Method and feeding system for manufacturing receptor sheets including aerosol-forming gels

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a receptor sheet comprising an aerosol-forming gel includes the steps of: providing a receptor sheet comprising at least one recess on both sides of the receptor sheet; and applying the aerosol-forming gel to the at least one recess on both sides of the receptor sheet. A feeding device for applying the aerosol-forming gel is also described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for applying aerosol-forming gel to a receptor sheet and a feeding system for applying aerosol-forming gel to a receptor sheet. Background Technology

[0002] Methods for coating receptor materials using an aerosol-forming coating are known. This operation can be performed to provide aerosol delivery from the coating, which is in direct contact with the heated receptor. It is also known to provide receptor materials of different shapes in tobacco sticks of inductively heated aerosol-forming articles. This is done, for example, to improve or alter the delivery of air or aerosol through the tobacco stick.

[0003] The aim is to provide aerosol generation in aerosol generation articles used in electronic aerosol generation devices that allow for high-precision aerosol delivery. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, a method for manufacturing a receptor sheet comprising an aerosol-forming gel is provided. The method includes: providing a receptor sheet comprising at least one depression, and applying an aerosol-forming gel to at least the depression in the receptor sheet.

[0005] Preferably, the method includes: providing at least one recess on both sides of the receptor sheet, and applying an aerosol-forming gel to at least one recess on both sides of the receptor sheet.

[0006] Preferably, the receptor sheet has a plurality of recesses on one side of the receptor sheet.

[0007] Preferably, the receptor sheet has multiple recesses on both sides of the receptor sheet.

[0008] Preferably, the aerosol-forming gel is applied to several recesses on one side of the receptor sheet or several recesses on both sides of the receptor sheet. More preferably, the aerosol-forming gel is applied to each recess on one side of the receptor sheet, or to each recess on both sides of the receptor sheet.

[0009] The method may further include applying different aerosol-forming gels to different recesses of the receptor sheet. Different aerosol-forming gels may differ in at least one of, for example, flavor, nicotine content, alkaloid content, alkaloid type, aerosol-forming agent content, aerosol-forming agent type, or aerosolization temperature.

[0010] Preferably, the method includes applying aerosol to form a gel via a through-hole in at least one moving tooth of the gel feeding device.

[0011] The moving teeth of the gel feeding device can be, for example, the teeth of the feeding drum, the teeth of the feeding roller, or the teeth of the feeding belt.

[0012] The method may include the step of applying an aerosol to form a gel via a through-hole in at least one moving tooth of a feed drum comprising circumferentially arranged teeth. Alternatively, the method may include applying an aerosol to form a gel via a through-hole in at least one moving tooth of a feed belt, and conveying the sensor sheet with the feed belt.

[0013] By supplying a feed belt, conveying and gel application can be combined into a single device.

[0014] Preferably, the feed belt includes a series of teeth that substantially correspond to the form of a receptor sheet. Each tooth, such as one, several, or each tooth, includes a through-hole communicating with or forming a communication with a gel reservoir. Preferably, the method includes the step of: as the teeth of the feed belt move through the reservoir, communicating the teeth of the feed belt with the reservoir. Thus, each tooth including the through-hole can communicate with the same reservoir as it passes through the reservoir.

[0015] Preferably, the method includes applying an aerosol to the width of the receptor sheet to form a gel through a plurality of through-holes arranged on the width of the teeth.

[0016] Preferably, the method includes continuously applying an aerosol to form a gel along the length of the receptor sheet.

[0017] Preferably, the tooth includes a plurality of through holes arranged along the width of the tooth. Each through hole terminates substantially at the tip of the tooth. In some embodiments, when the tooth is a tooth of a drum or conveyor belt, the plurality of through holes are arranged along the width of the drum or belt. This can be advantageous because the aerosol-forming gel can be applied to various recesses arranged across the width of the sensor sheet. If the groove extends across the width of the sensor sheet, the aerosol-forming gel can also be applied along the width of the groove. In some embodiments, when the tooth is a tooth of a feed roller, one or more through holes are arranged along the circumference of the tooth. This can be advantageous because the aerosol-forming gel can be continuously applied to elongated recesses, such as longitudinal grooves, arranged along the length of the sensor sheet. The distribution of the aerosol-forming gel along the width or length of the sensor sheet can be continuous along the width or along the length. The distribution of the aerosol-forming gel along the width or length of the sensor sheet can be equal along the width or length, with an equal amount of aerosol-forming gel along the width or length.

[0018] The distribution of the aerosol-forming gel along the width or length of the receptor sheet can be discontinuous. The distribution of the aerosol-forming gel along the width or length of the receptor sheet can be unequal. For example, individual droplets of the aerosol-forming gel can be arranged across the width of the receptor sheet or along its length. For example, more aerosol-forming gel can be arranged in the central longitudinal region of the receptor sheet than in the lateral edge regions of the receptor sheet. The aerosol-forming gel can form a uniform layer in and along the depressions.

[0019] The number or size of the through holes in the teeth can be adapted to the characteristics of aerosol-formed gels, especially the viscosity of the aerosol-formed gels.

[0020] The method may include applying an aerosol-forming gel via through-holes in at least one moving tooth of a feed roller, wherein the moving tooth is arranged parallel to and rotates in the feed direction of the receptor sheet. The moving tooth may be provided with continuous through-holes extending along the entire length of the tooth or along the entire circumference of the feed roller for continuous gel application. In these embodiments, the receptor sheet is provided with at least one longitudinally extending recess, for example, in the form of a groove, arranged along the length of the receptor material. Receptors including at least one longitudinally arranged recess are easily manufactured in a continuous forming process. The receptor material thus formed has inherent stiffness because bending a receptor strip, for example, with a V-shaped or W-shaped cross-section requires more force than bending a flat strip. For example, when a continuous article is cut into individual segments, any deformation or misalignment of the receptors in the article will be less affected. Receptors with a W-shaped cross-section can provide different types of aerosol-forming gels on both sides of the receptor without the risk of mixing different types of gels.

[0021] According to the present invention, a feeding system for applying an aerosol-forming gel to a receptor sheet is provided. The system includes a receptor sheet having at least one recess. The system further includes a gel feeding device adapted to apply the aerosol-forming gel to at least one recess of the receptor sheet.

[0022] By using a sensor material comprising at least one recess, the amount of sensor material can be increased compared to a flat sensor material. The amount of sensor material per length of an article in which sensors are arranged can be increased. In particular, the surface area of ​​the sensors is increased. This is advantageous because heat is preferably generated, and primarily, in the sensor material via eddies. These are mainly skin currents generated in the sensor sheet when the sensor sheet is induction heated. The greater the available surface area per length of the sensor material, the more heat can be generated over said length.

[0023] The gel feeding device of the feeding system may include at least one tooth in the form of at least one recess in the receptor sheet substantially corresponding to at least one depression in the receptor sheet. At least one tooth of the gel feeding device may include a through-hole in fluid communication with a gel reservoir comprising an aerosol-forming gel. In this embodiment, the aerosol-forming gel is delivered from the gel reservoir and through the through-hole of the tooth, and applied to the receptor sheet. Specifically, the gel is applied to at least one depression in the receptor material. Preferably, the tooth of the feeding device is inserted into the depression in the receptor material for gel application. As the tooth passes through the depression, a portion of the aerosol-forming gel is deposited in the depression of the receptor material.

[0024] When the aerosol-forming gel is applied to the receptor, the orifice is in fluid communication with the gel reservoir. The orifice does not need to be in fluid communication with the reservoir at all times. The orifice can be made in communication with the reservoir at or shortly before the application of the aerosol-forming gel. A closure can be provided to seal the fluid communication between the orifice and the gel reservoir.

