[en] a vapor generating system for an electronic cigarette comprises a main liquid store configured to contain a liquid to be vaporised, a dosing chamber configured to receive liquid from the main liquid store, and a liquid regulating arrangement configured to transfer a metered dose of liquid from the main liquid store to the dosing chamber. the vapor generating system further comprises a vaporizing unit configured to transform said metered dose of liquid into a vapor. the main liquid store and the dosing chamber are arranged in a replaceable cartridge. the cartridge is connectable to a cartridge seating of the electronic cigarette and fluidic connection between the main liquid store and the dosing chamber is only established when the cartridge is connected to the cartridge seating. [en] 1. a vapor generating system for an electronic cigarette, the vapor generating system comprising: a main liquid store configured to contain a liquid to be vaporised;a dosing chamber configured to receive liquid from the main liquid store;a liquid regulating arrangement, wherein the liquid regulating arrangement is configured to transfer a metered dose of liquid from the main liquid store to the dosing chamber; anda vaporizing unit configured to transform said metered dose of liquid into a vapor; wherein:the main liquid store and the dosing chamber are arranged in a replaceable cartridge, the cartridge is connectable to a cartridge seating of the electronic cigarette, and a fluidic connection between the main liquid store and the dosing chamber is only established when the cartridge is connected to the cartridge seating.
2. the vapor generating system according to claim 1, wherein the vaporizing unit is located inside the dosing chamber.
3. the vapor generating system according to claim 1, wherein the dosing chamber is located inside the main liquid store.
4. the vapor generating system according to claim 1, wherein the vaporizing unit is located at a bottom of the dosing chamber.
5. the vapor generating system according to claim 1, wherein the main liquid store comprises a liquid outlet, and the dosing chamber comprises a liquid inlet.
6. the vapor generating system according to claim 1, wherein the main liquid store and the dosing chamber both comprise a pierceable membrane, configured to be pierced open by the liquid regulating arrangement.
7. the vapor generating system according to claim 1, wherein the liquid regulating arrangement comprises a valve.
8. the vapor generating system according to claim 1, wherein the liquid regulating arrangement comprises a pump.
9. the vapor generating system according to claim 8, wherein a liquid transfer conduit extends from the main liquid store to the dosing chamber, and wherein the pump is arranged on the liquid transfer conduit.
10. the vapor generating system according to claim 9, wherein the vaporizing unit is located vertically below the liquid transfer conduit, and wherein the liquid transfer conduit is arranged to eject liquid onto the vaporizing unit.
11. the vapor generating system according to claim 1, wherein the metered dose corresponds to a single inhalation by a user of the electronic cigarette.
12. the vapor generating system according to claim 1, further comprising a controller, wherein the controller is configured to activate the liquid regulating arrangement in response to an activation of the electronic cigarette.
13. the vapor generating system according to claim 12, further comprising an inhalation sensor configured to detect the presence of an inhalation and to activate the vaporizing unit.
14. the vapor generating system according to claim 13, wherein the controller is configured, upon detecting a first activation of the electronic cigarette, to provide a delay between a supply of a first metered dose of said liquid and a respective first activation of the vaporizing unit.
15. the vapor generating system according to claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to determine an amount of the metered doses over time.
16. the vapor generating system according to claim 15, wherein the controller is further configured to detect depletion of the main liquid store.
17. the vapor generating system according to claim 1, further comprising a control interface, wherein a user can select and change a magnitude of the metered dose via the control interface.
18. the vapor generating system according to claim 4, wherein the vaporizing unit defines a bottom wall of the dosing chamber.


[en] an aerosol generating article (10, 94) adapted for being heated but not burnt in an aerosol generating device (12). the aerosol generating article (10, 94) comprises an aerosol generating portion (14) at or close to an air inlet end (16), the aerosol generating portion (14) comprising an aerosol generating substrate (68) for generating aerosol in use. the aerosol generating article (10, 94) further comprises a filter (18) at a mouth end (20). the aerosol generating article (10, 94) further comprises a ventilation portion (22) positioned between the aerosol generating portion (14) and the filter (18). the ventilation portion (22) comprises a plurality of ventilation holes (24) for allowing ambient ventilation air to enter the ventilation portion (22) and a one-way valve (26) associated with the ventilation holes (24). the one-way valve (26) comprises a plurality of ventilation flaps (28) each of which is associated with one of the ventilation holes (24). the ventilation flaps (28) are configured to be movable to open the ventilation holes (24) when a puff is being drawn from the mouth end (20) to allow ambient ventilation air to enter the ventilation portion (22). the ventilation flaps (28) are also configured to close the ventilation holes (24) caused by a positive pressure of aerosol inside the ventilation portion (22) when no puff is being drawn from the mouth end (20) to prevent aerosol leaking from the ventilation portion (22) through the ventilation holes (24). [en] claims 1. an aerosol generating article (10, 94) adapted for being heated but not burnt in an aerosol generating device (12), the aerosol generating article (10, 94) comprising: an aerosol generating portion (14) at or close to an air inlet end (16), the aerosol generating portion (14) comprising an aerosol generating substrate (68) for generating aerosol in use; a filter (18) at or close to a mouth end (20); and a ventilation portion (22) positioned between the aerosol generating portion (14) and the filter (18), wherein the ventilation portion (22) comprises a plurality of ventilation holes (24) for allowing ambient ventilation air to enter the ventilation portion (22) and a one-way valve (26) associated with the ventilation holes (24), wherein the one-way valve (26) comprises a plurality of ventilation flaps (28) each of which is associated with one of the ventilation holes (24), wherein the ventilation flaps (28) are configured: to be moveable to open the ventilation holes (24) caused by ambient ventilation air displacing the ventilation flaps (28) to at least partially uncover the ventilation holes (24) when a puff is being drawn from the mouth end (20) to allow ambient ventilation air to enter the ventilation portion (22); and to be moveable to close the ventilation holes (24) caused by a positive pressure of aerosol inside the ventilation portion (22) displacing the ventilation flaps (28) to cover the ventilation holes (24) when no puff is being drawn from the mouth end (20) to prevent aerosol leaking from the ventilation portion (22) through the ventilation holes (24); wherein the ventilation portion (22) has an outer wall (76) through which the ventilation holes (24) extend into the interior of the ventilation portion (22) and the ventilation flaps (28) associated with the ventilation holes (24) are integrated in the outer wall (76).
2. an aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the ventilation flaps (28) are arranged on an inside surface (30) of the ventilation portion (22).
3. an aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the ventilation flaps (28) are provided by a notched strip (32).
4. an aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein sides (102) of the ventilation flaps (28) and sides (103) of the ventilation holes (24) comprise bevelled edges (108, 110).
5. an aerosol generating article according to claim 4, wherein in a closed condition of the ventilation holes (24), the bevelled edges (108) of the ventilation flaps (28) abut against the bevelled edges (110) of the ventilation holes (110) to prevent the ventilation flaps (28) from opening outwardly from the ventilation portion (22).
6. an aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation portion (22) is part of a tubular member (34) forming a condensation chamber (36).
7. an aerosol generating article according to claim 6, wherein the tubular member (34) is a paper tube (38) which is overlaid with a wrapper.
8. an aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in at least one dimension the size of the ventilation holes (24) is from 80 pm to 500 pm.
9. an aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating substrate (68) comprises a tobacco substrate (40).
10. an aerosol generating article according to claim 9, wherein the tobacco substrate (40) contains at least 8 weight percent on a dry weight basis of an aerosol-former.
11. an aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the air inlet end (16) comprises a second one-way valve (42), the second one-way valve (42) being configured: to allow ambient ventilation air to enter the aerosol generating portion (14) when a puff is being drawn from the mouth end (20); and to prevent aerosol leaking from the aerosol generating portion (14) through the air inlet end (16) when no puff is being drawn from the mouth end (20).
12. an aerosol generating article according to claim 11, wherein the second one-way valve (42) comprises a deflector (44).
13. an aerosol generating article according to claim 12, wherein the deflector (44) is configured: to be moveable to open the second one-way valve (42) caused by ambient ventilation air displacing the deflector (44) to allow ambient ventilation air to enter the aerosol generating portion (14) through the air inlet end when a puff is being drawn from the mouth end (20); and to be moveable to close the second one-way valve (42) to prevent aerosol leaking from the aerosol generating portion (14) through the air inlet end (16) when no puff is being drawn from the mouth end (20).


