Abstract: [en] a method for controlling the heating of a susceptor of an aerosol-generating device is described, the susceptor being inductively heated by an oscillating circuit driven by an inverter, an optional boost converter being connected between a power supply unit and the inverter, the boost converter and being configured to step-up voltage from an input voltage supplied from the power supply unit to an output voltage delivered to the inverter. the method includes a power delivery mode of the aerosol-generating device and a temperature identification mode of the aerosol-generating device in which the amount of power supplied to the inverter is lower than the amount of power supplied during the power delivery mode. the method includes determining the temperature of the susceptor, e.g. based on a determined resonant frequency or resonant capacitor voltage of the oscillating circuit.

[en] 1-21. (canceled)
22. a method for controlling heating of a susceptor of an aerosol-generating device, the susceptor being inductively heated by an oscillating circuit driven by an inverter, a boost converter being connected between a power supply unit and said inverter, the boost converter being configured to step-up voltage from an input voltage supplied from the power supply unit to an output voltage delivered to the inverter, wherein said method comprises a power delivery mode of the aerosol-generating device and a temperature identification mode of the aerosol-generating device in which an amount of power supplied to the inverter is lower than an amount of power supplied during the power delivery mode, the method further comprising a step of determining a temperature of the susceptor, and setting the output voltage delivered from the boost converter to the inverter during the power delivery mode depending on the determined temperature of the susceptor.
23. the method according to claim 22, wherein the step of determining the temperature of the susceptor is based on a determined resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit.
24. the method according to claim 22, wherein the inverter comprises two transistors, said step of determining the temperature of the susceptor comprising the following sub-steps: operating only one of the two transistors of the inverter;determining a resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit during the temperature identification mode; anddetermining the temperature of the susceptor based on said determined resonant frequency.
25. the method according to claim 22, wherein the step of determining the temperature of the susceptor is based on a determined maximum value of an indicative electrical value in the oscillating circuit.
26. the method according to claim 25, wherein the indicative electrical value is a voltage across a capacitor of the oscillating circuit.
27. the method according to claim 25, wherein said step of determining the temperature of the susceptor comprises the following sub-steps: determining a maximum value of the indicative electrical value in the oscillating circuit for a range of frequencies during the temperature identification mode;determining a global maximum value from determined maximum values; anddetermining the temperature of the susceptor based on said global maximum value.
28. the method according to claim 25, wherein the inverter comprises two transistors, said step of determining the temperature of the susceptor further comprising the sub-step of operating both transistors during the temperature identification mode at a reduced duty cycle.
29. the method according to claim 22, wherein the power delivery mode and the temperature identification mode are alternated during operating of the aerosol-generating device.
30. the method according to claim 22, wherein the temperature identification mode is run at regular intervals of time.
31. the method according to claim 22, further comprising a comparison step performed before the setting step, in which the determined temperature of the susceptor is compared with a target temperature, the output voltage being set at a value depending on the determined temperature and the target temperature.
32. the method according to claim 31, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a controller configured to control the output voltage of the boost converter in order to bring the temperature of the susceptor to the target temperature, said controller being tuned to be overdamped, and wherein the output voltage is set at a maximum predefined voltage when the determined temperature of the susceptor is inferior or equal to a threshold value.
33. the method according to claim 32, wherein the threshold value ranges between 60 percent and 85 percent of the target temperature.
34. the method according to claim 31, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a controller configured to control the output voltage of the boost converter in order to bring the temperature of the susceptor to the target temperature, said controller being tuned to be underdamped, and wherein the output voltage is set so that the temperature of the susceptor overshoots the target temperature at a beginning of the heating of the susceptor.
35. the method according to claim 32, wherein the controller is a pid controller, a model-based controller and/or a model-predictive controller.
36. the method according to claim 22, wherein the output voltage is set substantially equal to or less than a predetermined voltage when the determined temperature of the susceptor is equal to the target temperature.
37. the method according to claim 22, wherein the boost converter is an asynchronous boost converter.
38. the method according to claim 22, wherein the boost converter is a synchronous boost converter.
39. the method according to claim 22, wherein the boost converter comprises an active switch, said active switch being a mosfet transistor.
40. the method according to claim 22, wherein the boost converter comprises a passive switch, said passive switch being a mosfet transistor.
41. the method according to claim 22, wherein the boost converter is configured to step-up voltage from an input voltage ranging from 3 to 4.2v to a desired output voltage e.g. at least equal to 8v.
42. an aerosol-generating device comprising: a power supply unit;an induction heatable susceptor;an oscillating circuit arranged to generate a time varying electromagnetic field for inductively heating the susceptor;an inverter configured to drive the oscillating circuit-;a boost converter connected on one side to the power supply unit and on another side to the inverter; anda controller adapted to implement the method for controlling the heating of the susceptor according to claim 22.


Abstract: [en] a method of manufacturing a heating chamber for an aerosol generating device includes: providing a heating chamber including a thermally conductive shell and an opening for receiving an aerosol substrate within the heating chamber; depositing a layer of electrically insulating material onto an outer surface of the thermally conductive shell of the heating chamber using vacuum deposition; and attaching a heating element to the heating chamber such that the heating element is in contact with the layer of electrically insulating material, wherein the layer of electrically insulating material prevents any contact between the heating element and the thermally conductive shell.

[en] 1. a method of manufacturing a heating chamber for an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: providing a heating chamber comprising a thermally conductive shell and an opening for receiving an aerosol substrate within the heating chamber;depositing a layer of electrically insulating material onto an outer surface of the thermally conductive shell of the heating chamber using vacuum deposition; andattaching a heating element to the heating chamber such that the heating element is in contact with the layer of electrically insulating material,wherein the layer of electrically insulating material prevents any contact between the heating element and the thermally conductive shell.
2. the method of claim 1, wherein depositing the layer of electrically insulating material using vacuum deposition comprises: depositing the layer of electrically insulating material using chemical vapour deposition.
3. the method of claim 1, wherein the electrically insulating material comprises at least one of: silicon oxide;diamond; ordiamond-like carbon (dlc).
4. the method of claim 1, wherein the electrically insulating material comprises a-siox:chy.
5. the method of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the deposited layer of electrically insulating material is between 0.3 micro m and 5 micro m.
6. the method of claim 1, further comprising: providing a thin film heater comprising the heating element and a flexible backing film on which the heating element is supported; andattaching the thin film heater to the heating chamber with the heating element against the layer of electrically insulating material.
7. the method of claim 6, wherein the flexible backing film comprises polyimide or poly ether ketone (peek).
8. the method of claim 1, wherein the heating chamber is a tubular heating chamber comprising a tubular thermally conductive shell, and the method comprises wrapping the heating element around the heating chamber with the heating element against the layer of electrically insulating material.
9. the method of claim 6, wherein the heating chamber is a tubular heating chamber comprising a tubular thermally conductive shell, and the method comprises wrapping the thin film heater around the heating chamber with the heating element against the layer of electrically insulating material.
10. the method of claim 8, further comprising: wrapping a heat shrink film around the heating chamber to secure the heating element to the heating chamber.
11. the method of claim 1, further comprising: depositing the layer of electrically insulating material using plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition.
12. the method of claim 11, wherein the method comprises: using a radio frequency electrical excitation source and a carrier gas comprising ch4 to deposit a thin film comprising diamond-like-carbon (dlc) or diamond.
13. the method of claim 11, wherein the method comprises: using a microwave frequency electrical excitation source and a carrier gas comprising silane to deposit a thin film comprising silicon oxide.
14. a heating chamber for an aerosol generating device manufactured by the method of claim 1.
15. an aerosol generating device comprising the heating chamber of claim 14.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generating article (1, 2, 3) for use with an aerosol generating device (102) comprises: an aerosol generating substrate (14) comprising a plurality of aerosol generating strips (32) extending in a first direction and arranged intermittently in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a plurality of elongate support elements (20) extending in the first direction along the plurality of aerosol generating strips (32) and arranged alternately in the second direction with the plurality of aerosol generating strips (32); and a wrapping member (22) surrounding the plurality of aerosol generating strips (32) and the plurality of elongate support elements (20) to form a substantially planar aerosol generating article. a method of manufacturing the aerosol generating article is also described.

