Method and apparatus for checking for the presence of a susceptor and desired article alignment of an inductively heatable aerosol generating article

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for checking whether an inductively heatable aerosol- generating article (1) is present with a susceptor (21) using at least one sensor (110) responsive to at least one of the susceptor (21) being electrically conductive, magnetic or magnetized. The invention further relates to a method and apparatus for checking a desired article alignment of an inductively heatable aerosol-generating article at a particular article location in an article manufacturing apparatus, wherein a susceptor is provided for inductively heating an aerosol-forming substrate comprised in the article, and wherein the arrangement of the susceptor at or in the article is non-symmetrical with respect to a length axis of the article. The method and apparatus comprise the use of at least a first sensor arranged and configured to detect the presence or absence of the susceptor at a first test site of the article location, wherein the presence of the susceptor at the first test site is indicative of the presence of the desired article alignment at the article location. The first sensor is responsive to at least one of the susceptor being electrically conductive, magnetic or magnetized, and to the presence of the susceptor at the first test site.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for checking the presence of sensors in an inductively heated aerosol-generating article. This disclosure also relates to a method and apparatus for checking whether a desired article alignment exists at a specific article location in an article manufacturing apparatus for an inductively heated aerosol-generating article. Background Technology

[0002] Inductively heated aerosol-generating articles for generating inhalable aerosols are generally known from the prior art. Such articles typically comprise an aerosol-forming matrix and an inductively heated sensor arranged in thermal proximity to or in direct contact with the matrix. In use, the article is received in a cavity of an aerosol-generating apparatus, where the sensor is exposed to an alternating magnetic field. Depending on the magnetic and electrical properties of the sensor, the field induces at least one of eddy currents or hysteresis losses in the sensor, causing the sensor to heat up until a temperature sufficient to form an aerosol from the matrix is ​​reached.

[0003] During the manufacture of such articles, for example, when they are being conveyed through the manufacturing equipment, sensors may be lost from the article. Similarly, it is possible that the article may not be equipped with sensors at all. Furthermore, the article may become misaligned during conveyance through the manufacturing equipment. Specifically, the longitudinal alignment of the article may be 180 degrees reversed relative to the desired article alignment. That is, one end of the article that should point in a specific direction may incorrectly point in the opposite direction.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a method and apparatus for checking whether a sensor is present in an inductively heated aerosol-generating article. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for checking the presence of a sensor in an inductively heated aerosol-generating article, wherein the sensor is provided for use in inductively heating an aerosol-forming matrix included in the article. The method includes the step of detecting the presence or absence of the sensor using at least one sensor, said at least one sensor responding to the sensor being at least one of conductive, magnetic, or magnetized.

[0006] According to the invention, it has been recognized that the presence of a sensor can be reliably detected by probing the inherent electrical and magnetic properties of any sensor, namely, at least one of conductivity or magnetism, or, if magnetic, magnetization upon exposure to an external magnetic field. Specifically, probing these properties advantageously allows for the inspection of the presence of a sensor from the outside of the article, even if the sensor is not visible from the outside. This is due to the fact that the electrical (conductivity) and magnetic (magnetism or magnetization) properties of any sensor, even through the material of the article, influence the nature of the article's environment. In this regard, the method and apparatus according to the invention are superior to optical inspection alone, which is not always feasible since the sensor may be completely embedded in the article and therefore not visible from the outside. Another advantage is that the inherent electrical and magnetic sensor properties can be remotely detected using a suitable detector that responds to at least one of these properties.

[0007] For example, when a sensor approaches the inductor (L) of an LC resonator circuit, the sensor's electrical and magnetic characteristics may cause detuning of the resonant frequency and amplitude of the oscillating LC resonator circuit. Further details of this detection mechanism will be described below.

[0008] As another example, the sensor can be magnetized, causing the article to be surrounded by a magnetic field, which can be detected by a suitable sensor outside the article (such as a reed switch, a Hall effect sensor, or a magnetoresistive sensor).

[0009] Alternatively, the sensor may be magnetized and subsequently pass through or adjacent to an induction loop or induction coil, such that relative movement between the induction loop or induction coil and the magnetized sensor causes a change in magnetic flux through the induction loop or induction coil. According to Faraday's law of induction, the change in magnetic flux induces a current through the induction loop or induction coil, which indicates the presence of the magnetized sensor.

[0010] As a result, the method according to the invention enables reliable detection of missing receptors, and thus allows defective products to be sorted out as early as possible before entering the next step of the manufacturing process or before being sold.

[0011] Referring to the examples given above, at least one sensor may include at least one of a reed switch, a Hall effect sensor, an induction coil, an induction circuit, an LC resonator circuit including an inductor (L) and a capacitor (C), a giant magnetoresistive sensor, or an anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor. Preferably, at least one sensor is a non-optical sensor. Therefore, the method according to the invention can be referred to as a non-optical method for checking the presence of a sensor in a heat-generating aerosol article.

[0012] A reed switch is an electrical switch operated by an applied magnetic field. A reed switch may include a pair of metal contacts, at least one of which is magnetizable and flexible. The contacts may be normally open and close when a magnetic field is present (e.g., caused by a magnetization sensor near the reed switch). That is, when the switch is open, the end portions of the metal contacts separate with a small gap. Alternatively, the contacts may be normally closed and open when a magnetic field is applied. When the magnetic field is removed, the contacts in the reed switch return to their original position. The contacts may be encapsulated in a hermetically sealed enclosure.

[0013] In a Hall effect sensor, a thin metal strip carries an applied current. In the presence of a magnetic field (such as that caused by a magnetizing sensor near the Hall effect sensor), electrons in the metal strip deflect toward one edge, creating a voltage gradient across the shorter side of the strip perpendicular to the feed current. The output voltage is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field passing through the Hall effect sensor. The Hall effect sensor may further include a threshold detection circuit. The threshold detection circuit can be configured to generate an output signal only when the magnetic field strength, and therefore the output voltage, is above a certain threshold. In this configuration, the Hall effect sensor can act as a switch, sometimes referred to as a Hall effect switch.

[0014] As described above, when relative movement causes a change in magnetic flux through the induction circuit or induction coil, the induction circuit or induction coil can respond to the movement of the magnetizing sensor relative to the induction circuit or induction coil. This detection mechanism is particularly suitable for checking the presence of sensors in aerosol-generating articles as they pass by.

[0015] Advantageously, an LC resonator circuit comprising an inductor (L) and a capacitor (C) is a versatile sensor because it responds to any type of sensor, i.e., conductive, magnetic, or both conductive and magnetic. For example, when a conductive sensor is placed near the inductor of an oscillating LC resonator circuit, the magnetic field generated by the inductor induces eddy currents in the sensor material. According to Lenz's law, eddy currents produce an opposing magnetic field that counteracts changes in the magnetic field that induced the eddy currents. Therefore, the eddy currents react at the source of the magnetic field (i.e., on the LC resonator circuit), where the net inductive impedance of the LC resonator circuit decreases with increasing oscillation frequency. Conversely, in the case where the sensor is magnetic (ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic), i.e., when the sensor comprises a material with high permeability, the presence of the sensor near the inductor of the LC resonator circuit causes the inductance of the LC resonator circuit to increase with decreasing oscillation frequency. Changes in the magnitude of the oscillation can be detected by an amplitude modulation detector. Frequency changes can be detected by a frequency discriminator circuit (such as a phase-locked loop detector).

