Abstract: [en] a heating method (100) for a flat-shaped heating chamber of an aerosol generating device configured to operate with a flat-shaped tobacco article comprising a substrate part, the substrate part defining two opposite heating surfaces, the heating chamber comprising two heating elements arranged to face each other, each heating element being designed to extend along substantially the whole area of the respective heating surface; the method comprising the following steps: - carry out a pre-heating phase (110) comprising powering only one heating element until achieving a target temperature; - carry out a vaping phase (120) by powering each heating element according to different heating profiles, at least one heating profile comprising powering of the corresponding heating element within predetermined heating intervals (122) according to a predefined powering value.

[en] claims 1. a heating method (100) for a flat-shaped heating chamber (50) of an aerosol generating device (1 1) configured to operate with a flat-shaped tobacco article (12) comprising a substrate part (15), the substrate part (15) defining two opposite heating surfaces (17a, 17b), the heating chamber (50) comprising two heating elements (60a, 60b) arranged to face each other, each heating element (60a, 60b) being designed to extend along substantially the whole area of the respective heating surface (17a, 17b); the method comprising the following steps: - carry out a pre-heating phase (1 10) comprising powering only one heating element (60a, 60b) until achieving a target temperature; - carry out a vaping phase (120) by powering each heating element (60a, 60b) according to different heating profiles, at least one heating profile comprising powering of the corresponding heating element (60a, 60b) within predetermined heating intervals (122) according to a predefined powering value.
2. the heating method according to claim 1, wherein said heating intervals (122) are defined by temperature of the corresponding heating element (60a, 60b).
3. the heating method according to claim 2, wherein each heating interval (122) is carried out until achieving a predetermined temperature, preferably said predetermined temperature is substantially equal to the target temperature.
4. the heating method according to claim 1, wherein said heating intervals (122) are defined by time.
5. the heating method according to claim 4, wherein said heating intervals (122) are equispaced by a predetermined time value, said predetermined time value being preferably comprised between 20 and 30 seconds.
6. the heating method according to claim 5, wherein the heating intervals (122) are substantially equal between them, preferably the duration of each heating interval (122) being substantially equal to said predetermined time value.
7. the heating method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, between the heating intervals (122), the corresponding heating profile comprises: - powering of the corresponding heating element (60a, 60b) according to a minimal powering value strictly smaller than the predefined powering value; or - cutting off the power.
8. the heating method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the pre-heating phase (1 10), the corresponding heating element (60a, 60b) is powered according to the predefined powering value, advantageously the predefined powering value being a maximum powering value.
9. the heating method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the preheating phase (110) furthermore comprises, further to powering only one of the heating elements (60a, 60b) until achieving the target temperature, powering the other heating element (60a, 60b) until achieving the target temperature.
10. the heating method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each heating profile comprises powering of the corresponding heating element (60a, 60b) within predetermined heating intervals (122) according to said predefined powering value.
11. the heating method according to claim 10, wherein the heating profiles of different heating elements (60a, 60b) are configured to power alternatively according to said predefined powering value the corresponding heating elements (60a, 60b).
12. the heating method according to claim 1 1, wherein the heating profiles have substantially the same shape, one of the heating profiles being in offset in respect with the other heating profile to ensure alternative powering of the heating elements (60a, 60b).
13. the heating method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target temperature is comprised between 260 degrees centigrade and 300 degrees centigrade, and is preferably substantially equal to 280 degrees centigrade
14. an aerosol generating device (11) configured to operate with a flat-shaped tobacco article (12) comprising a substrate part (15), the substrate part (15) defining two opposite heating surfaces (17a, 17b), the aerosol generating device (1 1) comprising: - a heating chamber (50) configured to receive the flat-shaped tobacco article (12) and comprising two heating elements (60a, 60b) arranged to face each other, each heating element (60a, 60b) being designed to extend along substantially the whole area of the respective heating surface (17a, 17b); - a controller (51) configured to operate the heating elements (60a, 60b) according to the heating method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.
15. the aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 14, wherein each heating element (60a, 60b) is made from ceramics.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generation device includes a cover element with a heat dissipation material. further, an aerosol generation device includes: a heating unit for heating an aerosol generation substrate for generating an aerosol; and a device housing which forms at least a part of the exterior surface of the aerosol generation device; wherein the device housing includes an aerogel material configured to insulate the heating unit and/or dissipate heat generated by the heating unit.

[en] 1. an aerosol generation device comprising: a heating unit for heating an aerosol generation substrate for generating an aerosol; anda device housing which forms at least a part of an exterior surface of the aerosol generation device,wherein the device housing comprises an aerogel material configured to insulate the heating unit and/or dissipate heat generated by the heating unit.
2. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the device housing comprises an aerogel layer comprising the aerogel material.
3. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the aerogel material has a density of 0.10-0.15 g/cm3, preferably 0.11-0.12 g/cm3.
4. the aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the aerogel layer is in a solid state.
5. the aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the aerogel layer has the shape of a sheet or a film.
6. the aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the device housing further comprises a layer of plastic, at least one of the aerogel layer or the layer of plastic is arranged as the outermost layer of the device housing, and a side of the aerogel layer is arranged to be directly attached on the layer of plastic.
7. the aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein the device housing comprises another layer of plastic arranged to be directly attached on another side of the aerogel layer in way that the aerogel layer is sandwiched between the layer of plastic and the another layer of plastic.
8. the aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein the layer of plastic is a transparent plastic and the other layer of plastic is a non-transparent plastic.
9. the aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein one surface of the aerogel layer is completely attached to a surface of the layer of plastic.
10. the aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the aerogel layer is thicker in at least one portion of the housing that is adjacent to the heating unit than in other portions of the housing that are not adjacent to the heating unit.
11. the aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the aerogel layer has an average thickness (a) of at least 0.2 mm.
12. the aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the aerogel layer has a bending strength of at least 0.025 mpa, and at most 0.45 mpa.
13. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the aerogel material has a thermal conductivity of at least 0.010 w/m·k and at most 0.017 w/m·k.
14. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the aerogel material has a visible light transmission of at least at 92 percent at 800 nm and at most 99 percent at 800 nm.
15. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the aerogel material has a water contact angle with super water repellency of at least at 125 degrees and at most 160 degrees.
16. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the device housing comprises a main body, and a cover element which is detachably attached or connected to the main body, and the cover element comprises the aerogel material.
17. the aerosol generation device according to claim 16, wherein the cover element has a curvature so that when the device is in use, the heat from the heating unit can be dissipated into multiple directions.
18. a manufacturing method of a device housing for an aerosol generation device according to claim 2, the method comprising steps of: attaching the aerogel layer to a plastic layer by gluing, in-mold decorating, or out-mold decorating; orfixing the aerogel layer between two plastic layers with male-female fit.
19. the manufacturing method according to claim 18, wherein the aerogel layer is in solid state.
20. the manufacturing method according to preceding claim 18, wherein one surface of the aerogel layer is completely attached to a surface of the layer of plastic.
21. the manufacturing method according to claim 18, further comprising a step of: obtaining the aerogel layer, which comprises the aerogel material with a density of 0.10-0.15 g/cm3, preferably 0.11-0.12 g/cm3.


Abstract: [en] the invention related to a method (60) for controlling using an aerosol generation device in a using area, the aerosol generation device comprising a control unit configured to control the operation of the aerosol generation device according to an operation configuration chosen between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration; the method (60) comprising the following steps: - scanning (62) the using area for broadcast signals, each broadcast signal being identifiable by a signal identifier associated to an electronic device having generated the broadcast signal; - determining (64) the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device according to at least one signal identifier associated to the electronic device; - controlling (66) the operation of the aerosol generation device according to the determined operation configuration.

