[en] a capsule for an electronic cigarette having a first end configured to engage with an electronic cigarette device; a second end having a vapor outlet; a liquid store configured to contain a liquid to be vaporized; a vaporizer housing arranged to house at least a part of a heating element and a part of a fluid transfer element arranged to deliver liquid from the liquid store to the heating element, the heating element being configured to vaporize the received liquid and generate a vapor; a seal arranged to hold the vaporizer housing; a holder arranged to attach to the seal; a main gas flow channel extending between the vaporizer housing and the vapor outlet; and a pair of electrodes at least partially embedded within the structure of the holder and arranged to provide an electrical connection between the first end of the capsule and an electronic cigarette device. [en] 1. a capsule for an electronic cigarette, the capsule having a first end configured to engage with an electronic cigarette device and a second end having a vapor outlet, the capsule further comprising: a liquid store configured to contain a liquid to be vaporized;a vaporizer housing arranged to house at least a part of a heating element and a part of a fluid transfer element, wherein the fluid transfer element is arranged to deliver liquid from the liquid store to the heating element, the heating element being configured to vaporize the received liquid and generate a vapor;a seal arranged to hold the vaporizer housing;a holder arranged to attach to the seal;a main gas flow channel extending between the vaporizer housing and the vapor outlet to allow the generated vapor to flow from the vaporizer housing to the vapor outlet; anda pair of electrodes, wherein the pair of electrodes are at least partially embedded within a structure of the holder, and wherein the pair of electrodes are arranged to provide an electrical connection between the first end of the capsule and an electronic cigarette device.
2. the capsule according to claim 1, wherein the main gas flow channel extends from the holder, through the seal, to the vaporizer housing.
3. the capsule according to claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a plurality of channels located within an internal surface of the holder.
4. the capsule according to claim 1, wherein an interface is formed between an internal surface of the seal and an internal surface of the holder.
5. the capsule according to claim 4, wherein the heating element comprises first and second lead wires, and wherein the first and second lead wires are located at the interface between the seal and the holder.
6. the capsule according to claim 5, wherein the first and second lead wires of the heating element are compressed between the seal and the holder at the interface.
7. the capsule according to claim 4, wherein each electrode of the pair of electrodes comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the first ends of each electrode are located at the interface between the seal and the holder.
8. the capsule according to claim 7, wherein a first end of the heating element and a first end of a first electrode of the pair of electrodes are located at a first point on the interface between the seal and the holder.
9. the capsule according to claim 8, wherein a second end of the heating element and a first end of a second electrode of the pair of electrodes are located at a second point on the interface between the seal and the holder.
10. the capsule according to claim 7, wherein second ends of each electrode of the pair of electrodes are held within a main body of the holder.
11. the capsule according to claim 1, wherein each electrode of the pair of electrodes has a substantially rectangular cross-section.
12. the capsule according to claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a pair of apertures and a portion of each electrode of the pair of electrodes is arranged to extend across each aperture, respectively.
13. the capsule according to claim 12, further comprising a pair of cover portions, each cover portion located within each aperture of the pair of apertures, respectively, and arranged to substantially cover the portion of each electrode of the pair of electrodes which extends through each aperture, respectively.
14. a capsule for an electronic cigarette, the capsule having a first end configured to engage with an electronic cigarette device and a second end having a vapor outlet, the capsule further comprising: a liquid store configured to contain a liquid to be vaporized;a vaporizer housing arranged to house at least a part of a heating element and a part of a fluid transfer element, wherein the fluid transfer element is arranged to deliver liquid from the liquid store to the heating element, the heating element being configured to vaporize the received liquid and generate a vapor;a seal arranged to hold the vaporizer housing;a holder arranged to attach to the seal;a main gas flow channel extending between the vaporizer housing and the vapor outlet to allow the generated vapor to flow from the vaporizer housing to the vapor outlet;a pair of electrodes; wherein the electrodes are arranged to provide an electrical connection between the first end of the capsule and an electronic cigarette device; andan interface formed between an internal surface of the seal and an internal surface of the holder and wherein the heating element and the electrodes are in contact with each other at the interface.
15. an electronic cigarette comprising a main body and the capsule according to claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a power supply unit, electrical circuitry, and a capsule seating configured to connect with the capsule.
16. an electronic cigarette comprising a main body and the capsule according to claim 14, wherein the main body comprises a power supply unit, electrical circuitry, and a capsule seating configured to connect with the capsule.


[en] an aerosol generation device includes an optical code detector. more specifically, an aerosol generation device, comprises: a casing defining an opening for insertion of an aerosol generation carrier; a heating chamber configured to partially contain the aerosol generation carrier such that at least a portion of the aerosol generation carrier extends outside the heating chamber; and an optical detection unit comprising an image detector arranged for optically detecting a code provided on a section of a surface of the portion of the aerosol generation carrier extending outside the heating chamber. the heating chamber is configured to heat a portion of the aerosol generation carrier inserted in the heating chamber. [en] 1. an aerosol generation device, comprising: a casing defining an insertion opening for insertion of an aerosol generation carrier;a heating chamber configured to partially contain a first portion of the aerosol generation carrier such that at least a second portion of the aerosol generation carrier extends outside the heating chamber, the heating chamber configured to heat the first portion of the aerosol generation carrier inserted in the heating chamber; andan optical detection unit comprising an image detector arranged for optically detecting a code provided on a section of a surface of the second portion of the aerosol generation carrier extending outside the heating chamber.
2. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the optical detection unit is configured to receive light through an optical aperture formed in a component of the aerosol generation device, the optical aperture being located outside the heating chamber.
3. the aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the optical aperture is located above the heating chamber, when the aerosol generation device is held such that an insertion direction of the aerosol generation carrier is from top to bottom.
4. the aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the component in which the optical aperture is formed is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the material which forms an inner surface of the heating chamber, and wherein the optical aperture is closed by a transparent material.
5. the aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the optical aperture is positioned at an outer surface of the casing, outside the insertion opening.
6. the aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises a cavity which optically links the optical aperture to the image detector.
7. the aerosol generation device according to claim 6, comprising a light source configured to illuminate the code on the surface of the aerosol generation carrier when the aerosol generation carrier is maximally inserted into the insertion opening, such that the-light is reflected by the code to the image detector, wherein the light source is located inside the cavity.
8. the aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein a mirror is positioned in the cavity such that the mirror reflects the light reflected by the code to the image detector, and wherein the mirror is configured to change the direction of the light by an angle of at least 45 degrees.
9. the aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein one end of the cavity is positioned between the insertion opening and the heating chamber.
10. the aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein the image detector is positioned below the insertion opening when the aerosol generation device is held such that an insertion direction of the aerosol generation carrier is from top to bottom.
11. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises a closure, the closure being configured to move between a closing position of the insertion opening and an opening position of the insertion opening, and wherein the optical detection unit is configured to be activated when: (i) the closure is moved from the closing position to the opening position;(ii) the closure is moved from either the closing position or the opening position to an activation position; and/or(iii) the aerosol generation carrier is maximally inserted to the heating chamber.
12. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the optical detection unit is activated by manually actuating the closure of the aerosol generation device.
13. the aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein the optical detection unit is activated for a predetermined time after the closure is moved to the activation position or the opening position.
14. the aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein the optical aperture is positioned in a front end of the closure.
15. the aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein the closure is configured to cover the optical aperture when the closure is in the closing position, and wherein the closure is configured to expose the optical aperture to the section of the second portion the aerosol generation carrier where the code is provided when the closure is moved to the opening position.
16. the aerosol generation claim 10, wherein the optical detection unit is activated when the closure is moved so as to trigger a hall sensor, a tact switch, an infrared or proximity sensor, or an electrical contact sensor.
17. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generation device is configured to, based on an image detected by the optical detection unit: (i) identify and/or authenticate the aerosol generation carrier; (ii) carry out a program of a data retrieval protocol; and/or (iii) set a device setting; wherein the image detector is a camera.
18. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the heating chamber is configured to be activated to heat the aerosol generation carrier after the code has been processed by the aerosol generation device.
19. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the heating chamber is configured to stop heating the aerosol generation carrier after the aerosol generation device has sent an instruction to the heating chamber and by-based on processing the code.
20. a system comprising: an aerosol generation device according to claim 1; and an aerosol generation carrier on which the code is provided, wherein the code is located outside of the heating chamber of the aerosol generation device when the aerosol generation carrier is maximally inserted into the insertion opening.
21. (canceled)


