APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR APPLYING LIQUID TO A SHEET MATERIAL

Abstract

An apparatus for liquid application to a sheet material. The apparatus comprises a nozzle for spraying a liquid on a sheet material arrangeable below the nozzle, and a concave shield arranged around the nozzle. The concave shield comprises a collection channel provided at an inner periphery of the shield and wherein at least one drain hole is arranged in the collection channel for draining collected liquid from the collection channel.

Description

1 / 38 “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR APPLYING LIQUID TO A SHEET MATERIAL”

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for applying liquid to a sheet material. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for applying liquid to a sheet material and collecting the sprayed liquid.

[0002] In particular, for consumables in the tobacco industry, the leaf material is treated with a flavoring agent before said leaf material is used in the consumable. A spraying process is normally carried out in a chamber to limit contamination of nearby machinery and personnel. Uneven application of liquid to the leaf material is undesirable as this can lead to inconsistent products and discoloration of the consumable's outer materials. Applying liquid under high pressure appears to have good effects on the uniformity of a spray pattern. However, spraying under high pressure likely causes the formation of very small droplets, leading to increased diffusion that contaminates the environment. This is unfavorable in view of surrounding machine parts and personnel, as well as in view of an increased amount of liquid waste.

[0003] There is a need for an apparatus and method for applying liquid to sheet material limiting or eliminating the disadvantages mentioned above of the apparatus and methods of liquid application of prior techniques. In particular, there is a need for an apparatus and method for applying liquid to a sheet material reducing the effects of the sprayed liquid on the environment.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for applying liquid to a leaf material. Preferably, the apparatus is an apparatus that can be used in the tobacco industry. The apparatus comprises a nozzle for spraying a liquid onto a leaf material disposed below the nozzle. The apparatus Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 6 / 57 2 / 38 also comprises a concave shield disposed around the nozzle, wherein the concave shield comprises a collection channel provided on an inner periphery of the shield. The collection channel is provided to collect liquid accumulated on the inner side walls of the concave shield and sliding down the inner side walls. At least one drain hole is provided in the collection channel to drain the liquid collected from the collection channel.

[0005] Providing a concave shield around the nozzle prevents liquid droplets generated by the nozzle, for example, from an aerosolizer, nebulizer, or similar device, from being directed towards the sheet material or dispersed into the air and reaching the sheet material, so that the generated liquid droplets can be retained within the concave shield. Thus, the retained liquid accumulates inside the concave shield and consequently flows downwards along the interior of the concave shield. The collection channel provided on the inner periphery collects the liquid, and the liquid is drained from the collection channel through one or more drainage holes. Thus, the diffused liquid that does not reach the sheet material is not further distributed to the environment, for example, to the walls of a chamber where the liquid application process takes place.The potential contamination of other machine parts or clogging of, for example, a filtration system, can be avoided or reduced. Furthermore, overflow from the collection channel can be prevented, and the collected liquid can be reused in the liquid application system, thus reducing liquid waste.

[0006] It has been found that with the supply of a device as described in this report, a waste reduction of 50% or more can be achieved. Furthermore, due to a reduced quantity of liquid contaminating machine parts in a liquid application device, but also of neighboring machine parts, the Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 7 / 57 3 / 38 System downtime can be reduced, further saving time and cost. In particular, downtime of a liquid application device often leads to liquid crystallization and therefore nozzle clogging, further leading to material waste and increased device maintenance needs. Additionally, liquid can condense on the chamber walls and form large droplets that may fall onto the sheet material due to gravitational force. These liquid spots can lead to discoloration of materials that come into contact with the sheet material and can lead to inconsistency in products manufactured from the sheet material. While discoloration is a visual quality problem, crystallization and droplet formation can compromise the correct and uniform deposition of liquids.For example, when a liquid is a flavoring agent, particularly menthol, these effects are known to cause problems in liquid application. Due to liquid retention and controlled collection of diffused liquid, these undesirable effects can be reduced or avoided. In particular, in the apparatus according to the aforementioned invention, adverse effects can also be reduced by using nebulizers with a wide spray distribution and operating under high pressure, forming highly volatile droplets. These types of nebulizers are preferably used due to their ability to create uniform spray distribution. Furthermore, a concave shield including the collection channel is a simple element and can be manufactured at low cost.Existing liquid application equipment can be fitted with a concave shield or shielding device, as described further below in the application, without requiring major modifications to the existing application equipment.

[0007] The concavity of the concave shielding supports a Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 8 / 57 4 / 38 orientation of retained and accumulated liquid flow downwards or to the sides and down to the periphery of the concave shield and to the collection channel located on the periphery.

[0008] Preferably, a collection channel is arranged along the entire inner periphery of the armor. Therefore, the liquid can be collected along the entire periphery of the concave armor. More preferably, the collection channel is arranged to run circumferentially along the inner periphery of the concave armor.

[0009] A collection channel can be a separate channel element attached to one or more parts that form the walls of the concave shield. Preferably, the collection channel is an integral part of the concave shield, more preferably formed by shield portions.

[00010] Preferably, the collection channel is formed by peripheral sections folded inwards into the shielding.

[00011] For efficient fluid collection, the fluid is guided in the collection channel to at least one drainage hole. Preferably, this is done using gravitational force and positioning at least one drainage hole in a lower portion situated in the collection channel.

[00012] This can be achieved by arranging the collection channel around the nozzle in an inclined manner. The concave shield can be provided around the nozzle in an inclined manner so that at least one drainage hole is arranged in a lower position when the shield is mounted around the nozzle. Alternatively or additionally, the collection channel itself can be arranged in an inclined manner within the concave shield. Preferably, a collection channel runs along a periphery, in particular along a circumference, of the concave shield in an inclined manner.

[00013] Preferably, the collection channel is arranged around the Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 9 / 57 5 / 38 nozzle in an angled manner so that the shield has a lower portion, in which at least one drainage hole is arranged in the lower portion.

[00014] A drain conduit may be provided in at least one drain hole. Through a drain conduit, the liquid collected in the collection channel and guided to the drain hole can be conducted away from the concave shield, for example, to a liquid recycling system. A drain conduit protects the collected liquid from environmental contamination and can deliver the collected liquid to a location remote from the concave shield.

[00015] The apparatus may, for example, comprise a collection reservoir disposed away from the shielding and so as to accommodate the liquid collected and drained from the collection channel. Preferably, a drainage conduit provided in at least one drainage orifice passes from at least one drainage orifice to a collection reservoir. In a collection reservoir, a larger quantity of collected liquid may be stored, possibly also prepared for further reuse of the liquid.

[00016] The collection channel may comprise more than one drainage hole. More than one drainage hole may be advantageous in the case of a large amount of collected liquid to be drained from the collection channel. An overflow from the collection channel into unwanted locations may thus be limited or prevented. In addition, more than one drainage hole in the collection channel may possibly compensate for a clogged or blocked drainage hole.

