[en] a control device of an aerosol generating device includes a main control unit, and is connectable to a battery and a heater coil. the main control unit is configured to carry out one or more execution loops, a first execution loop includes applying a first power output to the heater coil for a first number of steps, disabling the first power output and thereby switching off the heater coil in a second number of steps, measuring a first heater coil voltage of the heater coil in a third number of steps, pausing with the heater coil switched off for a fourth number of steps, and measuring a first off-load battery voltage of the battery in a fifth number of steps. the main control unit is further configured to calculate an updated power output based upon the first heater coil voltage and first off-load battery voltage. [en] 1. a control device of an aerosol generating device, the control device comprising a main control unit, and connectable to a battery and a heater coil, the main control unit configured to carry out one or more execution loops, a first execution loop of the one or more execution loops comprising: applying a first power output to the heater coil for a first number of steps of the first execution loop;disabling the first power output and thereby switching off the heater coil in a second number of steps, following the first number of steps, of the first execution loop;measuring a first heater coil voltage of the heater coil in a third number of steps, following the second number of steps, of the first execution loop with a smaller power output than the first power output applied to the heater coil;pausing with the heater coil switched off for a fourth number of steps, following the third number of steps, of the first execution loop; andmeasuring a first off-load battery voltage of the battery in a fifth number of steps, following the fourth number of steps, of the first execution loop, wherein the first off-load battery voltage corresponds to the battery being in an off-load state in which a heating load is not being applied;wherein each step in the first number of steps, the second number of steps, the third number of steps, the fourth number of steps, and the fifth number of steps corresponds to a predetermined time period; andwherein the main control unit is further configured to calculate an updated power output based upon the first heater coil voltage and the first off-load battery voltage.
2. the control device of claim 1, wherein the main control unit is further configured to apply the updated power output to the heater coil in a subsequent execution loop that is subsequent to the first execution loop.
3. the control device of claim 2, wherein the main control unit is further configured to calculate the updated power output based upon the first heater coil voltage and the first off-load battery voltage in a calculation loop separate from the one or more execution loops.
4. the control device of claim 3, wherein the main control unit is configured to carry out the calculation loop and the one or more execution loops using separate processing functionalities.
5. the control device of claim 3, wherein the main control unit is further configured to carry out a second execution loop, wherein the first execution loop is offset from the subsequent execution loop by at least the second execution loop and wherein the second execution loop comprises: applying the first power output to the heater coil for a first number of steps of the second execution loop;and wherein the main control unit carries out the calculation loop at least partially in parallel to the second execution loop.
6. the control device of claim 5, wherein the main control unit is further configured to carry out a third execution loop between the first execution loop and the subsequent execution loop, wherein the third execution loop comprises: applying the first power output to the heater coil for a first number of steps of the third execution loop; andupdating the first power output to the updated power output in response to determining that the updated power output is available from the calculation loop.
7. the control device of claim 1, wherein each of the first power output and the updated power output is a pulse width modulated output with an associated duty cycle.
8. the control device of claim 1, wherein the main control unit is configured to calculate a temperature of the heater coil based upon a resistance of the heater coil, and further configured to calculate the updated power output based on a difference between the calculated heater coil temperature and a target heater coil temperature.
9. the control device of claim 8, further comprising a heater coil measurement sub-circuit, the heater coil measurement sub-circuit comprising a battery terminal connected to the heater coil and a test resistor arranged therebetween.
10. the control device of claim 9, wherein the heater coil measurement sub-circuit is arranged to apply a smaller power than the first power output to the heater coil to measure the first heater coil voltage.
11. the control device of claim 9, wherein the main control unit is configured to calculate the resistance of the heater coil based on the first heater coil voltage, a resistance of the test resistor, and the first off-load battery voltage.
12. the control device of claim 1, wherein the main control unit is further configured to, in the second number of steps, set the heater coil to a high voltage and measure a first on-load battery voltage before switching off the heater coil.
13. the control device of claim 1, further comprising a first transistor, wherein a pulse width modulation input switches the first transistor to apply a pulse width modulation output to the heater coil.
14. an aerosol generating device comprising the control device of claim 1.
15. a method of operating a control device of an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: in a first execution loop: applying a first power output to a heater coil for a first number of steps of the first execution loop;disabling the first power output and thereby switching off the heater coil in a second number of steps, following the first number of steps, of the first execution loop;measuring a first heater coil voltage of the heater coil in a third number of steps, following the second number of steps, of the first execution loop with a smaller power output than the first power output applied to the heater coil;pausing with the heater coil switched off for a fourth number of steps, following the third number of steps, of the first execution loop; andmeasuring a first off-load battery voltage of a battery in a fifth number of steps, following the fourth number of steps, of the first execution loop, wherein the first off-load battery voltage corresponds to the battery being in an off-load state in which a heating load is not being applied;wherein each step in the first number of steps, the second number of steps, the third number of steps, the fourth number of steps, and the fifth number of steps corresponds to a predetermined time period; andthe method further comprising calculating an updated power output based upon the first heater coil voltage and the first off-load battery voltage.
16. a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out: in a first execution loop:applying a first power output to a heater coil for a first number of steps of the first execution loop;disabling the first power output and thereby switching off the heater coil in a second number of steps, following the first number of steps, of the first execution loop;measuring a first heater coil voltage of the heater coil in a third number of steps, following the second number of steps, of the first execution loop with a smaller power output than the first power output applied to the heater coil;pausing with the heater coil switched off for a fourth number of steps, following the third number of steps, of the first execution loop; andmeasuring a first off-load battery voltage of a battery in a fifth number of steps, following the fourth number of steps, of the first execution loop, wherein the first off-load battery voltage corresponds to the battery being in an off-load state in which a heating load is not being applied;wherein each step in the first number of steps, the second number of steps, the third number of steps, the fourth number of steps, and the fifth number of steps corresponds to a predetermined time period; andfurther comprising calculating an updated power output based upon the first heater coil voltage and the first off-load battery voltage.


[en] a heating chamber (108) for an aerosol generation device (100) is provided. the aerosol generation device (100) has a heater (124) positioned externally of the heating chamber (108), and the heating chamber (108) is arranged to receive an elongate substrate carrier (114) having an aerosol substrate (128) arranged towards a first end (134) of the elongate substrate carrier (114). the heating chamber (108) comprises a tubular side wall (126) defining an interior volume and an open first end (110) through which the substrate carrier (114) is receivable into the interior volume and through which air can flow towards the aerosol substrate (128). a contact surface (168) is provided, which is exposed to the interior volume for contacting the substrate carrier (114) at or proximate to the second end of the interior volume. the heating chamber further comprises a second end (111) distal to the open first end (110). a heating region (164) is provided via which heat from the externally positioned heater (124) is applied to the heating chamber (108). the heating chamber also includes a thermal guard (166) at the second end (111) for inhibiting heat flow from the heating region (164) to the at least one contact surface (168). [en]     claims   1. a heating chamber (108) for an aerosol generation device (100), which aerosol generation device (100) has a heater (124) positioned externally of the heating chamber (108), the heating chamber (108) being for receiving an elongate substrate carrier (114) having an aerosol substrate (128) arranged towards a first end (134) of the elongate substrate carrier (114) and the heating chamber (108) comprising: a tubular side wall (126) defining an interior volume and having a first end (110), through which first end (110) the elongate substrate carrier (114) is receivable into the interior volume and air can flow towards the aerosol substrate (128), and a second end (111) distal to the first end (110); a heating region (164) via which heat from the externally positioned heater (124) is applied to the heating chamber (108); a contact surface (168) exposed to the interior volume for contacting the substrate carrier (114) at or proximate to the second end of the interior volume; and a thermal guard (166) at the second end (111) for inhibiting heat flow from the heating region (164) to the at least one contact surface (168).
2. the heating chamber (108) of claim 1, wherein the at least one contact surface (168) faces the first end (110) of the tubular side wall (126).
3. the heating chamber (108) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the thermal guard (166) comprises a first material and the tubular side wall (126) comprises a second material, the first material having a lower thermal conductivity than the second material.
4. the heating chamber (108) of claim 3, wherein the thermal guard is made of ceramic and/or the tubular side wall is made of metal.
5. the heating chamber (108) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one contact surface (168) is a surface of the thermal guard (166).
6. the heating chamber (108) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal guard (166) is annular.
7. the heating chamber (108) of any one the preceding claims, wherein the thermal guard (166) is a separate element attached to the tubular side wall (126).
8. the heating chamber (108) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact surface (168) extends from the tubular side wall (126) into the interior volume.
9. the heating chamber (108) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a base (112) at the second end (111) of the tubular side wall (126).
10. the heating chamber (108) of claim 9, wherein the heating region (164) comprises a part of the base (112).
11. the heating chamber (108) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heating region (164) comprises a part of the tubular side wall (108).
12. the heating chamber (108) of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the thermal guard (166) comprises a part of the base (112).
13. the heating chamber (108) of claim 12, wherein the thermal guard (166) extends inwardly from the base (112) towards the interior volume to provide a platform for supporting the substrate carrier (114).
14. the heating chamber (108) of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the thermal guard (166) extends across a full width of the base (112).
15. the heating chamber (108) of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the thermal guard (166) is a separate element attached to the base (112).
16. the heating chamber (108) of any preceding claim, further comprising an insert (192) comprising the thermal guard (166), wherein the insert (192) is arranged for removable insertion into the interior volume of the heating chamber (108).
17. the heating chamber (108) of claim 16, wherein the insert comprises a mesh or wire net or a plurality of rod-shaped elements.
18. an aerosol generation device (100) comprising the heating chamber (108) of any one of the preceding claims and the heater (124), wherein the heater (124) is mounted to the tubular side wall (126) and the heating region (164) is defined by a region of the tubular side wall (126) at least partially overlapped by the heater (124).
19. the aerosol generation device (100) of claim 18, wherein the heater (124) is mounted on a surface of the tubular side wall (126) facing away from the interior volume.
20. the aerosol generation device (100) of claim 18 or claim 19, comprising: an electrical power source (120); and control circuitry (122) configured to control supply of electrical power from the electrical power source to the heater (124).
21. the aerosol generation device (100) of any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising a spacer (190) for retaining the substrate carrier (114) in a central configuration within the heating chamber (108).
22. the aerosol generation device (100) of claim 21, wherein the spacer (190) is releasably coupled to the aerosol generation device (100).
23. an aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol generation device (100) of any one of claims 18 to 22 and the substrate carrier (114).