[en] this invention relates to an e-vaping device comprising: an aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article oven (3) comprising, a cylindric recess (4), elongate along a longitudinal direction (x), for receiving an aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article (8) to be heated, a toroid-like retaining element (7) with a circle as surface of revolution, radially protruding inward from internal wall (43) of the recess (4) and partially inserted within an annular groove (40) in internal wall (43) of the recess (4), having a first static friction (fss) between the retaining element (7) and the aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article (8) which is higher than a second static friction (fsd) between the retaining element (7) and the annular groove (40) in the internal wall (43) of the recess (4). [en] claims e-vaping device comprising: an aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article oven (3) comprising, o a cylindric recess (4), elongate along a longitudinal direction (x), for receiving an aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article (8) to be heated, o an toroid-like retaining element (7) with a circular longitudinal cross section and with a circular longitudinal axis,, ¦ radially protruding inward from internal wall (43) of the recess (4) and partially inserted within an annular groove (40) in internal wall (43) of the recess (4), ¦ having a first static friction (fss) between the retaining element (7) and the aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article (8) which is higher than a second static friction (fsd) between the retaining element(7) and the annular groove (40) in the internal wall (43) of the recess (4). e-vaping device comprising: an aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article oven (3) comprising, o a cylindric recess (4), elongate along a longitudinal direction (x), for receiving an aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article (8) to be heated, o a toroid-like retaining element (7) with a circular longitudinal cross section and with a circular longitudinal axis,, ¦ radially protruding inward from internal wall (43) of the recess (4) and partially inserted within an annular groove (40) in internal wall (43) of the recess (4), ¦ so as to retain the aerosol generating heat-not-bum consumable article(8) once inserted within the recess (4) and so as to roll or spin around its circular longitudinal axis during insertion or removal of the aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article (8). e-vaping device according to any of preceding claims, wherein the retaining element (7) is an elastic retaining element (7). e-vaping device according to any of preceding claims, wherein: the retaining element (7): o presents a circular longitudinal cross section with one or more hollows (72) inside the circular longitudinal cross section, o or presents a circular longitudinal cross section with a central hollow (72) inside the circular longitudinal cross section. e-vaping device according to any of preceding claims, wherein the retaining element (7) has a metallic external coating. e-vaping device according to any of preceding claims, wherein: the retaining element (7) is made of metallic material for more than 50 percent, or for more than 70 percent, or for more than 90 percent, or the retaining element (7) is metallic. e-vaping device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: the retaining element (7) is also a heater of the oven (3), so as to heat the aerosol generating heat-not-bum consumable article (8) when inserted in the recess (4), being preferably: o either a resistive heater, o or an inductive heater. e-vaping device according to any of preceding claims, wherein: the oven also comprises a hall effect sensor (9) automatically detecting a deformation of the retaining element (7) when the aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article (8) is inserted in the recess (4), o the hall effect sensor (9) preferably automatically triggering heating of the aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article (8) by the heater (5, 6), when detecting a deformation of the retaining element (7). e-vaping device according to any of preceding claims, wherein the retaining element (7) comprises a helicoidal spring or is a helicoidal spring. e-vaping device according to claim 9, wherein: the helicoidal spring (7) is disposed in a toroidal shape, or the helicoidal spring (7) is disposed in a spiral shape. e-vaping device according to any of claims 9 to 10, wherein the helicoidal spring (7) is made of coils (71) which are contiguous to one another. e-vaping device according to any of preceding claims, wherein: the retaining element (7) protrudes inward from internal wall (43) of the recess (4): o so as to guide the aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article (8) when being inserted within the recess (4), o so as to tighten the aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article (8) once inserted within the recess (4). e-vaping device according to any of preceding claims, wherein: the retaining element (7): o is circular, o and preferably has its thickness which is below its external diameter, preferably has its thickness which is below half its external diameter, more preferably has its thickness which is below a third of its external diameter. e-vaping device according to any of preceding claims, wherein: the oven (3) comprises: o an elongate and cylindric recess (4), for receiving an aerosol generating heat- not-burn consumable article (8), having an open end (42) toward outside of the e-vaping device and a closed end (41) inside the e-vaping device, o a heater (5, 6) disposed close to or against said recess (4) so as to heat said aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article (8), the retaining element (7) is located closer to the open end (42) of the recess (4) than to the closed end (41) of the recess (4), and preferably closer to the open end (42) of the recess (4) than to the middle between the open end (42) and the closed end (41) of the recess (4). e-vaping system comprising: an aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article (8), an e-vaving device comprising: o an aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article oven (3) comprising, ¦ a cylindric recess (4), elongate along a longitudinal direction (x), for receiving an aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article (8) to be heated, ¦ an toroid-like retaining element (7) with a circular longitudinal cross section and with a circular longitudinal axis,, • radially protruding inward from internal wall (43) of the recess (4) and partially inserted within an annular groove (40) in internal wall (43) of the recess (4), • having a first static friction (fss) between the retaining element (7) and the aerosol generating heat-not-burn consumable article (8) which is higher than a second static friction (fsd) between the retaining element (7) and the annular groove (40) in the internal wall (43) of the recess (4).


[en] an aerosol generation device includes a vaporizable material storage portion;a tobacco article socket;a flow channel extending between flow inlet and outlet and defining a vaporizable material channel part passing through said storage portion and a socket channel part passing through said socket; anda heating system for heating a vaporizable material and a tobacco article to form mixed aerosol, including a vaporizable material heater and a tobacco article heater surrounding a tobacco article-receiving hole and being integrated into a delimiting wall delimiting said hole or adjacent to said wall.
the tobacco article heater includes heating sections arranged along said hole.
the aerosol generation device includes a control unit for controlling the activation of the heating sections according to a predefined heating profile during a vaping session. [en] 1. an aerosol generation device comprising: a vaporizable material storage portion for storing a vaporizable material;a tobacco article socket configured to receive a tobacco article;a flow channel extending between a flow inlet and a flow outlet, the flow channel defining a vaporizable material channel part passing through the vaporizable material storage portion and a socket channel part passing through the tobacco article socket; anda heating system configured to heat the vaporizable material and the tobacco article to form mixed aerosol in the flow channel, the heating system comprising a vaporizable material heater for heating the vaporizable material and a tobacco article heater for heating the tobacco article, the tobacco article heater surrounding a tobacco article-receiving hole and integrated into a delimiting wall delimiting the article-receiving hole or adjacent to the delimiting wall;wherein the tobacco article heater further comprises a succession of heating sections arranged along the tobacco article-receiving hole; andwherein the aerosol generation device comprises a control unit configured to control the activation of the heating sections according to a predefined heating profile (p) during a vaping session.
2. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, extending along a device axis (x), the vaporizable material storage portion and the tobacco article socket successively arranged along the device axis (x) or the vaporizable material storage portion and the tobacco article socket successively arranged along an axis perpendicular to the device axis (x).
3. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the flow channel extends from the flow inlet to the flow outlet according to a channel direction, the vaporizable material channel part and the tobacco article channel part arranged successively following the channel direction, the flow channel comprising a bypass section connecting the flow inlet directly to the socket channel part.
4. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco article heater is configured to heat the tobacco article at a first temperature and the vaporizable material heater is configured to heat the vaporizable material at a second temperature, the first temperature and the second temperature being distinct, the first temperature being less than 400 degrees centigrade
5. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein each heating section is configured to be activated independently from each other.
6. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the predefined heating profile (p) defines, for each heating section, an activation time interval within the vaping session during which said heating section is to be activated.
7. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein according to the predefined heating profile (p), the heating sections are configured to be activated successively from a first heating section.
8. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the predefined heating profile (p) defines, for each heating section, an activation time interval within the vaping session during which said heating section is to be activated, andwherein the activation time intervals of two successive heating sections are in part superposed within the vaping session on a superposed interval.
9. the aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein the duration of the or each superposed interval is between 5 percent and 50 percent of the duration of the activation time interval of each heating section of the two successive heating sections.
10. the aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein the succession of heating sections comprises at least three heating sections, the or each group of three heating sections comprises a first heating section, a second heating section and a third heating section arranged successively, wherein, for the or each group of three heating sections, the activation time interval of the first heating section and the activation time interval of the second heating section being in part superposed on a first superposed interval, and, the activation time interval of the second heating section and the activation time interval of the third heating section being in part superposed on a second superposed interval, the first superposed interval and the second superposed interval being disjoint.
11. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the predefined heating profile (p) defines, for each heating section, an activation time interval within the vaping session during which said heating section is to be activated, andwherein each activation time interval has a duration between 80 and 100 seconds.
12. an aerosol generation assembly comprising the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, a vaporizable material and a tobacco article.
13. the assembly according to claim 12, wherein the tobacco article is a stick or a capsule comprising tobacco or a ready-made cigarette.
14. a controlling method for controlling an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, comprising a step of activating the succession of heating sections according to the predefined heating profile (p).
15. the controlling method for controlling according to claim 14, wherein the predefined heating profile (p) defines, for each heating section, an activation time interval within the vaping session during which said heating section is to be activated, and, according to the predefined heating profile (p), the heating sections are configured to be activated successively from a first heating section; and wherein the activation the succession of heating sections comprises successively activating the succession of heating sections from the first heating section according to the predefined heating profile (p).
16. the aerosol generation device according to claim 4, wherein the first temperature is between 200 degrees centigrade and 399 degrees centigrade


