflects the light detected by the optical detection unit (21), wherein the material reflects uv, visible and/or infrared light.
9. the consumable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pattern (102) is applied on the first surface (14) by printing at least two materials having different reflectivity characteristics.
10. the consumable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first surface (14) is a surface of a plug wrap (16), tipping paper (17), tobacco wrapper (18), and/or paper tube (103).
11. the consumable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first surface (14) is an outer surface of an inner tubular element (103) covered by the wrapper (12) and positioned, on the longitudinal axis of the consumable, between the aerosol generating substrate (11) and a filter element (105).
12. the consumable (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the tubular element (103) is a hollow tube which is more rigid than the outer wall (13) of the wrapper (12).
13. the consumable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer wall of the wrapper (12) has a thickness of less than 70 pm, preferably less than 60 pm, more preferably less than 50 pm, even more preferably less than 40 pm and most preferably less than 30 pm and/or a density of less than 60 gsm, preferably less than 50 gsm, more preferably less than 40 gsm, even more preferably less than 30 gsm and most preferably less than 20 gsm.
14. the consumable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer wall (13) is the outmost layer and/or wrapper (17) of the consumable (1).
15. the consumable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall (13) is a portion of the outmost layer or wrapper (12), which wraps around or covers an inner element of the consumable (1).
16. a system comprising the consumable of any one of the preceding claims and an aerosol generation device (2) for use of the consumable, the aerosol generation device (2) comprising an optical detection unit (23) configured to read the optical pattern (102) when the consumable (1) is attached to the aerosol generation device (2) for consumption.
17. the system of claim 16, wherein the aerosol generation device (2) comprises a light source (21) configured to emit uv, visible and/ or infrared light, to be detected by the optical detection unit (23), the optical detection unit (23) is a camera or image scanner.
18. the system of any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the consumable (1) has an insertion section which is configured to be inserted and contained within the device (2), and a protrusion section which is configured to protrude out of the device (1), when the consumable (1) is attached to the aerosol generation device (2) for consumption; and the optical pattern (102) is arranged on the insertion section and/or the protrusion section of the consumable (1).
19. the system of claim 18, wherein the optical detection unit (23) comprised by the device (2) is arranged within the device (1) and faces an inner space which is enclosed by the device (2); or the optical detection unit (23) is attached to the device (2) and/or arranged within the device (2), in a way that it faces towards the protrusion section of the consumable (1), when the consumable (1) is attached to the aerosol generation device (2) for consumption.
20. the system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical detection unit (23) is a camera or image scanner.


Abstract: [en] the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating consumable article comprising at least one indicium containing coded information about the article arranged on a surface of said article. the coded information is implemented in at least one array of readable code elements that are readable upon illumination by an optical magnification reader system, said readable code elements having a density of at least 10 elements per square mm of said indicium. the invention is also related to an aerosol-generating device configured to receive a consumable article. the aerosol-generating device comprises an optical magnification reader system configured to provide an optically magnified image of at least a portion of said indicium on a detector and to read said coded information, to recognize the authenticity of the consumable article.

