[en] a consumable for an aerosol generating device includes a heating layer of an aerosol substrate formed to be positioned in sandwich between two electrodes of the device. the heating layer of aerosol substrate includes flavorant material and an aerosol forming agent. the layer further includes electrically conductive material in particulate form embedded in the layer, wherein the electrically conductive material is arranged in the heating layer to conduct electrical current between the two electrodes and to heat the aerosol substrate to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the aerosol forming agent. a method for manufacturing such a consumable, a device for delivering a tobacco aerosol including the consumable, and a method for production of tobacco aerosol with the device are also provided. [en] 1. a consumable for an aerosol generating device comprising a heating layer of an aerosol substrate formed to be positioned in sandwich between two electrodes of the device, wherein the heating layer of the aerosol substrate comprises flavorant material and an aerosol forming agent, wherein the heating layer further comprises electrically conductive material in particulate form embedded in the heating layer, wherein the electrically conductive material is arranged in the heating layer to conduct electrical current between the two electrodes and to heat the aerosol substrate to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the aerosol forming agent when the heating layer is positioned between the two electrodes of the device.
2. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein: the electrically conductive material has an electrical conductivity of at least 3*102 s/m (at 20 degrees centigrade).
3. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein: a thickness of the heating layer is between 0.5 and 3 mm.
4. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein: the electrically conductive material is distributed in and on the heating layer in an amount to allow electricity to flow from one electrode through a thickness of the heating layer to the other electrode when the heating layer is positioned between the two electrodes of the device.
5. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein: the electrically conductive material is randomly distributed inside the heating layer and on a surface area of the heating layer.
6. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein: the electrically conductive material comprises graphite and/or charcoal particles.
7. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein: the electrically conductive material comprises an amount of 2.5 to 50 weight percent regarding to the heating layer.
8. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein: the heating layer further comprises a binder in an amount between 0.5 and 2.5 weight percent regarding to the consumable.
9. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein: the aerosol forming agent comprises an amount of less than 25 weight percent regarding to the consumable.
10. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein: the heating layer further comprises water in an amount between 10 and 49.5 weight percent regarding to the consumable.
11. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein: the flavorant material comprises tobacco in an amount up to 47.5 weight percent regarding to the consumable.
12. the consumable according to claim 11, wherein: the tobacco comprises tobacco powder with a particle size lower than 1000 microns.
13. the consumable according to claim 11, wherein: the tobacco comprises flue cured tobacco in an amount between 1 and 47.5 weight percent regarding to the consumable.
14. a method for manufacturing a consumable for an aerosol generating device, comprising the steps of: mixing flavorant material with electrically conductive material in particulate form, an aerosol forming agent, and water to form a paste or dough,pressing the paste or dough into a heating layer, andsolidifying the heating layer by curing and/or drying.
15. a device for delivering a tobacco aerosol comprising the consumable according to claim 1, comprising: a pair of electrodes and a source of electrical energy to supply the electrodes, wherein the electrodes comprising a contact surface are configured to press the heating layer of the consumable in sandwich along at least a portion of a surface area of the heating layer.
16. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein: a thickness of the heating layer is between 0.5 and 2 mm.
17. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein: the electrically conductive material comprises an amount between 2.5 and 25 weight percent regarding to the heating layer.
18. the consumable according to claim 8, wherein: the binder is cmc.
19. the consumable according to claim 9, wherein: the aerosol forming agent is glycerin and/or propylene glycol.


[en] a system is disclosed comprising a smartphone 2 and an aerosol generation device, such as an electronic cigarette. the smartphone 2 is configured to establish a communicative interaction with the electronic cigarette 4, preferably using a wireless protocol like bluetooth(r) so that the devices can exchange data. the smartphone 2 comprises a positioning module, such as a gps receiver 26, and is adapted to store a position in a data storage unit 28 each time a communicative interaction is established. in this way, the user can retrieve the last stored position from the data storage unit 28 and display it on a map on the smartphone display screen 22 so that they can be assisted in locating the electronic cigarette 4. [en] 1. a system comprising: a positioning module arranged on a user electronic device;a communication interface to provide a communicative interaction with an aerosol generation device; anda data storage module, wherein the data storage module is configured to store a position determined by the positioning module, and wherein the stored position is associated with the communicative interaction with the aerosol generation device, andwherein the position is stored based on a trigger comprising one or more of the following: upon establishing or during the communicative interaction with the aerosol generation device, or following termination of the communicative interaction with the aerosol generation device.
2. the system of claim 1, wherein the stored position is associated with a most recent communicative interaction with the aerosol generation device.
3. the system of claim 1, further comprising a display to indicate the stored position.
4. the system of claim 1, wherein an indication is provided when communicative interaction is established with the aerosol generation device.
5. the system of claim 4, wherein the indication is one or more of: visual, audible, and haptic.
6. the system of claim 4, wherein the user electronic device is adapted to provide a selectable button which, when selected, causes the communication interface to send an instruction to the aerosol generation device to provide an audible and/or haptic indication.
7. the system of claim 4, wherein the indication has a property that is dependent on a separation distance between the aerosol generation device and the electronic user device.
8. the system of claim 1, wherein the data storage module is configured to store a position determined by the positioning module based on data received from the aerosol generation device in the communicative interaction.
9. the system of claim 1, further comprising an aerosol generation device including a communication interface.
10. the system of claim 9, wherein an indication is provided by the aerosol generation device when or while communicative interaction is established with the communication interface.
11. the system of claim 9, further comprising a capsule for use with the aerosol generation device to deliver an aerosol to a user, the capsule containing tobacco or a vaporisable liquid.
12. the system of claim 9, wherein the indication is one or more of: visual, audible, and haptic.
13. the system of claim 9, wherein the indication has a property that is dependent on a separation distance between the aerosol generation device and the electronic user device.
14. the system of claim 1, wherein an event that triggers storing the position of the aerosol generation device includes one or more of: the aerosol generation device transitioning into an inactive mode; termination of a vaping episode; initiation of a vaping episode; depression of a vaping button; establishment of a communicative interaction with the aerosol generation device; or termination of a communicative interaction with the aerosol generation device.
15. the system of claim 1, wherein the position associated with the aerosol generation device is stored along with identifying information of the aerosol generation device.
16. the system of claim 1, wherein the communication interface is configured to establish the communicative interaction with the aerosol generation device using a wireless protocol.
17. a method comprising the steps of: determining a position of an electronic user device by a positioning module arranged on the user electronic device;providing a communicative interaction between the electronic user device and an aerosol generation device via a communication interface in the electronic user device; andstoring the position determined by the positioning module in a data storage module, wherein the stored position is associated with the communicative interaction with the aerosol generation device, andwherein the position is stored based on a trigger comprising one or more of the following: upon establishing or during the communicative interaction with the aerosol generation device; or following termination of the communicative interaction with the aerosol generation device.
18. a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform steps comprising: determining a position of an electronic user device by a positioning module arranged on the user electronic device;providing a communicative interaction between the electronic user device and an aerosol generation device via a communication interface in the electronic user device; andstoring the position determined by the positioning module in a data storage module, wherein the stored position is associated with the communicative interaction with the aerosol generation device,wherein the position is stored based on a trigger comprising one or more of the following: upon establishing or during the communicative interaction with the aerosol generation device; or following termination of the communicative interaction with the aerosol generation device.