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


[en] an apparatus for producing a filmic packaging material having a continuously folded portion includes a first component having a protruding part; a first roller rollable on its longitudinal axis, the first roller provided with a recess on its outer surface for receiving the protruding part; a drive mechanism for moving the material along a path in a manner such that a continuous portion of the material is drawn into the recess of the first roller by the protruding part of the first component such that the continuous portion of the material is folded, forming a continuously folded portion having an overlapping surface due to the arrangement of the protruding part of the first component in relation to the recess of the first roller; a bonding component provided downstream of the first roller arranged to adhere together the overlapping surface of the continuously folded portion of the material. [en] 1. an apparatus for producing a filmic packaging material having a continuously folded portion, comprising a first component comprising a protruding part;a first roller rollable about a longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the first roller is provided with a recess on an outer surface thereof for receiving the protruding part of the first component;a drive mechanism for moving the filmic packaging material along a path in a manner such that a continuous portion of the filmic packaging material is drawn into the recess of the first roller by the protruding part of the first component such that the continuous portion of the filmic packaging material is folded, forming a continuously folded portion having an overlapping surface due to the arrangement of the protruding part of the first component in relation to the recess of the first roller; anda bonding component provided downstream of the first roller arranged to adhere together the overlapping surface of the continuously folded portion of the filmic packaging material.
2. the apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first component is a second roller, comprising said protruding part on an outer surface thereof, said second roller pivoting about a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first roller.
3. the apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first and second rollers are arranged in such a way that each of the first and second rollers spins on its respective longitudinal axis, such that the continuously folded portion having the overlapping surface is formed when the first and second rollers feed in the filmic packaging material there-between.
4. (canceled)
5. the apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protruding part of the first component, and the recess of the first roller are provided either in a repeated interval along respective circumferences thereof or extending along their respective entire circumferences, arranged in such a way that the protruding part and the recess are complimentary to each other so as to allow for the formation of the continuously folded portion of the filmic packaging material.
6. the apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protruding part is provided in a wedge shape arranged tilted towards one side, wherein the protruding part of the first component is receivable by the recess of the first roller having a complimentary shape to the protruding part so as to allow the formation of the continuously folded portion of the filmic packaging material.
7. the apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a width of the recess is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.
8. the apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bonding component is a roller, a nozzle or a block which is rollable or static.
9. the apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bonding component is capable of exerting heat or providing a sticky material to the filmic packaging material.
10. (canceled)
11. a method of producing filmic packaging material having a continuously folded portion, comprising: a. providing a filmic packaging material in between a first roller having a recess on an outer surface thereof and a first component having a protruding part;b. feeding through the filmic packaging material between the first roller and the first component;c. drawing in a continuous portion of the filmic packaging material to the recess of the first roller by the protruding part of the first component;d. folding the continuous portion of the filmic packaging material, forming an overlapping surface of the filmic packaging material; ande. adhering the overlapping surface of the folded portion of the filmic packaging material.
12. the method according to claim 11, further comprising a step of reeling up the folded and adhered filmic packaging material.
13. the method according to claim 11, wherein the step of adhering includes heating or melting the filmic packaging material or providing a sticky material.
14. the method according to claim 11, wherein the step of providing includes providing the filmic packaging material to extend around an entire circumference of the first roller.
15. the method according to claim 11, wherein the step of providing includes the protruding part of the first component having a tipping end.
16. the method according to claim 11, wherein the filmic packaging material comprises a first face and a second face, wherein the step of adhering includes adhering the first face to the first face, or adhering the second face to the second face.
17. the apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recess of the first roller extends around an entire circumference of the first roller.
18. the apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second roller is served as an upper pressing roller.
19. the apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the width of the recess is between 0.8 mm and 3 mm.
20. the apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the width of the recess is between 1 mm and 2 mm.


[en] a cartridge for an aerosol generating device is disclosed. the cartridge has a distal end and a proximal end, and comprises: a reservoir configured to store aerosolisable liquid therein, a capillary transport element arranged to receive aerosolisable liquid from the reservoir, an air inlet configured to supply air to the capillary transport element, and one or more thermally conductive elements. the one or more thermally conductive elements are arranged around an exterior of the cartridge between the distal end and the proximal end and are configured to conduct heat into the cartridge towards the capillary transport element when the cartridge is heated within a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device. [en] 1. a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, wherein the cartridge has a distal end and a proximal end, comprising: a reservoir configured to store aerosolisable liquid therein;a capillary transport element arranged to receive aerosolisable liquid from the reservoir;an air inlet configured to supply air to the capillary transport element; andone or more thermally conductive elements, wherein the one or more thermally conductive elements are arranged around an exterior of the cartridge between the distal end and the proximal end and are configured to conduct heat into the cartridge towards the capillary transport element when the cartridge is heated within a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device.
2. the cartridge of claim 1, comprising a plurality of thermally conductive elements.
3. the cartridge of claim 2, wherein the plurality of thermally conductive elements are periodically spaced around the exterior of the cartridge.
4. the cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more thermally conductive elements each extend along the exterior of the cartridge in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge.
5. the cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more thermally conductive elements each protrude from the cartridge in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the cartridge.
6. the cartridge of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more thermally conductive elements are formed as indentations in the exterior of the cartridge.
7. the cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein the capillary transport element is located adjacent to the distal end of the cartridge, and wherein the reservoir is located adjacent to the proximal end of the cartridge.
8. the cartridge of any preceding claim, further comprising a thermally conductive mesh embedded with or on the surface of the capillary transport element.
9. the cartridge of any preceding claim, wherein the air inlet is disposed in the distal end of the cartridge, and further comprising: an air outlet disposed in the proximal end of the cartridge; andan airflow passage that connects the air inlet to the air outlet via the capillary transport element.
10. the cartridge of claim 9, wherein the capillary transport element is formed as an annular cylinder that is in contact with the one or more thermally conductive elements, and wherein the airflow passage extends along the central axis of the capillary transport element.
11. the cartridge of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the reservoir is formed as an annular cylinder, and wherein the airflow passage extends along the central axis of the reservoir.
12. the cartridge of any of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a mouthpiece located at the proximal end of the cartridge, wherein the air outlet is disposed in the mouthpiece.
13. an aerosol generating system comprising: a cartridge according to any preceding claim; andan aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber configured to receive the cartridge such that heat is transferred from the heating chamber to the one or more thermally conductive elements of the cartridge.
14. the aerosol generating system of claim 13, wherein the heating chamber is substantially tubular and comprises one or more internal grooves configured to interface with the one or more thermally conductive elements of the cartridge.
15. the aerosol generating system of claim 13, wherein the heating chamber is substantially tubular and comprises one or more internal ridges configured to interface with the one or more thermally conductive elements of the cartridge.


