Abstract: [en] a cartridge (4) for a vapour generating device having a housing (6) with an air inlet (22), an air outlet (26), at least one air channel (24) extending from the air inlet to the air outlet, a liquid reservoir (10) for containing a vapour generating liquid and a vaporization chamber (12/16) in communication with the liquid reservoir, at least part of an inner surface of the housing being provided with a barrier coating (100) applied by a chemical vapour deposition process. a removable or breakable seal is provided over a fluid outlet of the housing.

[en] claims: 1. a cartridge (4) for a vapour generating device, the cartridge being configured to connect to a base part (2) to provide an operable device, the cartridge comprising: a housing (6) having a liquid reservoir (10) for containing a vapour generating liquid and an interface for connection to the base part, at least the liquid reservoir being made of thermoplastics; wherein an inner surface of the liquid reservoir is provided with a barrier coating (80, 100).
2. the cartridge as claimed in claim 1 wherein one or more other inner surfaces of the housing are provided with the barrier coating (80, 100) in addition to the inner surface of the liquid reservoir.
3. the cartridge as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the barrier coating (80, 100) has a thickness of less than loonm, preferably 10-100nm.
4. the cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the barrier coating (80, 100) is selected from a vapour deposition coating, an atomic layer deposition coating and a molecular layer deposition coating, preferably a chemical vapour deposition coating, more preferably a plasma enhanced chemical deposition coating.
5. the cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the barrier coating (80, 100) is selected from at least one of silicon oxide (siox), silicon nitride, diamond-like carbon (dlc) and silicon oxy carbide (sioc).
6. the cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an undercoating is provided between the inner surface of the housing of the cartridge and the barrier coating to aid adhesion of the coating to the surface.
7. the cartridge as claimed in claim 6 wherein the undercoating is an organosilane, preferably 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (3aptms).
8. the cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge is configured to thermally, electrically or inductively connect to the base part via the interface.
9. the cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing of the cartridge further comprises an air inlet (22), at least one air channel (24) extending from the air inlet to an air outlet (26) and a vaporisation chamber (16) in communication with the liquid reservoir (10), the at least one air channel (24) extending from the air inlet (22), through the vaporisation chamber (16) to the air outlet (26).
10. the cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the cartridge further comprising a fluid outlet between the liquid reservoir and an exterior of the housing, wherein a removable or breakable seal (60a) is provided over the fluid outlet.
11. the cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the inner surface of the housing is provided with multiple layers of the barrier coating (80, 100), preferably being separated by buffer layers, preferably wherein the buffer layers comprise an organosilane.
12. packaging for at least one cartridge of a vapour generating device, the packaging comprising an outer package comprising a recyclable cardboard packaging container and an inner package comprising a cartridge (4) having a barrier coating (80, 100) applied directly to an inner surface of the cartridge, preferably wherein a removable or breakable seal (60a) is provided over a fluid outlet of the cartridge.
13. a method for applying a barrier coating (80, 100) to an inner surface of a cartridge (4) for a vapour generating device, the method comprising: (a) placing at least a liquid reservoir part of at least one cartridge for a vapour generating device in a coating chamber; (b) applying a vacuum to at least the liquid reservoir of the cartridge to evacuate at least the interior of the reservoir; (c) introducing a coating precursor gas into at least the liquid reservoir of the cartridge; (d) supplying energy to cause deposition of the coating onto at least the inner surface of the liquid reservoir; (e) releasing the vacuum; and (f) removing the coated cartridge from the coating chamber.
14. the method according to claim 13, wherein step (d) comprises supplying radiofrequency electromagnetic waves to at least the inner surface of the liquid reservoir to cause plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition of the coating.
15. the method according to claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising applying an undercoat to at least the inner surface of the liquid reservoir prior to application of the barrier coating.


Abstract: [en] the present invention concerns a tobacco article (14) comprising a viscous vaporizable material (63) and a support (51), the support (51) being formed from one or several rigid sheets (61, 62) arranged or bent to retain the viscous vaporizable material (63) and to form an airflow path.

[en] claims 1. a tobacco article (14) comprising a viscous vaporizable material (63) and a support (51), the support (51) being formed from one or several rigid sheets (61, 62) arranged or bent to retain the viscous vaporizable material (63) and to form an airflow path.
2. the tobacco article (14) according to claim 1, wherein the or each rigid sheet (61, 62) is made of metal.
3. the tobacco article (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the or each rigid sheet (61, 62) is bent to form a cylindrical shape, advantageously having a circular cross-section.
4. the tobacco article (14) according to claim 3, comprising an outer sheet (62) and an inner sheet (61), the viscous vaporizable material (63) being retained between said sheets (61, 62).
5. the tobacco article (14) according to claim 4, wherein the inner sheet (61) delimits the airflow path.
6. the tobacco article (14) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the inner sheet (61) is perforated.
7. the tobacco article (14) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said outer sheet (62) forms a unique outer sheet (62) and said inner sheet (61) forms a unique inner sheet (61) of the article (14).
8. the tobacco article (14) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the viscous vaporizable material (63) is in direct contact with the outer sheet (61).
9. the tobacco article (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a gauze sheet (70) interposed between the vaporizable material (63) and the or at least one of the rigid sheets (61, 62).
10. the tobacco article (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an external wrapper assembling the or each rigid sheets (61, 62) with a filter/cooling portion.
1 1. the tobacco article (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the viscous vaporizable material (63) comprises a solid content and a liquid content, the ratio of the solid content being comprised between 80 percent and 120 percent of the liquid content and is advantageously equal to 100 percent of the liquid content; advantageously, the solid content comprising ground tobacco.
12. the tobacco article (14) according to claim 1 1, wherein the liquid content comprises glycerine, preferably propylene glycol and advantageously water.
13. the tobacco article (14) according to claim 12, wherein: - the ratio of glycerine is comprised between 50 percent and 100 percent of the liquid content;- the ratio of propylene glycol is comprised between 0 percent and 50 percent of the liquid content; and - the ratio of water is comprised between 0 percent and 20 percent of the liquid content.
14. the tobacco article (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the viscous vaporizable material (63) forms a unique layer of vaporizable material in the article (14).
15. an aerosol generating device (12; 1 12) comprising a cavity (23; 123) configured to receive and heat the tobacco article (14) according to any one of the preceding claims.
16. the aerosol generating device (1 12) according to claim 15, wherein the cavity (123) is configured to receive and heat simultaneously at least two tobacco articles (14), the airflow path of one of the tobacco articles (14) extending the airflow path of the other tobacco article (14).
17. an assembling method of a tobacco article (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 taken in combination with claim 4, the method comprising the following steps: (a) applying the viscous vaporizable material (63) on one of the rigid sheets (61, 62);(c) applying the other rigid sheet (61, 62) on the vaporizable material (63); (d) bending the result around an article axis (y) to form the airflow path.


Abstract: [en] a container for consumer goods includes a box for receiving goods, the box having an open end; a lid rotatable between open and closed positions for respectively opening and closing the open end of the box; a hinged connector that connects the lid to the box, where the hinged connector is connected to the lid at a connector-lid hinge line and connected to the box at a connector-box hinge line; and, a resilient mechanism arranged between the box and the connector such that, during lid opening, the resilient mechanism causes relative movement of the box to the connector.