[0025] Preferably, the gel feeding device includes several teeth, at least one of which includes a through-hole for applying an aerosol-forming gel to the receptor material. More preferably, the teeth include through-holes, which are preferably used for applying the aerosol-forming gel to several recesses in the receptor material. For example, all teeth of the feeding device may include through-holes. Preferably, all teeth include through-holes for applying the aerosol-forming gel to at least several recesses in the receptor material. More preferably, all teeth include through-holes for applying the aerosol-forming gel to all recesses in the receptor material.

[0026] Variations in the number of teeth with through-holes and communicating with the gel reservoir provide the advantage of being able to adjust the amount of gel formed by the aerosol applied along the length of the receptor material.

[0027] The through-hole of the gel feeding device can communicate with the same reservoir. The through-hole of the gel feeding device can also communicate with different reservoirs. Different reservoirs can contain the same aerosol-forming gel. Different reservoirs can contain different aerosol-forming gels.

[0028] Several feeding devices can be arranged sequentially. Preferably, each of the feeding devices is in fluid communication with a gel reservoir comprising different aerosol-forming gels. The sensor sheet can then pass through each of the feeding devices. For each feeding device, one, several, or all of the recesses are filled with aerosol-forming gel. Unfilled recesses, as well as filled recesses, are (further) filled as the sensor passes through subsequently arranged gel feeding devices. Thus, different fillings of the recesses can be achieved. Alternatively or additionally, multiple fillings of the recesses can be achieved.

[0029] One or more aerosol-forming gels can be pushed toward the teeth via a pump. In some embodiments, the gel reservoir can be pressurized. Alternatively, a combination of pressurized gel and pump can be implemented to deliver the aerosol-forming gel to the teeth of the feeding device.

[0030] Feeding systems, such as reservoirs or feeding devices, may include heating devices for heating aerosols to form gels. Heating devices may be provided, for example, to liquefy the gel.

[0031] In an embodiment where the receptor sheet includes at least one recess on both sides of the receptor sheet, the gel feeding device is adapted to apply an aerosol-forming gel to at least one recess on both sides of the receptor sheet.

[0032] The gel feeding device may include a feeding drum comprising circumferentially arranged teeth substantially corresponding to the form of the receptor material, particularly to the form of depressions in the receptor material. In some embodiments, at least one tooth of the feeding drum includes a through-hole in fluid communication with a gel reservoir comprising aerosol-formed gel. Preferably, the circumferentially arranged teeth of the feeding drum are arranged parallel to the axis of rotation of the feeding drum and perpendicular to the conveying direction or length of the receptor sheet.

[0033] Preferably, the gel feeding device comprises a pair of engaged feeding drums. The two drums include circumferentially arranged teeth that engage with each other as the drums rotate. At least one tooth of one of the feeding drums includes a through-hole communicating with a gel reservoir for aerosol gel formation. Preferably, with the aid of the pair of engaged feeding drums, at least one tooth of each of the two feeding drums includes a through-hole in fluid communication with a gel reservoir. The two drums of the pair of feeding drums may be in fluid communication with the same or different gel reservoirs. A receptor is guided between the two drums, and gel is applied to the receptor between the two drums.

[0034] The gel feeding device may include a feed belt for conveying the sensor sheet. The teeth of the feed belt include through-holes.

[0035] Preferably, the feeding belt is a toothed conveyor belt, and more preferably a closed-loop annular belt.

[0036] The gel feeding device may include a feeding roller comprising at least one circumferentially arranged tooth, the at least one circumferentially arranged tooth substantially corresponding to the form of at least one longitudinally extending recess in the receptor material and extending in the rotational direction of the feeding roller. In some embodiments, at least one tooth of the feeding roller includes a through-hole in fluid communication with a gel reservoir comprising aerosol-forming gel.

[0037] Preferably, the gel feeding device comprises a pair of engaged feeding rollers. The two feeding rollers each include at least one circumferentially arranged tooth that engages with each other as the feeding rollers rotate in the conveying direction of the sensor through the two feeding rollers. At least one tooth of one of the feeding rollers includes a through-hole communicating with a gel reservoir for aerosol gel formation. Preferably, by means of the pair of engaged feeding rollers, at least one tooth of each of the two feeding rollers includes a through-hole in fluid communication with a gel reservoir. The two feeding rollers of the pair may be in fluid communication with the same or different gel reservoirs. The sensor is guided between the two rollers by means of the two feeding rollers, and gel is applied to the sensor between the two rollers. In an embodiment having a pair of feeding rollers, preferably, one feeding roller includes a single tooth including a through-hole communicating with a gel reservoir for aerosol gel formation, and the other engaged feeding roller includes two teeth, each preferably including a through-hole communicating with a gel reservoir for aerosol gel formation. The through-hole can be a continuous through-hole extending along the entire circumference of the feed roller for continuous gel application.

[0038] Preferably, when the teeth are inserted into the recess for aerosol-forming gel application, the tips of the teeth, including the through-holes, and the bottom of the recess in the receptor sheet are at least partially spaced apart from each other. Preferably, this distance is chosen to allow space for the aerosol-forming gel applied to the recess in the receptor sheet.

[0039] This can be achieved, for example, by using teeth that include through-holes and have flat tips. The recess includes walls that narrow relative to the bottom of the recess. Therefore, if the teeth are fully inserted into the recess of the receptor material, there is a distance between the bottom of the recess and the flat tip of the teeth. This is advantageous because the gap is formed by this distance.

[0040] Alternatively or in addition, the teeth may not be inserted into or may not be fully inserted into the recesses of the receptor material, such that the distance between the teeth and the receptor material leaves space for the aerosol to form a gel.

[0041] Preferably, the aerosol-forming gel is applied only to the depressions in the receptor material. Therefore, the portions of the receptor sheet that do not include the depressions, such as the peaks of a wave-shaped receptor sheet, do not contain the aerosol-forming gel.

[0042] Providing the aerosol-forming gel only within the recess offers the advantage of good positioning of the aerosol-forming gel. The recess provides a boundary for the aerosol-forming gel not only during application but also after application of the final receptor sheet comprising the aerosol-forming gel. During gel application or heating, the gel is inhibited from further flowing into other parts of the receptor material. This is an improvement over a flat receptor sheet. It is also advantageous considering the amount of aerosol-forming gel heated by the receptor material, as the size of the contact surface between the receptor material and the aerosol-forming gel is well defined. Providing the aerosol-forming gel within the recess of the receptor material also provides individual aerosol-forming gel portions along and across the receptor material, which can be heated individually, continuously, or in groups. This can be used to provide various combinations and variations of aerosol generation.

[0043] The method may further include: providing a catheter, such as a tube, having at least one gel inlet; guiding a receptor sheet inside and along the catheter; and injecting an aerosol-forming gel into the catheter and into the receptor sheet inside and along the catheter via the at least one gel inlet.

[0044] Therefore, the gel delivery device may include a conduit adapted to guide a receptor sheet within and along the conduit. The conduit includes at least one gel inlet for injecting an aerosol-forming gel into the conduit and onto the receptor sheet within and along the conduit. Preferably, at least one gel inlet is arranged to apply the aerosol-forming gel to one side of the receptor sheet, such as the upper or lower side.

[0045] The catheter may include two or more gel inlets for injecting the aerosol-forming gel. Preferably, two gel inlets are arranged opposite each other in the catheter so that the aerosol-forming gel can be applied to both sides of the receptor sheet.