[en] the present invention is generally directed towards an aerosol generating device. more specifically, the invention is directed towards an aerosol generating device comprising an air flow channeling assembly with non-linear air flow channels. in a first aspect, the invention provides an aerosol generating device comprising a chamber configured to receive and supply heated air to an aerosol generating substrate, an air flow channeling assembly configured to deliver outside air into the chamber comprising a plurality of nonlinear air flow channels, wherein each air flow channel extends along a side wall of the chamber from an inlet opened toward the outside of the device to an outlet for discharging the delivered air to the chamber, and a heating unit configured to apply heat to the air flow channels. [en] 1. an aerosol generating device, comprising: a chamber configured to receive and supply heated air to an aerosol generating substrate;an air flow channeling assembly configured to deliver outside air into the chamber, comprising a plurality of nonlinear air flow channels, wherein each air flow channel extends along a side wall of the chamber from an inlet opened toward the outside of the device to an outlet for discharging the delivered air to the chamber; anda heating unit configured to apply heat to the air flow channels.
2. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of nonlinear air flow channels is formed by a plurality of tubes.
3. the aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of tubes is arranged as an n-tuple helix, with the number n matches the number of tubes.
4. the aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the n-tuple helix comprises at least two congruent helices.
5. the aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein windings of each of the plurality of helices are evenly spaced apart in a direction of a winding axis of the n-tuple helix and/or a distance in the direction of the winding axis of the n-tuple helix between a winding of one of the helices and a neighboring winding of another of the helices is at most 2 mm.
6. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein an outside wall of the aerosol generating device and/or the side wall of the chamber do not form part of the confining physical boundary of the air flow channel within the aerosol generating device.
7. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the air flow channel is formed by a thermally conductive material.
8. the aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the thermally conductive material comprises material with a thermal conductivity equal or larger than[embedded image]

 100 w m · k.
9. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heating unit is additionally configured to heat the side wall of the chamber.
10. the aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the heating unit.
11. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein a position of the air inlets and/or air outlets of the plurality of air flow channels are provided, respectively, in a plane perpendicular to a central axis of the chamber.
12. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the chamber comprises an opening at the bottom of the chamber that is opposite another opening of the chamber that is configured to allow the aerosol generating substrate to be at least partially or fully inserted into the chamber, the bottom of the chamber being in communication with each of the plurality of air outlets.
13. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, comprising a diffuser element arranged at the air outlets such that air exiting the air outlets passes through the diffuser.
14. the aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein the diffuser element comprises a porous material.
15. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein at least 50 percent of the length of the non-linear air flow channels extends along the side wall.
16. the aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein distance in the direction of the winding axis of the n-tuple helix between a winding of one of the helices and a neighboring winding of another of the helices is at most 0.5 mm.
17. the aerosol generating device according to claim 15, wherein an entire length of the non-linear air flow channels extends along the side wall.


[en] the invention relates to a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device. the heater assembly includes a flexible electrically insulating backing film, a flexible heating element supported on a surface of the electrically insulating backing film and a cover film positioned on the surface of the electrically insulating backing film so as to at least partially enclose the heating element between the cover film and the backing film. together the backing film, heating element and cover film form a thin film heater assembly and a layer of graphite is arranged against an outer surface of the thin film heater assembly, the layer of graphite at least partially overlapping with the heating element. the heater assembly further includes a tubular heating chamber arranged to receive an aerosol generating consumable; wherein the thin film heater assembly is wrapped around the outer surface of the tubular heating chamber with the electrically insulating backing film toward the heating chamber. in this way, the graphite layer acts to spread the heat generated by the heating element uniformly within the plane of the thin film heater assembly during use. in particular, the high thermal conductivity of graphite means that heat is spread rapidly laterally within the thin film heater assembly to prevent localised hot spots, for example is regions close to the heating element. [en]       claims   1. a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, the heater assembly comprising: a flexible electrically insulating backing film; a flexible heating element supported on a surface of the electrically insulating backing film; a cover film positioned on the surface of the electrically insulating backing film so as to at least partially enclose the heating element between the cover film and the backing film; wherein together the backing film, heating element and cover film form a thin film heater assembly; a layer of graphite arranged against an outer surface of the thin film heater assembly, the layer of graphite at least partially overlapping with the heating element; and a tubular heating chamber arranged to receive an aerosol generating consumable; wherein the thin film heater assembly is wrapped around the outer surface of the tubular heating chamber with the electrically insulating backing film toward the heating chamber.
2. the heater assembly of claim 1 wherein the layer of graphite is arranged between the electrically insulating backing film of the thin film heater assembly and the outer surface of the heating chamber.
3. the heater assembly of claim 1 wherein the layer of graphite is arranged against the outer surface of the cover film of the thin film heater assembly.
4. the heater assembly of claim 1 further comprising a second layer of graphite; wherein a first layer of graphite is arranged between the electrically insulating backing film and the outer surface of the heating chamber; and the second layer of graphite is arranged against the outer surface of the cover film.
5. the heater assembly of any of claims 1 to 4 further comprising an electrically insulating sealing layer arranged around an outer surface of the wrapped thin film heater assembly and one or more graphite layers.
6. the heater assembly of any preceding claim wherein the heating element is a planar heating element comprising a heater track which follows a circuitous path over a heating area within the plane of the heating element; wherein the layer of graphite covers an area of the surface of the thin film heater assembly which corresponds with the heating area of the heating element.
7. the heater assembly of any preceding claim wherein the layer of graphite is provided by an adhesive graphite sheet comprising a graphite layer and at least one adhesive layer.
8. the heater assembly of claim 7 wherein the adhesive graphite sheet comprises a graphite layer having a thickness between 5 and 30 microns and an adhesive layer having a thickness between 0 and 35 microns, wherein preferably the graphite layer has a thickness between 10 and 12 microns and the adhesive layer has a thickness between 5 and 10 microns.
9. the heater assembly of any preceding claim wherein the thermal conductivity of the graphite layer is between 700 and 2000 w/m.k.
10. the heater assembly of any preceding claim wherein the graphite layer comprises a graphite polymer film.
11. the heater assembly of any preceding claim further comprising a temperature sensor comprising a sensing part; wherein the sensing part is positioned in an area of the thin film heater assembly which is covered by the layer of graphite.
12. a method of fabricating a heater assembly comprising: providing a heating element supported on a surface of a flexible dielectric backing film; and attaching a layer of cover film onto the surface of the dielectric backing film so as to at least partially enclose the heating element between the cover film and the dielectric backing film, wherein together the attached backing film, heating element and cover film form a thin film heater assembly; positioning a layer of graphite arranged against an outer surface of the thin film heater assembly, the layer of graphite at least partially overlapping with the heating element; and wrapping the thin film heater assembly around the outer surface of a tubular heating chamber, arranged to receive an aerosol generating consumable, with the dielectric backing film toward the outer surface of the heating chamber.
13. the method of claim 12 wherein the layer of graphite is provided by an adhesive graphite sheet comprising a graphite layer and at least one adhesive layer and the step of positioning the layer of graphite comprises: sticking the adhesive graphite sheet to the dielectric backing film; and/or sticking the adhesive graphite sheet to the cover film.
14. the method of claim 12 or 13 further comprising: providing a cover film comprising a heat shrink layer and heating the thin film heater assembly to shrink the heat shrink layer, securing the thin film heater assembly against the tubular heating chamber.
15. the method of claim 14 further comprising sticking an adhesive graphite sheet to the outer surface of the tubular heater chamber before wrapping the thin film heater assembly around the outer surface of a tubular heating chamber.