[en] 1. a container for consumer goods, comprising: a box for receiving goods, the box comprising an open end;a lid rotatable between open and closed positions for respectively opening and closing the open end of the box;a hinged connector that connects the lid to the box, where the hinged connector is connected to the lid at a connector-lid hinge line and connected to the box at a connector-box hinge line; and,a resilient mechanism arranged between the box and the connector such that, during lid opening, the resilient mechanism causes relative movement of the box to the connector.
2. the container for consumer goods according to claim 1, wherein the connector-lid hinge line and the connector-box hinge lines are substantially parallel to each other.
3. the container for consumer goods according to claim 1, wherein the resilient mechanism is articulately mounted to the hinged connector and the box.
4. the container for consumer goods according to claim 1, wherein the resilient mechanism comprises at least one articulated structure.
5. the container for consumer goods according to claim 4, wherein the at least one articulated structure comprises at least two panels including a first panel rotatably mounted to the hinged connector along a panel-connector rotation axis, and a second panel rotatably mounted to the box along a panel-box rotation axis.
6. the container for consumer goods according to claim 5, wherein the panel-connector rotation axis and the panel-box rotation axis are substantially parallel to each other when the lid is in the closed position.
7. the container for consumer goods according to claim 6, wherein the panel-connector rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the connector-lid hinge line.
8. the container for consumer goods according to claim 6, wherein movement of the lid from the closed position towards the open position causes the panel-connector rotation axis and the panel-box rotation axis to rotate relative to each other so as to form an angle with each other in the open position.
9. the container for consumer goods according to claim 6, wherein the panel-connector rotation axis and the panel-box rotation axis remain substantially parallel to each other during movement of the lid between the open and closed positions.
10. the container for consumer goods according to claim 9, wherein the panel-connector rotation axis is substantially coincident with the connector-lid hinge line.
11. the container for consumer goods according to claim 5, wherein the first panel is hingedly connected to the second panel along a panel-panel hinge line.
12. the container for consumer goods according to claim 11, wherein the panel-panel hinge line is substantially parallel to the panel-connector rotation axis and to the panel-box rotation axis during movement of the lid between the open and closed positions.
13. the container for consumer goods according to claim 11, wherein the panel-panel hinge line is at a first angle with respect to the panel-connector rotation axis, wherein the panel-panel hinge line is at a second angle with respect to the panel-box rotation axis, and wherein the first and second angles are substantially the same.
14. a blank for forming a container for consumer goods, comprising a box portion, a lid portion, and a connector portion, the connector portion connected to the box portion along a connector-box hinge line and to the lid portion along a connector-lid hinge line; the blank further comprising at least two panels hingedly connected to each other, wherein one of the panels is connected to either the box portion along a panel-box hinge line or to the connector portion along a panel-connector hinge line.
15. the blank for forming a container for consumer goods according to claim 14, wherein the connector-lid hinge line and the connector-box hinge lines are substantially parallel to each other.
16. a container for consumer goods, comprising: a box for receiving goods, the box comprising an open end;a lid rotatable between open and closed positions for respectively opening and closing the open end of the box;a hinged connector that connects the lid to the box, where the hinged connector is connected to the lid at a connector-lid hinge line and connected to the box at a connector-box hinge line; and,at least two panels including a first panel rotatably mounted to the hinged connector along a panel-connector rotation axis, and a second panel rotatably mounted to the box along a panel-box rotation axis, wherein the at least two panels are arranged between the box and the connector such that, during lid opening, the at least two panels cause relative movement of the box to the connector.


Abstract: [en] a smoking article includes a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis running through respective base areas of a distal end and a mouth end of the smoking article, wherein the smoking article includes the following segments, which are arranged subsequently in the following order from the distal to the mouth end, and are at least in part wrapped in a circumferential wrapper: a tobacco segment including tobacco or tobacco derived smokable material, a cooling segment including a cylindrically shaped cooler material having a first flow path from the tobacco segment to a filter segment, the filter segment including a second flow path from the cooling segment to the mouth end. a surface of the cooler material is at least in part coated with a tobacco product including tobacco particles having an average particle size of 30 micro m and a dispersion medium for dispersing the tobacco particles.

[en] 1. a smoking article comprising a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis running through respective base areas of a distal end and a mouth end of the smoking article, wherein the smoking article comprises the following segments, which are arranged subsequently in the following order from the distal to the mouth end, and are at least in part wrapped in a circumferential wrapper: a. a tobacco segment comprising tobacco or tobacco derived smokable material,b. a cooling segment comprising a cylindrically shaped cooler material having a first flow path from the tobacco segment to a filter segment,c. the filter segment comprising a second flow path from the cooling segment to the mouth end,wherein a surface of the cooler material is at least in part coated with a tobacco product comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size of 30 micro m and a dispersion medium for dispersing the tobacco particles.
2. the smoking article according to claim 1, wherein: the tobacco segment also comprises the tobacco product.
3. the smoking article according to claim 1, wherein: the tobacco product is applied to the surface in a pattern.
4. the smoking article according to claim 3, wherein: the pattern comprises circumferential rings with an extent in a direction along the longitudinal axis and distanced from each other along the longitudinal axis by a distance.
5. the smoking article according to claim 3, wherein: the pattern comprises a varying layer thickness of the tobacco product on the surface.
6. the smoking article according to claim 1, wherein: the cooling segment comprises a shape of a hollow cylinder having an inner lateral area enclosing a through-hole through which the first flow path is arranged, wherein the first flow path is also parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the inner lateral area is at least in part coated with the tobacco product.
7. the smoking article according to claim 1, wherein: the cooling segment comprises a shape of a hollow cylinder having an inner lateral area enclosing a through-hole through which the first flow path is arranged, wherein the first flow path is also parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein an outer lateral area of the cooling segment is at least in part coated with the tobacco product.
8. the smoking article according to claim 6, wherein: the cooling segment comprises ventilation holes, wherein the tobacco product is only arranged downstream of the ventilation holes.
9. the smoking article according to claim 6, wherein: the cooling segment comprises ventilation holes, wherein the tobacco product is only arranged upstream of the ventilation holes.
10. the smoking article according to claim 6, wherein: the cooling segment further comprises a flow diverter arranged in the through-hole of the cooling segment, wherein the flow diverter diverts the first flow-path directly to the tobacco product coated surface.
11. the smoking article according to claim 10, wherein: the flow diverter is a protrusion of the filter segment protruding into the through-hole of the cooling segment.
12. the smoking article according to claim 10, wherein: the flow diverter is a loose element arranged inside the through-hole of the cooling segment comprising a shape of a sphere or prolate spheroid arranged with a longest axis thereof parallel to the longitudinal axis.
13. the smoking article according to claim 1, wherein: the cooling segment comprises multiple parallel first flow-paths each being circumferentially enclosed by a respective part of the surface of the cooling segment, wherein the respective parts of the surface are at least in part coated with the tobacco product.
14. a method for manufacturing a smoking article, wherein a tobacco segment comprising tobacco or tobacco derived smokable material, a cooling segment comprising a cylindrically shaped cooler material having a first flow path and a filter segment comprising a second flow path are arranged in the given order subsequently on a longitudinal axis and are at least in part wrapped in a circumferential wrapper thereby forming the smoking article having a cylindrical shape with the longitudinal axis running through respective base areas of the smoking article being a distal end, at which the tobacco segment is arranged, and a mouth end, at which the filter segment is arranged, respectively, wherein the first flow path connects the tobacco segment with the filter segment and the second flow path connects the cooling segment with the mouth end, wherein before arranging the cooling segment between the tobacco segment and the filter segment, a surface of the cooler material is at least in part coated with a tobacco product comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size of 30 micro m and a dispersion medium for dispersing the tobacco particles.
15. the method according to claim 14, wherein: the tobacco product is applied to the surface of the cooler material by spraying or printing.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generation device includes a main housing, a cover, and a heat insulating air gap formed between the main housing and the cover. a main body is defined by the main housing, and a cover element is detachably attached or connected to the main housing and covers a portion of the main housing to form part of the exterior surface of the main housing. the main housing and the cover element are shaped such that an air gap is formed between the main housing and the cover element.