[0046] Two or more gel inlets can also be arranged on the same side of the catheter. This allows for the subsequent application of aerosol-forming gels to the same side of the receptor sheet. The two or more gel inlets can be connected to the same or different gel reservoirs. Preferably, the gel inlets on the same side are connected to different reservoirs, which preferably include different aerosol-forming gels. This allows for the injection sequence of different aerosol-forming gels. Different gels can be applied to the same depression or different depressions.

[0047] The cross-section of the catheter can substantially correspond to the width and height of the receptor material. Ideally, the cross-section of the catheter is slightly larger than the width and height of the receptor material. For example, the cross-section of the catheter is 5% to 10% larger than the width and height of the receptor material. The cross-section of the catheter can be, for example, rectangular. The cross-section of the catheter can also have different shapes, such as elliptical or square.

[0048] The catheter can, for example, be shaped such that the receptor material that has passed through the catheter is provided with an aerosol-forming gel on its entire side. Preferably, the receptor material is provided with an aerosol-forming gel on both sides of the receptor material.

[0049] Preferably, the cross-section of the catheter is reduced when viewed in the direction of delivery of the receptor material through the catheter. Preferably, the catheter inlet has a larger cross-section than the cross-section of the receptor sheet to simplify receptor insertion into the catheter. Preferably, the catheter outlet has a cross-section that extends substantially to the cross-section of the receptor sheet. Preferably, the catheter outlet has a cross-section that extends to the cross-section of the sheet plus 5%. These slight differences in cross-section can avoid or reduce friction. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the catheter outlet is slightly larger than the extension of the receptor sheet in the height direction. The height direction is the direction in which the indentation extends from the plane or imaginary plane of the receptor sheet. Thus, excess aerosol-forming gel can be retained on the receptor sheet, covering it.

[0050] The catheter may include an internal or external actuation mechanism to support the receptor as it passes through the catheter.

[0051] In some embodiments, the receptor material is provided with an aerosol-forming gel by passing it through a conduit, and by making it pass through the conduit, not only are the depressions in the receptor material provided with the aerosol-forming gel, but also the flat portions or, for example, peaks of the wave-shaped receptor are covered with the aerosol-forming gel.

[0052] A feeding device in the form of a conduit is advantageous because the entire surface of the receptor material can be coated with an aerosol-forming gel, and a large amount of aerosol-forming gel can be supplied to the receptor material. Furthermore, depending on the physical properties of the aerosol-forming gel applied to the receptor material, the receptor material can be embedded within the aerosol-forming gel. The external shape of the embedded receptor material can be defined by the shape of the conduit, particularly its inner cross-section.

[0053] Receptor sheets containing aerosol-forming gels are available for storage, such as by winding them onto a roll. The receptor sheets containing the aerosol-forming gels can then be unwound from the roll and used to manufacture aerosol-generating articles, such as aerosol-generating strips.

[0054] Receptor sheets for aerosol-forming gels have been provided that can be used directly (especially in-line) to manufacture aerosol-forming articles.

[0055] The gel feeding device can be, for example, part of a strip forming device for forming aerosol generating strips, such as tobacco strips. Preferably, the strip is used to manufacture inductively heated aerosol generating articles for electronic aerosol generating devices, such as handheld induction heating devices.

[0056] Gel feeding devices including conduits are particularly suitable for the online manufacture of materials including at least one recessed receptor material and for the forming of inductively heated aerosol-generating strips. Preferably, the conduit is positioned within the funnel portion of a strip-forming apparatus for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles. In such strip-forming apparatuses, an aerosol-generating matrix, such as tobacco flakes, aggregates into a strip within the funnel portion. Such strip-forming apparatuses are known in the art.

[0057] The feeding device of the present invention can be positioned within or upstream of the funnel portion. The aerosol-forming gel receptor material, including the conduit exiting the gel feeding device, particularly the gel feeding device, can be directly supplied to the strip forming device and the interior of the aerosol-generating matrix or other materials used in the strip forming process. The conduit or the outlet of the conduit acts as a guide and positioning device for the receptor sheet including the aerosol-forming gel. In particular, for the conduit, the receptor material including the aerosol-forming gel can be positioned very precisely within the strip-forming material, and thus within the strip.

[0058] The feeding system can also be combined with a drying device. Preferably, the drying device removes liquid from the gel to solidify it on the sensor. Such a drying device can be external or internal to the feeding device. An external drying device can be, for example, a fan or heater located downstream of the feeding device. An internal drying device can be, for example, a heater within the feeding device, such as in a conduit incorporated into the feeding device. Preferably, the drying device is implemented by inductively heating the sensor sheet for drying the gel and removing the liquid. Preferably, the release of materials other than water or liquefied materials is prevented or limited to a minimum.

[0059] According to the present invention, a strip forming apparatus for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles for use in an electronic aerosol generating apparatus is also provided. The strip forming apparatus includes a feeding system according to the present invention and as described herein.

[0060] In the method according to the invention, the receptor material may be pre-manufactured or may be manufactured in-line prior to being supplied as an aerosol to form a gel. For example, receptor material comprising at least one or more recesses may be supplied, for example, from a roll and guided to a feeding system as described herein. Alternatively, the method may include passing receptor material, such as a flat strip or strip (e.g., a metal strip), through a receptor forming device. Thus, a previously flat receptor sheet is provided with at least one or more recesses in the forming device.

[0061] The feeding system may accordingly include a receptor forming device suitable for forming a receptor sheet. By passing the receptor sheet through the forming device, the receptor material is provided with at least one recess. The receptor forming device is arranged upstream of the gel feeding device. For example, a flat strip of receptor material is supplied to the receptor forming device and formed in the receptor forming device into receptor material including at least one recess. The receptor sheet thus formed is then further conveyed to the gel feeding device, where an aerosol-forming gel is applied to the receptor material.

[0062] The receptor forming apparatus may, for example, include, engaged rollers or forming rollers in the form of geared drums, or be composed of such engaged rollers or forming rollers, the forming rollers including at least one circumferentially arranged tooth extending in the rotational direction of the forming roller. The receptor material, subjected to force between the teeth of the geared drum or forming roller, is deformed, and depending on the form of the teeth of the geared drum or forming roller, the receptor material is provided with depressions in the form of protrusions and indentations or peaks and grooves. The receptor forming apparatus may also include, for example, several pairs of engaged rollers for subsequent forming of the receptor material. For example, each roller may provide continuously deeper depressions to the receptor sheet.

[0063] A gel feeding device, including an engaging feed roller drum, can be assembled into a forming feed unit. The engaging teeth of the gel feed roller drum then also serve as forming elements.

[0064] A gel feeding device including a coupled forming roller can be combined into a forming feeding unit. Then, the coupled teeth of the gel feeding roller also serve as forming elements.

[0065] The method may further include the step of passing the receptor material and the porous sheet parallel to each other through a gel feeding device. In the gel feeding device, an aerosol-formed gel is applied to the combination of the receptor sheet and the porous sheet.

[0066] Porous sheets can be, for example, cotton, viscose fiber, or tow materials, such as cellulose acetate tow.

[0067] Preferably, the sensor material and the porous sheet pass between two gel feeding elements (e.g., two gel feeding drums, two gel feeding rollers, or two feeding belts) arranged in parallel and opposite to each other.

[0068] Porous sheets can help immobilize aerosol-forming gels onto receptor materials. Due to the porosity of porous sheets, they can often help immobilize the aerosol-forming gel along the porous material and receptor assembly.

[0069] Porous sheets can have a wicking effect on aerosol gel formation, especially when the gel is applied at elevated temperatures and in a more liquid form.