[en] 1. an aerosol-generating consumable article comprising at least one indicium containing coded information about the article arranged on a surface of said article, whereinsaid coded information is implemented in at least one array of readable code elements that are readable upon illumination by an optical magnification reader system, said readable code elements having a density of at least 10 elements per square mm of said indicium.
2. the consumable article according to claim 1, wherein said readable code elements are structural and/or coloured code elements.
3. the consumable article according to claims 1, wherein at least three of the coloured code elements have different colours.
4. the consumable article according to claim 3, wherein at least one portion of said indicium comprises at least eight code elements having a different colour.
5. the consumable article according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the code elements are labile code elements.
6. the consumable article according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said indicium comprises a waveguide.
7. an aerosol-generating device comprising: an outer body part, a power supply and a cavity defining a cavity axis, said body part having an opening being configured to receive a consumable article according to claim 1 upon insertion of said article, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises an optical magnification reader system defining an entry aperture and comprising at least one focusing optical element and at least one detector, said optical magnification reader system being arranged in the outer body part and configured to provide an optically magnified image, magnified by a magnification factor m equal or greater than 1, of at least a portion of said indicium, on said detector and to read said coded information, andwherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a control unit configured to recognize authenticity of the consumable article based on the content of the information read by the optical magnification reader system in the indicium arranged on the consumable.
8. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 7 wherein the magnification factor of said optical magnification reader system is at least a factor of 2.
9. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein said optical magnification reader system comprises at least one concave optical mirror.
10. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein said optical magnification reader system comprises at least one adaptable optical element configured to adapt a focal length thereof.
11. the aerosol-generating device according to 7, wherein said optical magnification reader system comprises an optical waveguide arranged between said entry aperture and said detector.
12. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 11 wherein said optical waveguide comprises a diffractive light incoupler and/or a diffractive light outcoupler.
13. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein said optical magnification reader system is configured to read at least two indicia arranged on said aerosol-generating consumable article.
14. the aerosol-generating device according to 7, wherein said optical magnification reader system comprises at least one polarizer.
15. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein said detector is placed in said device so that, in operation of the device, the temperature of said detector remains lower than 45 degrees centigrade
16. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 8 wherein the magnification factor of said optical magnification reader system is at least a factor of 10.
17. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 8 wherein the magnification factor of said optical magnification reader system is at least a factor of 20.
18. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 8 wherein the magnification factor of said optical magnification reader system is at least a factor of 50.


Abstract: [en] a container for consumer goods, such as smoking articles, includes an outer housing with a hinged lid that houses an inner package of consumer goods. the inner package has an access opening through which consumer goods can be removed and that is covered by a reclosable flap, which is attached to a first lid panel that is relatively movable to a second lid panel throughout rotation of the lid between lid open and closed positions. blanks for forming the outer housing and a method of forming the container are also provided.

[en] 1. a container for consumer goods, comprising: an outer housing comprising a hinged lid rotatable between open and closed positions;an inner package of consumer goods within the outer housing comprising an access opening through which consumer goods can be removed, the access opening being covered by a reclosable flap; andwherein the reclosable flap is attached to a first lid panel of the hinged lid, and wherein the first lid panel is relatively movable to a second lid panel throughout movement of the lid between the open and closed positions.
2. the container of claim 1, wherein the reclosable flap and the first lid panel cooperate to generate a biasing force on the hinged lid.
3. the container of claims 1, wherein the first lid panel rotates about a rotation axis relatively to the second lid panel throughout movement of the lid between the open and closed positions.
4. the container of claims 1, wherein the first lid panel is initially fixed relative to the second lid panel.
5. the container of claims 1, further comprising an inner frame within the outer housing.
6. the container of claim 5, wherein the inner frame is positioned inside the inner package.
7. the container of claims 1, wherein, in the closed position, the reclosable flap and the inner package are provided next to one another around a periphery of the access opening at a coupling region, the coupling region having a resealable adhesive to releasably affix the inner package and the reclosable flap.
8. the container of claim 5, wherein the first lid panel comprises an edge that is configured to pivotally contact the inner package or the inner frame during movement of the lid between the open and closed positions.
9. the container of claims 1, wherein the reclosable flap is attached to the inner package and is movable relative to the inner package about a hinge line.
10. the container of claims 1, wherein the reclosable flap extends beyond the a periphery of the access opening.
11. a blank for forming the outer housing of the container of claim 1, comprising a box portion and a lid portion, the lid portion comprising a first panel hingedly connected to a second panel, where the first panel is connected to a third panel by one or more breakable connections.
12. a blank for forming the outer housing of the container of claim 1, comprising a box portion and a lid portion, the lid portion comprising first, second and third panels, the first and third panels connected to the second panel, wherein the first panel is surrounded by the second and third panels.
13. a method of forming a container for consumer goods, comprising the steps of: providing an inner package of consumer goods comprising an access opening through which consumer goods can be removed, the access opening being covered by a reclosable flap;folding a blank about the inner package to form an outer housing with a hinged lid;attaching the reclosable flap to a first lid panel of the hinged lid;wherein the step of folding the blank comprises a step of forming the hinged lid in a way such that the first lid panel can move relative to a second lid panel when the container is in use.
14. the method of claim 13, wherein the step of forming the hinged lid comprises not applying permanent adhesive to fix the first lid panel to any other lid panel.
15. the method of claim 13, wherein the step of forming the hinged lid comprises folding the first lid panel against the second lid panel without permanently adhering the first and second lid panels.
16. the blank of claim 11, wherein the one or more breakable connections are disposed along edges of the first panel that are inclined with respect to an axis of rotation between the first panel and the second panel.
17. the blank of claim 16, wherein the one or more breakable connections are positioned at a distance of 0.3 mm or more to an axis of rotation between the first panel and the second panel.
18. the blank of claim 11, wherein the one or more breakable connections are provided substantially symmetrically with respect to the first panel.
19. the blank of claim 11, wherein the one or more breakable connections each has a width that is between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm.


