[en] an aerosol generation device includes a cover, a light-emitting indicator, and a main body with a main housing forming the exterior surface of the main body configured for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generation substrate and including the light-emitting indicator. the cover is releasably attached or connected to the main housing to cover a portion of the exterior surface and to form part of the exterior surface of the aerosol generation device, and includes a light-transmissive portion. the light-emitting indicator is configured to emit light through the light-transmissive portion in a light propagation direction. the projection of the light-emitting indicator onto a plane which is transversal to the light propagation direction has a first shape and size, and the projection of the light-transmissive portion onto this plane has a second shape and size, the second size is smaller than the first size and fully fits into the first shape. [en] 1. an aerosol generation device comprising: a main body with a main housing that forms the exterior surface of the main body, the main body configured for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generation substrate and comprising a light-emitting indicator; anda cover that is releasably attached or connected to the main housing to cover a portion of the exterior surface of the main housing and to form part of the exterior surface of the aerosol generation device, the cover comprising a light-transmissive portion;wherein the light-emitting indicator is configured to emit light through the light-transmissive portion in a light propagation direction through the light-transmissive portion,wherein the projection of the light-emitting indicator onto a plane which is transversal to the light propagation direction has a first shape and size, and the projection of the light-transmissive portion onto this plane has a second shape and size, andwherein the second size is smaller than the first size and the second shape fully fits into the first shape.
2. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting indicator is a light source.
3. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting indicator and the light-transmissive portion are aligned relative to each other such that light emitted from the light-emitting indicator in the light propagation direction illuminates substantially the entire light-transmissive portion.
4. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the light propagation direction is substantially perpendicular to the exterior surface of the light-transmissive portion.
5. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting indicator has an elongated shape with a length that corresponds to the extension of the light-emitting indicator in the elongation direction, and a width that corresponds to the extension of the light-emitting indicator in the direction perpendicular to the elongation direction, and perpendicular to the light propagation direction, and wherein the light-transmissive portion has a length which is smaller than the length of the light-emitting indicator, and a width which is smaller than the width of the light-emitting indicator.
6. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein a portion or all of the cover surrounding or encircling the light-transmissive portion is opaque.
7. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a composite laminar structure comprising a plurality of layers, each layer having an outer surface facing towards an outside of the aerosol generation device, and an inner surface facing towards the main housing.
8. the aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a light-transmissive plastic film layer.
9. the aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein the light-transmissive portion comprises at least a portion of the light-transmissive plastic film layer.
10. the aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein the transparent plastic film is provided on an inner surface thereof with one or more at least partially or fully opaque layers.
11. the aerosol generation device according to preceding claim 10, wherein the light-transmissive portion comprises a number of partially opaque layers that is less than the number of at least partially and/or fully opaque layers comprised by portions of the cover that are opaque.
12. the aerosol generation device according to claim 10, wherein the light-transmissive portion does not comprise a partially opaque layer.
13. the aerosol generation device according to claim 10, wherein the one or more at least partially or fully opaque layers are interposed between the transparent plastic film and a support layer.
14. the aerosol generation device according to claim 10, wherein the one or more at least partially or fully opaque layers comprise one or more printed layers.
15. the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the cover is film insert molded (fim).
16. the aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein the transparent plastic film is provided on an inner surface thereof with one or more at least partially or fully opaque layers.
17. the aerosol generation device according to claim 16, wherein the light-transmissive portion comprises a number of partially opaque layers that is less than the number of at least partially and/or fully opaque layers comprised by portions of the cover that are opaque.
18. the aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein the light-transmissive portion does not comprise a partially opaque layer.
19. the aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein the one or more at least partially or fully opaque layers are interposed between the transparent plastic film and a support layer.
20. the aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein the one or more at least partially or fully opaque layers comprise one or more printed layers.


[en] a cartridge for an electronic cigarette comprises: a liquid store arranged to contain a liquid to be vaporised; a vaporization chamber having at least one opening arranged to connect the vaporization chamber to the liquid store; a vaporising unit; and a pair of electric terminals connected to the heating element. the vaporising unit comprises: a fluid transfer element arranged to transfer liquid between the liquid store and the vaporization chamber; and a heating element arranged inside the vaporization chamber and arranged to heat a liquid transferred to the vaporization chamber by the fluid transfer element. the pair of electric terminals comprise a first connection plate and a second connection plate which are connected to a first end and a second end of the heating element, respectively, and the first and the second connection plates are arranged on a first side of the vaporization chamber. [en] 1. a cartridge for an electronic cigarette, the cartridge comprising: a liquid store arranged to contain a liquid to be vaporized;a vaporization chamber having at least one opening arranged to connect the vaporization chamber to the liquid store;a vaporizing unit comprising: a fluid transfer element arranged to transfer the liquid between the liquid store and the vaporization chamber; anda heating element arranged inside the vaporization chamber and arranged to heat the liquid transferred to the vaporization chamber by the fluid transfer element; anda pair of electric terminals connected to the heating element, wherein the pair of electric terminals comprise a first connection plate and a second connection plate which are connected to a first end and a second end of the heating element respectively, and wherein the first and the second connection plates are arranged on a first side of the vaporization chamber.
2. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second connection plates are arranged on a first side of the fluid transfer element.
3. the cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the first side of the fluid transfer element is along a longitudinal dimension of the fluid transfer element.
4. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first connection plate and the second connection plate each comprise a slot configured to receive the first and second ends of the heating element respectively.
5. the cartridge according to claim 4, wherein each of the slots extends along a longitudinal axis of the respective first and second connection plate.
6. the cartridge according to claim 4, wherein each of the slots has a width substantially equal to a diameter of the heating element.
7. the cartridge according to claim 4, wherein each of the slots has a width that is smaller than a diameter of the heating element.
8. the cartridge according to claim 4, wherein each of the slots has a width that is larger than a diameter of the heating element.
9. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of the heating element extend in direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the fluid transfer element.
10. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first and second connection plates each comprise a shoulder portion located along a length of the respective first and second connection plate, the shoulder portion extending away from a main body of the respective first and second connection plate.
11. the cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the shoulder portion of the first connection plate is located at a first distance along the length of the first connection and the shoulder portion of the second connection plate is located at a second distance along the length of the second shoulder plate, the first distance being different than the second distance.
12. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first and second connection plates each comprise an end portion which extends in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the fluid transfer element.
13. the cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the end portion of the first connection plate has a greater length than the end portion of the second connection plate.
14. the cartridge according to claim 13, wherein a difference in length between the end portion of the first connection plate and the end portion of the second connection plate substantially corresponds to a diameter of the fluid transfer element.
15. the cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the end portion of the first connection plate extends further away from the heating element than the end portion of the second connection plate.
16. the cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the first and second connection plates are positioned at different positions in a height dimension of the cartridge, such a bottom portion of the first slot is in a lower position along the height dimension than a bottom portion of the second slot.
17. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first and second connections plates are each bent to form an l-shape, each of the l-shapes comprising a base portion and a main portion.
18. the cartridge according to claim 17, wherein the main portion of each l-shape is provided with slot for receiving the heating element, and wherein the base portion of each l-shape is arranged as a contact surface to provide a connection to a respective one of a pair of corresponding terminals in a main body of an electronic cigarette.
19. the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge comprises first and second apertures and wherein the first and second connection plates are located within first and second apertures, respectively.
20. the cartridge according to claim 19, wherein the first and second apertures comprise first and second air inlet holes, respectively.
21. an electronic cigarette comprising a cartridge according to claim 1.