[en] an aerosol generation device (100) comprises a heating chamber (108) having a tubular wall (114) extending around a central axis x the tubular wall defining an interior volume of the heating chamber (108). the heating chamber (108) has an open end (110) and is arranged to receive a substrate carrier (130) comprising an aerosol substrate (132) through the open end (110) into the interior volume of the heating chamber (108) along the central axis x. a heater (118) extends around the heating chamber (108) to supply heat to the heating chamber (108). the heating chamber 108 also comprises a baffle (142) having a sealing surface (143) facing out of the open end (110). the baffle (142) is arranged to deform such that the sealing surface (143) is deflected to face more towards the central axis x and hence towards a side wall of the substrate carrier (130) when the substrate carrier (130) is inserted into the heating chamber (108). [en]     claims   1. an aerosol generation device (100) comprising: a heating chamber (108) having a tubular wall (114) extending around a central axis (x), the tubular wall (114) defining an interior volume of the heating chamber (108), the heating chamber (108) having an open end (110) and being arranged to receive a substrate carrier (130) comprising an aerosol substrate (132) through the open end (110) into the interior volume along the central axis (x); a heater (118) extending around the heating chamber (108) to supply heat to the heating chamber (108); and a baffle (142) having a sealing surface (143) facing out of the open end (110), the baffle (142) being arranged to deform such that the sealing surface (143) is deflected to face more towards the central axis (x) and hence towards a side wall of the substrate carrier (130) when the substrate carrier (130) is inserted into the heating chamber (108).
2. the aerosol generation device (100) of claim 1, wherein a distance between an innermost portion of the baffle (142) and the central axis (x) is less than a distance between an inner surface of the tubular wall (114) and the central axis (x).
3. the aerosol generation device (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the baffle (142) is arranged proximate to the open end (110) of the heating chamber (108).
4. the aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the baffle (142) is resiliently deformable.
5. the aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the baffle (142) is a membrane comprising at least two portions (450) defined by a slit (452) therebetween, the portions (450) being configured to be deformably partable to receive the substrate carrier (130) into the heating chamber (108).
6. the aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the baffle (142) has at least one perforation (346) configured to allow air flow therethrough.
7. the aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the baffle (142) is arranged at least partially inside the heating chamber (108).
8. the aerosol generation device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the baffle (142) is located outside the heating chamber (108), arranged adjacent or spaced away from the open end (110) of the heating chamber (108).
9. the aerosol generation device (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the baffle (142) encircles the central axis (x).
10. the aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the baffle (142) is made from a material having a first thermal conductivity and the tubular wall (114) is made from a material having a second thermal conductivity, wherein the first thermal conductivity is less than the second thermal conductivity.
11. the aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the baffle (142) is resiliently deformable from a sealing configuration to an inflow configuration upon suction through the substrate carrier (130) by a user to permit air flow between the baffle (142) and the substrate carrier (130) into the interior volume of the heating chamber (108).
12. the aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the baffle (142) defines an opening (144) for receiving the substrate carrier (130) therethrough, wherein the opening (144) has a width smaller than a width of the substrate carrier (130).
13. the aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an electrical power source (120); and control circuitry (122) configured to control the supply of electrical power from the electrical power source (120) to the heater (118).
14. the aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating chamber (108) comprises a base (112) arranged at the opposite end of the tubular wall (114) to the open end (110), preferably wherein a distance between the baffle (142) and the base (112) of the heating chamber (1085) is approximately equal to a length of the aerosol substrate (132) carried by the substrate carrier (130).
15. an aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol generation device (100) of any one of the preceding claims and the substrate carrier (130).


[en] a container for consumer goods, such as smoking articles, has an outer housing with a hinged lid that houses an inner package of consumer goods. the inner package has an access opening through which consumer goods can be removed and that is covered by a reclosable flap attached to a first lid panel that is relatively movable to a second lid panel throughout rotation of the lid between lid open and closed positions. the reclosable flap has a hinge line about which it can move and a ratio between a first distance measured when the hinged lid is in the open position along a straight line between a lower front edge of the lid and the hinge line and a second distance that is a length along the reclosable flap between the hinge line and the free end is between 70 percent and 100 percent. [en] 1. a container for consumer goods, comprising: an outer housing comprising a box and a hinged lid rotatable between open and closed positions, wherein a lower front edge of the lid abuts a free edge of a box front wall when the lid is in the closed position;an inner package of consumer goods within the box comprising an access opening through which consumer goods can be removed; anda reclosable flap movable relative to the inner package about a hinge line and arranged to cover the access opening, the reclosable flap having a free end attached to the hinged lid;wherein, in a first open position in which a lid top wall is arranged substantially perpendicular to a box back wall, a straight line between the lower front edge of the lid and the hinge line measures a first distance;wherein a length along the reclosable flap between the hinge line and the free end measures a second distance;wherein a ratio between the first distance and the second distance is between 70 percent and 100 percent.
2. the container of claim 1, wherein the ratio is at least 75 percent.
3. the container of claim 1, wherein the ratio is no more than 95 percent.
4. the container of claim 1, wherein the hinge line is positioned at a top wall of the inner package at a distance from a top, back edge of the inner package that is at least 20 percent of a distance from the top, back edge of the inner package to a top, front edge of the inner package.
5. the container of claim 1, wherein the hinge line is positioned at a top wall of the inner package at a distance from a top, back edge of the inner package that is no more than 40 percent of a distance from the top, back edge of the inner package to a top, front edge of the inner package.
6. the container of claim 1, wherein the reclosable flap is attached to the inner package so that a portion of the reclosable flap is movable relative to the inner package during lid movement, while another portion of the reclosable flap is not movable relative to the inner package during lid movement, wherein the hinge line delimits the movable and non-movable portions of the reclosable flap.
7. the container of claim 1, wherein the access opening is provided by a cut line or a line of weakness that defines a flap in an outer surface of the inner package, wherein the hinge line of the reclosable flap substantially coincides with a hinge line of the flap in the outer surface of the inner package.
8. the container of claim 1, wherein the reclosable flap is attached to a first lid panel of the hinged lid, and wherein the first lid panel is movable relative to a second lid panel during movement of the lid between the open and closed positions.
9. the container of claim 8, wherein the first lid panel is substantially perpendicular to a lid front wall in the first open position.
10. the container of claim 8, wherein an angle between the first lid panel and a lid front wall decreases when the hinged lid is rotated from a first open position to a second open position, wherein the first open position is provided between the closed position and the second open position.
11. the container of claim 1, wherein a portion of the reclosable flap is held in a substantially flat, tensioned configuration between the hinge line and the hinged lid when the hinged lid is in the open position.
12. the container of claim 11, wherein a distance between the hinge line and the lower front edge of the lid increases when the hinged lid is rotated from a first open position to a second open position, wherein the first open position is provided between the closed position and the second open position.
13. the container of claim 12, wherein in the second open position, a top, back edge of the lid is in contact with the box back wall, wherein a ratio of the distance between the hinge line and the lower front edge of the lid when the substantially flat portion of the reclosable flap is in the second open position to the length distance between the hinge line and the lower front edge of the lid when the substantially flat portion of the reclosable flap is in the first open position is at least 1.5.
14. the container of claim 1, wherein the first and second distances are measured in a first open position in which the lid is rotated substantially 180 degrees from the closed position.
15. a method of forming a container for consumer goods, comprising the steps of: providing an inner package of consumer goods comprising an access opening through which consumer goods can be removed, the access opening being covered by a reclosable flap that is movable relative to the inner package about a hinge line;folding a blank about the inner package to form an outer housing with a hinged lid such that a lower front edge of the lid abuts a free edge of a box front wall when the lid is in a closed position;attaching a free end of the reclosable flap to the hinged lid so that a ratio between a first distance measured when the hinged lid is in an open position and along a straight line between the lower front edge of the lid and the hinge line and a second distance that is a length along the reclosable flap between the hinge line and the free end is between 70 percent and 100 percent.