[en] 1. an aerosol generation device comprising: a main body defined by a main housing;a cover element detachably attached or connected to the main housing and covering a portion of the main housing to form part of the exterior surface of the main housing;wherein the main housing and the cover element are shaped such that an air gap is formed between the main housing and the cover element.
2. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the entire cover element covers a portion of the main housing, and wherein the air gap is formed between the portion of the main housing covered by the cover element and the cover element.
3. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the air gap is enclosed between the main housing and the cover element.
4. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a heating unit for heating an aerosol generation substrate; wherein a section or the entire air gap is formed adjacent to a section of the portion of the main housing of which at least a part is adjacent to the heating unit, orwherein a section of or the entire air gap is formed adjacent to a section of the main housing of which the entire section is adjacent to the heating unit.
5. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein different sections of the air gap have different average gap distances.
6. the aerosol generation device according too claim 1, wherein an average air gap distance between the main housing and the cover portion is between 0.1 and 5 mm.
7. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the air gap includes a first section of the air gap with a first average air gap distance and a second section of the air gap with a second average air gap distance different from the first air gap distance.
8. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the cover element comprises a thermally conductive element on at least a portion or all of its inner surface that faces the main housing when the cover element is releasably attached to the main housing.
9. the aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein the thermally conductive element comprises a thermally conductive strip, layer, rod, or bar, and wherein the thermally conductive element comprises a copper material.
10. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a cover detection means for detecting whether the cover element is attached to the main housing or not.
11. the aerosol generation device according to claim 10, wherein the cover detection means comprises a button or switch configured to be actuated when the cover element is attached to the main housing, and/or wherein the cover detection means comprises sensor circuitry.
12. the aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein the sensor circuitry comprises a hall sensor, and/or wherein the cover element comprises or is a magnetic element configured to be detected by the hall sensor when the cover element is attached to the main housing, and/orwherein the sensor circuitry comprises an optical sensor for detecting the detachable panel when the detachable panel is attached to the main housing of the main body, and/orwherein the sensor circuitry comprises an electrical sensor that comprises a plurality of electrical contacting elements for contacting an electrically conductive element provided with the cover when the cover element is attached to the main housing such that a current can flow from one of the plurality of electrical contacting elements to another of the plurality of electrical contacting elements through the electrically conductive element.
13. the aerosol generation device according to claim 11, further comprising circuitry for controlling the operation of the aerosol generation device based on information from the cover detection means, the information comprising information about a first state in which it is detected that the cover element is attached to the main housing and about a second state in which it is detected that the cover element is not attached to the main housing, wherein controlling the operation of the aerosol generation device based on information from the cover detection means comprises preventing or inhibiting generation of an aerosol by the aerosol generation device if the information from the cover detecting means indicates the second state, and enabling generation of an aerosol by the aerosol generation device if the information from the cover detecting means indicates the first state.
14. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising an operation interface portion within the air gap on the surface of the portion of the main housing facing the cover element when the cover element is attached to the main housing, wherein the operation interface portion comprises an input element for receiving an operation input by a user.
15. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising an output element within the air gap on the surface of the portion of the main housing facing the cover element when the cover element is attached to the main housing for indicating an operation output of the aerosol generation device, wherein the output element comprises an indicator light.


Abstract: [en] the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device (1) configured to receive a consumable article (100) and comprises: - at least one optical element (20) delimiting at least partially a heating cavity (200), - at least one sensing system (10) comprising an electromagnetic radiation detecting system (14) configured to measure an intensity of an electromagnetic radiation passing through and/or reflected by the optical element (20), and - a controlling system (50) configured to monitor an optical parameter representative of the level of contamination of the heating cavity (200), based at least on said measured intensity, and trigger an alarm system (60) depending on said parameter. the invention relates also to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device (1) and an aerosol-generating article (100).

[en] claims 1.an aerosol-generating device (1) comprising a heater body and a longitudinal heating cavity (200) provided with an opening (210) at one insertion end (201) and adapted to receive at least part of an aerosol-generating article (100) inserted through said opening (210), wherein the aerosol-generating device (1) comprises - at least one optical element (20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) arranged onto or inside said heater body and delimiting at least partially said cavity (200),- at least one sensing system (10) comprising at least one electromagnetic radiation detecting system (14), comprising at least one detector (114), configured to measure an intensity of an electromagnetic radiation passing through and/or being reflected by the optical element (20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28), and - a controlling system (50) configured to monitor an optical parameter representative of the level of contamination of the heating cavity (200), based at least on said measured intensity, and trigger an alarm system (60) depending on said parameter.
2. the aerosol-generating device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one optical element (20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) comprises a window at least partially transparent to electromagnetic radiation.
3. the aerosol-generating device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one optical element (20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) and said at least one detector (114) are located at the insertion end side of the cavity (200).
4. the aerosol-generating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a plurality of sensing systems (10, 10’, 10") provided along a longitudinal direction (z) of the cavity (200).
5. the aerosol-generating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a reference intensity detecting system (142) configured to measure a reference intensity of an electromagnetic radiation outside the longitudinal cavity and preferably in the vicinity of the optical element (20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28), and wherein the controlling system (50) is configured to monitor a ratio between said reference intensity and the measured intensity of the electromagnetic radiation passing through and/or reflected by the at least one optical element (20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) and trigger an alarm system (60) depending on said ratio.
6. the aerosol-generating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one sensing system (10) further comprises an electromagnetic radiation emitting system (12, 12’, 12") comprising at least one emitter (112) configured to irradiate the optical element (20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28).
7. the aerosol-generating device (1) according to claim 6, wherein at least one electromagnetic radiation emitter (112) and at least one electromagnetic radiation detector (114), preferably each emitter (112) and each electromagnetic detector (114), of the sensing system (10) are located on the same side of the at least one optical element (20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) according to a transversal direction (x, y) of the cavity (200).
8. the aerosol-generating device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one electromagnetic radiation emitter (112) and at least one electromagnetic radiation detector (114), preferably each emitter (112) and each electromagnetic detector (114), of the sensing system (10) are located on opposite sides of the at least one optical element (20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) according to a transversal direction (x) of the cavity (200).
9. the aerosol-generating device (1) according to claim 5 and any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the reference intensity detecting system comprising a reference detector (142) is configured to measure a reference intensity of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the at least one electromagnetic radiation emitter (112).
10. the aerosol-generating device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the at least one electromagnetic radiation emitter (112) comprises a semiconductor emitter (112) emitting in a wavelength comprised between 300 nm and 10 pm, preferably between 300 nm and 5 pm.
11. the aerosol-generating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one electromagnetic radiation detector (114) is configured to measure an intensity of infrared light issued by a heating element located around or in the cavity (200) and passing through and/or being reflected by the optical element (20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28).
12. an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and an aerosol-generating article (100) inserted at least partially in the cavity (200) of said aerosol-generating device (1), with at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (100) facing at least one optical element (20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28).
13. method for controlling an aerosol-generating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising at least the steps of: a) measuring an intensity of an electromagnetic radiation passing through and/or reflected by the at least one optical element (20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28), b) monitoring a parameter representative of the level of contamination of the heating cavity (200), based at least on said measured intensity, and c) triggering an alarm system (60) depending on said parameter.
14. method according to claim 13 wherein the parameter monitored in step b is representative of the level of dirt deposited on a surface of a heater body surrounding said cavity (200).
15. method according to claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising a step of irradiating the at least one optical element (20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) with electromagnetic radiation, preferably visible light or infrared light.
16. method according to claim 15, further comprising determining a reference intensity of the electromagnetic radiation, and wherein in steps b) and c) the parameter is a ratio between said reference intensity and the measured intensity of the electromagnetic radiation passing through and/or reflected by the at least one optical element (20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28).


Abstract: [en] aerosol generation device comprising at least one mouth piece, a control unit, a vapour generating unit (vgu), a conduit and an e-liquid housing, wherein the housing comprises a volume for housing a substance and wherein the conduit connects the volume to the vgu and wherein the fluid can flow from the fluid housing to the vgu. according to the invention the aerosol generation device further comprises at least one electromagnetic wave source suited to emit a radiation and a receiver suited to receive a radiation emitted by the electromagnetic wave source, wherein radiation emitted from the electromagnetic wave source traverses the fluid.