[en] an electrically powered smoking device configured to receive a consumable article includes a housing having a cavity, defining a cavity axis, for receiving at least partially the consumable article, and an optical sensing system for detecting indicia on the consumable article, wherein the optical sensing system includes at least one pinhole and an image detector, wherein the pinhole allows to form an image on an image plane, detectable by the image detector. [en] 1. an electrically powered smoking device configured to receive a consumable article, comprising, a housing having a cavity, defining a cavity axis, for receiving at least partially the consumable article, andan optical sensing system for detecting indicia on the consumable article, wherein the optical sensing system comprises at least one pinhole and an image detector, wherein the at least one pinhole allows light to form an image on an image plane, detectable by the image detector.
2. the smoking device according to claim 1, further comprising a light source.
3. the smoking device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pinhole includes at least two pinholes positioned approximately opposite to each other such that indicia on the consumable article can be detected by the optical sensing system through the at least two pinholes.
4. the smoking device according to claim 3, wherein the at least two pinholes are provided to different axial positions and/or longitudinal positions.
5. the smoking device according to claim 3, wherein the at least two pinholes are provided to the same axial position or longitudinal position.
6. the smoking device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pinhole includes an array of pinholes provided parallel to the cavity axis.
7. the smoking device according to claim 6, wherein images provided to the image plane detectable by the image detector are at least partially overlapped.
8. the smoking device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pinhole includes an array of pinholes provided parallel to the cavity axis, wherein the array of pinholes form one or more slits to provide an image in planes that are orthogonal to a length of a slit of the one or more slits.
9. the smoking device according to claim 1, wherein one or more optical elements are provided in between one of the at least one pinhole and the image plane.
10. the smoking device according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensing system includes one or more field lenses to provide an enlarged field of view.
11. the smoking device according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensing system further comprises an integrated heater to provide a light source for illumination.
12. the smoking device according to claim 1, wherein a size of each of the at least one pinhole is adjustable, forming a size-variable pinhole.
13. the smoking device according to claim 12, wherein the size of each of the at least one pinhole is adjustable through electromagnetic or electrostatic forces or through two mems blades, each having a half-circular aperture.
14. the smoking device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one pinhole is arranged on a ring that is slidable longitudinally in the cavity.
15. the smoking device according to claim 2, wherein the light source is positioned on a side of the smoking device facing the consumable article when the consumable article is at least partially received in the cavity.
16. the smoking device according to claim 6, wherein images provided to the image plane detectable by the image detector are not overlapped.
17. the smoking device according to claim 10, wherein the one or more field lenses are provided in between the at least one pinhole and the image detector.


[en] an aerosol generating device includes a heating chamber for receiving at least part of an aerosol generating substrate and a plurality of inductively heatable susceptors mounted in the heating chamber. the plurality of inductively heatable susceptors are electrically connected to each other, for example by at least one electrical connectors. [en] 1. an aerosol generating device comprising: a heating chamber for receiving at least part of an aerosol generating substrate;a plurality of inductively heatable susceptors mounted in the heating chamber; andan electromagnetic field generator for generating an alternating electromagnetic field to inductively heat the plurality of inductively heatable susceptorswherein the plurality of inductively heatable susceptors are electrically connected to each other.
2. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein at least one electrical connector extends between adjacent inductively heatable susceptors to electrically connect the adjacent susceptors.
3. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heating chamber has a longitudinal axis defining a longitudinal direction and each of the inductively heatable susceptors is elongate in the longitudinal direction of the heating chamber.
4. the aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one electrical connector comprises a plurality of electrical connectors extending between adjacent elongate inductively heatable susceptors to electrically connect the adjacent elongate susceptors, and the electrical connectors are spaced along a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.
5. the aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one electrical connector has an electrical resistance which is lower than an electrical resistance of the inductively heatable susceptors.
6. the aerosol generating device according to claims 2, wherein the plurality of inductively heatable susceptors are spaced around a periphery of the heating chamber and the at least one electrical connector extends around the periphery of the heating chamber.
7. the aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the heating chamber comprises a chamber wall defining an interior volume of the heating chamber, and the plurality of inductively heatable susceptors are spaced around an inner surface of the chamber wall.
8. the aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the chamber wall includes a plurality of susceptor mounts formed in or on the inner surface for mounting the plurality of inductively heatable susceptors.
9. the aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the chamber wall includes a coil support structure formed in or on an outer surface for supporting an induction heating coil of the electromagnetic field generator.
10. the aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the coil support structure comprises a coil support groove.
11. the aerosol generating device according to claims, wherein the heating chamber is substantially tubular and the plurality of inductively heatable susceptors are spaced around a periphery of the substantially tubular heating chamber.
12. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein each of the inductively heatable susceptors has a length and a width and the length is at least five times the width.
13. the aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the inductively heatable susceptors has at least one inwardly extending portion that extends into the heating chamber from the inner surface of the chamber wall to provide a reduced cross-sectional area of the heating chamber and thereby compress an aerosol generating substrate positioned, in use, in the heating chamber.
14. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heating chamber comprises a substantially non-electrically conductive and non-magnetically permeable material.
15. an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating substrate; andan aerosol generating device comprising: a heating chamber for receiving at least part of the aerosol generating substrate;a plurality of inductively heatable susceptors mounted in the heating chamber for heating the aerosol generating substrate-; andan electromagnetic field generator for generating an alternating electromagnetic field to inductively heat the inductively heatable susceptors,wherein the plurality of inductively heatable susceptors are electrically connected to each other.
16. the aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the coil support groove extends helically around the outer surface of the chamber wall.
17. the aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the heating chamber is substantially cylindrical and the plurality of inductively heatable susceptors are circumferentially spaced around the substantially cylindrical heating chamber.
18. the aerosol generating device of according to claim 14, wherein the substantially non-electrically conductive and non-magnetically permeable material comprises a heat-resistant plastics material.
19. the aerosol generating device of according to claim 18, wherein the heat-resistant plastics material comprises a polyether ether ketone (peek).


[en] an electronic cigarette includes a vaporizing unit configured to generate a vapor from a substrate; an air flow inlet; a vapor outlet configured for a user to inhale the vapor; a main vapor flow channel extending past the vaporizing unit from the air flow inlet to the vapor outlet; a pressure sensor arranged to measure a pressure at the main vapor flow channel; and control circuitry configured to monitor user inhalation by: obtaining pressure measurements from the pressure sensor at a sampling frequency; calculating a background pressure as a moving average of the pressure measurements obtained within a moving sampling period; and calculating a current pressure difference as a difference between a current pressure measurement and the background pressure. the control circuitry is configured to select an operation state depending upon the current pressure difference. the operation state is one of: at least a sleep state; and an active state. [en] 1. an electronic cigarette comprising: a vaporizing unit configured to generate a vapor from a substrate;an air flow inlet;a vapor outlet configured for a user to inhale the vapor;a main vapor flow channel extending past the vaporizing unit from the air flow inlet to the vapor outlet;a pressure sensor arranged to measure a pressure at the main vapor flow channel; andcontrol circuitry configured to monitor user inhalation by: obtaining pressure measurements from the pressure sensor at a sampling frequency;calculating a background pressure as a moving average of the pressure measurements obtained within a moving sampling period; andcalculating a current pressure difference as a difference between a current pressure measurement and the background pressure,wherein the control circuitry is configured to select an operation state in dependence upon the current pressure difference, wherein the operation state is one of a plurality of states comprising:a sleep state in which the sampling frequency is a first frequency; and an active state in which the sampling frequency is a second frequency higher than the first frequency,the electronic cigarette further comprising an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration of the electronic cigarette, wherein the control circuitry is configured to switch from the sleep state to the active state in response to the acceleration exceeding a threshold, and wherein the control circuitry is further configured to respond to an acceleration sustained in a specific direction for at least a threshold period of time by switching the sampling frequency to a high sampling frequency higher than the second frequency.
2. an electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is configured to switch from the sleep state to the active state in response to the current pressure difference exceeding a first threshold.
3. an electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of states further comprises a vaping state in which the control circuitry controls the vaporizing unit to generate the vapor.
4. an electronic cigarette according to claim 3 wherein, in the vaping state, the sampling frequency is a third frequency higher than the second frequency.
5. an electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is configured to switch to the vaping state in response to the current pressure difference exceeding a second threshold, the second threshold indicating that a user is inhaling at the vapor outlet.
6. an electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to measure an absolute pressure.
7. an electronic cigarette according to claim 6, wherein the pressure sensor is a mems sensor.
8. an electronic cigarette according to claim 6, wherein the control circuitry is configured to estimate a temperature based on the background pressure.
9. a control circuit for controlling an electronic cigarette, the electronic cigarette comprising: a vaporizing unit configured to generate a vapor from a substrate; an air flow inlet; an vapor outlet; a main vapor flow channel extending past the vaporizing unit from the air flow inlet to the vapor outlet; a pressure sensor arranged to measure a pressure at the main vapor flow channel, or arranged near to the air flow inlet or the vapor outlet; and an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration of the electronic cigarette, wherein the control circuit is configured to monitor user inhalation by: obtaining pressure measurements from the pressure sensor at a sampling frequency;calculating a background pressure as a moving average of the pressure measurements obtained within a moving sampling period; andcalculating a current pressure difference as a difference between a current pressure measurement and the background pressure,wherein the control circuit is configured to select an operation state in dependence upon the current pressure difference, wherein the operation state is one of a plurality of states comprising: a sleep state in which the sampling frequency is a first frequency; and an active state in which the sampling frequency is a second frequency higher than the first frequency, andwherein the control circuitry is configured to switch from the sleep state to the active state in response to the acceleration exceeding a threshold, and wherein the control circuitry is further configured to respond to an acceleration sustained in a specific direction for at least a threshold period of time by switching the sampling frequency to a high sampling frequency higher than the second frequency.
10. a method for controlling an electronic cigarette comprising: a vaporizing unit configured to generate a vapor from a substrate; an air flow inlet; an vapor outlet; a main vapor flow channel extending past the vaporizing unit from the air flow inlet to the vapor outlet; a pressure sensor arranged to measure a pressure at the main vapor flow channel, or arranged near to the air flow inlet or the vapor outlet; and an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration of the electronic cigarette, the method comprising monitoring user inhalation by: obtaining pressure measurements from the pressure sensor at a sampling frequency;calculating a background pressure as a moving average of the pressure measurements obtained within a moving sampling period;calculating a current pressure difference as a difference between a current pressure measurement and the background pressure; andselecting an operation state in dependence upon the current pressure difference, wherein the operation state is one of a plurality of states comprising: a sleep state in which the sampling frequency is a first frequency; and an active state in which the sampling frequency is a second frequency higher than the first frequency,wherein the control circuitry is configured to switch from the sleep state to the active state in response to the acceleration exceeding a threshold, and wherein the control circuitry is further configured to respond to an acceleration sustained in a specific direction for at least a threshold period of time by switching the sampling frequency to a high sampling frequency higher than the second frequency.
11. a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method according to claim 10.
12. (canceled)
13. an electronic cigarette according to claim 7, wherein the control circuitry is configured to estimate a temperature based on the background pressure.