[en]     claims   1. an aerosol generating article (1, 2, 3) for use with an aerosol generating device (102), the aerosol generating article comprising: an aerosol generating substrate (14) comprising a plurality of aerosol generating strips (32) extending in a first direction and arranged intermittently in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a plurality of elongate support elements (20) extending in the first direction along the plurality of aerosol generating strips (32) and arranged alternately in the second direction with the plurality of aerosol generating strips (32); and a wrapping member (22) surrounding the plurality of aerosol generating strips   (32) and the plurality of elongate support elements (20) to form a substantially planar aerosol generating article.
2. an aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the elongate support elements (20) are longer than the aerosol generating strips (32) and extend beyond an end of the aerosol generating strips (32) to form a mouth-end portion of the article.
3. an aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wrapping member (22) forms a pair of major surfaces (40, 42) having a substantially flat shape, at least one of the major surfaces (42) is spaced from the aerosol generating strips (32) to form a gap (36) between the major surface (42) and the aerosol generating strips (32), and the gap (36) extends in the first direction along the aerosol generating strips (32) to form an airflow channel (16).
4. an aerosol generating article according to claim 3, wherein one of the major surfaces (40) contacts the plurality of aerosol generating strips (32) and the plurality of elongate support elements (20).
5. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of aerosol generating strips (32) and the plurality of elongate support elements (20) form a flat rectangular shape having a pair of main surfaces (44, 46) and the wrapping member (22) comprises a pair of rectangular sheets (24, 26) attached, respectively, to the pair of main surfaces (44, 46).
6. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a support member (28) forming a mouth-end portion (34) of the article, and the support member (28) has a tubular form to receive a downstream end of the aerosol generating strips (32) and the elongate support elements (20).
7. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the wrapping member (22) has a porous inner surface (22a) facing towards the aerosol generating substrate (14) for absorbing condensation and an anti-stick outer surface (22b) facing away from the aerosol generating substrate (14).
8. an aerosol generating article according to claim 7, wherein the wrapping member (22) comprises an anti-stick coating on the outer surface (22b).
9. a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating article (1, 2, 3) for use with an aerosol generating device (102), the method comprising: providing a plurality of aerosol generating strips (32) extending in a first direction and arranging the plurality of aerosol generating strips (32) intermittently in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; providing a plurality of elongate support elements (20) extending in the first direction along the plurality of aerosol generating strips (32) and arranging the plurality of elongate support elements (20) alternately in the second direction with the plurality of aerosol generating strips (32); and wrapping the plurality of aerosol generating strips (32) and the plurality of elongate support elements (20) with a wrapping member (22) to form a substantially planar aerosol generating article.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating device and a charging case for charging the aerosol generating device when it is received in the case. the aerosol generating device includes a device battery; a heating chamber including a lid arranged to move between an open and closed position to allow a consumable to be received in the heating chamber. the charging case includes a case battery; a receiving means for receiving the aerosol generating device in a charging position within the case. when the aerosol generating device is received in the charging position: the device battery is connectable to the case battery to charge the device battery; and the lid of the heating chamber is moveable to allow a consumable to be inserted or removed from the heating chamber by a user.

[en] 1. an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and a charging case for charging the aerosol generating device when it is received in the case, the aerosol generating device comprising: a device battery;a heating chamber comprising a lid arranged to move between an open and closed position to allow a consumable to be received in the heating chamber; the charging case comprising:a case battery;a receiving means for receiving the aerosol generating device in a charging position within the case; wherein, when the aerosol generating device is received in the charging position:the device battery is connectable to the case battery to charge the device battery; andthe lid of the heating chamber is moveable to allow a consumable to be inserted or removed from the heating chamber by a user.
2. the aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the receiving means are arranged to only accept the aerosol generating device in one or more specific orientations, where one or more of the specific orientations correspond to the charging position.
3. the aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device and charging case comprise corresponding electrical contacts arranged such that they connect the battery of the device to the case battery when the aerosol generating device is in the charging position.
4. the aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the device battery is wirelessly connectable to the case battery when the aerosol generating device is in the charging position.
5. the aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the charging case further comprises a case lid moveable between: a closed position in which the aerosol generating device is retained in the case; andan open position in which the heating chamber lid of the aerosol generating device is accessible to allow movement of the heating chamber lid between the open and closed position when the aerosol generating device is received in the case.
6. the aerosol generating system of claim 5, wherein the lid of the heating chamber is enclosed within the case and inaccessible to a user when the case lid is in the closed position.
7. the aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the receiving means are arranged to releasably retain the aerosol generating device in the charging position.
8. the aerosol generating system of claim 7, wherein the receiving means provide the releasable retention by including one or more of: a magnet;a recess arranged to conform to at least part of the shape of the aerosol generating device;a mechanical clasp.
9. the aerosol generating system of claim wherein the receiving means is a recess which is shaped so as to only accept the reverse side of the aerosol generative device to the heating chamber lid such that the heating chamber lid faces outwards from the case when the aerosol generating device is received in the case.
10. the aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a mouthpiece and the mouthpiece extends outside of the case when the aerosol generating device is received in the charging position such that a user can inhale vapour from the device during charging.
11. the aerosol generating system of claim 9, further comprising a mouthpiece cap arranged to cover the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device.
12. the aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the charging case comprises a consumable storage portion arranged to retain one or more consumables configured for use with the aerosol generating device.
13. the aerosol generating system of claim 12, wherein the charging case further comprises a case lid moveable between: a closed position in which the aerosol generating device is retained in the case; andan open position in which the heating chamber lid of the aerosol generating device is accessible to allow movement of the heating chamber lid between the open and closed position when the aerosol generating device is received in the case; andwherein the consumable storage is accessible to a user when the case lid is in the open position and enclosed within the case when the case lid is in the closed position.
14. the aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the heating chamber lid and the case lid are each one of: a slide lid;a hinged lid;a removable lid.
15. a charging case for an aerosol generating device comprising a device battery and a heating chamber with a lid arranged to move between an open and closed position to allow a consumable to be received in the heating chamber; the charging case comprising: a case battery;a receiving means configured to receive the aerosol generating device in a charging position within the case; wherein, when the aerosol generating device is received in the charging position:the case battery is connectable to the device battery to charge the device battery; andthe aerosol generating device is oriented to expose the lid of the heating chamber to allow a consumable to be inserted or removed from the heating chamber by a user.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generation device (1) comprises: - an aerosol generation unit (2) arranged for transforming an aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol that may be inhaled by a user through successive puffs during a vaping session, - a notification unit (3) arranged for notifying information about the device (1), and - a control unit (4) arranged for causing the notification unit (3), during the vaping session, to notify the user when the aerosol generation unit (2) reaches a suitable state for the next puff.

[en]       claims   1. aerosol generation device (1) comprising an aerosol generation unit (2) arranged for transforming an aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol that may be inhaled by a user through successive puffs during a vaping session, and a notification unit (3) arranged for notifying information about said device (1), wherein it further comprises a control unit (4) arranged for causing said notification unit (3), during said vaping session, to notify said user when said aerosol generation unit (2) reaches a suitable state for a next puff.
2. aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is operable to determine that the aerosol generation unit has reached a suitable state for a next puff using a chosen parameter, wherein the chosen parameter varies as an elapsed time since the beginning of said vaping session increases.
3. aerosol generation device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said control unit (4) causes said notification unit (3) to notify a waiting time before said aerosol generation unit (2) reaches said suitable state.
4. aerosol generation device according to claim 3, wherein said control unit (4) causes said notification unit (3) to notify a waiting time that gradually increases according to an elapsed time since the beginning of said vaping session.
5. aerosol generation device according to claim 4, wherein said control unit (4) is arranged for determining said increase depending on a type of said suitable state, said type being selected from a group comprising a suitable flavor and a suitable generated aerosol volume.
6. aerosol generation device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein it further comprises a measurement unit (16) arranged for determining a value representative of a temperature of said aerosol generation unit (2), and wherein said control unit (4) causes said notification unit (3) to notify said user when said determined value fulfills a predetermined condition.
7. aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein said control unit (4) causes said notification unit (3) to notify said user when said determined value reaches a chosen value since a last puff, wherein said chosen value varies according to an elapsed time since the beginning of said vaping session.
8. aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein said control unit (4) causes said notification unit (3) to notify said user when a chosen time duration has elapsed since said determined value has reached a chosen value since a last puff.
9. aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein said chosen time duration varies according to an elapsed time since the beginning of said vaping session.
10. aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein said control unit (4) causes said notification unit (3) to notify said user when said determined value corresponds to a chosen value increase since a last puff.
11. aerosol generation device according to claim 10, wherein said chosen value increase varies according to an elapsed time since the beginning of said vaping session.
12. aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said notification unit (3) is arranged for notifying said user by means of a displayed message and/or an audio message and/or a haptic feedback.
13. aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control unit (4) causes said notification unit (3) to continue notifying said user for a predetermined period of time.
14. aerosol generation device according to claim 13, wherein said predetermined period of time varies according to an elapsed time since the beginning of said vaping session.
15. aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it further comprises a rechargeable power source (9) storing electrical energy.