Abstract: [en] a vapour generating device (10) comprises: a tubular body (12) comprising a bore (14) and having a longitudinal axis (z); a heater (26) arranged to vaporise a liquid (l); a mouthpiece (16) located at an end of the bore (14) and configured for a user to apply a suction force (f) to draw the vaporised liquid (v) along the bore (14) from the heater (26) to the mouthpiece (16); and first and second baffles (28, 30) located in the bore (14) between the heater (26) and the mouthpiece (16). the first and second baffles (28, 30) are staggered apart from each other around the longitudinal axis (z) and staggered apart from each other along the longitudinal axis (z). each one of the first and second baffles (28, 30) is movable by the suction force (f) to partially obstruct the width of the bore (14), thereby to cause the vaporised liquid (v) to follow a tortuous path around the first and second baffles (28, 30) to the mouthpiece (16) and to block the passage of drops of non- vaporised liquid (ld1, ld2) to the mouthpiece (16).

[en] claims 1. a vapour generating device (10) comprising: a tubular body (12) comprising a bore (14) and having a longitudinal axis (z); a heater (26) arranged to vaporise a liquid (l); a mouthpiece (16) located at an end of the bore (14) and configured for a user to apply a suction force (f) to draw the vaporised liquid (v) along the bore (14) from the heater (26) to the mouthpiece (16); and first and second baffles (28, 30) located in the bore (14) between the heater (26) and the mouthpiece (16), the first and second baffles (28, 30) being staggered apart from each other around the longitudinal axis (z) and staggered apart from each other along the longitudinal axis (z), wherein each one of the first and second baffles (28, 30) is movable by the suction force (f) to partially obstruct the width of the bore (14), thereby to cause the vaporised liquid (v) to follow a tortuous path around the first and second baffles (28, 30) to the mouthpiece (16) and to block the passage of drops of nonvaporised liquid (ld1, ld2) to the mouthpiece (16).
2. a vapour generating device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second baffles (28, 30) are staggered apart from each other around the longitudinal axis (z) such as to be at opposite sides of the bore (14).
3. a vapour generating device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first and second baffles (28, 30) are movable so that in combination the first and second baffles (28, 30) obstruct the full width of the bore (14) such as to preclude a direct line of sight along the bore (14) between the mouthpiece (16) and the heater (26).
4. a vapour generating device (10) according to claim 3, wherein each one of the first and second baffles (28, 30) is movable to obstruct half of the width of the bore (14).
5. a vapour generating device (10) according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the first and second baffles (28, 30) is movable to obstruct more than half of the width of the bore (14).
6. a vapour generating device (10) according to claim 5, wherein each one of the first and second baffles (28, 30) is movable to obstruct more than half of the width of the bore (14).
7. a vapour generating device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first and second baffles (28, 30) are movable so that in combination the first and second baffles (28, 30) obstruct less than the full width of the bore (14) such as to allow a direct line of sight along the bore (14) between the mouthpiece (16) and the heater (26).
8. a vapour generating device (10) according to claim 7, wherein one of the first and second baffles (28, 30) is movable to obstruct more than half of the width of the bore (14) and the other of the first and second baffles (28, 30) is movable to obstruct less than half of the width of the bore (14).
9. a vapour generating device (10) according to claim 7, wherein each one of the first and second baffles (28, 30) is movable to obstruct less than half of the width of the bore (14).
10. a vapour generating device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein each one of the first and second baffles (28, 30) is hingedly connected to an interior wall of the tubular body (12).
11. a vapour generating device (10) according to claim 10, wherein each one of the first and second baffles (28, 30) comprises a generally rigid panel (28a, 30a) which includes a thinned flexible portion (28b, 30b) that forms said hinged connection. 17
12. a vapour generating device (10) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the interior wall of the tubular body (12) comprises first and second recesses each configured to accommodate one of the first and second baffles (28, 30) such that the width of the bore (14) is unobstructed by the first and second baffles (28, 30), the first and second baffles (28, 30) being movable from the recesses by the suction force (f) in order to partially obstruct the width of the bore (14) as described.
13. a vapour generating device (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the heater (26) is located in the bore (14).
14. a vapour generating device (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the tubular body (12) comprises a reservoir for storing the liquid (l).
15. a vapour generating device (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the degree of movement of the first and second baffles (28, 30) is directly proportional to the magnitude of the suction force (f).


