Device for heating smokable material

Abstract

A heating element (10, 20, 30, 40) for use with an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material is disclosed. The heating element (10, 20, 30, 40) is formed from a heating material that can be heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field. The first and second portions (10a, 10b, 20a, 20b, 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b) of the heating element (10, 20, 30, 40) have different respective thermal masses. Also disclosed is an apparatus (100, 200) for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of smokable material, the apparatus (100, 200) comprising such a heating element (30, 40). Also disclosed is an article (1, 2) for use with an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of smokable material, wherein the article (1, 2) comprises such a heating element (10, 20).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Invention Application No. 201780040300.4, filed on June 27, 2017, entitled "Apparatus for Heating Suctionible Material". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for heating a pumpable material to volatilize at least one component of the pumpable material, to a heating element for use with such an apparatus, to an article for use with such an apparatus, to a system comprising such an apparatus and such an article, and to a method for heating a pumpable material to volatilize at least one component of the pumpable material. Background Technology

[0003] Smoked products such as cigarettes and cigars produce tobacco smoke by igniting tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these products by producing products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are so-called "heat-noncombustible" products or tobacco heating devices or products that release compounds by heating the material without igniting it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first aspect of the invention provides a heating element for use with an apparatus for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize, the heating element being formed of a heating material that can be heated by penetrating with a varying magnetic field, wherein a first portion and a second portion of the heating element have different respective thermal masses.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the thermal mass of the heating element varies with the distance along the heating element.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the thermal mass of the heating element varies over at least a majority of the length of the heating element.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the thermal mass of the heating element decreases continuously with the distance along the heating element.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the thermal mass of the heating element decreases linearly with the distance along the heating element.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the first part of the heating element has a different density than the second part of the heating element, resulting in the first part and the second part of the heating element having different respective thermal masses.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the first part of the heating element has a different thickness than the second part of the heating element, resulting in the first part and the second part of the heating element having different respective thermal masses.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the first part of the heating element has a different material composition than the second part of the heating element, resulting in the first part and the second part of the heating element having different respective thermal masses.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the material composition of the heating material in the first part of the heating element is the same as that of the heating material in the second part of the heating element.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the material composition of the heating material is homogeneous throughout the heating element.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the density of the first portion of the heating element is the same as the density of the second portion of the heating element.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the density of the heating element is homogeneous throughout the heating element.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-section of the first portion of the heating element is identical in shape and size to the cross-section of the second portion of the heating element.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: conductive materials, magnetic materials, and magnetically conductive materials.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes a metal or a metal alloy.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze.

[0020] A second aspect of the invention provides an article for use with an apparatus for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize, the article comprising a heating element formed of a heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, and the pumpable material being in thermal contact with the heating element during use, wherein a first portion and a second portion of the heating element have different respective thermal masses.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the suctionable material comes into contact with the surface of the heating element.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the smokeable material includes tobacco and / or one or more wetting agents.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the aspirable material is non-liquid.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element of the article of the second aspect is the heating element of the first aspect. The heating element of the article of the second aspect may have any one or more of the features discussed above as presented in the corresponding exemplary embodiment of the heating element of the first aspect.

[0025] A third aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field; and a heating element formed of a heating material that can be heated by penetrating the varying magnetic field, wherein a first portion and a second portion of the heating element have different respective thermal masses.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the device includes a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising a suctionable material, and a heating element extends into the heating zone.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the device includes a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising a suctionable material, and a heating element extends at least partially around the heating zone.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus is used to heat a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize without causing the pumpable material to burn.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element of the device of the third aspect is the heating element of the first aspect. The heating element of the device of the third aspect may have any one or more of the features discussed above as presented in the corresponding exemplary embodiment of the heating element of the first aspect.

[0030] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a system for heating a removable material to cause at least one component of the removable material to volatilize, the system comprising: an article comprising the removable material; an apparatus comprising a heating zone and a magnetic field generator, the heating zone being for receiving at least a portion of the article, the magnetic field generator being for generating a varying magnetic field for heating the removable material when a portion of the article is in the heating zone; and a heating element formed of the heating material, the heating material being energized by penetration through the varying magnetic field when a portion of the article is in the heating zone, wherein a first portion and a second portion of the heating element have different respective thermal masses.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus of the system of the fourth aspect is the apparatus of the third aspect. The apparatus of the system of the fourth aspect may have any one or more of the features discussed above as presented in the corresponding exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the third aspect.