[00017] If more than one drainage hole is provided in the collection channel, a drainage conduit may be provided at each of the multiple drainage holes. Several collection reservoirs may be provided, for example, one for each drainage conduit. Preferably, several drainage conduits lead to a Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 10 / 57 6 / 38 collection reservoir. Preferably, all drainage conduits pass from more than one drainage hole to a collection reservoir.

[00018] In preferred embodiments, the concave shield has a round circumference, for example, it is circular or elliptical. A circular concave shield provides symmetrical shielding of the liquid droplets around a nozzle. Since nozzles that spray a liquid in a rotationally symmetrical manner onto a sheet material are typically used, rotationally symmetrical concave shields are preferred for shielding the nozzle.

[00019] However, concave shielding can also have other perimeters, for example, a rectangular perimeter. As the foil material is usually and preferably supplied as a strip material guided below the nozzle and through the apparatus, a shield can also have a rectangular configuration. A certain symmetry of the shield can also be achieved with a rectangular shape, for example, by a concave shield with a square shape.

[00020] A concave shield forms a cavity within the shield, wherein the cavity is closed on one side by a top of the shield and a nozzle disposed in an opening provided in the top of the shield. The concave shield is opened opposite the top of the shield and, consequently, the cavity is opened at its opposite end.

[00021] The concavity of the shielding may be continuous or non-continuous. In particular, concave shielding may comprise a top wall and side walls. Typically, an interface between the top wall and the side walls is not continuous. Preferably, concave shielding comprises one or more continuous side walls. An interface between the side walls may be non-continuous.

[00022] Concave shielding can, for example, include a shape Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 11 / 57 7 / 38 dome shape. A dome shape provides internal surfaces for efficient liquid retention and downward orientation for a collection channel. A dome shape can be circular and elliptical, but also, for example, in rectangular concave shields.

[00023] Preferably, the concave armor is bell-shaped. Preferably, the bell-shaped armor has a circular circumference. Preferably, the bell-shaped armor comprises a continuous wall forming the concave armor or at least forming an entire side wall of the concave armor.

[00024] Bell-shaped shields have provided very good results in capturing and collecting liquids. Experiments have shown that in an apparatus for applying liquid to a sheet material, liquid waste can be significantly reduced, for example, from 1.6 percent of liquid waste in applications without a bell-shaped concave shield to 0.7 percent in applications with the bell-shaped concave shield.

[00025] Preferably, the concave shield comprises curved wall portions. The curved wall portions allow for continuous and smooth orientation of the liquid within the curved wall portions, as well as deflection of the liquid accumulated within the curved wall portions. The concave shield may comprise exclusively curved wall portions.

[00026] Alternatively or additionally, the concave shield may comprise flat-walled portions. The concave shield may comprise exclusively flat-walled portions. The flat-walled portions are easy to manufacture and may be advantageous in mounting, for example, the concave shield onto a nozzle.

[00027] A portion of flat wall preferably forms an upper wall of the concave shielding. Preferably, the wall Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 12 / 57 The upper 8 / 38 is arranged horizontally in a concave, mounted state of the shield.

[00028] A flat wall portion may form a lower side wall of the concave shield. In particular, a flat wall portion or portions of flat walls may form a lower side wall of the concave shield or a more peripherally arranged side wall of the concave shield.

[00029] A flat wall portion is understood in this report to be flat with respect to at least one direction, in particular in one direction only. A flat wall portion may, for example, be flat in an exact vertical or top-down direction of the concave armor in an assembled state of the armor. A flat wall portion may, in particular, be flat in a first direction and curved in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, for example, when the flat wall portion forms a side wall of the concave armor.

[00030] A flat wall portion is flat in a cross-sectional view of the concave shield. Preferably, a flat wall portion that forms a side wall is straight in a vertical direction or runs straight radially outward and downward in a cross-sectional view of the concave shield. For example, a concave shield may have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. In it, the side walls of the shield represent sides of the triangle.

[00031] The lower side walls of a concave armor are generally more bent or straight in a more vertical direction than the upper side walls of a concave armor. For example, a lower side wall of concave armor may be arranged at an angle between 40 degrees and 90 degrees, where 90 degrees corresponds to vertical in an assembled state of the armor. Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 13 / 57 9 / 38 Preferably, a lower side wall can be arranged at an angle between 45 degrees and 90 degrees, where 90 degrees corresponds to the vertical in an assembled state of the armor.

[00032] In general, portions of concave armor wall preferably comprise an angle of inclination between 4 degrees and 90 degrees, preferably between 6 degrees and 50 degrees, for example, 7 degrees or 45 degrees, where 90 degrees corresponds to the vertical in an assembled state of the armor. Thus, an angle of inclination is measured between the horizontal and the vertical.

[00033] Preferably, the majority of the concave shield wall portions comprise an angle of inclination of at least 30 degrees.

[00034] In embodiments of a planar concave shield, most wall portions are flat and comprise an angle of inclination of, for example, between 5 degrees and 10 degrees.

[00035] The tilt angles in the intervals shown above proved to provide concave shield shapes, providing good results in view of liquid collection and, in particular, in view of good liquid orientation to a collection channel without the formation of large droplets and premature droplet fall before the droplets have reached the collection channel. These shapes also provided good results in capturing diffuse liquid droplets, but do not interfere with droplet trajectories for droplets that are directed to the sheet material.

[00036] Preferably, the interior of the concave shield is continuous, preferably continuously curved. A continuous inner side wall of the concave shield supports a smooth and safe orientation of the liquid to the collection channel. Continuity can prevent liquid accumulation in discontinuities on an inner side of the concave shield that could potentially lead to the formation and fall of Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 14 / 57 10 / 38 large droplets.

[00037] The size of the concave shield is preferably adapted to the area to be sprayed by a nozzle and the size of a sheet material on which the liquid is to be applied. The size of a concave shield is preferably such that an external lateral extension of the concave shield is greater than the width of a sheet material to be supplied with liquid. Therefore, the concave shield does not interfere with the lateral extension of a spray area of ​​the nozzle.

[00038] A concave shield should retain diffuse liquid droplets, particularly light and volatile droplets, that have drifted away from a spray direction and are unlikely to reach a sheet material. However, a concave shield may not retain liquid droplets, particularly heavy droplets, which will generally reach the sheet material.

[00039] The size of the concave shield may also be such that the collection channel arranged on the periphery of the concave shield is at least partially outside the sheet material. Thus, a drainage hole may be arranged laterally outside the sheet material. Therefore, the liquid drainage from the drainage hole does not inadvertently enter the sheet material, and a drainage conduit optionally provided in the drainage hole does not interfere with the transport of the sheet material through the apparatus.