Abstract: [en] there is provided an electrical charger device and method performed by an electrical charger device for an electronic cigarette. the electrical charger device comprises an interface configured to establish a wireless communicative pairing between the electrical charger device and an electronic cigarette, the wireless communicative pairing being establishable when the electronic cigarette and the electrical charger device are within communication range of one another; and a controller configured to acquire data related to the electronic cigarette, and configured to prohibit use of the electronic cigarette based on the acquired data and configurable rules.

[en] 1. an electrical charger device, comprising: an interface configured to establish a wireless communicative pairing between the electrical charger device and an electronic cigarette, the wireless communicative pairing being establishable when the electronic cigarette and the electrical charger device are within communication range of one another; anda controller configured to acquire data related to the electronic cigarette, and configured to prohibit use of the electronic cigarette based on the acquired data and configurable rules.
2. the device according to claim 1, wherein the configurable rules include prohibiting use of the electronic cigarette based on a distance between the electronic cigarette and the electrical charger device.
3. the device according to claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to prohibit use of the electronic cigarette if the distance is below a predetermined threshold.
4. the device of claim 1, wherein the acquired data is an id tag associated with the electronic cigarette, and the controller is configured to compare the acquired id tag with an id tag stored in memory in the electrical charger device.
5. the device according to claim 4, wherein the controller being configured to prohibit use of the electronic cigarette is based on the acquired id tag matching the id tag stored in memory in the electrical charger device.
6. the device according to claim 4, further comprising the controller being configured to send a message to a computing device based on the comparison.
7. the device according to claim 6, wherein the computing device is a mobile phone or a server.
8. the device according to claim 4, wherein the id tags stored in memory comprise id tags for electronic cigarettes authorised for use with the electrical charger device.
9. the device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to prohibit use of the electronic cigarette when the electrical charger device is in a first mode, and wherein the controller is further configured to: store user biometric data;acquire biometric data from a user seeking to charge the electronic cigarette;establish whether the acquired biometric data matches the stored biometric data; andactivate the first mode based on a result of the match.
10. the device according to claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to: store user biometric data;acquire biometric data from a user seeking to charge the electronic cigarette;establish whether the acquired biometric data matches the stored biometric data;allow selection, by a user and based on a result of the match, of a threshold distance within which to prohibit use;receive the threshold distance selection; andset the threshold distance based on the received threshold distance.
11. the device according to claim 9, wherein the biometric data comprises a fingerprint.
12. the device of claim 9, wherein the controller is further configured to update the stored user biometric data when a user of the electronic cigarette and/or electrical charger device is changed.
13. the device of claim 9, wherein the controller is further configured to send an id tag associated with the electrical charger device to the electronic cigarette.
14. the electrical charger device according to claim 1, further comprising a biometric sensor configured to receive user biometric data.
15. a method performed by an electrical charger device for an electronic cigarette, the method comprising: establishing a wireless communicative pairing establishable when the electronic cigarette and the electrical charger device are within communication range of one another;acquiring data related to the electronic cigarette; andprohibiting use of the electronic cigarette based on the acquired data and configurable rules.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generation system for generation of an aerosol from an aerosol-forming precursor includes an electrically operated heating system to heat the precursor to generate the aerosol, a flow path for transmission of flow, including the aerosol, to a user, the heating system arranged in fluid communication with the flow path, and electrical circuitry. the electrical circuitry is configured to determine a characteristic associated with a second order time derivative of a property of electrical energy through the heating system, and to determine a property related to the flow of the flow path based on the characteristic of the second order time derivative.