[0032] A fifth aspect of the invention provides a method for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize, the method comprising: providing a heating element formed of a heating material, the heating material being heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, wherein a first portion and a second portion of the heating element have different respective thermal masses; providing a pumpable material in thermal contact with the heating element; and penetrating the heating material with a varying magnetic field such that the penetration causes gradual heating of the heating element, and thereby causes gradual heating of the pumpable material.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element is the heating element of the first aspect. The heating element may have any one or more of the features discussed above as presented in the corresponding exemplary embodiment of the heating element of the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a heating element used with a device for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize; Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of another heating element used with a device for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize; Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an article used with a device for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize; Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of another article used with a device for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize; Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an apparatus for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize; Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of another device for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize; Figure 7 Showing includes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a device and a system comprising an article of suctionable material; Figure 8 Showing includes Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a device and another system including an article of suction material; and Figure 9A flowchart illustrating an example of a method for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0035] As used herein, the term "smoothable material" includes materials that typically provide volatile components upon heating, usually in the form of vapor or aerosol. "Smoothable materials" can be non-tobacco-containing or tobacco-containing materials. "Smoothable materials" can include, for example, one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, recycled tobacco, tobacco extracts, homogenized tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Smoothable materials can be in the form of ground tobacco, shredded tobacco, compressed tobacco, recycled tobacco, recycled smokeable materials, liquids, gels, gel sheets, powders, or agglomerates. "Smoothable materials" may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. "Smoothable materials" may include one or more wetting agents, such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0036] As used herein, the term "heating material" or "heater material" refers to a heatable material that can be penetrated by a varying magnetic field.

[0037] Induction heating is the process of heating a conductive object by penetrating it with a changing magnetic field. This process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may include an electromagnet and a device for passing a changing current (such as alternating current) through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are properly positioned relative to each other such that the combined changing magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. The object has resistance to the flow of current. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, the flow of these eddy currents against the object's resistance causes the object to be heated. This process is called Joule, Ohm, or resistance heating. Objects capable of being inductively heated are called inductors.

[0038] It has been found that when the sensor is in the form of a closed loop, the magnetic coupling between the sensor and the electromagnet in use is enhanced, which leads to greater or improved Joule heating.

[0039] Hysteresis heating is the process of heating an object made of magnetic material by penetrating it with a changing magnetic field. Magnetic materials can be considered to contain many atomic-level magnets or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the field. Therefore, when a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet, penetrates the magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the changing applied magnetic field. This reorientation of the magnetic dipoles causes heat to be generated in the magnetic material.

[0040] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, penetrating it with a changing magnetic field can induce Joule heating and hysteresis heating within the object. Furthermore, using magnetic materials can strengthen the magnetic field, which intensifies Joule heating.

[0041] In each of the above processes, because heat is generated within the object itself, rather than through heat conduction from an external heat source, rapid temperature rise and more uniform heat distribution can be achieved, especially by selecting appropriate object materials and geometries, as well as suitable varying magnetic field magnitude and orientation relative to the object. Furthermore, since induction heating and hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection between the varying magnetic field source and the object, greater design freedom and control over the heating profile are possible, and costs can be lower.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of an example heating element according to an embodiment of the present invention. The heating element 10 is intended for use with a device for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize.

[0043] The heating element 10 is formed of a heating material that can be heated by penetrating it with a changing magnetic field. Examples of such materials are discussed below.

[0044] The heating element 10 in this embodiment is elongated, having a length extending from a first end of the heating element 10 to an opposite second end. Furthermore, the heating element 10 has a cross-section perpendicular to its length, wherein the cross-section has a width and a depth. In this embodiment, the length is greater than the width, and the width is greater than the depth.