[en] an aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating article having an indicium arranged on an outer surface thereof and an aerosol-generating device usable with the article. the aerosol-generating device includes a cavity, a heater, and an optical reader system. the cavity has an opening accessible at the outer body part and is configured to receive a consumable article comprising an indicium arranged on the article. the optical reader system includes at least one waveguide that has an incoupling surface, an outcoupling surface, and a detector. the waveguide is configured to illuminate the indicium in the cavity with a light beam and to transmit a reflected light beam provided by the indicium to the detector (30) of the optical reader system. a related method for authenticating a consumable article is also provided. [en] 1. an aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising at least one indicium containing information about the article arranged on a surface thereof, andan aerosol-generating device comprising: a cavity having an opening configured to receive the aerosol generating article,a heater arranged about the cavity to heat said aerosol generating article after insertion thereof in the cavity,an optical reader system comprising at least one optical detector, a power supply unit, anda control unit configured to control at least the heater and the optical reader system,whereinsaid optical reader system is configured to illuminate said indicium in said cavity with a light beam, said optical reader system including at least one waveguide having an incoupling surface and an outcoupling surface, said waveguide being configured to transmit at least a reflected light beam from said indicium to said outcoupling surface to outcouple said reflected light beam to said at least one optical detector.
2. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein an incoupling structure is arranged at the incoupling surface.
3. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 2, wherein an outcoupling structure is arranged at the outcoupling surface.
4. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 3, wherein at least a portion of said incoupling structure and/or said outcoupling structure is selected from the group consisting of: a diffractive structure, a flat or curved wedged portion of the waveguide, an array of microprisms, a hologram layer, a metasurface, an electrostatic addressable micromirror or microshutter array, a lens, and a mirror.
5. the aerosol-generating device system according to claim 4, wherein said incoupling structure and/or said outcoupling structure is configured for focusing and/or deviating, in at least one plane, a light beam incident on said incoupling structure and/or said outcoupling structure.
6. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 3, wherein said incoupling structure and/or said outcoupling structure is an achromatic structure providing the same incoupling and outcoupling efficiency respectively, and/or focusing in a spectral band of at least 50 nm.
7. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 3, wherein said incoupling structure and/or said outcoupling structure has a focal length equal or greater than a length of the waveguide.
8. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 3, wherein said incoupling structure and/or said outcoupling structure has a focal length smaller than a length of the waveguide, and wherein focusing structures are arranged on at least one side of the waveguide, said focusing structures being configured as relay structures to transmit an image from at least a portion of said indicium to the outcoupling surface or out of the waveguide to a distance from the output surface.
9. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein said waveguide is an optical fiber or an optical fiber bundle.
10. the aerosol-generating system according to according to claim 1, wherein said waveguide is a flat optical waveguide.
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein an optical focusing element is arranged between said cavity and said incoupling surface.
16. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 15, wherein said optical focusing element is monolithically integrated into or onto said waveguide.
17. (canceled)
18. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein said waveguide is at least partially wrapped around a length of said cavity.
19. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said waveguide is configured to transmit light, provided by an emitter, to said indicium.
20. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said waveguide is realized on at least one of surface of the heater.
21. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein said detector is a detector array.
22. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein at least one optical filter is arranged between said outcoupling surface and said detector, and/or between said cavity and said incoupling surface.
23. the aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein an optical spectrometer is arranged between said outcoupling surface and said detector.
24. (canceled)
25. a method for authenticating a consumable article using the aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: inserting at least a portion of the aerosol generating article comprising the indicium in the cavity of the aerosol generating device,illuminating the indicium on the surface of the aerosol generating article with the light beam and collecting the reflected light beam from the indicium through the waveguide and guiding said reflected light beam to the optical detector of the optical reader system,authenticating the aerosol generating article, via the control unit, by computing information contained in the reflected light impinging on the optical detector.
26. the method according to claim 25, further comprising a step of commanding the heater with the control unit based on the information computed in the authentication step.


[en] an electronic cigarette (10) comprises a main body portion (14), a liquid store (22) and a vaporizing unit (24). the vaporizing unit (24) comprises a plurality of fluidic channels (32) configured to receive liquid from the liquid store (22) and having an inner surface (32b) configured to be heated to vaporize liquid in the fluidic channels (32). the liquid store (22) comprises a first reservoir (50) containing a vapor generating liquid to be vaporized in the fluidic channels (32) to form an inhalable vapor and a second reservoir (52) containing a cleaning liquid. [en]       claims   1. an electronic cigarette (10) comprising: a main body portion (14); a liquid store (22); and a vaporizing unit (24) comprising a plurality of fluidic channels (32) configured to receive liquid from the liquid store (22) and having an inner surface (32b) configured to be heated to vaporize liquid in the fluidic channels (32); wherein the liquid store (22) comprises a first reservoir (50) and a second reservoir (52), the first reservoir (50) contains a vapor generating liquid to be vaporized in the fluidic channels (32) to form an inhalable vapor and the second reservoir (52) contains a cleaning liquid.
2. the electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning liquid is a flavor-neutral liquid, preferably wherein the flavor-neutral liquid consists of, or comprises, one or more selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, glycerine and water.
3. the electronic cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vaporizing unit (24) is arranged in the main body portion (14) and the main body portion (14) further comprises a liquid supply unit (60) configured to selectively supply liquid to the vaporizing unit (24) from the first reservoir (50) or the second reservoir (52).
4. the electronic cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body portion (14) comprises a first inlet conduit (62) from the first reservoir (50) and a second inlet conduit (64) from the second reservoir (52).
5. the electronic cigarette according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the liquid supply unit (60) comprises a rotary mechanism (68) configured to be rotated in order to selectively align one of the first and second inlet conduits (62, 64) with the vaporizing unit (24) to permit liquid to be supplied to the vaporizing unit (24) from the first reservoir (50) or the second reservoir (52).
6. the electronic cigarette according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the liquid supply unit (60) comprises a valve, and a supply conduit (65) extends from an outlet of the valve to the vaporizing unit (24).
7. the electronic cigarette according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the liquid supply unit (60 comprises a pump (66).
8. the electronic cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control unit (20) and a memory configured to store a program, wherein the program contains instructions to execute a cleaning program having a heating profile.
9. the electronic cigarette according to claim 8, wherein the control unit (20) is configured to control the operation of the vaporizing unit (24) to cause the temperature in the fluidic channels (32) to increase, then decrease and then increase again.
10. the electronic cigarette according to claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising a user interface (17) configured to enable a user to activate the cleaning program.
11. the electronic cigarette according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the control unit (20) is configured to detect depletion of the vapor generating liquid in the first reservoir (50) and to subsequently initiate the cleaning program.
12. the electronic cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic cigarette comprises a first vapor outlet (80) for inhalable vapor generated by heating vapor generating liquid from the first reservoir (50) and a second vapor outlet (82) for vapor generated by heating cleaning liquid from the second reservoir (52).
13. the electronic cigarette according to claim 12, wherein the electronic cigarette (10) is configured so that vapor generated by heating cleaning liquid from the second reservoir (52) is diverted through the second vapor outlet (82) if a user exhales into the first vapor outlet (80).
14. the electronic cigarette according to claim 12 or claim 13 when dependent on any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the second vapor outlet (82) is configured to be automatically opened when the cleaning program is initiated, such that vapor generated by heating cleaning liquid from the second reservoir (52) is discharged from the second vapor outlet (82) but not from the first vapor outlet (80).
15. the electronic cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic cigarette includes a cartridge (26) comprising an integrated first reservoir (50) and second reservoir (52).