[en] the invention, relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber (31) arranged to receive a consumable (6), a heater (30) configured to heat the consumable (6) in order to release an aerosol. the aerosol-generating device (1) further comprises a gripping element (7) configured to grip and eject the consumable (6) from the heating chamber (31) when required. [en]       claims   1. an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber (31) arranged to receive a consumable (6), a heater (30) configured to heat the consumable (6) in order to release an aerosol, characterized in that it further comprises a gripping element (7) configured to grip and eject the consumable (6) from the heating chamber (31) when required.
2. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the gripping element (7) is a claw device comprising a drive member (70) and jaws (71) attached to said drive member (70), said drive member   (70) being configured to move the jaws (71) inwards so that said jaws   (71) come towards one another and outwards so that the jaws (71) move away from each other.
3. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the drive member (70) is a telescopic cylinder configured to extend thereby moving the jaws (71) outwards, and configured to shorten thereby moving the jaws (71) inwards.
4. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein each jaw (71) is hinged onto the drive member (70) at a first point (p1) and a second point (p2) different from the first point (p1), each jaw (71) being articulated at said first point (71) to the telescopic cylinder by means of a connecting rod (72) and at said second point (p2) by means of a ring (73) attached to an end (700) of the telescopic cylinder, said ring (73) being configured to move in the direction of extension and shortening of the telescopic cylinder.
5. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein the telescopic cylinder is configured to extend on ejection of the consumable (6) thereby moving the jaws (71) outwards and the ring (73) against the consumable (6).
6. the aerosol-generating device according to any one of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the telescopic cylinder is configured to shorten during heating of the consumable (6) thereby moving the jaws (71) inwards and the ring (73) away from the consumable (6).
7. the aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims, 3 to 6 wherein the telescopic cylinder is configured to extend at the end of heating of the consumable (6) thereby moving the jaws outwards so as to release the consumable (6).
8. the aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein it further comprises a micro-controller (40) configured to move automatically the drive member (70) depending whether to heat the consumable (6), stop heating it or ejecting it from the heating chamber.
9. the aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein it comprises a housing (2) within which extend the heating chamber, the heater (30) and the gripping element (7), the housing comprising a through hole (21) through which extends the drive member (70) such us a part of the drive member (70) protrudes from the housing.
10. the aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein it comprises a housing (2) within which extend the heating chamber, the heater (30) and the gripping element (7), wherein it further comprises a slide (23) extending on an external wall (22) of the housing (2), said slide being mounted to the drive member (70) of the gripping element (7) such that the drive member (70) is driven by a movement of the slide (23).
11. the aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the heater (30) and the gripping element (7) are positioned with respect to one another such that the jaws (71) are conductively heated by the heater (30), the gripping element (7) being configured to compress the consumable (6) when it is being heated.
12. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 11, wherein the gripping element (7) is configured to stop compressing the consumable (6) when the heating is stopped.
13. the aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the heater (30) comprises resistive heating elements (300) fitted on the jaws (71) of the gripping element (7).
14. the aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the heater (30) comprises a stationary heater extending over a wall of the heating chamber.
15. the aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the heating chamber (31) comprises slots (313) shaped so as to receive the gripping element (7), the gripping element (7) being configured to move within the slots (313) to compress or release the consumable (6).


[en] a heating system for an aerosol generation assembly, includes a coil, a susceptor and an oscillation circuitry configured to generate ac current on the coil from a dc current provided by the battery. the oscillation circuitry comprises includes at least one power circuit including two power transistors (q1a, q1b) and a bias line (la, lb) for each power transistor (q1a, q1b). each power transistor (q1a, q1b) includes a gate terminal connected to the corresponding bias line (la, lb) and able to control the current between the corresponding source and drain terminals. the oscillation circuitry further includes a microcontroller connected to both bias lines (la, lb) and able to generate a voltage signal on each of the bias lines (la, lb). the at least one power circuit further includes a potential divider defining an output terminal (t) connected to the microcontroller. [en] 1. a heating system for an aerosol generation assembly comprising a battery for providing dc current and a storage portion for storing a vaporizable material, the battery comprising a first battery terminal (v+) and a second battery terminal (v-); the heating system comprising:a coil arranged in vicinity of the storage portion and connected to the first battery terminal (v+);a susceptor arranged in the storage portion;an oscillation circuitry configured to generate ac current on the coil from the dc current provided by the battery, the susceptor configured to heat the vaporizable material further to magnetic interaction with the coil;wherein:the oscillation circuitry comprises at least one power circuit, the at least one power circuit comprising first and second power transistors (q1a, q1b) and a first bias line and a second bias line (la, lb) for the first and second power transistors (q1a, q1b) respectively;each of the first and second power transistors (q1a, q1b) comprises a source terminal and a drain terminals connecting the coil to the second battery terminal (v-), and a gate terminal connected to the corresponding one of the first and second bias lines (la, lb) and configured to control the current between the corresponding source and drain terminals according to the voltage on the corresponding gate terminal;the oscillation circuitry further comprises a microcontroller connected to the first and second bias lines (la, lb) and configured to generate a voltage signal on each of the first and second bias lines (la, lb); andthe at least one power circuit further comprises a potential divider defining an output terminal (t) connected to the microcontroller, the microcontroller configured to verify an operation of the oscillation circuitry by analysing the voltage on the output terminal (t).
2. the heating system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second bias lines (la, lb) comprises a first bias resistor and a second bias resistor (r5a, r5b) respectively.
3. the heating system according to claim 1, wherein the oscillation circuitry further comprises a capacitor (ch) connected in parallel with the coil and comprising first and second capacitor terminals.
4. the heating system according to claim 3, wherein the at least one power circuit further comprises first and second connection lines (cla, clb) connecting the first and second capacitor terminals, respectively, to the second battery terminal (v-) and for the first and second connection lines (cla, clb), a first bypass line and a second bypass line (bla, blb), respectively, connecting the gate terminals of the first and second power transistors (q1a, q1b), respectively, to the corresponding first and second connection lines (cla, clb).
5. the heating system-(--34) according to claim 4, wherein the first and second connection lines (cla, clb) comprises a first diode and a second diode (d1a, d1b) respectively, and a first preventing resistor and a second preventing resistor (r34a, r34b) respectively, connected in series between the corresponding one of the first and second bypass lines and the corresponding one of the first and second capacitor terminals to prevent negative voltage excursions on the corresponding one of the first and second power transistor (q1a, q1b).
6. the heating system according to claim 4, wherein the potential divider is integrated into one of the first and second connection lines (cla, clb) between the second battery terminal (v-) and the corresponding one of the first and second bypass lines (bla, blb).
7. the heating system according to claim 6, wherein other of the first and second connection lines (cla, clb) without the potential divider further comprises a load resistor (r1a) connected between the corresponding one of the first and second bypass lines (bla, blb) and the second battery terminal (v-).
8. the heating system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one power circuit further comprises for each of the first and second power transistors (q1a, q1b), a capacitor connected between a pair of terminals of the corresponding power transistor (q1a, q1b).
9. the heating system according to claim 8, wherein said pair of terminals are source and gate terminals.
10. the heating system according to claim 1, wherein the coil is configured to be powered by a sinusoidal signal.
11. the heating system according to claim 1, wherein the coil is arranged around the storage portion.
12. the heating system according to claim 1, further comprising a burst reservoir connected to the battery in parallel with the oscillation circuitry and comprising at least first and second capacitors (cdl2, cdl4) connected in parallel.
13. an aerosol generation assembly comprising a heating system according to claim 1.
14. the aerosol generation assembly according to claim 13, further comprising an aerosol generation device and a cartridge, the battery arranged in the aerosol generation device and the storage portion arranged in the cartridge.
15. the aerosol generation assembly according to claim 14, wherein the coil and the oscillation circuitry are arranged in the aerosol generation device.