Abstract: [en] a heating assembly for a vapour generating device includes a heating device arranged to heat, in use, a body, the body including a vaporisable substance located in use in a heating compartment of the heating assembly, the heating assembly being arranged to supply, in use, power to the heating device to heat the body; a temperature sensor arranged to monitor, in use, a temperature related to heat generated from the body, temperature information related to heat generated from the body being determinable from the monitored temperature; and a memory accessor arranged to access, in use, a memory that holds a relationship between the temperature information, the amount of power supplied to the heating device or the profile of power supplied to the heating device, and at least one condition including an age of the body, or a type of the body, or the presence of the body.

[en] 1. a heating assembly for a vapour generating device, the heating assembly comprising: a heating device arranged to heat, in use, a body, the body comprising a vaporisable substance located in use in a heating compartment of the heating assembly, the heating assembly being arranged to supply, in use, power to the heating device to heat the body or being arranged to supply, in use, power based on a predetermined power supply profile, said power supply profile being configured to provide a predetermined heating profile to the body;a temperature sensor arranged to monitor, in use, a temperature related to heating at the body, temperature information related to heating at the body being determinable from the monitored temperature; anda memory accessor arranged to access, in use, a memory that holds a relationship between the temperature information, an amount of power supplied to the heating device or the power supply profile of power supplied to the heating device, and at least one condition, the at least one condition including an age of the body, or a type of the body, or a presence of the body in the heating compartment.
2. the heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the temperature information includes a rate of change of the monitored temperature.
3. the heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the temperature information includes a surface temperature of the body.
4. the heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one condition is determinable from the temperature information and the amount of power supplied to the heating device or the power supply profile of power supplied to the heating device based on the relationship held in the memory.
5. the heating assembly according to claim 4, wherein the at least one condition is able to be determined based on a threshold temperature for the temperature information.
6. the heating assembly according to claim 4, wherein at least two of the age of the body, the type of the body and the presence of the body in the heating compartment are determinable at the same time.
7. the heating assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a controller arranged to determine, in use, the temperature information related to heating at the body.
8. the heating assembly according to claim 7, wherein, based on the temperature information, the controller is arranged to determine, in use, a next action of the heating assembly.
9. the heating assembly according to claim 8, wherein based on the relationship held in the memory, the controller is arranged to prohibit, in use, supply of power to the heating device when an age of the body is greater than a threshold age, and is arranged to supply, in use, power to the heating device when the age of the body is less than the threshold age or when a type of the body is determined to be an unsuitable type for the heating assembly.
10. the heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the heating assembly has a first power supply mode and a second power supply mode, and wherein the first power supply mode is arranged to be applied, in use, when heating the body, and the second power supply mode is arranged to be applied, in use, after the first power supply mode is applied, to maintain the body at a temperature within a predetermined temperature range.
11. the heating assembly according to claim 10, wherein the at least one condition is determinable from the temperature information and the amount of power supplied to the heating device or the power supply profile of power supplied to the heating device in the first power supply mode based on the relationship held in the memory.
12. the heating assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first power supply mode is arranged to occur in response to a trigger, the trigger being determined based on a change in the monitored temperature or a change in a switch caused by action of a user.
13. the heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the heating assembly is an induction heating assembly, the heating device is an induction heating device, the body further comprising an induction heatable susceptor, the induction heating device being arranged to heat, in use, the induction heatable susceptor of the body, the heating assembly being arranged to supply, in use, power to the induction heating device to heat the induction heatable susceptor, the temperature sensor being arranged to monitor, in use, a temperature related to heat generated from the susceptor, temperature information related to heat generated from the susceptor being determinable from the monitored temperature.
14. a method for determining a condition of a body, the body comprising a vaporisable substance, the method comprising: heating the body with a heating device by supplying power to the heating device;monitoring a temperature related to heating at the body, temperature information related to heating at the body being determinable from the monitored temperature;accessing a memory, the memory holding a relationship between the temperature information, an amount of power supplied to the heating device or a power supply profile of power supplied to the heating device and at least one condition, the at least one condition including an age of the body, or a type of the body, or a presence of the body in the heating compartment, when applied said power supply profile provides a predetermined heating profile to the body; anddetermining the at least one condition based on the relationship held in the memory.
15. the method according to claim 14, further comprising setting a remaining heating amount for the body based on a relationship between the temperature information, the amount of power supplied to the heating device or the power supply profile of power supplied to the heating device and the age of the body in the memory,
16. the method according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising determining a maximum permissible power level for the body based on a relationship between the temperature information, the amount of power supplied to the heating device or the power supply profile of power supplied to the heating device and the age of the body in the memory.
17. a vapour generating device comprising: the heating assembly according to claim 1;a heatable cartridge located within the heating compartment of the heating assembly;an air inlet arranged to provide air to the heating compartment; andan air outlet in communication with the heating compartment.
18. the heating assembly according to claim 5, wherein there are a plurality of threshold temperatures, at least one of the plurality of threshold temperature determining the age of the body, at least one of the plurality of threshold temperature determining the type of the body, and at least one of the plurality of threshold temperature determining the presence of the body in the heating compartment.
19. the heating assembly according to claim 10, wherein when in the first power supply mode, the heating assembly is arranged to provide at least 80 percent (percent) of full power to the heating device.


Abstract: [en] a cartridge (26) for an electronic vapour inhaler (10) comprises an elongate induction heatable element (28) and a flavour-release medium (30) adhered to the surface (32) of the elongate induction heatable element (28).

[en] 1. a cartridge for an electronic vapour inhaler, the cartridge comprising: an elongate induction heatable element; anda flavour-release medium adhered to the surface of the elongate induction heatable element.
2. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the flavour-release medium is adhered to an outer surface of the elongate induction heatable element.
3. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the elongate induction heatable element comprises a rod or a wire having a solid cross-section.
4. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the elongate induction heatable element comprises a tube having a wall with inner and outer wall surfaces.
5. the cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the flavour-release medium is adhered to the inner wall surface.
6. the cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the flavour-release medium is adhered to the outer wall surface.
7. the cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the tubular induction heatable element comprises one or more openings in the wall to allow air to flow therethrough.
8. the cartridge according to any preceding claim 1, further comprising a thermally-insulating layer between the induction heatable element and the flavour-release medium.
9.-27. (canceled) 28. an electronic vapour inhaler comprising: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end;the cartridge according to claim 1 disposed in the housing; andan induction heating arrangement arranged to inductively heat the induction heatable element and thereby heat the flavour-release medium.
29. the electronic vapour inhaler according to claim 28, wherein the induction heating arrangement comprises an induction coil.
30. the electronic vapour inhaler according to claim 28, wherein the housing includes a chamber in which the cartridge is disposed.
31. the electronic vapour inhaler according to claim 28, further including a control arrangement which is adapted to energize the induction heating arrangement to maintain the cartridge substantially at a predetermined temperature.
32. the electronic vapour inhaler according to claim 31, further including a temperature sensor for determining the cartridge temperature, wherein the control arrangement is adapted to energize the induction heating arrangement based on the determined temperature.
33. the electronic vapour inhaler according claim 30, further comprising a mouthpiece at the proximal end of the housing, wherein the housing includes a conduit for delivering heated air to the mouthpiece, the conduit includes at least one first inlet for ambient air and at least one second inlet for heated air from the chamber, the conduit being arranged to provide a venturi effect whereby, in use, the heated air is sucked into the conduit from the chamber by the venturi effect as ambient air flows through the conduit past the at least one second inlet.
34. the electronic vapour inhaler according to claim 33, wherein the conduit is an annular conduit that surrounds the chamber.
35. the electronic vapour inhaler according to claim 34, wherein the annular conduit includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced first inlets formed in the housing and a plurality of circumferentially spaced second inlets formed in a circumferential wall of the chamber.
36.-43. (canceled)