[en]       25   claims   1. a method (60) for controlling using an aerosol generation device (10; 210) in a using area (20, 22), the aerosol generation device (10; 210) comprising a control unit (28; 128; 228) configured to control the operation of the aerosol generation device (10; 210) according to an operation configuration chosen between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration; the method (60) comprising the following steps:   - scanning (62) the using area (20, 22) for broadcast signals (24a, 26a), each broadcast signal (24a, 26a) being identifiable by a signal identifier (id24a, id26a) associated to an electronic device (24, 26) having generated the broadcast signal (24a, 26a), the signal identifier (id24a, id26a) being a unique identifier of this broadcast signal (24a, 26a);   - determining (64) the operation configuration of the aerosol generation device (10; 210) according to at least one signal identifier (id24a, id26a) associated to the electronic device (24, 26);   - controlling (66) the operation of the aerosol generation device (10; 210) according to the determined operation configuration.
2. the method (60) of claim 1, wherein the signal identifier (id24a, id26a) identifies the electronic device (24, 26) in a unique way.
3. the method (60) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the signal identifier (id24a, id26a) is distinct from a vaping policy message indicating a predefined vaping policy.
4. the method (60) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each broadcast signal (24a, 26a) comprises the signal identifier (id24a, id26a) and a payload filed, the signal identifier (id24a, id26a) being distinct from the payload field.
5. the method (60) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of scanning (62) and/or the step of determining (62) are/is carried out by the aerosol generation device (10; 210) or by a mobile device (290) associated to the aerosol generation device (210).
6. the method (60) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each signal identifier (id24a, id26b) is representative of a mac address of the electronic device (24, 26) having generated the signal (24a, 26a).
7. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the step of scanning (62), the scanning unit (30; 130; 230) only performs a function of receiver of the broadcast signals (24a, 26a).
8. the method (60) according to claim any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of determining (62) the operation configuration comprises comparing said signal identifier (id24a, id26b) with a list of reference identifiers issued from a control database (42), wherein the list of reference identifiers is associated to a plurality of electronic devices (24, 26) that are configured to generate the broadcast signals (24a, 26a) according to a wireless communication protocol.
9. the method (60) according to claim 8, wherein for each reference identifier (ref24, ref26) of the list of reference identifiers, the control database (42) further comprises a using policy, the operation configuration being determined according to the using policy associated to the reference identifier (ref24, ref26) matching said signal identifier (id24a, id26a).
10. the method (60) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the list of reference identifiers is predetermined and/or updatable during a maintenance operation.
11. the method (60) according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a step of adding a new reference identifier to the list of reference identifiers.
12. the method (60) according to claim 11, further comprising a step of secured identification, said step of adding a new reference identifier is carried out if the secured identification is successful.
13. the method (60) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said step of adding a new reference identifier is carried out after the step of scanning (62) the using area (20, 22) for broadcast signals, the new reference identifier being chosen from a list of signal identifiers of the identified broadcast signals.
14. the method (60) according any one of claims 8 or 13, wherein at least one reference identifier of the list of reference identifiers is determined according to using authorizations of the aerosol generation device (10; 210) applied in a given using area (20, 22).
15. the method (60) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step of user authentication step (68), the operation configuration being further determined basing on the user authentication.
16. the method (60) according to claim 15, wherein the user authentication step (68) comprises comparing a reference feature with at least one feature chosen in the group comprising:   - predetermined movement of the aerosol generation device (10; 210);   - predetermined pressure exerted onto the aerosol generation device (10; 210);   - airflow parameter measured in an airflow channel of the aerosol generation device (10; 210);   - user’s iris or fingerprint.
17. the method (60) according to claim 15, wherein the user authentication step (68) comprises identifying the aerosol generation device (10; 210) with a communication device, the aerosol generation device (10; 210) and the communication device communicating according to a near field communication protocol or an radio frequency identification (rfid) protocol.
18. an aerosol generation device (10) comprising a controlling system (18; 118) for controlling the device (10) in a using area (20, 22) and comprising a scanning unit (30; 130), a determination unit (32; 132) and a control unit (28; 128) configured to perform the method for controlling (60) according to any of the preceding claims; the determination unit (32; 132) storing locally a list of reference identifiers associated to a plurality of electronic devices (24, 26) that are configured to generate broadcast signals and being configured to compare said signal identifier with the list of reference identifiers.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generation device includes a power system and a controller. the power system includes a first energy storage module and a second energy storage module. the controller is configured to control a pulse width modulated power flow of the power system to a heater associated with the aerosol generation device. the pulse width modulated power flow includes one or more pulse width modulation cycles each having an on period and an off period. the controller is further configured to control the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation cycle off period.

[en] 1. an aerosol generation device comprising: a power system comprising a first energy storage module and a second energy storage module; anda controller, wherein the controller is configured to: control a pulse width modulated power flow of the power system to a heater associated with the aerosol generation device, wherein the pulse width modulated power flow comprises one or more pulse width modulation cycles each having an on period and an off period; andcontrol the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation cycle off period.
2. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the first energy storage module is a supercapacitor module and the second energy storage module is a battery module.
3. the aerosol generation device of claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to: control the power system to provide the pulse width modulated power flow from only the supercapacitor module to the heater during the pulse width modulation cycle on period.
4. the aerosol generation device of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to: control the battery module to not charge the supercapacitor module during the pulse width modulation cycle on period.
5. the aerosol generation device of claim 2, wherein the power system comprises the supercapacitor module connected in parallel with the battery module, with a voltage converter connected between the supercapacitor module and the battery module.
6. the aerosol generation device of claim 2, wherein the power system further comprises: a first switching means connected between the battery module and the supercapacitor module, wherein the first switching means is configured to be controlled by the controller to control the battery module to charge the supercapacitor module during the off period of the pulse width modulation cycle; anda second switching means configured to be arranged between the supercapacitor module and the heater, wherein the second switching means is configured to be controlled by the controller to control the pulse width modulated power flow from the supercapacitor module to the heater.
7. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the first energy storage module is a supercapacitor module and the second energy storage module is a battery module; and in the on period, the controller controls the battery module and the supercapacitor module to power the heater; andin the off period, the controller controls the battery module to charge the supercapacitor module.
8. the aerosol generation device of claim 7, wherein the power system further comprises a switching means configured to switch the power system between a second configuration in the on period and a first configuration in the off period, wherein in the second configuration the supercapacitor module and battery module are connected in series, and first configuration the supercapacitor module and the battery module are connected in parallel.
9. the aerosol generation device of claim 7, wherein the power system is configured to apply a summed potential of the battery module and the supercapacitor module to the heater in the on period.
10. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the power system is operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes of an aerosolisation session, the plurality of operating modes comprising a float mode, wherein the controller is configured to: control the power system to apply the pulse width modulated power flow to the heater with a first duty cycle regime to maintain the heater substantially at an aerosol generation temperature.
11. the aerosol generation device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of operating modes further comprises a pre-heating mode, wherein the controller is configured to: control the power system to apply the pulse width modulated power flow to the heater with a second duty cycle regime, different to the first duty cycle regime, during a pre-heating mode before the float mode to heat the heater to the aerosol generation temperature.
12. the aerosol generation device of claim 11, wherein: the first duty cycle regime comprises one or more pulse width modulation cycles with a first duty cycle ratio d1; andthe second duty cycle regime comprises one or more pulse width modulation cycles with a second duty cycle ratio d2;wherein d2=d1xk, where k is a coefficient that is greater than or equal to 1.
13. the aerosol generation device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of operating modes comprises a post-float mode, wherein the controller is configured to: disable the pulse width modulated power flow to the heater following the float mode for a remaining time period in the aerosolisation session; andcontrol the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module.
14. a method of controlling a power system of an aerosol generation device, the power system comprising a first energy storage module and a second energy module, and the method comprising: controlling a pulse width modulated power flow of the power system to a heater associated with the aerosol generation device, wherein the pulse width modulated power flow comprises one or more pulse width modulation cycles each having an on period and an off period; andcontrolling the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation cycle off period.
15. a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that when executed by one or more processors of a controller configured for operation with an aerosol generation device power system comprising a first energy storage module and a second energy storage module, cause the one or more processors to control the power system by: controlling a pulse width modulated power flow of the power system to a heater associated with the aerosol generation device, wherein the pulse width modulated power flow comprises one or more pulse width modulation cycles each having an on period and an off period; andcontrolling the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation cycle off period.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generation device (1) comprises: - a rechargeable battery (3), - an atomizer (4) configured for heating an aerosol-forming precursor to generate an aerosol, - a controller (5) electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery (3) and controlling working of the atomizer (4) during a vaping session and charging of the rechargeable battery (3) during a charging session, and - a user interface (2) comprising a display (20) for displaying information relative to a vaping session or charging session and allowing a user to control this controller (5) and to choose a display brightness level of this display (20) by carrying out at least one dedicated interaction with a predefined part (21) of it (2).