[00040] The concave armor may have a maximum lateral extension, preferably a diameter, between 0.10 meters and 1 meter. Preferably, the concave armor has a maximum lateral extension, preferably a diameter, between 0.15 meters and 0.7 meters, more preferably between 0.2 meters and 0.5 meters.

[00041] Concave shields with maximum lateral extensions in the size ranges above provided good results in Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 15 / 57 11 / 38 Shielding and collection of sprayed liquid for sheet materials used in the tobacco industries, in particular in the manufacture of smoking articles or articles with heating without burning, where an aerosol-forming substrate, for example, a substrate containing nicotine or tobacco, is heated instead of burned.

[00042] The apparatus may further comprise a temperature control system adapted for controlling the temperature of the sprayed liquid. Preferably, the liquid temperature is controlled indirectly, for example, by a temperature control system that is adapted for controlling the temperature of at least any one of the concave shielding, in particular the collection channel, drainage conduit(s), if provided, and collection reservoir, if provided.

[00043] Liquid temperature control can support continuous liquid flow and thus support the liquid application process, but in particular also liquid retention and collection.

[00044] Temperature control can, in particular, prevent liquid crystallization and therefore liquid loss or contamination or clogging of machine parts, for example, a drainage channel, a drainage hole or a drainage conduit, but also filtration systems or a nozzle.

[00045] In some embodiments, a temperature control system is adapted to control only the sprayed liquid, preferably independent of the liquid temperature at the nozzle. The spraying results may depend on the type of liquid being sprayed, in particular its viscosity, so that temperature control of the sprayed liquid preferably does not interfere with the spraying process itself.

[00046] However, a temperature control system can be adapted to control a nozzle temperature. Since the Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 16 / 57 12 / 38 Crystal generation in a nozzle can reduce a nebulizer spray efficiency. By controlling the nozzle temperature, liquid crystallization in the nozzle can be prevented or limited, thus also preventing non-homogeneous liquid distribution on the sheet material and, in particular, reducing system downtime. For example, heat radiation from a heated concave shield can be directed to a nozzle to heat it.

[00047] A temperature control system preferably comprises a heater and a temperature sensor. The heater may, for example, be a resistance heating element. The temperature control system may comprise a feedback circuit connected to the temperature sensor to control the heater.

[00048] A temperature control system may comprise a cooling element, preferably for cooling the concave shield. By cooling the concave shield or parts of the concave shield, the liquid capture on the walls of the cooled shield and the crystallization of the liquid on the walls can be enhanced. Subsequent heating of the respective shield walls can liquefy the retained and crystallized liquid again, which can then be guided to the collection channel. A cooling element may, for example, comprise a thermoelectric element.

[00049] The temperature control system can be adapted to perform heating and cooling cycles. For example, a cooling period in a cycle can increase liquid retention with the concave shield. A subsequent heating period, preferably short, in the cycle will melt retained droplets and support liquid collection.

[00050] The apparatus may further comprise vibration means for vibrating at least parts of the concave shield. For example, by vibrating Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 17 / 57 13 / 38 due to the concave side walls of the shield, the crystallization of the retained liquid can be limited or prevented, the flow of retained liquid can be supported, while the gravitational force and the orientation of the concave side walls of the shield direct the retained liquid towards the periphery of the shield and towards the collection channel.

[00051] Vibration means can be provided and adapted to be more effective toward a periphery of the concave shield than toward the top of the concave shield.

[00052] By providing vibration media, the concave shield and nozzle can be mechanically disconnected so that the nozzle and the sprayed liquid are not affected by the vibration media.

[00053] Alternatively, the vibration means can be directed towards the nozzle to prevent or reduce crystallization of the liquid in the nozzle. For example, sound vibrations from a vibrated concave shield can be directed towards a nozzle in order to prevent or reduce crystallization in the nozzle.

[00054] To further maintain the collected liquid in liquid form, a collection reservoir may comprise an agitation mechanism. The continuous movement of the liquid can prevent crystallization and can keep the liquid homogeneous. Alternatively or additionally, a collection reservoir may comprise a heater to heat the collection reservoir or the liquid collected in the collection reservoir.

[00055] The apparatus may further comprise a transport device adapted for transporting a sheet material past the nozzle with the concave shield. The transport device may comprise at least one rotating roller in a transport direction. The roller is adapted to support a sheet material to be transported in the transport direction and to pass the apparatus below the nozzle.

[00056] The liquid is applied to the leaf material as the leaf material passes through the nozzle. A leaf material can be transported Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 18 / 57 14 / 38 through the apparatus continuously or in stages. Preferably, a sheet material is conveyed through the apparatus continuously and preferably at a constant speed. In a continuous liquid application process, the sheet material can be supplied with a homogeneous and consistent amount of liquid over the entire surface area of ​​the sheet material. This allows the manufacture of products from the sheet material with consistent and reproducible results. Furthermore, continuous operation of a spray nozzle is advantageous as liquid crystallization in the nozzle and thus nozzle clogging can be reduced or avoided.

[00057] Preferably, the nozzle is a nebulizer nozzle.

[00058] More than one nozzle can be used. The multiple nozzles are preferably arranged in series or in a matrix, preferably a regular matrix.

[00059] The apparatus may also comprise a housing that covers the apparatus. The housing keeps the liquid application process protected. In addition, a housing may prevent an additional environment from being contaminated with sprayed liquid and the spraying process from being affected by environmental influences, such as, for example, dirt or runoff.

[00060] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for applying liquid to a sheet material, the method comprising: Provide a sheet material and a nozzle for applying liquid; transport the sheet material past the nozzle, thus applying liquid to the sheet material through the nozzle; to retain liquid not applied to the sheet material with a concave shield arranged around the nozzle, in particular liquid that is sprayed by the nozzle but otherwise deflected or diffused into the environment; allow the trapped liquid to accumulate and flow along the side walls. Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 19 / 57 15 / 38 internal concave shielding, where gravitational force is preferably used to allow the liquid to flow downwards; collect liquid retained in a collection channel provided on an inner periphery of the concave shield; and drain the collected liquid from the collection channel through at least one drainage hole disposed in the collection channel.

[00061] Preferably, the method comprises collecting liquid along the entire inner periphery of the shield. For maximum residue recovery, preferably, the maximum areas of the concave shield are used to retain, accumulate and collect liquid that is sprayed but not applied to the sheet material.

[00062] Preferably, the method comprises designing the collection channel in an inclined manner so that the collection channel has a lower portion and disposing of at least one drainage hole in the lower portion. This allows a quantity of liquid collected throughout the collection channel to be guided to at least one drainage hole and allows all of this quantity of liquid to be drained at a central point from at least one drainage hole.

[00063] Preferably, the method involves further draining the collected liquid through a drainage conduit and into a collection reservoir. The drainage conduit and collection reservoir allow for centralized liquid collection.