[0016] Depending on the sensor type, specifically its responsiveness and its output signal, the step of detecting the presence or absence of a sensor using at least one sensor may include comparing a signal generated by the sensor with a corresponding reference signal. The reference signal may be predetermined to uniquely indicate the presence of a sensor. Depending on the type of sensor used to detect the sensor, the reference signal may be a predetermined reference value, a predetermined reference range, a predetermined reference threshold, or a predetermined reference distribution curve, each of which is predetermined to indicate the presence of a sensor. For example, in the case of a Hall sensor, the reference signal may be a predetermined reference threshold, the output voltage of which the Hall effect sensor may have to exceed to indicate the presence of a magnetized sensor. Conversely, if the output voltage of the Hall effect sensor is below the predetermined reference threshold, it indicates the absence of a sensor. That is, the absence of a sensor is detected. Similarly, in the case of an LC resonator circuit, the reference signal may be a predetermined frequency range, the resonant frequency of the LC resonator circuit shifting into said predetermined frequency range when the sensor is near the inductor of the LC resonator circuit. Conversely, values ​​of resonant frequencies outside the predetermined frequency range indicate the absence of a sensor. Preferably, the reference signal is implemented by pre-calibrating the sensor.

[0017] The method may further include the step of generating an optical signal when at least one of the presence or absence of a receptor is detected. Advantageously, the step of generating an optical signal allows the method to be readily implemented in existing manufacturing equipment that already includes an optical inspection system. For example, existing optical inspection systems may have been used to date to inspect aerosol-generated articles for specific manufacturing defects that can be detected by optical inspection alone. Therefore, existing optical inspection systems can continue to be used without the need for a complete reinstallation of a new inspection system. Specifically, existing interfaces that operatively connect the optical inspection system to the controller of the manufacturing equipment can continue to be used. More importantly, the controller system itself can still be used without any modifications. Specifically, any functions already implemented in the controller system (currently used to evaluate signals received from the optical inspection system) can still be used to evaluate the detection results of the non-optical inspection method according to the invention. This is because the step of generating an optical signal advantageously transforms a signal reflecting the detection result of at least one sensor into an optical signal, which can then be processed by the existing optical inspection system. In this regard, the method may further include the step of detecting the optical signal using one or more optical detectors.

[0018] As described above, in the case of a magnetic sensor, the sensor can be magnetized such that the sensor and the article are surrounded by a permanent magnetic field, which can be used to detect the presence of the sensor even when it is not visible from the outside of the article. Therefore, the method may further include the step of magnetizing the sensor before detecting the presence or absence of the sensor using at least one sensor. The step of magnetizing the sensor may include using a magnetizer, particularly a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. Preferably, the magnetizer is arranged at a certain distance from at least one sensor to avoid undesirable interference effects between the magnetizer and the sensor.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for checking whether a desired article alignment exists at a specific article location in an article manufacturing apparatus for an elongated, inductively heated aerosol-generating article. A sensor is provided for inductively heating an aerosol-forming matrix included in the article. The arrangement of the sensors at or within the article is asymmetrical with respect to the length axis of the article. The method includes the step of detecting the presence or absence of a sensor at a first test site at the article location using a first sensor. The first sensor is responsive to the sensor being at least one of conductive, magnetic, or magnetized. The first sensor further responds to the presence of a sensor at the first test site, particularly responding only to the presence of a sensor at the first test site. The first test site is selected such that the presence of a sensor at the first test site indicates the presence of a desired article alignment at the article location. The method further includes the step of determining the presence of the desired article alignment at the article location upon detecting the presence of a sensor at the first test site.

[0020] According to the invention, it has been recognized that the general concept of the invention (i.e., using at least one of the inherent electrical or magnetic properties of the receptors to detect the presence or absence of the receptors) can be further used to check for the presence of desired alignment of aerosol-generating articles, particularly desired alignment relative to the length axis of the article. The possibility of detecting a specific article alignment is essentially based on the fact that the receptor arrangement has an asymmetry along the length axis of the article. This asymmetry inherently allows different article alignments to be distinguished from each other because the positions (particularly the distance of the receptors from the first sensor at the first test site) are different for different article alignments. Therefore, different article alignments cause different (particularly distinguishable) responses from the first sensor indicating different article alignments.

[0021] As used herein, the first test site refers to a specific location on the manufacturing equipment where the article is positioned. At the first test site, the presence of receptors is detected in a portion of the article. The same applies to the second test site, which will be discussed further below.

[0022] Specifically, the first sensor can be configured to respond only to the presence of a receptor at the first test site, and to be unresponsive if the receptor is located at another site in the article of manufacture within the manufacturing apparatus. As used herein, the term "unresponsive" means that the first sensor cannot detect the presence of a receptor at a site other than the first test site. That is, if the article of manufacture is aligned such that the receptor is present at a site other than the first test site, the first sensor detects or indicates the absence of a receptor at the first test site. Therefore, the first sensor can be configured to have a spatially limited detection range, particularly a spatially limited detection volume. The detection range or detection volume can then depend on the range and intensity of the effects caused by the specific electrical and magnetic properties of the receptor. For example, the first sensor can have a spatially limited detection range of at least 4 cm, particularly at least 2 cm, preferably at least 1 cm, as measured from the first sensor. Similarly, the first sensor can have a spatially limited detection volume of at least 64 cubic centimeters, particularly at least 8 cubic centimeters, preferably at least 1 cubic centimeter.

[0023] Generally, the first sensor may include at least one of a reed switch, a Hall effect sensor, an induction coil, an induction circuit, an LC resonator circuit including an inductor and a capacitor, a giant magnetoresistive-based sensor, or an anisotropic magnetoresistive-based sensor. Preferably, the first sensor is a non-optical sensor. Other features and advantages of the sensor type have been described above with reference to at least one sensor according to the first aspect of the invention, and therefore equally apply to the first sensor.

[0024] Furthermore, according to a first aspect of the invention, the step of detecting the presence or absence of a receptor at the first test site using a first sensor may include comparing a first signal generated by the first sensor with a corresponding first reference signal. Therefore, the first reference signal may be one of a first reference value, a first reference range, a first reference threshold, or a first reference distribution curve, each of which is predetermined to indicate the presence of a receptor at the first test site.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the first sensor derive from the above description of at least one sensor according to the first aspect of the invention, and therefore also apply to the first sensor.

[0026] A specific product location in a product manufacturing apparatus can be one of the following: a recess in a conveyor device, a packaging device, a slot in a conveyor device, or a carrier of a conveyor device. As used herein, a slot can be, for example, a vertical slot in a packaging machine, or a slot on the outer circumference of a conveyor roller, such as a slot on an assembly.