[0045] In this embodiment, the heating element 10 has a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to its length. The depth or thickness of the heating element 10 is relatively small compared to its other dimensions. Therefore, a larger proportion of the heating element 10 can be heated by a given varying magnetic field compared to heating elements 10 with a relatively large depth or thickness compared to their other dimensions. This results in more efficient use of material, which in turn reduces costs. However, in other embodiments, the heating element 10 may have a cross-section of a shape other than rectangular (such as circular, elliptical, annular, star-shaped, polygonal, square, triangular, X-shaped, or T-shaped). In this embodiment, the cross-section of the first portion 10a of the heating element 10 is identical in shape and size to the cross-section of the second portion 10b of the heating element 10. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cross-section of the heating element 10 is constant in shape and size along its length. Also, in this embodiment, the heating element 10 is planar, or substantially planar. The heating element 10 of this embodiment can be considered a flat strip. However, this is not the case in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the heating element may be non-planar, such as twisted, wavy, or having at least one curved main surface. In some embodiments, the heating element may be hollow or perforated.

[0046] The thermal mass of a substance is proportional to its mass (weight) multiplied by its heat capacity (the substance's ability to store thermal energy). Different parts of a substance can have different thermal masses only when their weight or density differs and / or only when their heat capacities differ.

[0047] The first portion 10a and the second portion 10b of the heating element 10 have different respective thermal masses. This allows the first portion 10a and the second portion 10b of the heating element 10 to heat at different respective rates when penetrated by a changing magnetic field. That is, when penetrated by a changing magnetic field, the first portion 10a of the heating element 10 can heat at a first rate, and when penetrated by a changing magnetic field, the second portion 10b of the heating element 10 can heat at a second rate, and the first rate is different from the second rate. This means that the heating element 10 can be gradually heated by penetrating with a given changing magnetic field, and therefore the heating element 10 can be used to gradually heat its surroundings.

[0048] In this embodiment, because the density of the first portion 10a of the heating element 10 is different from the density of the second portion 10b of the heating element 10, the first portion 10a and the second portion 10b of the heating element 10 have different respective thermal masses. In this embodiment, the first portion 10a of the heating element 10 has a greater density and therefore a greater thermal mass compared to the second portion 10b of the heating element 10. For example, the first portion 10a of the heating element 10 may be made of a first material, and the second portion 10b of the heating element 10 may be made of a second material, which is different from the first material and less dense than the first material. Alternatively or additionally, the first portion 10a and the second portion 10b of the heating element 10 may contain different levels or amounts of non-permeable additives. Thus, by penetrating with a given varying magnetic field, the second portion 10b of the heating element 10 can be heated at a greater rate than the first portion 10a of the heating element 10.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first portion 10a and the second portion 10b of the heating element 10 are located at opposite ends of the heating element 10. However, in other embodiments, one of the first portion 10a and the second portion 10b of the heating element 10 may be located between the other two portions 10a and 10b of the heating element 10. That is, in some embodiments, the heating element 10 may have a relatively denser portion between two relatively less dense portions, or it may have a relatively less dense portion between two relatively more dense portions.

[0050] In this embodiment, the thermal mass of the heating element 10 varies with the distance along its length. This is because the density of the heating element 10 changes accordingly with the distance along its length. Thus, during use, the heating element 10 gradually heats up along its length. In other embodiments, the thermal mass of the heating element may vary with the distance along a path other than the length of the heating element. For example, the thermal mass may vary with the distance in the direction of the width or thickness of the heating element.

[0051] Since the density of the heating element 10 varies correspondingly along its entire length, Figure 1 The thermal mass of the heating element 10 varies over its entire length. In other embodiments, the thermal mass may vary only over a large portion of the length of the heating element, or only over a portion of the length of the heating element. Furthermore, this can be achieved by appropriately selecting the density variation of the heating element along its length. Those skilled in the art will be able to easily determine the distance over which they wish the thermal mass to vary in order to provide the desired gradual heating profile in use. They will also be able to select an appropriate profile of how the density of the heating element varies along its length to provide that desired gradual heating profile.

[0052] In this embodiment, the thermal mass decreases continuously along the length of the heating element 10 from the first portion 10a to the second portion 10b. More specifically, in this embodiment, the thermal mass decreases linearly or substantially linearly along the length. This is because the density of the heating element 10 decreases linearly or substantially linearly along the length. Thus, in use, the heating element 10 is gradually heatable along its length at a constant or substantially constant rate. However, in other embodiments, the thermal mass may vary in addition to being continuous along the length of the heating element 10 from the first portion 10a to the second portion 10b. For example, the variation may be stepped or continuous over at least one segment and stepped over at least one other segment. Those skilled in the art will be able to easily determine how they wish the thermal mass to vary to provide the desired gradual heating profile in use. They will also be able to select an appropriate profile of how the density of the heating element varies along its length to provide that desired gradual heating profile.