[en] nicotine containing article for smokeless and oral usage comprising a wrapping material and a nicotine containing product, the nicotine containing product being arranged inside the wrapping material, wherein the wrapping material encloses the nicotine containing product from all sides and thereby forms the nicotine containing article in the shape of a pouch, and wherein the wrapping material is fluid permeable and thereby allows a fluid, preferably with nicotine absorbed from the nicotine containing product, to pass through it. according to the invention at least a part of the wrapping material also comprises cooling agent which causes a cooling effect when using the nicotine containing article, wherein the cooling agent is neutral in taste and/or odour. [en] 1. nicotine containing article (1) for smokeless and oral usage comprising a wrapping material (2) and a nicotine containing product (3), the nicotine containing product (3) being arranged inside the wrapping material (2), wherein the wrapping material (2) encloses the nicotine containing product (3) from all sides and thereby forms the nicotine containing article (1) in the shape of a pouch, and wherein the wrapping material (2) is fluid permeable and thereby allows a fluid, preferably with nicotine absorbed from the nicotine containing product (3), to pass through it, characterized in that,at least a part of the wrapping material (2) also comprises a cooling agent (5) which causes a cooling effect when using the nicotine containing article (1), wherein the cooling agent (5) is neutral in taste and/or odour.
2. nicotine containing article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that,the cooling agent (5) is arranged on the surface area of the wrapping material (2).
3. nicotine containing article (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that, the cooling agent (5) is absorbed inside the wrapping material (2).
4. nicotine containing article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that,the maximum amount of cooling agent per square metre of wrapping material is more than 0.2 g/m2, preferably more than 0.3 g/m2, more preferably 0.4 g/m2 and most preferably 0.5 g/m2.
5. nicotine containing article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that,the cooling agent (5) comprises at least one substance which provides a cooling effect.
6. nicotine containing article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that,the cooling agent (5) comprises at least one of the following substances: ws-5 (ethyl 3-(p-menthane-3-carboxamido)acetate)ws-12 ((lr,2s,5r)-n-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide)ws-3 (n-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide)ws-14 (n-tert-butyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide)ws-23 (2-isopropyl-n,2,3-trimethylbutyramide).
7. nicotine containing article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that,the wrapping material (2) and/or the nicotine containing product (3) comprise a flavouring agent (4) with at least one flavouring component.
8. nicotine containing article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that,the cooling agent (5) comprises nicotine and thereby intensifies the effect of the nicotine containing product (3).
9. nicotine containing article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that,the nicotine containing product (3) is a tobacco product.
10. nicotine containing article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that,the nicotine containing product (3) is a fibre which contains nicotine and/or is enriched with nicotine.
11. nicotine containing article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that,the nicotine containing product (3) comprises a pasty consistency.
12. nicotine containing article (1) according claim 1, characterized in that,the nicotine containing product (3) comprises a moist consistency.
13. method for manufacturing a nicotine containing article (1) according to at claim 1, wherein the method comprises the following steps: arranging the nicotine containing product (3) at least partially inside the wrapping material (2);enclosing the nicotine containing product (3) inside the wrapping material (2) by wrapping the wrapping material (2) around it;sealing the wrapping material (2) to form a pouch;and is characterized in that, the method further includes a step in which the taste and/or odour neutral cooling agent (5) is at least partially applied to the wrapping material (2) and/or pouch.
14. method for manufacturing a nicotine containing article (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that,the cooling agent (5) is applied to the wrapping material (2) before and/or after the manufacturing process of the nicotine containing article (1).
15. method for manufacturing a nicotine containing article (1) according to claim 13 characterized in that,the cooling agent (5) is applied to the wrapping material (2) by spraying, painting and/or immersing the wrapping material (2) into the cooling agent (5).


[en] an aerosol generating system (1) comprises an aerosol generating device (10) and an aerosol generating article (100). the aerosol generating device (10) comprises a heating chamber (18) having an open first end (26), a closed second end (34), and a chamber wall (30) defining an interior volume of the heating chamber (18). the aerosol article (100) comprises an elongate aerosol generating substrate (102) having a proximal end (112) and a distal end (114) upstream of the proximal end (112). the elongate aerosol generating substrate (102) is positioned in the heating chamber (18) with the distal end (114) at the closed second end (34) of the heating chamber (18) and is spaced from an inner surface (36) of the chamber wall (30) to define an airflow path (40) between the elongate aerosol generating substrate (102) and the inner surface (36) of the chamber wall (30) from the open first end (26) of the heating chamber (18) to the closed second end (34) of the heating chamber (18). the aerosol generating article (100) further comprises at least one elongate inductively heatable susceptor (116) positioned in the elongate aerosol generating substrate (102) that extends fully to the distal end (114) of the elongate aerosol generating substrate (102). [en] claims 1. an aerosol generating system (1) comprising: an aerosol generating device (10) comprising a heating chamber (18), the heating chamber (18) comprising an open first end (26), a closed second end (34), and a chamber wall (30) defining an interior volume of the heating chamber (18); and an aerosol generating article (100) comprising: an elongate aerosol generating substrate (102) having a proximal end (112) and a distal end (114) upstream of the proximal end (112), the elongate aerosol generating substrate (102) being positioned in the heating chamber (18) with the distal end (114) at the closed second end (34) of the heating chamber (18) and being spaced from an inner surface (36) of the chamber wall (30) to define an airflow path (40) between the elongate aerosol generating substrate (102) and the inner surface (36) of the chamber wall (30) from the open first end (26) of the heating chamber (18) to the closed second end (34) of the heating chamber (18); and at least one elongate inductively heatable susceptor (116) positioned in the elongate aerosol generating substrate (102) and extending fully to the distal end (114) of the elongate aerosol generating substrate (102); wherein the aerosol generating substrate (102) includes an aerosol former and the elongate inductively heatable susceptor (116) is arranged to heat the aerosol generating substrate (102) in use of the aerosol generating system (1) to vaporise at least a proportion of the aerosol former, and wherein a proportion of the aerosol former that is not vaporised in use of the aerosol generating system (1) migrates towards an outer surface of the aerosol generating article (100) where it evaporates and is entrained in an airflow along the airflow path (40).
2. an aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one elongate inductively heatable susceptor (116) extends fully from the proximal end (112) to the distal end (114) of the elongate aerosol generating substrate (102).
3. an aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the elongate aerosol generating substrate (102) has a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end (112) and the distal end (114), and the at least one elongate inductively heatable susceptor (116) extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
4. an aerosol generating system according to claim 3, wherein the elongate aerosol generating substrate (102) is a substantially rod-shaped aerosol generating substrate and the at least one elongate inductively heatable susceptor (116) is located in a radially central position within the rod-shaped aerosol generating substrate (102) and extends along the longitudinal axis.
5. an aerosol generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate aerosol generating substrate (102) and the at least one elongate inductively heatable susceptor (116) are circumscribed by a fluid-permeable wrapper (110) and an outer surface (111) of the fluid-permeable wrapper (110) is spaced from the inner surface (36) of the chamber wall (18) to define said airflow path (40).
6. an aerosol generating system according to claim 5, wherein the fluid-permeable wrapper (110) is a paper wrapper.
7. an aerosol generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating device (10) further comprises an induction heating arrangement (46) for generating an alternating electromagnetic field for penetrating the at least one elongate inductively heatable susceptor (116) to thereby inductively heat the at least one elongate inductively heatable susceptor (116).
8. an aerosol generating system according to claim 7, wherein the induction heating arrangement (46) comprises an induction coil (48) extending around the heating chamber (18). - 19 -
9. an aerosol generating system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a filter segment at a proximal end (104) of the aerosol generating article (100) and at least one tubular segment upstream of the filter segment.
10. a method of operating an aerosol generating system (1) comprising: an aerosol generating device (10) comprising a heating chamber (18), the heating chamber (18) comprising an open first end (26), a closed second end (34), and a chamber wall (30) defining an interior volume of the heating chamber (18); and an aerosol generating article (100) comprising: an elongate aerosol generating substrate (102) including an aerosol former and having a proximal end (112) and a distal end (114) upstream of the proximal end (112), the elongate aerosol generating substrate (102) being positioned in the heating chamber (18) with the distal end (114) at the closed second end (34) of the heating chamber (18) and being spaced from an inner surface (36) of the chamber wall (30) to define an airflow path (40) between the elongate aerosol generating substrate (102) and the inner surface (36) of the chamber wall (30) from the open first end (26) of the heating chamber (18) to the closed second end (34) of the heating chamber (18); and at least one elongate inductively heatable susceptor (116) positioned in the elongate aerosol generating substrate (102) and extending fully to the distal end (114) of the elongate aerosol generating substrate (102); wherein the method comprises the steps of heating, by the aerosol generating device (10), the inductively heatable susceptor (116) to heat the aerosol generating substrate (102) and thereby vaporise at least a proportion of the aerosol former, and entraining in an airflow along the airflow path (40) a proportion of the aerosol former that has not been vaporised during said heating step and that has migrated towards, and evaporated from, an outer surface of the aerosol generating article (100).