[0027] As described above, using a first sensor to detect the presence of a receptor at a first test site allows for the definitive determination of the presence of a desired article alignment when the presence of the receptor at the first test site indicates the presence of a desired article alignment at the article position. However, it is possible that the article does not include a receptor at all, for example, because the receptor has been lost during transport through the manufacturing equipment. Therefore, it is possible that the article is correctly aligned at the article position but does not include a receptor. This situation cannot be distinguished from the situation where the article does include a receptor, but the article is not aligned at the article position according to the desired article alignment (but rather, for example, with its longitudinal extension 180 degrees opposite to the desired article alignment). For example, an elongated aerosol-generating article can be received in a slot relative to a conveyor device with two different longitudinal alignments, which extend 180 degrees opposite to each other along the length of the slot or the article, respectively. In one of the two longitudinal alignments, a particular end of the elongated article may point in a first direction extending along the length of the slot. Conversely, in the other longitudinal alignment, a particular end of the article points in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0028] Generally, only one of two longitudinal alignments is the desired alignment, while the other longitudinal alignment is undesirable. For example, when packaging a group of elongated articles into a package, the articles are positioned in recesses before being inserted into the package. Ideally, all articles should have the same longitudinal alignment within the package, which requires that the articles be correctly aligned within the recesses.

[0029] To allow for differentiation between a case where the article does not contain a receptor at all and a case where the article does contain a receptor but is aligned with the opposite alignment, its longitudinal extension being 180 degrees opposite to the desired article alignment, the method according to a second aspect of the invention may further include the step of detecting the presence or absence of a receptor at a second test site at the article location using a second sensor. The second sensor is responsive to the receptor being at least one of conductive, magnetic, or magnetized. The second sensor further responds to the presence of a receptor at the second test site, particularly responding only to the presence of a receptor at the second test site. The second test site is selected such that the presence of a receptor at the second test site indicates the presence of an opposite article alignment at the article location, its longitudinal extension being 180 degrees opposite to the desired article alignment. The method further includes the steps of: if the presence of a receptor at the second test site is detected, determining the presence of an opposite article alignment at the article location; otherwise, if no receptor is detected at the first and second test sites, determining that no article is present at the article location or that no receptor is present in or at the article location.

[0030] In this regard, it has been recognized that the presence or absence of a receptor or article at a specific article location and the presence of one of two article alignments can be uniquely detected by using two sensors that detect the presence or absence of a receptor at two different test sites around the article location.

[0031] Preferably, the first test site, and therefore the first sensor, is located around one end or end portion of the elongated article. The second test site, and therefore the second sensor, is preferably located around the other end or end portion of the elongated article. At these locations, the sensor responds most strongly to the asymmetry of the sensor arrangement relative to the length axis of the article.

[0032] The steps of detecting the presence or absence of a receptor at the first test site and at the second test site can be performed simultaneously. Advantageously, this accelerates the procedure and the final determination of the presence or absence of the receptor and the desired alignment of the article of manufacture.

[0033] Like the first sensor, the second sensor may also include one of the sensor types already discussed above. Therefore, the second sensor may include at least one of a reed switch, a Hall effect sensor, an induction coil, an induction circuit, an LC resonator circuit including an inductor and a capacitor, a giant magnetoresistive-based sensor, or an anisotropic magnetoresistive-based sensor. Like the first sensor, the second sensor may be a non-optical sensor.

[0034] Preferably, the first and second sensors are of the same type. Advantageously, this facilitates sensor readout and data processing, and thus benefits technical work.

[0035] Like the first sensor, the second sensor can be configured to respond only to the presence of a receptor at the second test site.

[0036] Furthermore, the second sensor may have a spatially limited detection range, particularly a spatially limited detection volume. For example, the second sensor may have a spatially limited detection range of at least 4 cm, particularly at least 2 cm, and preferably at least 1 cm, measured from the first sensor. Similarly, the second sensor may have a spatially limited detection volume of at least 64 cubic centimeters, particularly at least 8 cubic centimeters, and preferably at least 1 cubic centimeter.

[0037] Further consistent with the first sensor, the step of using a second sensor to detect the presence or absence of a receptor at the second test site may include comparing a second signal generated by the second sensor with a corresponding second reference signal. The second reference signal may be one of a second reference value, a second reference range, a second reference threshold, or a second distribution curve, each of which is predetermined to indicate the presence of a receptor at the second test site. Alternatively or additionally, the step of using the first sensor and the second sensor respectively to detect the presence or absence of a receptor at the first and second test sites may include comparing a first signal generated by the first sensor with a second signal generated by the second sensor.

[0038] Other features and advantages of the second sensor derive from the above description of at least one sensor according to the invention and the first sensor, and therefore also apply to the second sensor.

[0039] As described above, for example, when changes in the article design render the sensor no longer visible from the outside of the article, it may be desirable to upgrade existing manufacturing equipment to have a non-optical inspection system. Specifically, the upgrade may advantageously involve an existing optical inspection system already implemented in the manufacturing equipment. Therefore, the method according to the second aspect of the invention may further include the step of generating a first optical signal when at least one of the presence or absence of a sensor at the first test site is detected. Similarly, the method may further include the step of generating a second optical signal when at least one of the presence or absence of a sensor at the second test site is detected. Advantageously, the steps of generating the first optical signal and generating the second optical signal respectively provide a transformation of signals reflecting the detection results of the first and second sensors into corresponding optical signals. To read and further process these optical signals, the method according to the second aspect of the invention may further include the steps of detecting the first optical signal using one or more optical detectors, and (if implemented) detecting the second signal. As described above, the optical detectors are preferably optical detectors already implemented in the manufacturing equipment.

[0040] Depending on the specific sensor type, it may be necessary to magnetize the receptor for detection. Therefore, the method according to the second aspect of the invention may further include a step of magnetizing the receptor before the step of detecting the presence or absence of the receptor at a first test site using a first sensor, and (if implemented) before the step of detecting the presence or absence of the receptor at a second test site using a second sensor. The step of magnetizing the receptor may include using a magnetizer, particularly a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. Preferably, the magnetizer is arranged at a distance from the first sensor and (if present) the second sensor to avoid undesirable interference effects between the magnetizer and the sensors.

[0041] According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for checking the presence of desired article alignment at a specific article location in an article manufacturing apparatus of an elongated, inductively heatable aerosol-forming article, wherein a sensor is provided for inductively heating an aerosol-forming matrix included in the article, and wherein the arrangement of the sensor at or within the article is asymmetrical relative to the length axis of the article. The apparatus includes a first sensor arranged and configured to detect the presence or absence of a sensor at a first test site at the article location, wherein the presence of a sensor at the first test site indicates the presence of desired article alignment at the article location. The first sensor is responsive to the sensor being at least one of conductive, magnetic, or magnetized. The first sensor further responds to the presence of a sensor at the first test site, particularly responding only to the presence of a sensor at the first test site.

[0042] This device allows for the definitive determination of the presence of desired article alignment at the first test site, as described above with reference to the method according to the second aspect of the invention. For this reason, any advantages described above with reference to the method are equally applicable to the device described herein.

[0043] The device may further include circuitry operatively connected to the first sensor and configured to determine the presence of a desired article alignment at the article location in response to the first sensor detecting the presence of a receptor at the first test site. For example, the circuitry may provide a signal indicating the presence of a desired article alignment at the article location.

[0044] To definitively identify the presence or actual inclusion of a sensor in the article, and whether the article is aligned according to a desired article alignment, the device may further include a second sensor arranged and configured to detect the presence or absence of a sensor at a second test site at the article location. The presence of a sensor at the second test site indicates the presence of an opposite article alignment at the article location, whose longitudinal extension is 180 degrees opposite to the desired article alignment. The second sensor is responsive to the sensor being at least one of conductive, magnetic, or magnetized. The second sensor further responds to the presence of a sensor at the second test site, particularly responding only to the presence of a sensor at the second test site.