Abstract: [en] a method for an aerosol generation device, wherein the device comprises a heating arrangement for heating an aerosol substrate, an electrical power source, a first switching element for controlling a supply of electrical power from the electrical power source to the heating arrangement, and a second switching element for decoupling the heating arrangement from the electrical power source, wherein the heating arrangement, the first switching element and the second switching element are arranged in series between terminals of the electrical power source. the method comprising detecting a fault in the device by: controlling, during a first time period, one of the first switching element and the second switching element to be on and the other one of the first switching element and the second switching element to be off, and determining whether at least one observable event occurs during the first time period, the at least one observable event indicating that an amount of power is transferred to the heating arrangement. a fault is detected in the other one of the first switching element and the second switching element if the at least one observable event is determined to occur during the first time period. a computer program, a controller for an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation device.

[en] 23 claims 1. a method for an aerosol generation device, wherein the device comprises a heating arrangement for heating an aerosol substrate, an electrical power source, a first switching element for controlling a supply of electrical power from the electrical power source to the heating arrangement, and a second switching element for decoupling the heating arrangement from the electrical power source, wherein the heating arrangement, the first switching element and the second switching element are arranged in series between terminals of the electrical power source, the method comprising detecting a fault in the device by: controlling, during a first time period, one of the first switching element and the second switching element to be on and the other one of the first switching element and the second switching element to be off, and determining whether at least one observable event occurs during the first time period, the at least one observable event indicating that an amount of power is transferred to the heating arrangement, wherein a fault is detected in the other one of the first switching element and the second switching element if the at least one observable event is determined to occur during the first time period.
2. the method of claim 1, wherein the detecting comprises: controlling, during a second time period different from the first time period, the one of the first switching element and the second switching element to be off and the other one of the first switching element and the second switching element to be on, and determining whether the at least one observable event occurs during the second time period, wherein a fault is detected in the one of3 the first switching element and the second switching element if the at least one observable event is determined to occur during the second time period.
3. the method of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising disabling the heating arrangement upon detecting a fault.
4. the method of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one observable event comprises an increase of a temperature of the heating arrangement.
5. the method of claim 4, further comprising: measuring, prior to the first time period, the temperature of the heating arrangement, and performing the detecting if the measured temperature is below a predetermined threshold.
6. the method of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one observable event comprises detecting an electrical current flowing from the electrical power source to the heating arrangement.
7. the method of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the method is performed upon detecting that the device is coupled to an electrical power supply.
8. the method of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method is performed upon detecting a decrease in a temperature of the heating arrangement indicating an end of a use of the device.
9. the method of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the method is performed upon detecting a start of a use of the device.
10. a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to execute the method of any of claims 1 to 9.
11. a controller for an aerosol generation device arranged to perform, when in use, the method according to any of claim 1 to 9.
12. an aerosol generation device comprising: the controller of claim 11, a heating arrangement for heating an aerosol substrate, an electrical power source, a first switching element for controlling a supply of electrical power from the electrical power source to the heating arrangement, and a second switching element for decoupling the heating arrangement from the electrical power source, wherein the heating arrangement, the first switching element and the second switching element are arranged in series between terminals of the electrical power source.


Abstract: [en] a method of operating an aerosol-generating device includes detecting puffs taken by a user; monitoring a time elapsed after each puff; counting the puffs in succession unless a reset condition is satisfied; and restarting counting the puffs when the reset condition is satisfied. an aerosol-generating device includes a body having an inlet and an outlet with an air channel defined between the inlet and the outlet; a puff detector configured to detect puffs taken by a user; a timing unit configured to determine a time elapsed after each puff; and a controller configured to: start a first counter to count the puffs in succession unless a reset condition is satisfied; and reset the first counter when the reset condition is satisfied.

[en] 1. a method of operating an aerosol-generating device comprising: detecting puffs taken by a user;monitoring a time elapsed after each puff;counting the puffs in succession unless a reset condition is satisfied; andrestarting counting the puffs when the reset condition is satisfied.
2. the method of claim 1, further comprising determining an orientation of the device, wherein the reset condition is based on the orientation of the device.
3. the method of claim 2, wherein the reset condition is based on a length of time in which the device remains in a particular orientation.
4. the method of claim 1, wherein the reset condition is based on a determination of whether the time elapsed is greater than a first preset value.
5. the method of claim 1, wherein the reset condition is based on a number of puffs taken in a predetermined period of time.
6. the method of claim 1, further comprising providing a first indication to the user when a number of puffs reaches a first count.
7. the method of claim 6, wherein the first indication is only provided when the puffs are counted while the device is being held in a first orientation.
8. the method of claim 7, further comprising providing the first indication to the user when the number of puffs reaches the first count when the device is determined to be temporarily held in a second orientation, different from the first orientation, for less than a predetermined period of time and is turned to the first orientation within the predetermined period of time.
9. the method of claim 6, further comprising providing a second indication to the user when a total number of puffs at the end of a predetermined period of use reaches a second count when the device is determined to be held in the first orientation at least once during the predetermined period of use.
10. the method of claim 9, wherein the total number of puffs is determined by a time stamp associated with each puff.
11. the method of claim 9, wherein the total number of puffs is determined by maintaining a count of puffs for a period set by the user.
12. the method of claim 9, wherein the second indication is only provided when an amount of aerosol delivered in the total number of puffs exceeds a threshold level.
13. a control circuitry for use in an aerosol-generating device, the control circuitry configured to actuate the method of claim 1.
14. an aerosol-generating device comprising: a body having an inlet and an outlet with an air channel defined between the inlet and the outlet;a puff detector configured to detect puffs taken by a user;a timing unit configured to determine a time elapsed after each puff; anda controller configured to: start a first counter to count the puffs in succession unless a reset condition is satisfied; andreset the first counter when the reset condition is satisfied.
15. the device of claim 14, wherein the timing unit is configured to start a timer at an end of each puff and stop the timer when the puff detector detects a start of a next puff.
16. the device of claim 14, further comprising a second counter configured to count puffs taken by the user during a predetermined period of use.
17. the device of claim 14, further comprising a recognition sensor to identify an aerosol source to monitor an amount of aerosol in each puff taken by the user.
18. the device of claim 14, wherein the timing unit is further configured to associate each puff session with a time stamp to monitor aerosol intake of the user over time.
19. a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method of claim 1.


Abstract: [en] a wrapper 10 for an aerosol-generating article includes at least one coated surface area and at least one non-coated surface area, wherein the coating of the at least one coated surface area of the wrapper is heat-sensitive, wherein the coating indicates heat application by a permanent color change. an aerosol generating article includes such a wrapper. a method for producing an aerosol generating article includes such a wrapper by printing a polymer on parts of the wrapper by flexography.