[en]       claims   1. aerosol generation device (1) comprising:   - a rechargeable battery (3) storing electrical energy,   - an atomizer (4) configured for heating an aerosol-forming precursor to generate an aerosol, when receiving electrical energy from said rechargeable battery (3),   - a controller (5) electrically coupled to said rechargeable battery (3) and controlling working of said atomizer (4) during a vaping session and charging of said rechargeable battery (3) during a charging session, and   - a user interface (2) coupled to said controller (5) and comprising a display (20) for displaying information relative to a vaping session or charging session and allowing a user to control said controller (5), wherein said user interface (2) is configured to allow said user to choose a display brightness level of said display (20) by carrying out at least one dedicated interaction with a predefined part (21) of said user interface (2).
2. aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein said user interface (2) is configured to allow said user to choose said display brightness level in a group of n predetermined levels whose definitions are stored into a memory, with n > 2.
3. aerosol generation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said user interface (2) is configured in order each new dedicated interaction induces the choice of a new level differing from a previously chosen level.
4. aerosol generation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said user interface (2) is configured in order a continuous duration of said dedicated interaction induces the choice of a new level having a difference with a previously chosen level which depends from said duration.
5. aerosol generation device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said user interface (2) is configured in order each new dedicated interaction induces the choice of a new level which is greater than said previously chosen level, as long as the latter is not a highest level.
6. aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein said user interface (2) is configured, when said previously chosen level is said highest level, in order said new dedicated interaction induces the choice of a lowest level.
7. aerosol generation device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said user interface (2) is configured in order each new dedicated interaction induces the choice of a new level which is smaller than said previously chosen level, as long as the latter is not a lowest level.
8. aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein said user interface (2) is configured, when said previously chosen level is said lowest level, in order said new dedicated interaction induces the choice of a highest level.
9. aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said user interface (2) is configured to impose a predefined level when a new vaping session or charging session starts.
10. aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said user interface (2) is configured to trigger a storing of a 16 definition of a level chosen by said user during a current vaping session or charging session, and to impose the level with said stored definition when a new vaping session or charging session starts.
11. aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said user interface (2) comprises at least one light emitting diode (22) with a variable light intensity participating to said chosen brightness level.
12. aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein at least one light emitting diode (22) participates to the information display.
13. aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it constitutes an electronic cigarette.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol-generating article includes a consumable section attached to a mouthpiece section. the mouthpiece section includes at least one inner tube having a plurality of light transmitting apertures extending over at least a length in the wall of the inner tube, the plurality being arranged along a circumference of the inner tube. the inner tube is arranged inside a wrapper that is made of a light-scattering material. an aerosol-generating system includes the aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device having a cavity having an opening accessible at the outer body part and being configured to receive the aerosol-generating article. the aerosol-generating device includes at least one illumination system having at least one optical light source arranged to a side of the cavity. the aerosol-generating device also includes an optical reader system, having at least two detectors, for reading information provided by transmitted light by the array of apertures.

[en] 1. an aerosol-generating article, comprising a consumable section attached to a mouthpiece section, wherein said mouthpiece section comprises at least one inner tube and a wrapper, wherein the at least one inner tube is arranged inside the wrapper, andwherein the mouthpiece section further comprises a machine-readable pattern representing a coded data comprising a plurality of light transmitting apertures extending over at least a length in a wall of said at least one inner tube, said plurality of light transmitting apertures being arranged along a circumference and/or a longitudinal direction of said at least one inner tube.
2. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein said at least one inner tube and/or said wrapper are made of a light-scattering material.
3. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 2, wherein said at least one inner tube and said wrapper are made of different materials and have different light scattering properties.
4. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein said at least one inner tube and said wrapper are made at least partially of paper.
5. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein at least one light absorbing layer is arranged to said at least one inner tube, said at least one light absorption layer having through-apertures that are aligned to said plurality of light transmitting apertures.
6. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein said wrapper and/or said at least one inner tube is made of at least two layers.
7. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 6, wherein at least a portion of at least one of said layers is made of at least one of polylactic acid, cellulose paper, starch, or combinations thereof.
8. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of light transmitting apertures are arranged according to at least n parallel arrays arranged on the circumference of said at least one inner tube, n being equal or greater than 2.
9. the aerosol-generating article according to claim wherein at least two of said at least n parallel arrays have m different separations between the respective apertures, m being equal or greater than 2.
10. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 8, wherein at least two of said at least n parallel arrays comprises respective apertures that are not aligned on a same virtual line that is orthogonal to a plane formed by said at least two of said at least n parallel arrays.
11. an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, and an aerosol-generating device comprising a power supply section and a cavity arranged in an outer body part; the cavity defining a cavity axis and having an opening accessible at the outer body part and being configured to receive said aerosol-generating article, whereinthe aerosol-generating device further comprises at least one illumination system comprising at least one optical light source arranged to a side of said cavity,said aerosol-generating device further comprising an optical reader system, comprising at least two detectors, for reading information provided by transmitted light transmitted through said plurality of light transmitting apertures.
12. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 11, wherein at least one of said detectors has a greatest cross section smaller than a largest diameter of projected light beams on said detectors.
13. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 11, wherein an angular aperture of the at least two detectors is chosen so that light from more than 2 of the plurality of light transmitting apertures and/or more than 2 arrays of the plurality of light transmitting apertures may be detected by said optical reader system.
14. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 11, wherein said optical reader system is configured for detecting a spatial frequency and/or at least one optical phase of said transmitted light.
15. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 11, wherein said at least two detectors comprises at least 3 detectors having different angular separations, defined relative to said cavity axis.
16. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 4, wherein said at least one inner tube and said wrapper have different thicknesses.


Abstract: [en] the invention relates to a battery module for an aerosol generating system. it comprises a battery extending substantially in a longitudinal direction and a printed circuit board assembly connected to the battery. the battery comprises along the longitudinal direction a first portion of a first thickness, and a second portion comprising opposite faces defining a second thickness, the second thickness being less than the first thickness. the printed circuit board assembly is electrically connected to the second portion of the battery on one of said opposite faces. this allows spatial optimization of the battery module. the invention also relates to a corresponding aerosol generating system, and to a corresponding set comprising a battery charger.