[en] the invention concerns a testing apparatus for collecting particles in a vapor/smoke delivered by a vaping/smoking item (100), the testing apparatus comprising: a mouthpiece (2) for receiving the tip of the vaping/smoking item, a smoking machine (6) for generating a suction airflow simulating a puffing action by a user on the vaping/smoking item, a main particles filter (4) arranged downstream the mouthpiece for collecting particles present in the suction airflow, a chamber (7) arranged between the mouthpiece (2) and the main particles filter (4) and having an empty cavity (8), a collector (10) for collecting particles in the chamber. the apparatus is thus able to separate, in the smoke/vapor delivered by a smoking/vaping item, the particles that are likely to be absorbed in the mouth of a user and are relevant for taste, from the particles that are likely to reach the user's lungs and transport deliverables such as nicotine. [en]       claims 1. testing apparatus for collecting particles in a vapor or smoke delivered by vaping or smoking devices, the testing apparatus comprising:   - a mouthpiece (2) for receiving a tip of a vaping/smoking item to be tested (100),   - a smoking machine (6) for generating a suction flow simulating a puffing action by a user on the vaping/smoking item to be tested,   - a main particles filter (4) arranged downstream the mouthpiece, for collecting particles present in the suction flow, characterized in that it further comprises a chamber (7), arranged between the mouthpiece (2) and the main particles filter (4), the chamber being delimited by a peripheral wall (12), which forms top, bottom and sides faces, and which is lined, at least at said bottom face, by a collector (10) for collecting particles dropping from the suction flow in the chamber before reaching the main particles filter, the collector (10) and/or faces of the chamber delimiting an empty cavity (8) in the chamber.
2. testing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main particles filter (4) is a glass fiber filter.
3. testing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the collector (10) is a glass fiber filter or a layer of an absorbent material.
4. testing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the collector (10) extends along the entire peripheral wall (12) of the chamber.
5. testing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the collector (10) is a cylindrical filter or a cylindrical absorbent sleeve.
6. testing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the collector has an open input end facing and surrounding the mouthpiece (2), and/or an opposite open output end opening in front of the main particles filter (4).
7. testing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a gas collector between the main particles filter (4) and the smoking machine (6).
8. testing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the smoking machine (6) comprises a programmable syringe configured to provide calibrated puffs.
9. testing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the chamber (7) comprises a housing comprising:   - the peripheral wall (12), - an input flange (14), which includes the mouthpiece (2) at a central area, the input flange further having a peripheral fastening clamp (18) configured for securing the input flange to the peripheral wall (12),   - and an output flange (16), which has a central aperture (22) connected to the smoking machine, the output flange further having a peripheral fastening clamp (20) configured for securing the output flange to the peripheral wall (12).
10. testing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the peripheral fastening clamp (20) of the output flange (16) is also configured for holding the main particles filter (4).
11. testing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the main particles filter (4) is located within the housing of the chamber (7), just upstream the output flange (16), and wherein the output flange (16) includes a hollow neck (24) delimiting the central aperture (22), this hollow neck protruding from the output end of the peripheral wall (12) and being configured for connecting the output flange (16) to a mouth end (26) of the smoking machine (6).
12. testing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the chamber (7) includes at least one measurement device.
13. testing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a main analyzing unit for analyzing the particles collected by the main particles filter (4) and/or a mouth analyzing unit for analyzing the particles collected by the collector (10).


[en] an induction heating assembly for a vapour generating device includes an induction coil, radially inward of which a heating compartment is defined for receiving, in use, a body including a vaporisable substance and an induction heatable susceptor; and a temperature sensor located against a side of the heating compartment on the central longitudinal axis of the induction coil at an end of the heating compartment, wherein the induction coil is arranged to heat, in use, the susceptor, and the temperature sensor is arrange to monitor, in use, a temperature related to heat generated from the susceptor. there is also provided an induction heatable cartridge for use with the induction heating assembly. the cartridge includes a solid vaporisable substance; and an induction heatable susceptor held by the vaporisable substance, the susceptor being planar and having an outwardly facing edge and an inwardly facing edge. [en] 1. an induction heating assembly for a vapour generating device, the heating assembly comprising: an induction coil, radially inward of which a heating compartment is defined for receiving, in use, a body comprising a vaporisable substance and an induction heatable susceptor; anda temperature sensor located against a side of the heating compartment on the a central longitudinal axis of the induction coil at an end of the heating compartment, whereinthe induction coil is arranged to heat, in use, the susceptor, and the temperature sensor is arrange to monitor, in use, a temperature related to heat generated from the susceptor.
2. the heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the induction coil has a cylindrical shape.
3. the heating assembly according to claim 1, where the temperature sensor is positioned between an axial centre of the induction coil and an axial end of the induction coil.
4. the heating assembly according to claim 3, wherein the temperature sensor is sized and positioned in use so as not to extend closer to the axial centre of the induction coil than a point midway between the axial centre of the induction coil and the axial end of the induction coil proximate to the temperature sensor.
5. an induction heatable cartridge for use with an induction heating assembly, the cartridge comprising: a solid vaporisable substance; andan induction heatable susceptor held by the vaporisable substance, the susceptor being planar and having an outwardly facing edge and an inwardly facing edge, whereina total length of the inwardly facing edge of the susceptor in a central region of the cartridge with a first area is greater than a total length of the outwardly facing edge of the susceptor in any of a plurality of outer regions of the cartridge, each of the plurality of outer regions having the same shape and orientation as the central region and with an area equal to the first area, wherein the plurality of outer regions extend radially beyond an outer perimeter of the cartridge.
6. the cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the susceptor has an aperture in the central region.
7. the cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the central region has a total length of a combined edge greater than a total length of a combined edge in any of the plurality of outer regions, each combined edge comprising inwardly facing edge portions and outwardly facing edge portions.
8. the cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the susceptor comprises a plurality of plates arranged in substantially parallel planes.
9. the cartridge according to claim 8, wherein each plate takes the form of a part of a disc or a ring, each plate being located with a radial separation between the plate and a mid-point of the central region.
10. an induction heatable cartridge for use with an induction heating assembly, the cartridge comprising: a solid vaporisable substance; and an induction heatable susceptor held by the vaporisable substance, the susceptor comprising one or more susceptor plates being ring shaped so as to provide respective apertures, at least one of which radially surrounds a temperature monitoring region and is located axially between a centre of the cartridge and the temperature monitoring region, whereby a temperature sensor projects into the temperature monitoring region without passing substantially through the aperture of any of the one or more susceptor plates when the cartridge is fitted into a heating compartment of an induction heating assembly and wherein the cartridge further comprises a deformable portion adjacent the temperature monitoring region for permitting a temperature sensor to project into the temperature monitoring region when fitted into a heating compartment of an induction heating assembly.
11. the cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the vaporisable substance includes tobacco, humectant, glycerine and/or propylene glycol.
12. a vapour generating device comprising: an induction heating assembly comprising: an induction coil, radially inward of which a heating compartment is defined for receiving, in use, a body comprising a vaporisable substance and an induction heatable susceptor; anda temperature sensor located against a side of the heating compartment on a central longitudinal axis of the induction coil at an end of the heating compartment, whereinthe induction coil is arranged to heat, in use, the susceptor, and the temperature sensor is arrange to monitor, in use, a temperature related to heat generated from the susceptor;the induction heatable cartridge according to claim 5 located within the heating compartment of the induction heating assembly;an air inlet arranged to provide air to the heating compartment; andan air outlet in communication with the heating compartment.
13. the vapour generating device according to claim 12, wherein the susceptor has an aperture in the central region of the cartridge, the susceptor being orientated and the aperture being sized and located such that the temperature sensor is located within the aperture.
14. the vapour generating device according to claim 12, wherein an outer portion of the susceptor of the cartridge is closer to the induction coil of the induction heating assembly than the temperature sensor of the induction heating assembly is to the induction coil.
15. the vapour generating device according to claim 12, wherein the temperature sensor of the induction heating assembly is positioned between an axial centre of the induction coil of the induction heating assembly and an axial end of the induction coil, a part of the induction heatable cartridge being located in use at the axial centre of the induction coil.
16. the heating assembly according to claim 3, wherein the axial end of the induction coil is a closest axial end to the side of the heating compartment against which the temperature sensor is located.
17. the cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the one or more susceptor plates includes a plurality of plates arranged in substantially parallel planes.
18. the cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the vaporisable substance includes tobacco, humectant, glycerine and/or propylene glycol.
19. a vapour generating device comprising: an induction heating assembly comprising: an induction coil, radially inward of which a heating compartment is defined for receiving, in use, a body comprising a vaporisable substance and an induction heatable susceptor; anda temperature sensor located against a side of the heating compartment on a central longitudinal axis of the induction coil at an end of the heating compartment, whereinthe induction coil is arranged to heat, in use, the susceptor, and the temperature sensor is arrange to monitor, in use, a temperature related to heat generated from the susceptor;the induction heatable cartridge according to claim 10 located within the heating compartment of the induction heating assembly;an air inlet arranged to provide air to the heating compartment; andan air outlet in communication with the heating compartment.