[en] an aerosol generation device includes a power system and a controller. the power system includes a supercapacitor moduleand a battery module, and is connectable to an external power source. the controller is configured control a pulse-charging regime of the power system by controlling a first power flow from the external power source to the power system to cyclically switch the first power flow between charging the battery module in a first time period and not charging the battery module in a second time period in a pulse-charging manner, and controlling a second power flow between the supercapacitor module and battery module to charge the battery module from the supercapacitor module in the first time period. [en] 1. an aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device comprising: a power system comprising a supercapacitor module and a battery module, the power system connectable to an external power source; anda controller, wherein the controller is configured to control a pulse-charging regime of the power system by:controlling a first power flow from the external power source to the power system, wherein controlling the first power flow from the external power source to the power system comprises cyclically switching the first power flow between charging the battery module in a first time period and not charging the battery module in a second time period in a pulse-charging manner; andcontrolling a second power flow between the supercapacitor module and battery module, wherein controlling the second power flow between the supercapacitor module and the battery module comprises charging the battery module from the supercapacitor module in the first time period.
2. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein controlling the first power flow further comprises charging the supercapacitor module from the external power source during the second time period.
3. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein controlling the first power flow further comprises not charging the supercapacitor module from the external power source during the first time period.
4. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein controlling the second power flow further comprises not charging the battery module from the supercapacitor module in the second time period.
5. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the first power flow comprises a substantially constant current flow into the power system.
6. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the battery module comprises at least one battery and/or at least one removable power bank.
7. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the supercapacitor module contains two or more supercapacitors connected in series.
8. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the power system comprises the supercapacitor module connected in parallel with the battery module, with a voltage converter connected between the supercapacitor module and the battery module.
9. the aerosol generation device of claim 8, wherein the voltage converter is configured to step-down the voltage of the second power flow from supercapacitor module to battery module in the first time period.
10. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the power system further comprises a first switching means connected between the battery module and the supercapacitor module, wherein the first switching means is controlled by the controller to switch between charging the battery module in a first time period and not charging the battery module in a second time period.
11. a system comprising the aerosol generation device of claim 1, and the external power source.
12. the system of claim 11, wherein the external power source is a power adapter connectable to a mains supply and/or a power bank, a docking station configured to receive the aerosol generation device, or a portable charging case configured to receive the aerosol generation device.
13. a method of controlling a pulse-charging regime of a power system of an aerosol generation device, the power system comprising a supercapacitor module and a battery module and connectable to an external power source and the method comprising: controlling a first power flow from the external power source to the power system, wherein controlling the first power flow from the external power source to the power system comprises cyclically switching the first power flow between charging the battery module in a first time period and not charging the battery module in a second time period in a pulse-charging manner; andcontrolling a second power flow between the supercapacitor module and battery module, wherein controlling the second power flow between the supercapacitor module and the battery module comprises charging the battery module from the supercapacitor module in the first time period.
14. a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that when executed by one or more processors of a controller configured for operation with an aerosol generation device power system comprising a supercapacitor module and a battery module, connectable to an external power source, cause the one or more processors to control a pulse-charging regime of a power system by: controlling a first power flow from the external power source to the power system, wherein controlling the first power flow from the external power source to the power system comprises cyclically switching the first power flow between charging the battery module in a first time period and not charging the battery module in a second time period in a pulse-charging manner; andcontrolling a second power flow between the supercapacitor module and battery module, wherein controlling the second power flow between the supercapacitor module and the battery module comprises charging the battery module from the supercapacitor module in the first time period.


[en] a cartridge for a vapour generating system includes a reservoir for storing a vapour generating liquid. a method of filling the cartridge includes: (i) introducing (s1) a vapour generating liquid into the reservoir via a first opening; (ii) venting (s2) air from the reservoir via a second opening during step (i); and (iii) positioning (s3) first and second valves in the corresponding first and second openings to seal the first and openings to prevent the escape of vapour generating liquid from the reservoir through the first and second openings. [en] 1. a method of filling a cartridge for a vapour generating system, the cartridge comprising a reservoir for storing a vapour generating liquid, the method comprising: (i) introducing a vapour generating liquid into the reservoir via a first opening;(ii) venting air from the reservoir via a second opening during step (i); and(iii) positioning first and second valves in the corresponding first and second openings to seal the first and second openings to prevent the escape of vapour generating liquid from the reservoir through the first and second openings.
2. the method according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge further comprises a vaporization chamber, and step (iii) comprises positioning first and second one-way valves in the corresponding first and second openings to seal the first and second openings to prevent the escape of vapour generating liquid from the reservoir and to allow air to flow to the vaporization chamber through the first and second one-way valves.
3. the method according to claim 2, wherein the cartridge further comprises first and second air inlets in communication with the vaporization chamber, and step (iii) comprises positioning the first and second one-way valves in the corresponding first and second air inlets to permit airflow through the first and second air inlets to the vaporization chamber.
4. the method according to claim 3, wherein each of the first and second one-way valves includes a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion, and step (iii) comprises: positioning the first sealing portion of each first and second one-way valve in the corresponding first and second opening to seal the first and second openings; and positioning the second sealing portion of each first and second one-way valve in the corresponding first and second air inlet to allow one-way airflow through the first and second air inlets to the vaporization chamber.
5. the method according to claim 4, wherein the second sealing portion is positioned upstream of the first sealing portion in an airflow direction towards the vaporization chamber.
6. the method according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge includes a proximal end and a distal end, the first and second openings are positioned at the distal end, and steps (i) and (ii) are performed with the cartridge oriented such that the distal end is positioned above the proximal end.
7. the method according to claim 1, wherein step (i) comprises introducing the vapour generating liquid into the reservoir via a filling needle or a filling tube.
8. a cartridge for a vapour generating system, the cartridge comprising: a reservoir configured to store a vapour generating liquid;a first opening configured for introducing vapour generating liquid into the reservoir; anda second opening configured for venting air from the reservoir during the introduction of vapour generating liquid into the reservoir via the first opening;wherein the cartridge further comprises a vaporization chamber and first and second one-way valves positioned in the first and second openings, respectively, to prevent the escape of liquid from the reservoir through the first and second openings and to allow air to flow to the vaporization chamber through the first and second one-way valves.
9. the cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the cartridge further comprises first and second air inlets in communication with the vaporization chamber, and the first and second one-way valves are positioned in the first and second air inlets, respectively, to permit airflow through the first and second air inlets to the vaporization chamber.
10. the cartridge according to claim 9, wherein each of the first and second one-way valves include a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion, the first sealing portion of each first and second one-way valve is positioned in the corresponding first and second opening to seal the first and second openings, and the second sealing portion of each first and second one-way valve is positioned in the corresponding first and second air inlet to allow one-way airflow through the first and second air inlets to the vaporization chamber.
11. the cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the second sealing portion is positioned upstream of the first sealing portion in an airflow direction towards the vaporization chamber.
12. the cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the cartridge includes a proximal end and a distal end, and the first and second openings are positioned at the distal end.
13. a vapour generating system comprising: a base part having at least one heating element; anda cartridge according to claim 8 thermically connected to the base part.
14. the vapour generating system according to claim 13, wherein the cartridge includes a heat transfer unit and the heating element is separated from the vaporization chamber by the heat transfer unit.