[en]       e-liquid identification   claims   1. aerosol generation device (1) comprising at least one mouthpiece (2), a control unit (6), a vapor generating unit (vgu) (5), a conduit (4) and an e-liquid housing (3), wherein the housing (3) comprises a volume for housing a substance and wherein the conduit (4) connects the volume to the vgu (5) and wherein the fluid can flow from the fluid housing (3) to the vgu (5), characterized in that, the aerosol generation device (1) further comprises at least one electromagnetic wave source (7) suited to emit a radiation and a receiver (8) suited to receive a radiation emitted by the electromagnetic wave source (7), wherein radiation emitted from the electromagnetic wave source (7) traverses the fluid.
2. aerosol generation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electromagnetic wave source (7) and the electromagnetic wave receiver (8) are arranged at opposite sides of the conduit (4), wherein the conduit (4) is thereby arranged in between the electromagnetic wave source (7) and the electromagnetic wave receiver (8).
3. aerosol generation device (1) according to at least one of the claims 1 to 2, characterized in that a radiation which is emitted by the electromagnetic wave source (7) traverses the conduit (4) before it is received by the electromagnetic wave receiver (8).
4. aerosol generation device (1) according to at least one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit (6) is configured to control the vgu (5) based on at least one output value of the receiver (8).
5. aerosol generation device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, the control unit (6) is configured to disable the device (1) and/or to provide a warning signal if the measured amount of transmitted light exceeds a tolerance range (e.g. threshold value) and/or a predefined value stored in the device (1).
6. aerosol generation device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the vgu (5) is a micro-electronic-mechanical-system (mems) comprising a thermal bubble jet device comprising at least one die and a heater and the control unit (6) is configured for energizing the heater to expel aerosol from the die in a pulsating manner.
7. aerosol generation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, the control unit (6) is configured to identify at least one constituent and/or determine its concentration inside the conduit (4).
8. aerosol generation device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, the control unit (6) is configured to determine the concentration of at least one constituent by the function of its absorption coefficient and/or the path length in the conduit (4) between the wave source (7) and the receiver (8) (i.e. using beer-lambert law).
9. aerosol generation device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, the control unit (6) is configured to determine the concentration of a nicotinoid and/or a different constituent with a specific wavelength.
10. aerosol generation device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, the control unit (6) is configured to operate at least one operational parameter of the vgu (5) as a response to the determined concentration of the constituent.
11. aerosol generation device (1) according to claim 10, - 14- characterizedin that, the operation parameter can be chosen amongst the list consisting of: temperature, volume, pulse frequency, voltage, aerosol ratio to at least two different dies (i.e. aerosol outlets), mixing ratio of two combined e-liquids.
12. method for controlling operations of an aerosol generation device (1) comprising at least one mouthpiece (2), a control unit (6), a vapour generating unit (vgu) (5), a conduit (4) and an e-liquid housing (3), wherein the housing (3) comprises a volume for housing a substance and wherein the conduit (4) connects the volume to the vgu (5) and wherein the fluid can flow from the fluid housing (3) to the vgu (5), comprising the following steps: measuring the transmitted amount of an electromagnetic wave beam from the electromagnetic wave source (7) to the receiver (8), comparing the transmitted electromagnetic wave beam to a reference signal by the control unit (6) and operating the aerosol generation device (1) according to the result of the comparison.
13. method according to claim 12, characterized in that, during the usage of the aerosol generation device (1), fluids pass the electromagnetic wave source (7) and receiver (8) through the conduit (4).
14. method according to at least one of the preceding claims 12 and 13, characterized in that, the transmitted light is measured at a given wavelength, while a constituent is identified and/or concentration of the constituent inside the conduit (4) is determined.
15. method according to at least one of the preceding claims 14, characterized in that, the concentration of at least one constituent is determined by the function of its absorption coefficient and the path length in the conduit (4) between the wave source (7) and the receiver (8) (i.e. using beer-lambert law).
16. method according to at least one of the preceding claims 14 or 15, - 15- characterizedin that, the constituent is a nicotinoid and/or a different constituent (e.g. a flavouring) with a specific wavelength.
17. method according to at least one of the preceding claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, depending on the concentration of a constituent the vgu (5) is operated by the control unit (6) according to at least one of the following parameters: temperature, volume, pulse frequency, voltage, aerosol ratio to at least two different dies (i.e. aerosol outlets), mixing ratio of two combined e-liquids.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generating device is disclosed. the aerosol generating device includes a housing and a heating chamber arranged to receive an aerosol substrate. the heating chamber is operable to heat the aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol. a first airflow passage is arranged to transport air from a first air inlet in the housing into or through the aerosol generating device, wherein the first airflow passage comprises a valve having an aperture, and wherein a size of the aperture is adjustable to alter an airflow through the first airflow passage.

[en] 1. an aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing;a heating chamber arranged to receive an aerosol substrate, the heating chamber operable to heat the aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol; anda first airflow passage arranged to transport air from a first air inlet in the housing into or through the aerosol generating device,wherein the first airflow passage comprises a valve having an aperture, andwherein a size of the aperture is adjustable to alter airflow through the first airflow passage.
2. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the valve is configured to adjust the size of the aperture as a function of temperature.
3. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the valve is configured such that the aperture is always at least partially open.
4. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the valve is configured such that the aperture closes below a threshold temperature.
5. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a shape memory alloy in which the aperture is located, the shape memory alloy being configured to change shape as a function of temperature to adjust the size of the aperture.
6. the aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein the valve comprises a flexible rim surrounding the shape memory alloy, the flexible rim being configured to expand or contract to accommodate the change in shape of the shape memory alloy.
7. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the aperture is circular, and wherein a radius of the aperture is adjustable to alter the airflow through the first airflow passage.
8. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the valve is located at the first air inlet.
9. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the first air inlet is at an insertion opening for the aerosol substrate.
10. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the first airflow passage is arranged to transport air from the first air inlet in the housing to the heating chamber.
11. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the first airflow passage is arranged to transport air from the first air inlet in the housing through the aerosol generating device to mix with aerosol emerging from the heating chamber.
12. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a second air flow passage arranged to transport air from a second air inlet in the housing to the heating chamber.
13. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator, wherein the size of the aperture is adjustable by the actuator.
14. the aerosol generating device of claim 13, wherein the actuator comprises one of: a magnetic actuator;an electrical actuator; oran electro-mechanical actuator.


Abstract: [en] an electronic cigarette includes a laser and a replaceable atomiser. a reservoir is provided for storing a vaporisable liquid. the replaceable atomiser includes a light guide, an absorber and a vaporisation chamber. a liquid inlet in the atomiser provides a flow path for liquid in the reservoir to flow towards the absorber and the vaporisation chamber. the light guide is configured to couple light from the laser towards the absorber which can generate heat by absorbing the emitted light and this can cause vaporisation of the vaporisable liquid. when the light guide becomes dirty or contaminated it can be replaced simply by replacing the atomiser.

[en] 1. an atomiser for an electronic cigarette, comprising: a housing including at least one air inlet, at least one air outlet and a liquid inlet;a light guide extending into the housing;an optical absorber within the housing; anda vaporisation chamber within the housing, wherein a liquid flow path is provided from the liquid inlet towards the optical absorber and the vaporisation chamber, and an air flow path is defined from the at least one air inlet in the housing to the vaporization chamber, and wherein the light guide is configured to couple light from a vaporising light source towards the optical absorber which can generate heat by absorbing light from the vaporising light source,wherein the optical absorber includes a liquid absorber for absorbing vaporisable liquid received in the liquid inlet, andwherein the optical absorber is provided within the vaporization chamber axially above an end face of the light guide with respect to an axial direction of the housing.
2. the atomiser of claim 1, wherein the light guide is a solid prism that light from the vaporising light source can propagate within.
3. the atomiser of claim 1, wherein light guide has an upper coupling surface and a lower coupling surface, wherein the lower coupling surface is configured to couple with the vaporising light source and the upper coupling surface is configured to couple with the optical absorber.
4. the atomiser of claim 3, wherein the lower coupling surface is configured to engage with a receiving portion of the vaporising light source.
5. the atomiser of claim 4, wherein the lower coupling surface is formed on a projection extending from the housing.
6. the atomiser of claim 3, wherein the lower coupling surface is angled such that the lower coupling surface can receive a light beam in a transverse direction and redirect said light beam into an axial direction.
7. the atomiser of claim 1, wherein the at least one air outlet is located axially above the optical absorber in the vaporization chamber.
8. a cartridge comprising a liquid store and the atomiser of claim 1.
9. an electronic cigarette device comprising a mouthpiece portion and a power supply portion, wherein the mouthpiece portion comprises: a liquid store,a receiving portion configured to receive a removable atomiser, anda mouthpiece having a vapor outlet channel,and wherein the power supply portion comprises: a power source; anda vaporising light source configured to receive electrical energy from the power source, wherein the vaporising light source is configured to couple light to a light guide located within the atomiser.
10. the electronic cigarette device according to claim 9, wherein the vaporising light source is housed within a recessed portion of the receiving portion, the recessed portion configured to receive a protruding portion of a light guide.
11. the electronic cigarette device according to claim 9, wherein the mouthpiece portion further comprises at least one seal positioned around an internal circumference of the receiving portion.
12. the electronic cigarette device of claim 9, further comprising an airflow channel provided between an air inlet and the mouthpiece, wherein the vaporising light source is provided in or adjacent the airflow channel at a position between a location of the receiving portion configured to receive the atomiser and an air inlet so that the airflow can be heated by the vaporising light source.
13. a method of operating an electronic cigarette, comprising the steps of: providing an atomiser comprising: a housing including at least one air inlet, at least one air outlet and a liquid inlet;a light guide;an optical absorber; anda vaporisation chamber received within the housing;providing a vaporising light source and a liquid reservoir separately from the atomiser;providing a flow of vaporisable liquid from the liquid reservoir towards the optical absorber and the vaporisation chamber;providing vaporising light from the vaposing light source;coupling the vaporising light from the vaporising light source towards the optical absorber using the light guide; andabsorbing the light at the optical absorber in order to generate heat and vaporise the vaporisable liquid,wherein the optical absorber includes a liquid absorber for absorbing vaporisable liquid received in the liquid inlet, andwherein the optical absorber is provided within the vaporization chamber axially above an end face of the light guide with respect to an axial direction of the housing.
14. the method of claim 13, further comprising the step of replacing the atomiser.
15. (canceled)
16. the atomiser according to claim 1, wherein the vaporising light source is a laser.
17. the cartridge of claim 8, wherein the vaporising light source is a laser.
18. the electronic cigarette device according to claim 9, wherein the vaporising light source is a laser.