[0070] According to the present invention, a receptor sheet comprising an aerosol-forming gel is also provided. The receptor sheet includes a plurality of recesses, wherein at least one of the recesses in the receptor material is filled with the aerosol-forming gel. Preferably, several or all of the recesses are filled with the aerosol-forming gel. Preferably, the receptor sheet includes a plurality of recesses on both sides of the receptor sheet. Preferably, at least one recess on both sides of the receptor sheet is filled with the aerosol-forming gel.

[0071] In embodiments of a receptor sheet having a wave-like shape, preferably only the grooves of the wave are filled with aerosol-forming gel. Thus, only portions of the walls of the grooves (filled with aerosol-forming gel) of the receptor material actually include aerosol-forming gel. Depending on the filling level of the grooves, the portion of the groove walls not in contact with the aerosol-forming gel can be smaller or larger. Therefore, preferably, the peaks of the wave in the receptor material, particularly the tips of the peaks, do not include aerosol-forming gel. Preferably, all grooves on one or both sides of the receptor material, most preferably only the grooves, include aerosol-forming gel. Therefore, preferably all peaks on one side of the receptor material, more preferably all peaks on both sides, do not include aerosol-forming gel.

[0072] In an embodiment where the receptor sheet has at least one recess extending along the length of the receptor sheet, it is preferable that the aerosol-formed gel is provided continuously and in a constant amount along the length of the at least one recess.

[0073] In embodiments where the receptor sheet has at least one recess extending along the length of the receptor sheet on both sides, it is preferable to provide different types of aerosol-forming gels on both sides of the receptor sheet. Different types of gels may be provided continuously and in a constant amount on both sides of the receptor along the length of at least one recess on each side.

[0074] Preferably, the receptor sheet comprising one or more recesses and including an aerosol-forming gel has been manufactured using the feeding device according to the invention and as described herein.

[0075] As used herein, the term "sensor" refers to a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When located in an alternating electromagnetic field, eddy currents are typically induced and hysteresis losses may occur in the sensor, causing it to heat up. Since the sensor is positioned to form a gel in thermal contact with the aerosol, the aerosol is heated by the sensor to form a gel, releasing fluid from the sensor.

[0076] The receptor can be formed of any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release material from the aerosol as a gel. Preferred receptors include metals or carbon. Preferred receptors may comprise ferrimagnetic or ferromagnetic materials, such as ferritic iron, ferromagnetic alloys (e.g., ferromagnetic steel, stainless steel, or aluminum), or be composed of ferrimagnetic or ferromagnetic materials. Preferably, the receptor comprises more than 5%, more preferably more than 20%, more preferably more than 50%, or more than 90% ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material. Preferred receptors can be heated to temperatures between about 150 degrees Celsius and about 300 degrees Celsius. Preferably, the receptor can be heated to temperatures between about 200 degrees Celsius and about 270 degrees Celsius, for example, 235 degrees Celsius.

[0077] Preferably, the receptor sheet is a slender metal material.

[0078] Preferably, the receptor sheet is a stainless steel strip. However, the receptor material may also include or be made of the following: graphite; molybdenum; silicon carbide; aluminum; niobium; Inconel alloy (an austenitic nickel-chromium superalloy); metallized film; ceramics such as zirconium oxide; transition metals such as iron, cobalt, and nickel; or metalloid components such as boron, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, and aluminum.

[0079] The receptor sheet is in the form of a strip. Preferably, the strip has a generally rectangular shape, with a width preferably between about 2 mm and about 8 mm, more preferably between about 3 mm and about 5 mm, for example, 4 mm, and a thickness preferably between about 0.03 mm and about 1 mm, more preferably between about 0.05 mm and about 0.5 mm, for example, between about 0.07 mm and about 0.2 mm. The width of the receptor strip is smaller than the width or diameter of the rod in which the receptor is arranged.

[0080] As a general rule, whenever the term "about" is used throughout this application in conjunction with a specific value, it should be understood that the value following the term "about" need not be exactly the specific value due to technical considerations. However, the term "about" used in conjunction with a specific value is always understood to include and also explicitly disclose the specific value following the term "about".

[0081] As used herein, the term "recess" in conjunction with the receptor sheet is understood to include non-planar structures, including deformations in the form of indentations and protrusions, peaks and grooves, or similar forms. Indentations form protrusions on opposite sides of the receptor sheet, and peaks form grooves on opposite sides of the receptor sheet. A "recess" may be confined within the plane of the receptor sheet or may be open within the plane of the receptor sheet. For example, a recess may open toward a side edge of a strip of the receptor sheet. Confined recesses preferably have a circular or elliptical shape. Open recesses preferably have the form of grooves extending in the receptor sheet, preferably in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the receptor sheet.

[0082] Preferably, the recesses form a series of recesses. The series can be a regular series or an irregular series. The recesses can be arranged in one or several rows along the receptor sheet. Preferably, the recesses in the receptor sheet are arranged regularly along the length of the receptor material. The recesses can have pointed, round, or flat shapes (V-shaped, U-shaped, trapezoidal shapes).

[0083] The receptor sheet can be an elongated receptor material with a wavy shape. The receptor sheet can be a corrugated strip, wherein the corrugations are preferably arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strip. The receptor sheet can be a corrugated strip, with one or more corrugations arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strip. The corrugations can have a pointed, rounded, or trapezoidal shape. Therefore, the corrugations can have a triangular shape with pointed tips and valleys. Alternatively, the corrugations can have rounded tips and rounded valleys. Alternatively, the corrugations can have peaks and grooves with flat tips and flat bottoms.

[0084] Preferably, the receptor sheet has a serrated or sinusoidal shape along its longitudinal or transverse cross-section. If the receptor sheet has a wavy shape, preferably, the distance between adjacent peaks or adjacent grooves of the receptor material is constant. Preferably, the distance between adjacent peaks and grooves is constant. Preferably, the peaks and grooves form a continuous periodic function along the length of the wavy receptor sheet. The constant arrangement of peaks and grooves allows for the manufacture of conventional continuous receptor sheets. This is advantageous because the final article in which the receptor sheet is arranged can have a constant amount and distribution of receptor material per article length that is substantially independent of the article length. In particular, such a final article can be manufactured with a constant amount and distribution of aerosol-forming gel per article length that is substantially independent of the article length.

[0085] Preferably, the depth of the depression in the receptor material is between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm, more preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm, for example, 1.5 mm. The depth of the depression can remain constant, or it can vary along the length of the receptor material. Preferably, the depth of the depression remains constant along the length of the receptor material.

[0086] Preferably, the height between the peak and the groove (from the top of the peak to the bottom of the groove) in the wavy receptor material is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm, for example, 2 mm. Preferably, the height between the peak and the groove is constant along the length of the receptor material.

[0087] Preferably, the width of the receptor sheet is greater than the depth of the recess, and in particular greater than the height between the peaks and grooves of the wave-shaped receptor sheet.

[0088] Preferably, the sensor sheet used in the method of the present invention or provided in the feeding system or feeding device is a continuous sensor sheet.

[0089] Preferably, the final length of the receptor sheet corresponds to the length of the rods disposed therein. In some embodiments, the final length of the receptor sheet may be less than the length of the rods disposed therein.

[0090] Preferably, the receptor sheet is centrally arranged in the rod, more preferably in an aerosol forming matrix rod, such as a tobacco rod. "Centralized" arrangement should be understood as including and arranged along the longitudinal axis of the rod.

[0091] Receptor sheets including aerosol-forming gels can be disposed in rods comprising or made of aerosol-forming matrices. Receptor sheets including aerosol-forming gels can also be disposed in rods comprising or made of non-aerosol-forming matrices.