[0045] Similar to the first sensor, the circuitry is also operatively connected to the second sensor and configured to determine the presence of an opposite article alignment at the article location in response to the second sensor detecting the presence of a sensor at the second test site; otherwise, in response to the first and second sensors detecting the absence of a sensor at the first and second test sites, it determines that either the article is not present at the article location or that a sensor is not present at or within the article. Alternatively, the device may include a separate circuitry operatively connected to the second sensor and configured as described above.

[0046] Preferably, the device is configured to perform the method according to the invention.

[0047] Therefore, the first sensor and (if present) the second sensor can correspond to the first and second sensors described above with reference to the method according to the invention. Thus, any features and advantages described above with reference to the method also apply to the first and second sensors of the device described herein.

[0048] At least one of the first sensor and (if present) the second sensor may include one of a reed switch, a Hall effect sensor, an induction coil, an induction circuit, an LC resonator circuit including an inductor and a capacitor, a giant magnetoresistive-based sensor, or an anisotropic magnetoresistive-based sensor. Preferably, the first sensor and the second sensor are of the same sensor type.

[0049] At least one of the first sensor and (if present) the second sensor can be a non-optical sensor.

[0050] At least one of the first sensor and (if present) the second sensor can be configured to respond only to the presence of the receptors at the first test site and the second test site, respectively.

[0051] At least one of the first sensor and (if present) the second sensor may have a spatially limited detection range, and in particular a spatially limited detection volume.

[0052] At least one of the first sensor and (if present) the second sensor may have a spatially limited detection range of at least 4 cm, especially at least 2 cm, and preferably at least 1 cm, as measured by the first sensor.

[0053] At least one of the first sensor and (if present) the second sensor may have a spatially limited detection volume of at least 64 cubic centimeters, especially at least 8 cubic centimeters, and preferably at least 1 cubic centimeter.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the method of the second aspect of the invention, the device may include a magnetizer, particularly a permanent magnet or electromagnet, arranged and configured to magnetize the sensor of the article. Specifically, a magnetizer may be provided when a first sensor and (if present) a second sensor are configured to respond to a magnetic field as described above. Preferably, the magnetizer is arranged at a distance from the first sensor and (if present) the second sensor to avoid undesirable interference effects between the magnetizer and the sensors.

[0055] The device may further include a first optical indicator, particularly a first light-emitting diode, operatively connected to a first sensor or circuitry. The first optical indicator may be configured to provide a first optical signal in response to the first sensor detecting the presence of a receptor at a first test site or in response to the circuitry determining the presence of a desired article alignment at the article position. Similarly, the device may include a second optical indicator, particularly a second light-emitting diode, operatively connected to a second sensor or circuitry. The second optical indicator may be configured to provide a second optical signal in response to the second sensor detecting the presence of a receptor at a second test site or in response to the circuitry determining the presence of an opposite article alignment at the article position. As described above, the first and second optical indicators may advantageously be used to convert signals reflecting the detection results of the first and second sensors into corresponding optical signals, which can then be read out and further processed by an optical inspection system already implemented in the device. In this regard, the device may further include at least one optical detector, particularly at least one photodiode or at least one camera, arranged and configured to detect at least one of the first or second optical signals.

[0056] Generally, the device can be configured to inspect a single aerosol-generating article. Alternatively or additionally, the device can be configured to inspect multiple (especially a group of) aerosol-generating articles. Therefore, the device may include multiple first sensors, second sensors, circuitry, first optical indicators, and second optical indicators, particularly one of each for each article to be inspected. Preferably, at least two of the first sensor, second sensor, circuitry, first optical indicator, and second optical indicator may each form an inspection unit for inspecting one of the articles. The device may also include a single sensor or a single first sensor and a single second sensor to globally inspect the presence or absence of one or more receptors in multiple (especially a group of) aerosol-generating articles. Specifically, the single sensor or the single first sensor and a single second sensor can be configured to globally detect the number of receptors present in multiple (especially a group of) aerosol-generating articles, or conversely, the number of receptors absent in multiple (especially a group of) aerosol-generating articles, or the number of receptors present and absent in multiple (especially a group of) aerosol-generating articles.

[0057] Other features and advantages of the magnetizer, the first optical indicator, the second optical indicator, and at least one optical detector have been described above with reference to the method according to the invention, and are equally applicable to the device described herein.

[0058] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising at least one aerosol-forming matrix that, upon heating, releases volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols. An aerosol-generating article may be referred to as a heated aerosol-generating article. That is, the at least one aerosol-forming matrix included in the article is intended to be heated rather than burned in order to release volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols. Aerosol-generating articles can be consumables, particularly consumer products intended for single use. For example, the article may be a cylinder comprising a liquid aerosol-forming matrix to be heated. Alternatively, the article may be a rod-shaped article, particularly a tobacco article.

[0059] According to the invention, the article further includes a sensor positioned in thermal proximity or thermal contact with the aerosol-forming matrix. In use, the sensor can be inductively heated by an alternating magnetic field until a temperature sufficient to evaporate the components of the aerosol-forming matrix capable of forming inhalable aerosols. For example, the article can be configured to be received within the cavity of an aerosol-generating apparatus. There, an inductive heating arrangement of the apparatus can generate an alternating magnetic field used to inductively heat the sensor.

[0060] As used herein, the term "receptor" refers to a component capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This can be a result of at least one of hysteresis loss and eddy currents induced in the receptor, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the receptor material. In ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic receptors, hysteresis loss occurs due to the switching of magnetic domains within the material under the influence of an alternating electromagnetic field. If the receptor is conductive, eddy currents can be induced. In the case of conductive ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic receptors, heat can be generated due to both eddy currents and hysteresis loss. Therefore, the inherent characteristic of a receptor is at least one of conductivity or magnetism. Thus, the receptor according to the invention can be at least one of conductivity or magnetism. As used herein, the term "magnetic receptor" refers to a receptor that is ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic. Ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials are inherently characterized by being magnetized by an external magnetic field and retaining magnetization after the removal of the external magnetic field. Therefore, as used herein, the term "magnetized receptor" refers to a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic receptor that is magnetized by an external magnetic field and retains magnetization after the removal of the external magnetic field.

[0061] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming matrix" refers to a matrix formed by or containing an aerosol-forming material that, upon heating, releases volatile compounds to generate aerosols. The aerosol-forming matrix is ​​intended to be heated, rather than burned, to release the volatile compounds that form the aerosols. The aerosol-forming matrix can be a solid aerosol-forming matrix, a liquid aerosol-forming matrix, a gel-like aerosol-forming matrix, or any combination thereof. That is, the aerosol-forming matrix may include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming matrix may include tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the matrix upon heating. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming matrix may include non-tobacco materials. The aerosol-forming matrix may also include aerosol-forming agents. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming agents are glycerol and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming matrix may also include other additives and ingredients, such as nicotine or flavorings. The aerosol forming matrix can also be a paste-like material, including porous material pouches of the aerosol forming matrix, or loose tobacco mixed with a gelling agent or adhesive, which may include common aerosol forming agents such as glycerol and is compressed or molded into rods.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Example Ex1: A method for checking the presence of a sensor in an inductively heatable aerosol-generating article, the sensor being provided for inductively heating an aerosol-forming matrix included in the article, wherein the method includes the step of detecting the presence or absence of the sensor using at least one sensor, the at least one sensor being responsive to the sensor being at least one of being conductive, magnetic, or magnetized.