[00064] The method may involve draining the liquid collected from the collection channel through more than one drainage orifice.

[00065] Preferably, the method comprises allowing the retained liquid to flow along the continuously formed side walls of the concave shield.

[00066] The method may comprise controlling a liquid temperature to control evaporation or crystallization of the retained liquid or Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 20 / 57 16 / 38 collected. These measures can improve waste recovery and reduce the frequency of appliance maintenance.

[00067] Preferably, the method comprises heating the liquid retained or collected by the concave shield. In particular, this may include heating liquid on shield side walls, in the collection channel, in a drain conduit, if provided, or in a collection reservoir, if provided. By heating the retained or collected liquid, crystallization of the liquid and thereby contamination or clogging of machine parts can be limited or avoided.

[00068] Controlling the liquid temperature may also involve cooling the concave shield, in particular the side walls of the concave shield. By coupling the parts of the apparatus, in particular the concave shield, retention of liquid droplets may be improved in specific locations intended and desired for liquid retention.

[00069] To support the movement of liquid retained in the concave shield in the direction of the collection channel, the method may comprise vibrating the concave shield.

[00070] The method may also include the movement of liquid in the collection reservoir, in particular the agitation of liquid in the collection reservoir.

[00071] The liquid applied to a sheet material with the apparatus and method according to the invention can basically be any liquid and any sheet material, where liquid residues must be reduced and a homogeneous application of liquid is desired.

[00072] The apparatus and method are particularly suitable for liquids and sheet materials used in the tobacco industry.

[00073] Preferably, the liquid is a flavoring, an aerosol former, an aerosol enhancer or nicotine.

[00074] The sheet material may, in particular, be a material of Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 21 / 57 17 / 38 Leaf material used in the manufacture of tobacco industry products. These products may be smoking or non-smoking articles, for example, non-burning heating articles or parts of such articles. For example, the leaf material may be subsequently used in its leaf form or may be compressed, bundled or formed into a column shape. The leaf material may, for example, be a tobacco-containing leaf, such as, for example, molded tobacco leaf comprising homogenized tobacco material and an aerosol former, such as, for example, glycerin, the molded leaf being formed into a sensory medium plug. The leaf material may, for example, also be a tobacco-free cellulose-based aerosol-forming substrate comprising nicotine or flavorings. The leaf material may, for example, also be a plastic sheet, such as, for example, a polylactic acid sheet that may be formed and used as a cooling plug.The sheet material can also be, for example, a fiber material to be formed into a plug, for example, into a hollow acetate plug or tube.

[00075] Preferably, the sheet material is a filter material, a tobacco-containing material, a non-tobacco cellulose-based material, a wrapping material or a sheet.

[00076] Preferably, the sheet material is an acetate filter fiber, a polylactic acid sheet, a sheet containing homogenized tobacco, a sheet containing hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose, a wrapping paper or a tip paper.

[00077] Leaf material made from or containing homogenized tobacco material is preferably shaped leaf, for example, as described in WO206 / 050470.

[00078] The tobacco-free cellulose-based aerosol-forming substrate may, in particular, be a sheet containing hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose, as described for example in Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 22 / 57 18 / 38 WO2022 / 248378.

[00079] A sheet material used in the apparatus and method according to the invention is preferably provided as a continuous sheet material, such as, for example, a strip material. However, individual pieces of sheet material may also be provided to the apparatus.

[00080] To perform the method according to the invention and as described in this report, preferably, an apparatus according to the invention and as described in this report is used. The characteristics and advantages described relating to the apparatus are also applicable to the method and vice versa.

[00081] According to another aspect of the present invention, a shielding device is provided for an apparatus according to the invention, as described in this report. The shielding device comprises a concave shield with a central opening to accommodate a spray nozzle in the central opening. The concave shield further comprises a collection channel provided on an inner periphery of the shield and at least one drainage hole disposed in the collection channel.

[00082] The collection channel can be arranged along the entire inner perimeter of the shielding.

[00083] The collection channel can be arranged to run circumferentially along the inner periphery of the concave shield.

[00084] Preferably, the collection channel is formed by peripheral sections folded inwards into the shielding.

[00085] The collection channel may run along the periphery of the armor, preferably along a circumference of the armor, in an inclined manner so that the armor has a lower portion, in which at least one drainage hole is disposed in the lower portion. Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 23 / 57 19 / 38

[00086] A drainage conduit may be provided in at least one drainage hole.

[00087] The collection channel may comprise more than one drainage hole. A drainage conduit may be provided in each of the more than one drainage hole.

[00088] Concave shielding may have a round circumference, for example, it is circular or elliptical, or it may have a rectangular perimeter.

[00089] Concave shielding may include a dome shape.

[00090] Preferably, the concave shielding is bell-shaped.

[00091] The concave shielding may comprise curved wall portions and may comprise flat wall portions.

[00092] A flat wall portion can, for example, form a top wall of the concave shield. A top wall is preferably arranged horizontally in an assembled state of the concave shield.

[00093] A portion of flat wall can form a lower side wall of the concave shield.

[00094] A lower side wall of the concave armor may be arranged at an angle, for example, between 40 degrees and 90 degrees, where 90 degrees corresponds to the vertical in an assembled state of the armor. Preferably, a lower side wall may be arranged, for example, at an angle between 45 degrees and 90 degrees, where 90 degrees corresponds to the vertical in an assembled state of the armor.

[00095] In general, the wall portions of the concave armor preferably comprise an angle of inclination, for example, between 4 degrees and 90 degrees, more preferably between 6 degrees and 50 degrees.

[00096] In preferred embodiments of the concave armor, most of the wall portions of the concave armor comprise an angle of inclination of at least 30 degrees.

[00097] In modalities of a flat concave shielding, the Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 24 / 57 20 / 38 Most wall portions are flat and comprise an angle of inclination of, for example, between 5 degrees and 10 degrees.

[00098] The concave armor may have a maximum lateral extension, preferably a diameter, between, for example, 0.10 meters and 1 meter. More preferably, the concave armor has a maximum lateral extension, preferably a diameter, between 0.15 meters and 0.7 meters, even more preferably between 0.2 meters and 0.5 meters.