[0053] Figure 1 The heating element 10 may be incorporated into a device for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize, or may be incorporated into an article comprising a pumpable material and intended for use with such a device. (See below for reference.) Figure 3 Examples of such products were discussed.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a heating element according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The heating element 20 is intended for use with a device for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize.

[0055] The heating element 20 is again formed of a heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, and again has a first portion 20a and a second portion 20b, which have different respective thermal masses. In this embodiment, however, the material composition of the heating material in the first portion 20a of the heating element 20, including the density of the heating material, is the same as that in the second portion 20b of the heating element 20. In fact, in this embodiment, the material composition of the heating material, including the density of the heating material, is homogeneous throughout the heating element 20. Because the thickness of the first portion 20a of the heating element 20 is different from the thickness of the second portion 20b of the heating element 20, the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b of the heating element 20 have different respective thermal masses.

[0056] More specifically, the heating element 20 in this embodiment is elongated, having a length extending from a first end of the heating element 20 to an opposite second end. The heating element 20 has a cross-section perpendicular to its length, wherein the cross-section has a width and a depth. The depth is the thickness of the heating element 20. In this embodiment, the length is greater than the width, and the width is greater than the depth. Moreover, in this embodiment, the width is constant along the length of the heating element 20, but the depth varies at different corresponding points along the length.

[0057] In this embodiment, the heating element 10 has a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to its length. However, in other embodiments, the heating element 10 may have a shape other than rectangular (such as the one referenced above). Figure 1 The cross-section of one of the alternative shapes discussed in the embodiments.

[0058] The heating element 20 in this embodiment has a planar or substantially planar main surface. However, this may not be the case in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the heating element may be twisted, wavy, or have at least one curved main surface. In some embodiments, the heating element may be hollow or perforated.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b of the heating element 20 are located at opposite ends of the heating element 20. However, in other embodiments, one of the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b of the heating element 20 may be located between the other two portions of the heating element 20. That is, in some embodiments, the heating element 20 may have a relatively thick portion between two relatively thin portions, or it may have a relatively thin portion between two relatively thick portions.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first portion 20a of the heating element 20 has a greater thickness and therefore a greater thermal mass compared to the second portion 20b of the heating element 20. Consequently, the second portion 20b of the heating element 20 can be heated at a greater rate by penetrating with a given varying magnetic field than the first portion 20a of the heating element 20.

[0061] In this embodiment, the thermal mass of the heating element 20 varies with the distance along its length. This is because the thickness of the heating element 20 varies correspondingly with the distance along its length. Thus, during use, the heating element 20 gradually heats up along its length. In other embodiments, the thermal mass of the heating element may vary with the distance along a path other than the length of the heating element. For example, the thermal mass may vary with the distance in the width direction of the heating element.

[0062] Since the thickness of the heating element 20 varies correspondingly along its entire length, Figure 2 The thermal mass of the heating element 20 varies over its entire length. In other embodiments, the thermal mass may vary only over a large portion of the length of the heating element, or only over a portion of the length of the heating element. Furthermore, this can be achieved by appropriately selecting the thickness of the heating element along its length. Those skilled in the art will be able to easily determine the distance at which they wish the thermal mass to vary to provide the desired gradual heating profile in use. They will also be able to select an appropriate profile of how the thickness of the heating element varies along its length to provide that desired gradual heating profile.

[0063] In this embodiment, the thermal mass decreases continuously along the length of the heating element 20 from the first portion 20a to the second portion 20b. More specifically, in this embodiment, the thermal mass decreases linearly or substantially linearly along the length. This is because the thickness of the heating element 20 decreases linearly or substantially linearly along the length of the heating element 20. In other words, the heating element 20 is linearly tapered. Thus, in use, the heating element 20 is gradually heatable along its length at a constant or substantially constant rate. However, in other embodiments, the thermal mass may vary in addition to being continuous along the length of the heating element 20 from the first portion 20a to the second portion 20b. For example, the variation may be stepped or continuous over at least one segment of the heating element 20 and stepped over at least one other segment of the heating element 20. Those skilled in the art will be able to readily determine how they wish the thermal mass to vary in order to provide the desired gradual heating profile in use. They will also be able to select the appropriate profile of how the thickness of the heating element varies along its length to provide the desired gradual heating profile.