[0064] Example Ex2: According to the method of Example Ex1, the at least one sensor includes at least one of a reed switch, a Hall effect sensor, an induction coil, an induction circuit, an LC resonator circuit including an inductor and a capacitor, a giant magnetoresistive sensor, or an anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor.

[0065] Example Ex3: According to the method of any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one sensor is a non-optical sensor.

[0066] Example Ex4: According to any of the preceding examples, the step of detecting the presence or absence of a sensor using the at least one sensor includes comparing a signal generated by the sensor with a corresponding reference signal.

[0067] Example Ex5: According to the method of Example Ex4, the reference signal is one of a reference value, a reference range, a reference threshold, or a reference distribution curve, each of which is predetermined to indicate the presence of a receptor.

[0068] Example Ex6: The method according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the method further includes the step of generating an optical signal when at least one of the presence or absence of a receptor is detected.

[0069] Example Ex7: According to the method of Example Ex6, the method further includes the step of detecting the optical signal using one or more optical detectors.

[0070] Example Ex8: The method according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the method further includes the step of magnetizing the receptor before detecting the presence of the receptor using the at least one sensor.

[0071] Example Ex9: A method for checking whether a desired article alignment exists at a specific article location in an article manufacturing apparatus for an elongated, inductively heatable aerosol-forming article, the sensor being provided for inductively heating an aerosol-forming matrix included in the article, wherein the arrangement of the sensor at or within the article is asymmetrical relative to the length axis of the article, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0072] - A first sensor is used to detect the presence or absence of a sensor at a first test site at the article position, wherein the first sensor is responsive to at least one of the sensor being conductive, magnetic, or magnetized, and is responsive to the presence of the sensor at the first test site, wherein the first test site is selected such that the presence of the sensor at the first test site indicates the presence of a desired article alignment at the article position.

[0073] - Determine the presence of the desired article alignment at the article location if the presence of a receptor at the first test site is detected.

[0074] Example Ex10: According to the method of Example Ex9, wherein the first sensor is configured to respond only to the presence of the receptor at the first test site.

[0075] Example Ex11: According to the method of any one of Examples Ex9 or Ex10, wherein the first sensor has a spatially limited detection range, and in particular a spatially limited detection volume.

[0076] Example Ex12: According to the method of Example Ex11, the first sensor has a spatially limited detection range of at least 4 cm, especially at least 2 cm, preferably at least 1 cm, as measured from the first sensor.

[0077] Example Ex13: According to the method of Example Ex11, the first sensor has a spatially limited detection volume of at least 64 cubic centimeters, especially at least 8 cubic centimeters, preferably at least 1 cubic centimeter.

[0078] Example Ex14: The method according to any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex13, wherein the first sensor comprises at least one of a reed switch, a Hall effect sensor, an induction coil, an induction circuit, an LC resonator circuit including an inductor and a capacitor, a giant magnetoresistive sensor, or an anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor.

[0079] Example Ex15: The method according to any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex14, wherein the first sensor is a non-optical sensor.

[0080] Example Ex16: The method according to any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex15, wherein the step of detecting the presence or absence of a receptor at the first test site using the first sensor includes comparing a first signal generated by the first sensor with a corresponding first reference signal.

[0081] Example Ex17: The method according to any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex16, wherein the first reference signal is one of a first reference value, a first reference range, a first reference threshold, or a first reference distribution curve, each of the first reference value, the first reference range, the first reference threshold, or the first reference distribution curve being predetermined to indicate the presence of a receptor at the first test site.

[0082] Example Ex18: The method according to any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex17, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0083] - A second sensor is used to detect the presence or absence of a sensor at a second test site at the article position, wherein the second sensor responds to at least one of the sensor being conductive, magnetic, or magnetized, and responds to the presence of the sensor at the second test site, wherein the second test site is selected such that the presence of the sensor at the second test site indicates the presence at the article position of an opposite article alignment whose longitudinal extension is 180 degrees opposite to the desired article alignment; and

[0084] - If the presence of a receptor at the second test site is detected, the presence of the opposite article alignment at the article position is determined; otherwise, if no receptor is detected at the first test site and the second test site, it is determined that there is no article at the article position or no receptor is present at or in the article.

[0085] Example Ex19: According to the method of Example Ex18, wherein at the article position, a first test site, in particular a first test sensor, is located around one end or end portion of the elongated article, and a second test site, in particular a second sensor, is located around the other end or end portion of the elongated article.

[0086] Example Ex20: The method according to any one of Examples Ex18 or Ex19, wherein the steps of detecting the presence or absence of a receptor at the first test site and the steps of detecting the presence or absence of a receptor at the second test site are performed simultaneously.

[0087] Example Ex21: The method according to any one of Examples Ex18 to Ex20, wherein the second sensor comprises at least one of a reed switch, a Hall effect sensor, an induction coil, an induction circuit, an LC resonator circuit including an inductor and a capacitor, a giant magnetoresistive sensor, or an anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor.

[0088] Example Ex22: The method according to any one of Examples Ex18 to Ex21, wherein the second sensor is a non-optical sensor.

[0089] Example Ex23: The method according to any one of Examples Ex18 to Ex22, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor have the same type.

[0090] Example Ex24: The method of any one of Examples Ex18 to Ex23, wherein the second sensor is configured to respond only to the presence of the sensor at the second test site.

[0091] Example Ex25: The method according to any one of Examples Ex18 to Ex24, wherein the second sensor has a spatially limited detection range, and in particular a spatially limited detection volume.

[0092] Example Ex26: According to the method of Example Ex25, the second sensor has a spatially limited detection range of at least 4 cm, especially at least 2 cm, preferably at least 1 cm, as measured from the first sensor.

[0093] Example Ex27: According to the method of Example Ex25, the second sensor has a spatially limited detection volume of at least 64 cubic centimeters, especially at least 8 cubic centimeters, preferably at least 1 cubic centimeter.

[0094] Example Ex28: The method according to any one of Examples Ex18 to Ex27, wherein the step of detecting the presence or absence of a receptor at the second test site using the second sensor includes comparing a second signal generated by the second sensor with a corresponding second reference signal, and / or wherein the step of detecting the presence or absence of a receptor at the first test site and the second test site using the first sensor and the second sensor respectively may include comparing a first signal generated by the first sensor with a second signal generated by the second sensor.

[0095] Example Ex29: According to the method of Example Ex28, the second reference signal is one of a second reference value, a second reference range, a second reference threshold, or a second distribution curve, each of which is predetermined to indicate the presence of a receptor at the second test site.

[0096] Example Ex30: The method according to any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex29, wherein the method further includes the step of generating a first optical signal when at least one of detecting the presence of a receptor at the first test site or the absence of a receptor at the first test site is detected.

[0097] Example Ex31: The method according to any one of Examples Ex18 to Ex29, wherein the method further includes the step of generating a second optical signal when at least one of detecting the presence of a receptor at the second test site or the absence of a receptor at the second test site is detected.

[0098] Example Ex32: A method according to any one of Examples Ex30 or Ex31, wherein the method further includes the step of detecting the first optical signal and (if implemented) the second optical signal using one or more optical detectors.