[en] 1. a wrapper for an aerosol-generating article comprising at least one coated surface area coated with a heat-sensitive coating arranged for indicating heat application by permanent color change and at least one non-coated surface area, wherein the heat-sensitive coating provides indication of a heat application by a permanent difference of brightness of the at least one coated surface area, wherein the difference of brightness measured according to iso 2469 after heating is at least 1 percent.
2. the wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: the difference of brightness measured according to iso 2469 after heating is at least 2 percent.
3. the wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: the heat-sensitive coating provides indication of heat application after heat application by a temperature of at least 150 degrees centigrade
4. the wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: the heat-sensitive coating comprises a polymer, wherein the polymer is at least one of eva, pva, any other copolymer of ethylene, any other copolymer of propylene, pe, or any other film forming polymer.
5. the wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: the heat-sensitive coating provides indication of heat application after heat application of at least 3 minutes.
6. the wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: the heat-sensitive coating is provided in the at least one coated surface area in an amount of 0.5 to 20 g/m2.
7. the wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: a difference between opacity according to iso 2471 of the at least one coated surface area and the at least one non-coated surface area of the wrapper when the wrapper is not heat-treated is less than 3 percent.
8. the wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: a difference between opacity according to iso 2471 of the at least one coated surface area and the at least one non-coated surface are of the wrapper when the wrapper is heat-treated is less than 3 percent, after heat application by a temperature of at least 150 degrees centigrade
9. an aerosol-generating article comprising the wrapper according to claim 1.
10. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, further comprising: an aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is wrapped in the wrapper.
11. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, wherein: the heat-sensitive coating of the wrapper indicates heat application through color change after heat application of at least 3 minutes.
12. a method for producing an aerosol-generating article comprising a wrapper, wherein the wrapper comprises at least one coated surface area and at least one non-coated surface area, the method comprising: applying by flexography a heat-sensitive coating of the at least one coated surface area, wherein the heat-sensitive coating is configured to provide indication of a heat application by a permanent difference of brightness of the at least one coated surface area, wherein the difference of brightness measured according to iso 2469 after heating is at least 1 percent.
13. the method according to claim 12, wherein: the heat-sensitive coating comprises a polymer, wherein the polymer is at least one of eva, pva, any other copolymer of ethylene, any other copolymer of propylene, pe, or any other film forming polymer.
14. the method according to claim 12, further comprising: drying the heat-sensitive coating after application to the wrapper.
15. the method according to claim 12, wherein: the heat-sensitive coating is provided in the at least one coated surface area in an amount of 0.5 to 20 g/m2.
16. the wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: the difference of brightness measured according to iso 2469 after heating is at least 3 percent.
17. the wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: the heat-sensitive coating provides indication of heat application after heat application by a temperature in a range from 170 to 250 degrees centigrade
18. the wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: the heat-sensitive coating provides indication of heat application after heat application of between 5 and 10 minutes.
19. the wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: the heat-sensitive coating is provided in the at least one coated surface area in an amount of 4 to 10 g/m2.
20. the wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: a difference between opacity according to iso 2471 of the at least one coated surface area and the at least one non-coated surface area of the wrapper when the wrapper is not heat-treated is less than 1 percent.


Abstract: [en] an inhalation device has a housing (10) at least partially made of a hard material and at least one button (12) provided in an opening of the housing (10) and at least partially made of a material substantially as hard as that of the housing (10) or harder, wherein the button (12) is attached to the housing (10) by means of an elastic material (14) on the inside of the housing (10). a method of producing an inhalation device includes the steps of providing a housing (10) at least partially made of a hard material and providing at least one button (12) at least partially made of a material substantially as hard as that of the housing (10) or harder and attaching at least one button (12) in an opening of the housing (10) by means of an elastic material (14) attached to the inside of the housing (10).

[en] 9 claims 1. an inhalation device with a housing (10) at least partially made of a hard material and at least one button(12) provided in an opening of the housing (10) and at least partially made of a material substantially as hard as that of the housing (10) or harder, wherein the button (12) is attached to the housing (10) and/or the interior of the device by means of an elastic material (14) inside of the housing (10).
2. the inhalation device of claim 1, wherein the housing (10) is made of a ceramic or metal material.
3. the inhalation device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the button (12) is made of a ceramic or metal material.
4. the inhalation device of one of the proceeding claims, wherein the elastic material (14) is made of rubber and/or silicone.
5. the inhalation device of one of the proceeding claims, wherein the housing (10) has at least one locally thinned area, in particular allowing light transmission.
6. the inhalation device of one of the proceeding claims, wherein the housing (10) has a removable front cover (10), in which at least one button (12) is provided.
7. the inhalation device of one of the proceeding claims, wherein the housing (10) at least partially has a chassis (20) of plastic.
8. the inhalation device of one of the proceeding claims, wherein the housing (10) and/or the button (12) has a hardness of at least hv19 and/or up to hv2350.
9. the inhalation device of one of the proceeding claims, wherein the housing (10) has at least one step preventing the button (12) from extending beyond the outer surface of the housing (10).
10. a method of producing an inhalation device including the steps of providing a housing (10) at least partially made of a hard material and providing at least one button (12) at least partially made of a material substantially as hard as that of the housing (10) or harder and attaching at least one button (12) in an opening of the housing (10) by means of an elastic material (14) attached to the inside of the housing (10) and/or the interior of the device.
11. the method of one of claim 10, wherein at least one chassis (20) of plastic is attached to at least a part of the housing (10) before attaching the button (12).
12. the method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the button (12) is attached to the elastic material (14) beforehand.
13. the method of one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the housing (10) is locally thinned, so as to allow light transmission.
14. the method of one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the button (12) is cut from a piece of material constituting the housing (10).
15. the method of one claims 10 to 14, wherein the button (12) is prevented from extending beyond the outer surface of the housing (10) by at least one step (18).


Abstract: [en] a portable device (1) includes a first part (2) comprising a mouthpiece (4), a second part (18) pivotably connected to the first part (2) about a first axis, and a third part (28) pivotally connected to the first part (2) about a second axis. the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. the portable device (1) is adapted to be manipulated by a user between a non-use configuration where the mouthpiece (4) is substantially surrounded by the side panels of the second and third parts, and a use configuration where the mouthpiece (4) is exposed at an end of the portable device (1).

[en] claims 1. a portable device (1) comprising: a first part (2) comprising a mouthpiece (4); a second part (18) comprising first and second side panels (20a, 20b) having a first end (24) pivotably connected to the first part (2) about a first axis (12); and a third part (28) comprising third and fourth side panels (30a, 30b) having a first end (34) pivotally connected to the first part (2) about a second axis (16), the second axis (16) being substantially perpendicular to the first axis (12); wherein the portable device (1) is adapted to be manipulated by a user between a non-use configuration where the mouthpiece (4) is substantially surrounded by the first, second, third and fourth side panels (20a, 20b, 30a, 30b), and a use configuration where the mouthpiece (4) is exposed at an end of the portable device (1).
2. a portable device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second part (18) is substantially u-shaped and further comprises an end panel (20c) connected between the first and second side panels (20a, 20b) at a second end (26) of the first and second side panels (20a, 20b).
3. a portable device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the third part (28) is substantially u-shaped and further comprises an end panel (30c) connected between the third and fourth side panels (30a, 30b) at a second end (36) of the third and fourth side panels (30a, 30b).
4. a portable device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the third part (28) is substantially u-shaped and further comprises an end panel (30c) connected between the third and fourth side panels (30a, 30b) at a second end (36) of the third and fourth side panels (30a, 30b), and wherein the end panels (20c, 30c) of the second and third parts (18, 28) are positioned adjacent to each other when the portable device (1) is in the nonuse and use configurations.
5. a portable device (1) according to claim 4, wherein in the non-use configuration the end panel (20c) of the second part (18) is positioned outside the end panel (30c) of the third part (28), and in the use configuration the end panel (30c) of the third part (28) is positioned outside the end panel (20c) of the second part (18).
6. a portable device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second side panels (20a, 20b) are substantially parallel and the third and fourth side panels (30a, 30b) are substantially parallel.
7. a portable device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first and second side panels (20a, 20b) are substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth side panels (30a, 30b) when the portable device (1) is in the non-use and use configurations.
8. a portable device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the mouthpiece (4) is provided at a first end (2a) of the first part (2), and wherein the first part (2) further comprises a connector receptacle (6) at a second end (2b) opposite the first end (2a).
9. a portable device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the main body (2) defines a mutually orthogonal coordinate system comprising a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a transverse axis, wherein the first axis (12) is substantially parallel with the transverse axis and the second axis (16) is substantially parallel with the lateral axis.
10. a portable device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first and second axes (12, 16) are spaced apart in the longitudinal axis.
11. a portable device (1) according to any preceding claim, being a device for generating an aerosol or vapour that may be inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece (4).
12. a portable device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the second part (18) and the third part (28) further comprises a battery (38) and the other one of the second part (18) and the third part (28) further comprises a printed circuit board (40a, 40b). - 15 -
13. a portable device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first part (2) is pivotally connected to the second part (18) or the third part (28) by a connector that optionally provides an electrical connection.
14. a portable device (1) according to claim 13, wherein the connector (42, 50; 44,50) is configured to selectively lock the second part (18) or the third part (28) relative to the first part (2) in the non-use configuration.
15. a method of manipulating a portable device (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising: from the non-use configuration, pivoting together the first and third parts (2, 28) by substantially 180 degrees relative to the second part (18) about the first axis (12) to an intermediate configuration, and from the intermediate configuration, pivoting the third part (28) by substantially 180 degrees relative to the first and second parts (2, 18) about the second axis (16) to the use configuration.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol-generating device includes a vapor generation unit and a reservoir configured to store an aerosolizable material. the aerosol-generation device further includes a printed circuit board and a heater fastened to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board being disposed such that the aerosolizable material is in contact with the printed circuit board after it derives from the reservoir and before it arrives to the vapor generation unit.