[00099] The shielding device may comprise a temperature control system adapted to control the temperature of the concave shielding, in particular the side walls of the shielding, the collection channel or drainage conduit(s), if provided. [000100] The temperature control system preferably comprises a heater and a temperature sensor. [000101] The temperature control system may include a cooling element for cooling the concave shield. [000102] The shielding device may comprise vibration means for vibrating at least parts of the concave shielding. [000103] The features and advantages of the shielding device have been mentioned in relation to the device and will not be repeated. [000104] The term nozzle is used to define a part of the device for generating a liquid spray. The nozzle is understood to be part of a nebulizer, where "nebulizer" generally indicates any device suitable for forming droplets for liquid distribution. In particular, a nebulizer can be a device for generating a liquid spray using, for example, an air jet, atomizer, vibrating mesh, ultrasonic oscillation, for example, of a piezoelectric element. [000105] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive, non-limiting list of examples is provided below. Any one or more of the features in these examples may be combined. Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 25 / 57 21 / 38 with any one or more features of another example, modality or aspect described in this report. Example Ex1: An apparatus for applying liquid to a sheet material, the apparatus comprising a nozzle for spraying a liquid onto a sheet material disposed below the nozzle and a concave shield disposed around the nozzle, wherein the concave shield comprises a collection channel provided on an inner periphery of the shield and wherein at least one drainage hole is disposed in the collection channel to drain the liquid collected from the collection channel. Example Ex2: The device, according to example Ex1, in which the collection channel is arranged along the entire inner periphery of the shielding. Example Ex3: The apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which the collection channel is arranged to run circumferentially along the inner periphery of the concave shield. Example Ex4: The device, according to any of the previous examples, in which the collection channel is formed by peripheral sections folded inwards into the shielding. Example Ex5: The apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which the collection channel is arranged around the nozzle in an inclined manner so that the shield has a lower portion, in which at least one drainage hole is arranged in the lower portion. Example Ex6: The appliance, according to any of the previous examples, in which a drainage conduit is provided in at least one drainage hole. Example Ex7: The apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, comprising a collection reservoir disposed away from the shielding and so as to accommodate the liquid collected and drained from the collection channel. Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 26 / 57 22 / 38 Example Ex8: The device, according to either of examples Ex6 or Ex7, where the drainage conduit passes from at least one drainage hole to the collection reservoir. Example Ex9: The apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which the collection channel comprises more than one drainage orifice. Example Ex10: The device, according to example Ex9, where a drainage conduit is provided in each of the more than one drainage hole. Example Ex11: The device, according to example Ex10 when referring to example Ex7, where the drainage conduits pass from more than one drainage hole to the collection reservoir. Example Ex12: The device, according to any of the examples above, in which the concave shield has a round circumference, for example, is circular or elliptical. Example Ex13: The device, according to any of the examples from Ex1 to Ex11, where the concave shielding has a rectangular perimeter. Example Ex14: The device, according to any of the previous examples, in which the concave shielding includes a dome shape. Example Ex15: The device, according to any of the previous examples, in which the concave shielding is bell-shaped. Example Ex16: The apparatus, according to any of the examples above, in which the concave shielding comprises curved wall portions. Example Ex17: The device, according to any of the examples above, in which the concave shielding comprises portions of flat wall. Example Ex18: The device, according to example Ex17, in which a flat wall portion forms an upper wall of the shielding. Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, p. 27 / 57 23 / 38 concave. Example Ex19: The apparatus, according to example Ex18, in which the upper wall is arranged horizontally in a mounted state of the concave shielding. Example Ex20: The apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex17 to Ex19, in which a portion of flat wall forms a lower side wall of the concave shielding. Example Ex21: The apparatus, according to example Ex20, in which the lower side wall of the concave shielding is arranged at an angle between 40 degrees and 90 degrees, where 90 degrees corresponds to the vertical in an assembled state of the shielding. Example Ex22: The device, according to example Ex21, in which the lower side wall is positioned at an angle between 45 degrees and 90 degrees. Example Ex23: The apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which portions of the concave shield wall comprise an angle of inclination between 4 degrees and 90 degrees, preferably between 6 degrees and 50 degrees, for example, 7 degrees or 45 degrees. Example Ex24: The apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, in which the majority of the wall portions of the concave shielding comprise an angle of inclination of at least 30 degrees. Example Ex25: The apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, in which a concave interior of the shielding is continuous, preferably continuously curved. Example Ex26: The device, according to any of the previous examples, in which the concave shielding has a maximum lateral extension, preferably a diameter, between 0.10 meters and 1 meter. Example Ex27: The device, according to any of the previous examples, in which the concave shielding has a maximum lateral extension, preferably a diameter, between 0.15 meters and 0.7 meters. Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 28 / 57 24 / 38 Example Ex28: The apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, comprising a temperature control system adapted to control the temperature of the sprayed liquid. Example Ex29: The apparatus, according to example Ex28, wherein the temperature control system is adapted to control a temperature of at least any one of the following: concave shielding, in particular collection channel, drainage conduit(s), if provided, and collection reservoir, if provided. Example Ex30: The apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex28 to Ex29, in which the temperature control system is adapted to control a nozzle temperature. Example Ex31: The apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex28 to Ex30, in which the temperature control system comprises a heater and a temperature sensor. Example Ex32: The apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex28 to Ex31, wherein the temperature control system comprises a cooling element, preferably for cooling the concave shield. Example Ex33: The apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, comprising vibration means for vibrating at least parts of the concave shield. Example Ex34: The apparatus, according to any of the examples Ex7 to Ex33, in which the collection reservoir comprises an agitation mechanism. Example Ex35: The apparatus, according to any of the preceding examples, comprising a transport device adapted for transporting a sheet material past the nozzle with the concave shield. Example Ex36: The apparatus, according to example Ex35, wherein the transport device comprises at least one rotating roller in one transport direction and adapted to support a material of Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 29 / 57 25 / 38 sheet to be transported in the transport direction and to pass the device below the nozzle. Example Ex37: The apparatus, according to any of the previous examples, further comprising a compartment that covers the apparatus. Example Ex38: A method for applying liquid to a sheet material, the method comprising: Provide a sheet material and a nozzle for applying liquid; transport the sheet material past the nozzle, thus applying liquid to the sheet material through the nozzle; retain the liquid not applied to the sheet material with a concave shield arranged around the nozzle; allow the trapped liquid to accumulate and flow along the inner side walls of the concave shield; collect liquid retained in a collection channel provided on an inner periphery of the concave shield; and drain the collected liquid from the collection channel through at least one drainage hole disposed in the collection channel. Example Ex39: The method, according to example Ex38, collecting liquid along the entire inner periphery of the shielding. Example Ex40: The method, according to any of the examples Ex38 to Ex39, designing the collection channel in a sloping manner to have a lower portion and arranging at least one drainage hole in the lower portion. Example Ex41: The method, according to any of the examples Ex37 to Ex40, further draining the collected liquid through a drainage conduit and into a collection reservoir. Example Ex42: The method, according to any of the examples Ex37 to Ex41, draining the liquid collected from the collection channel through more than one drainage hole. Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 30 / 57 26 / 38 Example Ex43: The method, according to any of the examples Ex37 to Ex42, in which the retained liquid is allowed to flow along the continuously formed side walls of the concave shield. Example Ex44: The method, according to any of the examples Ex37 to Ex43, in which the temperature of the liquid is controlled to control the evaporation or crystallization of the retained or collected liquid. Example Ex45: The method, according to example Ex44, in which the heating liquid retained or collected by the concave shield, in particular the heating liquid on the side walls of the shield, in the collection channel, in a drain conduit if provided or in a collection reservoir if provided. Example Ex46: The method, according to any of the examples Ex44 to Ex45, in which the concave shield is cooled, in particular the side walls of the concave shield. Example Ex47: The method, according to any of the examples Ex38 to Ex46, in which the concave shield vibrates. Example Ex48: The method, according to any of the examples Ex38 to Ex47, comprising moving the liquid in the collection tank, in particular agitating the liquid in the collection tank. Example Ex49: The method, according to any of the examples Ex38 to Ex48, wherein the liquid is a flavoring, an aerosol former, an aerosol enhancer or nicotine. Example Ex50: The method, according to any of the examples Ex38 to Ex49, wherein the leaf material is a leaf material used in the manufacture of products of the tobacco industries. Example Ex51: The method, according to any of the examples Ex38 to Ex50, wherein the leaf material is a filter material, a tobacco-containing material, a cellulose-based material without tobacco, a wrapping material or a leaf. Example Ex52: The method, according to example Ex51, in which the Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 31 / 57 27 / 38 sheet material is an acetate filtering fiber, a polylactic acid sheet, a sheet containing homogenized tobacco, a sheet containing hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose, a wrapping paper or a tip paper. Example Ex53: The method, according to any of the examples Ex38 to Ex52, in which an apparatus is used according to any of the examples Ex1 to Ex37. Example Ex54: A shielding device for an apparatus, according to any of Examples Ex1 to Ex37, the shielding device comprising a concave shield with a central opening to accommodate a spray nozzle in the central opening, the concave shield further comprising a collection channel provided on an inner periphery of the shield and at least one drainage hole disposed in the collection channel. Example Ex55: The shielding device, according to example Ex54, in which the collection channel is arranged along the entire inner periphery of the shielding. Example Ex56: The shielding device, according to any of the examples Ex54 to Ex55, in which the collection channel is arranged to run circumferentially along the inner periphery of the concave shielding. Example Ex57: The shielding device, according to any of the examples Ex54 to Ex56, in which the collection channel is formed by peripheral sections folded inwards into the shielding. Example Ex58: The shielding device, according to any of Examples Ex54 to Ex57, wherein the collection channel runs along the periphery of the shielding, preferably along a circumference of the shielding, in an inclined manner so that the shielding has a lower portion, in which at least one drainage hole is disposed in the lower portion. Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, p. 32 / 57 28 / 38 Example Ex59: The shielding device, according to any of the examples Ex54 to Ex58, where a drainage conduit is provided in at least one drainage hole. Example Ex60: The shielding device, according to any of the examples Ex54 to Ex59, where the collection channel comprises more than one drainage hole. Example Ex61: The shielding device, according to example Ex60, where a drainage conduit is provided in each of more than one drainage hole. Example Ex62: The shielding device, according to any of the examples Ex54 to Ex61, where the concave shielding has a round circumference, for example, is circular or elliptical. Example Ex63: The shielding device, according to any of the examples Ex54 to Ex61, where the concave shielding has a rectangular perimeter. Example Ex64: The shielding device, according to any of the examples Ex54 to Ex63, where the concave shielding includes a dome shape. Example Ex65: The shielding device, according to any of the examples Ex54 to Ex64, where the concave shielding is bell-shaped. Example Ex66: The shielding device, according to any of the examples Ex54 to Ex65, where the concave shielding comprises curved wall portions. Example Ex67: The shielding device, according to any of the examples Ex54 to Ex66, where the concave shielding comprises portions of flat wall. Example Ex68: The shielding device, according to example Ex67, where a flat wall portion forms a concave upper shielding wall. Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, p. 33 / 57 29 / 38 Example Ex69: The shielding device, according to example Ex68, in which the upper wall is arranged horizontally in an assembled state of the concave shielding. Example Ex70: The shielding device, according to any of the examples Ex67 to Ex69, in which a flat wall portion forms a lower side wall of the concave shielding. Example Ex71: The shielding device, according to example Ex70, in which the lower side wall of the concave shielding is arranged at an angle between 40 degrees and 90 degrees, where 90 degrees corresponds to the vertical in an assembled state of the shielding. Example Ex72: The shielding device, according to example Ex71, in which the lower side wall is arranged at an angle between 45 degrees and 90 degrees. Example Ex73: The shielding device, according to any of the examples Ex67 to Ex72, wherein portions of the concave shielding wall comprise an angle of inclination between 4 degrees and 90 degrees, preferably between 6 degrees and 50 degrees. Example Ex74: The shielding device, according to any of the examples Ex67 to Ex73, wherein the majority of the wall portions of the concave shielding comprise an angle of inclination of at least 30 degrees. Example Ex75: The shielding device, according to any of the examples Ex67 to Ex74, in which the concave shielding has a maximum lateral extension, preferably a diameter, between 0.10 meters and 1 meter. Example Ex76: The shielding device, according to any of the examples Ex67 to Ex75, wherein the concave shielding has a maximum lateral extension, preferably a diameter, between 0.15 meters and 0.7 meters. Example Ex77: The shielding device, according to anyone Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 34 / 57 30 / 38 of examples Ex67 to Ex76, comprising a temperature control system adapted to control the temperature of the concave shield, in particular the collection channel or drainage conduit(s), if provided. Example Ex78: The shielding device, according to example Ex77, wherein the temperature control system comprises a heater and a temperature sensor. Example Ex79: The shielding device, according to any of the examples Ex77 to Ex78, wherein the temperature control system comprises a cooling element for cooling the concave shielding. Example Ex80: The shielding device, according to any of Examples Ex67 to Ex79, comprising vibration means for vibrating at least parts of the concave shielding. [000106] The examples will now be further described with reference to the figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a fragrance application system; Figure 2 shows crystallization in a liquid application system; Figure 3 shows problems with liquid application to a tobacco leaf; Figure 4 shows the formation of droplets in a liquid application chamber; Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a liquid application apparatus with bell-shaped shielding; Figure 6 shows a top perspective view of another type of concave shielding; Figure 7 shows the shielding of Figure 6 in a perspective cross-sectional view; Figure 8 shows another type of concave shielding; Figure 9 shows a shielded liquid application device. Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 35 / 57 31 / 38 concave substantially flat; Figure 10 shows an air freshener application chamber with an open compartment. [000107] Figure 1 illustrates the principle of a liquid application system on a sheet material 1, for example, applying flavoring to a tobacco leaf. [000108] The continuous sheet 1, for example, molded tobacco sheet, is conveyed through rollers 20 along a conveying direction 100. The sheet 1 passes under a nozzle 60, where liquid 3, for example, a flavoring, is sprayed onto the sheet 1. The sheet 1 provided with a flavoring coating 11 is then guided to a funnel-shaped tool 21, where the flavored sheet 1 is compressed and formed into a continuous column. [000109] Liquid 3 to be applied to leaf 1 is supplied in a reservoir 50. A pump 51 drives liquid 3 from reservoir 50 through a tube 52 to the nozzle 60 of a nebulizer 6. A spray 30 is created by the nozzle 60 which is directed towards leaf 1. Normally, only gravitational force acts on the liquid spray 30 so that the droplets of the spray 30 are guided to leaf 1. However, the spray 30 can also be pressurized to deliver smaller droplets of liquid. [000110] In Figure 2, a continuous leaf 1 is guided on a roller 20 below a nozzle 60. A liquid spray 30 is delivered by the nozzle 60, for example, of a nebulizer 6, spraying liquid onto leaf 1. In one example, leaf 1 is a homogenized tobacco leaf, in particular molded tobacco leaf. In the example shown in Figure 2, the liquid is a flavoring agent, namely menthol. Menthol is a highly favored flavoring agent used in the tobacco industry, but it has a strong tendency to crystallize. [000111] As can be seen in Figure 2, the sprayed liquid crystallized in parts of the apparatus, particularly in and around the nozzle. Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 36 / 57 32 / 38 60. The crystallized liquid 31 in the parts of the device is mainly waste and lost to the application process. Furthermore, the crystallized liquid 31 can clog the nozzle 60, leading to reduced nozzle 60 efficiency, non-homogeneous fragrance application results, and process interruption for necessary maintenance. Since process interruption also means interrupting the liquid flow and static condition at the nozzle 60, even greater crystallization will occur at the nozzle 60. [000112] Figure 3 shows a tobacco leaf 1 with a width 10 of approximately 17 cm that is sprayed non-homogeneously with liquid 3. In the example in Figure 3, the liquid was sprayed with a narrow spray jet expansion and with little or no pressure. As can be seen, more liquid is applied to the leaf 1 along a central band 35. This part of the leaf 1 was placed directly under the nozzle 1 when the leaf 1 was guided through a liquid application apparatus. In addition, larger droplets formed which are applied to the leaf 1 in discrete spots 34. In these spots 34, the liquid concentration is very high. This can lead to inconsistent flavoring release in a final product, particularly in tobacco products. This can also lead to liquid migration, for example, by capillary action, to an outer wrapping paper and to staining of the wrapping paper. [000113] These effects can be reduced or avoided by using nebulizers that create a wide spray and by spraying under high pressure. [000114] High-pressure nebulizers are preferred for liquid application because they can homogenize a liquid distribution, since typically small droplets are created. However, small droplets are more volatile and tend to move in all directions. Thus, a number of small droplets may not be Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 37 / 57 33 / 38 available for application on sheet 1, but may possibly contaminate the environment. [000115] Figure 4 shows an effect of liquid droplets spreading from a nebulizer 6 to a sheet 1 transported through an application chamber 9. The droplets also move laterally and accumulate on the chamber walls. The droplets thus formed 32 slide down along the chamber walls (indicated by vertical arrows) and consequently fall onto the sheet 1 which passes through chamber 9 in the transport direction 100. These droplets 32 can also form discrete spots 34 on the sheet 1 with an enhanced amount of liquid, in particular flavoring, as shown in Figure 3. [000116] Figure 5 shows a schematic front sectional view of a liquid application apparatus with a concave bell-shaped shield 40 arranged around a nozzle 60. [000117] A sheet 1, for example, a homogenized tobacco sheet, is transported on roller 20 (perpendicular to the direction of the stretching location) and passes under a nebulizer 6. Through the nozzle 60 of the nebulizer 6, a liquid 3, for example, a flavoring agent, is sprayed onto the sheet 1. [000118] The bell 40 is arranged with its upper part 400 at the level of the nebulizer body 62, above the nebulizer nozzle 60. The bell 40 has a central axis 150, which can also be a rotational axis, corresponding substantially to a central axis of the spray 30 of the nozzle 60. [000119] The upper part 400 of bell 40 is formed by portions of wall folded downwards. The walls 41 of bell 40 are gradually more strongly folded until the portions of the lower wall are substantially flat or straight and parallel to the central axis 150 of the shield 4. These portions of the lower wall are arranged vertically in Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, p. 38 / 57 34 / 38 declared assembled value of shielding 4, as shown in Figure 5. The shielding walls 41 including the top 400 are continuous and provide good droplet retention, agglomeration and, in particular, good downward orientation along the inner side walls of the accumulated liquid. [000120] The bell 40 is arranged around the nebulizer nozzle 60 and around the top of the spray 30. The bell 40 then points downwards in the direction of the leaf 1 and firmly surrounds the spray 30 without obstructing the main spray distribution area. [000121] Part of the spray particles 30 are moving towards sheet 1, leading to the desired liquid application of sheet 1. Other particles 33, usually more volatile, are moving away from the direction of sheet 1. These particles 33 will consequently come into contact with the interior of the shielding walls 41 and will be retained on the walls. These particles 33 will accumulate on the shielding walls 41 and, due to gravity, will consequently slide along the inner walls of the shielding towards the collection channel 42 located on the periphery 43 or at the bottom of the shielding 4. [000122] The collection channel 42 is formed by end regions bent inwards and upwards from the walls of the shield. The collection channel 42 is provided with a drainage opening 420 with a drainage tube 44, for example, a plastic tube, fixed to the drainage opening 420. The drainage tube 44 leads to a collection reservoir 46 in which droplets of flavoring 45, which did not reach the sheet 1 but were retained by the concave shield 4, are collected. The collected liquid 39 can be reused, either directly by reintroducing the collected liquid 39 into a nebulizer liquid reservoir 6 or after having undergone a cleaning process. [000123] In Figure 5, the concave shield 4 is positioned above the sheet 1 so that the collection channel 42, thus the periphery of the shield Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 39 / 57 35 / 38 4, be positioned laterally outside of sheet 1. For example, an outer diameter of bell 40 is about 18 cm with a width of sheet 1 of about 17 cm. [000124] Furthermore, shield 4 is positioned close above sheet 1, for example, at a distance between 25 cm and 40 cm, for example, about 33 cm. Therefore, spraying 30 from nozzle 60 is not impeded for applying liquid to sheet 1, at least not to the sides of sheet 1. In addition, most of the liquid mist particles 33 that would otherwise be moving into the environment are collected by shield 4. [000125] Through the shielding walls 41, the most volatile aromatizer mist is retained, reducing environmental, safety and protection problems. In addition, the retained liquid is carried to a collection channel 42, then to a collection reservoir 46, from which the collected liquid 39 can be recovered and reused, thus reducing waste. [000126] Collecting spilled liquid droplets can also prevent the formation of large droplets on the chamber walls, as shown and explained in Figure 4, and therefore can prevent liquid leakage onto the passage sheet 1. Furthermore, longer runs are guaranteed before having to stop the apparatus for cleaning. Since liquid crystallization, particularly flavor crystallization, within a nozzle 60 occurs mainly during stops, i.e., when there is no flow through the nozzle 60, providing a concave shield 4 around the nozzle 60 also reduces crystallization within the nozzle 60. [000127] Figures 6 and 7 show a circular concave shield 4, also in the shape of a bell. In the perspective view of Figure 6, a flat circular top 400 with an opening 48 in the center of the top 400 to accommodate a nebulizer in opening 401 Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 40 / 57 36 / 38 can be seen. The side walls 49 of the shield 4 are bent downwards and radially outwards and connect with the upper part 400 of the shield. The lower portions of the side walls 49 are directed radially outwards and downwards, so that the concave shield is more open than the bell-shaped shield, as shown in the example in Figure 5. Thus, the concave shield 4 shown in Figures 6 and 7 allows a wider spray of liquid to be applied to a sheet 1. In the cutaway view of Figure 7, the lower portions bent inwards or most of the peripheral portions of the side walls 49 that form the circumferentially moving collection channel 42 can be seen. A drainage hole 420 is disposed of in the collection channel 42. A portion of a drainage pipe 44 is integrally formed with the shielding 4. A drainage pipe can be attached to the portion of the drainage pipe and lead to a collection reservoir. [000128] The shield 4 can be attached to a nebulizer or to a nebulizer nozzle, preferably so that the drainage hole 420 is located at a lower point on the shield 4. Therefore, the liquid collected in the collection channel 42 flows in the collection channel to the drainage hole 420. [000129] The collection channel 42 may also be formed by the lower portions of the side walls 49 in an inclined manner (inclined relative to a plane parallel to the plane of the flat top 400), so that the drainage hole 420 is located at a lower point in the shield. Providing the drainage hole 420 at a lower point in the collection channel helps to drain the liquid that has reached the collection channel 42. [000130] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a concave shield 4 in the form of a flat shield having only flat walls. Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 41 / 57 37 / 38 [000131] A nozzle 60 is disposed in the opening 48 in the flat top 400 of the shield 4. The flat side walls 49 are directed radially and downwards at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the flat top 400 or to a horizontal, respectively. Preferably, the shield 4 is circular. However, the cross-section shown in Figure 8 may also belong to a rectangular shield, wherein a longitudinal extension of the shield points perpendicular to the drawing plane. [000132] A collection channel 43 is formed in a more peripheral position of the concave shield 4. [000133] Figure 9 shows a liquid application apparatus with a flat concave shield 4. The flat top 400 of the flat concave shield 4 is arranged horizontally and the side walls 49 of the shield are flat, straight down and are arranged perpendicularly to the top 400. The diameter of the flat top 400 corresponds to the diameter of the shield 4. A drain tube 44 is in fluid connection with a drain orifice in the collection channel 43. [000134] A continuous sheet 1 supported by two rollers 20 is arranged below the concave shield 4 and the nebulizer 6. [000135] This large, flat shield 4 is preferably used with large droplets formed by the nebulizer 6. Large droplets tend to fall mainly downwards or also to the sides, but consequently will fall towards the sheet 1 due to gravitational force. Thus, the flat shield 4 retains only the most volatile droplets, but does not prevent droplets that would otherwise have reached the sheet 1. [000136] Figure 10 shows a liquid application apparatus with an open chamber compartment 9. In Figure 10, the concave shield has been removed for better visibility of the individual parts of the Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, p. 42 / 57 38 / 38 device. [000137] Two rollers 20 are arranged parallel to each other. The nozzle 60 is positioned above the rollers 20 and between the two rollers 20 when viewed in a vertical direction. A collection reservoir 46 is positioned below the rollers 20 in a lower part 90 of compartment 9.[000138] For the purposes of this description and the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing values, quantities, percentages, and so forth shall be understood as being modified in all cases by the term approximately. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges thereof, which may or may not be specifically enumerated in this report. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 10% of A. In this context, a number A may be considered as including numerical values ​​that are within the general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some cases, as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above, provided that the value by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and innovative features of the claimed invention.Furthermore, all ranges include the published maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges thereof, which may or may not be specifically listed in this report. Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 43 / 57