[en] a holder (109) is insertable into an aerosol generation device (100) arranged for heating an aerosol substrate (128) carried by a substrate carrier (114) to generate an aerosol. the holder (109) is arranged, when inserted into the aerosol generation device (100), for receiving the aerosol substrate (128) carried by the substrate carrier (114). the holder (109) has a rim (107) defining an opening (110), the rim (107) extending around a central axis (c) at a first radial distance (r1) from the central axis (c), along which central axis (c) the substrate carrier (114) is insertable through the opening (110) into the holder (109). the holder further comprises at least two engagement elements (140), each of the engagement elements (140) having an elongate portion (144) extending generally parallel to the central axis (c) between a first end (142a) joined to the rim (107) and a second end (142b) distal from the rim (107). each engagement element (140) does not have any electrical heating element for supplying heat to the aerosol substrate (128) and each elongate portion (144) is located a second radial distance (r2) from the central axis (c), wherein the second radial distance (r2) is smaller than the first radial distance (r1). [en]     claims:   1. a holder (109) insertable into an aerosol generation device (100), which aerosol generation device (100) is arranged for heating an aerosol substrate (128) carried by a substrate carrier (114) to generate an aerosol, the holder (109) being arranged when inserted into the aerosol generation device (100) for receiving the aerosol substrate (128) carried by the substrate carrier (114) and the holder (109) comprising: a rim (107) defining an opening (110), the rim (107) extending around a central axis (c) at a first radial distance (ri) from the central axis (c), along which central axis (c) the substrate carrier (114) is insertable through the opening (110) into the holder (109); and at least two engagement elements (140), each of the engagement elements (140) having an elongate portion (144) extending generally parallel to the central axis (c) between a first end (142a) joined to the rim (107) and a second end (142b) distal from the rim (107), each engagement element (140) not having any electrical heating element for supplying heat to the aerosol substrate (128) and each elongate portion (144) being located a second radial distance (r2) from the central axis (c), wherein the second radial distance (r2) is smaller than the first radial distance (ri).
2. the holder (109) according to claim 1, wherein each engagement element (140) has a supporting portion (148) extending towards the central axis (c) from the second end of the elongate portion (144) to provide a platform for limiting insertion of the substrate carrier (114) along the central axis (c).
3. the holder (109) according to claim 2, wherein the supporting portions (148) of the at least two engagement elements (140), preferably a plurality of engagement elements, extend to meet one another.
4. the holder (109) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the engagement elements (140) is a rod.
5. the holder (109) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement elements (140) are evenly spaced around the rim (107).
6. the holder (109) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement elements (140) are spaced apart from one another by an air gap.
7. the holder (109) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a tubular side wall (126) extending around the at least two engagement elements (140), the tubular side wall (126) defining a heating chamber (108).
8. the holder (109) according to claim 7, wherein elongate elements (144) are spaced apart from an inner surface (142) of the tubular side wall (126).
9. the holder (109) according to claims 7 or 8, further comprising a base (112) located further from the rim (107) than the second end of the engagement elements (140).
10. the holder (109) according to any of claims claim 7 to 9, wherein the side wall (126) and/or base (112) is a mesh or has one or more apertures.
11. the holder (109) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end of the elongate portion (144) of each engagement element (140) has a portion sloping towards the second end of the elongate portion (144) and towards the central axis (c).
12. the holder (109) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement elements (144) comprise a material having a higher thermal transfer coefficient than the material of the rim (107).
13. the holder (109) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement elements (140) are metal.
14. the holder (109) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rim (107) is made of heat resistant plastic, preferably polyether ether ketone, peek.
15. the holder (109) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement elements (140) are parallel to the central axis (c) towards their second ends (142b).
16. the holder (109) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 15, wherein the engagement elements (140) bow inwardly in an arc having a closest approach to the central axis (c).
17. a system comprising a holder (109) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and a substrate carrier (114), wherein the second radial distance (r) is less than half the width or diameter of the substrate carrier (114).
18. an aerosol generation device (100) comprising the holder (109) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 retained in a recess in the aerosol generation device (100).
19. the aerosol generation device (100) of claim 18, wherein the holder (109) is removable from the aerosol generation device (100).
20. an aerosol generation device (100) comprising the system according to claim 17, wherein the holder (109) is retained in a recess in the aerosol generation device (100).


[en] an aerosol generation device configured to heat a consumable comprising tobacco includes: a housing; and a reel arranged to rotate on an axis of rotation within the housing so as to wind a consumable around the reel. the consumable has a winding dimension along which it is wound around the reel. the reel comprises a positioning means for positioning the consumable along the winding dimension before the consumable is wound around the reel, and the reel comprises an engagement means for engaging with the consumable when the reel rotates. [en] 1. an aerosol generation device configured to heat a consumable comprising tobacco, the device comprising: a housing; anda reel arranged to rotate on an axis of rotation within the housing so as to wind the consumable around the reel, the consumable having a winding dimension along which it is wound around the reel,the reel comprising:a positioning means for positioning the consumable along the winding dimension before the consumable is wound around the reel; andan engagement means for engaging with the consumable when the reel rotates.
2. an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the reel comprises a reel hole configured to receive an end of the consumable along the winding dimension.
3. an aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the reel hole is a slot, and the consumable is in the shape of a sheet.
4. an aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the reel hole has an end configured to position the end of the consumable.
5. an aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein a side of the reel hole is configured to engage with the consumable when the reel rotates.
6. an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, comprising a heating unit arranged on an inner surface of the housing or an outer surface of the reel.
7. an aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein the heating unit comprises one or more heating elements arranged to extend around the axis of rotation of the reel.
8. an aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein the heating unit comprises a plurality of heating elements separated from one another along the axis of rotation of the reel.
9. an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, comprising a flow channel between an inner surface of the housing and an outer surface of the reel, the flow channel being configured to allow flow of an aerosol generated from the consumable.
10. an aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein the housing comprises an insertion hole configured to allow the consumable to be inserted into the flow channel.
11. an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, comprising a protrusion and a guide groove configured to guide movement of the protrusion between a plurality of positions, wherein one of the protrusion and the guide groove is formed on the housing and the other of the protrusion and the guide groove is formed on the reel.
12. an aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein the guide groove comprises a first path which extends around the axis of rotation of the reel, and wherein, when the reel rotates, the protrusion is guided along the first path between a start position and an end position.
13. an aerosol generation device according to claim 12, wherein the guide groove comprises a second path which extends along the axis of rotation of the reel between an attached position and a detached position, and wherein the housing and the reel are configured to be attached to or detached from each other by guiding the protrusion along the second path.
14. an aerosol generation device according to claim 13, wherein the attached position of the second path is between the start position and the end position of the first path.
15. an aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein, for each of the plurality of positions, the position is an end or a corner of the guide groove.
16. an aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein, for each of the plurality of positions, the aerosol generation device comprises a respective position indicator configured to indicate when the protrusion is at the position.


[en] an aerosol generation article (2) can be used in an aerosol generation device (1) comprising a heating chamber (7), and comprises a wrapper (4) containing an aerosol generation substrate (8) and comprising a deformable circumferential portion (5) configured to be deformed from a first shape into a second shape after having been inserted and heated at a heating temperature in the heating chamber (7) during aerosol generation. [en] claims 1. aerosol generation article (2) for use in an aerosol generation device (1) comprising a heating chamber (7), said article (2) comprising a wrapper (4) containing an aerosol generation substrate (8), wherein said wrapper (4) comprises a deformable circumferential portion (5) configured to be deformed from a first cross-sectional shape into a second cross- sectional shape after having been heated at a heating temperature in said heating chamber (7) during aerosol generation.
2. aerosol generation article according to claim 1, wherein: said first cross-sectional shape corresponds to a cross- sectional shape of the heating chamber (7); and said second cross-sectional shape does not correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the heating chamber (7).
3. aerosol generation article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the deformable circumferential portion (5) is configured to expand from said first cross sectional shape into said second cross-sectional shape in at least one direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the article (2).
4. aerosol generation article according to claim 3, wherein the deformable circumferential portion (5) is configured to expand from said first cross-sectional shape into said second cross-sectional shape in a plurality of radial directions perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the article (2).
5. aerosol generation article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said deformable circumferential portion (5) comprises a shape-memory material having a shape memory effect with a transition temperature above a predefined ambient temperature.
6. aerosol generation article according to claim 5, wherein said material is a shape-memory material having a shape memory effect with a transition temperature between 50 degrees centigrade and 200 degrees centigrade
7. aerosol generation article according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said shape-memory material comprises at least one metal.
8. aerosol generation article according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein said shape-memory material is arranged in the form of a sheet or at least one wire or a combination thereof.
9. aerosol generation article according to claim 8, wherein said sheet has a flat or tubular configuration.
10. aerosol generation article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said deformable circumferential portion (5) comprises a bimetallic element.
11. aerosol generation article according to claim 10, wherein said deformable circumferential portion (5) is arranged in the form of a sheet having a flat or tubular configuration.
12. aerosol generation article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said deformable circumferential portion (5) extends along a part of an axial length of said wrapper (4).
13. aerosol generation article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said deformable circumferential portion (5) extends from an end of said wrapper (4).
14. aerosol generation article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it is in the form of a rod or a flat plate.
15. aerosol generation article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said aerosol generation substrate comprises a tobacco material or at least one polyol.
16. method for using an aerosol generation device (1) comprising a heating chamber (7), wherein it comprises inserting at least partly an aerosol generation article (2) according to any one of the preceding claims into said heating chamber (7), heating said aerosol generation article (2) at a heating temperature for generating aerosol, and removing said aerosol generation article (2) from said aerosol generation device (1) to allow said deformable circumferential portion (5) to deform to said second cross-sectional shape.