[en] 1. an aerosol-generating device comprising a vapor generation unit and a reservoir configured to store an aerosolizable material, the vapor generation unit comprising a micro electro-mechanical system (mems), wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a printed circuit board and a heater fastened to said printed circuit board, the printed circuit board being disposed such that the aerosolizable material is configured to be in contact with said printed circuit board after the aerosolizable material derives from the reservoir and before the aerosolizable material arrives to the vapor generation unit, the printed circuit board comprising at least two stacked boards and a spacer between two of said at least two stacked boards, said at least two stacked boards and said spacer being attached to each other so as to form a void configured to receive the aerosolizable material deriving from the reservoir.
2. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater comprises a resistive layer adapted to be heated when power is applied to the resistive layer.
3. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater is a heating film.
4. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater comprises a coating layer made of a material adapted to prevent chemical reactions with the aerosolizable material.
5. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein the coating layer is made of gold or silver.
6. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the vapor generation unit is mounted on the printed circuit board.
7. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater matches dimensions and a shape of said void.
8. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the at least two stacked boards comprise a daughterboard and a cover board.
9. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 8, wherein the heater is mounted on the cover board.
10. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 8, wherein the vapor generation unit is mounted on the daughterboard, the daughterboard being configured to provide an exit for the aerosolizable material.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generating article (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) for use with an aerosol generating device (102) comprises a substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14), at least one airflow channel (16) extending along the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14), and an inductively heatable susceptor (40) positioned in the aerosol generating substrate (14). the aerosol generating article can optionally include 10 a wrapping member (22) surrounding the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14) and the at least one airflow channel (16). methods of manufacturing the aerosol generating article are also described.

[en]       claims   1. an aerosol generating article (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) for use with an aerosol generating device (102), the aerosol generating article comprising: a substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14); at least one airflow channel (16) extending along the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14); and an inductively heatable susceptor (40) positioned in the aerosol generating substrate (14).
2. an aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating article includes a distal end (10), a proximal end (12), a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end (12) and the distal end (10), and the at least one airflow channel (16) extends in a first direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
3. an aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one airflow channel (16) comprises at least one groove (18) formed in a surface (14a) of the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14).
4. an aerosol generating article according to claim 3, wherein the aerosol generating substrate (14) includes a plurality of said grooves (18) arranged side by side to form a fluted surface (20).
5. an aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one airflow channel (16) comprises at least one airflow passage (30) formed internally within the aerosol generating substrate (14).
6. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein: the aerosol generating substrate (14) comprises a plurality of aerosol generating strips (32) extending in a first direction and arranged intermittently in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; the aerosol generating article comprises a plurality of said airflow channels (16) and one of said airflow channels (16) is formed between each pair of intermittently arranged aerosol generating strips (32).
7. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14) has aflat rectangular shape having a pair of main surfaces (14a, 14b), and the inductively heatable susceptor (40) is substantially planar and lies substantially parallel to the main surfaces (14a, 14b).
8. an aerosol generating article according to claim 7, wherein the at least one airflow channel (16) is formed in a first main surface (14a) and the substantially planar inductively heatable susceptor (40) is positioned in the aerosol generating substrate (14) closer to a second main surface (14b) than to the first main surface (14a).
9. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor (40) comprises discontinuities or holes (42) therein, preferably wherein the inductively heatable susceptor (40) comprises a mesh (43).
10. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, further comprising a wrapping member (22) surrounding the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14) and the at least one airflow channel (16).
11. an aerosol generating article according to claim 10, wherein the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14) has a flat rectangular shape having a pair of main surfaces (14a, 14b) and the wrapping member (22) comprises a pair of rectangular sheets (24, 26) attached, respectively, to the pair of main surfaces (14a, 14b).
12. an aerosol generating article according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the wrapping member (22) has a porous inner surface (22a) facing towards the aerosol generating substrate (14) for absorbing condensation and an anti-stick outer surface (22b) facing away from the aerosol generating substrate (14), preferably wherein the wrapping member (22) comprises an anti-stick coating on the outer surface (22b).
13. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a support member (28) forming a mouth-end portion (34) of the article, and the support member (28) has a tubular form to receive a downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate (14) and the at least one airflow channel (16).
14. a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, the method comprising: providing a substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14); positioning an inductively heatable susceptor (40) in the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14); and forming at least one airflow channel (16) in the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14).
15. a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating article according to any of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising: providing an inductively heatable susceptor (40); forming a substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14) around the inductively heatable susceptor (20); and forming at least one airflow channel (16) in the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14).


Abstract: [en] a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating pod includes providing aerosol generating material; positioning sheet material over opposite sides of the aerosol generating material; and punching the aerosol generating material and the sheet material from one of the opposite sides to form an aerosol generating pod including aerosol generating material covered by the sheet material. an apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol generating pod is also provided.