[en] 1. a battery module for an aerosol generating system, the battery module comprising: a battery extending substantially in a longitudinal direction such that the battery has two opposite ends in said longitudinal direction, each end forming an end face,a flexible printed circuit connected to the battery, the flexible printed circuit comprising a first portion which extends in the longitudinal direction over a side wall of the battery, the flexible printed circuit forming a main circuit board of the battery module, the first portion of the flexible printed circuit carrying a microprocessor or a microcontroller,wherein the flexible printed circuit is bent such that a second portion of the flexible printed circuit extends over at least one of the end faces of the battery, the second portion of the flexible printed circuit carrying a pressure sensor.
2. the battery module according to claim 1, wherein the second portion of the flexible printed circuit fully covers said at least one of the end faces of the battery.
3. the battery module according to claim 1, wherein the flexible printed circuit carries electronic components configured for controlling battery parameters such as a state of charge and/or a temperature.
4. the battery module according to claim 1, wherein the battery has a substantially parallelepiped shape.
5. the battery module according to claim 1, comprising at least one stiffening plate bonded to the flexible printed circuit.
6. the battery module according to claim 5, wherein the at least one stiffening plate is made of a rigid electrical insulating material.
7. the battery module according to claim 5, wherein the at least one stiffening plate is configured to stiffen the second portion of the flexible printed circuit.
8. the battery module according to claim 7, wherein the flexible printed circuit is bent such that it comprises a third portion which extends over the opposite end face of the battery to the end face over which the second portion extends, and wherein the at least one stiffening plate comprises two stiffening plates respectively configured to stiffen the second portion and the third portion of the flexible printed circuit.
9. the battery module according to claim 5, wherein the at least one stiffening plate is configured to stiffen the first portion of the flexible printed circuit.
10. the battery module according to claim 1, wherein the battery and the flexible printed circuit are embedded in a battery holder frame, the battery holder frame comprising a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end.
11. the battery module according to claim 10, further comprising a ferromagnetic sheet arranged inside the battery holder frame adjacent to the first longitudinal end or the second longitudinal end of the battery holder frame.
12. the battery module according to claim 10, wherein the battery holder frame comprises a connector including plate spring contacts at one of the first longitudinal end or the second longitudinal end.
13. the battery module according to claim 6, wherein the rigid electrical insulating material comprises a cardboard, plastic, or wood.
14. the battery module according to claim 11, wherein a ferromagnetic sheet comprises cold rolled steel.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol-generating device (100a) comprises a body (101), a biometric sensor (104) such as a fingerprint sensor disposed on a first surface of the body, and an activation switch (103) disposed on a second surface of the body, such that the activation switch and the biometric sensor are positioned directly opposite each other. tactile elements (201a-c) are disposed on or around the activation switch (103) to provide sensory guidance to the user. in operation, if simultaneous user actions on the activation switch and the biometric sensor are detected and the user action lasts for a set period of time, then the device is turned-on but not activated. if another action is detected on the activation switch, e.g. by the user pressing again, the biometric sensor is activated to identify the user. if the user is recognised, the device is activated for use. if the user is not recognised, the device is turned-off to restrict unauthorised use.

[en]       claims:   1. an aerosol-generating device comprising: a body; a biometric sensor disposed on a first surface of the body; and an activation switch disposed on a second surface of the body, such that the activation switch and the biometric sensor are positioned directly opposite each other; further comprising a first tactile element disposed on or around the activation switch to guide a user in locating the activation switch on the second surface of the body.
2. the device of claim 1, wherein the body is substantially cylindrical having a pen-like shape.
3. the device of claim 1, wherein the body is substantially oblong having a box-like shape.
4. the device of any preceding claim, further comprising a second tactile element disposed on or around the biometric sensor to guide a user in locating the biometric sensor on the first surface of the body.
5. the device of claim 4, wherein the first tactile element and the second tactile element comprise a continuous embossed or debossed ring of raised features formed around the activation switch and the biometric sensor respectively.
6. the device of claim 4, wherein the first tactile element and the second tactile element comprise a discontinuous embossed or debossed ring of raised features disposed around the activation switch and the biometric sensor respectively.
7. the device of any preceding claim, wherein the first tactile element comprises an indentation or a protrusion formed on the activation switch.
8. the device of any preceding claim, wherein the activation switch, upon being touched or pressed by a user, is configured to power on the device and to activate the biometric sensor to identity the user.
9. the device of claim 8, wherein the activation switch is required to be touched or pressed for a set period of time by the user to power on the device.
10. the device of claim 8 or 9, wherein the activation switch is required to be touched or pressed at least once again by the user after the device is turned on to activate the biometric sensor.
11. the device of any preceding claim, wherein the biometric sensor is a fingerprint sensor configured to identify a user when the user’s thumb is held firmly at the center of the sensor.
12. a method of operating an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: detecting a simultaneous first user action on a biometric sensor and an activation switch disposed on a first surface and a second surface of the device respectively; turning on the device if the user action on the activation switch lasts for a set period of time; detecting a second user action on the activation switch; and activating the biometric sensor to identify a user in response to the second user action.
13. the method of claim 12, further comprising calibrating the device and/or activating a heating unit in the device if the user is successfully identified.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generating device (2), configured to operate with a consumable article (1) and comprising: a first part (20), defining a cavity (22) configured to receive the consumable article (1) and to heat the consumable article (1) during a vaping session, the consumable article (1) thereby generating an aerosol; and a second part (40), separable from the first part (20) and comprising a grabber (41), deformable between: an open configuration, for the grabber (41) to grab the consumable article (1), when the second part (40) is separated from the first part (20), and a holding configuration, for the grabber (41) to hold the consumable article (1), such that the consumable article (1) is inserted into the cavity (22), when the first part (20) and the second part (40) are assembled.

[en] claims 1. an aerosol generating device (2), configured to operate with a consumable article (1) and comprising: - a first part (20) defining a cavity (22) configured to receive the consumable article (1) and to heat the consumable article (1) during a vaping session, the consumable article (1) thereby generating an aerosol; and - a second part (40) separable from the first part (20) and comprising a grabber (41) movable between: an open configuration, for the grabber (41) to grab the consumable article (1), when the second part (40) is separated from the first part (20), and a holding configuration, for the grabber (41) to hold the consumable article (1), such that the consumable article (1) is inserted into the cavity (22), when the first part (20) and the second part (40) are assembled.
2. the aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the grabber is deformable between the open configuration and the holding configuration.
3. the aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second part (40) comprises a mouthpiece (44) configured to deliver the aerosol to a user.
4. the aerosol generating device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second part (40) comprises an external surface (47) and the grabber (41) is configured to be moved to the open configuration by pinching of the external surface (47).
5. the aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 4, wherein the external surface (47) defines two opposite pinching zones (48), adapted to be pinched by user’s fingers to move the grabber (41) to the open configuration.
6. the aerosol generating device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grabber (41) forms a clip (42) for grabbing the consumable article (1) when in the open configuration and for holding the consumable article (1) when in the holding configuration, the clip (42) comprising axial legs (46) extending along opposite sides of the consumable article (1), for holding the consumable article (1) when the grabber (41) is in the holding configuration.
7. the aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 6, wherein the axial legs (46) are radially moved away from each other when the grabber (41) is moved from the holding configuration to the open configuration, for enabling grabbing of the consumable article (1) into the grabber (41).
8. the aerosol generating device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grabber (41) is configured to elastically return to the holding configuration when in the open configuration.
9. the aerosol generating device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating device (2) comprises an abutment surface (28), preventing the grabber (41) to be moved to the open configuration when the first part (20) and the second part (40) are assembled.
10. the aerosol generating device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (20) comprises a heating element (24) configured to heat the consumable article (1) when the consumable article (1) is received in the cavity (22).
1 1. the aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 10, wherein the heating element (24) is configured to surround and/or to penetrate the consumable article (1) when the consumable article (1) is received in the cavity (22).
12. an aerosol generating assembly, comprising the aerosol generating device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims and the consumable article (1), the consumable article (1) comprising a porous element (1 1) storing a liquid that is able to generate the aerosol when heated in the cavity (22).
13. the aerosol generating assembly according to claim 12, wherein the consumable article (1) is a single-session consumable article (1). a packaging (70) for a plurality of consumable articles (1), the packaging (70) comprising a holder (71) and defining a plurality of sockets (72) formed in the holder (71), wherein each socket (72) is respectively configured to receive one of the consumable articles (1), wherein the consumable article (1) protrudes from the holder (71) when received in the socket (72) so that the grabber (41) of the aerosol generating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 may grab said consumable article (1). the packaging (70) according to claim 14, wherein the holder (71) is flat-shaped and the sockets (72) are arranged in rows (73) and/or columns (74).