[en] a vapour generation assembly for generating a vapour that can be inhaled by a user, the assembly comprising a base part providing at least one surface for mounting a plurality of components; a first component mounted on said base part and forming a liquid jet device comprising a fluid chamber, an ejection nozzle and a supply channel embedded in a substrate, said first component being configured to generate drops of a liquid on demand; and at least one second component mounted on said base part and forming an air flow management device, said second component being configured to manage air that is to be mixed with said drops to generate the vapour to be inhaled by the user. [en] claims 1. a vapour generation assembly for generating a vapour that can be inhaled by a user, the assembly comprising: a planar base part providing at least one surface for mounting a plurality of components; a first component mounted on said base part and forming a liquid j et device comprising a fluid chamber, an ej ection noz zle and a supply channel embedded in a substrate, said first component being configured to generate drops of a liquid on demand; at least one second component mounted on said base part and forming an air flow management device, said second component being configured to manage air that is to be mixed with said drops to generate the vapour to be inhaled by the user.
2. the vapour generation assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second component comprises an air pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of air to be mixed with the drops and/or air mixed with the drops.
3. the vapour generation assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one second component comprises a heating arrangement configured to pre-heat air before it is mixed with said drops.
4. the vapour generation assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base part is formed as one piece.
5. the vapour generation assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base part is formed from a printed circuit board, preferably a planar printed circuit board. the vapour generation assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base part is formed from a flexible printed circuit board. the vapour generation assembly according to claims 2 and 5, wherein the air pressure sensor comprises a membrane arranged co-planar in an opening of the printed circuit board. the vapour generation assembly according to claim 3 and any one of 5 and 6, wherein the heating arrangement comprises a heating wire formed as a trace on said printed circuit board. the vapour generation assembly according to claim 3 and any one of 5 and 6, wherein the heating arrangement comprises a heating wire being through-hole mounted to said printed circuit board. the vapour generation assembly according to 7 or 8, wherein the printed circuit board compri ses one or more openings arranged to guide an air flow in thermal vicinity to said heating wire. the vapour generation assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a cover arranged to form a mixing chamber together with said base part. the vapour generation assembly according to claim 11, wherein said cover comprises features to guide and/or limit airflow in the mixing chamber. the vapour generation assembly according to claim 12, wherein said features guiding and/or limiting the airflow interact with opening in the base part. an inhalation device comprising a vapour generation assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, a power source, and a control and driving circuit, the inhalation device further being configured to hold an amount of a liquid from which said drops can be generated.


[en] a control unit for an inhalation device with at least one liquid jet device for producing drops of a liquid on demand, the control unit being configured to: control supply of voltage to a heating element of the liquid jet device based on a pulse train, wherein the pulses of the pulse train have a pulse width and a given voltage, and wherein the pulse width is less than or equal to 1.5mus. [en] claims 1. an inhalation device comprising: at least one liquid jet device for producing drops of a liquid on demand; a power supply unit configured to supply voltage to the liquid jet device at a given voltage; and a control unit configured to control supply of voltage to a heating element of the liquid jet device based on a pulse train, wherein the pulses of the pulse train have a pulse width and a given voltage, and the pulse width is less than or equal to 1.5ps, wherein the liquid jet device comprises a fluid chamber, a plurality of ejection nozzles, a supply channel and the heating element configured to heat the liquid in order to cause ejection through the plurality of ejection nozzles, and wherein the plurality of ejection nozzles have a shower head type design, in which at least some of the plurality of ejection nozzles associated with the heating element are provided at the edge of the fluid chamber.
2. the inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of the given voltage in volts to the pulse width in ps is greater than or equal to 8.
3. the inhalation device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pulse width is less than or equal to 1.2ps and/or the given voltage is greater than or equal to 12v.
4. the inhalation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the pulse width is less than or equal to 0. 8ps and/or the given voltage of greater than or equal to 14v.
5. the inhalation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the given voltage corresponds to a peak voltage of the pulse train excluding any overshoot.
6. the inhalation device according to any preceding claim, further comprising: sensing means for detecting inhalation through a mouthpiece opening of the inhalation device by a user, wherein the control unit is further configured to initiate controlling supply of voltage to the heating element in response to detecting inhalation through the mouthpiece opening of the inhalation device by the user.
7. the inhalation device according to claim 6, wherein the inhalation device is configured to generate aerosol only for a predetermined length of time following detecting inhalation through the mouthpiece opening of the inhalation device by the user.
8. the inhalation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid j et device comprises multiple heating elements, each heating element being associated with a respective plurality of ej ection noz zles; and wherein the control unit is configured to control supply of voltage to each of the heating elements based on the pulse train.
9. the inhalation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heating element is arranged in a vicinity o f the fluid chamber; and wherein the control unit is configured to control the heating element to heat a first amount of the liquid to at least a vapori zation temperature, so that a vapour bubble expels a drop of the liquid through the plurality of ej ection noz zles.
10. the inhalation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid j et device is in the form of a microelectromechanical system, mems.
11. the inhalation device according to claim 10, wherein the heating element is a resistor deposited on a substrate of the mems.
12. the inhalation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the inhalation device further comprises an air conduit and a mixing chamber in which air from the air conduit is mixed with the drops of the liquid.
13. the inhalation device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a reservoir configured to store an amount of the liquid.
14. a method performed by a control unit of an inhalation device with at least one liquid j et device for producing drops of a liquid on demand and a power supply unit for supplying voltage to the liquid j et device at a given voltage, the method comprising: controlling supply of voltage to a heating element of the liquid j et device based on a pulse train, wherein the pulses of the pulse train have a pulse width and a given voltage wherein the pulse width is less than or equal to 1. 5ps, wherein the liquid j et device comprises a fluid chamber, a plurality of ej ection noz zles, a supply channel and the heating element for heating the liquid in order to cause ejection through the plurality of ejection nozzles, and wherein the plurality of ejection nozzles have a shower head type design, in which at least some of the plurality of ejection nozzles associated with the heating element are provided at the edge of the fluid chamber.
15. a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a control unit of an inhalation device with at least one liquid jet device for producing drops of a liquid on demand and a power supply unit for supplying voltage to the liquid jet device at a given voltage, cause the control unit to perform the method of claim 14.


[en] a heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device includes a heating element supported within a housing and extending along the length of the housing, an air flow path arranged to transport air over the heating element, and a liquid supply configured to supply liquid to the heating element, wherein the heating element includes a woven sheet of electrically conductive fibres, and wherein the fibres are arranged with a regular orientation to form a woven mesh that transports liquid by capillary action, in use. the woven sheet includes a first array of electrically conductive fibres extending in a first direction. [en] 1. a heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating element supported within a housing and extending along a length of the housing;an air flow path arranged to transport air over the heating element; anda liquid supply configured to supply liquid to the heating element,wherein the heating element comprises a woven sheet of electrically conductive fibres,wherein the electrically conductive fibres are arranged with a regular orientation to form a woven mesh configured to transports liquid by capillary action, in use, andwherein the woven sheet comprises: a first array of electrically conductive fibres extending in a first direction.
2. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive fibres are displaced at regular intervals.
3. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the woven sheet further comprises: a second array of electrically conductive fibres extending in a second direction,wherein the first array of electrically conductive fibres and the second array of electrically conductive fibres intersect to form the woven mesh.
4. the heating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the mesh is woven such that each fibre in the first array alternately winds over opposite sides of subsequent fibres of the second array.
5. the heating apparatus of claim 4, wherein the mesh is woven such that each fibre in the second array alternately winds over opposite sides of subsequent fibres of the first array.
6. the heating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first and second directions are substantially orthogonal.
7. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the woven sheet of the heating element comprises one or more slots extending inwardly from at least one edge of the woven sheet.
8. the heating apparatus of claim 3, further comprising at least one additional fibre woven into the mesh, wherein the at least one additional fibre comprises a different material to the electrically conductive fibres of the first and second arrays.
9. the heating apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a third array of electrically conductive fibres extending in a third direction, wherein the third array of electrically conductive fibres is arranged to intersect with the first array of electrically conductive fibres and the second array of electrically conductive fibres.
10. the heating apparatus of claim 9, wherein the third direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.
11. the heating apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least two of the first, second and third arrays of electrically conductive fibres comprise different materials and/or different fibre thicknesses.
12. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one region of the mesh is stretched or compressed relative to a surrounding region of the mesh.
13. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the mesh in a central region is greater than a thickness of the mesh in a peripheral region.
14. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the liquid supply at least partially surrounds the housing and is configured to directly interface with the heating element along the length of the housing.
15. an aerosol generating device comprising the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating element is secured within the aerosol generating device by stitching the woven mesh.