[en] 1. a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating pod, the method comprising: (i) providing aerosol generating material;(ii) positioning sheet material over opposite sides of the aerosol generating material;(iii) punching the aerosol generating material and the sheet material from one of the opposite sides to form an aerosol generating pod comprising the aerosol generating material covered by the sheet material.
2. the method according to claim 1, wherein: step (i) comprises supplying the aerosol generating material having a continuous profile;step (ii) comprises supplying the sheet material as continuous sheet material over the opposite sides of the continuous profile of the aerosol generating material;step (iii) comprises repeatedly punching the continuous profile of the aerosol generating material and the continuous sheet material from one of the opposite sides of the sheet material to form a plurality of aerosol generating pods comprising the aerosol generating material covered by the sheet material.
3. the method according to claim 1, further comprising: positioning an inductively heatable susceptor in the aerosol generating material.
4. the method according to claim 3, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor is an inductively heatable susceptor sheet.
5. the method according to claim 4, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor sheet includes an aperture.
6. the method according to claim 1, wherein step (i) comprises positioning the aerosol generating material between the sheet material and an inductively heatable susceptor sheet and/or between inductively heatable susceptor sheets.
7. the method according to claim 1, further comprising prior to step (iii): cutting the sheet material positioned on at least one of the opposite sides of the aerosol generating material to separate the sheet material from the remaining sheet material or creating a weakened region in the sheet material positioned on at least one of the opposite sides of the aerosol generating material to facilitate cutting and separation of the sheet material from the remaining sheet material during step (iii).
8. the method according to claim 1, wherein step (iii) comprises moving a punching element towards the sheet material positioned on one of the opposite sides of the aerosol generating material and into a cavity of a mould adjacent to the sheet material positioned on the other opposite side of the aerosol generating material.
9. the method according to claim 8, wherein step (iii) comprises moving the punching element towards the sheet material positioned on the one side of the aerosol generating material and pushing the sheet material positioned on the opposite side of the aerosol generating material into the cavity of the mould to thereby wrap exposed regions of the aerosol generating material with the sheet material.
10. the method according to claim 1, further comprising after step (iii): joining the sheet material positioned on the opposite sides of the aerosol generating material to secure the aerosol generating material inside the sheet material.
11. an apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol generating pod, the apparatus comprising: a first supply unit for supplying aerosol generating material;a second supply unit for positioning sheet material over opposite sides of the aerosol generating material; anda punching unit arranged to punch the aerosol generating material and the sheet material from one of the opposite sides to form an aerosol generating pod comprising the aerosol generating material covered by the sheet material.
12. the apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a third supply unit for positioning an inductively heatable susceptor in the aerosol generating material.
13. the apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the punching unit comprises a punching element adjacent to the sheet material positioned on one of the opposite sides of the aerosol generating material and a mould having a cavity adjacent to the sheet material positioned on the opposite side of the aerosol generating material, the punching element being movable into the cavity of the mould to form the aerosol generating pod.
14. the apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the punching element includes a peripheral wall having a peripheral edge adapted to separate the sheet material positioned on the side of the aerosol generating material adjacent to the punching element from the remaining sheet material positioned on said side and to push the sheet material positioned on the opposite side of the aerosol generating material into the cavity of the mould to thereby wrap exposed regions of the aerosol generating material with the sheet material.
15. the apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a joining unit adapted to join the sheet material positioned on the opposite sides of the aerosol generating material to secure the aerosol generating material inside the sheet material.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generating device (10) comprises a first terminal (42) and a second terminal (44) disposed in a heating chamber (18) such that they contact different parts of an aerosol generating article (100). an alternating voltage is applied between the first and second terminals (42,44) and characteristics of a current that flows between them are measured. the characteristics are used to determine a dielectric response of the aerosol generating article (100) at the applied frequency. the dielectric response comprises both a conductive component and a capacitive component and may be used to identify a state of the aerosol generating article (100), for example whether it is correctly inserted or the amount of a volatile substance such as nicotine that it contains. by comparing the dielectric responses before and after the device (10) is used, it is possible to estimate an amount of the volatile substance that a user of the device (10) has inhaled.

[en]       claims   1. a method of operating an aerosol generating device that comprises: a heating chamber (18) configured to receive an aerosol generating article (100); a first terminal (42) and a second terminal (44), the first and second terminals (42,44) being disposed in the heating chamber (18) such that, when an aerosol generating article (100) is received in the heating chamber (18), the first and second terminals (42,44) respectively contact different parts of the aerosol generating article (100); wherein the method comprises:   (a) inserting an aerosol generating article (100) into the heating chamber (18);   (b) applying an alternating voltage at an applied frequency between the first and second terminals (42,44);   (c) measuring characteristics of a current that flows between the first and second terminals (42,44) while the alternating voltage is being applied; and   (d) using the measured characteristics of the current to determine a dielectric response of the aerosol generating article (100) at the applied frequency.
2. a method according to claim 1, wherein the step of measuring characteristics of the current comprises measuring the amplitude of the current and measuring the phase shift between the voltage and the current.
3. a method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the step of determining a dielectric response comprises determining both a conductive component and a capacitive component of the dielectric response.
4. a method according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the applied frequency is in the range 100 hz to 1 mhz.
5. a method according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the applied frequency is in the range 1 khz to 100 khz.
6. a method according to any preceding claim, comprising carrying out steps (b) and (c) with different applied frequencies; wherein step (d) comprises using the measured characteristics of the current at the different frequencies to determine the dielectric response of the aerosol generating article (100).
7. a method according to any preceding claim, further comprising measuring a temperature of the aerosol generating article (100); wherein step (d) comprises using the measured characteristics of the current and the measured temperature to determine the dielectric response of the aerosol generating article (100).
8. a method according to any of claims 1 to 7, further comprising using the determined dielectric response to identify a state of the aerosol generating article (100); and outputting a signal to indicate the state of the article or controlling the aerosol generating device in a manner dependent on the state of the article (100).
9. a method according to claim 8, wherein the identified state of the aerosol generating article (100) is that the article has been inserted incorrectly in the heating chamber (18).
10. a method according to any of claims 1 to 7, comprising: carrying out steps (b) to (d) after insertion of the aerosol generating article (100) into the heating chamber (18) to determine a first dielectric response; applying heat to the aerosol generating article (100) in the heating chamber (18); repeating steps (b) to (d) to determine a second dielectric response; and comparing the second dielectric response with the first dielectric response to determine a change of state of the article (100); and outputting a signal to indicate the change of state of the article (100) or controlling the aerosol generating device (10) in a manner dependent on the change of state of the article (100).
11. a method according to claim 10, wherein the change of state of the article (100) is a depletion of volatile substances in the article (100).
12. a method according to claim 11, further comprising using the determined change of state of the article (100) to estimate an amount of at least one volatile substance inhaled by a user of the device between the determination of the first and second dielectric responses.
13. a method according to claim 12, further comprising recording a number of puffs inhaled by the user of the device (10) between the determination of the first and second dielectric responses; and using the determined change of state of the article (100) and the recorded number of puffs to estimate an amount of the least one volatile substance inhaled by the user per puff.
14. an aerosol generating device (100) comprising: a heating chamber (18) configured to receive an aerosol generating article (100); a first terminal (42) and a second terminal (44), the first and second terminals (42,44) being disposed in the heating chamber (18) such that, when an aerosol generating article (100) is received in the heating chamber (18), the first and second terminals (42,44) respectively contact different parts of the aerosol generating article (100); a voltage source (46); and a controller (24) configured to carry out the method of any of claims 1 to 13 when an aerosol generating article (100) is inserted into the heating chamber (18).
15. an aerosol generating device according to claim 14, wherein: each of the first terminal (42) and the second terminal (44) is generally planar, having a length and a width measured in the plane of the terminal (42,44); and the first and second terminals (42,44) are disposed in parallel to one another on opposite sides of the heating chamber (18) such that the aerosol generating article (100) may be received between them, and such that the first and second terminals (42,44) are separated by a perpendicular distance less than the length and the width of the terminals (42,44).


Abstract: [en] an aerosol-generating tobacco-containing composition, preferably provided in a form of a foam or mousse, and an aerosol-generating article including the composition, are provided. the composition includes particulate tobacco material and lipid, wherein the lipid is medium-chain triglyceride, and a ratio of the medium-chain triglyceride to the particulate tobacco material on a dry weight basis is between 1:3 and 1:5.