[en] the invention relates to a method for operating an aerosol generating device comprising: - an aerosol generating unit adapted to transform an aerosolisable liquid into aerosol comprising a micro electro-mechanical system (mems) comprising a microfluidic die and, - at least one exchangeable liquid cartridge in fluid connection to the aerosol generating unit. the method is characterized by operating the micro electro-mechanical system with a control unit, which operates a cleaning operation of the microfluidic die. the liquid contained in the die is aerosolized and ejected from the die with a cleaning unit comprising means for cleaning the die. [en]

claims a method for operating (100) an aerosol generating device (24) comprising: an aerosol generating unit (5) adapted to transform an aerosolisable liquid into aerosol comprising a micro electro-mechanical system (mems) (20) comprising a microfluidic die (7a) and, at least one exchangeable liquid cartridge (1) in fluid connection to the aerosol generating unit (5), characterized by operating (100) the micro electro-mechanical system (20) with a control unit (25), which operates (101) a cleaning operation of the microfluidic die (7a), wherein the liquid contained in the die (7a) is aerosolized (102) and ejected (103) from the die (7a) with a cleaning unit (26) comprising means (27) for cleaning the die (7a), wherein the cleaning means (27) comprise a closing plate (11) for opening or closing an aerosol channel (4) through which the liquid is ejected and/or an absorbing material (16) configured to collect the aerosolized liquid ejected from the die (7a). the method according to claim 1, characterized by delaying (104) the cleaning operation, wherein the cleaning operation is practicable only when the aerosol generating device (24) is charged to an external electrical supply source. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by operating (101) the cleaning operation after the liquid cartridge (1) is disconnected from the aerosol generating unit (5), wherein the control unit (25) receives (105) a disconnecting signal from a detector (28) comprised in the micro electro-mechanical system (20). the method according to claim 3, characterized by operating (101) the cleaning operation, wherein a second cartridge (1) is connected to aerosol generating unit (5), wherein the control unit (25) receives (106) a connecting signal from the detector (28). the method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by receiving (107) a cleaning signal for operating the cleaning operation by a user’s action on the aerosol generating device (24). the method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning operation comprises a pulsating operation, wherein the micro electromechanical system (20) generates a number of aerosol cycles. the method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by collecting (108) the aerosolized and ejected liquid from the die (7a) on an absorbing material (16). the method according to claim 7, characterized in that the absorbing material (16) is positioned on the second exchangeable cartridge (1) replacing the first exchangeable cartridge (1). the method according to claims 7 or 8, characterized by absorbing (108) the aerosolized and ejected liquid from the die (7a) with the absorbing material (16), wherein the absorbing material (16) is positioned on a cover (10) of an aerosol channel (4) of the exchangeable cartridge (1). the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by ejecting (109) the aerosolized liquid from the die (7a) to ambient air. 19 the method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by supplying (110) a cleaning liquid from a cleaning cartridge (1a) to the microfluidic die (7a) and ejecting (103) the cleaning liquid therefrom, wherein the cleaning cartridge (1a) is mounted on the aerosol generating unit (5). an aerosol generating device (24) comprising an aerosol generating unit (5) and at least one exchangeable liquid cartridge (1), which is in fluid connection to the aerosol generating unit (5), wherein the aerosol generating unit (5) is adapted to transform an aerosolisable liquid into aerosol comprising a micro electro-mechanical system (mems) (20) comprising a microfluidic die (7a), characterized in that the micro electro-mechanical system (20) comprises a control unit (25) for operating a cleaning operation of the microfluidic die (7a) and a cleaning unit (26) comprising means (27) for cleaning the die (7a). the aerosol generating device (24) according to claim 12, characterized in that the control unit (25) comprises a detector (28) for detecting a mechanical and/or fluid connectivity between the aerosol generating unit (5) and at least one exchangeable liquid cartridge (1). the aerosol generating device (24) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the aerosol generating device (24) further comprises a second liquid cartridge (1) and/or a cleaning cartridge (1a) comprising a cleaning fluid, preferably deionised water. the aerosol generating device (24) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the aerosol generating unit (5) and/or the liquid cartridge (1, 1a) further comprises an absorbing material (16).


[en] a method for continuously manufacturing aerosol generating articles includes: (i) providing a continuous web or a continuous strip of an aerosol generating substrate having a substantially flat surface; (ii) providing a continuous web of susceptor material; (iii) intermittently applying an adhesive to a surface of the continuous web of susceptor material to form adhesive areas on the surface; (iv) continuously cutting the continuous web of susceptor material at positions between the adhesive areas to form at least one susceptor patch; (v) adhering the susceptor patch to the substantially flat surface of the continuous web or the continuous strip of aerosol generating substrate; and (vi) forming the continuous web or the continuous strip of aerosol generating substrate and the at least one susceptor patch adhered to the surface thereof into a continuous rod [en] 1. a method for continuously manufacturing aerosol generating articles, the method comprising: (i) providing a continuous web or a continuous strip of an aerosol generating substrate, the continuous web or the continuous strip having a substantially flat surface;(ii) providing a continuous web of susceptor material;(iii) intermittently applying an adhesive to a surface of the continuous web of susceptor material to form adhesive areas on the surface;(iv) continuously cutting the continuous web of susceptor material at positions between the adhesive areas to form at least one susceptor patch;(v) adhering the at least one susceptor patch to the substantially flat surface of the continuous web or the continuous strip of aerosol generating substrate; and(vi) forming the continuous web or the continuous strip of aerosol generating substrate and the susceptor patch adhered to the surface thereof into a continuous rod.
2. the method according to claim 1, wherein step (iv) comprises continuously cutting the continuous web of susceptor material at positions between the adhesive areas to form a plurality of susceptor patches.
3. the method according to claim 1, wherein step (iii) comprises intermittently applying the adhesive to the surface of the continuous web of susceptor material across substantially a full width of the web of susceptor material.
4. the method according to claim 3, wherein the method comprises, after step (v) and prior to step (vi), heating the adhesive to cure or set the adhesive.
5. the a-method according to claim 1, wherein step (v) comprises pressing the at least one susceptor patch onto the substantially flat surface of the continuous web or the continuous strip.
6. the a-method according to claim 5, wherein the pressing step is performed using a cam roller.
7. the a-method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one susceptor patch has a length of between 5 mm and 50 mm.
8. the a-method according to claim 1, wherein the substantially flat surface of the continuous web or the continuous strip of aerosol generating substrate provided in step (i) includes a centre line, and step (v) comprises adhering the at least one susceptor patch to the substantially flat surface substantially along the centre line.
9. the a-method according to claim 2, wherein step (v) comprises consecutively adhering the plurality of susceptor patches to the substantially flat surface of the continuous web or the continuous strip of aerosol generating substrate with a predefined and constant spacing between each successive susceptor patch and step (vi) comprises forming the continuous web or the continuous strip of aerosol generating substrate and the susceptor patches into the continuous rod.
10. the a-method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: .(vii) cutting the continuous rod to form a plurality of individual aerosol generating articles.
11. the method according to claim 10, wherein each individual aerosol generating article comprises at least one susceptor patch.
12. the a-method according to claim 9, wherein the method further comprises: (vii) cutting the continuous rod to form a plurality of individual aerosol generating articles, andwherein step (vii) comprises cutting the continuous rod at a position between adjacent susceptor patches.
13. the a-method according to claim 12, wherein step (vii) comprises cutting the continuous rod substantially at a midpoint between adjacent susceptor patches.
14. the method according to claim 2, wherein step (iii) comprises intermittently applying the adhesive to the surface of the continuous web of susceptor material across substantially a full width of the web of susceptor material.
15. the method according to claim 9, wherein the method further comprises: (vii) cutting the continuous rod to form a plurality of individual aerosol generating articles,wherein each individual aerosol generating article comprises at least one susceptor patch, andwherein step (vii) comprises cutting the continuous rod at a position between adjacent susceptor patches.