Abstract: [en] a method of operating an aerosol generating device is described, where the device comprises a heating chamber (18) configured to receive an aerosol generating article (100) and an induction heater comprising an induction coil (36) operable to supply an alternating magnetic field to the heating chamber (18) so as to induce eddy currents within a susceptor (40) located in the heating chamber (18). the method comprises: (a) applying an alternating current at an applied frequency to the induction coil (36), (b)measuring a characteristic indicative of an impedance of the induction coil (36) while a susceptor (40) located in the heating chamber (18) is moved through a pre-defined motion, (c) determining a minimum reference impedance of the induction coil (36) and a maximum reference impedance of the induction coil (36) using the measured characteristic, (d) measuring a characteristic indicative of an operation impedance of the induction coil (36), and (e) setting a power delivered by the induction coil (36) using the operation impedance.

[en] claims 1. a method of operating an aerosol generating device that comprises: a heating chamber (18) configured to receive an aerosol generating article (100); an induction heater comprising an induction coil (36) operable to supply an alternating magnetic field to the heating chamber (18) so as to induce eddy currents within a susceptor (40) located in the heating chamber (18); wherein the method comprises: (a) applying an alternating current at an applied frequency to the induction coil (36); (b) measuring a characteristic indicative of an impedance of the induction coil (36) while a susceptor (40) located in the heating chamber (18) is moved through a pre-defined motion; (c) determining a minimum reference impedance of the induction coil (36) and a maximum reference impedance of the induction coil (36) using the measured characteristic, the minimum reference impedance being associated with a first position within the pre-defined motion and the maximum impedance being associated with a second position within the pre-defined motion; (d) measuring a characteristic indicative of an operation impedance of the induction coil (36) while the susceptor located in the heating chamber is maintained at a user-selected position within the pre-defined motion; and(e) setting a power delivered by the induction coil (36) using the operation impedance.
2. the method of claim 1, wherein the pre-defined motion is a rotation.
3. the method of claim 2, wherein the rotation is through 360 degrees or more.
4. the method of any preceding claim, wherein the susceptor is asymmetric under the pre-defined motion.
5. the method of any preceding claim, wherein the applied frequency is in the range l-10mhz.
6. the method of any preceding claim, further comprising providing an indication to a user indicative of the power set in step (e).
7. the method of any preceding claim, wherein setting a power delivered by the induction coil (36) using the operation impedance comprises: determining a scaling factor by comparing the operation impedance with one or both of the maximum and minimum reference impedances; and scaling a power delivered by the induction coil using the determined scaling factor.
8. the method of any preceding claim, further comprising: detecting insertion of a susceptor into the heating chamber; detecting a movement of the susceptor through the pre-defined motion; and automatically activating the method of steps (b)-(e).
9. the method of any preceding claim, wherein the characteristic indicative of impedance is measured continuously in step (b).
10. an aerosol generating device (10) comprising: a heating chamber (18) configured to receive an aerosol generating article (100); an induction heater comprising an induction coil (36) operable to supply an alternating magnetic field to the heating chamber (18) so as to induce eddy currents within a susceptor (40) located in the heating chamber (18); and a controller (24) configured to carry out the method of any of claims 1 to 6 when an aerosol generating article (100) comprising a susceptor (40) is inserted into the heating chamber (18).
11. an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating device (10) in accordance with claim 10; and an aerosol generating article (100) comprising an asymmetric susceptor (40).
12. the aerosol generating system of claim 11, wherein the induction coil (36) is a helical coil having a coil pitch (pl), and wherein the asymmetric susceptor (40) comprises a helical susceptor having a susceptor pitch (p2), wherein the susceptor pitch is substantially the same as the coil pitch.
13. the aerosol generating system of claim 11, wherein the asymmetric susceptor(40) comprises a first susceptor and a secondary susceptor, the secondary susceptor being smaller than the first susceptor such that a heating effect provided by the secondary susceptor is insignificant when compared with a heating effect provided by the primary susceptor.


Abstract: [en] a personal vaporizer device, especially an electronic smoking article, comprises a cartridge which includes a reservoir for storing a liquid to be vaporized; and an elongate body portion to which the cartridge is connected. the elongate body portion comprises a cover member which is movable in a longitudinal direction of the body portion between a first position and a second position, wherein the cartridge is substantially covered or obscured by the cover member in the first position. in the second position, the cover member is retracted.

[en] 1. a personal vaporizer device, especially an electronic smoking article, comprising: a cartridge which includes a reservoir for storing a liquid to be vaporized; andan elongate body portion to which the cartridge is connected, wherein the elongate body portion comprises a cover member which is movable in a longitudinal direction of the body portion between a first position and a second position,wherein the cartridge is at least partially covered or obscured by the cover member in the first position.
2. a personal vaporizer device according to claim 1, wherein a volume of liquid in the reservoir of the cartridge remains visible when the cover member is in the first position.
3. a personal vaporizer device according to claim 1, wherein the second position of the cover member is a substantially retracted position in which the cartridge is substantially uncovered or unobscured by the cover member, for connection of the cartridge to, and/or removal of the cartridge from, the elongate body portion.
4. a personal vaporizer device according to claim 1, wherein the first position of the cover member is a substantially extended position.
5. a personal vaporizer device according to claim 1, wherein the cover member forms a part of an outer casing of the elongate body portion.
6. a personal vaporizer device according to claim 5, wherein the cartridge is configured to be connected to an end region of the elongate body portion, wherein the cover member comprises at least one of a front cover panel which extends over a front of the elongate body portion and a rear cover panel which extends over a rear of the elongate body portion.
7. a personal vaporizer device, especially an electronic smoking article, configured to receive a removable cartridge including a reservoir for storing a liquid to be vaporized, the vaporizer device comprising: an elongate body portion to which the cartridge is configured to be connected, wherein the elongate body portion comprises a cover member which is movable in a longitudinal direction of the body portion between a first position and a second position,wherein the cover member is configured and arranged to cover or obscure the cartridge, at least partially, in the first position.
8. a personal vaporizer device according to claim 7, wherein the second position of the cover member is a substantially retracted position, the cover member being configured and arranged to leave the cartridge substantially uncovered or unobscured in the second position, for connection of the cartridge to, and/or removal of the cartridge from, the elongate body portion.
9. a personal vaporizer device according to claim 1, wherein the elongate body portion comprises a power supply unit for supplying electrical power to the cartridge when it is connected to the elongate body portion.
10. a personal vaporizer device according to claim 9, wherein the cartridge is configured to be connected to an end region of the elongate body portion, and wherein the end region of the elongate body portion comprises electrical connectors for making an electrical connection with complementary electrical connectors provided on the cartridge.
11. a personal vaporizer device according to claim 1, wherein the elongate body portion has an indicator for indicating an operational status of the device and/or for indicating available power supply in a power supply unit of the elongate body portion.
12. a personal vaporizer device according to claim 1, wherein the elongate body portion comprises a switch for activating one or more functionalities of the device, the switch being provided on or operatively connected with the cover member, wherein the one or more functionalities of the device is activated when the cover member is in the second position.
13. a method of installing a cartridge in a personal vaporizer device, and especially in an electronic smoking article, comprising the steps of: providing a personal vaporizer device having an elongate body portion to which a removable cartridge is configured to be connected, the cartridge including a reservoir for storing a liquid to be vaporized;providing a cover member on the elongate body portion which is movable in a longitudinal direction of the body portion between a first extended position and a second retracted position;moving cover member to the second position to access an end region of the body portion; andattaching the removable cartridge to the accessed end region of the body portion.
14. a method according to claim 13, comprising the step of: after attaching the cartridge to the end region of the body portion, moving the cover member to the first position to substantially cover the cartridge.
15. a personal vaporizer device according to claim 7, wherein the elongate body portion comprises a power supply unit for supplying electrical power to the cartridge when it is connected to the elongate body portion.
16. a personal vaporizer device according to claim 15, wherein the cartridge is configured to be connected to an end region of the elongate body portion, and wherein the end region of the elongate body portion comprises electrical connectors for making an electrical connection with complementary electrical connectors provided on the cartridge.
17. a personal vaporizer device according to claim 11, wherein the indicator is an led.
18. a personal vaporizer device according to claim 7, wherein the elongate body portion has an indicator for indicating an operational status of the device and/or for indicating available power supply in a power supply unit of the elongate body portion.
19. a personal vaporizer device according to claim 18, wherein the indicator is an led.
20. a personal vaporizer device according to claim 7, wherein the elongate body portion comprises a switch for activating one or more functionalities of the device, the switch being provided on or operatively connected with the cover member, wherein the one or more functionalities of the device is activated when the cover member is in the second position.