[en] an aerosol generating article (10, 110), for use with an aerosol generating device (30, 130) having a heating chamber (42), consists of a porous liquid storage material (12) which stores an aerosol generating liquid and which is configured for insertion into the heating chamber (42). the aerosol generating article (10, 110) also comprises an inductively heatable susceptor (16) arranged in thermal proximity to the porous liquid storage material (12) for heating and vaporising the stored aerosol generating liquid. the porous liquid storage material (12) has a substantially annular shape and defines a centrally positioned opening (14). [en]     claims   1. an aerosol generating article (10, 110) for use with an aerosol generating device (30, 130) having a heating chamber (42), the aerosol generating article (10, 110) consisting of: a porous liquid storage material (12) for storing an aerosol generating liquid and configured for insertion into the heating chamber (42); and an inductively heatable susceptor (16) arranged in thermal proximity to the porous liquid storage material (12) for heating and vaporising the stored aerosol generating liquid; wherein the porous liquid storage material (12) has a substantially annular shape and defines a centrally positioned opening (14).
2. an aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the porous liquid storage material (12) comprises a self-supporting material.
3. an aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the porous liquid storage material (12) comprises a high retention material, preferably a porous ceramic material.
4. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor (16) extends around the porous liquid storage material   (12).
5. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor (16) is in thermal contact with a surface of the porous liquid storage material (12).
6. an aerosol generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the inductively heatable susceptor (16) is in thermal contact with a radially outer surface (18) of the porous liquid storage material (12) or with a radially inner surface (20) of the porous liquid storage material (12).
7. an aerosol generating system (100, 200) comprising: an aerosol generating device (30, 130) comprising a heating chamber (42); and an aerosol generating article (10, 110) according to any preceding claim positioned in the heating chamber (42); the aerosol generating device (30, 130) further comprising an induction heating arrangement (52) for generating an alternating electromagnetic field for penetrating the inductively heatable susceptor (16) to thereby inductively heat the inductively heatable susceptor (16).
8. an aerosol generating system according to claim 7, wherein the aerosol generating system (100, 200) includes a positioning arrangement (56) to position the aerosol generating article (10, 110) in the heating chamber (42) so that a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article (10, 110) is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber (42).
9. an aerosol generating system according to claim 8, wherein the positioning arrangement (56) comprises a projecting element (58) that projects into the heating chamber (42) and into the centrally positioned opening (14) in the porous liquid storage material (12).
10. an aerosol generating system according to claim 9, wherein the projecting element (58) comprises a non-inductively heatable material.
11. an aerosol generating system according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the induction heating arrangement (52) comprises an induction coil (56).
12. an aerosol generating system according to claim 11, wherein the induction coil (56) extends around the heating chamber (42).
13. an aerosol generating system according to claim 12, wherein the induction coil (56) extends around an outer wall of the heating chamber (42) and is positioned radially outwardly of the inductively heatable susceptor (16).
14. an aerosol generating system according to the combination of claims 9 and 11 or the combination of claims 9, 10 and 11, wherein the induction coil (56) extends around the projecting element (58) and positioned radially inwardly of the inductively heatable susceptor (16).
15. a method of using an aerosol generating system (100, 200) according to any of claims 7 to 14 to generate an inhalable aerosol, the method comprising: penetrating the inductively heatable susceptor (16) with an alternating electromagnetic field generated by the induction heating arrangement (52) to inductively heat the susceptor (16) and thereby heat and vaporise the aerosol generating liquid stored in the porous liquid storage material (12).


[en] an aerosol generating device comprising: a heating compartment extending along a first direction and comprising a base portion at a first end and an opening opposite of the base portion and arranged so that a user can insert, via the opening, a consumable article containing an aerosol generating substance; protection means for exposing and covering said opening of the heating compartment, a heater configured to supply heat to the heating compartment to thereby heat the aerosol generating substance in the consumable article; and a detection means arranged outside the heating compartment and configured to detect whether a consumable article has been inserted in the heating compartment, wherein the detection means comprises at least one hall sensor and at least one magnet, said hall sensor and said magnet being arranged outwards of the heating compartment on opposite sides of the heating compartment in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. [en]       claims   1. an aerosol generating device comprising: a heating compartment extending along a first direction and comprising a base portion at a first end and an opening opposite of the base portion and arranged so that a user can insert, via the opening, a consumable article containing an aerosol generating substance; protection means for exposing and covering said opening of the heating compartment, a heater configured to supply heat to the heating compartment to thereby heat the aerosol generating substance in the consumable article; and a detection means arranged outside the heating compartment and configured to detect whether a consumable article has been inserted in the heating compartment, wherein the detection means comprises at least one hall sensor and at least one magnet, said hall sensor and said magnet being arranged outwards of the heating compartment on opposite sides of the heating compartment in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction.
2. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the protection means is arranged to be movable between a first position and a second position so that said opening of the heating compartment is covered when the protection means is in the first position and exposed when the protection means is in the second position.
3. the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a control unit configured to activate a supply of current to the hall sensor when the protecting means is moved from the first position in the second position.
4. the aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the hall sensor is arranged to measure the strength of the magnetic field of the magnet when the protecting means is moved from the first position to the second position and to output a first value indicating said measured strength of the magnetic field to the control unit.
5. the aerosol generating device according to claim 4, further comprising a memory, wherein the control unit is configured to store said first value received from the hall sensor.
6. the aerosol generating device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the hall sensor is configured to measure the strength of the magnetic field at a predetermined time point after the protecting means is moved from the first position in the second position and to output a second value indicating said strength of the magnetic field to the control unit.
7. the aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit is configured to calculate a percentage decrease of the first value with respect to the second value.
8. the aerosol generating device according to claim 7, further comprising a power supply unit configured to supply current to the heater, and the control unit is configured to activate a supply of current from the power supply unit to the heater when said percentage decrease is equal to or higher than a pre determined threshold.
9. the aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the power supply is further configured to supply current to the hall sensor.
10. the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit is configured to de-activate the supply of current to the hall sensor when the protection means is moved from the second position to the first position.
11. the aerosol generating device according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the heater is arranged outward of the heating compartment and extends in the first direction from the bottom portion of the heating compartment towards the opening.
12. the aerosol generating device according to any one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the detection means comprises a plurality of pairs of a hall sensor and a magnet, wherein for each pair, said hall sensor and said magnet are arranged outwards of the heating compartment on opposite sides of the heating compartment in the second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction.
13. a system comprising the aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims and a consumable article, said consumable comprising aerosol generating substance and a metal foil.


[en] a method allows for serially forming a plurality of substrates for aerosol generation, and comprises the steps of: - feeding (110) a continuous web of substrate material, - cutting out (120) the continuous web to define a plurality of substrates by rotating a cutting wheel having multiple cutting dies arranged circumferentially, - conveying (130) the defined substrates by means of a conveyor, and - lifting (140) the defined substrates from the conveyor by rotating a suction wheel having multiple suction areas arranged circumferentially. [en]       claims   1. method for serially forming a plurality of substrates (1) for aerosol generation, said method comprising the steps of feeding (110) a continuous web (2) of substrate material, cutting out (120) said continuous web (2) to define a plurality of substrates (1) by rotating a cutting wheel (3) having multiple cutting dies (4) arranged circumferentially, and conveying (130) said defined substrates (1) by means of a conveyor (5), wherein it further comprises a step (140) of lifting said defined substrates (1) from said conveyor (5) by rotating a suction wheel (6) having multiple suction areas (7) arranged circumferentially.
2. method according to claim 1, wherein said lifting step (140) comprises synchronizing said suction wheel (6) with said cutting wheel (3) by mechanically connecting said suction wheel (6) with said cutting wheel (3).
3. method according to claim 1, wherein said lifting step (140) comprises synchronizing said suction wheel (6) with said cutting wheel (3) by electronically indexing said suction wheel (6) with said cutting wheel (3).
4. method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lifting step (140) is carried out by means of a suction wheel (6) comprising as many suction areas (7) as cutting dies (4) on said cutting wheel (3).
5. method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lifting step (140) is carried out by means of a suction wheel (6) comprising suction areas (7) each configured to generate a reduced pressure to suction a defined substrate (1) on said conveyor (5).
6. method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lifting step (140) further comprises releasing the suction in a suction area (7) retaining a defined substrate (1) when said suction area (7) reaches a collection zone (9), in order that said defined substrate (1) is collected in said collection zone (9).
7. method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cutting out step (120) comprises a sub-step of removing each defined substrate (1) from each cutting die.
8. method according to claim 7, wherein said removing sub-step comprises pushing out each defined substrate (1) from its cutting die (4) by releasing a biasing force stored by a shoe (8) of this cutting die (4), in contact with said defined substrate (1), during said cutting out.
9. method according to claim 7, wherein said removing sub-step comprises pushing out each defined substrate (1) from its cutting die (4) by means of a pressurized gas acting on said defined substrate (1) from the inside of said cutting die (4).
10. method according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein in said cutting out step (120) n substrates (1), with n > 2, are simultaneously defined in parallel in said continuous web (2) by n cutting dies (4) belonging to n successive sub-parts of said cutting wheel (3) set perpendicular to a rotation axis of said cutting wheel (3), and in said lifting step (140) n substrates (1) are simultaneously lifted in parallel by n parallel suction areas (7) belonging to n successive sub-parts of said suction wheel (6) set perpendicular to a rotation axis of said suction wheel (6).
11. method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cutting out step (120) defines substrates (1) having a flat plate shape.
12. method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said feeding step (110) and said conveying step (130) use a same conveyor (5).
13. method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises a step (100) of forming said continuous web (2) by means of an extruder (12).
14. installation (11) for serially forming a plurality of substrates (1) for aerosol generation, said installation (11) comprising a feeding means (5) arranged for feeding a continuous web (2) of substrate material, a rotating cutting wheel (3) having multiple cutting dies (4) arranged circumferentially and for cutting out said continuous web (2) to define a plurality of substrates (1), and a conveyor (5) arranged for conveying said defined substrates (1), wherein it further comprises a rotating suction wheel (6) having multiple suction areas (7) arranged circumferentially and for lifting said defined substrates (1) from said conveyor (5).