[en] an inhalation system for generating a vapour for inhalation by a user includes an inhalation device including a controller and a vapour generating article including a vapour generating material and a heating element. the vapour generating article has first and second regions. the second region contains one or more of a higher density of the vapour generating material than the first region, vapour generating material with a higher moisture content than the first region, or vapour generating material with a higher aerosol-former content than the first region, and the heating element is arranged to generate more heat in the second region than in the first region. [en] 1. an inhalation system for generating a vapour for inhalation by a user, the inhalation system comprising: an inhalation device including a controller; anda vapour generating article comprising a vapour generating material and a heating element;wherein the vapour generating article has first and second regions, the second region contains one or more of a higher density of the vapour generating material than the first region, vapour generating material with a higher moisture content than the first region, or vapour generating material with a higher aerosol-former content than the first region, and the heating element is arranged to generate more heat in the second region than in the first region
2. the inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein the vapour generating article comprises a wrapper surrounding the vapour generating material and is generally rod-shaped with first and second ends, and wherein a filter is positioned at the first end and the second region is positioned at the second end.
3. the inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises an inductively heatable susceptor.
4. the inhalation system according to claim 3, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor comprises a plurality of susceptor elements of the same type and the second region contains a higher density of the susceptor elements than the first region.
5. the inhalation system according to claim 3, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor comprises a first type of susceptor element in the first region and a second type of susceptor element in the second region which generates more heat per unit time than the first type of susceptor element when the first and second types of susceptor element are exposed, in use, to the same electromagnetic field.
6. the inhalation system according to claim 3, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor comprises a first type of susceptor element in the first region and a second type of susceptor element in the second region which generates heat for a longer period of time than the first type of susceptor element when the first and second types of susceptor element are exposed, in use, to the same electromagnetic field.
7. the inhalation system according to claim 3, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor comprises a first type of susceptor element in the first region and a second type of susceptor element in the second region and the first type of susceptor element is arranged to be broken to thereby break its electrical path before the second type of susceptor element when the first and second types of susceptor element are exposed, in use, to the same electromagnetic field.
8. the inhalation system according to claim 3, wherein: the inductively heatable susceptor comprises a first type of susceptor element in the first region and a second type of susceptor element in the second region;the first type of susceptor element has a weakened part having a higher electrical resistance than the other parts of the first type of susceptor element; and either:the second type of susceptor element has a weakened part having a higher electrical resistance than the other parts of the second type of susceptor element and the weakened part of the second type of susceptor element is stronger than the weakened part of the first type of susceptor element; orthe second type of susceptor element does not have a weakened part.
9. the inhalation system according to claim 8, wherein the weakened part has a smaller cross-sectional area than other parts of the susceptor element(s).
10. the inhalation system according to claim 3, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor comprises a ring-shaped susceptor.
11. the inhalation system according to claim 3, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor includes a non-concentric aperture.
12. the inhalation system according to claim 3, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor includes a slit.
13. the inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein the vapour generating article has a longitudinal direction and the first and second regions are arranged along the longitudinal direction.
14. the inhalation system according to claim 1, wherein the vapour generating article has an axis and the first and second regions are arranged along a radial direction with respect to the axis.
15. a vapour generating article comprising a vapour generating material and a heating element, wherein the vapour generating article has first and second regions, the second region contains one or more of a higher density of the vapour generating material than the first region, vapour generating material with a higher moisture content than the first region, or vapour generating material with a higher aerosol-former content than the first region, and the heating element is arranged to generate more heat in the second region than in the first region.


[en] an aerosol generating article (1, 2) for use with an aerosol generating device (102) comprises a substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14), at least one airflow channel (16) extending along the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14), and a wrapping member (22) surrounding the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14) and the at least one airflow channel (16). the at least one airflow channel (16) comprises two or more portions (16a, 16b) having different cross-sections. [en]       claims   1. an aerosol generating article (1, 2) for use with an aerosol generating device (102), the aerosol generating article comprising: a substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14); at least one airflow channel (16) extending along the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14); and a wrapping member (22) surrounding the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14) and the at least one airflow channel (16); wherein the at least one airflow channel (16) comprises two or more portions (16a, 16b) having different cross-sections.
2. an aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating article includes a distal end (10), a mouth end (12), a longitudinal axis extending between the mouth end (12) and the distal end (10), and the at least one airflow channel (16) extends in a first direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
3. an aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the two or more portions (16a, 16b) comprise an upstream portion (16a) and a downstream portion (16b), the downstream portion (16b) having a larger cross-sectional area than the upstream portion (16a).
4. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the two or more portions (16a, 16b) comprise an upstream portion (16a) and a downstream portion (16b), the upstream portion (16a) of the at least one airflow channel (16) comprises a groove (18a) formed in a surface (14a) of the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14) and the downstream portion (16b) of the at least one airflow channel (16) comprises a slit (19) formed on one end (30) of the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14).
5. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the substantially planar aerosol generating substrate (14) has aflat rectangular shape having a pair of main surfaces (14a, 14b) and the wrapping member (22) comprises a pair of rectangular sheets (24, 26) attached, respectively, to the pair of main surfaces (14a, 14b).
6. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a support member (28) forming a mouth-end portion (34) of the article, and the support member (28) has a tubular form to receive a downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate (14) and the at least one airflow channel (16).
7. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the wrapping member (22) has a porous inner surface (22a) facing towards the aerosol generating substrate (14) for absorbing condensation and an anti-stick outer surface (22b) facing away from the aerosol generating substrate (14).
8. an aerosol generating article according to claim 7, wherein the wrapping member (22) comprises an anti-stick coating on the outer surface (22b).