[en] the present invention concerns an aerosol generating device configured to operate with a consumable article comprising a substrate portion (14). the device comprises a heating chamber (25) extending along a chamber axis (x), configured to receive at least the substrate portion (14) and comprising a plurality of contact walls (40, 41) designed to be in contact with an external surface of the substrate portion (14). the plurality of contact walls (40, 41) comprises a bottom wall (40) and at least one lateral wall (41). the heating chamber (25) further comprises an inlet portion (50) comprising an inlet hole (52a, 52b) of an airflow path extending through the substrate portion (14). said inlet portion (50) extends on the bottom wall (40) and/or on the or at least one lateral wall (41) to create an airflow gradient at least at a region of the heating chamber (35) adjacent to this inlet portion. [en] claims 1. an aerosol generating device (10) configured to operate with a consumable article (12) comprising a substrate portion (14) containing a solid substrate and defining an external surface; the aerosol generating device (10) comprising a heating chamber (25) extending along a chamber axis (x) and configured to receive at least the substrate portion (14) of the consumable article (12); the heating chamber (25) comprising a plurality of contact walls (40, 41) designed to be in contact with the external surface of the substrate portion (14) of the consumable article (12), the plurality of contact walls (40, 41) comprising a bottom wall (40) arranged substantially perpendicularly to the chamber axis (x) and at least one lateral wall (41) arranged substantially parallel to the chamber axis (x), the bottom wall (40) being in contact with the or each lateral wall (41) along a common border (42); the heating chamber (25) further comprising a heating element (34) extending from a centre (c) of the bottom wall (40) parallel to the or at least one lateral wall (41); the heating chamber (25) further comprising an inlet portion (45; 50; 60) comprising an inlet hole (52a, 52b; 62a, 62b) of an airflow path extending through the substrate portion (14) of the consumable article (12) when it is received in the heating chamber (25) and when the device (10) is operated to generate aerosol; said inlet portion (45; 50; 60) extending on the bottom wall (40) and/or on the or at least one lateral wall (41) to create an airflow gradient at least at a region of the heating chamber (35) adjacent to this inlet portion, said airflow gradient extending from the centre (c) of the bottom wall (40) until the common border (42).
2. the aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 1, wherein said inlet portion (50; 60) extends: on the bottom wall (40), according to each transversal direction (y) perpendicular to the chamber axis (x) and passing through a centre (c) of the bottom wall (40), from the common border (42) until 3/8, preferably 1/4, of the total length (l1) of the bottom wall (40) according to this direction (y); or on the or at least one lateral wall (41), according to the chamber axis (x), preferably from the common border (42) until 2/3 of the total length (l2) of this lateral wall (41) according to this axis (x).
3. the aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said inlet portion (45; 50; 60) comprises a plurality of inlet holes (52a, 52b; 62a, 62b).
4. the aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 3, wherein: - the inlet portion (45) extends on the bottom wall (40); - the concentration and/or the dimensions of the inlet holes increase(s) from the centre (c) of the bottom wall (40) to the common border (42).
5. the aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: - the inlet portion (45; 50) extends on the bottom wall (40); - the inlet holes (50a, 50b) are arranged symmetrically in respect with the centre (c) of the bottom wall (40).
6. the aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 3, wherein: - the inlet portion (60) extends on the or at least one lateral wall (41); - at least two inlet holes (60a, 60b) are arranged according to the chamber axis (x), preferably homogeneously according to the chamber axis (x).
7. the aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the inlet portion (60) extends on a unique lateral wall (41) forming a cylindrical wall.
8. the aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 7, wherein at least two inlet holes (60a, 60b) are arranged to face each other.
9. the aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 7 and 8, wherein a plurality of inlet holes are arranged circumferentially on said cylindrical wall (41).
10. the aerosol generating device (10) to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the substrate portion (14) of the consumable article (12) is wrapped in a wrapper (18), the wrapper (18) comprising a plurality of openings; the inlet holes (60a, 60b) of the inlet portion (60) being arranged to face said openings.
11. the aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating chamber (25) comprises several inlet portions (45, 50, 60). 18
12. the aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 1 1, wherein at least one inlet portion (45, 50) extends on the bottom wall (40) and at least one inlet portion (60) extends on the or at least one lateral wall (41).
13. the aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating chamber (25) further defines an open end (31) opposite to the bottom wall (40).
14. the aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each inlet portion (45; 50; 60) forms a unique air permeable portion on the corresponding contact wall (40, 41).
15. the aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or at least one inlet hole (52a, 52b; 62a, 62b) is arranged adjacent to the common border (42).


[en] a control unit for an inhalation device with at least one liquid jet device for producing drops of a liquid on demand, the control unit being configured to: control supply of power to one or more heating elements of the liquid jet device based on a pulse train having pulses defined by a voltage and a pulse width; monitor a value indicative of a fluid temperature of the liquid jet device, and reduce the power supplied to the one or more heating elements of the liquid jet device when the monitored value exceeds a first threshold value. [en] 24 claims 1. a control unit for an inhalation device with at least one liquid j et device for producing drops of a liquid on demand, the control unit being configured to: control supply of power to one or more heating elements of the liquid j et device based on a pulse train having pulses defined by a voltage and a pulse width; monitor a value indicative of a fluid temperature of the liquid j et device, and reduce the power supplied to the one or more heating elements of the liquid j et device when the monitored value exceeds a first threshold value.
2. the control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to reduce the power supplied to the one or more heating elements of the liquid j et device by reducing the pulse width of the pulses of the pulse train and/or by reducing the voltage of the pulses of the pulse train.
3. the control unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the value indicative of the fluid temperature of the liquid j et device comprises a number of drops produced by the liquid j et device or a fluid temperature of the liquid j et device.
4. the control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is configured to further reduce the power supplied to the one or more heating elements of the liquid j et device when the monitored value exceeds a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value.
5. the control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein an initial pulse width of the pulses of the pulse train is less than or equal to 1. 5ps and/or wherein a reduced pulse width of the pulses of the pulse train is less than or equal to 0. 8ps.
6. an inhalation device with at least one liquid j et device for producing drops of a liquid on demand, the liquid j et device comprising a fluid chamber, at least one ej ection noz zle, a supply channel and a heating element configured to heat the liquid in order to cause ej ection through the at least one ej ection noz zle, the inhalation device further comprising a control unit according to any of claims 1 to 5.
7. the inhalation device according to claim 6 wherein the liquid j et device comprises multiple heating elements, each heating element being associated with a respective one or more ej ection noz zles; and wherein the control unit is configured to control the supply of power to each of the heating elements based on the pulse train.
8. the inhalation device according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the heating element is arranged in a vicinity o f the fluid chamber; and wherein the control unit is configured to control the heating element to heat a first amount of the liquid to at least a vapori zation temperature, so that a vapour bubble expels a drop of the liquid through the at least one ej ection noz zle.
9. the inhalation device according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the liquid j et device is in the form of a microelectromechanical system, mems.
10. the inhalation device according to claim 9, wherein the heating element is a resistor deposited on a substrate of the mems.
11. the inhalation device according to claim 10, further comprising a temperature sense resistor, tsr, deposited on the substrate and configured to detect the fluid temperature of the liquid j et device.
12. the inhalation device according to any of claims 6 to 11, wherein the inhalation device further comprises an air conduit and a mixing chamber in which air from the air conduit is mixed with the drops of the liquid.
13. the inhalation device according to any of claims 6 to 12, further comprising a reservoir configured to store an amount of the liquid.
14. a method performed by a control unit for an inhalation device with at least one liquid j et device for producing drops of a liquid on demand, the method comprising: controlling supply of power to one or more heating elements of the liquid j et device based on a pulse train having pulses defined by a voltage and a pulse width; monitoring a value indicative of a fluid temperature of the liquid j et device, and reducing the power supplied to the one or more heating elements of the liquid j et device when the monitored value exceeds a first threshold value.
15. a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a control unit of an inhalation device with at 27 least one liquid j et device for producing drops of a liquid on demand, cause the control unit to perform the method of claim 14.


[en] present invention relates to a disposable capsule (20) and a plurality of capsule assembly for use in a vaping device, wherein the capsule (20) having a housing for containing liquid substance, comprisinga male connector (12) provided on one side of the housing and a female connector (14) provided on another side of the housing, wherein the male connector (12) and the female connector (14) comprises a surface to mate with a female connector and a male connector of other capsules, respectively,the female connector (14) comprises a substantially circular base area having an accepting lip element having a primary sealed opening (15),the male connector (12) comprises a substantially circular base area with a dome structure having a primary sealed opening (15),wherein when a male connector (12) of a capsule and a female connector (14) of another capsule, or vice versa, are mated, the primary sealed openings (15) are ruptured, thereby allowing liquid substance of the capsules to communicate. [en] 1. a disposable capsule (20) for use in a vaping device, wherein the capsule (20) having a housing for containing liquid substance, comprising a male connector (12) provided on one side of the housing and a female connector (14) provided on another side of the housing, wherein the male connector (12) and the female connector (14) comprises a surface to mate with a female connector and a male connector of other capsules, respectively,the female connector (14) comprises a substantially circular base area having an accepting lip element having a primary sealed opening (15),the male connector (12) comprises a substantially circular base area with a dome structure having a primary sealed opening (15),wherein when a male connector (12) of a capsule and a female connector (14) of another capsule, or vice versa, are mated, the primary sealed openings (15) are ruptured, thereby allowing liquid substance of the capsules to communicate.
2. the capsule (20) according to claim 1, wherein the male connector (12) and the female connector (14) are provided on an opposite side of the disposable capsule (20).
3. the capsule (20) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein two, three or four pairs of male connectors (12) and female connectors (14) are provided to the capsule (20), wherein each pair of the male connector (12) and the female connector (14) are arranged on an opposite side of the capsule (20).
4. the capsule (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the accepting lip of the female connector (14) comprises a surface and a periphery complimentary to the male connector (12) such that when the female connector (14) and the male connector (12) are mated, the accepting lip of the female connector (14) surround the male connector (12) in a water-tight manner.
5. the capsule (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a valve (33) is provided to the capsule (20).
6. the capsule (20) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one valve (33) is provided to the male connector (12) and/or the female connector (14) and/or nipple (22, 24) of the capsule (20).
7. the capsule (20) according to any one of the claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the valve (33) is a flanged duckbill valve.
8. the capsule (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary sealed opening (15) of the female connector (14) and/or the secondary sealed opening (25) of the nipple (24) is a tearable opening.
9. the capsule (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary sealed opening (15) of the male connector (12) and/or the secondary sealed opening (25) of the nipple (22) is a pressure-sensitive opening.
10. the capsule (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a nipple (22, 24) with a secondary sealed opening (22) is provided on top of the male connector (12) and the female connector (14) of the capsule (20), respectively, wherein the secondary sealed openings (25) are only ruptured after the primary sealed openings (15) are ruptured.
11. a plurality of disposable capsules (20) assembly according to any one of the preceding claims interconnected to form a capsule assembly.