Abstract: [en] the present invention concerns a tobacco article (12) for a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device comprising one or several heating element(s), the tobacco article (12) comprising: - a tobacco substrate portion (115); - a wrapper wrapping the tobacco substrate portion (115) and defining a wrapper external surface (140) intended to be in contact or face at least partially the or each heating element; wherein the wrapper external surface (140) is at least partially coloured so as its emissivity value for infrared thermometer readings is higher than 0,85, preferably higher than 0,9.

[en] claims 1. a tobacco article (12) for a heat-not-burn aerosol generating (1 1) device comprising one or several heating element(s), the tobacco article (12) comprising: - a tobacco substrate portion (1 15); - a wrapper (121) wrapping the tobacco substrate portion (115) and defining a wrapper external surface (140) intended to be in contact or face at least partially the or each heating element; wherein the wrapper external surface (140) is at least partially coloured so as its emissivity value for infrared thermometer readings is higher than 0,85, preferably higher than 0,9.
2. the tobacco article (12) according to claim 1, wherein the emissivity value of the wrapper external surface (140) for infrared thermometer readings is comprised between 0,90 and 0,98, preferably between 0,91 and 0,96, and advantageously between 0,92 and 0,95, and even more preferably between 0,93 and 0,94.
3. the tobacco article (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wrapper external surface’s (140) colour is obtained by mixing several dyes, advantageously four dyes.
4. the tobacco article (12) according to claim 3, wherein the colour of each dye is chosen in the group comprising: red, green, blue and yellow.
5. the tobacco article (12) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said dyes are food dyes.
6. the tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper (121) comprises vapour impermeable material (131).
7. the tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the area of the coloured part of the wrapper external surface (140) is greater than 50 percent, preferably greater than 60 percent, advantageously greater than 70 percent and more advantageously greater than 80 percent, of its total area.
8. the tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper (121) comprises paper.
9. the tobacco article (12) according to claim 8, wherein the wrapper external surface’s colour is obtained by colouring the paper.
10. the tobacco article (12) according to claim 8 or 9 taken in combination with claim 3, wherein said dyes are added to pulp forming the paper of the wrapper (121).
11. the tobacco article (12) according to claim 10, wherein the weight part of each dye in the paper pulp is comprised between 0,1 percent and 5 percent.
12. the tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapper external surface (140) is mat.
13. the tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, defining a flat-shape, preferably a flat-shaped cuboid.
14. the tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claim, wherein the colour of the wrapper external surface (140) is chosen to absorb more radiation with wavelengths comprised between 600 nm to 2,5 pm than radiation having other wavelength.
15. an aerosol generating assembly (10), comprising: - a tobacco article (12) according to any one of the preceding claims; - a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device (11) adapted to operate with said tobacco article (12).


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generating article (10) for an aerosol generating device (18). the aerosol generating article (10) comprises an aerosol generating substrate (12) and a filter (14) circumscribed by a wrapper (16). the filter (14) comprises a thermochromic material and a flavouring, wherein only the tip (62) of the filter comprises the thermochromic material. the thermochromic material is capable of undergoing a temperature dependent irreversible colour change at or above a threshold temperature to cause a colour change of the tip (62) of the filter (14).

[en] claims 1. an aerosol generating article (10) for an aerosol generating device (18), wherein the aerosol generating article (10) comprises an aerosol generating substrate (12) and a filter (14) circumscribed by a wrapper (16), the filter (14) comprising a tip (62), wherein the filter (14) comprises a thermochromic material and a flavouring, the thermochromic material being compnsed only in the tip (62) of the filter, wherein the thermochromic material is capable of undergoing a temperature dependent irreversible colour change at or above a threshold temperature to cause a colour change of the tip (62) of the filter (14).
2. an aerosol generating article (10) according to claim 1, wherein below the threshold temperature the thermochromic material imparts a colour on the tip (62) of the filter (14) which is different from the natural colour of the filter material.
3. an aerosol generating article (10) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein below the threshold temperature the colour of the tip (62) of the filter (14) is indicative of the identity of the flavouring.
4. an aerosol generating article (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thermochromic material and/or flavouring is impregnated into the material of the tip (62) of the filter 14.
5. an aerosol generating article (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thermochromic material and/or flavouring is evenly dispersed throughout the tip (62) of the filter (14).
6. an aerosol generating article (10) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the concentration of thermochromic material and/or flavouring comprised in the tip (62) of the filter (14) varies a different locations, or is comprised in the at least a portion of the filter (14) only at selected isolated locations.
7. an aerosol generating article (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flavouring is comprised in a portion only of the filter (14), the portion preferably being the tip (62) of the filter.
8. an aerosol generating article (10) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the flavouring is comprised in the whole of the filter (14).
9. an aerosol generating article (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the threshold temperature is from 50 degrees centigrade to 250 degrees centigrade
10. an aerosol generating article (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thermochromic material comprises any of: copper (i) iodide (cui), 2cu(cns)2.2pyridine, or ammonium metavanadate (nh4vo3).
11. an aerosol generating article (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thermochromic material and the flavouring are comprised in a solution and wherein the tip (62) of the filter (14) comprises the solution.
12. a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating article (10) for an aerosol generating device (18), wherein the aerosol generating article (10) comprises an aerosol generating substrate (12) and a filter (14) circumscribed by a wrapper (16), the filter (14) comprising a tip (62), wherein the method comprises: incorporating a thermochromic material and a flavouring in the filter (14), the thermochromic material being incorporated only in the tip (62) of the filter, wherein the thermochromic material is capable of undergoing a temperature dependent irreversible colour change at or above a threshold temperature to cause a colour change of the tip (62) of the filter (14).
13. a method according to claim 12, wherein the thermochromic material and flavouring is comprised in a solution, wherein the method comprises: applying the solution to the tip (62) of the filter (14).
14. a method according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the thermochromic material and flavouring is comprised in a solution, wherein the method comprises: dipping the tip (62) of the filter in the solution.
15. a method according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the solution comprises a carrier solvent, wherein the method comprises: evaporating at least some of the carrier solvent during manufacture of the aerosol generating article (10).


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generation device includes a cover with one or more flexible regions that can be deformed when pressed. in a first aspect the aerosol generation device includes a main body defined by a main housing including an operation interface portion that is provided at at least a portion of the exterior surface of the main housing and that can be actuated for operating the aerosol generation device, and a cover element that is detachably attached or connected to the main housing. at least a portion of the operation interface portion is arranged between the exterior surface of the main housing and the cover element, and the cover element includes one or more flexible regions that can be elastically deformed for actuating the operation interface portion.

[en] 1. an aerosol generation device comprising: a main body defined by a main housing comprising an operation interface portion that is provided at at least a portion of an exterior surface of the main housing and configured to be actuated for operating the aerosol generation device;a cover element that is detachably attached or connected to the main housing;wherein at least a portion of the operation interface portion is arranged between the exterior surface of the main housing and the cover element; andwherein the cover element comprises one or more flexible regions configured to be elastically deformed for actuating the operation interface portion.
2. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the entire operation interface portion is arranged between the cover element and the main housing, and wherein the operation interface portion is not externally visible.
3. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more flexible regions are configured to be pressed by a hand or a finger of a user to be elastically deformed towards the main housing for actuating the operation interface portion.
4. the aerosol generation device according to claim 3, wherein the one or more flexible regions are configured to be pressed to be elastically deformed towards the main housing for actuating one or more operation input elements provided on the operation interface portion or in different regions of the operation interface portion.
5. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the one or more flexible regions comprise a protrusion on a surface of the cover element that faces the main housing, the protrusion protruding towards the main housing.
6. the aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion of one or more of the one or more flexible regions is integrally formed with the respective flexible region.
7. the aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion of one or more of the one or more flexible regions is configured to actuate the operation interface portion.
8. the aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein interacting, engaging or contacting of the operation interface portion comprises interacting, engaging or contacting one or more operation input elements.
9. the aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein the one or more operation input elements comprise a button, a switch, or a sensor.
10. the aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein the one or more operation input elements comprise a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor.
11. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein an output element is provided at a surface of the main housing between the main housing and the cover element, wherein the output element comprises an indicator light.
12. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more flexible regions of the cover element have an average material thickness smaller than an average material thickness of non-flexible regions of the cover element.
13. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a cover detection means for detecting whether the cover element is attached to the main housing.
14. the aerosol generation device according to claim 13, wherein the cover detection means comprises a button or switch configured to be actuated when the cover element is attached to the main housing.
15. the aerosol generation device according to claim 13, further comprising circuitry for controlling operation of the aerosol generation device based on information from the cover detection means, the information comprising information about a first state in which it is detected that the cover element is attached to the main housing and about a second state in which it is detected that the cover element is not attached to the main housing, wherein controlling operation of the aerosol generation device based on information from the cover detection means comprises preventing or inhibiting generation of an aerosol by the aerosol generation device when the information from the cover detecting means indicates the second state, and enabling generation of an aerosol by the aerosol generation device when the information from the cover detecting means indicates the first state.
16. the aerosol generation device according to claim 13, wherein the cover detection means comprises sensor circuitry comprising a hall sensor, an optical sensor, and/or an electrical sensor.