[en] an aerosol generation device comprising a receptacle for receiving a consumable comprising an aerosol substrate; a heating arrangement for heating the aerosol substrate; and a controller. the controller comprises a monitoring unit for monitoring an observable indicative of a moisture content of the aerosol substrate during a heating of the aerosol substrate; a detection unit for detecting, based on the monitored observable, an indication that the moisture content is different from a predetermined moisture content; and a signaling unit for generating, based on the detected indication, a control signal for interrupting an operation of the device. a method for controlling an aerosol generation device and a computer program. [en] claims 1. an aerosol generation device comprising: a receptacle for receiving a consumable comprising an aerosol substrate; a heating arrangement for heating the aerosol substrate; and a controller comprising: a monitoring unit for monitoring an observable indicative of a moisture content of the aerosol substrate during a heating of the aerosol substrate; a detection unit for detecting, based on the monitored observable, an indication that the moisture content is different from a predetermined moisture content; and a signaling unit for generating, based on the detected indication, a control signal for interrupting an operation of the device.
2. an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit is arranged for monitoring the observable by obtaining values of the observable at each of a plurality of time instants during the heating of the aerosol substrate.
3. an aerosol generation device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the heating arrangement, wherein the monitoring unit is arranged for obtaining from the temperature sensor a signal indicative of the temperature of the heating arrangement.
4. an aerosol generation device according to any of claim 1 to 3, wherein the detection unit is arranged for detecting the indication based on a deviation of the observable from a corresponding predetermined profile; and the observable comprises at least one of a thermal profile of the device, a moisture profile related to the aerosol substrate and an electrical energy profile of the device, corresponding to a predetermined thermal profile, a predetermined moisture profile, and a predetermined electrical energy profile, respectively.
5. an aerosol generation device according to claim 4, wherein the observable comprises the thermal profile of the device, the predetermined thermal profile includes information regarding a temperature change for the heating of the aerosol substrate, from a first predetermined value to a second predetermined value over a first predetermined length of time; and the detection unit is arranged for detecting the indication if at least one of: the monitored thermal profile differs from the predetermined thermal profile by a predetermined thermal threshold or more; and the monitored thermal profile changes from the first predetermined value to the second predetermined value in less than a reference length of time, the reference length of time being less than or equal to the first predetermined length of time.
6. an aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein the first predetermined value is one of an ambient temperature, an initial temperature of the aerosol substrate, and an initial temperature of the heating arrangement; and the second predetermined value is a temperature of the device at which an aerosol or vapor is generated from the aerosol substrate.
7. an aerosol generation device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the monitoring unit is arranged for monitoring the thermal profile by obtaining temperature values that are indicative of a temperature associated with one of the device and the aerosol substrate at each of a plurality of time instants during the heating of the aerosol substrate, and the detection unit is arranged for detecting the indication if at least one of the temperature values differs from a corresponding one of reference values by the predetermined thermal threshold or more, the reference values being determined based on the information of the temperature change.
8. an aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein the monitoring unit is arranged for obtaining, for each temperature value, an associated measure of time between a time at which the heating of the aerosol substrate is initiated and a time at which the temperature indicated by the temperature value is reached; and the detection unit is arranged for determining, for each temperature value, a point in the first predetermined length of time based on the associated measure of time, and determining the reference value as the temperature specified by the information regarding the temperature change at the determined point.
9. an aerosol generation device according to any of claims 4 to 8, wherein: the monitoring unit is arranged for: measuring a value indicative of an electrical power in the device during the heating of the aerosol substrate, and monitoring the electrical energy profile by accumulating the value indicative of the electrical power during the heating of the aerosol substrate; the predetermined electrical energy profile includes information indicative of a predetermined accumulated power value; and the detection unit is arranged for detecting the indication if the accumulated value indicative of the electrical power differs from the predetermined accumulated power value, by a predetermined electrical energy threshold or more.
10. an aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein: the monitoring unit is arranged for measuring the value indicative of the electrical power based on at least one of a current output from a battery coupled to or in the device, and a current provided to the heating arrangement.
11. an aerosol generation device according to any of claims 4 to 10, wherein: the aerosol generation device is arranged for controlling a temperature of the heating arrangement by controlling at least one switching element using a pulse width modulation, and the monitoring unit is arranged for monitoring the electrical energy profile by calculating an amount of electrical energy used for the heating of the aerosol substrate based on lengths of time during which the pulse width modulation cause the at least one switching element to be on.
12. an aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein the monitoring unit is arranged for calculating a cumulative length of time during which the at least one switching element is on, and to calculate the amount of electrical energy based on the cumulative length of time.
13. a method for controlling an aerosol generation device comprising a receptacle for receiving a consumable comprising an aerosol substrate and a heating arrangement for heating the aerosol substrate, the method comprising: monitoring an observable indicative of a moisture content of the aerosol substrate during a heating of the aerosol substrate; detecting, based on the monitored observable, an indication that the moisture content is different from a predetermined moisture content; generating, based on the detected indication, a control signal for interrupting an operation of the device.
14. a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by one or more processor, cause the one or more processors to perform the method according to claim 13.


[en] the present invention concerns an aerosol generating device (10) configured to operate with a consumable article (12), comprising: - a heating chamber (25) configured to receive and heat at least a part of the consumable article (12), the heating chamber (25) comprising at least one moveable element; - an expandable container (28) containing a heat expandable material and configured to cause, by expansion of the heat expandable material, the moveable element to compress said part of the consumable article (12) when it is received in the heating chamber (25) and when the heating chamber (28) is operated to heat said part of the consumable article (12). [en]       claims   1. an aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210; 310) configured to operate with a consumable article (12), comprising:   - a heating chamber (25; 125; 225; 325) configured to receive and heat at least a part of the consumable article (12), the heating chamber (25; 125; 225; 325) comprising at least one moveable element;   - an expandable container (28; 128; 228; 328) containing a heat expandable material and configured to cause, by expansion of the heat expandable material, the moveable element to compress said part of the consumable article (12) when it is received in the heating chamber (25; 125; 225; 325) and when the heating chamber (28; 128; 228; 328) is operated to heat said part of the consumable article (12).
2. the aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210; 310) according to claim 1, wherein the heat expandable material is sealed inside the expandable container (28; 128; 228; 328).
3. the aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210; 310) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat expandable material is an alkane.
4. the aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210; 310) according to claim 3, wherein the heat expandable material is a paraffin wax.
5. the aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210; 310) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat expandable material is chosen to expand during a pre heating phase of operation of the heating chamber (25; 125; 225; 325).
6. the aerosol generating device (210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable element forms an actuator (240) configured to extend from a wall (232) of the heating chamber (225).
7. the aerosol generating device (310) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the moveable element forms a wall (340) of the heating chamber (325) connected to an actuator (342).
8. the aerosol generating device (210; 310) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said actuator (240; 342) is configured to slide in a cavity further to expansion of the expandable container (228; 328).
9. the aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the moveable element is formed by a wall (40) of the expandable container (28).
10. the aerosol generating device (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the moveable element forms a wall (140a, 140b) of the heating chamber (125) in contact with a wall of the expandable container (128).
11. the aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the expandable container (28; 128) forms a thermal insulator between the heating chamber (25; 125) and an external surface of the device (10; 110).
12. the aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210; 310) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the expandable container (28; 128; 228; 328) defines at least one elastic wall or membrane able to change its shape depending on an expansion rate of the heat expending material.
13. the aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210; 310) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating chamber (25; 125; 225; 325) extends along a chamber axis (x) between a closed end (30; 130; 230; 330) and an open end (31; 131; 231; 331), the open end (31; 131; 231; 331) defining an opening (21; 121; 221; 321) extending perpendicularly to the chamber axis (x); the moveable element being moveable substantially perpendicularly to the chamber axis (x).
14. the aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210; 310) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating chamber (25; 125; 225; 325) further comprises at least one heating element (34; 134; 234; 334), said heating element (34; 134; 234; 334) forming a heating blade arranged inside the heating chamber (25; 125; 225; 325) or one or several heating resistances integrated in the movable element or a coil arranged around the heating chamber (25; 125; 225; 325).
15. the aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210; 310) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating chamber (25; 125; 225; 325) defines at least two moveable elements facing each other.