[0092] Specifically, if the receptor sheet includes an aerosol-forming gel that forms a sufficient amount of aerosol to be applied as required, the rods disposed therein in the receptor sheet can be made of a non-aerosol-forming rod material. Such non-aerosol-forming rod materials can be, for example, aerosol cooling materials, filter materials, or aerosol guiding materials. For example, such materials can be paper, polylactic acid (PLA), or cellulose acetate tow.

[0093] The recessed sensor sheet increases the surface area and amount of sensor material per rod length. Therefore, a larger amount of heat can be introduced into the rod compared to flat rectangular heater blades. Additionally, more material can be released at a specific temperature. Alternatively, the same amount of material can be released at a lower temperature. Preferably, material released from the aerosol-forming gel is added to the material released from the rod. Direct contact between the aerosol-forming gel and the sensor sheet allows for material release at the initial heating of the sensor sheet. Once material release from the rod begins, heat is reduced, enabling a uniform and continuous aerosol delivery profile throughout the heating of the sensor sheet.

[0094] "Aerosol-forming gel" is understood herein as a material or mixture of materials that, when heated, can release volatile compounds into an airflow passing through an article in which a sensor is disposed. The provision of a gel can be advantageous for storage and transport, or during use, as it reduces the risk of leakage from the sensor, the aerosol-forming article, or the aerosol-forming device.

[0095] Advantageously, the gel is solid at room temperature. In this context, "solid" means that the gel has a stable size and shape and does not flow. In this context, room temperature means 25 degrees Celsius.

[0096] The gel may include an aerosol forming agent. Ideally, the aerosol forming agent is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the receptor. Suitable aerosol forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as mono, di, or triacetic acid esters of glycerol; and fatty acid esters of mono, di, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanoate and dimethyl tetradecanoate. The polyol or mixture thereof may be one or more of triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol or polyethylene glycol.

[0097] Advantageously, gels include, for example, thermotropic reversible gels. This means that the gel becomes a fluid when heated to its melting temperature and reverts to a gel at its gelation temperature. The gelation temperature can be at or above room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure means 1 atmosphere. The melting temperature can be higher than the gelation temperature. The melting temperature of the gel can be above 50 degrees Celsius, or 60 degrees Celsius, or 70 degrees Celsius, and can be above 80 degrees Celsius. In this context, melting temperature means the temperature at which the gel ceases to be solid and begins to flow.

[0098] Alternatively, in specific embodiments, the gel is a non-melting gel that does not melt during use of the receptor. In these embodiments, the gel may release the active agent at least partially during use at a temperature at or above the operating temperature of the receptor but below the melting temperature of the gel.

[0099] Preferably, the viscosity of the gel is 50,000 to 10 Pascals per second, more preferably 10,000 to 1,000 Pascals per second, to obtain the desired viscosity.

[0100] In specific embodiments, the gel comprises a gelling agent. In specific embodiments, the gel comprises agar or agarose or sodium alginate or gellan gum, or a mixture thereof.

[0101] In a specific embodiment, the gel comprises water; for example, the gel is a hydrogel. Alternatively, in a specific embodiment, the gel is non-aqueous.

[0102] Preferably, the gel contains an active agent. In specific embodiments, the active agent contains nicotine (e.g., in powder or liquid form) or a tobacco product or another target compound for release, for example, in an aerosol. In a specific embodiment, the nicotine is contained in a gel having an aerosol-forming agent. It is desirable to lock the nicotine into the gel at room temperature to prevent leakage of nicotine from the aerosol-generated article.

[0103] In a specific embodiment, the gel comprises a solid tobacco material that releases flavor compounds when heated. Depending on the specific embodiment, the solid tobacco material is, for example, one or more of the following: powder, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, bands, or sheets, containing one or more of the following: plant materials, such as grass leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco ribs, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco.

[0104] The gel may contain other flavorings, such as menthol. Menthol may be added to water or an aerosol forming agent before gel formation.

[0105] In embodiments where agar is used as a gelling agent, the gel may comprise between 0.5% and 5% by weight, preferably between 0.8% and 1% by weight, of agar. Preferably, the gel also contains between 0.1% and 2% by weight of nicotine. Preferably, the gel also contains between 30% and 90% by weight (or between 70% and 90% by weight) of glycerol. In specific embodiments, the remainder of the gel comprises water and a flavoring agent.

[0106] Preferably, the gelling agent is agar, which has the property of melting at temperatures above 85 degrees Celsius and reverting to a gel at around 40 degrees Celsius. This property is suitable for thermal environments. The gel does not melt at 50 degrees Celsius, which is useful, for example, in situations where the system is left in a hot car exposed to sunlight. The phase transition to liquid at around 85 degrees Celsius means that aerosolization can be initiated simply by heating the gel to a relatively low temperature, thus achieving low energy consumption. Using only agarose instead of agar as a component of agar may be beneficial.

[0107] When gellan gum is used as a gelling agent, the gel typically contains between 0.5% and 5% gellan gum. Preferably, the gel also contains between 0.1% and 2% nicotine. Preferably, the gel contains between 30% and 99.4% glycerol. In a specific embodiment, the remainder of the gel comprises water and flavoring agents.

[0108] In one example, the gel contains 2% by weight nicotine, 70% by weight glycerin, 27% by weight water and 1% by weight agar.

[0109] In another example, the gel contained 65% by weight glycerol, 20% by weight water, 14.3% by weight tobacco and 0.7% by weight agar.

[0110] The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, implementation, or aspect described herein.

[0111] Example Ex1: A method for manufacturing a receptor sheet comprising an aerosol-forming gel, the method comprising:

[0112] - Provide a sensor sheet including at least one recess;

[0113] - Apply an aerosol-forming gel to at least the depressions in the receptor sheet.

[0114] Example Ex2: Based on the method in Example 1, it also includes:

[0115] - Provide a receptor sheet having at least one recess on both sides of the receptor sheet; and

[0116] - Apply an aerosol-forming gel to at least one recess on both sides of the receptor sheet.

[0117] Example Ex3: The method according to any of the preceding examples further includes applying different aerosol-forming gels to different recesses of the receptor sheet, wherein the different aerosol-forming gels differ in at least one aspect of flavor, nicotine, aerosol forming agent, and aerosolization temperature.

[0118] Example Ex4: The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol is applied via a through-hole in at least one moving tooth of the gel feeding device to form a gel.

[0119] Example Ex5: According to the method of Example Ex4, the aerosol is applied via a through hole in at least one moving tooth of a feed wheel drum including circumferentially arranged teeth to form a gel.

[0120] Example Ex6: According to the method of Example Ex4, the aerosol is applied via a through-hole in at least one moving tooth of the feed belt to form a gel, and the sensor sheet is conveyed by the feed belt.

[0121] Example Ex7: The method according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol forming gel is applied to the width of the receptor sheet through a plurality of through holes arranged on the width of the teeth.

[0122] Example Ex8: According to the method of Example Ex4, the aerosol is applied via a through hole in at least one moving tooth of the feed roller to form a gel.

[0123] Example Ex9: According to the method of Example Ex8, at least one moving tooth of the feed roller is arranged parallel to the conveying direction of the sensor sheet.

[0124] Example Ex10: Based on the methods of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex3, including:

[0125] Provide a catheter with at least one gel inlet.

[0126] Inside and along the catheter, the receptor sheet is guided, and an aerosol-forming gel is injected into the catheter via the at least one gel inlet, and injected into the receptor sheet inside and along the catheter.

[0127] Example Ex11: Based on the method of any of the preceding examples, including:

[0128] The receptor sheet is formed by passing it through a receptor forming device to form a receptor sheet including the at least one recess.

[0129] Example Ex12: The method according to Example Ex11 includes forming the at least one recess in the sensor sheet by passing the sensor sheet between a pair of engaged geared drums.