[en] present invention relates to a vaping device (100) comprising a housing having a holding end (he) and a mouth end (me), comprising a power supply section (220), a vaporizing section (240), a capsule storage portion (260), the power supply section (220) comprises an electrical power supply (222) and a controller (224), the controller (224) is configured to control the electrical connection from the power supply (222) to a heating or a fuelling element (242) in order to generate heat, the vaporizing section (240) comprises the heating or fuelling element (242), a liquid channel (244) and a vapour channel (246), the heating or fuelling element (242) is connected through the liquid channel (244) to one end of the capsule storage portion (260), the capsule storage portion (260) is capable of accepting a plurality of capsule (20) arranged next to each other, forming an interconnected capsule assembly, the vapour channel (246) comprises a vapour inlet and a vapour outlet, allowing vapour to be released from the vaping device, characterized in that at least one spring element (25) is provided to the capsule storage portion (260), slidable or movable along the capsule storage portion (260) in a longitudinal direction, wherein the spring element (25) is configured in such a way to be urged to a first position when no capsule (20) are being loaded in the capsule storage portion (260), and the spring element (25) is pushed to a second or further positions when one or more capsule (20) are being loaded to the capsule storage portion (260). [en] 1. a vaping device (100) comprising: a housing having a holding end (he) and a mouth end (me), comprising a power supply section (220), a vaporizing section (240), a capsule storage portion (260),the power supply section (220) comprises an electrical power supply (222) and a controller (224), the controller (224) is configured to control the electrical connection from the power supply (222) to a heating or a fueling element (242) in order to generate heat,the vaporizing section (240) comprises the heating or fueling element (242), a liquid channel (244) and a vapour channel (246),the heating or fueling element (242) is connected through the liquid channel (244) to one end of the capsule storage portion (260),the capsule storage portion (260) is capable of accepting a plurality of capsule (20) arranged next to each other, forming an interconnected capsule assembly,the vapour channel (246) comprises a vapour inlet and a vapour outlet, allowing vapour to be released from the vaping device,characterized in that at least one spring element (25) is provided to the capsule storage portion (260), slidable or movable along the capsule storage portion (260) in a longitudinal direction, wherein the spring element (25) is configured in such a way to be urged to a first position when no capsule (20) are being loaded in the capsule storage portion (260), and the spring element (25) is pushed to a second or further positions when one or more capsule (20) are being loaded to the capsule storage portion (260).
2. the vaping device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the capsule storage portion (260) is substantially elongated, wherein the spring element (25) is movable or slidable in a longitudinal direction along the elongated capsule storage portion (260).
3. the vaping device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the spring element (25) is provided to move or slide along a rod element arranged parallel to the elongated capsule storage portion (260).
4. the vaping device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule storage portion (260) comprises two or more parallel sections, each section is configured to accept a plurality of capsule (20).
5. the vaping device (100) according to claim 4, wherein one heating or fueling element is provided to vaporize the liquid substance fed by two capsules (20).
6. the vaping device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one dominant spring element (225) is provided to the power supply section (220) such that the vaporizing section (240) is urged towards the capsule storing portion (260).
7. the vaping device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule storing portion (260) is an elongated portion of at least 5 cm preferably at least 8 cm.


[en] a container for consumer goods includes an outer housing; and an inner liner for storing consumer goods, wherein the inner liner is arranged within the outer housing; and the outer housing includes a closing flap for opening and closing the container, wherein the closing flap is integral with the outer housing and includes a top panel and a front panel; and the inner liner includes an opening for allowing access to the consumer goods within the inner liner in an open configuration of the container, said opening being closed by a reclosable inner liner flap in a closed configuration of the container, wherein the inner liner flap is attached to the inner liner at least partially by a re-sealable adhesive; and wherein the closing flap is permanently attached to the inner liner flap. [en] 1. a container for consumer goods comprising: a. an outer housing; andb. an inner liner for storing consumer goods, wherein the inner liner is arranged within the outer housing; andc. the outer housing comprising a closing flap for opening and closing the container, wherein the closing flap is integral with the outer housing and comprises a top panel and a front panel; andd. the inner liner comprises an opening for allowing access to the consumer goods within the inner liner in an open configuration of the container, said opening being closed by a reclosable inner liner flap in a closed configuration of the container, wherein the reclosable inner liner flap is attached to the inner liner at least partially by a re-sealable adhesive; and whereine. the closing flap is permanently attached to the reclosable inner liner flap.
2. the container according to claim 1, wherein the opening in the inner liner extends at least partially to a front panel thereof, and the opening is accessible through a cutout in a front panel of the outer housing for facilitating access to the consumer goods in the open configuration of the container.
3. the container according to claim 2, wherein the cutout in the front panel of the outer housing has a length measured in a longitudinal direction of the outer housing that is at least 50 percent of a length of the container in said longitudinal direction.
4. the container according to claim 2, wherein the cutout in the front panel of the outer housing reveals at least a portion at the front panel of the inner liner arranged between the opening of the inner liner and at least a side of the cutout in a longitudinal direction of the outer housing.
5. the container according to claim 2, wherein the reclosable inner liner flap comprises a front panel, which is located within the boundaries of the cutout of the front panel of the outer housing in the closed configuration of the container.
6. the container according to claim 5, wherein the reclosable inner liner flap adheres to the revealed portion at the front panel of the inner liner by the re-sealable adhesive in the closed configuration of the container.
7. the container according to claim 1, wherein, in the closed configuration of the container, the closing flap is re-sealably adhered to a front of the container by the re-sealable adhesive between the reclosable inner liner flap and inner liner, only.
8. the container according to claim 1, wherein the re-sealable adhesive is part of the reclosable inner liner flap.
9. the container according to claim 1, wherein the re-sealable adhesive is part of the inner liner.
10. the container according to claim 1, wherein a box portion of the outer housing comprises a fully open top side arranged below the top panel of the closing flap in the closed configuration of the container.
11. the container according to claim 10, wherein the inner liner is movable within the outer housing partially out of the fully open top side.
12. the container according to claim 10, wherein the outer housing comprises tabs that are permanently adhered to a bottom panel of the inner liner and are pivotally arranged within the outer housing.
13. the container according to claim 1, wherein the closing flap comprises a gripping tab at a lower edge of the front panel of the closing flap.
14. the container according to claim 2, wherein the front panel of the closing flap has a length measured in a longitudinal direction of the container that is larger than a length of the cutout in the front panel of the outer housing.
15. the container according to claim 1, further comprising an inner frame arranged within the inner liner.
16. the container according to claim 2, wherein the cutout in the front panel of the outer housing has a length measured in a longitudinal direction of the outer housing that is 60-70 percent of a length of the container in said longitudinal direction.