[0064] Figure 2 The heating element 20 may be incorporated into a device for heating a suckable material to cause at least one component of the suckable material to volatilize, or may be incorporated into an article comprising a suckable material and intended for use with such a device. (See below for reference.) Figure 4 Examples of such articles are discussed, and references are provided below. Figure 5 Examples of such devices are discussed.

[0065] It should be noted that a tapered or partially tapered heating element does not necessarily need to have a varying thermal mass along its length. For example, the density or material composition of such a heating element may also vary to counteract the tapering, so that the thermal mass is constant along the length of the heating element. However, in some embodiments of the invention, the heating element is tapered, and the material composition of the heating material, including the density of the heating material, is homogeneous throughout the heating element, such that the first and second portions of the heating element have different respective thermal masses.

[0066] In another embodiment, the first and second portions of the heating element may have different thermal masses because the material composition of the first portion differs from that of the second portion. For example, the first and second portions may be made of different materials. For instance, one of the first and second portions may be made of soft iron, and the other of stainless steel. Other materials that can be joined include steel, aluminum, and iron. The first and second portions of the heating element may be joined, for example, by welding, brazing, hot epoxy resin bonding, mechanical fastening, etc. In some embodiments, the densities of the first and second portions of the heating element may differ by utilizing varying foam materials or varying mesh materials.

[0067] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The figures show corresponding schematic cross-sectional views of examples of articles according to corresponding embodiments of the invention. Each of articles 1 and 2 is intended for use with an apparatus for heating a suction-promoting material to volatilize at least one component of the suction-promoting material.

[0068] Figure 3 Article 1 includes Figure 1 The heating element 10, the absorbent material 60 in thermal contact with the heating element 10, and the cover 70 surrounding the absorbent material 60. Figure 4 Product 2 includes Figure 2 The heating element 20, the suction-bearing material 60 in thermal contact with the heating element 20, and the cover 70 surrounding the suction-bearing material 60. It can be used for... Figure 3 The heating element 10 of the product 1 is made Figure 1 Any of the possible variations of the heating element 10 described herein can be used to form separate, corresponding embodiments of the article of manufacture. Similarly, [the following can be done]... Figure 4 The heating element 20 of product 2 is made Figure 2 Any of the possible variations of the heating element 20 described herein to form a separate corresponding embodiment of the article.

[0069] In each of articles 1 and 2, a cover 70 surrounds the extractable material 60. The cover 70 helps protect the extractable material 60 from damage during transport and use of articles 1 and 2. During use, the cover 70 also helps guide airflow into and through the extractable material 60, and helps guide vapor or aerosol flow through and out of the extractable material 60.

[0070] In each of these embodiments, the cover 70 includes a package 72 wrapped around the smokeable material 60 such that the free ends of the package 72 overlap each other. Thus, the package 72 forms all or most of the circumferential outer surface of the articles 1 and 2. The package 72 may be formed of paper, recycled smokeable material (such as recycled tobacco), etc. The cover 70 in each of these embodiments also includes an adhesive (not shown) that adheres the overlapping free ends of the package 72 to each other. The adhesive may include one or more of, for example, gum arabic, natural or synthetic resins, starch, and varnish. The adhesive helps prevent the overlapping free ends of the package 72 from separating. In other embodiments, the adhesive may be omitted.

[0071] In each of these embodiments, the cover 70 defines the outer surface of the articles 1 and 2 and is accessible to the device in use. In each of these embodiments, the articles 1 and 2 are elongated and cylindrical, having a substantially circular cross-section and proportions similar to those of cigarettes. However, in other embodiments, the articles 1 and 2 may have a cross-section other than circular, and / or may not be elongated, and / or may not be cylindrical.