[en] a substrate carrier (1) for use with an aerosol generation device (100) comprises: a first end (2) comprising a mouthpiece (10); a second end (3) opposite the first end; a substrate (20) arranged towards the second end; and a heat-retaining portion (21) arranged between at least part of the substrate and the first end, wherein the heat- retaining portion is a portion of the substrate having a higher density than at least one upstream portion of the substrate, and is configured to inhibit heat transfer from the substrate toward the first end. by configuring the substrate carrier in this manner, the substrate may be efficiently heated by an aerosol generation device during use. [en]       claims   1. a substrate carrier for use with an aerosol generation device, the substrate carrier comprising: a first end comprising a mouthpiece; a second end opposite the first end; a substrate arranged towards the second end; and a heat-retaining portion arranged between at least part of the substrate and the first end, wherein the heat-retaining portion comprises a portion of the substrate having a higher density than at least one upstream portion of the substrate, and is configured to inhibit heat transfer from the substrate toward the first end.
2. the substrate carrier of claim 1, wherein the heat-retaining portion comprises a portion of the substrate closest to the first end of the substrate carrier.
3. the substrate carrier of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an aerosol collection region arranged between the substrate and the first end.
4. the substrate carrier of claim 2 or 3, wherein the heat-retaining portion additionally comprises a high-density portion of the aerosol collection region having a higher density than at least one downstream portion of the aerosol collection region, wherein the high-density portion of the aerosol collection region is adjacent to the substrate.
5. the substrate carrier of claim 3 or 4, wherein the aerosol collection region comprises a hollow tube.
6. the substrate carrier of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second heat-retaining portion arranged at an end of the substrate closest to the second end of the substrate carrier, and configured to inhibit heat transfer from the substrate.
7. the substrate carrier of claim 6, wherein the second heat-retaining portion comprises a portion of the substrate having a higher density than at least one downstream portion of the substrate.
8. the substrate carrier of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cooling region arranged between the substrate and the first end of the substrate carrier.
9. the substrate carrier of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate is arranged along less than 50 percent of a length of the substrate carrier.
10. the substrate carrier of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate has a density which varies along its length.
11. the substrate carrier of claim 10, wherein the density of the substrate progressively changes across the length of the substrate, and wherein a highest substrate density is at or near the end of the substrate closest to the first end of the substrate carrier.
12. the substrate carrier of any preceding claim, wherein the density of the substrate is greater than or equal to 0.26 mg/mm3 and less than or equal to 0.8 mg/mm3.
13. the substrate carrier of claim 12, wherein the density of the heat-retaining portion is greater than or equal to 0.4 mg/mm3.
14. the substrate carrier of claim 13, wherein the density of the heat-retaining portion is greater than or equal to 0.5 mg/mm3.
15. the substrate carrier of claim 14, wherein the density of the heat-retaining portion is greater than or equal to 0.6 mg/mm3.
16. the substrate carrier of any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the density of the substrate upstream of the heat-retaining portion is less than or equal to 0.5 mg/mm3.
17. the substrate carrier of any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the density of the substrate upstream of the heat-retaining portion is less than or equal to 0.45 mg/mm3.
18. the substrate carrier of any of claims 12 to 17, wherein the density of the substrate upstream of the heat-retaining portion is less than or equal to 0.4 mg/mm3.
19. the substrate carrier of any preceding claim, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a filter.
20. an aerosol generation device, comprising: a substrate carrier according to any one of the preceding claims; a heating chamber configured to receive the second end of the substrate carrier; an electrical power source; a heater arranged to supply heat to the heating chamber; and control circuitry configured to control the supply of electrical power from the electrical power source to the heater, wherein an opening of the heating chamber is aligned with a part of the heat-retaining portion of the substrate carrier when the substrate carrier is received in the heating chamber.
21. the aerosol generation device of claim 20, wherein the heating chamber comprises a heat-retaining portion for inhibiting heat transfer from the substrate of the substrate carrier.
22. the aerosol generation device of claim 21, wherein the heat-retaining portion of the heating chamber is aligned with the heat-retaining portion of the substrate carrier.
23. the aerosol generation device of any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the heating chamber comprises one or more compression elements arranged to extend from an interior surface of the heating chamber such that a width of the heating chamber is reduced in at least one direction.
24. the aerosol generation device of claim 23, wherein the heat-retaining portion of the substrate carrier is at least partially aligned with an upper end of the one or more compression elements.


[en] an aerosol generating device includes a power source (10) and an oscillating circuit (36) configured to generate a time varying electromagnetic field for inductively heating a susceptor (20). a frequency generating circuit of a controller (12a) comprises a variable frequency oscillator vfo (32) including a supply voltage terminal configured to receive a regulated supply voltage, a set terminal, and an oscillator output terminal configured to provide an output signal having a frequency that is determined by the resistance between the supply voltage terminal and the set terminal. the frequency generating circuit also includes a switching circuit (34) electrically connected to the power source (10) and configured to drive the oscillating circuit (36) at an operating frequency determined by the frequency of the output signal of the vfo (32). a variable resistive component such as a thermistor (40) is electrically connected between the supply voltage terminal and the set terminal of the vfo (32). [en] claims 1. an aerosol generating device (2) comprising: a power source (10); an oscillating circuit (36) configured to generate a time varying electromagnetic field for inductively heating a susceptor (20); and a frequency generating circuit comprising: a variable frequency oscillator vfo (32) comprising: - a supply voltage terminal configured to receive a supply voltage;- a set terminal; and - an oscillator output terminal configured to provide an output signal having a frequency that is determined by an input signal into the set terminal; a switching circuit (34) electrically connected to the power source (10) and configured to drive the oscillating circuit (36) at an operating frequency determined by the frequency of the output signal of the vfo (32); and a variable resistive component (40; 42) electrically connected to the set terminal of the vfo (32).
2. an aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 1, further comprising a voltage regulator (30) electrically connected to the power source (10) and including a voltage regulator output terminal configured to provide a regulated supply voltage, wherein the supply voltage terminal of the vfo (32) is electrically connected to the voltage regulator output terminal.
3. an aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the variable resistive component is a thermistor (40) having an internal resistance that varies with temperature.
4. an aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 3, further comprising a heating chamber or an aerosol generating space (14), and wherein the thermistor (40) is mounted on a surface of the heating chamber or aerosol generating space (14).
5. an aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a control unit (44), and wherein the variable resistive component is a digital potentiometer (42) having a resistance that is selectively varied by the control unit (44).
6. an aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 5, wherein the digital potentiometer (42) comprises a first potentiometer terminal electrically connected to the set terminal of the vfo (32), a second potentiometer terminal electrically connected to the supply voltage terminal of the vfo (32), and a data terminal configured to receive command data from the control unit (44) for selectively varying the resistance of the digital potentiometer (42).
7. an aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the control unit (44) is configured to vary the resistance of the digital potentiometer based on an estimated or determined impedance value of the oscillating circuit.
8. an aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 7, further comprising a voltage sensor (46) configured to provide voltage measurements and a current sensor (48) configured to provide current measurements, wherein the voltage and current measurements are used to estimate or determine the impedance value of the oscillating circuit.
9. an aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 8, further comprising a divider (54) configured to receive the voltage and current measurements provided by the voltage and current sensors (46, 48) and to output an impedance value to the control unit (44) that is determined using the voltage and current measurements.
10. an aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 9, further comprising a first low pass filter (50) connected between the voltage sensor (46) and the divider (54).
11. an aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 9 or claim 10, further comprising a second low pass filter (52) connected between the current sensor (48) and the divider (54).
12. an aerosol generating device (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein the switching circuit (34) is an inverter.
13. an aerosol generating system (1) for generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the system (1) comprising an aerosol generating device (2) according to any preceding claim, and an aerosol generating article (16) comprising a susceptor (20) and aerosol generating material (18).
14. a method for controlling the heating of a susceptor (20) of an aerosol generating system (1) for generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the system (1) comprising: a power source (10); an oscillating circuit (36) configured to generate a time varying electromagnetic field for inductively heating the susceptor (20); and a frequency generating circuit comprising a vfo (32), a switching circuit (34) electrically connected to the power source (10), and a variable resistive component (40; 42); the method comprising controlling the vfo (32) to provide an output signal having a frequency that is determined by the resistance of the variable resistance component (40; 42) and driving the oscillating circuit (36) at an operating frequency determined by the frequency of the output signal of the vfo (32).
15. a method according to claim 14, wherein the variable resistive component is a thermistor (40) having an internal resistance that varies with temperature or a digital potentiometer (42) having a resistance that is selectively varied.