[en] an inhalation device (10) with at least one liquid jet device, such as a micro heater or resistor, having at least one nozzle to produce liquid drops on demand, wherein at least one nozzle is closable by a valve. [en] claims 1. an inhalation device (10) with at least one liquid jet device (24), such as a micro heater or resistor, having at least one nozzle to dispense liquid drops on demand in a mouthpiece (12), wherein the inhalation device (10) further comprises a valve (40); wherein the at least one nozzle is closable by the valve(40).
2. the inhalation device (10) of claim 1, wherein the liquid jet device (24) is in the form of a mems.
3. the inhalation device (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve (40) is a flap valve.
4. the inhalation device (10) of one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (40) is adapted to cover the at least one nozzle.
5. the inhalation device (10) of one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (40) is adapted to be opened by pressure applied by liquid drops ejected from the at least one nozzle and/or by a negative pressure generated by a user during inhalation.
6. the inhalation device (10) of one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (40) is biased into a state closing at least one nozzle.
7. the inhalation device (10) of one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve member (42) extends essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the inhalation device (10).


[en] an inhalation device (10) with at least one liquid jet device (24), such as a micro heater or resistor, to produce liquid drops on demand, wherein the liquid jet device (24) is replaceable; wherein the inhalation device (10) has an elongated shape with a longitudinal axis, the liquid jet device (24) being removable in a direction essentially transverse to the longitudinal axis. [en] claims 1. an inhalation device (10) with at least one liquid jet device (24), such as a micro heater or resistor, to produce liquid drops on demand, wherein the liquid jet device (24) is replaceable; wherein the inhalation device (10) has an elongated shape with a longitudinal axis, the liquid jet device (24) being removable in a direction essentially transverse to the longitudinal axis; characterized in that the liquid jet device (24) is mounted on a daughterboard (22) extending essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the inhalation device (10).
2. the inhalation device (10) of claim 1, wherein the liquid jet device (24) is in the form of a mems.
3. the inhalation device (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the daughterboard (22) is replaceable.
4. the inhalation device (10) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the daughterboard (22) is connected to a motherboard (30) by a pin and socket connection.
5. the inhalation device (10) of one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid jet device (24) is movable or made accessible by a pin or tool insertable form outside the inhalation device (10) or adapted to open a door (34).
6. the inhalation device (10) of one of the preceding claims, further comprising storage means for storing information regarding the liquid jet device.
7. the inhalation device (10) of one of the preceding claims, further comprising display means for displaying information regarding the liquid jet device.
8. the inhalation device (10) of one of the preceding claims, further comprising a reservoir (16) for containing a liquid; wherein the liquid jet device (24) and the reservoir (16) are structurally distinct.


[en] a method of manufacturing liquid-filled capsules for use in smoking articles includes providing a capsule shell defining a cavity and having an open end; dispensing a volume of liquid into the cavity through the open end of the shell, whereby a clearance is left between an upper surface of the liquid dispensed into the cavity and the open end of the shell and sealing the open end of the shell with a portion of sheet material to provide a liquid-filled capsule containing the volume of liquid. an apparatus for manufacturing liquid-filled capsules includes a holder for holding one or more capsule shells; a conveyor for moving or transporting the holder; a filling station for dispensing a liquid into a cavity of each of the capsule shells; and a sealing station for covering and sealing an open end of each capsule shell. a liquid-filled capsule is also provided. [en] 1. a method of manufacturing liquid-filled capsules for use in smoking articles, the method comprising the steps of: providing a capsule shell defining a cavity and having an open end;dispensing a volume of liquid into the cavity through the open end of the shell, whereby a space or clearance is provided between an upper surface of the liquid dispensed into the cavity and the open end of the shell; andsealing the open end of the shell with a portion of sheet material to provide a liquid-filled capsule containing the volume of liquid.
2. a method according to claim 1, wherein the clearance is at least 0.4 mm.
3. a method according to claim 1, wherein the step of dispensing the liquid into the shell comprises providing the capsule with a filling ratio above a predetermined minimum, whereby the filling ratio of the capsule is a ratio of the volume of liquid dispensed to a filling capacity of the cavity, and wherein the predetermined minimum of the filling ratio is 0.5.
4. a method according claim 1, wherein the step of sealing the open end of the shell comprises: covering the open end of the capsule shell with the portion of sheet material;fusing or bonding the portion of sheet material to seal said end of the shell; andcutting excess sheet material from the portion of sheet material at the sealed end of the shell.
5. a method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: inspecting the liquid-filled capsule or a component thereof for a manufacturing defect;identifying the capsule as defective if a manufacturing defect is detected; andrejecting a capsule identified as defective.
6. a method according to claim 5, further comprising the steps of: providing a holding device to hold the capsule shell; andconveying the holding device together with the capsule shell between at least two steps selected from the steps of: dispensing the liquid into the cavity, sealing the open end of the shell, inspecting the capsule or a component thereof, identifying the capsule as defective, and rejecting a capsule identified as defective.
7. a method according to claim 6, wherein the holding device is configured to hold a plurality of capsule shells and wherein the method includes the steps of: positioning a plurality of capsule shells on the holding device;referencing a position of each individual shell relative to the holding device; andconveying the holding device with a position reference conveyor system between at least two steps selected from the steps of: dispensing the liquid into the cavity, sealing the open end of the shell, inspecting the capsule or a component thereof, identifying the capsule as defective, and rejecting a capsule identified as defective.
8. a method according to claim 1, wherein the step of sealing the open end of the shell comprises the steps of: covering the open end of each of a plurality of capsule shells with the portion of sheet material;fusing or bonding the portion of sheet material to seal said end of each of the plurality of shells; andcutting excess sheet material from the portion of sheet material at the sealed end of each shell.
9. an apparatus for manufacturing liquid-filled capsules for use in smoking articles, comprising: a holder for holding one or more capsule shells;a conveyor for moving or transporting the holder with the one or more capsule shells;a filling station for dispensing a liquid into a cavity of each of the capsule shells held by the holder, wherein the filling station is configured to leave a pre-defined space or clearance between the liquid dispensed into the cavity and an open end of each shell; anda sealing station for covering and sealing the open end of each capsule shell with a sheet material to form a capsule.
10. an apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the filling station comprises one or more nozzles in fluid connection with a supply reservoir of the liquid, wherein each nozzle is configured to dispense a predetermined volume of the liquid to a respective one of the shells.
11. an apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the sealing station comprises: a supply roll of the sheet material, a heat-sealing device for fusing the sheet material to a rim at the open end of each shell, and a cutting device for cutting excess sheet material from the rim at the end of each capsule.
12. an apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the holder for holding one or more capsule shells comprises a tray.
13. a liquid-filled capsule for use in smoking articles, the capsule comprising: a capsule shell defining a cavity and having an end providing a filling opening; a volume of liquid contained within the cavity; and a cap which covers and seals the end; wherein a pre-defined clearance is provided between an upper surface of the liquid contained in the cavity and the end of the shell.
14. a capsule according to claim 13, wherein the pre-defined clearance 49 is at least 0.5 mm.
15. a capsule according to claim 13, wherein an end region of the shell comprises a pre-defined rupture region at which the shell is configured to break preferentially.
16. a method according to claim 3, wherein the step of dispensing the liquid into the shell further comprises providing the capsule with the filling ratio within a pre-defined range from 0.5 to 0.9.
17. an apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the sealing station further comprises a feed roller to drive the supply roll of the sheet material.
18. an apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the conveyor for moving or transporting the holder comprises one or more of a robotic conveyor arm, a conveyor belt, and a turntable.
19. an apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a rejecting station at which any defective capsule is able to be removed.
20. a capsule according to claim 13, wherein a filling ratio of the capsule is above a predetermined minimum, whereby the filling ratio of the capsule is a ratio of the volume of liquid contained to a filling capacity of the cavity, and wherein the predetermined minimum of the filling ratio is 0.5.