[en] there is provided an aerosol generation device power system comprising a first battery cell (104-1) and a second battery cell (104-2) connectable in series, a switching means (501, 502, 503), and a controller (102). the controller controls the switching means to switch the power system from a first state to a second state in response to determining that one of the battery cells does not have a sufficient energy level to finish an aerosolisation session, and the other battery cell does. in the first state, both battery cells are configured to provide power to a heater component 108 in series. in the second state, one of the battery cells is connected to the heater component independently of the other, such that only the one of the battery cells that has a sufficient energy level to finish the aerosolisation session is configured to provide power to the heater component. [en]       claims   1. an aerosol generation device power system, wherein the power system is connectable to a heater component, and the power system comprises: a first battery cell and a second battery cell connectable in series; a switching means configured to control a power flow from the first battery cell and the second battery cell to the heater component; and a controller configured to monitor an energy parameter of each of the first battery cell and the second battery cell and to control the switching means, wherein the controller is configured to control the switching means to switch the power system from a first state to a second state in response to detecting a triggering condition, wherein: the triggering condition comprises the controller determining, based upon the monitored energy parameter of the first battery cell and the monitored energy parameter of the second battery cell, that one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell does not have a sufficient energy level to finish an aerosolisation session, and the other one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell does have a sufficient energy level to finish or prolong the aerosolisation session; in the first state, the first battery cell and the second battery cell are configured to provide power to the heater component in series; and in the second state, one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell is connected to the heater component independently of the other of the first battery cell or the second battery cell, such that only the one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell that has a sufficient energy level to finish or prolong the aerosolisation session is configured to provide power to the heater component.
2. the aerosol generation device power system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the energy parameter of the first battery cell and the energy parameter of the second battery cell during an aerosolisation session; and in response to determining the triggering condition during the aerosolisation session, the controller is configured to switch the power system from the first state to the second state for a remainder of the aerosolisation session.
3. the aerosol generation device power system of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the energy parameter of the first battery cell and the energy parameter of the second battery cell before beginning an aerosolisation session; and in response to determining the triggering condition before beginning the aerosolisation session, the controller is configured to set the power system to the second state for the aerosolisation session.
4. the aerosol generation device power system of claim 3, wherein in response to determining the triggering condition before beginning the aerosolisation session, the controller is further configured to increase a preheating time in the aerosolisation session.
5. the aerosol generation device power system of any preceding claim, wherein the energy parameter of the first battery cell is a voltage level of the first battery cell, and the energy parameter of the second battery cell is a voltage level of the second battery cell.
6. the aerosol generation device power system of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to determine that one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell does not have a sufficient energy level to finish an aerosolisation session, and the other one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell does have a sufficient energy level to finish or prolong the aerosolisation session based upon a difference between the voltage level of the first battery cell and the voltage level of the second battery cell with a predetermined threshold voltage.
7. the aerosol generation device power system of any preceding claim, wherein the first battery cell and the second battery cell are components of a 2s 1 p battery pack.
8. the aerosol generation device power system of any preceding claim, wherein the switching means comprises a first switching means connected in series with the second battery cell, and the second battery cell is connected between the first battery cell and the first switching means.
9. the aerosol generation device power system of any preceding claim, wherein the switching means comprises a second switching means connected to a node between the first battery cell and the second battery cell, and in parallel with the second battery cell, such that when the second switching means is closed the second battery cell is bypassable.
10. the aerosol generation device power system of any preceding claim, wherein the switching means comprises a third switching means connected to a node between the first battery cell and the second battery cell and in parallel with first battery cell, such that when the third switching means is closed the first battery cell is bypassable.
11. the aerosol generation device power system of any preceding claim, further comprising a pulse width modulation module configured to convert the power flow from the first battery cell and/or second battery cell to a pulse width modulated power flow to be delivered to the heater component.
12. an aerosol generation device comprising the aerosol generation device power system of any preceding claim.
13. the aerosol generation device of claim 12, wherein the aerosol generation device is configured to receive a tobacco rod, and heat without burning the tobacco rod to produce an aerosol in an aerosolisation session.
14. a method of operating an aerosol generation device power system, the power system comprising a first battery cell and a second battery cell connectable in series, and a switching means configured to control a power flow from the first battery cell and the second battery cell to a heater component connectable to the power system, the method comprising: monitoring an energy parameter of each of the first battery cell and the second battery cell; detecting a triggering condition, wherein the triggering condition comprises determining, based upon the monitored energy parameter of the first battery cell and the monitored energy parameter of the second battery cell, that one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell does not have a sufficient energy level to finish an aerosolisation session, and the other one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell does have a sufficient energy level to finish or prolong the aerosolisation session; and controlling the switching means to switch the power system from a first state to a second state in response to detecting the triggering condition, wherein: in the first state, the first battery cell and the second battery cell are configured to provide power to the heater component in series; and in the second state, one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell is connected to the heater component independently of the other of the first battery cell or the second battery cell, such that only the one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell that has a sufficient energy level to finish or prolong the aerosolisation session is configured to provide power to the heater component.
15. a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a controller configured for operation with an aerosol generation device power system comprising a first battery cell and a second battery cell connectable in series, and a switching means configured to control a power flow from the first battery cell and the second battery cell to a heater component connectable to the power system, cause the one or more processors to perform steps comprising: monitoring an energy parameter of each of the first battery cell and the second battery cell; detecting a triggering condition, wherein the triggering condition comprises determining, based upon the monitored energy parameter of the first battery cell and the monitored energy parameter of the second battery cell, that one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell does not have a sufficient energy level to finish an aerosolisation session, and the other one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell does have a sufficient energy level to finish or prolong the aerosolisation session; and controlling the switching means to switch the power system from a first state to a second state in response to detecting the triggering condition, wherein: in the first state, the first battery cell and the second battery cell are configured to provide power to the heater component in series; and in the second state, one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell is connected to the heater component independently of the other of the first battery cell or the second battery cell, such that only the one of the first battery cell or the second battery cell that has a sufficient energy level to finish or prolong the aerosolisation session is configured to provide power to the heater component.