Abstract:
[en] an aerosol generating device includes a cylindrical heating cavity mainly extending in an axial direction, for receiving a vaporizable stick containing a substance suitable for being vaporized upon heating to produce an inhalable vapor,a heater at least partially surrounding the cylindrical heating cavity,and a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field through the heater to heat the heater by induction.
the heater comprises includes a plurality of identical ring-shaped susceptors arranged along the axial direction, each ring-shaped susceptor encircling the cylindrical heating cavity.
such a segmented heater may provide either an even heating of the whole stick or a temperature distribution along the axial direction for selectively heat parts of the stick.

[en] 1. aerosol generating device including: a cylindrical heating cavity mainly extending in an axial direction, for receiving a vaporizable stick containing a substance configured for being vaporized upon heating to produce an inhalable vapor,a heater at least partially surrounding the cylindrical heating cavity, anda magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field through the heater to heat the heater by induction,wherein the heater comprises a plurality of identical ring-shaped susceptors arranged along the axial direction, each ring-shaped susceptor encircling the cylindrical heating cavity.
2. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped susceptor have an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the cylindrical heating cavity.
3. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped susceptors have inner protrusions on an inner face.
4. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped susceptors have a convex inner face, whereby showing a varying inner diameter, with a minimum inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the cylindrical heating cavity.
5. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped susceptors have a convex top or bottom edge.
6. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped susceptors are spaced apart each other with a same spacing distance in the axial direction of the cylindrical heating cavity.
7. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped susceptors are spaced apart each other with different spacing distances along the axial direction.
8. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped susceptors have a width (w) and a height in the axial direction which are higher than a thickness (t) of the ring-shaped susceptors in a radial direction.
9. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped susceptors are in the number of six, have a width of about 2-3 mm in the axial direction and a thickness of about 0.1-0.3 mm in a radial direction, the ring-shaped susceptors spaced apart from each other with a same spacing distance of about 0.5-1 mm in the axial direction.
10. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped susceptors are connected together by a plurality of insulating axial rods fastened to an outer face of the ring-shaped susceptors.
11. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the ring-shaped susceptors is arranged to be movable along the axial direction.
12. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a member configured to engage a vaporizable stick received in the cylindrical heating cavity and to be operated for moving the vaporizable stick along the axial direction in the cylindrical heating cavity.
13. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field generator comprises: a coil extending axially along only a part of a length of the cylindrical heating cavity,a tubular housing configured to encircle the cylindrical heating cavity and the ring-shaped susceptors, an upper part of the tubular housing bearing said coil the tubular housing further having a threaded inner face, anda fixed motor having a shaft configured to drive a threaded nut which is coupled to the inner face of the tubular housing whereby the rotation of the threaded nut causes the tubular housing with the coil to move axially.
14. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped susceptors are each formed of a closed wave ring having corrugated top and bottom edges with crests and troughs.
15. the aerosol generating device according to claim 14, wherein all or some of these wave rings touch each other to form a multi-turn wave set.
16. the aerosol generating device according to claim 14, wherein the wave rings have a width (w) great enough such that the wave crests of the bottom edge are located under in the axial direction the wave troughs of the top edge, the wave rings thus showing a plain straight central band (b).
17. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped susceptors are made of a low carbon steel.


Abstract: [en] a heating chamber (11) for an aerosol generation device (1), the heating chamber (11) comprising: a compression element (111) comprising a thermally active material; and a reaction surface (112), wherein the heating chamber (11) is adapted to receive an aerosol substrate (2) between the compression element (111) and the reaction surface (112), and the compression element (111) is configured to compress the aerosol substrate (2) against the reaction surface (112), wherein the compression element (111) is configured to undergo displacement according to a temperature of the heating chamber (11) and a thermal response characteristic of a magnetic property of the thermally active material.

[en] 1. a heating chamber for an aerosol generation device, the heating chamber comprising: a magnetic interaction element comprising a first magnetic material;a compression element comprising a thermally active material, wherein the thermally active material comprises a second magnetic material; anda reaction surface,wherein the heating chamber is adapted to receive an aerosol substrate between the compression element and the reaction surface, and the compression element is configured to compress the aerosol substrate against the reaction surface,wherein the compression element is configured to undergo displacement according to a temperature of the heating chamber and a thermal response characteristic of a magnetic property of the thermally active material,wherein the compression element is displaced in response to a change in a magnetic force between the first and second magnetic materials,wherein at least one of the first and second magnetic materials has a threshold temperature at which the material undergoes a magnetic phase transition, andwherein the heating chamber is configured to, during aerosol generation, raise the temperature of the heating chamber to an aerosol generation temperature above the threshold temperature.
2. the heating chamber according to claim 1, further comprising a heating element arranged at the compression element.
3. the heating chamber according to claim 1, further comprising a heating element arranged at the reaction surface.
4. the heating chamber according to claim 1, wherein the reaction surface is a second compression element configured to undergo displacement according to a temperature of the heating chamber.
5. the a-heating chamber according to claim 1, wherein: the compression element is arranged between the magnetic interaction element and the reaction surface, andone of the first and second magnetic materials is ferromagnetic up to a curie temperature lower than the aerosol generation temperature, and the other of the first and second magnetic materials is paramagnetic above the curie temperature.
6. the heating chamber according to claim 1, wherein: the magnetic interaction element is arranged at the reaction surface, andone of the first and second magnetic materials is antiferromagnetic up to a neel temperature lower than the aerosol generation temperature, and the other of the first and second magnetic materials is ferromagnetic at the aerosol generation temperature.
7. the heating chamber according to claim 1, wherein: the magnetic interaction element is arranged at the reaction surface, andone of the first and second magnetic materials is ferromagnetic up to a curie temperature lower than the aerosol generation temperature, and the other of the first and second magnetic materials is diamagnetic.
8. the heating chamber according to claim 1, further comprising a resilient element configured to bias the compression element towards or away from the reaction surface.
9. an aerosol generation device comprising: a heating chamber, wherein the heating chamber includes: a magnetic interaction element comprising a first magnetic material;a compression element comprising a thermally active material, wherein the thermally active material comprises a second magnetic material; anda reaction surface,wherein the heating chamber is adapted to receive an aerosol substrate between the compression element and the reaction surface, and the compression element is configured to compress the aerosol substrate against the reaction surface,wherein the compression element is configured to undergo displacement according to a temperature of the heating chamber and a thermal response characteristic of a magnetic property of the thermally active material,wherein the compression element is displaced in response to a change in a magnetic force between the first and second magnetic materials,wherein at least one of the first and second magnetic materials has a threshold temperature at which the material undergoes a magnetic phase transition, andwherein the heating chamber is configured to, during aerosol generation, raise the temperature of the heating chamber to an aerosol generation temperature above the threshold temperature.
10. an aerosol generation system comprising a heating chamber according to claim 1 and an aerosol substrate arranged between the compression element and the reaction surface.
11. a method of generating an aerosol comprising: providing an aerosol substrate between the compression element and the reaction surface of a heating chamber according to claim 1;operating the heating chamber to raise a temperature of the heating chamber to an aerosol generation temperature;extracting an aerosol from the heating chamber;operating the heating chamber to lower a temperature of the heating chamber to an aerosol substrate release temperature; andremoving the aerosol substrate from the heating chamber.
12. the aerosol generation device according to claim 9, further comprising a heating element arranged at the compression element.
13. the aerosol generation device according to claim 9, further comprising a heating element arranged at the reaction surface.
14. the aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein the reaction surface is a second compression element configured to undergo displacement according to a temperature of the heating chamber.
15. the aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein: the compression element is arranged between the magnetic interaction element and the reaction surface, andone of the first and second magnetic materials is ferromagnetic up to a curie temperature lower than the aerosol generation temperature, and the other of the first and second magnetic materials is paramagnetic above the curie temperature.
16. the aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein: the magnetic interaction element is arranged at the reaction surface, andone of the first and second magnetic materials is antiferromagnetic up to a neel temperature lower than the aerosol generation temperature, and the other of the first and second magnetic materials is ferromagnetic at the aerosol generation temperature.
17. the aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein: the magnetic interaction element is arranged at the reaction surface, andone of the first and second magnetic materials is ferromagnetic up to a curie temperature lower than the aerosol generation temperature, and the other of the first and second magnetic materials is diamagnetic.
18. the aerosol generation device according to claim 9, further comprising a resilient element configured to bias the compression element towards or away from the reaction surface.