[en] an electronic cigarette is described which comprises an outer housing sleeve having an open end and a closed end and a functional insert comprising electrical components, wherein the functional insert is arranged to be introduced through the open end of the outer housing sleeve and is held within the outer housing sleeve. by grouping the functional electronic components together on the functional insert and by providing the device housing in the form of a sleeve, the assembly process is simplified as the functional components can be assembled in a first assembly step and then subsequently sleeved within the outer housing in a single step, thus reducing the complexity of the assembly procedure. [en] 1. an electronic cigarette comprising: an outer housing sleeve having an open end and a closed end;a functional insert comprising a battery and electronic circuitry for supplying power from the battery to a cartridge during use;wherein the functional insert is arranged to be introduced through the open end of the outer housing sleeve and is held within the outer housing sleeve.
2. the electronic cigarette of claim 1 wherein the functional insert comprises a cartridge seating for receiving a removable cartridge containing a liquid to be vaporized.
3. the electronic cigarette of claim 2 wherein the cartridge seating is arranged such that a cartridge lies fully within the outer housing sleeve when received in the cartridge seating during use.
4. the electronic cigarette of claim 1 wherein the functional insert comprises a first end positioned at the open end of the housing sleeve and a second end positioned towards the closed end of the housing sleeve, the electronic cigarette further comprising: a mouthpiece at the first end of the functional insert, the mouthpiece moveable between an open position and a closed position.
5. the electronic cigarette of claim 4 wherein the mouthpiece is moveable by a hinge mechanism connecting the mouthpiece to the first end of the functional insert.
6. the electronic cigarette of claim 5 wherein the hinge mechanism comprises an l-shaped lever which connects a central point on the mouthpiece to a point near the an edge of the first end of the functional insert.
7. the electronic cigarette of claim 1 wherein the outer housing sleeve further comprises a rim extending circumferentially around an inner surface of the sleeve at the open end, and wherein the functional insert is configured to engage with the rim.
8. the electronic cigarette of claim 7 wherein the functional insert comprises a circumferential rim extending around the outer surface of the functional insert, wherein the circumferential rim of the functional insert is arranged to contact the rim of the housing sleeve to hold the functional insert in position within the housing sleeve.
9. the electronic cigarette of claim 1 wherein the housing sleeve comprises a first aperture on an inner surface at the open end and the functional insert comprises a second, corresponding, aperture arranged to align with the first aperture to allow the housing sleeve and functional insert to be attached with a fastener through the aligned apertures.
10. the electronic cigarette of claim 1, wherein the functional insert comprises a first shell portion and a second shell portion, and wherein the first and second shell portions are configured to connect along a longitudinal interface to enclose the electronic circuitry within.
11. the electronic cigarette of claim 10, wherein the first shell portion and the second shell portion are offset in relation to each other, such that one shell portion extends further than the other in a direction towards the closed end of the housing sleeve.
12. the electronic cigarette of claim 10, wherein the first and second shell portions comprise a thermoplastic material suitable for thermoplastic or ultrasonic welding.
13. the electronic cigarette of claims10 wherein the first shell portion and the second shell portion comprise engaging structures configured to attach to each other, wherein the engaging structures provide a snap-lock or friction fit connection.
14. the electronic cigarette of claim 1, wherein the housing sleeve further comprises at least one guide rail arranged along an inner surface and the functional insert comprises a slot configured to engage with the guide rail.
15. the electronic cigarette of claim 14 wherein the guide rail further comprises an aperture for receiving a fastener to attach the insert to the housing sleeve.
16. the electronic cigarette of claim 2 wherein the functional insert comprises a first end comprising an opening to the cartridge seating and a second end at the opposite end of the functional insert, and wherein the first end of the functional insert is angled such that the functional insert has an increased length along a longitudinal line passing through the cartridge seating.
17. the electronic cigarette of claim 1 wherein the functional insert is elongate and the functional insert comprises a battery and a cartridge seating, and wherein the battery and the cartridge are positioned side-by-side along the elongate axis of the functional insert.


[en] a smoking article includes a rod including smokable material wrapped by a wrapper, a mouthpiece connected to an end of the rod, wherein a machine-readable code is printed onto an outer surface of the wrapper, the printed machine-readable code being proximate a distal edge of the wrapper. a method for manufacturing a smoking article is also provided. [en] 1. a smoking article comprising: a rod comprising smokable material wrapped by a wrapper; anda mouthpiece connected to an end of the rod;wherein a machine-readable code is printed onto an outer surface of the wrapper, the printed machine-readable code being proximate a distal edge of the wrapper.
2. the smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the machine readable code is printed with ink comprising ground tobacco.
3. the smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the ink also contains water, humectant, solvents, pigments, dyes, resins, lubricants, solubilizers, surfactants, particulate matter and/or fluorescents.
4. the smoking article according to claim 2, wherein the ground tobacco comprises a maximum particle size of 30 micro m.
5. the smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the wrapper, being a background of the printed machine-readable code, is of relatively lighter color than the machine-readable code, being a foreground, which is of relatively darker color.
6. the smoking article according to claim 1, wherein a symbol contrast between the machine-readable code and the wrapper is at least of grade c.
7. the smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the machine-readable code is a qr-code or a barcode.
8. the smoking article according to claim 5, wherein the machine-readable code comprises a margin around the machine-readable code having the same color of either the background or the foreground.
9. the smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the machine-readable code is positioned less than 5 mm from the distal edge of the wrapper.
10. a method for manufacturing a smoking article comprising a rod comprising smokable material wrapped by a wrapper, a mouthpiece connected to the rod, and a machine-readable code printed on an outer surface of the wrapper, wherein the machine-readable code is proximate to a distal edge of the wrapper, comprising the steps: printing of machine-readable codes onto a surface of a continuous wrapper material, wherein the machine-readable codes are positioned in a defined code distance to each other;forming a continuous rod by wrapping a smokable material with the continuous wrapper material, so that the surface containing the printed machine-readable codes does not contact the smokable material;forming rods by cutting the continuous rod at defined cut positions in relation to the machine-readable codes; andassembling a mouthpiece to each of the rods.
11. the method according to claim 10, wherein the step of printing the machine-readable codes uses an ink mixed of at least ground tobacco and a humectant and/or water.
12. the method according to claim 10, wherein a cutting position of the continuous rod is determined by sensing a position of the machine-readable codes with a sensor and adding an adjustable offset to the position of the machine-readable codes.
13. the method according to claim 10, wherein the machine-readable codes are printed onto the continuous wrapper material in pairs, wherein each pair consists of two of the machine-readable codes positioned next to each other along a feeding direction of the continuous wrapper material with a spacing between the two codes which is smaller than a defined distance between the pairs.
14. the method according to claim 13, wherein the continuous rod is cut at a cut position between the two codes of a pair.
15. the method according to claim 14, wherein the continuous rod is cut at a second cut position in a middle between two of the pairs.
16. the smoking article according to claim 1, wherein a symbol contrast between the machine-readable code and the wrapper is of grade a.
17. the smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the machine-readable code is positioned less than 0.5 mm from the distal edge of the wrapper.


[en] an aerosol generating device having a housing comprises a first aerosol generating unit and a chamber. the first aerosol generating unit is adapted to generate a first type of vapor from a solid substrate. the first aerosol generating unit further comprises a receiving interface for a consumable. the interface includes a plurality of heating elements with spikes that are arranged such that they are inserted into the consumable when the consumable is received by the interface. at least a part of the interface is arranged in the chamber of the housing. the spikes of the heating elements are arranged in at least two arrays and the opposing arrays of heating elements with spikes are configured to heat uniformly a region of the consumable between the opposing arrays. [en] 1. an aerosol generating device having a housing, comprising: a first aerosol generating unit adapted to generate a first type of vapor, from a solid substrate, the first aerosol generating unit comprising a receiving interface for a consumable, wherein the receiving interface comprises a plurality of heating elements including spikes arranged such that the spikes are inserted into the consumable when the consumable is received by the receiving interface, anda chamber in which at least a part of the receiving interface is arranged and in which the spikes of the heating elements are arranged in at least two arrays, andwherein the at least two arrays of the spikes of the heating elements are configured to heat a region of the consumable therebetween, and wherein the spikes at generally opposing sides of the chamber connect to each other to form a closed circuit.
2. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the chamber has a cylindrical shape and a central axis, and wherein the at least two arrays extend along a direction of the central axis or along a direction of a circumference of the cylindrical shape.
3. the aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the spikes extend along an axial or radial direction of the chamber.
4. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the spikes of the at least two arrays are arranged at the generally opposing sides of the chamber such that the consumable can be held in the receiving interface by the spikes.
5. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the spikes of the at least two arrays extend into the chamber from the generally opposing sides of the chamber, and wherein the at least two arrays are offset relative to one another.
6. the aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein the spikes at least partly overlap.
7. aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving interface comprises a temperature sensor, and wherein the temperature sensor is adapted to be inserted into the consumable.
8. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a controller, wherein at least portions of the heating elements are independently controllable by the controller.
9. the aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the chamber includes a first heating zone and a second heating zone, each comprising one or more of the heating elements, and wherein the controller is configured to control the first and second heating zones independently of each other.
10. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the spikes of the heating elements include an air duct configured to allow an airflow through the spikes into the consumable.
11. the aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the first and second aerosol generating units are connected by an air flow passage, wherein the second aerosol generating unit includes a second unit inlet for receiving the first type of vapor through the air flow passage, and wherein there is no inlet in the housing for providing air flow into the second aerosol generating unit without passing through the first aerosol generating unit.
12. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a second aerosol generating unit adapted to generate a second type of vapor, from a liquid substrate, wherein the first aerosol generating unit is arranged upstream or downstream of the second aerosol generating unit with respect to a direction of airflow through the aerosol generating device during normal operation by the user.
13. an aerosol generating system comprising: the aerosol generating device according to claim 1; andthe consumable, wherein the consumable comprises the solid substrate.
14. the aerosol generating system according to claim 13, further comprising a liquid substrate, wherein only one of the solid substrate and the liquid substrate contains nicotine
15. the aerosol generating system according to claim 14, wherein the solid substrate contains nicotine.
16. the aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the temperature sensor is a thermocouple.
17. the aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the temperature sensor is arranged at a downstream end of the receiving interface along a direction of airflow.