[en] there is provided an aerosol generation device (100) configured to aerosolise an aerosol generating consumable (114) in an aerosolisation session. the aerosol generation device comprises a power source (104) and a controller (102). the controller is configured to control a power flow from the power source to a heater in the aerosolisation session, determine a plurality of power source measurements of the power source as a function of time during the aerosolisation session, and determine whether the power source is capable of powering a subsequent aerosolisation session based upon a determined relationship between the power source measurements as a function of time. the controller is also configured to control the aerosol generation device to perform a further action when it is determined by the controller that the power source is not capable of powering a subsequent aerosolisation session. [en]     claims   1. an aerosol generation device configured to aerosolise an aerosol generating consumable in an aerosolisation session, the aerosol generation device comprising: a power source; a controller configured to control a power flow from the power source to a heater in the aerosolisation session, determine a plurality of power source measurements of the power source as a function of time during the aerosolisation session, and determine whether the power source is capable of powering a subsequent aerosolisation session based upon a determined relationship between the power source measurements as a function of time; wherein the controller is configured to control the aerosol generation device to perform a further action when it is determined by the controller that the power source is not capable of powering a subsequent aerosolisation session.
2. the aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the aerosolisation session comprises a heating phase in which the heater is maintained at the aerosolisation temperature, and the plurality of power source measurements as a function of time comprise a plurality of power source measurements determined in the heating phase.
3. the aerosol generation device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the power source is capable of powering a subsequent aerosolisation session based upon a linear relationship between the power source measurements as a function of time; wherein the power source measurements are voltage measurements of the power source, and the linear relationship is defined as v = at + b, in which v is measured power source voltage as a function of time t in the aerosolisation session, a is change in measured power source voltage per unit time, and b is a voltage offset.
4. the aerosol generation device of claim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to determine that the power source is not capable of powering a subsequent aerosolisation session when the change in measured power source voltage per unit time is less than a first threshold and the voltage offset is less than a second threshold.
5. the aerosol generation device of claim 4, further comprising a temperature sensor configured to determine a first temperature of the power source; and wherein the controller is configured to determine the first threshold and the second threshold as a function of the determined first temperature of the power source.
6. the aerosol generation device of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to normalise the change in measured power source voltage per unit time and voltage offset to a nominal temperature based upon the determined first temperature of the power source.
7. the aerosol generation device of claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to: determine a second temperature of the power source after the aerosolisation session; and when the second temperature meets a predetermined temperature requirement, recalculate the normalised change in power source voltage per unit time and the normalised voltage offset based upon the second temperature.
8. the aerosol generation device of claim 7, wherein the predetermined temperature requirement comprises the second temperature being less than a threshold temperature, and/or a temperature change between the first temperature and a second temperature exceeding a threshold temperature change.
9. the aerosol generation device of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to determine that the power source is not capable of powering the subsequent aerosolisation session when the recalculated normalised change in voltage per unit time is less than the first threshold and the recalculated normalised voltage offset is less than the second threshold.
10. the aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, wherein the aerosolisation session comprises a preheating phase in which the heater is heated to a predetermined aerosolisation temperature; and wherein the controller is configured to: determine a minimum voltage measurement of the power source in the preheating phase; determine a voltage of the power source at an endpoint of the aerosolisation session based upon the linear relationship; and determine whether the power source is capable of powering a subsequent aerosolisation session based upon a comparison between the determined voltage at the endpoint of the aerosolisation session and the minimum voltage measurement in the preheating phase.
11. the aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, wherein the further action comprises inhibiting a subsequent aerosolisation session until a predetermined requirement is met.
12. the aerosol generation device of claim 11, wherein the predetermined requirement comprises charging the power source for a predetermined amount of time.
13. the aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generation device further comprises an indicator, and the further action comprises indicating, by the indicator, when it is determined by the controller that the power source is not capable of powering a subsequent aerosolisation session.
14. a method of operating an aerosol generation device configured to aerosolise an aerosol generating consumable in an aerosolisation session, the method comprising: controlling a power flow from a power source to a heater in the aerosolisation session; determining a plurality of power source measurements of the power source as a function of time during the aerosolisation session; determining whether the power source is capable of powering a subsequent aerosolisation session based upon a determined relationship between the power source measurements as a function of time; and performing a further action when it is determined that the power source is not capable of powering a subsequent aerosolisation session.
15. a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a controller configured for operation with an aerosol generation device configured to aerosolise an aerosol generating consumable in an aerosolisation session, cause the one or more processors to perform steps comprising: controlling a power flow from a power source to a heater in the aerosolisation session; determining a plurality of power source measurements of the power source as a function of time during the aerosolisation session; determining whether the power source is capable of powering a subsequent aerosolisation session based upon a determined relationship between the power source measurements as a function of time; and performing a further action when it is determined that the power source is not capable of powering a subsequent aerosolisation session.


[en] a method for controlling an aerosol generating device includes receiving an indication to start an aerosol generating session via a user input element; receiving a temperature of a heater measured by a temperature sensor; retrieving a session counter value from a memory; controlling the heater to perform an aerosol generating session according to the temperature of the heater and the session counter value; and when the temperature of the heater becomes lower than a first predetermined temperature, resetting the session counter value. control circuitry configured to perform the method and an aerosol generating device including the control circuitry are also provided. [en] 1. a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: receiving an indication to start an aerosol generating session via a user input element;receiving a temperature of a heater measured by a temperature sensor;retrieving a session counter value from a memory;controlling the heater to perform an aerosol generating session according to the temperature of the heater and the session counter value; andwhen the temperature of the heater becomes lower than a first predetermined temperature, resetting the session counter value.
2. the method according to claim 1, wherein the session counter value is incremented upon starting the aerosol generating session.
3. the method according to claim 1, further comprising, when the temperature of the heater becomes lower than a second predetermined temperature higher than the first predetermined temperature, and the session counter value is lower than a first predetermined session limit, resetting the session counter value.
4. the method according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating session comprises: a temperature raising stage in which the temperature of the heater is raised to at least a third predetermined temperature;a temperature maintaining stage in which the temperature of the heater is maintained; anda temperature falling stage in which the temperature of the heater is allowed to fall below the third predetermined temperature.
5. the method according to claim 1, further comprising: when the session counter value is not lower than a second predetermined session limit, controlling the heater not to perform an aerosol generating session.
6. the method according to claim 1, further comprising: when the temperature of the heater is greater than a fourth predetermined temperature when the indication to start an aerosol generating session is received, controlling the heater not to perform an aerosol generating session regardless of the session counter value.
7. the method according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature of the heater is lower than a fifth predetermined temperature when the indication to start an aerosol generating session is received, the session counter value is not incremented.
8. the method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: controlling the heater not to perform an aerosol generating session after receiving second indication to start an aerosol generating session, andcontrolling a user output element to indicate a status wherein the second indication was received but the aerosol generating session is not being performed.
9. the method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: controlling the heater not to perform an aerosol generating session after receiving second indication to start an aerosol generating session, andwaiting until the temperature of the heater falls below a sixth predetermined temperature, and then performing an aerosol generating session.
10. control circuitry configured to perform a-the method according to claim 1.
11. the method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: when a temperature of control circuitry configured to perform the method is greater than a seventh predetermined temperature when the indication to start an aerosol generating session is received, controlling the heater not to perform an aerosol generating session regardless of the session counter value.
12. an aerosol generating device comprising: the control circuitry according to claim 10,the heater for heating an aerosol generating substrate of a consumable to generate an aerosol,the temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the heater,the user input element for starting an aerosol generating session, andthe memory for storing a session counter value.


[en] this invention relates to an e-cigarette rechargeable battery charging case comprising: a base comprising a first recess for receiving an e-cigarette rechargeable battery, a cover covering said first recess when in closed position and making said first recess accessible when in open position, a flexible hinge linking said cover to said base, a first extension of said hinge being fastened to cover structure, and a second extension of said hinge being fastened to base structure, wherein said second hinge extension: cooperates with at least an aligning part of base structure, so as to align said base and said hinge with respect to each other, and is tightened between tightening parts of said base structure, so as to maintain aligned said base and said hinge with respect to each other, over time, despite successive openings and closings of said cover. [en] 1. e-cigarette rechargeable battery charging case comprising: a base (1) comprising a first recess (17) for receiving an e-cigarette rechargeable battery (46), a cover (3), covering said first recess (17) when in closed position,making said first recess (17) accessible when in open position, a flexible hinge (2) linking said cover (3) to said base (1),a first extension (51) of said hinge (2) being fastened to cover (3) structure,a second extension (52) of said hinge (2) being fastened to base (1) structure, wherein said second hinge extension (52): cooperates with at least an aligning part (14) of base (1) structure, so as to align said base (1) and said hinge (2) with respect to each other,and is tightened between tightening parts (45, 15) of said base (1) structure,so as to maintain aligned said base (1) and said hinge (2) with respect to each other, over time, despite successive openings and closings of said cover (3).
2. e-cigarette rechargeable battery charging case according to claim 1, wherein: said second hinge extension (52): is centered around one or more first parts (14) of base (1) structure, so as to align said base (1) and said hinge (2) with respect to each other.
3. e-cigarette rechargeable battery charging case according to claim 1, wherein: said second hinge extension (52): is tightly clamped between at least a second part (45) and at least a third part (15) of said base (1) structure, so as to maintain aligned said base (1) and said hinge (2) with respect to each other, over time, despite successive openings and closings of said cover (3).
4. e-cigarette rechargeable battery charging case according to claim 1, wherein said second hinge extension (52) does not extend over said first recess (16), preferably extends over less than one quarter of width (w2) of charging case.
5. e-cigarette rechargeable battery charging case according to claim 1, wherein at least some tightening parts (45, 15) are at a more proximal position with respect to said second hinge extension (52) than said aligning part(s) (14).
6. e-cigarette rechargeable battery charging case according to claim 1, wherein: main material of said flexible hinge (2) is: more flexible than main material of cover (3) structure,and more flexible than main material of base (1) structure.
7. e-cigarette rechargeable battery charging case according to claim 1, wherein said cover (3) comprises two cover shells (31, 32) fitted into each other and sandwiching said first hinge extension (51) in between.
8. e-cigarette rechargeable battery charging case according to claim 1, wherein said first recess (17) comprises at least an electrical connection (41) implemented so as to recharge said rechargeable battery (47).
9. e-cigarette rechargeable battery charging case according to claim 1, wherein: said base (1) comprises, successively, from said cover (3): an inlay (11) comprising said first recess (17), said aligning part(s) (14) and at least one (45) of said tightening parts of said base (1) structure,a support (12) comprising at least another (15) of said tightening parts of said base (1) structure,an external base shell (13), visible from outside charging case, covering said aligning parts (14) and said tightening parts (45, 15) of said base (1) structure.
10. e-cigarette rechargeable battery charging case according to claim 9, wherein: said base inlay (11) is made of hard plastic and/orsaid base support (12) is made of hard plastic and/orsaid external base shell (13) is at least partly metallic, preferably made of aluminum and/orsaid cover (3) structure is made of hard plastic and fabric.
11. e-cigarette rechargeable battery charging case according to claim 1, wherein: said aligning part(s) (14) comprise: one or more centering pins (14) and/or said base (1) comprises:one or more channels fitting around said centering pins (14).
12. e-cigarette rechargeable battery charging case according to claim 1, wherein said tightening parts (45, 15) comprise one or more surfaces facing each other, and sandwiching said second hinge extension (52).
13. e-cigarette rechargeable battery charging case according to claim 1, wherein said hinge (2) comprises one or more holes (22) respectively fitting around said one or more aligning parts (14).
14. e-cigarette rechargeable battery charging case according to claim 1, wherein said hinge (2) is essentially made of fabric.
15. e-cigarette rechargeable battery charging case according to claim 13, wherein said hinge (2) is essentially made of a double layer fabric having two fabric layers and a fabric fold (23), said fabric fold (23) being at a more distal position than said holes (22) in said second hinge extension (52), said two layers being jointly superposed in said second hinge extension (52).