[en] a smoking article includes a filter section including a filter material and at least one capsule including a shell. the capsule includes a liquid contained by the shell in the capsule, which further includes at least one carrier fluid and/or at least one flavored fluid arranged inside the crushable shell. the filter section includes a tobacco product, wherein the tobacco product includes tobacco particles with an average size of 30 micro m or less. the tobacco product is arranged inside the filter material, in a plug wrap, in at least one wrapping and/or inside the capsule. a filter section including the tobacco product and a method of manufacturing a smoking article with such a filter section are also provided. [en] 1. a smoking article comprising a filter section comprising a filter material and at least one capsule comprising a shell, wherein each of the at least one capsule comprises a liquid contained by the shell in the capsule comprising at least one carrier fluid and/or at least one flavored fluid arranged inside the shell, wherein the shell of the capsule is crushable, wherein the filter section comprises a tobacco product, wherein the tobacco product comprises tobacco particles with an average size of 30 micro m or less, wherein the tobacco product is arranged inside the filter material, in a plug wrap, in at least one wrapping, and/or inside the capsule.
2. the smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the filter section comprises a cavity, wherein the cavity comprises at least in part the tobacco product.
3. the smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco product is activatable with the liquid.
4. the smoking article according to claim 2, wherein the cavity comprises the at least one capsule.
5. the smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the plug wrap comprises the tobacco product.
6. the smoking article according to claim 4, wherein the smoking article is smokable without crushing the capsule.
7. a filter section comprising a filter material and a capsule, which comprises a shell and a liquid contained by the shell in the capsule, wherein the liquid comprises at least one carrier fluid and/or at least one flavored fluid, wherein the shell of the capsule is crushable, wherein the filter section comprises a tobacco product, wherein the tobacco product comprises tobacco particles with an average size of 30 micro m or less, wherein the tobacco product is arranged inside the filter material, in a plug wrap, in at least one wrapping and/or inside the capsule.
8. the filter section according to claim 7, wherein the capsule comprises the tobacco product, which is dispersed inside of the capsule in the liquid and/or arranged on an outside surface of the shell.
9. the filter section according to claim 7, wherein the shell of the capsule comprises hydrocolloid.
10. the filter section according to claim 7, wherein the capsule is configured to releases the liquid in a predefined direction.
11. the filter section according to claim 7, wherein a viscosity of the liquid in the capsule is in a range of 0.3 mpas to 3 m pas.
12. a method for manufacturing a smoking article comprising a filter section, which comprises at least one filter material and at least one capsule, wherein each of the at least one capsule comprises a shell and a liquid contained by the shell in the capsule comprising at least one carrier fluid and/or at least one flavored fluid, wherein the shell of the capsule is crushable, comprising steps of: arranging a tobacco product in the at least one filter material, in the at least one capsule, on the at least one capsule, in a plug wrap, and/or in at least one wrapping;providing a consumable material rod;arranging the at least one capsule in the filter section;wrapping the filter section in at least one wrapping; andarranging the wrapped filter section at an end of the consumable material rod.
13. the method for manufacturing a smoking article according to claim 12, wherein the at least one capsule is arrangeable in the at least one filter material of the filter section.
14. the method for manufacturing a smoking article according to claim 13, further comprising: arranging the at least one capsule between two of the at least one filter materials, thereby creating the cavity.
15. the filter section according to claim 7, wherein the shell of the capsule comprises hydrocolloid, and gellan gum, agar, carrageenans, pectins, 6rabic gum, ghatti gum, pullualan gum, mannan gum and/or modified starch.
16. the filter section according to claim 7, wherein the shell of the capsule comprises a mixture of hydrocolloids and gelatin.
17. the filter section according to claim 7, wherein a viscosity of the liquid in the capsule is in a range of 3 mpas to 10 mpas.
18. the filter section according to claim 7, wherein a viscosity of the liquid in the capsule is in a range of 10 mpas to 100 mpas.


[en] a cartridge for an aerosol generating device includes a reservoir for containing an aerosol generating liquid, an inductively heatable susceptor for heating the aerosol generating liquid, and a liquid transfer element configured to convey aerosol generating liquid from the reservoir towards the inductively heatable susceptor. the inductively heatable susceptor includes a susceptor ring extending around the liquid transfer element. the cartridge includes a recess configured for receiving, in a releasable connection a coil support having an induction coil of an aerosol generating device. an aerosol generating device, and an aerosol generating system including the aerosol generating device and a cartridge releasably connected to the aerosol generating device, are also described. [en] 1. a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, the cartridge comprising: a reservoir for containing an aerosol generating liquid,an inductively heatable susceptor for heating the aerosol generating liquid, anda liquid transfer element configured to convey aerosol generating liquid from the reservoir towards the inductively heatable susceptor,wherein the inductively heatable susceptor comprises a susceptor ring extending around the liquid transfer element and the cartridge comprises a recess configured for receiving in a releasable connection, a coil support comprising an induction coil of an aerosol generating device.
2. the a cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the recess is positioned adjacent to the inductively heatable susceptor.
3. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor contacts the liquid transfer element.
4. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the liquid transfer element extends in a transverse direction, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge.
5. the cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the liquid transfer element comprises a first end and a second end both in fluid communication with aerosol generating liquid in the reservoir.
6. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor ring comprises a pair of susceptor rings extending around the liquid transfer element.
7. the cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the pair of susceptor rings are spaced axially relative to each other along the liquid transfer element.
8. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the liquid transfer element comprises a porous ceramic material or a fibrous material.
9. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the recess comprises a pair of recesses configured for receiving, in a releasable connection, a pair of coil supports comprising a pair of induction coils of an aerosol generating device.
10. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the recess comprises an annular recess configured for receiving, in a releasable connection, an annular support comprising a pair of induction coils of an aerosol generating device.
11. an aerosol generating device having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the aerosol generating device comprising: an induction coil; anda coil support projecting from the proximal end, supporting the induction coil and locatable, in use, in a recess formed in a cartridge configured for releasable connection to the aerosol generating device;wherein the induction coil is a planar induction coil having a winding axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.
12. the aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the coil support projects from the proximal end in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.
13. the aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the planar induction coil is a flat spiral coil.
14. the aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the coil support comprises a pair of coil supports transversely spaced and locatable, in use, in corresponding recesses formed in the cartridge configured for releasable connection to the aerosol generating device, and wherein the induction coil comprises a pair of induction coils, each coil support supporting one of the pair of planar induction coils.
15. the cartridge according to claim 7, wherein a first of the pair of susceptor rings is positioned proximate the first end of the liquid transfer element and a second of the pair of susceptor rings is positioned proximate the second end of the liquid transfer element.


[en] the invention relates to a method for controlling operations of an aerosol generating device. the device comprises at least one exchangeable liquid reservoir comprising an aerosolisable liquid, an aerosol generating unit adapted to transform the aerosolisable liquid into aerosol and a liquid channel connecting the exchangeable liquid reservoir with the aerosol generating unit creating thereby a liquid flow path. the method is characterized by measuring a conductivity-related information of the aerosolisable liquid before aerosolization by conductivity measuring unit comprising a conductivity sensor or at least two electrodes positioned in the liquid flow path, comparing the conductivity-related information to a reference information by a control unit of the aerosol generating device creating thereby a result and, operating a micro-electronic-mechanical-system (mems) comprised in the aerosol generating unit according to the result, wherein mems ejects the aerosolisable liquid. the invention also relates to an aerosol generating device comprising means for measuring and comparing of the conductivity-related information of the aerosolisable liquid. [en]