[en] an aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol from an elongate consumable. in the device, a heating chamber comprises a side wall, an end wall and an opening opposite the end wall. the opening is arranged to receive the elongate consumable into the heating chamber. a side heater supplies heat into the heating chamber from the side wall. an end heater supplies heat into the heating chamber from the end wall. a controller controls the side heater and the end heater. the controller activates both heaters during a first period and activates only one of the heaters during a second period. in the first period, the elongate consumable is heated to or toward at least an aerosol-generating temperature. in the second period, the elongate consumable is maintained at or above the aerosol-generating temperature. [en]       claims   1. an aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol from an elongate consumable, the device comprising: a heating chamber comprising a side wall, an end wall and an opening opposite the end wall, the opening being arranged to receive the elongate consumable into the heating chamber; a side heater arranged to supply heat into the heating chamber from the side wall; an end heater arranged to supply heat into the heating chamber from the end wall; and a controller arranged to control the side heater and the end heater, the controller being configured to activate the side heater and the end heater during a first period and to activate only one of the side heater and the end heater during a second period, wherein the first period is a time in which the elongate consumable is heated from a first temperature to or toward at least an aerosol generating temperature higher than the first temperature, and the second period is a time in which the elongate consumable is to be maintained at or raised above the aerosol-generating temperature.
2. an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the side heater or the end heater is arranged on an inner surface of the heating chamber.
3. an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the side heater and the end heater are arranged on an outer surface of the heating chamber.
4. an aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the side heater or the end heater comprises a resistive track.
5. an aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the side heater is separated from the end heater by a spacing element which is a thermal insulator.
6. an aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein the spacing element is a part of the side wall or end wall.
7. an aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a cap comprising a tubular portion arranged to allow the consumable to be inserted into and removed from the heating chamber.
8. an aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, further comprising an air flow channel arranged to allow air to flow through the consumable in the heating chamber, wherein the airflow channel comprises: an aperture through the end wall, or one or more inward protrusions from the side wall.
9. an aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, further comprising an inner chamber adapted to be removably inserted into the heating chamber and adapted to receive the consumable, the inner chamber comprising a second side wall and a second end wall.
10. an aerosol generation device according to claim 9, further comprising an air flow channel arranged to allow air to flow through the consumable in the heating chamber, wherein the airflow channel comprises: an aperture through the end wall and the second end wall, or one or more inward protrusions from the second side wall.
11. an aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to measure a temperature of the heating chamber during the second period by measuring a resistance of the one of the side heater and the end heater that is not activated during the second period.
12. a system comprising an aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim and an elongate consumable arranged in the heating chamber.
13. a controller for an aerosol generation device comprising: a heating chamber comprising a side wall, an end wall and an opening opposite the end wall, the opening being arranged to receive the elongate consumable into the heating chamber; a side heater arranged to supply heat into the heating chamber from the side wall; and an end heater arranged to supply heat into the heating chamber from the end wall, the controller being configured to activate the side heater and the end heater during a first period and to activate only one of the side heater and the end heater during a second period, wherein the first period is a time in which the elongate consumable is heated from a first temperature to or toward at least an aerosol-generating temperature higher than the first temperature, and the second period is a time in which the elongate consumable is to be maintained at or raised above the aerosol-generating temperature.
14. a method of controlling an aerosol generation device comprising: a heating chamber comprising a side wall, an end wall and an opening opposite the end wall, the opening being arranged to receive the elongate consumable into the heating chamber; a side heater arranged to supply heat into the heating chamber from the side wall; and an end heater arranged to supply heat into the heating chamber from the end wall, the method comprising activating the side heater and the end heater during a first period and activating only one of the side heater and the end heater during a second period, wherein the first period is a time in which the elongate consumable is heated from a first temperature to or toward at least an aerosol- generating temperature higher than the first temperature, and the second period is a time in which the elongate consumable is to be maintained at or raised above the aerosol-generating temperature.


[en] an inhalation device defines a receptacle for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate containing at least one vaporizable substance; an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate; a first sensor configured to generate a first signal or first data associated with a presence of at least one chemical substance in the generated aerosol; a second sensor configured to generate a second signal or second data associated with a further characteristic of the generated aerosol or of the aerosol-forming substrate or of the at least one vaporizable substance; and at least one controller configured to separately analyze both the first signal or first data and the second signal or second data to determine first and second analysis results, and configured to determine an operation mode of the inhalation device or to determine whether to alter an operation of the inhalation device based on both the first and second analysis results. [en] 1. an inhalation device comprising: a receptacle for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate containing at least one vaporizable substance;an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate;a first sensor configured to generate a first signal or first data associated with a presence of at least one chemical substance in the generated aerosol;at least a second sensor configured to generate a second signal or second data associated with a further characteristic of the generated aerosol or of the aerosol-forming substrate or of the at least one vaporizable substance; andat least one controller configured to separately analyze both the first signal or first data and the second signal or second data to determine first and second analysis results, and configured to determine an operation action or operation mode of the inhalation device or to determine whether to alter an operation of the inhalation device based on both the first and second analysis results.
2. the inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is configured to determine an operation action or mode of the inhalation device or to determine whether to alter an operation of the inhalation device based on a conjunction of the first and second analysis results.
3. the inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is configured to determine an operation mode or action of the inhalation device or to determine whether to alter an operation of the inhalation device based on a separate evaluation of both the first and second analysis results.
4. the inhalation device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one controller is configured to independently evaluate the first and second analysis results.
5. the inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is configured to analyze the first signal or first data independently of the second signal or second data.
6. the inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is configured to determine an operation mode or action of the inhalation device or to determine whether to alter an operation of the inhalation device based on a combination of the first and second analysis results.
7. the inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is configured to analyze the second signal or second data to determine an identity of the aerosol-forming substrate or of the vaporizable substance, or to validate the aerosol-forming substrate, substance or generated aerosol as suitable for the inhalation device.
8. the inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is configured to analyze the second signal or second data to determine whether an operation condition or operation behavior of the inhalation device is in conformity with a predetermined operation condition or operation behavior, or to determine whether an inhalation device element is located in a predefined position in or on the inhalation device.
9. the inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is configured to determine an operation mode or action of the inhalation device or to determine whether to alter the operation of the inhalation device based on both (i) the at least one chemical substance in the generated aerosol detected by the first sensor; and (ii) a determined identity of the aerosol-forming substrate or of the vaporizable substance determined using the second sensor, or validation or non-validation of the aerosol-forming substrate, substance or generated aerosol as suitable for the inhalation device or an operation condition or operation behavior of the inhalation device being in conformity with a predetermined operation condition or operation behavior, or an inhalation device element being located in a predefined position in or on the inhalation device.
10. the inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is configured to permit operation of the atomizer or permit continued operation of the atomizer when (i) the at least one chemical substance in the generated aerosol detected by the first sensor is determined to be a conditionally or provisionally authorized chemical substance; and (ii) a determined identity of the aerosol-forming substrate or of the vaporizable substance corresponds to an authorized aerosol-forming substrate or authorized vaporizable substance, or the aerosol-forming substrate,vaporizable substance or generated aerosol is validated as being suitable for the inhalation device, or an operation condition or operation behavior of the inhalation device is in conformity with a predetermined operation condition or operation behavior, or an inhalation device element is located in a predefined position in or on the inhalation device.
11. the inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is configured to determine (a) whether the at least one chemical substance in the generated aerosol detected by the first sensor is a conditionally or provisionally authorized chemical substance; and (b) whether a determined identity of the aerosol-forming substrate or the vaporizable substance corresponds to an authorized aerosol-forming substrate or authorized vaporizable substance, or whether the aerosol-forming substrate, aerosol-forming substance or generated aerosol is validated as being suitable for the inhalation device, or whether an operation condition or operation behavior of the inhalation device is in conformity with a predetermined operation condition or operation behavior, or an inhalation device element is located in a predefined position in or on the inhalation device.
12. the inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the second sensor is configured to directly contact the aerosol-forming substrate to perform a measurement to generate the second signal or second data.
13. the inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the first analysis result concerns user safety, and the second analysis result concerns aerosol-forming substrate identification, or vaporizable substance identification, or validation of the aerosol-forming substrate, substance or generated vapor as suitable for the inhalation device.
14. the inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor comprises or consists solely of a combustion gas sensor configured to detect the presence of at least one chemical substance in the generated aerosol.
15. the inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the second sensor comprises or consists solely of a temperature sensor, a chemical sensor, a mass sensor, a ph sensor, a photo-sensor, a hall sensor, a capacitance sensor, an optical emission sensor, or a humidity sensor.
16. an inhalation device control method, providing the inhalation device comprising: a receptacle for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate containing a vaporizable substance, an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, a first sensor configured to generate a first signal or first data associated with a presence of at least one chemical substance in the generated aerosol, at least a second sensor configured to generate a second signal or second data associated with a further characteristic of the generated aerosol or of the aerosol-forming substrate or of the vaporizable substance; and at least one controller; separately analyzing, by the at least one controller, both the first signal or first data and the second signal or second data to determine first and second analysis results; anddetermining an operation mode or action of the inhalation device or determining whether to alter an operation of the inhalation device based on both the first and second analysis results.