[en] a capsule (26) for an electronic vapour inhaler comprises a shell (28) containing a flavour-release medium (40) and one or more induction heatable elements (42) disposed inside the shell (28) and arranged to heat the flavour-release medium (40) to produce a vapour for inhalation by a user. at least part of the shell (28) is formed of an air permeable material. [en] 1. a capsule for an electronic vapour inhaler, the capsule comprising: a shell for containing a flavour-release medium;an induction heatable element disposed inside the shell and arranged to heat the flavour-release medium, wherein a cross-section of the induction heatable element conforms generally to a cross-section of the shell.
2. the capsule according to claim 1, wherein the shell includes a base region, a sidewall region and a lid.
3. the capsule according to claim 2, wherein the base region and the sidewall region are integrally formed.
4. the capsule according to claim 2, wherein the lid is sealed to an upper periphery of the sidewall region.
5. the capsule according to claim 2, wherein one or more of the base region, the sidewall region, and the lid comprises an air permeable material.
6.-7. (canceled) 8. the capsule according to claim 1, further comprising one or more additional induction heating elements such that the capsule comprises a plurality of induction heatable elements, each induction heating element being disposed inside the shell, arranged to heat the flavour-release medium, and having a respective cross-section that conforms generally to the cross-section of the shell.
9. the capsule according to claim 8, wherein the shell includes a base region, a sidewall region, and a lid, and the induction heatable elements are spaced apart between the base region and the lid with the flavour-release medium arranged in regions formed between the spaced induction heatable elements.
10. the capsule according to claim 1, wherein the induction heatable element includes one or more openings to allow air to flow therethrough.
11. the capsule according to claim 1, wherein at least part of the shell comprises an air permeable material and the air permeable material is electrically insulating and non-magnetic.
12. an electronic vapour inhaler comprising: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end;a mouthpiece at the proximal end of the housing;the capsule according to claim 1 disposed in the housing; andan induction heating arrangement arranged to inductively heat the induction heatable element and thereby heat the flavour-release medium.
13. (canceled)
14. the electronic vapour inhaler according to claim 12, wherein the housing includes a chamber in which the capsule is disposed and an air inlet through which ambient air can flow into the chamber and into the shell.
15. (canceled)
16. the electronic vapour inhaler according to claim 12, further including a control arrangement which is adapted to energize the induction heating arrangement to maintain a substantially predetermined temperature inside the shell.
17. the electronic vapour inhaler according to claim 16, further including a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature inside the shell, wherein the control arrangement is adapted to energize the induction heating arrangement to maintain said substantially predetermined temperature based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.
18. the capsule according to claim 1, wherein the shell is substantially circular in cross-section and the induction heatable element comprises a substantially circular induction heatable disc.
19. the capsule according to claim 18, wherein the substantially circular induction heatable disc is positioned co-axially inside the shell.


[en] an installation (11) is arranged for serially forming a plurality of substrates for aerosol generation, and comprises: - a feeding means (5) arranged for feeding a continuous web (2) of substrate material, and - a rotating cutting wheel (3) having multiple cutting dies (4) arranged circumferentially and for cutting out this continuous web (2) to define a plurality of substrates (1) and then for removing each defined substrate (1) from each cutting die (4) at a chosen instant to make it fall at a chosen position. [en]     claims   1. method for serially forming a plurality of substrates (1) for aerosol generation, said method comprising the steps of feeding (110) a continuous web (2) of substrate material, and of cutting out (120) said continuous web (2) to define a plurality of substrates (1) by rotating a cutting wheel (3) having multiple cutting dies (4) arranged circumferentially, wherein said cutting out step (120) comprises a sub-step of removing each defined substrate (1) from each cutting die (4) at a chosen instant to make it fall at a chosen position.
2. method according to claim 1, wherein said removing sub-step comprises pushing out each defined substrate (1) from its cutting die (4) by releasing a biasing force stored by a shoe (8) of this cutting die (4), in contact with said defined substrate (1), at the chosen instant.
3. method according to claim 1, wherein said removing sub-step comprises pushing out each defined substrate (1) from its cutting die (4), at the chosen instant, by means of a pressurized gas acting on said defined substrate (1) from the inside of said cutting die (4).
4. method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in said cutting out step (120) n substrates (1), with n > 2, are simultaneously defined in parallel in said continuous web (2) by n cutting dies (4) belonging to n successive sub-parts of said cutting wheel (3) set perpendicular to a rotation axis of said cutting wheel (3).
5. method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the method further comprises a step (100) of forming said continuous web (2) by means of an extruder (12).
6. method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the method further comprises a step (130) of collecting each falling substrate (1) on a substantially planar conveyor (5) at said chosen position and of conveying said collected substrate (1) by means of said substantially planar conveyor (5).
7. method according to claim 6, wherein said feeding step (110) and said collecting and conveying step (130) use a same conveyor (5).
8. method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the method further comprises a step (140) of lifting said collected substrates (1) from said conveyor (5) by rotating a suction wheel (6) having multiple suction areas (7) arranged circumferentially.
9. method according to claim 8, wherein said lifting step (140) further comprises releasing the suction in a suction area (7) retaining a collected substrate (1) when said suction area (7) reaches a collection zone (9), in order that said collected substrate (1) is collected in said collection zone (9).
10. method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said lifting step (140) comprises synchronizing said suction wheel (6) with said cutting wheel (3) by mechanically connecting said suction wheel (6) with said cutting wheel (3).
11. method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said lifting step (140) comprises synchronizing said suction wheel (6) with said cutting wheel (3) by electronically indexing said suction wheel (6) with said cutting wheel (3).
12. method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the suction wheel (6) comprises as many suction areas (7) as cutting dies (4) on said cutting wheel (3).
13. method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the suction wheel (6) comprises suction areas (7) each configured to generate a reduced pressure to suction a collected substrate (1) on said conveyor (5).
14. method according to claim 4 in combination with any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein in said lifting step (140) n substrates (1) are simultaneously lifted in parallel by n parallel suction areas (7) belonging to n successive sub-parts of said suction wheel (6) set perpendicular to a rotation axis of said suction wheel (6).
15. installation (11) for serially forming a plurality of substrates (1) for aerosol generation, said installation (11) comprising a feeding means (5) arranged for feeding a continuous web (2) of substrate material, and a rotating cutting wheel (3) having multiple cutting dies (4) arranged circumferentially and for cutting out said continuous web (2) to define a plurality of substrates (1), wherein said cutting wheel (3) is arranged for removing each defined substrate (1) from each cutting die at a chosen instant to make it fall at a chosen position.