[0130] Example Ex13: The method according to Example Ex11 includes forming at least one recess in the sensor sheet by passing the sensor sheet under a forming roller, wherein the forming roller includes circumferentially arranged teeth extending in the rotational direction of the forming roller.

[0131] Example Ex14: The method according to any of the foregoing examples further includes passing the receptor sheet and the porous sheet in parallel through the gel feeding device, thereby applying the aerosol-forming gel to the combination of the receptor sheet and the porous sheet.

[0132] Example Ex15: A feeding system for applying an aerosol-forming gel to a receptor sheet, the system comprising:

[0133] Includes at least one recessed sensor sheet;

[0134] A gel feeding device adapted to apply an aerosol-forming gel to at least one recess of the receptor sheet.

[0135] Example Ex16: A feeding system according to Example Ex11, wherein the gel feeding device includes a feeding drum, the feeding drum including circumferentially arranged teeth substantially corresponding to the form of the sensor sheet, wherein at least one tooth of the feeding drum includes a through hole in fluid communication with a gel reservoir, preferably, the gel feeding device includes a pair of engaged feeding drums, wherein at least one tooth of the two feeding drums of the pair of feeding drums includes a through hole in fluid communication with a gel reservoir.

[0136] Example Ex17: The feeding system according to Ex15 includes a sensor sheet, the sensor sheet including at least one recess on both sides of the sensor sheet;

[0137] A gel feeding device adapted to apply an aerosol-forming gel to at least one recess on both sides of the receptor sheet.

[0138] Example Ex18: A feeding system according to Example Ex17, wherein the gel feeding device includes a pair of engaged feeding drums, the pair of engaged feeding drums including circumferentially arranged teeth substantially corresponding to the form of the sensor sheet, wherein at least one tooth of the two feeding drums of the pair of feeding drums includes a through hole in fluid communication with a gel reservoir.

[0139] Example Ex19: According to the feeding system of Example Ex15, wherein the gel feeding device includes a feeding belt for conveying the receptor sheet, and the teeth are teeth of the feeding belt, preferably, the feeding belt includes a series of teeth substantially corresponding to the form of the receptor sheet, each of the series of teeth including a through hole.

[0140] Example Ex20: According to the feeding system of Example E15, the gel feeding device includes a feeding roller, the feeding roller including at least one circumferentially arranged tooth, wherein the at least one circumferentially arranged tooth extends in the rotational direction of the feeding roller, and

[0141] The feeding roller has at least one tooth including a through hole in fluid communication with the gel reservoir. Preferably, the gel feeding device includes a pair of engaged feeding rollers, wherein at least one tooth of the two feeding rollers of the pair of feeding rollers includes a through hole in fluid communication with the gel reservoir.

[0142] Example Ex21: A feeding system according to any of Examples Ex15 to Ex19, wherein the at least one recess is an elongated recess extending perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sensor sheet.

[0143] Example Ex22: A feeding system according to any of Examples Ex15 to Ex20, wherein the at least one recess is an elongated recess extending parallel to the conveying direction of the sensor sheet.

[0144] Example Ex23: According to the feeding system of Example Ex15, wherein the gel feeding device includes a conduit adapted to guide the receptor sheet inside and along the conduit, the conduit including at least one gel inlet for injecting an aerosol-forming gel into the conduit and into the receptor sheet inside and along the conduit.

[0145] Example Ex24: The feeding system according to Example Ex23, wherein the conduit includes two gel inlets arranged opposite to each other at the conduit.

[0146] Example Ex25: A receptor sheet comprising an aerosol-forming gel, the receptor sheet including a plurality of recesses, wherein at least one of the plurality of recesses in the receptor sheet is filled with the aerosol-forming gel.

[0147] Example Ex26: The receptor sheet according to Example Ex25 includes a plurality of recesses arranged on both sides of the receptor sheet, wherein at least one of the plurality of recesses on both sides of the receptor sheet is filled with the aerosol forming gel.

[0148] Example Ex27: A sensor sheet according to any of Examples Ex25 to Ex26, wherein at least some of the plurality of recesses are elongated recesses extending along the length or width of the sensor sheet. Attached Figure Description

[0149] The invention is further described with reference to embodiments, which are illustrated in the following figures, wherein:

[0150] Figure 1 : This shows a receptor band with a triangular wave shape;

[0151] Figure 2 : This shows a receptor band with a sinusoidal shape;

[0152] Figure 3 : This shows a tank containing gel. Figure 2 Receptors;

[0153] Figure 4 : Shows a top or bottom view of a receptor band with depressions in the form of protrusions and indentations;

[0154] Figure 5: A perspective view showing another receptor band with depressions in the form of protrusions and indentations;

[0155] Figure 6 : This is a perspective view of the forming device;

[0156] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding system;

[0157] Figure 8 : Shows details of the feeding system;

[0158] Figure 9 : This is a schematic diagram of gel application;

[0159] Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing a sequence of forming and feeding devices is provided.

[0160] Figure 11 This shows a side sectional view of the feed belt;

[0161] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a combined forming and feeding device for porous sheets;

[0162] Figure 13 : This is a schematic diagram of a forming device and a feeding device arranged in sequence for subsequent strip forming;

[0163] Figure 14 This illustrates the forming and subsequent feeding system integrated into the strip forming apparatus;

[0164] Figure 15 : This illustrates a forming apparatus for a receptor material used for longitudinally slotted design;

[0165] Figure 16 : This is a cross-sectional view of a V-shaped receptor material filled with gel;

[0166] Figure 17 : This is a schematic diagram of a forming device for a W-shaped receptor;

[0167] Figure 18 This shows a W-shaped receptor with gel filling both sides of the receptor. Detailed Implementation

[0168] Figure 1 A receptor sheet 1 is shown in the form of a wave with a serrated shape. The peaks 10 and grooves 11 are V-shaped and form a regular wave along the length 100 of the receptor. The grooves 11 form depressions for applying aerosols to form a gel. The peaks 10 on one side of the receptor 1 form grooves 11 on the opposite side of the receptor, and thus grooves are formed on the opposite side of the receptor. The peaks 10 and grooves 11 are arranged perpendicular to the length of the receptor sheet 1.

[0169] The height 102 of the receptor 1 is preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0170] The width 101 of the receptor 1 is preferably in the range of 2 mm to 8 mm.

[0171] The distance 103 between adjacent peaks 10 or adjacent grooves 11 is, for example, in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm.

[0172] Figure 2 A sensor sheet 1 with a sinusoidal wave shape is shown. The peaks 10 and grooves 11 are circular and U-shaped. The sensor forms a regular wave along its length.

[0173] The height, width, and distance between peak 10 and groove 11 are preferably at the same level as... Figure 1 The sensor sheet 1 shown and described is within the same range.

[0174] Figure 3 The following is shown: A gel 2 with aerosol formation is provided. Figure 2 Receptor 1. Gel 2 is arranged in all the grooves 11 of receptor 1 and across the width of receptor 1. Gel 2 is arranged in all the grooves 11 on both sides of receptor 1. Gel 2 can be the same on both sides of receptor 1. Gel 2 can be different on both sides of receptor 1.

[0175] Figure 4 An embodiment of a receptor sheet 1 with two rows of parallel, confined recesses arranged along the length of the receptor strip 1 is shown. When viewed from a top view of the receptor, the recesses may be protrusions 13 and indentations 12. The protrusions 13 and indentations 12 are arranged alternately along the rows.

[0176] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the restricted depressions are also arranged in two parallel rows along the length of the receptor band 1. However, one row is formed by protrusions 13, and the second row is formed by indentations 12. All or only some of the indentations 12 and protrusions 13 may be filled with aerosol to form a gel.