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Apparatus for applying liquid to a sheet material, characterized in that it comprises a nozzle for spraying a liquid onto a sheet material disposed below the nozzle, and a concave shield disposed around the nozzle, wherein the concave shield comprises a collection channel provided on an inner periphery of the shield, wherein the collection channel is disposed to run circumferentially along the inner periphery of the concave shield, and wherein at least one drainage hole is disposed in the collection channel to drain the liquid collected from the collection channel.

2. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that the collection channel is formed by peripheral sections folded inwards into the shielding.

3. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the collection channel is arranged around the nozzle in an inclined manner so that the shield has a lower portion, in which at least one drainage hole is arranged in the lower portion.

4. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a collection reservoir disposed at a distance from the shielding and so as to accommodate the liquid collected and drained from the collection channel.

5. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the concave shield has a round circumference, for example, it is circular or elliptical.

6. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the concave shielding comprises curved wall portions.

7. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the concave shielding comprises flat wall portions.

8. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that portions of the concave shield wall comprise an angle of inclination between 4 degrees and 90 degrees, preferably between 6 degrees and 50 degrees, for example, 7 degrees or 45 degrees.

9. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the majority of the wall portions of the concave shielding comprise an angle of inclination of at least 30 degrees.

10. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a concave interior of the shield is continuous, preferably continuously curved.

11. Device, according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the concave shield has a maximum lateral extension, preferably a diameter, between 0.10 meters and 1 meter.

12. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a temperature control system adapted for controlling the temperature of the sprayed liquid.

13. Method for applying liquid to a sheet material, characterized in that it comprises: providing a sheet material and a nozzle for applying liquid; conveying the sheet material past the nozzle, thereby applying liquid to the sheet material through the nozzle; retaining the liquid not applied to the sheet material with a concave shield disposed around the nozzle; allowing the retained liquid to accumulate and flow along the inner side walls of the concave shield; collecting the retained liquid in a collection channel provided on an inner periphery of the concave shield along the entire inner periphery of the shield; and draining the collected liquid from the collection channel through at least one drainage hole disposed in the collection channel.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the liquid is a flavoring, an aerosol former, an aerosol-enhancing compound or nicotine.

15. Shielding device for an apparatus, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a concave shield with a central opening to accommodate a spray nozzle in the central opening, the concave shield further comprising a collection channel provided on an inner periphery of the shield, wherein the collection channel is arranged to run circumferentially along the inner periphery of the concave shield and at least one drainage hole disposed in the collection channel. Petition 870250081523, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, pp. 46 / 57

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