[en] an apparatus and method for authenticating a user of a vapour generating system (3) comprise emitting a transmitted signal from a mouthpiece (10) of the system (3) into an oral cavity (20) of the user (21) and detecting a received signal that includes reflections of the transmitted signal from the tongue (26) of the user (21). the received signal is analysed to derive characteristics of it that include doppler shifts resulting from the tongue (26) moving towards or away from the receiver (32). operation of the system (3) is enabled only if the user moves their tongue (26) in a predetermined pattern, for example by inaudibly speaking a password, so that the derived characteristics match corresponding characteristics of the authorized user that have been stored in a preliminary training step. the predetermined pattern of movement of the tongue (26) is not easy for an unauthorized person to detect or to reproduce. the transmitted signal may be a high frequency acoustic signal. [en] claims 1. a vapour generating system (3), comprising: a mouthpiece (10), the mouthpiece (10) comprising a transmitter (30) for emitting a transmitted signal into the oral cavity (20) of a user (21) and a receiver (32) for detecting a received signal that includes reflections of the transmitted signal; and an analyser (52) for analysing characteristics of the received signal to authenticate a user of the system (3), wherein the analysed characteristics include doppler shifts in the reflections of the transmitted signal, and wherein the authentication is based at least in part on whether a pattern of the doppler shifts corresponds to a predetermined pattern of movement of the tongue (26) of the user (21).
2. a vapour generating system (3) according to claim 1, wherein the transmitted and received signals are acoustic signals.
3. a vapour generating system (3) according to claim 2, wherein the transmitted signal comprises a principal frequency that is higher than the normal range of human hearing.
4. a vapour generating system (3) according to claim 2, wherein the transmitted signal comprises a principal frequency in the range 15khz to 30khz.
5. a method of authenticating a user of a vapour generating system (3), comprising: inserting a mouthpiece (10) of the system (3) into an oral cavity (20) of the user (21); emitting a transmitted signal from the mouthpiece of the system (3); detecting a received signal that includes reflections of the transmitted signal; analysing the received signal to derive characteristics of the received signal that include doppler shifts in the reflections of the transmitted signal; and authenticating the user (21) based at least in part on whether a pattern of the doppler shifts corresponds to a predetermined pattern of movement of the tongue (26) of the user (21).
6. a method according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined pattern results from the user (21) audibly or inaudibly speaking one or more predetermined passwords.
7. a method according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein analysing the received signal comprises converting the signal into the frequency domain then analysing signal gradients in the frequency domain.
8. a method according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein authenticating the user (21) comprises applying a binary user classification test to assess features of the derived characteristics that can distinguish the user (21) from other known users.
9. a method according to claim 8, further comprising a preliminary user classification training step, which includes: inserting the mouthpiece of the system (3) into the oral cavity of an authorized user (21); emitting the transmitted signal from the mouthpiece (10) of the system (3); detecting a received signal that includes reflections of the transmitted signal; analysing the received signal to derive characteristics of the received signal that include a pattern of doppler shifts in the reflections of the transmitted signal from the from the tongue (26) of the authorized user (21) when the authorized user (21) moves the tongue (26) in the predetermined pattern; and using a learning algorithm to compare the derived characteristics of the authorized user (21) with a stored representation of corresponding characteristics of other known users and to generate the binary user classification test that can distinguish the authorized user (21) from the other known users.
10. a method according to any of claims 5 to 9, wherein authenticating the user (21) comprises applying a binary spoofer classification test to assess features of the derived characteristics that can distinguish the user (21) from spoofers. - 16 -
11. a method according to any of claims 5 to 10, wherein the transmitted and received signals are acoustic signals.
12. a method according to claim 11, wherein the transmitted signal comprises a principal frequency that is higher than the normal range of human hearing.
13. a method according to claim 11, wherein the transmitted signal comprises a principal frequency in the range 15khz to 30khz.
14. a vapour generating system (3) according to claim 1, wherein the analyser (52) comprises a processor configured to carry out the method of any of claims 5 to 13.


[en] a portable device (1) comprises a body (16) comprising a casing "i with an opening (9) and a closure element (5) moveable between a closed position occluding this casing opening (9) and an open position authorizing access to the casing (7). the body (16) further comprises a first sensor (4) set in a chosen area (19) and arranged for detecting a user's hand (21) holding the body (16) in this chosen area (19), and a mechanism (18) arranged for causing the closure element (5) to move to its open position when the user's hand (21) has been detected by the first sensor (4). [en] claims 1. portable device (1) comprising a body (16) comprising a casing (7) with an opening (9) and a closure element (5) moveable between a closed position occluding said casing opening (9) and an open position authorizing access to the casing (7), wherein said body (16) further comprises i) a first sensor (4) set in a chosen area (19) and arranged for detecting a user’s hand (21) holding said body (16) in said chosen area (19), and ii) a mechanism (18) arranged to move said closure element (5) from said closed position to said open position when said user’s hand (21) has been detected by said first sensor (4).
2. portable device according to claim 1, wherein said first sensor (4) is selected from the group consisting of a capacitive sensor, a resistive film pressure sensor and a strain gauge.
3. portable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first sensor (4) is arranged for detecting said user’s hand when the latter is exerting at least a predefined force in said chosen area during at least one predefined duration and a predefined number of times that is at least equal to one.
4. portable device according to claim 3, wherein said predefined duration is comprised between 500 ms and 2 s, said predefined force is comprised between 2 n and 6 n, and said predefined number of times is comprised between 1 and 3.
5. portable device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said body (16) comprises an external face comprising a plastic cover in at least said chosen area, and wherein said first sensor (4) is set between said external face and said plastic cover.
6. portable device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said closure element (5) comprises a first magnet (23), and said mechanism (18) comprises an electromagnetic coil (24) arranged for generating a first magnetic field when said user’s hand has been detected by said first sensor (4), in order to attract said first magnet (23) to cause said closure element (5) to move from a closed position to said open position.
7. portable device according to claim 6, wherein said mechanism (18) comprises a second magnet (25) spaced apart from said first electromagnetic coil (24) and arranged for generating a second magnetic field to attract said first magnet (23) when said first electromagnetic coil (24) no longer generates said first magnetic field, to cause said closure element (5) to move from said open position to said closed position.
8. portable device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises an aerosol generation device, in which said casing (7) is intended for receiving a consumable (2) comprising at least an aerosol-forming substance (8), and wherein it comprises an aerosol generation unit (3) comprising said casing (7) and arranged for transforming said aerosol-forming substance (8) into an aerosol that may be inhaled by said user, when it is supplied with electrical energy.
9. portable device according to claim 8, wherein it comprises a rechargeable battery (15) storing electrical energy that is used by said aerosol generation unit (3) for transforming said aerosol-forming substance (8) into said aerosol and by said mechanism (18) for causing said closure element (5) to move to said open position.
10. portable device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said body (16) comprises a second sensor (26) arranged for detecting a 17 consumable (2) received in said casing (7), and wherein said aerosol generation unit (3) is arranged for transforming said aerosol-forming substance (8) into said aerosol when said second sensor (26) has detected said consumable (2) in said casing (7).
11. portable device according to claim 10, wherein said second sensor (26) is selected from the group consisting of a photoresistor and a proximity sensor.
12. portable device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said body (16) comprises a clear protective cover (27) set in a hole (28) communicating with said casing (7), between said second sensor (26) and said casing (7) for protecting said second sensor (26).
13. portable device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein said second sensor (26) is arranged for detecting when said consumable (2) is retrieved from said casing (7), and for causing a stop of said electrical energy supply to said aerosol generation unit (3) after this detection.
14. portable device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein said aerosol-forming substance (8) comprises a tobacco material or at least one polyol.
15. portable device according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein it constitutes an electronic cigarette.