[en] a vapour generating system includes a vapour generating space for containing a vapour generating material and a heater for heating the vapour generating material to generate a first vapour. the vapour generating system further includes an air inlet, an air outlet, an air flow passage connecting the air inlet and the air outlet via the vapour generating space, an outer surface and a cooling chamber. the cooling chamber includes a liquid which is vaporisable to form a second vapour and the cooling chamber is positioned between the heater and the outer surface and/or between the air flow passage and the outer surface. [en] 1. a vapour generating system comprising: a vapour generating space for containing a vapour generating material;a heater for heating the vapour generating material to generate a first vapour;an air inlet, an air outlet and an air flow passage connecting the air inlet and the air outlet via the vapour generating space;an outer surface; anda cooling chamber comprising a liquid which is vaporisable to form a second vapour;wherein the cooling chamber is positioned between the heater and the outer surface and/or between the air flow passage and the outer surface.
2. the vapour generating system according to claim 1, wherein the cooling chamber comprises a wick to transfer the liquid from a first position in the cooling chamber to a second position in the cooling chamber.
3. the vapour generating system according to claim 2, wherein the first position in the cooling chamber is closer to the outer surface than the second position in the cooling chamber.
4. the vapour generating system according to claim 1, wherein the liquid has a boiling point less than approximately 60 degrees centigrade, preferably less than approximately 50 degrees centigrade, preferably less than approximately 40 degrees centigrade
5. the vapour generating system according to claim 2, wherein the wick comprises a mesh structure.
6. the vapour generating system according to claim 1, wherein the heater comprises an induction heatable susceptor and the vapour generating system comprises an induction coil arranged to generate an alternating electromagnetic field for inductively heating the induction heatable susceptor, the cooling chamber being positioned between the induction coil and the outer surface.
7. the vapour generating system according to claim 6, wherein the wick includes an electrically conductive material and is arranged to provide an electromagnetic shield for the induction coil.
8. the vapour generating system according to claim 6, wherein the wick extends substantially across at least one side of the induction coil.
9. the vapour generating system according to claim 6, further comprising a ferrimagnetic, non-electrically conductive material positioned between the wick and the induction coil and extending substantially across at least one side of the induction coil.
10. the vapour generating system according to claim 6, wherein the air flow passage is positioned between the induction coil and the outer surface.
11. the vapour generating system according to claim 6, wherein the cooling chamber comprises an inner wall proximate the induction coil, the inner wall including a metal having good heat conductivity and electromagnetic shielding properties.
12. the vapour generating system according to claim 1, wherein the cooling chamber is positioned between the outer surface and a portion of the air flow passage connecting the vapour generating space to the air outlet.
13. a vapour generating device comprising: a vapour generating space for receiving a vapour generating material;an induction coil for heating the vapour generating material to generate a first vapour;an air inlet, an air outlet and an air flow passage connecting the air inlet and the air outlet via the vapour generating space;an outer surface;a cooling chamber comprising a liquid which is vaporisable to form a second vapour;wherein the cooling chamber is positioned between the induction coil and the outer surface and/or between the air flow passage and the outer surface.
14. the vapour generating device according to claim 13, wherein the cooling chamber comprises a wick to transfer the liquid from a first position in the cooling chamber to a second position in the cooling chamber, the wick including an electrically conductive material and being arranged to provide an electromagnetic shield for the induction coil.
15. a vapour generating device comprising: a vapour generating space for receiving a vapour generating material;a resistive heater for heating the vapour generating material to generate a first vapour;an air inlet, an air outlet and an air flow passage connecting the air inlet and the air outlet via the vapour generating space;an outer surface;a cooling chamber comprising a liquid which is vaporisable to form a second vapour;wherein the cooling chamber is positioned between the resistive heater and the outer surface and/or between the air flow passage and the outer surface.


[en] the present invention concerns a cartridge (14) for storing a vaporizable material for an aerosol generating device. the cartridge (14) comprises a cartridge body (51) defining an internal surface (54).the cartridge (14) further comprises a coating (67) covering the internal surface (54) of the cartridge body (51) and being extractable from the cartridge body (51) before recycling the cartridge body (51). [en] 1. a cartridge (14) for storing a vaporizable material for an aerosol generating device (12), the cartridge (14) comprises a cartridge body (51) defining an internal surface (54); the cartridge (14) being characterized in that it further comprises a coating (67) covering the internal surface (54) of the cartridge body (51) and being extractable from the cartridge body (51) before recycling the cartridge body (51).
2. the cartridge (14) according to claim 1, wherein the coating (67) is extractable from the cartridge body (51) with at least one internal element (58, 60, 62) of the cartridge body (51) having been in contact with the vaporizable material.
3. the cartridge (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coating (67) covers at least one internal element (58, 60, 62) of the cartridge body (51) different from the internal surface (54).
4. the cartridge according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said internal element (58, 60, 62) is chosen in the group comprising: - a liquid transport element (62);- a heater (60);- a susceptor;- an airflow channel (58).
5. the cartridge (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating (67) is extractable using a removal process comprising at least one operation chosen in the group comprising: - applying pressure inside the cartridge body (51);- applying heat, preferably by increasing surrounding temperature;- applying a mechanical action;- applying electromagnetic radiations, such as uv rays.
6. the cartridge (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating (67) comprises a foil or film.
7. the cartridge (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating (67) is impermeable or water repellent.
8. the cartridge (14) according to claim 7, wherein the coating (67) comprises a peelable tie or seal layer.
9. the cartridge (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating (67) is applied by spraying or painting on the corresponding surface (54).
10. the cartridge (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating (67) is applied on the corresponding surface (54) using heat to harden it.
11. the cartridge (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating (67) is applied on the internal surface (54) of the cartridge body before assembling the cartridge.
12. the cartridge (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vaporizable material is liquid.
13. the cartridge (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal surface (54) delimits a storage portion (56) of the cartridge adapted to store the vaporizable material.
14. the cartridge (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge body (51) is made of polypropylene or pet.


[en] a cartridge for a personal vaporizing device includes a liquid store, a liquid transfer element, a heating element, a first power terminal and a second power terminal connected to the heating element, and a memory configured to store a first reference value indicating the resistance of the heating element at a reference temperature or reference. a method of manufacturing such a cartridge is also provided. a main body of a personal vaporizing device has a cartridge seating configured to receive such a cartridge. [en] 1. a cartridge for a personal vaporizing device, the cartridge comprising: a liquid store,a liquid transfer element,a heating element,a first power terminal and a second power terminal connected to the heating element, anda memory configured to store a first reference value indicating resistance of the heating element at a reference temperature or a reference temperature range of the heating element.
2. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the memory further comprises a predetermined temperature coefficient of resistivity related to a material of the heating element.
3. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the memory is configured to store a second reference value indicating resistance of an open loop of an electronic circuit, the open loop extending between the first and second power terminals and including the heating element.
4. the cartridge according to claim 3, wherein endpoints of the open loop are the first and second power terminals.
5. the cartridge according to claim 3, further comprising one or more data terminals configured to provide the first and/or second reference values to a main body of the personal vaporizing device.
6. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge further comprises a mouthpiece portion.
7. a method of manufacturing the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first reference value is obtained by measuring the resistance of the heating element and measuring an ambient temperature.
8. the method according to claim 7, wherein the ambient temperature substantially corresponds to a temperature of the heating element and/or to the reference temperature.
9. the method according to claim 7, wherein the ambient temperature corresponds to a temperature of the heating element, which differs from the reference temperature, and wherein a resistance reference value at the reference temperature is calculated by adjusting the measured resistance of the heating element by using the formula r=rref[1+a(t-tref)], where r is a current resistance of the heating element at the ambient temperature, rref is the reference resistance value of the heating element at the reference temperature tref, a is a temperature coefficient of resistance of a material of the heating element and t is a current temperature in degrees centigrade of the heating element.
10. a method of manufacturing the cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the first reference value is obtained by measuring the resistance of the heating element and measuring an ambient temperature, wherein the ambient temperature substantially corresponds to a temperature of the heating element and/or to the reference temperature, and wherein obtaining the second reference value includes a step of measuring the resistance of the open loop after assembly of the open loop while a temperature of the heating element substantially corresponds to the reference temperature or lies within the reference temperature range.
11. a main body of a personal vaporizing device, the main body having a cartridge seating configured to receive a cartridge comprising: a heating element,a first power terminal and a second power terminal connected to the heating element to thereby form an open loop between the first and second power terminals, which form end-points of the open loop, and including the heating element connected between the first and second power terminals; wherein the cartridge seating comprises:a first pair of electrical connectors configured to establish an electrical circuit when connected to respective ones of the first and second power terminals of the cartridge whereby power may be supplied to the heating element from the main body via the first pair of electrical connectors and the first and second power terminals, anda second pair of electrical connectors configured to establish a measuring circuit when connected to respective ones of the first and second power terminals for measuring voltage between the first and second power terminals of the cartridge whilst power is supplied to the first and second power terminals via the first pair of electrical connectors.
12. the main body according to claim 11, wherein the main body further comprises a controller configured to determine resistance of the open loop between the first and second power terminals by the voltage measured by the measuring circuit; and to determine an estimate of resistance of the heating element on the basis of the determined resistance of the open loop.
13. the main body according to claim 12, wherein the controller is further configured to obtain a first reference value indicating the resistance of the heating element at a reference temperature or a reference temperature range of the heating element; and to determine an estimate of a temperature of the heating element by comparing the determined resistance of the open loop with the resistance indicated by the first reference value.
14. the main body according to claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to determine a current temperature by executing a functional relationship of r=rref[1+a(t-tref)], where r is a current resistance of the heating element at an ambient temperature t, rref is a reference resistance value of the heating element at a reference temperature tref, a is a temperature coefficient of resistance of a material of the heating element and t is a current temperature in degrees centigrade of the heating element.
15. the main body according to claim 13, wherein the controller is further configured: to determine a difference between the resistance of the heating element and the resistance of the open loop based on the obtained second reference value; andto determine an estimate of a value of the current resistance of the heating element by subtracting the determined difference between the resistance of the heating element and the resistance of the open loop from the determined resistance of the open loop.
16. the main body according to claim 15, wherein the controller obtains the first and/or second reference values from the cartridge.
17. the main body according to claim 16, further comprising data connectors for obtaining the first and/or second reference values from the cartridge.
18. the main body according to claim 14, wherein the main body is configured to regulate power applied to the heating element in the cartridge depending on the determined current resistance or current temperature of the heating element.
19. a method of manufacturing the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first reference value is obtained by measuring the resistance of the heating element and measuring an ambient temperature before assembly of the heating element into the cartridge.