[0072] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the extractable material 60 is in the form of a tube. The tube has a substantially circular cross-section. The extractable material 60 extends from one end of articles 1 and 2 to the opposite ends of articles 1 and 2. Thus, in use, air can be drawn into the extractable material 60 at one end of articles 1 and 2, the air can pass through the extractable material 60, and carrying volatile components released from the extractable material 60, and then the volatile components, typically in the form of vapor or aerosol, can be drawn out from the extractable material 60 at the opposite ends of articles 1 and 2. In each of these embodiments where articles 1 and 2 are elongated, these ends of articles 1 and 2 where the extractable material 60 extends are the opposite longitudinal ends of articles 1 and 2. However, in other embodiments, the ends can be any two ends or sides of the article, such as any two opposite ends or sides of the article.

[0073] As noted above, in Figure 3 and Figure 4In each of articles 1 and 2, heating element 10 and heating element 20 are in thermal contact with the extractable material 60. Therefore, the heating material is heatable in use to heat the extractable material 60. More specifically, in each of these embodiments, the extractable material 60 is in contact with the surfaces of heating element 10 and heating element 20. This is achieved by adhering the extractable material 60 to the heating element 10 and heating element 20. However, in other embodiments, fixation can be achieved by means other than adhesion. In some embodiments, similarly, the extractable material 60 may not be fixed to the heating element 10 and heating element 20.

[0074] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In each of the embodiments, heating elements 10 and 20 extend from one end of the suction material 60 to the opposite end of the suction material 60. This helps to provide more complete heating of the suction material 60 during use. However, in other embodiments, heating elements 10 and 20 may not extend to either of the opposite ends of the suction material 60, or may extend to only one end of the suction material 60 and be spaced apart from the other end of the suction material 60.

[0075] Moreover, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In each of the embodiments, heating elements 10 and 20 extend from one end of article 1 and article 2 to the opposite end of article 1 and article 2. This can assist in the manufacture of article 1 and article 2. However, in other embodiments, heating elements 10 and 20 may not extend to either of the opposite ends of article 1 and article 2, or may extend to only one end of article 1 and article 2 and be spaced apart from the other end of article 1 and article 2.

[0076] Figure 3 , Figure 4 In these embodiments, each heating element 10, heating element 20 extends along a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of article 1, article 2. This facilitates the manufacture of article 1, article 2. In these embodiments, the aligned axes coincide. In variations of these embodiments, the aligned axes may be parallel to each other. However, in other embodiments, the axes may be inclined to each other.

[0077] In each of these embodiments, the heating element 10 and heating element 20 are surrounded by a removable material 60. That is, the removable material 60 extends around the heating element 10 and heating element 20. In embodiments where the heating element 10 and heating element 20 do not extend to either of the opposite ends of the removable material 60, the removable material 60 may extend around the heating element 10 and heating element 20 and also cover the ends of the heating element 10 and heating element 20, such that the removable material 60 surrounds the heating element 10 and heating element 20.

[0078] In each of the illustrated embodiments, heating elements 10 and 20 are impermeable to air or volatile materials and are substantially without discontinuities. Therefore, heating elements 10 and 20 can be manufactured relatively easily. However, in variations of these embodiments, heating elements 10 and 20 may be permeable to air and / or permeable to volatile materials generated when the suction material 60 is heated. Such permeability of heating elements 10 and 20 facilitates air passage through articles 1 and 2 to carry away volatile materials generated when the suction material 60 is heated.

[0079] As noted above, in some embodiments, heating elements 10 and 20 may be non-planar. For example, heating elements 10 and 20 may follow a wavy or wave-like path, may be twisted, may be wavy, may be helical, have a helical shape including plates or strips or belts having protrusions thereon and / or notches therein, include meshes, include extended metals, or have a non-uniform, non-planar shape. Such non-planar shapes can help air pass through articles 1 and 2 to pick up volatile material generated when the extractable material 60 is heated. Non-planar shapes provide a tortuous path for air to follow, creating turbulence in the air and causing better heat transfer from heating elements 10 and 20 to the extractable material 60. Non-planar shapes can also increase the surface area of ​​heating elements 10 and 20 per unit length. This can result in greater or improved Joule heating of heating elements 10 and 20, and thus greater or improved heating of the suction material 60.