[0099] Example Ex33: A method according to any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex32, wherein the method further includes, before the step of detecting the presence or absence of the receptor at the first test site using the first sensor, and (if implemented) before the step of detecting the presence or absence of the receptor at the second test site using the second sensor, a step of magnetizing the receptor.

[0100] Example Ex34: According to the method of any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex33, the specific article location in the article manufacturing equipment is one of the following: a recess of a conveyor device, or a packaging device, or a slot of a conveyor device, or a carrier of a conveyor device.

[0101] Example Ex35: An apparatus for checking the presence of desired article alignment at a specific article location in an article manufacturing apparatus for an elongated, inductively heatable aerosol-generating article, particularly for performing a method according to any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex34, wherein the sensor is provided for inductively heating an aerosol-forming matrix included in the article, wherein the arrangement of the sensor at or in the article is asymmetrical with respect to the length axis of the article, the apparatus including a first sensor arranged and configured to detect the presence or absence of the sensor at a first test site at the article location, wherein the presence of the sensor at the first test site indicates the presence of desired article alignment at the article location, wherein the first sensor is responsive to the sensor being at least one of conductive, magnetic, or magnetized, and responsive to the presence of the sensor at the first test site.

[0102] Example Ex36: The device according to Example Ex35 further includes a second sensor arranged and configured to detect the presence or absence of a sensor at a second test site at the article location, wherein the presence of the sensor at the second test site indicates the presence at the article location of an opposite article alignment whose longitudinal extension is 180 degrees opposite to the desired article alignment, wherein the second sensor is responsive to at least one of the sensor being conductive, magnetic, or magnetized, and is responsive to the presence of the sensor at the second test site.

[0103] Example Ex37: The device according to any one of Examples Ex35 or Ex36 further includes circuitry operatively connected to the first sensor and configured to determine the presence of a desired article alignment at the article location in response to the first sensor detecting the presence of a sensor at the first test site.

[0104] Example Ex38: The device according to Example Ex37, wherein the circuitry is operatively connected to the second sensor and configured to determine the presence of an opposite article alignment at the article location in response to the second sensor detecting the presence of a sensor at the second test site, otherwise determining that there is no article at the article location or no sensor at or in the article in response to the first sensor and the second sensor detecting the absence of a sensor at the first test site and the second test site.

[0105] Example Ex39: A device according to any one of Examples Ex35 to Ex38, wherein the first sensor is configured to respond only to the presence of the sensor at the first test site.

[0106] Example Ex40: A device according to any one of Examples Ex34 to Ex39, wherein the first sensor has a spatially limited detection range, and in particular a spatially limited detection volume.

[0107] Example Ex41: According to the device of Example Ex40, the first sensor has a spatially limited detection range of at least 4 cm, especially at least 2 cm, preferably at least 1 cm, as measured from the first sensor.

[0108] Example Ex42: According to the device of Example Ex40, the first sensor has a spatially limited detection volume of at least 64 cubic centimeters, especially at least 8 cubic centimeters, preferably at least 1 cubic centimeter.

[0109] Example Ex43: A device according to any one of Examples Ex35 to Ex42, wherein the first sensor comprises at least one of a reed switch, a Hall effect sensor, an induction coil, an induction circuit, an LC resonator circuit including an inductor and a capacitor, a giant magnetoresistive sensor, or an anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor.

[0110] Example Ex44: A device according to any one of Examples Ex35 to Ex43, wherein the first sensor is a non-optical sensor.

[0111] Example Ex45: A device according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex44, wherein the second sensor is configured to respond only to the presence of the sensor at the second test site.

[0112] Example Ex46: A device according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex45, wherein the second sensor has a spatially limited detection range, and in particular a spatially limited detection volume.

[0113] Example Ex47: According to the device of Example Ex46, the second sensor has a spatially limited detection range of at least 4 cm, especially at least 2 cm, preferably at least 1 cm, as measured from the first sensor.

[0114] Example Ex48: According to the device of Example Ex46, the second sensor has a spatially limited detection volume of at least 64 cubic centimeters, especially at least 8 cubic centimeters, preferably at least 1 cubic centimeter.

[0115] Example Ex49: A device according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex48, wherein the second sensor comprises at least one of a reed switch, a Hall effect sensor, an induction coil, an induction circuit, an LC resonator circuit including an inductor and a capacitor, a giant magnetoresistive sensor, or an anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor.

[0116] Example Ex50: A device according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex49, wherein the second sensor is a non-optical sensor.

[0117] Example Ex51: A device according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex50, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor have the same sensor type.

[0118] Example Ex52: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex35 to Ex51 further includes a magnetizer, in particular a permanent magnet or electromagnet, arranged and configured to magnetize the sensor of the article.

[0119] Example Ex53: The device according to any one of Examples Ex35 to Ex52 further includes a first optical indicator, in particular a first light-emitting diode, the first optical indicator being operatively connected to the first sensor or the circuit, and configured to provide a first optical signal in response to the first sensor detecting the presence of a receptor at the first test site or in response to the circuit determining the presence of the desired article alignment at the article position.

[0120] Example Ex54: The device according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex53 further includes a second optical indicator, in particular a second light-emitting diode, the second optical indicator being operatively connected to the second sensor or the circuit, and configured to provide a second optical signal in response to the second sensor detecting the presence of a receptor at the second test site or in response to the circuit determining the presence of the opposite article alignment at the article position.

[0121] Example Ex55: The device according to any one of Examples Ex53 or Ex54 further includes at least one optical detector, in particular at least one photodiode or at least one camera, arranged and configured to detect at least one of the first optical signal or the second optical signal. Attached Figure Description

[0122] Some examples will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0123] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the inspection method according to the first aspect of the present invention is illustrated schematically;

[0124] Figure 2-4 A first embodiment of the inspection apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is schematically shown; and

[0125] Figure 5-8 A second embodiment of the inspection device according to the third aspect of the present invention is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0126] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the method according to a first aspect of the invention is schematically illustrated. This method allows for checking the presence of a sensor 21 in an aerosol-generating article 1. As further described, such articles 1 are generally known from the prior art. Typically, they comprise an aerosol-forming matrix 22 and an inductively heatable sensor 21 arranged in thermal proximity to or in direct contact with the matrix 22. In use, the article 1 is received in a cavity of an aerosol-generating apparatus (not shown), wherein the sensor 21 is exposed to an alternating magnetic field. Depending on the magnetic and electrical properties of the sensor 21, the field induces at least one of eddy currents or hysteresis losses in the sensor 21, which causes the sensor 21 to heat up until it reaches a temperature sufficient to form an aerosol from the matrix 22.

[0127] In this embodiment, the elongated article 1 is essentially rod-shaped. For example... Figure 1 As can be seen, the article 1 comprises five elements arranged one after another coaxially aligned along the length axis 4 of the article 1: a first support element 10, a matrix element 20, a second support element 30, an aerosol cooling element 40, and a mouthpiece element 50. The first support element 10 is located at the distal end 2 of the article 1, while the mouthpiece element 50 is located at the proximal end 3 of the article 1. All five elements 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 are cylindrical elements with substantially the same diameter to form a cylindrical rod. The element assembly is defined by an outer packaging 60 made of cigarette paper, which holds the elements 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 together. The outer packaging 60 may wrap around the aforementioned elements such that the free ends of the packaging 60 overlap each other. The packaging 60 may further include an adhesive for adhering the overlapping free ends of the packaging to each other.