[0177] Figure 6 A forming apparatus including two forming rollers 3 is shown. The forming rollers 3 include circumferentially arranged teeth 30 that engage with each other in the forming section 31 of the forming apparatus.

[0178] A flat sensor belt 111 is conveyed along the conveying direction 200 and passes between two forming rollers 3. As the sensor belt passes between the forming rollers 3, engaging teeth 30 shape the sensor belt. Depending on the shape of the teeth on the rollers 3, the flat sensor belt 11 is shaped into a sensor belt with a wave pattern 1. The wave pattern of the sensor can be defined by the shape of the teeth 30 and the distance between the rollers 3.

[0179] Figure 7 The diagram shows a gel feeding device 4 including a feed drum 5. The feed drum 5 includes circumferentially arranged teeth 50. One of the teeth includes three through holes 51 for applying gel 2. The through holes 51 extend from the tips of the teeth 50 to a centrally arranged shaft 52 (shown in an exploded view). The shaft 52 is provided with shaft openings 520 that form fluid communication with the through holes 51. The shaft 52 is connected to a gel reservoir via a gel line 25. The gel reservoir 20 (e.g., a gel tank) is equipped with a pump 21. By means of the pump 21, gel 2 can be pumped from the gel reservoir 20 through the gel line 25 to the shaft 52 of the feed drum 5. The gel 2 is then pressed through the shaft openings 520 and the through holes 51, exiting from the teeth of the drum 5.

[0180] The feed drum 5 is mounted on the shaft 52 and can rotate about the shaft 52. Therefore, the gel is supplied through the through-hole 51 and can be applied to one or more recesses in the receptor material only when the through-hole 51 and the shaft opening 52 are arranged simultaneously. Preferably, the arrangement of the shaft opening 52 and the through-hole 51 is related to the position of the teeth 50 arranged in or adjacent to the recesses of the receptor sheet.

[0181] Through holes can also be set in other teeth 50 of the feed wheel drum 5.

[0182] Figure 8 A single tooth 50 of the gel feeding device is schematically shown, for example, as... Figure 7 A single tooth of the feed drum is shown. The tooth 50 has a circular peak 10. Four through holes 51 are arranged equidistantly across the width of the tooth.

[0183] exist Figure 9 The image shows gel 2 being applied to both sides of a wave-shaped receptor sheet 1.

[0184] Two teeth 50 in two gel feeding devices are shown. One tooth 50 of one feeding device is arranged above the sensor 1, and the other tooth 50 of the second feeding device is arranged below the sensor 1. Each tooth includes a through hole 51 that is fluidly connected to a gel reservoir (not shown).

[0185] For gel application, the tip 53 of the tooth 50 does not contact the receptor 1, but is spaced 15 from the bottom 110 of the groove 11 of the receptor 1. The distance 15 leaves space for the gel 2 applied to the groove 11, so that the gel 2 is substantially kept in the groove during application and is not forced to leave the groove.

[0186] Tooth 50 can be, for example, as follows: Figure 7 The teeth of the feed roller drum 5 described herein may be the teeth of the feed belt, which will be further described below.

[0187] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the combination of the forming device and the subsequently arranged feeding device. (Already regarding...) Figure 6 A forming apparatus comprising two toothed forming rollers 3 is described. A flat receptor strip 111 is deformed by the forming apparatus and provided with a wavy shape. The wavy receptor 1 is then guided between two toothed feed roller drums 5. Preferably, the teeth of the feed roller drums 5 have the same form and size as the teeth of the forming rollers 5. At least one tooth of each of the feed roller drums 5 includes one or more through holes for applying gel to both sides of the receptor. The feed roller drums 5 including gel supply can be, for example, as shown in the image. Figure 7 This is achieved through the shown and described.

[0188] The forming device and the feeding device can be combined into a forming feeding device. The engaging teeth of the feeding wheel drum serve as forming feeding teeth (see also below). Figure 11 ).

[0189] exist Figure 11 The image shows a feeding device including a feeding belt 6. The feeding belt 6 may be an annular belt guided around the conveyor roller 61.

[0190] The feed belt 6 comprises a series of continuous teeth 60. The distance between the teeth 60 of the feed belt 6 corresponds to the distance between the grooves of the wave-shaped receptor 1. Thus, the receptor 1 is conveyed by the feed belt 6 when gel 2 is supplied. The teeth 60, preferably all teeth of the feed belt 6, are provided with through holes (not shown). The through holes extend from the tips 62 of the teeth 60 to a gel dispenser 22 arranged below the feed belt 6. As the feed belt passes through the gel reservoir 22, the teeth of the feed belt arranged above the gel reservoir 22 are supplied with gel. The gel 2 is applied to the grooves on the underside of the receptor 1. The teeth 60 of the feed belt 6 have flat tips 62. A space is formed between the flat tips 62 and the bottom of the grooves of the receptor 1 for the gel 2.

[0191] Figure 12 A combined forming feeder is shown. The combined forming feeder includes two geared drums 5. The two feed drums 5 rotate around a center 55, at which gel 2 is supplied. The drums also include through holes 51 extending from the center 55 to the tips of the teeth 50 of the drums. Figure 12 In the upper drum 5, gel 2 is provided in three through holes 51, and gel 2 is provided in two through holes 51 of the lower drum 5. The teeth 50 with gel contact the receptor 111, shaping the receptor, and simultaneously providing gel into the shaped grooves on both sides of the receptor 1.

[0192] A flat receptor strip 111 and a porous sheet 7 (e.g., made of cotton or viscose fiber) are arranged above each other and guided together into a feeding forming device. The two sheets 111, 7 are passed between two feeding drums 5. Thus, the receptor sheet 111 is provided with a wavy shape according to the engaging teeth 50 of the two drums 5. The porous material 7 is arranged parallel to the receptor 1 and can help fix the gel in its position relative to the receptor 1. The porosity of the porous material allows at least a portion of the gel to pass through it.

[0193] exist Figure 13 In, having, for example, Figure 6 The forming apparatus of the coupled forming roller 3 described herein is arranged in a straight line with the feeding device 8. The feeding device 8 includes a conduit in the form of a tube 80, such as a conduit with a rectangular or circular cross-section. A previously supplied wave-shaped sensor 1 is guided and passed through the tube 80 in the conveying direction 200. The tube includes two gel inlets 81. The gel inlets 81 are arranged opposite each other at substantially the same position on the upper and lower sides of the tube 80 along the conveying path of the sensor 1. As the sensor 1 moves inside the tube 80, an aerosol-forming gel 2 is supplied to the two gel inlets 81 and applied to the top and bottom sides of the sensor 1.

[0194] The tube 80 is arranged in the inlet section of the funnel portion 95 of the strip manufacturing apparatus 9. The tube 80 extends into the tongue-shaped portion 96 of the funnel portion 95 of the strip manufacturing apparatus 9. Figure 14 As can be seen in more detail, a sensory medium 91, such as tobacco material (e.g., homogenized tobacco sheet), is guided into a funnel portion 95 and compressed therein. The strip thus formed is then wrapped with a packaging material 92 (e.g., wrapping paper), wherein the receptor 1 is provided with an aerosol-forming gel 2 at the center of the strip and surrounded by the sensory medium 91.

[0195] When the receptor 1 is provided with the aerosol-forming gel 2, the sensory medium 91 may include or be replaced by a host medium for containing the receptor. The host medium need not be or need not include an aerosol-forming material for aerosol formation.

[0196] exist Figure 14 The feeding device also includes two gel inlets 81. The two gel inlets 81 are arranged in series on the bottom side of the tube 80. The first gel inlet 81 can be used to partially fill the slot in the sensor. The second gel inlet 81, located downstream of the first gel inlet 81, can be used to completely fill the slot. The amount of gel applied to the sensor can be limited depending on the conveying speed of the sensor 1 through the feeding device and the gel supply.