[en] an electronic cigarette includes an inhaler body and a removable capsule with a base, connectable to the inhaler body. the inhaler body includes a first nfc tag and the removable capsule includes a second ncf tag, the first nfc tag and the second nfc tag being configured to exchange data when the removable capsule is connected to the inhaler body. the inhaler body includes an opening for receiving the removable capsule and at least one aperture for facilitating the electromagnetic connection between the first nfc tag and the second nfc tag. [en] 1. an electronic cigarette comprising an inhaler body and a removable capsule with a base, the removable capsule being connectable to the inhaler body, wherein the inhaler body comprises a first nfc tag and the removable capsule comprises a second ncf tag, the first nfc tag and the second nfc tag being configured to exchange data when the removable capsule is connected to the inhaler body,wherein the inhaler body comprises an opening for receiving the removable capsule, andwherein the inhaler body comprises at least one aperture for facilitating an electromagnetic connection between the first nfc tag and the second nfc tag.
2. the electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture comprises two apertures diametrically opposed to each other.
3. the electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture is filled with a material that lets through electromagnetic waves.
4. the electronic cigarette according to claim 3, wherein the material is transparent to visible light.
5. the electronic cigarette according to claim 3, wherein the material is colourless transparent polycarbonate.
6. the electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the removable capsule comprises at least one element for attenuating electromagnetic noise.
7. the electronic cigarette according to claim 6, wherein the element for attenuating electromagnetic noise is a ferrite sheet.
8. the electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein that the base is made of a non-metallic material and the removable capsule further comprises at least one ferrous plug for connection with the inhaler body.
9. the electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the inhaler body is made of a non-metallic material.
10. the electronic cigarette according to claim 9, wherein the inhaler body is made of glass and/or plastic.
11. the electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the first nfc tag is disposed over at least a half of a circumference of the inhaler body and/or the second nfc tag is disposed over at least a half of a circumference of the removable capsule.
12. an inhaler body for an electronic cigarette comprising a first nfc tag, the inhaler body configured to connect to a removable capsule, the first nfc tag configured to exchange data with a second nfc tag of the removable capsule when the removable capsule is connected to the inhaler body, wherein the inhaler body further comprises an opening for receiving the removable capsule, andwherein the inhaler body further comprises at least one aperture for facilitating an electromagnetic connection between the first nfc tag and the second nfc tag.
13. the inhaler body according to claim 12, wherein the inhaler body is made of a non-metallic material.


[en] an aerosol releasing substrate for use in a heat-not-burn device is air permeable and includes tobacco particles and/or an inhalable agent, which contains at least one of a stimulant and/or a flavor, a gelling agent for gelling the aerosol releasing substrate, a degradation preventing and/or thickening stabilizer, and 30-70 percent humectant. the aerosol releasing substrate further has a soft granular texture. a method of producing a soft granular aerosol releasing substrate for use in a heat-not-burn device, which is air permeable, includes the steps: a) forming a mixture by mixing tobacco particles and/or an inhalable agent, which contains at least one of a stimulant and/or a flavor, a gelling agent for gelling the aerosol releasing substrate, a degradation preventing and/or thickening stabilizer, and 30-70 percent humectant, and b) forming a soft granular structure from the mixture. [en] 1. an aerosol releasing substrate for use in a heat-not-burn device, the aerosol releasing substrate being air permeable and comprising: tobacco particles and/or an inhalable agent, which contains at least one of a stimulant and/or a flavor,a gelling agent for gelling the aerosol releasing substrate, anda degradation preventing and/or thickening stabilizer,wherein the aerosol releasing substrate contains 30-70 percent humectant,wherein the aerosol releasing substrate has a soft granular texture.
2. the aerosol releasing substrate according to claim 1, wherein,the aerosol releasing substrate has particle sizes greater than 0.3 mm and smaller than 10 mm.
3. the aerosol releasing substrate according to claim 1, wherein,a weight of the tobacco and/or the inhalable agent is greater than 5 weight percent a weight of the aerosol releasing substrate and smaller than 70 weight percent of the weight of the aerosol releasing substrate.
4. the aerosol releasing substrate according to claim 1, wherein,the tobacco particles and/or the inhalable agent contains at least one sort of tobacco, an extract of tobacco and/or at least one non-tobacco flavoring agent, wherein the sort of tobacco has a particle size (dv90) greater than 100 micro m and smaller than 1000 micro m.
5. the aerosol releasing substrate according to claim 1, wherein,the humectant comprises glycerol, propylene glycol, ethanol and/or water.
6. the aerosol releasing substrate according to claim 1, wherein,the humectant comprises propylene glycol and glycerol, and a ratio of the propylene glycol and glycerol is between 80:20 and 20:80.
7. the aerosol releasing substrate according to claim 1, wherein,the degradation preventing and/or thickening stabilizer comprises carboxymethylcellulose and/or hydroxyalkylated carbohydrates.
8. the aerosol releasing substrate according to claim 1, wherein the degradation preventing and/or thickening stabilizer is in an amount greater than 8 percent and smaller than 30 percent by weight of the aerosol releasing substrate.
9. the aerosol releasing substrate according to claim 1, wherein,the gelling agent is a non-protein containing polysaccharide and/or comprises gellan gum, lecithin, agar and/or mixtures thereof.
10. the aerosol releasing substrate according to claim 1, where in the gelling agent is in an amount greater than 2 percent and smaller than 12 percent by weight of the aerosol releasing substrate.
11. the aerosol releasing substrate according to claim 1, wherein,a bulk density of the aerosol releasing substrate is greater than 100 kg/m3 and lower than 500 kg/m3.
12. (canceled)
13. a method of producing a granular aerosol releasing substrate for use in a heat-not-burn device, the aerosol releasing substrate being air permeable, the method comprising the steps: a) forming a mixture by mixing tobacco particles and/or an inhalable agent, which contains at least one of a stimulant and/or a flavor, a gelling agent for gelling the aerosol releasing substrate, a degradation preventing and/or thickening stabilizer, and 30-70 percent humectant, and b) forming a granular structure from the mixture.
14. the method according to claim 13, wherein,the step of forming the granular structure further comprises sieving the mixture to produce a granular texture of the aerosol releasing substrate.
15. the method according to claim 14, further comprising feeding the substrate in an extruder between the step of forming the mixture and the step of forming the granular structure, andwherein the step of forming the granular structure further comprises extruding the substrate through a die with multiple holes and cutting.
16. the method according to claim 13, wherein,the mixture is aged.
17. the method according to claim 13, wherein,the mixture is aged for 1 to 10 hours and/or at temperatures below 60 degrees centigrade
18. the method according to one of the claim 13, wherein,the step of forming the mixture and the step of forming the granular structure take place at temperatures below 60 degrees centigrade
19. the method according to claim 14, wherein,the mixture is sieved down to particle sizes greater than 0.3 mm and up to particle sizes smaller than 10 mm.
20. the method according to one of the claim 13, wherein,a bulk density of the aerosol releasing substrate is greater than 100 kg/m3 and lower than 500 kg/m3.
21. a pod containing the aerosol releasing substrate according to claim 1.