Abstract: [en] a vapour generating system includes a base part including a heating element and a cartridge releasably connectable to the base part. the cartridge includes a liquid store for storing a vapour generating liquid, first and second vaporization zones physically separated from each other and in communication with the liquid store for receiving vapour generating liquid from the liquid store, and a heat transfer unit configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the first and second vaporization zones to vaporize vapour generating liquid in the first and second vaporization zones.

[en] 1. a vapour generating system comprising: a base part including a heating element; anda cartridge releasably connectable to the base part, the cartridge comprising: a liquid store for storing a vapour generating liquid;first and second vaporization zones in communication with the liquid store for receiving vapour generating liquid from the liquid store, wherein the first and second vaporization zones are physically separated from each other; anda heat transfer unit configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the first and second vaporization zones to vaporize vapour generating liquid in the first and second vaporization zones.
2. the vapour generating system according to claim 1, wherein the heating element is configured to contacts the heat transfer unit in a first contact zone to transfer heat to the first vaporization zone and in a second contact zone to transfer heat to the second vaporization zone.
3. the vapour generating system according to claim 2, wherein the heat transfer unit comprises a first heat transfer element positioned in the first contact zone and a second heat transfer element positioned in the second contact zone.
4. the vapour generating system according to claim 2, wherein the heat transfer unit consists of one heat transfer element having a first part positioned in the first contact zone and a second part positioned in the second contact zone.
5. the vapour generating system according to claim 4, wherein the first and second parts of the heat transfer element are separated by a thermal barrier.
6. the vapour generating system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second vaporization zones are located oppositely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vapour generating system.
7. the vapour generating system according to claim 1, further comprising a first sorption member at least partially disposed in the first vaporization zone for absorbing vapour generating liquid from the liquid store and a second sorption member at least partially disposed in the second vaporization zone for absorbing vapour generating liquid from the liquid store, wherein the heat transfer unit contacts the first and second sorption members respectively in the first and second vaporization zones to vaporize the absorbed vapour generating liquid.
8. the vapour generating system according to claim 1, wherein the liquid store includes first and second liquid outlets and the first and second vaporization zones are in communication respectively with the first and second liquid outlets for receiving vapour generating liquid from the liquid store.
9. the vapour generating system according to claim 2, wherein the heating element and the heat transfer unit are configured to define a mating profile in at least the first and second contact zones.
10. the vapour generating system according to claim 9, wherein the mating profile comprises a plurality of cooperating mating surfaces.
11. the vapour generating system according to claim 9, wherein the mating profile comprises a convex profile section and a complementary concave profile section.
12. the vapour generating system according to claim 11, wherein the heating element is formed with the convex profile section and the heat transfer unit is formed with the concave profile section.
13. the vapour generating system according to claim 9, wherein the mating profile is a substantially v-section profile.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generation device with an ejection mechanism using leverage includes: an aerosol generation chamber configured to receive and heat a substrate to generate aerosol; a cover which can be in a closed position covering the aerosol generation chamber, and in an open position exposing the aerosol generation chamber; and an ejection mechanism having a lever and being at least partially engaged with the cover so as to eject at least a portion of the substrate out of the aerosol generation chamber when the cover is in the open position.

[en] 1. an aerosol generation device, comprising: an aerosol generation chamber configured to receive and heat a substrate to generate aerosol,a cover which can be in a closed position covering the aerosol generation chamber, and in an open position exposing the aerosol generation chamber, andan ejection mechanism having a lever and being at least partially engaged with the cover so as to eject at least a portion of the substrate out of the aerosol generation chamber when the cover is in the open position;wherein the ejection mechanism is configured to be in an ejected state in which the substrate protrudes from the aerosol generation chamber, and in a non-ejected state in which the substrate is fully contained by the aerosol generation chamber; andthe ejection mechanism translates from the non-ejected state to the ejected state when the cover is moved from the closed position to the open position, thereby ejecting the substrate by rotating the lever.
2. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein when the cover is moved from the open position to the closed position, the lever rotates back to an original position so as to enter the non-ejected state, in which the substrate is fully inserted into the aerosol generation chamber.
3. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the cover is configured to be in an intermediate position between the open position and the closed position, the lever does not rotate when the cover is moved from the closed position to the intermediate position, and the lever ejects the substrate by rotating when the cover is moved from the intermediate position to the open position.
4. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the lever at least partially defines a bottom surface of the aerosol generation chamber.
5. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the ejection mechanism has a sliding track, and a sliding block slidingly engaged with the cover, and the lever is arranged to slide in the sliding track so as to trigger rotation of the lever.
6. the aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein a fixing mechanism is configured to cause the lever to mechanically engage with the sliding block so that the lever rotates when the sliding block slides and vice versa.
7. the aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein a protrusion of the cover is slidingly engaged with an end of the sliding block so that when the cover is moved from the closed position to the open position, or from the open position to the closed position, the lever is pressed down or lifted up, respectively.
8. the aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein at least parts of the ejection mechanism comprises metal material.
9. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generation device has an elongated shape, and the cover is arranged to slide in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generation device.
10. the aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein the protrusion of the cover is made of metal material.
11. the aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein the end of the sliding block is made of metal material.


Abstract: [en] this electronic cigarette comprises: -a heating element able to vapourize a substrate during a smoking period; -means for measuring an approximation of a characteristic of the voltage across the terminals of the heating element during this smoking period, said approximation being measured across the terminals of a circuit no component of which exhibits intrinsic characteristics not disturbed by the inhalations; -means of estimating an approximation of said characteristic of the voltage across the terminals of the heating element in the absence of inhalation during said smoking period; means of calculating an intensity representative of the intensity of the inhalations during said smoking period on the basis of an integration of the difference between said approximations during said smoking period; and-means of estimating the said quantity of substrate vapourized by the heating element at least on the basis of said intensity.

[en] 1. a method for estimating the quantity of substrate vaporized by a heating element in an electronic cigarette over a period of smoking, characterized in that it includes: a step for measuring an approximation of a characteristic of a voltage across the terminals of the heating element over this period of smoking, said approximation being measured at the terminals of a circuit, no component of which exhibits intrinsic characteristics interfered with by the inhalations;a step for estimating an approximation of said characteristic of the voltage across the terminals of the heating element in the absence of inhalation over said period of smoking;a step for calculating an intensity of inhalations over said period of smoking from an integration of the difference between said approximations over said period of smoking; anda step for estimating said quantity of substrate vaporized by the heating element at least from said intensity.
2. the estimating method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the characteristic of said voltage at a given instant is a variation of said voltage at this instant.
3. the estimating method as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the approximation of the variation in the voltage across the terminals of the heating element is calculated from voltages measured at the terminals of at least two elements, the voltages across the terminals of each of said elements giving an approximation of the voltage across the terminals of said heating element at instants that are slightly shifted in time.
4. the estimating method as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said elements are series rc circuits connected in series.
5. the estimating method as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the approximation of the variation in the voltage across the terminals of the heating element is the time derivative of a potential difference measured at the terminals of a measurement resistance connected in series with said heating element.
6. the estimating method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the approximation of the voltage across the terminals of the heating element is the voltage measured at the terminals of a measurement resistance connected in series with said heating element.
7. an electronic cigarette including a heating element suitable for vaporizing a substrate over a period of smoking, characterized in that it includes: means for measuring an approximation of a characteristic of the voltage across the terminals of the heating element over this period of smoking, said approximation being measured at the terminals of a circuit, no component of which exhibits intrinsic characteristics interfered with by the inhalations;means for estimating an approximation of said characteristic of the voltage across the terminals of the heating element in the absence of inhalation over said period of smoking;means for calculating an intensity of inhalations over said period of smoking from an integration of the difference between said approximations over said period of smoking; andmeans for estimating said quantity of substrate vaporized by the heating element at least from said intensity.
8. the electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that it includes: at least two elements, the voltage across the terminals of each of said elements giving an approximation of the voltage across the terminals of said heating element at instants that are slightly shifted in time, andmeans for measuring an approximation of the variation in the voltage across the terminals of the heating element from the voltages measured at the terminals of said elements.
9. the electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that said circuits are series rc circuits connected in series.
10. the electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that it includes calculation means suitable for measuring a potential difference across the terminals of a measurement resistance connected in series with the heating element, and means for measuring an approximation of the variation in the voltage across the terminals of the heating element from said potential difference.