claims a method (100) for controlling operations of an aerosol generating device (1) comprising at least one exchangeable liquid reservoir (2) comprising an aerosolisable liquid (i), an aerosol generating unit (3) adapted to transform the aerosolisable liquid (i) into aerosol (a) and a liquid channel (4) connecting the exchangeable liquid reservoir (2) with the aerosol generating unit (3) creating thereby a liquid flow path (f), characterized by a) measuring (101) a conductivity-related information (8) of the aerosolisable liquid (i) before aerosolization by a conductivity measuring unit (5) comprising a conductivity sensor (6) or at least two electrodes (7) positioned in the liquid flow path (f), b) comparing (102) the conductivity-related information (8) to a reference information (10) by a control unit (9) of the aerosol generating device (1) creating thereby a result (18) and, c) operating (103) the aerosol generating unit (3) according to the result (18), wherein the aerosol generating unit comprises a micro-electronic-mechanical- system (mems) (13) that) ejects the aerosolisable liquid (i). the method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductivity-related information (8) comprises a (complex) impedance of the aerosolisable liquid (i) before aerosolization. the method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductivity-related information (8) is a conductivity value (8a) of the aerosolisable liquid (i) contained in the liquid flow path (f) as measured by the conductivity sensor (6) and the reference information (10) is a conductivity reference value (10a) or a conductivity reference range (10b) corresponding to an aerosolisable liquid of reference. the method (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the control unit (9) disables the aerosol generating device (1) if the measured conductivity value (8a) varies from the conductivity reference value (10a) or conductivity reference range (10b) stored in a memory (17) of the aerosol generating device (1). the method (100) according to claim 3 or 5, characterized by measuring (104) a temperature (12) of the aerosolisable liquid (i) by at least one temperature sensor (11), wherein the control unit (9) determines a temperature coefficient of the conductivity value (8a) of the aerosolisable liquid (i) and corrects the measured conductivity value (8a) of the aerosolisable liquid (i). the method (100) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the control unit (9) operates the aerosol generation unit by controlling (105) at least one of the following parameters of the delivered aerosol (a): temperature, volume, pulse frequency, aerosol ratio to at least two different aerosol outlets, mixing ratio between two aerosolisable liquids (i) and combination thereof. the method (100) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the control unit (9) is configured in function of the measured conductivity value (8a) of the aerosolisable liquid (i) to detect its attributes amongst: flavourings, presence of acid, water content, aerosol former content or ratio, nicotine content and combinations thereof. the method (100) according to claim 6, characterized by measuring (104) the temperature (12) by at least one temperature sensor (11), which is arranged in at least one section (f 1) of the liquid flow path (f). the method (100) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the micro-electronic-mechanical-system (mems) (13) comprises at least one microfluidic die (14) and a heater (15) arranged for heating liquid (i) to force liquid (i) through the die (14). the method (100) according to preceding claim 9, characterized by measuring (104) the temperature (12) with at least one temperature sensor (11) provided in the liquid flow path (f) between the liquid reservoir (2) and the micro- electronic-mechanical-system (mems) (13). an aerosol generating device (1) comprising at least one exchangeable liquid reservoir (2) comprising an aerosolisable liquid (i), an aerosol generating unit (3) adapted to transform the aerosolisable liquid (i) into aerosol (a) and a liquid channel (4) connecting the exchangeable liquid reservoir (2) with the aerosol generating unit (3) creating thereby a liquid flow path (f), characterized in that the aerosol generating device (1) comprises a conductivity measuring unit (5) comprising a conductivity sensor (6) or at least two electrodes (7) for measuring a conductivity-related information (8) of the aerosolisable liquid (i) arranged in the liquid flow path (f), wherein the aerosol generating device (1) further comprises a control unit (9), which compares the conductivity-related information (8) to a reference information (10), wherein the aerosol generating unit is configured to eject the aerosolized liquid according to the results and wherein the aerosol generating unit comprises a micro-electronic-mechanical-system (mems) (13). the aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that 21 the conductivity-related information (8) is a conductivity value (8a) of the aerosolisable liquid (i) contained in the liquid channel (4) or liquid flow path (f) as measured by the conductivity sensor (6) and/or the reference information (10) is a conductivity reference value (10a) or a conductivity reference range (10b) corresponding to an aerosolisable liquid of reference. the aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 11 - 13, characterized in that the aerosol generating device (1) further comprises at least one temperature sensor (11) for measuring the temperature (12) of the aerosolisable liquid (i). the aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 11 - 14, characterized in that the aerosol generating unit (3) is a micro-electronic-mechanical-system (mems) (13) having at least one microfluidic die (14) and a heater (15) arranged for heating liquid (i) to force liquid (i) through the die (14). the aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 14, characterized by at least one temperature sensor (11) and/or conductivity measuring unit (5), which is arranged in at least one section (f1) of the liquid flow path (f) between the liquid reservoir (2) and the micro-electronic-mechanical-system (mems) (13).


[en] an aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) comprising an aerosol generating device (12, 68) and an aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74). the aerosol generating device (12, 68) comprises a heating chamber (14) and a heater (16). the aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74) is positioned in the heating chamber (14). the aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74) comprises a porous liquid storage material (20) for storing an aerosol generating liquid. the heater (16) is arranged for heating and vaporising the stored aerosol generating liquid. the aerosol generating device (12, 68) further comprises a first electrode (22) and a second electrode (24) spaced apart from the first electrode (22) so that at least a portion of the porous liquid storage material (20) is received between the first electrode (22) and the second electrode (24). the aerosol generating device (12, 68) further comprises a controller (26) configured to measure an electrical load between the first electrode (22) and the second electrode (24) and to determine the quantity of aerosol generating liquid remaining in the porous liquid storage material (20) based on the measured electrical load. [en] claims 1. an aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) comprising: an aerosol generating device (12, 68) comprising a heating chamber (14) and a heater (16); and an aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74) positioned in the heating chamber (14), the aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74) comprising: a porous liquid storage material (20) for storing an aerosol generating liquid, wherein the heater (16) is arranged for heating and vaporising the stored aerosol generating liquid; wherein the aerosol generating device (12, 68) further comprises: a first electrode (22) and a second electrode (24) spaced apart from the first electrode (22) so that at least a portion of the porous liquid storage material (20) is received between the first electrode (22) and the second electrode (24); and a controller (26) configured to measure an electrical load between the first electrode (22) and the second electrode (24) and to determine the quantity of aerosol generating liquid remaining in the porous liquid storage material (20) based on the measured electrical load.
2. an aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device (12, 68) includes a power source (28) and the controller (26) is configured to control a supply of power from the power source (28) to the heater (16) based on the measured electrical load.
3. an aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) according to claim 2, wherein the controller (26) is configured to terminate the supply of power from the power source (28) to the heater (16) when the measured electrical load exceeds a predetermined threshold.
4. an aerosol generating system (10, 100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrode (22) is arranged to contact an in use upper face (38) of the aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74) and the second electrode (24) is arranged to contact an in use lower face (40) of the aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74).
5. an aerosol generating system (10, 100) according to claim 4, wherein the aerosol generating device (12) comprises a mouthpiece portion (30) moveably connected to a device body (32), wherein the mouthpiece portion (30) is moveable to open and close the heating chamber (14), wherein the first electrode (22) is provided on an underside (34) of the mouthpiece portion (30) and the second electrode (24) is provided on, or towards, the base (36) of the heating chamber (14), wherein in a closed condition of the heating chamber (14) the aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74) positioned in the heating chamber (14) is disposed between the first electrode (22) and the second electrode (24).
6. an aerosol generating system (10, 100) according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the first electrode (22) is configured to correspond in shape and size with the in use upper face (38) of the aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74) and the second electrode (24) is configured to correspond in shape and size with the in use lower face (40) of the aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74).
7. an aerosol generating system (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heater (16) comprises an elongate heating element (42) which projects into the heating chamber (14) and the aerosol generating article (66, 70, 72, 74) comprises an opening (44) in which the elongate heating element (42) is positioned, wherein the elongate heating element (42) is in thermal contact with an inner surface (46) of the porous liquid storage material (20) defined by the opening (44).
8. an aerosol generating system (200) according to claim 7 when dependent on any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating chamber (14) includes a chamber wall (48) defining a cavity (50) in which the aerosol generating article (66, 70, 72, 74) is positioned, wherein the first electrode (22) is positioned on the elongate heating element (42) and the second electrode (24) is positioned on the chamber wall (48).
9. an aerosol generating system (10) according to claim 7 when dependent on any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second electrodes (22, 24) are positioned on the elongate heating element (42).
10. an aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating device (12, 68) includes a plurality of pairs of said first and second electrodes (22, 24) and each pair of first and second electrodes (22, 24) is positioned in the heating chamber (14) so that a different portion of the porous liquid storage material (20) is received between each pair of first and second electrodes (22, 24).
11. an aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (26) is configured to measure the electrical load between the first electrode (22) and the second electrode (24) between successive user inhalations to determine the quantity of aerosol generating liquid remaining in the porous liquid storage material (20) based on the measured electrical load.
12. an aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) according to claim 11, wherein the controller (26) is configured to determine the remaining number of user inhalations based on the measured electrical load.
13. an aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) according to claim 12, wherein the controller (26) is configured to compare the measured electrical load with a reference electrical load determined from a measurement of the electrical load between the first and second electrodes (22, 24) when the porous liquid storage material (20) does not contain an aerosol generating liquid, and to determine the remaining number of user inhalations based on the comparison of the measured electrical load with the reference electrical load.
14. an aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating device (12, 68) is configured so that, during a user inhalation, air flows through the porous liquid storage material (20).
15. an aerosol generating system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating article (70, 72, 74) comprises one or more electrodes (54) arranged to correspond with the position of the first electrode (22) and/or the second electrode (24).