[en] an aerosol generation device heating component includes an electromagnetic field generator configured to at least partially surround a heating chambers, the heating chamber configured to house one or more susceptors. the electromagnetic field generator includes a plurality of co-wound helical strands. each helical strand of the plurality of helical strands is coiled to comprise a plurality of windings. the windings of a first helical strand of the plurality of helical strands are of a first size, and the windings of a second helical strand (74) of the plurality of helical strands are of a second size, wherein the first size and the second size are different sizes. [en] 1. an aerosol generation device heating component, the heating component comprising an electromagnetic field generator configured to at least partially surround a heating chamber, the heating chamber configured to house one or more susceptors heatable by the electromagnetic field generator, and the electromagnetic field generator comprising a plurality of co-wound helical strands, wherein: each helical strand of the plurality of co-wound helical strands is coiled to comprise a plurality of windings; andthe windings of a first helical strand of the plurality of co-wound helical strands are of a first size, and the windings of a second helical strand of the plurality of co-wound helical strands are of a second size, wherein the first size and the second size are different sizes.
2. the aerosol generation device heating component of claim 1, wherein the plurality of co-wound helical strands are interleaved such that the windings of the first helical strand alternate with the windings of the second helical strand at least partially along an axial length of the electromagnetic field generator.
3. the aerosol generation device heating component of claim 2, wherein the plurality of co-wound helical strands further comprises a third helical strand and the plurality of co-wound helical strands are interleaved such that the windings of the first, second and third helical strands alternate with one another at least partially along the axial length of the electromagnetic field generator, and wherein the windings of the third helical strand are the same size as the windings of one of the first helical stand and the second helical strand.
4. the aerosol generation device heating component of claim 1, wherein the windings of the first helical strand have a diameter less than a diameter of the windings of the second helical strand.
5. the aerosol generation device heating component of claim 1, wherein the plurality of windings are substantially circular.
6. the aerosol generation device heating component of claim 1, wherein the plurality of windings are substantially triangular.
7. the aerosol generation device heating component of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic field generator is an induction coil configured to heat the one or more susceptors arranged within the heating chamber.
8. the aerosol generation device heating component of claim 7, further comprising a temperature isolating layer internal to the induction coil and configured to be between the induction coil and the one or more susceptors, wherein the temperature isolating layer is permeable to a magnetic field generated by the induction coil and is arranged to inhibit heat flow from the one or more susceptors to the induction coil.
9. the aerosol generation device heating component of claim 8, wherein the temperature isolating layer is at least one of a thermal diode or a heat reflector.
10. the aerosol generation device heating component of claim 1, wherein the windings of the first helical strand are configured to be closer to the one or more susceptors than the windings of the second helical strand.
11. the aerosol generation device heating component of claim 1, wherein each helical strand of the plurality of co-wound helical strands is separately connectable to a controller configured to selectively power each of the helical strands of the plurality of co-wound helical strands.
12. the aerosol generation device heating component of claim 1, wherein each helical strand of the plurality of co-wound helical strands is formed from one or more wires configured to generate an electromagnetic field when an ac current is passed through the one or more wires.
13. the aerosol generation device heating component of claim 1, wherein each helical strand of the plurality of co-wound helical strands is formed from a plurality of adjacent wires.
14. an aerosol generation device comprising the heating component of claim 1 and a heating chamber configured to receive an aerosol generating article.
15. the aerosol generation device of claim 14, further comprising one or more susceptors arranged in the heating chamber.
16. the aerosol generation device of claim 15, wherein the electromagnetic field generator is configured to inductively heat the one or more susceptors to heat without burning an aerosol generating article received in the heating chamber.
17. the aerosol generation device heating component of claim 2, wherein the plurality of co-wound helical strands further comprises a third helical strand and the plurality of co-wound helical strands are interleaved such that the windings of the first, second and third helical strands alternate with one another at least partially along the axial length of the electromagnetic field generator, and wherein the windings of the third helical strand are a different size to the windings of both the first helical strand and the second helical strand.


[en] a tipping wrapper for aerosol generating articles has a base layer with a porosity of less than 1.5 c.u., wherein the base layer contains at least one filler material, the tipping wrapper further including a surface which is pigmented with a pigment component which contains caco3 and at least a second component serving as a non-combustible filler, the pigment component having a grammage of at least 2.0 gsm, wherein the pigmented surface has a surface smoothness of at least 400 sec. a method for producing a tipping wrapper for cigarettes includes providing a base layer of the tipping wrapper, and coating the base layer with a solution containing a filler component, wherein the coated base layer is pressed and heated at a predefined temperature which is greater than 100 degrees centigrade [en] 1. a tipping wrapper for aerosol generating articles having a base layer with a porosity of less than 1.5 c.u., wherein the base layer contains at least one filler material, the tipping wrapper further comprising a surface which is pigmented with a pigment component which contains caco3 and at least a second component serving as a non-combustible filler, the pigment component having a grammage of at least 2.0 gsm, wherein the pigmented surface has a surface smoothness of at least 400 sec.
2. the tipping wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: the base layer and the pigmented surface form a double layer structure.
3. the tipping wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one filler material of the base layer is at least one of kaolin, caco3, talc or al(oh)3.
4. the tipping wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: a basis weight of the tipping wrapper is greater than 40 gsm and smaller than 60 gsm.
5. the tipping wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: a thickness of the tipping wrapper is greater than 30 microns and smaller than 55 microns.
6. the tipping wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: a paper density of the tipping wrapper is greater than 1.1 g/cm3 and smaller than 1.3 g/cm3.
7. the tipping wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: a smoothness of the tipping wrapper is greater than 500 sec.
8. the tipping wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: a smoothness of the tipping wrapper is smaller than 2500 sec.
9. the tipping wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: a glossiness of the tipping wrapper is greater than 10 percent.
10. the tipping wrapper according to claim 9, wherein: the glossiness of the tipping wrapper is smaller than 35 percent.
11. the tipping wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: the pigment component contains caco3 and kaolin in a ratio which is between 3:7 and 7:3.
12. the tipping wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: an amount of the pigment component is higher than 5 gsm.
13. the tipping wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: the tipping wrapper is free of titanium dioxide (tio2).
14. the tipping wrapper according to claim 1, wherein: the pigmented surface is based on a coating solution which comprises water, a binder component and the pigmentation component.
15. a cigarette comprising the tipping wrapper according to claim 1.
16. a method for producing a tipping wrapper for cigarettes comprising the steps: providing a base layer of the tipping wrapper,coating the base layer with a solution containing a pigment component which contains caco3 and at least a second component serving as a non-combustible filler, andpressing and heating the coated base layer to form a pigmented surface having a surface smoothness of at least 400 sec.
17. the method according to claim 16, wherein: the coated base layer is pressed and heated at a predefined temperature which is greater than 100 degrees centigrade and below 300 degrees centigrade


[en] a heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device is disclosed. the heating apparatus comprises a first casing member, a second casing member, and one or more inductively heatable susceptors. the first casing member, the second casing member and the one or more inductively heatable susceptors cooperatively engage to form a tubular heating chamber for receiving at least part of an aerosol generating substrate. the one or more inductively heatable susceptors are arranged to couple the first casing member to the second casing member. [en] 1. a heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a first casing member;a second casing member; andone or more inductively heatable susceptors, wherein the first casing member, the second casing member and the one or more inductively heatable susceptors cooperatively engage to form a tubular heating chamber for receiving at least part of an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the one or more inductively heatable susceptors are arranged to couple the first casing member to the second casing member.
2. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more inductively heatable susceptors are arranged as fastening elements which couple the first casing member to the second casing member.
3. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more inductively heatable susceptors engage with the first casing member and the second casing member such that the first casing member, the second casing member and the one or more inductively heatable susceptors are rotationally locked with respect to one another.
4. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more inductively heatable susceptors are formed as elongate rods that are integrated within a wall of the heating chamber, wherein the one or more inductively heatable susceptors are spaced around the heating chamber and extend in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.
5. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more inductively heatable susceptors are formed as curved plates that are integrated within a wall of the heating chamber, wherein the one or more inductively heatable susceptors are spaced around the heating chamber and extend in direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.
6. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more inductively heatable susceptors respectively comprise at least one inwardly extending portion that protrudes into the heating chamber to provide a reduced cross-sectional area of the heating chamber such that, in use, the aerosol generating substrate received within the heating chamber is compressed.
7. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more inductively heatable susceptors respectively comprise at least one outwardly extending portion that protrudes out of the heating chamber to increase the mass of the one or more inductively heatable susceptors that may be inductively heated.
8. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first casing member is substantially tubular and comprises a first longitudinal end, wherein the second casing member is substantially tubular and comprises a second longitudinal end, andwherein the first casing member and the second casing member are coaxially aligned with the first longitudinal end of the first casing member provided adjacent to the second longitudinal end of the second casing member.
9. the heating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first longitudinal end of the first casing member has a slotted configuration comprising one or more slots, and wherein the one or more inductively heatable susceptors are respectively located within the one or more slots.
10. the heating apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second longitudinal end of the second casing member has a slotted configuration comprising one or more slots, wherein the one or more slots of the first longitudinal end of the first casing member align with the one or more slots of the second longitudinal end of the second casing member, andwherein the one or more inductively heatable susceptors are respectively located within and extend between each pair of aligned slots to couple the first casing member to the second casing member.
11. the heating apparatus of claim 8, further comprising an inductively heatable susceptor ring that is disposed between the first longitudinal end of the first casing member and the second longitudinal end of the second casing member.
12. the heating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first longitudinal end of the first casing member and the second longitudinal end of the second casing member have complementary slotted configurations such that the first longitudinal end of the first casing member substantially engages with the second longitudinal end of the second casing member so the first casing member and the second casing member are rotationally locked with respect to one another, and wherein the one or more inductively heatable susceptors are respectively located along one or more longitudinal interfaces between the complementary slotted configurations.
13. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first casing member and the second casing member are combinable along their respective lengths to form the heating chamber which is substantially tubular, and wherein the first casing member and the second casing member are clamped together by the one or more inductively heatable susceptors.
14. the heating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more inductively heatable susceptors are detachable from the first casing member and the second casing member.
15. a method of manufacturing a heating assembly, comprising the steps of: providing a first casing member;providing a second casing member;providing one or more inductively heatable susceptors; andcooperatively engaging the first casing member, the second casing member and the one or more inductively heatable susceptors to form a tubular heating chamber for receiving at least part of an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the one or more inductively heatable susceptors are arranged to couple the first casing member to the second casing member.