Abstract: [en] the present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device in which an aerosol generating substrate is heated to form an aerosol. more specifically, an aerosol generation device comprises: an aerosol generation chamber configured to receive and heat a substrate to generate aerosol, the aerosol generation chamber comprising at least a heating element; cover which can be in a closed position covering an aperture in the device, and in an open position exposing said aperture; and a tray for receiving and holding the substrate.

[en] 1. an aerosol generation device comprising: an aerosol generation chamber configured to receive and heat a substrate to generate aerosol, the aerosol generation chamber comprising at least a heating element;a cover moveable between a closed position covering an aperture in the device, and an open position exposing said aperture; anda tray for receiving and holding the substrate,wherein when the cover is in the open position, the tray is located underneath the aperture such that the substrate is configured to be received by the tray or removed from the tray, and when the cover is in the closed position, the substrate received and held by the tray is contained in the aerosol generation chamber and in contact with the heating element,wherein the cover is translatable from the open position to the closed position by translating the cover over the aperture, whereby the tray is translated such that the substrate held by the tray is translated into the aerosol generation chamber and put in contact with the heating element.
2. the aerosol generation according to claim 1, wherein the tray translates in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of a housing of the aerosol generation device.
3. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the tray is connected to the cover to prevents longitudinal movement of the tray with respect to the cover, so that the translation of the cover results in the translation of the tray.
4. the aerosol generation device according to claim 3, wherein the tray is rigidly connected to the cover to prevent movement of the tray with respect to the cover in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement.
5. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the tray comprises at least two bolts configured to be placed inside a guide rail.
6. the aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein each of the bolts is represented by a pair of studs.
7. the aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein the bolts are placed on the tray and are longitudinally distanced from each other.
8. the aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein the bolts are substantially cylindrical.
9. the aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein a diameter of the bolts are at most thrice the thickness of the tray.
10. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the tray is guided between the open and the closed position by a first guide rail configured to receive bolts.
11. the aerosol generation device according to claim 10, wherein the first guide rail has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being located underneath the aperture, and the second portion being located underneath the heating element, the first portion having a first distance to the cover and the second portion having a second distance to the cover, the second distance being smaller than the first distance.
12. the aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein in the closed position, both bolts are located in the second portion of the first guide rail.
13. the aerosol generation device according to claim 10, further comprising a second guide rail, the second guide rail being spaced from the first guide rail in the longitudinal direction of the housing.
14. the aerosol generation device according to claim 13, wherein one bolt is placed in the first guide rail and one bolt is placed in the second guide rail.
15. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the tray comprises a recess configured to receive and hold the substrate.
16. the aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein one bolt is placed before the substrate and one bolt is placed behind the substrate.
17. the aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein the diameter of the bolts is not more than twice the thickness of the tray.
18. the aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein the diameter of the bolts is less than the thickness of the tray.


Abstract: [en] a packet (10) for smoking articles is disclosed. the packet comprises an outer casing (12) comprising a main body (14) and a lid (16). the main body comprises: a front panel (18); a rear panel (20); a bottom panel (22); a first side panel (24); and a second side panel (26) which cooperatively define a main compartment having an opening (28) opposite to the bottom panel. a hinge (30) is formed between the lid and the rear panel of the main body such that the lid is moveable between an open position and a closed position. the packet further comprises a substantially cuboidal pouch (32) comprising: a front major portion (110); a rear major portion (112); a top minor portion (114); a bottom minor portion (116); a first side portion (118); and a second side portion (120), wherein the pouch is received within the main compartment such that the pouch protrudes from the main compartment through the opening, wherein the pouch is completely contained within the outer casing when the lid is in the closed position, and wherein the pouch comprises a cellulose-based wrapper (122). a tear tape (34) attached to the pouch and arranged to extend around the pouch in a transverse direction with respect to the length of the pouch such that the tear tape is positioned above the hinge. the tear tape is configured to be pulled by a user to separate a top section of the pouch from a bottom section of the pouch.

[en] claims 1. a packet for smoking articles, comprising: an outer casing comprising a main body and a lid, wherein the main body comprises: a front panel; a rear panel; a bottom panel; a first side panel; and a second side panel which cooperatively define a main compartment having an opening opposite to the bottom panel, and wherein a hinge is formed between the lid and the rear panel of the main body such that the lid is moveable between an open position and a closed position; a substantially cuboidal pouch comprising: a front major portion; a rear major portion; a top minor portion; a bottom minor portion; a first side portion; and a second side portion, wherein the pouch is received within the main compartment such that the pouch protrudes from the main compartment through the opening, wherein the pouch is completely contained within the outer casing when the lid is in the closed position, and wherein the pouch comprises a cellulose-based wrapper; and a tear tape attached to the pouch and arranged to extend around the pouch in a transverse direction with respect to the length of the pouch such that the tear tape is positioned above the hinge, wherein the tear tape is configured to be pulled by a user to separate a top section of the pouch from a bottom section of the pouch, and wherein the top section of the pouch includes at least part of the top minor portion, the front major portion, the rear major portion, the first side portion, and the second side portion of the pouch, and wherein the bottom section of the pouch includes at least part of the bottom minor portion, the front major portion, the rear major portion, the first side portion, and the second side portion of the pouch.
2. the packet of claim 1, wherein the tear tape extends around the entire pouch.
3. the packet of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tear tape is positioned closer to the hinge than the top minor portion of the pouch.
4. the packet of any preceding claim, wherein the bottom edge of the tear tape is arranged substantially level with the hinge.
5. the packet of any preceding claim, further comprising a stiffening element disposed within the pouch and arranged to lie substantially flush against the internal surface of the pouch, preferably wherein the stiffening element comprises a cellulose-based material.
6. the packet of claim 5, wherein the stiffening element comprises a front portion arranged adjacent to the front major portion of the pouch, wherein the front portion has a cut-out in its top edge, and wherein the cut-out extends down to at least level with the bottom edge of the tear tape.
7. the package of claim 6, wherein the cut-out extends a distance below the bottom edge of the tear tape.
8. the packet of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the stiffening element is a folded element further comprising a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion of the stiffening element are arranged adjacent to the first side portion and the second side portion of the pouch respectively, and wherein the first and second side portions of the stiffening element each have a length equal to the length of the pouch.
9. the packet of any preceding claim, further comprising an inner frame disposed between the pouch and the outer casing, wherein the frame comprises a front portion arranged adjacent to the front panel of the main body, and wherein the top edge of the front portion of the frame is positioned below the tear tape, preferably wherein the frame is a cellulose-based frame.
10. the packet of claim 9, wherein the top edge of the front portion of the frame is arranged substantially level with the bottom edge of the tear tape.
11. the packet of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the front portion of the frame further comprises a cut-out in its top edge which extends a distance below the bottom edge of the tear tape.
12. the packet of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the frame is a folded element further comprising a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion of the frame are arranged adjacent to the first side panel and the second side panel of the main body respectively.
13. the packet of any preceding claim, wherein a line of weakening is formed in the pouch, wherein the line of weakening is arranged parallel and adjacent to the bottom edge of the tear tape.
14. the packet of any preceding claim, wherein the lid comprises: a front panel; a rear panel; a top panel; a first side panel; and a second side panel, wherein the rear panel of the lid is attached to the rear panel of the main body by the hinge, and wherein the ratio of the height of the front panel of the lid to the height of the rear panel of the lid is between 1.8 and 2.2.
15. the packet of claim 14, wherein the ratio of the height of the rear panel of the lid to the height of the outer casing when the lid is in the closed position is between 0.15 and 0.19.