[en] a consumable for an inhaler having a heater system and an optical reader system includes an indicia containing information about the consumable. the indicia provides authorization information before the consumable has been exposed to a temperature exceeding a temperature threshold, and the indicia is altered after it has been exposed to a temperature exceeding the temperature threshold. [en] 1. a consumable, for an inhaler comprising a heating system and an optical reader, the consumable comprising an indicia containing information about the consumable, wherein the indicia provides authorization information before the consumable has been exposed to a temperature exceeding a temperature threshold, and wherein the indicia is altered after it has been exposed to a temperature exceeding the temperature threshold, wherein the indicia comprises a first indicia that is readable by the optical reader before the consumable has been exposed to a temperature exceeding the temperature threshold, andwherein the indicia comprises a second indicia which is only readable by the optical reader after the consumable has been exposed to a temperature exceeding the temperature threshold.
2. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein the second indicia comprises an optically readable pattern or code.
3. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein the second indicia partially overlap the first indicia in order to distort the information.
4. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein the first indicia and the second indicia are placed side-by-side.
5. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein the second indicia includes a heat-activated ink, which changes from transparent to optically readable when exposed to a temperature exceeding the temperature threshold.
6. the consumable according to claim 5, wherein the heat-activated ink is selected from the group comprising sodium chloride, ascorbic acid and sucrose.
7. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein the indicia is readable by an optical reader before it has been exposed to a temperature above the temperature threshold and wherein the indicia at least partially disappears or partially fades away after the consumable has been exposed to a temperature above the temperature threshold.
8. the consumable according to claim 7, wherein the indicia comprises a thermochromic ink, which irreversibly becomes transparent after having been exposed to a temperature exceeding the temperature threshold.
9. the consumable according to claim 8, wherein the indicia becomes transparent after having been exposed to a temperature exceeding 60 degrees centigrade
10. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein the first indicia is printed on a sheet and the second indicia is printed on the same sheet as the first indicia.
11. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein the first indicia is printed on a sheet and the second indicia is printed on a different sheet from the first indicia.
12. the consumable according to claim 1, wherein the second indicia is only readable after having been exposed to a temperature exceeding 60 degrees centigrade
13. an inhaler for heated cigarette rods comprising a mouthpiece section and a power supply section, the mouth piece section comprising a cavity configured to receive a consumable, wherein the inhaler further comprises an optical reader system configured to read an indicia located on the consumable, and wherein the optical reader system comprises a control unit configured to determine if the consumable has been exposed to a temperature exceeding a temperature threshold.
14. the inhaler according to claim 13, wherein the control unit is further configured to read a second indicia.


[en] a printed circuit board mechanically supports electrical and/or electronic components for an electronic smoking article. the board includes at least one flexible portion and at least one rigidized portion, wherein the flexible portion and the rigidized portion include a common flexible layer stack including at least one structured metal layer. the rigidized portion further includes at least one rigidizing layer stack including at least one structured metal layer, wherein the rigidizing layer stack is arranged on at least one surface of the common flexible layer stack. at least a part of the structured metal layer of the common flexible layer stack in the flexible portion is structured as an electromagnetic coil forming an nfc-antenna and at least a part of the respective structured metal layers of the common flexible layer stack and the rigidizing layer are structured for acting together as an electromagnetic induction coil suitable for wireless charging. [en] 1. a printed circuit board mechanically supporting a plurality of electrical and/or electronic components for an electronic smoking article, which are electrically connected via conductive tracks, wherein the printed circuit board comprises at least one flexible portion and at least one rigidized portion, wherein the at least one flexible portion and the at least one rigidized portion comprise a common flexible layer stack comprising at least one structured metal layer, which forms conductive tracks and/or electrical components, and the at least one rigidized portion further comprises at least one rigidizing layer stack comprising at least one structured metal layer, which forms conductive tracks and/or electrical components, wherein the at least one rigidizing layer stack is arranged on at least one surface of the common flexible layer stack, wherein at least a part of the at least one structured metal layer of the common flexible layer stack in the flexible portion is structured as an electromagnetic coil forming an nfc-antenna and at least a part of the respective at least one structured metal layers of the common flexible layer stack and the rigidizing layer stack are structured for acting together as an electromagnetic induction coil suitable for wireless charging.
2. the printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: the common flexible layer stack and the at least one rigidizing layer stack are interconnected with vias.
3. the printed circuit board according to claim 1, further comprising: a wireless protocol antenna suitable for transreceiving electromagnetic signals comprising a frequency of 2.4 ghz.
4. the printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: the printed circuit board is foldable into a rectangular shape having two shorter sides and two longer sides, wherein the nfc-antenna borders on one of the shorter sides.
5. the printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: the printed circuit board is foldable into a rectangular shape having two shorter sides and two longer sides, wherein the induction coil is arranged in a center between the shorter sides.
6. the printed circuit board according to claim 2, wherein: the vias are stitching vias.
7. the printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one rigidized portion further comprises a second rigidizing layer stack comprising at least one structured metal layer, which forms conductive tracks and/or electrical components, wherein at least a part of the respective at least one structured metal layers of the common flexible layer stack and the two rigidizing layer stacks are interconnected with vias and structured for acting together as the induction coil.
8. the printed circuit board according to claim 7, wherein: the common flexible layer stack and the two rigidizing layer stacks each comprise two structured metal layers, which are all interconnected with vias and structured for acting together as the induction coil.
9. the printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: the induction coil comprises a surface area of 400-500 mm2.
10. the printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: the induction coil comprises an overall cross-sectional area of an effective wire formed by the interconnected at least one structured metal layers of the common flexible layer stack and the two rigidizing layer stacks of 0.05-0.3 mm2.
11. the printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one structured metal layers of the common flexible layer stack and the two rigidizing layer stacks are copper layers.
12. the printed circuit board according to claim 11, wherein: the copper layers are each ½ oz copper layer.
13. the printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: the nfc-antenna comprises a surface area of 200-250 mm2.
14. the printed circuit board according to claim 4, wherein: the nfc-antenna comprises a width measured parallel to the shorter sides of 10-20 mm.
15. the printed circuit board according to claim 5, wherein: the induction coil comprises a width measured parallel to the shorter sides of 10-20 mm.
16. the printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: the induction coil comprises a surface area of 450 mm2.
17. the printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: the induction coil comprises an overall cross-sectional area of an effective wire formed by the interconnected at least one structured metal layers of 0.2 mm2.
18. the printed circuit board according to claim 11, wherein: the copper layers each comprise a layer thickness of 18 micro m.
19. the printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: the nfc-antenna comprises a surface area of 225 mm2.
20. the printed circuit board according to claim 4, wherein: the nfc-antenna comprises a width measured parallel to the shorter sides of 15 mm.


[en] it is provided an extension unit (and correspondingly an aerosol generation device and system) for an aerosol generation device, the extension unit comprising a first connection interface, at a first end of the extension unit, that is connectable to the aerosol generation device. further, the unit comprises means for enabling at least one additional functionality of the aerosol generation device, further to aerosol generation, when connected to the aerosol generation device. [en] 1. a method of an aerosol generation device for controlling communication with one or more extension units via a communication bus, each of the one or more extension units being connectable to the aerosol generation device and configured to enable at least one additional functionality of the aerosol generation device, further to aerosol generation, when connected to the aerosol generation device, the method comprising: identifying at least one communication address among a plurality of communication addresses of the communication bus for which signalling is received from an extension unit, among the one or more extension units, using the communication address;associating, with each of the at least one communication address, an extension unit identifier indicating the extension unit from which the signalling was received;determining, for each extension unit identifier, a current connection state of the extension unit indicated by the extension unit identifier; andcontrolling, for each extension unit identifier, communication with the extension unit indicated by the extension unit identifier via the communication bus using the communication address associated with the extension unit identifier and in accordance with the determined current connection state of the extension unit.
2. the method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining, for each extension unit identifier, a type of the at least one additional functionality enabled by the extension unit indicated by the extension unit identifier,wherein, for each extension unit identifier, communication with the extension unit indicated by the extension unit identifier is further controlled in accordance with the determined type of the at least one additional functionality enabled by the extension unit indicated by the extension unit identifier.
3. the method according to claim 2, further comprising: determining a command to be sent to a first extension unit among the extension units indicated by the extension unit identifiers in accordance with the determined type of the at least one additional functionality enabled by the first extension unit; andsending the command to the first extension unit via the communication bus using the communication address associated with the extension unit identifier indicating the first extension unit.
4. the method according to claim 2, further comprising: for each extension unit identifier, in a case where the type of the at least one additional functionality enabled by the extension unit indicated by the extension unit identifier is a first type, periodically performing control to send a read command to the extension unit using the communication address associated with the extension unit identifier.
5. the method according to claim 4, wherein the control to send a read command to an extension unit is performed periodically in accordance with a predefined frequency associated with the extension unit or the type of the at least one additional functionality enabled by the extension unit.
6. the method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining, for each extension unit identifier, a previous connection state of the extension unit indicated by the extension unit identifier; andfor each extension unit identifier, in a case where the previous connection state of the extension unit indicated by the extension unit identifier is not the same as current connection state of the extension unit, outputting a notification to a user of the aerosol generation device.
7. the method according to claim 6, further comprising: for each extension unit identifier, in a case where the previous connection state of the extension unit indicated by the extension unit identifier is indicative of a non-connected state and the current connection state of the extension unit is indicative of a connected state, initializing the extension unit.
8. the method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving input from a user of the aerosol generation device via an input unit of the aerosol generation device;determining a first extension unit identifier and an associated first communication address based on the received input;determining a command to be sent to an extension unit indicated by the first extension unit identifier based on the received input; andsending the command to the extension unit via the communication bus using the first communication address associated.
9. the method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving via the communication bus signalling from an extension unit among the one or more extension units indicative of input by a user of the aerosol generation device;determining an extension unit identifier and an associated communication address of the extension unit;determining a command to be sent to the extension unit based on the received signalling; andsending the command to the extension unit via the communication bus using the determined associated communication address.
10. the method according to claim 1, wherein: the communication bus is an inter-integrated circuit, i2c, communication bus;the aerosol generation device functions as a master device; andeach of the one or more extension units functions as a slave device.
11. a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a control section of an aerosol generation device, cause the control section to perform the method of claim 1.
12. a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device, comprising a control section configured to perform a method according to claim 1.
13. an aerosol generation device comprising a power supply unit according to claim 12.