[0197] exist Figure 14In this configuration, two gel inlets 81 are connected to a gel reservoir 20. The gel reservoir can be filled with the same aerosol to form a gel, or it can include separate reservoir compartments filled with two different gels. The two gel inlets 81 are then preferably connected to separate reservoir compartments. Thus, different gels, for example, with different material compositions, can be applied to the receptor 1 at the same or different locations along the receptor 1.

[0198] Figure 15 and Figure 16 A portion of the forming apparatus for the receptor material 1 is shown. The receptor material is supplied from the roll 130 in the form of a flat strip 111.

[0199] The belt 111 is conveyed along the conveying direction 200, and is positioned below the forming roller 3, preferably at... Figure 15 The forming roller 3 shown is Figure 16 The lower molds 33 shown pass between each other. The lower mold 33 can be a fixed master mold or it can be part of another rotary forming roller.

[0200] The forming roller 3 has the form of a disc and includes circumferentially extending teeth 30. The disc 3 is arranged parallel to the length of the sensor 1, and the forming roller 3 rotates in the opposite direction to the sensor material conveying direction 200.

[0201] As the belt passes between the forming roller 3 and the lower mold 33, the engaging circumferentially extending teeth 30 of the forming roller 3 and the V-shaped groove in the lower mold 33 shape the receptor belt 111. A receptor belt with longitudinally extending grooves is formed. The receptor has a cross-section shaped like the letter "V". The grooves form longitudinally extending recesses that are filled with aerosol to form a gel. The gel can be provided continuously or segmentally along the grooves.

[0202] The feeding device for filling the depressions in such V-shaped receptors can be, for example, a feeding roller. (Already mentioned...) Figure 7 The setup and operating principle of the feed roller drum are described. However, the feed roller used to impart a certain amount of aerosol to form a gel in the longitudinally extending grooves of the sensor includes circumferentially extending teeth arranged parallel to the grooves in the sensor material.

[0203] It should be understood that Figure 15 The forming device can be combined into a forming feeding device.

[0204] Figure 17 A forming apparatus is shown for manufacturing a receptor material 1 comprising a cross-section in the shape of the letter "w", the receptor material being... Figure 18 It is shown in more detail below.

[0205] Two forming rollers 3 are provided. One of the rollers 3 has a circumferentially extending tooth 30, and the second roller 3 has two circumferentially extending teeth 30. These teeth are formed by the circumference of a disk arranged parallel to each other along the length of the forming roller 3.

[0206] As the receptor belt passes between the forming rollers 3, the engaging teeth 30 of the two forming rollers 3 shape the belt. Depending on the form of the teeth 30 of the rollers 3, the flat receptor belt 111 is formed as a receptor with a W-shaped cross-section. Two longitudinally extending grooves are formed on one side of the receptor 1, presenting two recesses, and a longitudinally extending groove is formed on the opposite side of the receptor 1, presenting one recess.

[0207] exist Figure 18 In one example, the depression on one side of the receptor 1 is filled with a gel 2, and the depression on the opposite side of the receptor 1 is filled with a different gel 2.

[0208] Furthermore, in examples where the depression extends along the length of the receptor, the groove forms a depression for applying aerosol to form a gel. A groove on one side of receptor 1 forms a peak on the opposite side of the receptor. The groove and peak are arranged parallel to the length of receptor 1.

[0209] As can be clearly seen from the examples described and illustrated in this application, sensor sheets with different forms of indentation can be combined with different feeding devices. For example, according to Figure 13 and 14 Essentially, any form of concave sensor sheet can be supplied to the gel feeding device for gel application.

[0210] While feed drums and feed belts have been primarily described in conjunction with receptor sheets having elongated recesses extending in a wavy form or perpendicular to the conveying direction of the receptor sheet, they can also be used to apply gel into longitudinally arranged grooves within the receptor sheet. The feed drum can be provided, for example, as a disc-shaped wheel including circumferentially arranged teeth, one, several, or all of which are intended for gel application, and wherein the teeth can provide individual gel points into the grooves along the length of the receptor. Alternatively, the feed drum can be provided with a row of circumferentially arranged teeth to provide gel into a series of grooves arranged parallel to each other in the receptor sheet, or into the grooves of each of individual receptor sheets arranged parallel to each other.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a susceptor sheet comprising an aerosol-forming gel, the method comprising: - providing a susceptor sheet comprising at least one recess on both sides of the susceptor sheet; - applying an aerosol-forming gel to only the at least one recess on both sides of the susceptor sheet and not to the part of the susceptor sheet not comprising the recess.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising applying a different aerosol-forming gel to a different recess of the susceptor sheet, wherein the different aerosol-forming gel differs in at least one of flavour, nicotine, aerosol former, aerosolisation temperature.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol-forming gel is applied via a through hole in at least one moving tooth of a gel dosing device.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the aerosol-forming gel is applied via a through hole in at least one moving tooth of a dosing wheel drum comprising a circumferentially arranged teeth.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the aerosol-forming gel is applied via a through hole in at least one moving tooth of a dosing belt and the susceptor sheet is transported using the dosing belt.

6. The method according to claim 3, wherein the aerosol-forming gel is applied over the width of the susceptor sheet by a plurality of through holes arranged over the width of the moving tooth.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: - providing a conduit having at least one gel inlet; - guiding the susceptor sheet inside and along the conduit; - injecting an aerosol-forming gel into the conduit via the at least one gel inlet and into the susceptor sheet guided inside and along the conduit.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: - forming the susceptor sheet comprising the at least one recess by passing the susceptor sheet through a susceptor forming device.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising passing the susceptor sheet and a porous sheet in parallel through a gel dosing device, thereby applying the aerosol-forming gel to the combination of both the susceptor sheet and the porous sheet.

10. A dosing system for applying an aerosol-forming gel to a susceptor sheet, the dosing system comprising: - a susceptor sheet comprising at least one recess on both sides of the susceptor sheet; - a gel dosing device adapted to apply an aerosol-forming gel to only the at least one recess on both sides of the susceptor sheet and not to the part of the susceptor sheet not comprising the recess.

11. The dosing system according to claim 10, wherein the gel dosing device comprises a pair of interfacing dosing wheel drums comprising a circumferentially arranged teeth substantially corresponding to the form of the susceptor sheet, wherein at least one tooth of both dosing wheel drums of the pair of dosing wheel drums comprises a through hole in fluid communication with a gel reservoir.

12. The dosing system of claim 10, wherein the gel dosing device comprises a dosing belt for transporting the susceptor sheet, and the dosing belt comprises a series of consecutive teeth.

13. The dosing system of claim 12, wherein the series of consecutive teeth substantially corresponds to a form of the susceptor sheet, each tooth of the series of consecutive teeth comprising a through hole.

14. The dosing system of claim 10, wherein the gel dosing device comprises a conduit adapted to guide the susceptor sheet inside and along the conduit, the conduit comprising at least one gel inlet for injecting the aerosol-forming gel into the conduit and into the susceptor sheet guided inside and along the conduit.

15. The dosing system of claim 14, wherein the conduit comprises two gel inlets arranged opposite to each other at the conduit.

16. A susceptor sheet comprising an aerosol-forming gel, the susceptor sheet comprising a plurality of recesses arranged on both sides of the susceptor sheet, wherein at least one recess of the plurality of recesses on both sides of the susceptor sheet is filled with the aerosol-forming gel and the aerosol-forming gel is absent on portions of the susceptor sheet not comprising the recesses.

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