[0128] The matrix element 20 includes an aerosol-forming matrix 22 to be heated. For example, the aerosol-forming matrix 22 may include a rolled sheet of homogenized tobacco material, which includes glycerol as an aerosol-forming agent. Within the matrix 22, the matrix element further includes a receptor 21 in direct contact with the matrix 22. In this embodiment, the receptor 21 includes a metal strip made of ferromagnetic stainless steel embedded in the aerosol-forming matrix 22.

[0129] Since the aerosol forming matrix 22 surrounds the sensor 21 and since the first support element 10 and the second support element 30 cover the axial end face of the cylindrical matrix element 20, the sensor 21 is not visible from the outside of the article 1 by optical inspection only.

[0130] According to the present invention, it is proposed to use at least one sensor 110 that responds to the inherent electrical and magnetic properties of the sensor 21 to detect the presence or absence of the sensor 21 in the article 1, that is, the sensor responds to at least one of the properties of the sensor 21 being conductive or magnetic, and if it is magnetic and exposed to an external magnetic field, the property is magnetized. As described above, the sensor 21 of this embodiment is made of ferromagnetic stainless steel. Therefore, the sensor 21 is both conductive and magnetic. In addition, the sensor 21 of this embodiment has been exposed to an external magnetic field before inspection. Therefore, since the sensor material is ferromagnetic, the sensor 21 is also magnetized, and thus, as in Figure 1 The magnetic field lines 25 in the image are surrounded by a static magnetic field. In contrast, the aerosol forming matrix 22 and other components of the article are neither electrically conductive nor highly magnetically permeable. Therefore, the magnetic field lines 25 can easily penetrate other parts of the article 1 and enter the outer periphery of the article 1. Thus, the magnetic field can be advantageously used to detect the presence of the receptor 21 in the article 1 from the outside of the article 1 (even if the receptor 21 is not visible).

[0131] Generally, several sensor types can be used to detect the presence of a magnetic field. In this embodiment, sensor 110 includes a reed switch 111 arranged adjacent to the matrix element 20 of article 1 so as to be penetrated by the magnetic field lines 25 of the magnetized sensor 21. The reed switch 111 includes a pair of magnetizable and flexible metal contacts 112 encapsulated in an hermetically sealed sleeve 113. The contacts 112 are normally open and close when a magnetic field is present.

[0132] As from Figure 1 Furthermore, the reed switch 111 is operatively connected to circuit 150, which includes a light-emitting diode (LED) 160 and a power supply 170. Therefore, when the magnetized sensor 21 is brought close to the reed switch 111, or vice versa, when the reed switch 111 is brought close to the sensor 21, the reed switch 111 closes, thereby causing a current to flow through circuit 150, which in turn causes the LED 160 to emit a light signal. In contrast, when the sensor is absent in article 1, the reed switch 111 opens and the LED 160 turns off, thus indicating the absence of a sensor in article 1.

[0133] The general concept of the present invention for detecting the presence of receptors in aerosol-generated articles can also be used to check whether there is desired article alignment at a specific article location in an article manufacturing device.

[0134] Regarding this point, Figure 2-4 The image shows a conveyor device, or so-called recess 208, which can be used, for example, in an article manufacturing apparatus, to pre-arrange a set of aerosol-generated articles 1 before insertion into a package. Generally, it is desired that all articles 1 have the same longitudinal alignment in the package. This requires that the articles 1 are already correctly aligned in the recess 208 such that the distal ends 2 of all articles point in the same direction. This situation is... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. Before inserting article 1 into the packaging, it is desirable to identify any article 1 with opposite article alignment. This situation is... Figure 4 As shown, one of the articles 1 (the second article from the left) has a distal end 2 that points in the opposite direction compared to the other articles 1. That is, the longitudinal extension of this article 1 is 180 degrees opposite to that of the other articles 1.

[0135] According to the present invention, the asymmetrical arrangement of the sensor 21 extending relative to the length of the article 1 is utilized to check whether the article 1 has the desired longitudinal alignment.

[0136] like Figure 2 As shown, the recess 208 is provided with an inspection device 200, the inspection device including components for use with... Figure 1 Multiple first sensors 210 are configured in the same manner as the sensor 110 shown. That is, the first sensor 210 responds to a permanent magnetic field induced by a magnetizing sensor. Specifically, each of the first sensors 210 may include a reed switch as described above.

[0137] Each of the first sensors 210 is associated with a specific location 205 of the article 201 to be received in the recess 208. Specifically, each of the first sensors 210 is arranged at a corresponding first test portion 201 at the associated article location 205. Each first test portion 201 is located around a position where the matrix element and sensor 21 of the corresponding article 1 should be positioned when the article 1 is arranged according to the desired article alignment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first sensors 210 are arranged close to the location where the distal portion of the corresponding article 1 should be located.

[0138] Therefore, when an article 1, including a previously magnetized sensor 21, is arranged according to the desired article alignment, the corresponding first sensor 210 detects the presence of the sensor 21 due to the presence of the magnetic field adjacent to the corresponding first sensor 210. In contrast, when the articles are in the opposite article alignment (see...), Figure 4 When the second product from the left in the middle is 1), since the magnetic field of the adjacent first sensor 210 is missing, there is no corresponding response from the first sensor 210.

[0139] However, when only one sensor is used at each article location, this situation may be indistinguishable from situations where article 1 does not include a sensor at all or where an article is missing at the corresponding article location 205. To uniquely distinguish these situations, the inspection device 200 may further include multiple second sensors 220, such as... Figure 5 As shown. Each of the second sensors 220 is arranged at a corresponding second test portion 202 at the associated article position 205, close to the position where the proximal portion of article 1 should be located when the article is arranged in the recess 208 according to the desired article alignment, or conversely, close to the position where the distal portion of article 1 should be located when article 1 is arranged in the recess 208 according to the opposite article alignment. Therefore, when article 1, including the previously magnetized sensor 21, is accidentally placed in such a position as Figure 6 The opposite article alignment arrangement shown (see) Figure 6 When the second article (1) is in the leftmost position, the magnetic field of the magnetized sensor 21 approaches the associated second test site 202, which causes the second sensor 220 to respond to the magnetic field. Therefore, the second sensor 220 detects the presence of the sensor at the second test site 220, which in turn indicates the presence of the opposite article alignment.

[0140] However, as Figure 7 As shown, the in-process does not include receptor 21 (see [reference]). Figure 7 If the second-to-left article 1 is selected, then each of the corresponding first sensor 210 and the corresponding second sensor 220 detects the absence of a sensor at the first test site 201 and the second test site 202, respectively. When placed together, this result indicates that there are generally no sensors in article 1, regardless of whether article 1 is arranged to correspond to a desired article alignment or a reverse article alignment. Similarly, as Figure 8 As shown, this result indicates that the article is missing at position 25 of the corresponding article (see [reference]). Figure 8 The second product from the left (position 25).

[0141] Figure 2-4 Each of the first sensors 210 in the illustrated embodiment, and Figure 5-8 Each of the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 in the illustrated embodiment is operatively coupled to a Figure 1 The circuit shown in circuit 160 is a similar corresponding circuit.

[0142] refer to Figure 2-4 In the embodiments shown, each circuit may include a power supply 270 and a light-emitting diode 260 (as an optical indicator) that generates an optical signal in response to the first sensor 210 detecting the presence of a sensor 21 at the first test site 201.