[en] an induction heating assembly for a vapour generating device includes an induction coil and a memory storage device. the induction coil is arranged to heat, in use, a susceptor and the induction coil is also arranged to transmit and receive, in use, an electromagnetic field to transfer data to and from an external information device. [en] 1. an induction heating assembly for a vapour generating device, the heating assembly comprising: an induction coil; anda memory storage device; whereinthe induction coil is arranged to heat, in use, a susceptor and the induction coil is also operable to cooperate, in use, with an external information device, via an indirect electromagnetic inductive coupling, to transfer data from the memory storage device to the external information device, and/or to receive data from the external information device.
2. the induction heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the induction coil is operable to cooperate, in use, with an external information device, via an indirect electromagnetic inductive coupling to transfer and/or receive data to and/or from the external device using a plurality of different transmission methods, whereby the heating assembly and/or the external device is or are operable to select which of the plurality of different transmission methods to employ based on whether or not the induction coil is being used to perform another function simultaneously with the transfer of data.
3. the induction heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the heating assembly is additionally operable to harvest electrical power from the external information device via an indirect electromagnetic inductive coupling.
4. the induction heating assembly according to claim 3 wherein the heating assembly is operable to transfer data from the memory storage device to the external information device using a load shift keying technique whilst harvesting power from the external information device.
5. the induction heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the heating assembly is operable to transfer data from the memory storage device to the external information device by modulating a heating alternating current applied to the induction coil, the heating alternating current having a frequency selected to substantially optimise the transfer of power from electrical power applied to the induction coil into heat generated by the susceptor.
6. the induction heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the heating assembly is operable to transfer data from the memory storage device to the external information device by modulating a data transmission alternating carrier current applied to the induction coil, the carrier current having a frequency selected to substantially optimise the transfer of power from the induction coil to the external information device.
7. the induction heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the heating assembly is operable to receive data from the external information device to the memory storage device by demodulating a charging alternating current induced in the induction coil, the charging alternating current having a frequency selected to substantially optimise the transfer of power from external information device to the induction coil.
8. the induction heating assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an induction controller arranged to be in electrical connection with the induction coil and the memory storage device such that, in use, the induction coil can be used to heat an external susceptor or to selectively exchange data at the induction coil in the form of an electromagnetic field.
9. the induction heating assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a data detector configured to detect data when an oscillating electromagnetic field from an external device is received at the induction coil, whereby the heating assembly is operable to receive data transmitted to the heating assembly by the external device.
10. the induction heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the induction coil is substantially cylindrical in shape.
11. the induction heating assembly according to claim 1, arranged to transfer and receive data from an external source which is substantially cylindrical in shape.
12. the induction heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the assembly is arranged to receive, in use, at least a portion of an external source of electromagnetic field within its volume.
13. the induction heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the assembly is arranged to be inserted, in use, in a volume of an external source of an electromagnetic field.
14. the induction heating assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable power source arranged in use to provide power to the induction coil and the memory storage device.
15. the induction heating assembly according to claim 8, further comprising a rechargeable power source arranged in use to provide power to the induction coil and the memory storage device, wherein the power source is in connection with the induction controller such that in use, an electrical current harvested from the induction coil can be selectively supplied to the power source when power is received at the induction coil in the form of an electromagnetic field generated by an external device via an electro-magnetic inductive coupling, to inductively charge the power source.
16. the induction heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the data transferred using the induction coil is one or more of device usage history, remainder of power source charge, or software updates for the vapour generating device.
17. a vapour generating device comprising: the induction heating assembly according to claim 1;a heating compartment arranged to receive a body comprising a vaporisable substance and an induction heatable susceptor;an air inlet arranged to provide air to the heating compartment; andan air outlet in communication with the heating compartment.
18. the vapour generating device according to claim 17, wherein the heating compartment is arranged to receive a substantially cylindrical vaporisable article.
19. a method of exchanging information with a vapour generating device, the method comprising the steps of: placing an external information device in proximity to an induction heating assembly of the vapour generating device, the induction heating assembly comprising an induction heating coil and a memory storage device; andtransferring data via an electromagnetic inductive coupling between the induction heating coil of the heating assembly and the external information device.
20. the method according to claim 19, wherein a portion of the external information device is at least partially inserted in a volume of the induction heating assembly or a portion of the induction heating assembly is at least partially inserted in a volume of the external information device.


[en] a consumable article equips an aerosol generation device and includes a receptacle containing an aerosol-forming substance arranged for generating an aerosol when it is heated and mixed with air, and a first tubular member having a peripheral wall including a first end connected to an open end of this receptacle, at least one air inlet allowing entry of air into the first tubular member for feeding the receptacle open end, and a second end opposed to this first end and including an outlet for discharging the generated aerosol. [en] 1. a consumable article for an aerosol generation device, said consumable article comprising a receptacle containing an aerosol-forming substance arranged for generating an aerosol when heated and mixed with air, wherein the consumable article further comprises a first tubular member having a peripheral wall comprising i) a first end connected to an open end of said receptacle, ii) at least one air inlet allowing entry of air into said first tubular member for feeding said receptacle open end, and iii) a second end opposed to said first end and comprising an outlet for discharging generated aerosol.
2. the consumable article according to claim 1, wherein said receptacle comprises an inductively heatable material intended for being inductively heated by an induction heating device of said aerosol generation device.
3. the consumable article according to claim 1, wherein said receptacle comprises a heat conductive material intended for being heated by a heating device of said aerosol generation device.
4. the consumable article according to claim 1, further comprising a second tubular member attached inside said first tubular member between said second end and each of the at least one air inlets, and comprising an outer surface defining with an inner surface of said peripheral wall of said first tubular member a first channel through which said-air coming from each of the at least one air inlets can flow towards said receptacle through its the open end.
5. the consumable article according to claim 4, wherein said second tubular member comprises an inner surface defining a second channel through which aerosol generated in said receptacle can flow towards said second end of said first tubular member.
6. the consumable article according to claim 1, wherein said aerosol-forming substance is a paste adhering to an inner surface of said receptacle and delineating a concave cavity opening towards said first tubular member.
7. the consumable article according to the combination of claim 5, wherein said aerosol-forming substance is a paste adhering to an inner surface of said receptacle and delineating a concave cavity opening towards said first tubular member, and wherein said concave cavity receives a first end of said second tubular member which comprises an inlet of said second channel.
8. the consumable article according to claim 4, wherein said second tubular member comprises an annular part defining partly said first channel and connected fixedly to an inner surface of said first tubular member to prevent air coming from each of the at least one air inlets to from reaching directly said second end of said first tubular member before accessing said receptacle.
9. the consumable article according to claim 4, wherein said second tubular member is made of molded paper.
10. the consumable article according to claim 1, wherein said first tubular member is made of molded paper.
11. the consumable article according to claim 1, wherein said second end of said first tubular member forms a mouthpiece through which a user sucks said-generated aerosol during a vaping session.
12. the consumable article according to claim 1, wherein said aerosol-forming substance comprises a tobacco material.
13. the consumable article according to claim 1, wherein said aerosol-forming substance comprises at least one polyol.
14. an aerosol generation device comprising an electrical and control device, and the consumable article according to claim 1, coupled to said electrical and control device.
15. the aerosol generation device according to claim 16, wherein said power source is a rechargeable battery.
16. the aerosol generation device according to claim 14, wherein said electrical and control device comprises a power source storing electrical energy.