[en] 1. an aerosol generation system for generation of an aerosol from an aerosol-forming precursor, the system comprising: an electrically operated heating system to heat said precursor to generate the aerosol;a flow path for transmission of flow, including the aerosol, to a user, the heating system arranged in fluid communication with the flow path; andelectrical circuitry configured to determine a characteristic associated with a second order time derivative of a property of electrical energy through the heating system, andto determine a property related to the flow of the flow path based on the characteristic of the second order time derivative.
2. the system of claim 1, wherein the property of the electrical energy is based on an electrical current through the heating system.
3. the system of claim 1, wherein the property related to the flow is one or more of: an amount of one or more components of the aerosol, a start of an inhale, an end of an inhale, and a duration of an inhale.
4. the system of claim 1, wherein the characteristic associated with the second order time derivative is based on a property of an oscillation in the second order time derivative.
5. the system of claim 4, wherein the property of the oscillation comprises one of: an amplitude, an area, and a period, of the oscillation.
6. the system of claim 4, wherein the oscillation comprises and/or is bounded by a maximum and adjacent minimum associated with initiation and/or a maximum and adjacent minimum associated with termination of a user inhale through the flow path.
7. the system of claim 6, wherein the characteristic is a peak to peak amplitude of the maxima and adjacent minima.
8. the system of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuitry is configured to apply electrical energy to preheat the heating system prior to a user inhale through the flow path.
9. the system of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuitry is configured to generate instructions for a user interface to display information based on the determined property of the flow.
10. the system of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuitry is configured to determine the property related to the flow based on a stored relationship between the property related to the flow and the characteristic associated with the second order time derivative.
11. the system of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuitry includes one or more electronic processors communicatively coupled to a memory.
12. the system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a housing arranged to house at least part of the flow path, the heating system and a precursor transmission unit for transmission of precursor to the heating system from a storage.
13. a method of determining a property of a flow of an aerosol generation system for generation of an aerosol from an aerosol-forming precursor, the aerosol generation system comprising an electrically operated heating system to heat said precursor to generate the aerosol, and a flow path for transmission of flow, including the aerosol, to a user, wherein the heating system is arranged in fluid communication with the flow path, the method comprising: determining a characteristic associated with a second order time derivative of a property of electrical energy through the heating system; anddetermining the property related to the flow based on the characteristic of the second order time derivative.
14. a computer program comprising instructions which when executed on programmable electric circuity, executes the method of claim 13.
15. electric circuitry for an electrically operated aerosol generation system, said circuitry configured to implement the method of claim 13.
16. a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising the computer program of claim 14.