[0143] Similarly, refer to Figure 5-8In the embodiments shown, each circuit may include a power supply 270 and a first light-emitting diode 261 (as a first optical indicator), which generates a first signal in response to a first sensor 210 detecting the presence of a receptor 21 at a first test site 201. Additionally, each circuit may include a second light-emitting diode 262 (as a first optical indicator), which generates a second signal in response to a corresponding second sensor 220 detecting the presence of a receptor 21 at a corresponding second test site 202.

[0144] The corresponding circuitry, particularly the corresponding power supply 270, LEDs 260, 261, 262, and corresponding sensors 210, 220, can be integrated into the recess 208. More specifically, the corresponding power supply 270, the corresponding LEDs 260, 261, 262, and the corresponding sensors 210, 220 associated with a specific product position 25 can form an inspection unit of the inspection device 200. Preferably, each inspection unit is independent of inspection units for other product positions within the recess 20. Preferably, each inspection unit is powered by a single power supply. This is particularly applicable to [the following is incomplete and requires further context: "According to..."] Figure 5-8 The inspection device 200 includes two sensors 210, 220 and two light-emitting diodes 261, 262 for each article position 25. Preferably, the two sensors 210, 220 and the two light-emitting diodes 261, 262 are powered together by a common power supply 270 associated with the corresponding article position 25.

[0145] As described above, LEDs 260, 261, and 262 convert the responses of the corresponding first sensor 210 and second sensor 220 into first optical signals and second optical signals, respectively indicating the presence or absence of the sensor 21 at the first test site 201 and the second test site 202. Each set of first and second optical signals together indicates the presence or absence of the desired article alignment. That is, when the first LED 261 is turned on and the second LED 262 is turned off, the corresponding article 1 is aligned according to the desired article alignment (see example...). Figure 3 or Figure 6 The left-hand component 1 is aligned accordingly. Conversely, when the first LED 261 is off and the second LED 262 is on, the corresponding component 1 is aligned according to the opposite component (see [reference]). Figure 6 The second product from the left in the middle is aligned. Finally, when both the first light-emitting diode 261 and the second light-emitting diode 262 are turned off, the corresponding product 1 does not include a sensor at all (see...). Figure 7 The second product from the left in the middle), or the corresponding product position 25, is missing a product (see [reference]). Figure 8(The second product position from the left in the image is 25). Advantageously, the generation of the first and second optical signals allows for the easy implementation of inspection equipment and methods into existing manufacturing equipment that already includes an optical inspection system.

[0146] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise stated, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or not listed herein. Thus, in this context, the figure A shall be understood as ±5% of A.

Claims

1. A method of checking for a presence of a desired product alignment of an elongated, inductively heatable aerosol-generating article at a specific product location in an article manufacturing apparatus, a susceptor being provided for inductively heating aerosol-forming substrate comprised in the article, wherein an arrangement of the susceptor fully embedded in the article is non-symmetrical with respect to a length axis of the article, wherein the method comprises the steps of: - detecting a presence or absence of a susceptor at a first test site of the product location using a first sensor, wherein the first sensor is responsive to the susceptor being at least one of electrically conductive, magnetic or magnetized, and to a presence of the susceptor at the first test site, wherein the first test site is chosen such that a presence of the susceptor at the first test site is indicative of a presence of the desired product alignment at the product location; and - determining a presence of the desired product alignment at the product location in case a presence of a susceptor at the first test site is detected.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises the steps of: - detecting a presence or absence of a susceptor at a second test site of the product location using a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is responsive to the susceptor being at least one of electrically conductive, magnetic or magnetized, and to a presence of the susceptor at the second test site, wherein the second test site is chosen such that a presence of the susceptor at the second test site is indicative of a presence of an opposite product alignment at the product location, whose longitudinal extension is reversed by 180 degrees from the desired product alignment; and - determining a presence of the opposite product alignment at the product location in case a presence of a susceptor at the second test site is detected, or else determining an absence of a product at the product location or an absence of a susceptor at or in the product in case an absence of a susceptor at the first test site and at the second test site is detected.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of generating a first optical signal when a presence of the desired product alignment is determined.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of generating a second optical signal when a presence of the opposite product alignment is determined.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of detecting at least one of the first optical signal and the second optical signal using one or more optical detectors.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the specific product location in the article manufacturing apparatus is one of: a pocket of a conveyor device, or a packaging device, or a slot of a conveyor device, or a carrier of a conveyor device.

7. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of detecting a presence or absence of a susceptor at the first test site and the step of detecting a presence or absence of a susceptor at the second test site are performed simultaneously.

8. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of magnetizing the susceptor prior to detecting the presence of the susceptor at the first test site, and if achieved, prior to detecting the presence of the susceptor at the second test site.

9. Apparatus for checking the presence of a desired product alignment of an elongated, inductively heatable aerosol-generating article at a specific article location in an article manufacturing equipment, for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a susceptor of the article being provided for inductively heating an aerosol-forming substrate comprised in the article, wherein the arrangement of the susceptor fully embedded in the article is non-symmetrical with respect to a length axis of the article, the apparatus comprising: a first sensor arranged and configured to detect the presence or absence of a susceptor at a first test site of the article location, wherein the presence of a susceptor at the first test site is indicative of the presence of the desired product alignment at the article location, wherein the first sensor is responsive to the susceptor being at least one of electrically conductive, magnetic or magnetized, and to the presence of the susceptor at the first test site.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a second sensor arranged and configured to detect the presence or absence of a susceptor at a second test site of the article location, wherein the presence of the susceptor at the second test site is indicative of the presence of an opposite product alignment at the article location, whose longitudinal extension is reversed by 180 degrees from the desired product alignment, wherein the second sensor is responsive to the susceptor being at least one of electrically conductive, magnetic or magnetized, and to the presence of the susceptor at the second test site.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a circuitry operably connected to the first sensor and configured to determine the presence of the desired product alignment at the article location in response to the first sensor detecting the presence of a susceptor at the first test site.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the circuitry is operably connected to the second sensor and configured to determine the presence of the opposite product alignment at the article location in response to the second sensor detecting the presence of a susceptor at the second test site, or else to determine the absence of the article at the article location or the absence of a susceptor at or in the article in response to the first sensor and the second sensor detecting the absence of a susceptor at the first test site and the second test site.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first sensor or the second sensor comprises one of a reed switch, a Hall effect sensor, an inductive coil, an inductive loop, an LC resonator circuit comprising an inductor and a capacitor, a giant magnetoresistance based sensor or an anisotropic magnetoresistance based sensor.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a magnetizer arranged and configured to magnetize susceptors of the article.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, The magnetizer is a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising at least one of: - a first optical indicator operably connected to the first sensor or the circuit and configured to provide a first optical signal in response to the first sensor detecting a presence of a susceptor at the first test site or in response to the circuit determining a presence of the desired article alignment at the article location; and - a second optical indicator operably connected to the second sensor or the circuit and configured to provide a second optical signal in response to the second sensor detecting a presence of a susceptor at the second test site or in response to the circuit determining a presence of the opposite article alignment at the article location.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein: the first optical indicator is a first light emitting diode and the second optical indicator is a second light emitting diode.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising at least one optical detector arranged and configured to detect at least one of the first optical signal or the second optical signal.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, the at least one optical detector is at least one photodiode or at least one camera.

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