[en] an electronic cigarette and a mouthpiece portion of an electronic cigarette are provided. the mouthpiece portion has a liquid store, an atomizer-receiving portion, a vapour outlet and a vapour flow tube. the liquid store has a liquid opening in a bottom portion thereof; the mouthpiece portion has an axially moveable closing member which is movable between an open position and a closed position. the axially moveable closing member is biased towards the closed position to seal the liquid opening. the closing member is urged towards the open position when an atomizer is present in the atomizer receiving portion. [en] 1. a mouthpiece portion of an electronic cigarette, the mouthpiece portion comprising a mouthpiece having a liquid store, an atomizer-receiving portion, a vapour outlet, and a vapour flow tube, the vapour flow tube having an axial extension between the atomizer-receiving portion and the vapour outlet; wherein the liquid store has a liquid opening in a bottom portion thereof, and wherein the mouthpiece portion further comprises an axially moveable closing member which is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the axially moveable closing member is biased towards the closed position to seal the liquid opening, and wherein the axially moveable closing member is urged towards the open position when an atomizer is present in the atomizer-receiving portion; andwherein the axially moveable closing member has a sealing end provided with a horizontal flange, and wherein the flange is configured to seal against a bottom surface of the liquid store comprising the liquid opening.
2. the mouthpiece portion according to claim 1, wherein the axially moveable closing member is guided by the vapour flow tube.
3. the mouthpiece portion according to claim 1, wherein the axially moveable closing member is guided by an internal side of the liquid store.
4. the mouthpiece portion according to claim 1, wherein the closing member is a tubular sleeve.
5. the mouthpiece portion according to claim 4, wherein the tubular sleeve is located around the vapour flow tube.
6. the mouthpiece portion according to claim 1, wherein the sealing end further comprises a resilient seal connected to the horizontal flange and configured to seal against the bottom surface of the liquid store comprising the liquid opening and close the liquid opening.
7. the mouthpiece portion according to claim 1, wherein the axially moveable closing member is moveable in an axial direction when a liquid refill arrangement is present in the atomizer-receiving portion.
8. an electronic cigarette comprising a mouthpiece portion provided with a mouthpiece, a power supply portion and an atomizer, wherein the mouthpiece portion comprises an atomizer-receiving portion configured to receive an upper portion of the atomizer, and wherein the power supply portion comprises an atomizer seating configured to receive a lower portion of the atomiser; wherein the mouthpiece portion comprises a liquid store having a liquid opening in a bottom portion thereof and a vapour flow tube extending from the atomizer-receiving portion to the mouthpiece;wherein the mouthpiece portion further comprises an axially moveable closing member which is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closing member is biased towards the closed position to seal the liquid opening, and wherein the closing member is urged towards the open position when the atomizer is received in the atomizer-receiving portion; and wherein the axially moveable closing member has a sealing end provided with a horizontal flange, and wherein the flange is configured to seal against a bottom surface of the liquid store comprising the liquid opening.
9. the electronic cigarette according to claim 8, wherein the axially moveable closing member is guided by the vapour flow tube.
10. the electronic cigarette according to claim 8, wherein the axially moveable closing member is guided by an internal side of the liquid store.
11. the electronic cigarette according to claim 8, wherein the atomizer comprises at least one liquid inlet, a fluid transfer element and a heating element, and wherein the at least one liquid inlet is configured to extend into the atomizer-receiving portion of the mouthpiece portion such that the atomizer abuts the axially moveable closing member and the axially moveable closing member is released from a surface of the liquid store comprising the liquid opening such that a fluidic connection between the liquid store and the fluid transfer element is established through the at least one liquid inlet when the mouthpiece portion is connected to the power supply portion and the atomizer is present in the atomizer seating.


[en] the present invention relates to a computer-implemented method of operating an aerosol- generating device, the method comprising the steps of retrieving an aerosol-delivery profile of a user stored on the aerosol-generating device or a personal computing device; obtaining a user schedule from a calendar application on a server or the personal computing device; customising the retrieved aerosol-delivery profile for the user at least based on the user schedule; and controlling an operation of the aerosol-generating device based on the customised aerosol-delivery profile. [en]       claims:   1. a computer-implemented method of operating an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising the steps of: retrieving an aerosol-delivery profile of a user stored on the aerosol-generating device or a personal computing device, wherein the aerosol-delivery profile comprises a workday profile and a non-workday profile; obtaining a user schedule from a calendar application on a server or the personal computing device; customising one of the workday profile and the non-workday profile in the retrieved aerosol-delivery profile for the user at least based on the user schedule; and controlling an operation of the aerosol-generating device based on the customised aerosol-delivery profile.
2. the method of claim 1, wherein the aerosol-delivery profile includes information related to an amount of substance to be delivered to the user in the aerosol.
3. the method of any preceding claim, further comprising: receiving an input from the user on the personal computing device to set a recurring event for each day during a week; and restricting the use of the aerosol-generating device during the recurring event.
4. the method of any preceding claim, further comprising: establishing a communicative pairing between the aerosol-generating device and the personal computing device to allow the aerosol-generating device to obtain the user schedule from the personal computing device, wherein the user schedule is obtained by the aerosol-generating device on a periodic basis.
5. the method of anyone of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: establishing a communicative pairing between the aerosol-generating device and the personal computing device to allow the aerosol-generating device to receive a controlling command, wherein the controlling command is generated by the personal computing device based on the customised aerosol-delivery profile, and controlling the operation of the aerosol-generating device based on the received controlling command.
6. the method of any preceding claim, further comprising: monitoring usage of the aerosol-generating device over time; and modifying the aerosol-delivery profile based on the usage.
7. the method of any preceding claim, further comprising exchanging the aerosol- delivery profile and/or the user schedule with other aerosol-generating devices or their respective other personal computing devices connected on a network.
8. the method of claim 7, further comprising: searching, in a predetermined area, for the other aerosol-generating devices or the respective personal computing devices having an aerosol-generating device control application, to identify candidate devices; and identifying one or more of the candidate devices as trusted devices to exchange aerosol-delivery profile and/or user schedule.
9. the method of claim 8, wherein said identifying one or more of the candidate devices as trusted devices comprises: comparing device id of the candidate devices with previously stored device ids; and identifying one or more of the candidate devices as trusted devices based on the comparison.
10. the method of claim 8, wherein said identifying one or more of the candidate devices as trusted devices comprises: sending a list of the candidate devices to a server storing user profiles and a configurable rule; and identifying, by the server, one or more of the candidate devices as trusted devices based on user profiles associated with the candidate devices and the configurable rule.
11. the method of any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising: determining a time slot based on the exchanged user schedule; and displaying a message on the user computing device indicating one or more matching users, each associated with at least one of the trusted devices with a matching user profile, available at the determined time slot.
12. a computer-implemented method of exchanging aerosol-delivery profiles, the method comprising the steps of: searching, in a predetermined area, for other aerosol-generating devices or other personal computing devices having an aerosol-generating device control application, to identify candidate devices; identifying one or more of the candidate devices as trusted devices to exchange aerosol-delivery profile and/or user schedule; determining a time slot based on the exchanged user schedule; and displaying a message on the user computing device indicating one or more matching users, each associated with at least one of the trusted devices with a matching user profile, available at the determined time slot.
13. the method of claim 12, further comprising sending a message to the one or more matching users to plan a meet-up at the determined time slot.
14. the method of claim 13, wherein the message further comprises a location for the meet-up.
15. the method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the message is only sent to the at least one trusted device in close proximity of the user computing device.
16. a data processing system for generating a customisable aerosol-delivery profile for a user, the system comprising means for carrying out a method according to any of claims 1 to 11.
17. a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 15.