Abstract: [en] a method for continuously manufacturing aerosol generating articles includes: (i) providing a continuous web of an aerosol generating substrate; (ii) applying at least one susceptor patch to a surface of the continuous web of aerosol generating substrate; (iii) cutting the continuous web of aerosol generating substrate and the at least one susceptor patch applied to the surface thereof to form a plurality of aerosol generating strips and a plurality of susceptor strips; and (iv) forming the plurality of aerosol generating strips and the plurality of susceptor strips into a continuous rod.

[en] 1. a method for continuously manufacturing aerosol generating articles, the method comprising: (i) providing a continuous web of an aerosol generating substrate;(ii) applying at least one susceptor patch to a surface of the continuous web of aerosol generating substrate;(iii) cutting the continuous web of aerosol generating substrate and the at least one susceptor patch applied to the surface thereof to form a plurality of aerosol generating strips and a plurality of susceptor strips; and(iv) forming the plurality of aerosol generating strips and the plurality of susceptor strips into a continuous rod.
2. the a-method according to claim 1, wherein step (iii) comprises simultaneously cutting the continuous web of the aerosol generating substrate and the at least one susceptor patch applied to the surface thereof.
3. the a-method according to claim 1, wherein step (iii) is performed using a rotary cutter unit.
4. the method according to claim 3, wherein the rotary cutter unit includes a first cutting drum having circumferentially extending first cutting formations and a second cutting drum having circumferentially extending second cutting formations, and wherein the first and second cutting formations cooperate to cut the continuous web of aerosol generating substrate and the at least one susceptor patch applied to the surface thereof to form the plurality of aerosol generating strips and the plurality of susceptor strips.
5. the method according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of aerosol generating strips and each of the plurality of susceptor strips has a width of between approximately 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm.
6. the method according to claim 1, wherein step (ii) comprises adhering the at least one susceptor patch to the surface of the continuous web of the aerosol generating substrate using an adhesive.
7. the method according to claim 6, wherein the method further comprises, after step (ii) and prior to step (iii), heating the adhesive to cure or set the adhesive.
8. the method according to claim 1, wherein the continuous web of the aerosol generating substrate provided in step (i) includes a substantially flat surface with a centre line, and step (ii) comprises applying the at least one susceptor patch to the substantially flat surface substantially along the centre line.
9. the method according to claim 1, wherein: step (ii) comprises consecutively applying a plurality of susceptor patches to the surface of the continuous web of aerosol generating substrate with a predefined and constant spacing between each successive susceptor patch; andstep (iii) comprises cutting the continuous web of the aerosol generating substrate and the plurality of susceptor patches applied to the surface thereof to form a plurality of aerosol generating strips and a plurality of susceptor strips.
10. the method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one susceptor patch has a length of between 5 mm and 50 mm.
11. the method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: (v) cutting the continuous rod to form a plurality of individual aerosol generating articles.


Abstract: [en] the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device for delivering aerosol upon heating a liquid contained in the device including: an outside casing comprising a battery and a receiving cavity extending in an axial direction a-of the device; the receiving cavity being arranged for receiving a cartomizer at a first end of the device and supplying electrical power to the cartomizer, an internal frame for holding the battery in the outside casing, at least one electronic circuit board (pcba), wherein the aerosol generating device further includes a sealed compartment in a region of the outside casing containing the battery; the sealed compartment being sealed by a leak-tight and pressure resistant sealing arrangement isolating the battery from the receiving cavity and from the at least one electronic circuit board.

[en] 1. an aerosol generating device for delivering aerosol upon heating a liquid comprising: an outside casing comprising a battery and a receiving cavity extending in an axial direction of the device; the receiving cavity being arranged for receiving a cartomizer at a first end of the device and supplying electrical power to the cartomizer,an internal frame for holding the battery in the outside casing,at least one electronic circuit board,wherein the device comprises a sealed compartment in a region of the outside casing containing the battery; the sealed compartment being sealed by a leak-tight and pressure resistant sealing arrangement (40)-isolating the battery from the receiving cavity and from the at least one electronic circuit board.
2. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing arrangement is at least partially formed by a front bulkhead and a rear bulkhead longitudinally distant relative to the axial direction and extending transversally in the outside casing and sealingly engaged against an inner surface of the outside casing.
3. the aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the front and/or rear bulkhead is part of or attached to the internal frame.
4. the aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the front and/or rear bulkhead comprises circumferential soft seals in sealing engagement against the outside casing.
5. the aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the rear bulkhead separates the sealed compartment of the battery from the at least one electronic circuit board.
6. the aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the front bulkhead forms a bottom of the receiving cavity for the cartomizer with electrical pins electrically connected to the battery via a second electronic circuit board.
7. the aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the second electronic circuit board and the at least one electronic circuit board are connected by a flexible printed circuit traversing the sealed compartment.
8. the aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the battery is mounted in a floated manner at least in the axial direction of the device in the sealed compartment.
9. the aerosol generating device according to claim 16, wherein the first and/or second foam pads is/are positioned between the battery and the front and/or rear bulkhead, respectively.
10. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the sealed compartment comprises a pressure relief member configured to open the sealed compartment when excessive pressure builds inside the sealed compartment.
11. the aerosol generating device according to claim 17, wherein the opening direction is substantially transverse to the axial direction of the device.
12. the aerosol generating device according to claims 1, wherein the sealed compartment contains a liquid absorbing material.
13. the aerosol generating device according to claims 1, wherein the sealing arrangement.
14. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the outside casing is formed of a rigid material.
15. the aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein the at least one electronic circuit board a main electronic circuit board.
16. the aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the battery is mounted in the sealed compartment between first and second foam pads.
17. the aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein said pressure relief member is configured to create an opening in an opening direction different from the axial direction of the device.
18. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the front bulkhead and/or the rear bulkhead comprises silicone rubber.
19. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the outside casing comprises a rigid thermoplastic material, glass or metal.


Abstract: [en] the present invention relates to a device comprising a liquid conduit in fluid communication or configured to be brought into fluid communication with a vaporization area, the vaporization area being in thermal communication or configured to be brought into thermal communication with a heater configured to heat an oleaginous, oily or fatty aerosol liquid to generate an aerosol, the conduit being configured to receive the oleaginous, oily or fatty aerosol liquid and to direct the oleaginous, oily or fatty aerosol generating liquid to the vaporization area; and a valve arranged in the liquid conduit configured to selectively control the flow of the oleaginous, oily or fatty aerosol generating liquid to the vaporization area, the valve comprising an oleophobic surface and a first electrode configured to supply a voltage to the oleophobic surface, wherein the oleophobic surface is configured such that it becomes less oleophobic with an increase in the voltage.