[en] an aerosol generating device includes an electrical system having a battery and a control circuitry configured to monitor a status of the battery during a discharge operation of the battery and set a flag if a fault in the battery is detected, the flag indicating that the battery is not in an operating condition. the control circuitry is also configured to check the flag when the electrical system is connected to an external power supply, and to enable charging of the battery based on the flag. the battery and the control circuitry are connectable to the external power supply such that power can be independently supplied to the battery and the control circuitry. the electrical system is configured to supply power to the control circuitry when the electrical system is connected to the external power supply, such that the flag can be checked without charging the battery. [en] 1. an aerosol generating device comprising an electrical system, the electrical system comprising: a battery; anda control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is configured to monitor a status of the battery during a discharge operation of the battery and set a flag when a fault in the battery is detected, the flag indicating that the battery is not in an operating condition,wherein the control circuitry is configured to check the flag when the electrical system is connected to an external power supply,wherein the control circuitry is configured to enable charging of the battery based on the flag,wherein the battery and the control circuitry are connectable to the external power supply via a first electrical path and a second electrical path respectively such that power can be independently supplied to the battery and the control circuitry, andwherein the electrical system is configured to supply power to the control circuitry from the external power supply via the second electrical path when the electrical system is connected to the external power supply, such that the flag can be checked without charging the battery.
2. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a battery charger circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is configured to send a signal to the battery charger circuitry based on the flag, the signal indicating that charging is enabled, and wherein the battery charger circuitry is configured to charge the battery when the signal indicating that charging is enabled is received from the control circuitry.
3. the aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein charging the battery comprises supplying power to the battery along the first electrical path.
4. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is configured to modify the flag upon detecting that the battery has been replaced.
5. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the electrical system is configured to supply power to the control circuitry from the battery when the electrical system is not connected to the external power supply.
6. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the electrical system further comprises a heating element, and wherein the control circuitry is configured to switch off a power supply from the battery to the heating element when a fault is detected in the battery.
7. the aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein the control circuitry is configured to switch off the power supply from the battery to the heating element when the electrical system is connected to the external power supply.
8. the aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the electrical system further comprises a fuse, wherein the control circuitry is configured to activate the fuse when the fault detected in the battery is deemed to be non-recoverable, and wherein activating the fuse irreversibly disables charging of the battery.
9. the aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to activate the fuse when a threshold amount of time has elapsed since the flag was set and the fault in the battery is detected as still existing.
10. a method of operating an aerosol generating device comprising an electrical system, the method comprising: monitoring, using a control circuitry, a status of a battery in the electrical system during a discharge operation of the battery;setting a flag indicating that the battery is not in an operating condition when the control circuitry detects a fault in the battery,wherein the battery and the control circuitry are connectable to an external power supply by a first electrical path and a second electrical path respectively such that power can be independently supplied to the control circuitry and the battery;supplying power to the control circuitry from the external power supply via the second electrical path to check the flag without charging the battery when the control circuitry detects that the electrical system has been connected to the external power supply; andenabling charging of the battery based on the flag.
11. the method of claim 10, further comprising: sending a signal from the control circuitry to a battery charger circuitry indicating that charging is enabled; andcharging the battery.
12. the method of claim 10, further comprising clearing the flag upon detecting that the battery has been replaced.
13. the method of claim 10, further comprising: supplying power to the control circuitry from the battery when the electrical system is not connected to the external power supply.
14. the method of claim 10, further comprising: activating, using the control circuitry, a fuse in the electrical system when the fault in the battery is deemed to be non-recoverable, wherein activating the fuse irreversibly disables charging of the battery.
15. a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium comprising executable instructions stored thereon which, when executed on a computer or processor in an aerosol generating device comprising an electrical system, cause the computer or processor to undertake steps comprising: monitoring, using a control circuitry, a status of a battery in the electrical system during a discharge operation of the battery;setting a flag indicating that the battery is not in an operating condition when the control circuitry detects a fault in the battery,wherein the battery and the control circuitry are connectable to an external power supply by a first electrical path and a second electrical path respectively such that power can be independently supplied to the control circuitry and the battery;supplying power to the control circuitry from the external power supply via the second electrical path to check the flag without charging the battery when the control circuitry detects that the electrical system has been connected to the external power supply; andenabling charging of the battery based on the flag.


[en] an aerosol-generating device includes a vapor generation unit adapted to transform an aerosol forming material into vapor, and a vapor channel extending from the vapor generation unit to a vapor outlet of the aerosol-generating device. the vapor generation unit includes a micro electro-mechanical system (mems). the vapor channel is provided with a movable cover having a closed position in which it closes the vapor channel and an open position. the cover is adapted to move from the closed position to the open position under the effect of a suction applied on the aerosol-generating device by the user to vape. the cover has a lower face provided with a layer of an absorbent material adapted to imbibe the aerosol forming material. this protects the vaporisation device from any foreign particles and avoids liquid leakage. [en] 1. an aerosol-generating device comprising a vapor generation unit adapted to transform an aerosol forming material into vapor, and a vapor channel extending from the vapor generation unit to a vapor outlet of the aerosol-generating device, the vapor generation unit comprising a micro electro-mechanical system (mems), the vapor channel being provided with a movable cover having a closed position in which the cover closes the vapor channel and an open position allowing vapor to pass, the cover having a lower face and being adapted to move from the closed position to the open position under the effect of suction applied on the aerosol-generating device by a user to nape, wherein the lower face of the cover is provided with a layer of an absorbent material adapted to imbibe the aerosol forming material.
2. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent material is one of a fabric, sponge, or foam.
3. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the lower face of the cover is in close proximity to the vapor generation unit when the cover is in the closed position.
4. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the vapor generation unit has an upper surface that is substantially flat, the lower face of the cover being in contact with the upper surface of the vapor generation unit when the cover is in the closed position.
5. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the micro electro-mechanical system comprises a mems die.
6. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein the micro electro-mechanical system comprises a mems die, wherein the upper surface of the vapor generation unit is an upper surface of the mems die provided with chambers.
7. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a spring which tends to return the cover to the closed position.
8. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a hinged flap.
9. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the cover is constituted by an elastically deformable piece.
10. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the vapor generation unit comprises one or more mems dies provided on a printed card circuit.
11. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 10, wherein the one or more mems dies comprises two mems dies.
12. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a main body and a cartridge, the main body comprising the vapor generation unit and the cartridge comprising a reservoir of vaporizable material, wherein the cover is comprised in the main body.
13. the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a main body and a cartridge, the main body comprising the vapor generation unit and the cartridge comprising a reservoir of vaporizable material, wherein the cover is comprised in the cartridge.