[en] 1. an aerosol-generating tobacco-containing composition provided in a form of a foam or a mousse, wherein the composition comprises particulate tobacco material and lipid, wherein the lipid is medium-chain triglyceride, a ratio of the medium-chain triglyceride to the particulate tobacco material on a dry weight basis is between 1:3 and 1:5.
2. the composition according to claim 1, wherein the particulate tobacco material has a particle size of less than 100 micro m.
3. the composition according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the medium-chain triglycerides to the particulate tobacco material on the dry weight basis is 1:3.
4. the composition according to claim 1, wherein the lipid is derived from palm kernel oil or coconut oil.
5. the composition according to claim 1, wherein the lipid comprises caprylic acid (c8:0), capric acid (c10:0), and/or lauric acid (c12:0).
6. the composition according to claim 1, wherein over 50 weight percent of the lipid is mct caprylic acid (c8:0) based on a total weight of the lipid.
7. the composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises maltodextrin acacia gum, silicon dioxide and/or sunflower lecithin.
8. the composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises any of a propellant, an aerosol-forming agent, a foam-stabilizing agent, and/or a foam-forming agent.
9. the composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises an aerosol-forming agent in a proportion of 10-80 wt.- percent, preferably 30-70 weight percent of a weight of an aerosol-generating material.
10. a method of preparing an aerosol-generating tobacco-containing foam or mousse, comprising the steps of: a. mixing an aerosol-forming agent and a foam-forming agent under heating into a mixture;b. aerating the mixture with a gas or air for at least 5 minutes under room temperature;c. adding to the mixture a tobacco-containing ingredient and/or an inhalable agent;d. adding to the mixture a medium-chain triglyceride, wherein a ratio of the medium-chain triglyceride to the tobacco-containing ingredient on a dry weight basis is between 1:3 and 1:5;e. aerating the mixture with a gas or air for at least 5 minutes under room temperature; andf. adding a foam stabilizing agent.
11. the method according to claim 10, wherein each step of aerating the mixture includes aerating the mixture with a heated gas or air of between 35 degrees centigrade and 50 degrees centigrade for at least 10 minutes.
12. an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating tobacco-containing composition according to claim 1.
13. the composition according to claim 1, wherein the particulate tobacco material has a particle size of less than 50 micro m.
14. the composition according to claim 1, wherein the particulate tobacco material has a particle size of between 40 micro m and 90 micro m.
15. the composition according to claim 1, wherein over 66 wt.- percent of the lipid is mct caprylic acid (c8:0) based on a total weight of the lipid.
16. the composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises an aerosol-forming agent in a proportion of 30-70 wt.- percent of a weight of an aerosol-generating material.
17. the method according to claim 10, wherein the step of mixing includes mixing a solvent with the aerosol-forming agent and the foam-forming agent under heating into the mixture.
18. the method according to claim 10, further comprising aerating the mixture with a gas or air after the step of adding to the mixture the tobacco-containing ingredient and/or an inhalable agent.


Abstract: [en] an aerosol generating article (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) for use with an aerosol generating device (102) comprises a substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14), at least one airflow channel (16) extending along the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14), and a wrapping member (22) surrounding the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14) and the at least one airflow channel (16).

[en]       claims   1. an aerosol generating article (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) for use with an aerosol generating device (102), the aerosol generating article comprising: a substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14); at least one airflow channel (16) extending along the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14); and a wrapping member (22) surrounding the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14) and the at least one airflow channel (16).
2. an aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating article includes a distal end (10), a mouth end (12), a longitudinal axis extending between the mouth end (12) and the distal end (10), and the at least one airflow channel (16) extends in a first direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
3. an aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one airflow channel (16) comprises at least one groove (18) formed in a surface (14a) of the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14).
4. an aerosol generating article according to claim 3, wherein the aerosol generating substrate (14) includes a plurality of said grooves (18) arranged side by side to form a fluted surface (20).
5. an aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one airflow channel (16) comprises at least one airflow passage (30) formed internally within the aerosol generating substrate (14).
6. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein: the aerosol generating substrate (14) comprises a plurality of aerosol generating strips (32) extending in a first direction and arranged intermittently in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; the aerosol generating article comprises a plurality of said airflow channels (16) and one of said airflow channels (16) is formed between each pair of intermittently arranged aerosol generating strips (32) and in fluid communication with said pair of intermittently arranged aerosol generating strips (32).
7. an aerosol generating article according to claim 6, wherein the aerosol generating strips (32) all comprise a same aerosol generating material.
8. an aerosol generating article according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the aerosol generating strips (32) comprises a first aerosol generating material and at least one of the aerosol generating strips (32) comprises a second aerosol generating material that differs from the first aerosol generating material.
9. an aerosol generating article according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein at least one of the aerosol generating strips (32) includes a flavourant.
10. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14) has aflat rectangular shape having a pair of main surfaces (14a, 14b) and the wrapping member (22) comprises a pair of rectangular sheets (24, 26) attached, respectively, to the pair of main surfaces (14a, 14b).
11. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a support member (28) forming a mouth-end portion (34) of the article, and the support member (28) has a tubular form to receive a downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate (14) and the at least one airflow channel (16).
12. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the wrapping member (22) has a porous inner surface (22a) facing towards the aerosol generating substrate (14) for absorbing condensation and an anti-stick outer surface (22b) facing away from the aerosol generating substrate (14).
13. an aerosol generating article according to claim 12, wherein the wrapping member (22) comprises an anti-stick coating on the outer surface (22b).


Abstract: [en] an aerosol-generating system, aerosol-generating device, and aerosol-generating article are provided. the device includes an optical light source extending in a cavity. the aerosol-generating device includes an optical reader system configured to read the at least one indicium upon illumination of an authentication portion of an aerosol-generating article from inside the consumable segment. the aerosol-generating device includes a control unit configured to authenticate the article upon reading of the indicium. the aerosol-generating article includes a consumable segment that includes a charge of aerosol-generating material and a mouthpiece segment attached at a first end of the consumable segment. at least one indicium is arranged in at least an authentication portion of the aerosol-generating article, the authentication portion being at least partially transparent to light having a wavelength of between 200 nm and 10 micro m, such that the indicium is readable with an optical reader system upon illumination with light from inside consumable portion.

[en] 1. an aerosol-generating device comprising, arranged in an outer body part, a power supply section and a cavity, the cavity having an opening accessible at the outer body part and being configured to receive an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises an optical light source arranged to illuminate at least part of a said aerosol-generating article inserted in said cavity through the opening and an optical reader system arranged to detect light issuing from the aerosol-generating article after illumination by the optical light source,wherein the optical light source extends in said cavity from an end thereof opposite the opening to penetrate at least partly said aerosol-generating article upon insertion in the cavity and illuminate the at least part of said aerosol-generating article from inside the aerosol-generating article.
2. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein said optical light source comprises a waveguide.
3. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein said optical light source comprises an illuminating extremity being one of: a diffusor, a v-shaped illuminating tip, a ball shaped illuminating tip, a metallic reflector tip, or a conical shaped tip.
4. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein said illuminating extremity comprises an electrically addressable light source.
5. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein said optical light source 2 comprises a light collecting waveguide.
6. an aerosol-generating article comprising a consumable segment comprising a charge of aerosol-generating material and a mouthpiece segment attached at a first end of the consumable segment, whereinat least one indicium is arranged in or on at least an authentication portion of said aerosol-generating article, at least a part of said authentication portion being at least partially transparent to light having a wavelength of between 200 nm and 25 micro m,such that said indicium is readable with an optical reader system upon illumination with light from inside the aerosol-generating article.
7. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 6, wherein said authentication portion comprises at least two distinct transmission bands, each of said at least two transmission bands being centred at a wavelength between 200 nm and 25 micro m.
8. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 6, wherein said at least one indicium extends over at least 25 percent of a circumference of said authentication portion.
9. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 6, wherein said at least one indicium comprises at least one code constituted by structures arranged in or on a wrapper.
10. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, wherein said at least one code comprises apertures in said wrapper.
11. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, wherein said at least one code comprises mesas in said wrapper.
12. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 11, wherein said mesas are made of an optically opaque material.
13. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 6, wherein said at least one indicium comprises an array of optical structures, of which at least two structures have different transmission properties.
14. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 13, wherein the array of optical structures comprises bands and at least one of said bands has a sinusoidal shape and/or wherein at least one of said bands comprises an array of linear strips.
15. an aerosol-generating system, comprising: the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, andan aerosol generating article comprising a consumable segment comprising a charge of aerosol-generating material and a mouthpiece segment attached at a first end of the consumable segment,whereinat least one indicium is arranged in or on at least an authentication portion of said aerosol-generating article, at least a part of said authentication portion being at least partially transparent to light having a wavelength of between 200 nm and 25 micro m, such that said indicium is readable with an optical reader system upon illumination with light from inside the aerosol-generating article.
16. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 15, wherein an illuminating extremity of the optical light source is arranged to extend in the aerosol-generating article and to be longitudinally level with the authentication portion thereof when said aerosol generating article is inserted in the cavity until an end of said cavity.
17. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein said electrically addressable light source is an led light source.
18. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 6, wherein said at least one indicium extends over at least 50 percent of a circumference of said authentication portion.
19. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 12, wherein the an optically opaque material is a metal or ink.
20. the aerosol-generating article according to claim 6, wherein said at least one indicium comprises an array of optical structures, of which at least two structures have bands having different transmission properties.