[en] claims 1. a device comprising: a liquid conduit (no) in fluid communication or configured to be brought into fluid communication with a vaporization area (150), the vaporization area being in thermal communication or configured to be brought into thermal communication with a heater (170) configured to heat an oleaginous, oily or fatty aerosol liquid (121) to generate an aerosol, the conduit (no) being configured to receive the oleaginous, oily or fatty aerosol liquid (121) and to direct the oleaginous, oily or fatty aerosol generating liquid (121) to the vaporization area (150); and a valve (120) arranged in the liquid conduit configured to selectively control the flow of the oleaginous, oily or fatty aerosol generating liquid (121) to the vaporization area (150), the valve (120) comprising: an oleophobic surface; and a first electrode (130) configured to supply a voltage to the oleophobic surface, wherein the oleophobic surface is configured such that it becomes less oleophobic with an increase in the voltage.
2. the device according to the preceding claim, wherein the liquid (121) is stopped and/ or repelled at the valve (120) when an amount of supplied voltage is below a threshold value, and directed to the vaporization area (150) when an amount of supplied voltage is above the threshold value.
3. the device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oleophobic surface forms part of the first electrode (130).
4. the device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oleophobic surface comprises one or more of a fluoropolymer, a nanopattern, nanofibers, preferably poly(2, 2, 2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate), ptfema, and/or a 3d structural graphene foam.
5. the device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid conduit (no) comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface are located on either sides of the liquid conduit (no) parallel to the flow direction of the liquid conduit (no), and wherein the oleophobic surface and/ or the first electrode (130) extends all the way from the first surface to the second surface.
6. the device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oleophobic surface is formed by a mesh.
7. the device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid conduit (no) is a micro-channel or a capillary conduit, preferably with a cross-section area of at least 0.01 mm2, more preferably of at least 0.02 mm2 and most preferably of at least 0.05 mm2 and/or at preferably at most 0.5 mm2, more preferably at most 0.2 mm2 and most preferably at most 0.1 mm2.
8. the device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second electrode (140) configured to provide a potential difference between the first and the second electrode (130, 140), the second electrode (140) being arranged in an upstream position relative to the first electrode (130) and configured to be in contact with the aerosol generating liquid (121).
9. the device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a liquid reservoir (160) storing the oleaginous, oily or fatty aerosol liquid (121) in fluid communication with the liquid conduit (110), configured to provide the oleaginous, oily or fatty aerosol liquid (121) to the liquid conduit (110).
10. the device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of liquid conduits (111, 112, 113, 114), each of the liquid conduits (111, 112, 113, 114) comprising a valve (120) as defined in any one of the proceeding claims, and/or wherein the vaporization area (150) is in fluid communication with the plurality of liquid conduits.
11. the device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control of the flow is configured so that the oleaginous, oily or fatty aerosol generating liquid (121) is directed towards the vaporization area (150) when the heater (170) is activated and the oleaginous, oily or fatty aerosol generating liquid (121) is stopped and/or repelled when the heater (170) is deactivated, and/ or vice versa.
12. the device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the heater (170).
13. the device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sensor configured to detect if a user is drawing on a mouthpiece of the device, wherein the valve (120) is controlled based on the detection.
14. the device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is an exchangeable cartridge (200).
15. an aerosol generating system comprising: a device according to claim 14; and an aerosol generating unit (210) comprising: a housing comprising a mouthpiece, configured to receive the device, and a power source (220) configured to supply a current to the heater (170) and a voltage to the electrode (130).


Abstract: [en] the present invention relates to a packaging for aerosol-generating articles comprising a packaging body extending in a length direction, a width direction and a height direction and a lid attached to the packaging body via a first attachment section. the lid being pivotable with respect to the packaging body for opening and closing the packaging. the lid is further attached to the packaging body in a second attachment section, wherein the second attachment section comprises an inner surface and an outer surface facing the inner surface. the second attachment section is breakable and comprises at least a first and a second breaking line, wherein one breaking line extends from the inner surface towards the outer surface without reaching the outer surface and another breaking line extends from the outer surface towards the inner surface without reaching the inner surface. the second attachment section (6) has a predetermined width (w) from the inner surface (62) to the outer surface (72) and both the first and second breaking lines and/or cut extends at least over 50 percent of that width. the invention also relates to a foldable material blank to form such packaging..

[en]       claims   1. packaging (1) for aerosol-generating articles comprising a packaging body (2) with a reception volume for receiving a plurality of aerosol-generating articles wherein the packaging body extends in a length direction (x), a width direction (y) and a height di rection (z), with a lid (4), attached to the packaging body (2) via a first attachment section (5), the lid (4) being pivotable with respect to the packaging body (2) for open ing and closing the packaging (1), wherein before first opening of the packaging, the lid (4) is attached to the packaging body (2) in a second attachment section (6), the second attachment section (6) comprising an inner surface (62) and an outer surface (72) facing the inner surface wherein the second attachment section (6) is breakable to open the packaging and comprises at least a first and a second breaking line (66, 68, 76, 78), wherein one breaking line (66, 68) extends from the inner surface (62) towards the outer surface (72) without reaching the outer surface (72) and another breaking line (76, 78) ex tends from the outer surface (72) towards the inner surface without reaching the inner surface (62) characterized in that the second attachment section (6) has a predetermined width (w) from the inner sur face (62) to the outer surface (72) and both the first and second breaking lines and/or cut extends at least over 50 percent of that width.
2. packaging (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first breaking line (66, 68, 76, 78) is a cut made in one of the surfaces (62, 72) without reaching the other surface (62, 72).
3. packaging (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second attachment section (6) comprises a third breaking line (66, 68, 76, 78) ex tending from one surface (62, 72) towards the other surface (72, 62) without reaching the other surface (72, 62).
4. packaging (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second attachment section (6) has a predetermined width (w) from the inner sur face (62) to the outer surface (72) and at least one breaking line extends less than 80 percent of that width, preferably less than 70 percent of that width and preferably less than 60 percent of that width.
5. packaging (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first attachment section and the second attachment section (6) are parallel to each other and distant from each other.
6. packaging (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second breaking lines are shifted relative to each other in a distance from one another.
7. packaging (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second attachment section (6) comprises at least one further breaking line (66, 68, 76, 78).
8. packaging (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second attachment section (6) comprises at least four breaking lines (66, 68, 76, 78) wherein at least two breaking lines (66, 68) extend from the inner surface (62) to the outer surface (72) without reaching the outer surface and wherein at least two breaking lines (76, 78) extend from the outer surface (62) to the inner surface (72) without reaching the inner surface (62).
9. packaging (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the breaking lines (76, 78) extending from the outer surface (72) to the inner surface (62) without reaching the inner surface (62) are arranged in a predefined distance (d7) to one another and the breaking lines (66, 68) extending from the inner surface (62) to the outer surface (72) without reaching the outer surface (72) are arranged be tween the breaking lines (76, 78) extending from the outer surface (72) to the inner surface (62) without reaching the inner surface (62).
10. packaging (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the breaking lines (66, 68) extending from the inner surface (62) to the outer surface (72) without reaching outer surface (72) and/or the breaking lines (76, 78) extending from the outer surface (72) to the inner surface (62) without reaching the inner sur face (62) comprise at least two sections angled to each other.
11. packaging (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the packaging (1) is made out of a paper and/or cardboard material.
12. packaging (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second attachment section (6) comprises at least one cutout (80).
13. packaging (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second attachment sec tion (6) comprises a second cutout (81), wherein the at least one breaking line (66,   68, 76, 78) is arranged between these two cutouts.
14. packaging (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second attachment section (6) comprises at least one grip element (90) to grip a strip (7) defining the second attachment section (6).
15. foldable material (10) blank to form a packaging (1) for aerosol-generating articles comprising a first front wall section (12), a first back wall section (14), two first side wall sections (16, 18) and a first bottom wall section (20) being arranged such to fold a packaging body (2), further comprising a second front wall section (22), a second back wall section (24) and two second side wall sections (26, 28) being arranged such to fold a packaging lid (4) and one second section (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) being at tached to one first section (12, 14, 16, 18) via a first attachment section (5), wherein one second section (16, 18, 20) is attached to one first section (12, 14, 16, 18) via a second attachment section (6), the second attachment section (6) comprising an in ner surface (62) and an outer surface (72) facing the inner surface (62), wherein the second attachment section (6) is breakable, and comprises at least a first and a second breaking line (66, 68, 76, 78), wherein one breaking line (66, 68) extends from the inner surface (62) towards the outer surface (72) without reaching the outer surface (72) and another breaking line (76, 78) extends from the outer surface (72) towards the inner surface without reaching the inner surface (62) characterized in that the second attachment section (6) has a predetermined width (w) from the inner sur face (62) to the outer surface (72) and both the first and second breaking lines and/or cut extends at least over 50 percent of that width.


Abstract: [en] provided is a system that controls at least one sound signal output device to emit at least one sound signal in at least one chosen area of a premises. this sound signal represents location-specific usage information of at least one electronic device and is intended to induce a control of a usage of this electronic device based on this location-specific usage information.

[en] 1. a system, comprising: circuitry configured to control at least one sound signal output device to emit, in at least one chosen area of a premises, at least one sound signal representing location-specific usage information of at least one electronic device, wherein said at least one sound signal induces control of usage of said at least one electronic device based on said location-specific usage information;said location-specific usage information comprises at least one of restriction information indicating whether said usage of said at least one electronic device is restricted or forbidden, permission information indicating whether said usage of said at least one electronic device is permitted, electronic device specific information that indicates whether said usage of a specific type of said at least one electronic device is permitted, or location information that indicates at least one area of said premises where said usage of said at least one electronic device is permitted or restricted, andsaid location-specific usage information further comprises first timing information that indicates a time interval of day during which said usage of said at least one electronic device is permitted and second timing information that indicates another time interval of said day during which said usage of said at least one electronic device is restricted or forbidden.
2. the system according to claim 1, wherein said circuitry is further configured to control at least one parameter of said emitted at least one sound signal to change at least one a surface or a location of said at least one chosen area, andeach parameter is chosen from one of an intensity of said emitted at least one sound signal, a directivity of said emitted at least one sound signal, a frequency range of said emitted at least one sound signal, or a sound signal source localization of said emitted at least one sound signal.
3. the system according to claim 1, wherein said emitted at least one sound signal is one of an inaudible standalone sound signal representing said location-specific usage information, a first audible sound signal representing said location-specific usage information, or a mixed sound signal that includes a mix of an inaudible sound signal representing said location-specific usage information and a second audible sound signal.
4. the system according to claim 3, wherein said second audible sound signal is one of a natural sound signal, a music, or an audio advertisement.
5. the system according to claim 1, wherein said emitted at least one sound signal is a combination of said location-specific usage information with a primary sound signal.
6. the system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one sound signal output device comprises a group of loudspeakers distributed across said premises to establish a plurality of chosen areas at different locations within said premises, andat least one of said plurality of chosen areas has a controllable virtual boundary for application of a corresponding location-specific usage information.
7. the system according to claim 6, wherein said plurality of chosen areas includes: at least one first chosen area of said premises associated with a first type of location-specific usage information; andat least one second chosen area of said premises associated with a second type of location-specific usage information.
8. the system according to claim 1, wherein said circuitry is further configured to transmit a notification to an electronic equipment associated with a user,said electronic equipment is in a vicinity of said premises,said premises comprises said at least one area where said usage of said at least one electronic device is one of permitted, restricted, or forbidden, andsaid notification indicates a time period during which a sound signal based usage policy, defining said usage of said at least one electronic device in said premises, is applicable.
9. the system according to claim 8, wherein said sound signal based usage policy is chosen from one of said time interval of said day during which said usage of said at least one electronic device is permitted in said premises, said at least one area of said premises where said usage of said at least one electronic device is one of permitted, restricted, or forbidden, said electronic device specific information indicating whether said usage of said specific type of said at least one electronic device is permitted in said premises, or a name of one of a restaurant, a bar, or a shop where said usage of said at least one electronic device is one of permitted, restricted, or forbidden.
10. a method, comprising: controlling at least one sound signal output device to emit, in at least one chosen area of a premises, at least one sound signal representing location-specific usage information of at least one electronic device, wherein said at least one sound signal induces control of usage of said at least one electronic device based on said location-specific usage information,said location-specific usage information comprises at least one of restriction information indicating whether said usage of said at least one electronic device is restricted or forbidden, permission information indicating whether said usage of said at least one electronic device is permitted, electronic device specific information that indicates whether said usage of a specific type of said at least one electronic device is permitted, or location information that indicates at least one area of said premises where said usage of said at least one electronic device is permitted or restricted, andsaid location-specific usage information further comprises first timing information that indicates a time interval of day during which said usage of said at least one electronic device is permitted and second timing information that indicates another time interval of said day during which said usage of said at least one electronic device is restricted or forbidden.
11. an electronic equipment, comprising: a memory configured to store a table of correspondence between a plurality of location-specific usage information of an electronic device and a plurality of text information; andcircuitry configured to: receive a sound signal representing location-specific usage information of said electronic device, wherein said received sound signal is emitted in an area of a premises by a sound signal output device;determine said location-specific usage information from said received sound signal;transmit a control command, based on said determined location-specific usage information, to said electronic device to induce a control of usage of said electronic device;determine text information, corresponding to said determined location-specific usage information, among said plurality of text information in said memory; andcontrol transmission of said determined text information to said electronic device for one of triggering a display of said text information by a screen of said electronic device, triggering an activation or deactivation of a light of said electronic device depending on said text information, or triggering a play of an audio message depending on said text information by a loudspeaker of said electronic device.
12. the electronic equipment according to claim 11, wherein said circuitry is further configured to: activate a detection mode of said electronic equipment in a case where a chosen command is received; andcontinuously monitor for said reception of said sound signal in a case where said detection mode has been activated.
13. an electronic device, comprising: circuitry configured to: receive a sound signal emitted in an area of a premises by a sound signal output device;determine location-specific usage information of said electronic device from said received sound signal;control a usage of said electronic device based on said determined location-specific usage information; andset said electronic device to a disabled mode based on non-receipt of said sound signal in a case where a chosen time interval without receiving a new sound signal has elapsed after having been previously set in an enabled mode.
14. the electronic device according to claim 13, wherein said control of said usage comprises one of allowing activation of said electronic device, disabling said activation of said electronic device, controlling a strength of a material used in said electronic device, controlling a time duration of said usage of said electronic device, outputting an optical signal indicating whether said usage of said electronic device is one of restricted, permitted, or forbidden, or outputting an audio alert indicating whether said usage of said electronic device is one of restricted, permitted, or forbidden.
15. the electronic device according to claim 13, wherein said circuitry is further configured to: activate a detection mode of said electronic device in a case where a chosen command is received;continuously monitor for said reception of said sound signal in a case where said detection mode has been activated; andcontrol usage of said electronic device based on said received sound signal.
16. the electronic device according to claim 13, wherein said electronic device is one of an aerosol generation device, a tobacco delivery device, a nicotine delivery device, an electronic cigarette, or a vaping device.
17. a system, comprising: at least one sound signal output device; andcircuitry configured to control said at least one sound signal output device to emit, in at least one chosen area of a premises, at least one sound signal representing location-specific usage information of at least one electronic device, wherein said at least one sound signal induces control of usage of said at least one electronic device based on said location-specific usage information,said at least one sound signal output device comprises a group of loudspeakers distributed across said premises to establish a plurality of chosen areas at different locations within said premises, andat least one of said plurality of chosen areas has a controllable virtual boundary for application of a corresponding location-specific usage information.