[0080] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 A schematic perspective view showing an example of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 100 is used to heat a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize. The apparatus 100 includes a magnetic field generator 112 for generating a varying magnetic field in use, and a heating element 20 formed by penetrating a heatable heating material with a varying magnetic field. A first portion 20a and a second portion 20b of the heating element 20 have different respective thermal masses.

[0081] More specifically, the device 100 of this embodiment includes a body 110 and a nozzle 120. The nozzle 120 may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, cardboard, cellulose acetate, paper, metal, glass, ceramic, or rubber. The nozzle 120 defines a channel 122 therethrough. The nozzle 120 is positionable relative to the body 110 to cover an opening in the heating zone 111. When the nozzle 120 is positioned relative to the body 110, the channel 122 of the nozzle 120 is in fluid communication with the heating zone 111. In use, the channel 122 serves as a pathway for allowing volatile material to be transferred from a drawable article inserted into the heating zone 111 to the outside of the device 100. In this embodiment, the nozzle 120 of the device 100 is releasably coupled to the body 110 to connect the nozzle 120 to the body 110. In other embodiments, the nozzle 120 and the body 110 may be permanently connected, such as by a hinge or flexible member. In some embodiments (such as embodiments in which the article itself includes a mouthpiece), the mouthpiece 120 of the device 100 may be omitted.

[0082] The device 100 may define an air inlet that fluidly connects the heating zone 111 to an external environment. Such an air inlet may be defined by the body 110 of the device 100 and / or by a nozzle 120 of the device 100. A user may be able to draw in volatile components of a material by passing them through the channel 122 of the nozzle 120. When removing the volatile components from the article, air may be drawn into the heating zone 111 via the air inlet of the device 100.

[0083] In this embodiment, the body 110 includes a heating zone 111. In this embodiment, the heating zone 111 includes a recess 111 for receiving at least a portion of the article. In other embodiments, the heating zone 111 may not be a recess, but rather a support, surface, or protrusion, and may require mechanical engagement with the article to cooperate with or receive it. In this embodiment, the heating zone 111 is elongated and sized and shaped to accommodate the entire article. In other embodiments, the heating zone 111 may be sized to receive only a portion of the article.

[0084] In this embodiment, the magnetic field generator 112 includes an electric power source 113, a coil 114, a device 116 for passing a varying current (such as alternating current) through the coil 114, a controller 117, and a user interface 118 for user operation of the controller 117.

[0085] In this embodiment, the power source 113 is a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, the power source 113 may not be a rechargeable battery, but may be a non-rechargeable battery, a capacitor, a battery-capacitor hybrid, or a connection to an AC power source.

[0086] The coil 114 can take any suitable form. In this embodiment, the coil 114 is a helical coil of a conductive material, such as copper. In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator 112 may include a magnetically permeable core around which the coil 114 is wound. Such a magnetically permeable core concentrates the magnetic flux generated by the coil 114 in use and results in a stronger magnetic field. For example, the magnetically permeable core may be made of iron. In some embodiments, the magnetically permeable core may extend only partially along the length of the coil 114 so as to concentrate the magnetic flux only in certain areas. In some embodiments, the coil may be a flat coil. That is, the coil may be a two-dimensional helix.

[0087] from Figure 5 As will be understood from the considerations, in this embodiment, the heating element 20 extends into the heating zone 111. The heating element 20 has a length from a first end to a free second end, extending from the heating element 20 mounted to the remainder of the body 110. The free end is arranged relative to the heating zone 111 so as to enter the article when it is inserted into the heating zone 111. The tapered shape of the heating element 20 facilitates this entry.

[0088] When the article is located in the heating zone 111, the heating element 20 is in thermal contact with the absorbent material of the article. Preferably, when the article is located in the heating zone 111, the heating element 20 is in contact with the surface of the absorbent material of the article. Therefore, heat can be directly conducted from the heating element 20 to the absorbent material. In other embodiments, the heating element 20 may remain in contact with the surface of the absorbent material. For example, in some embodiments, the article and / or device 100 may include a thermally conductive barrier that has no heating material and, in use, spaces the heating element 20 from the absorbent material of the article. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive barrier may be a coating on the heating element 20. Providing such a barrier may facilitate heat dissipation to reduce hot spots in the heating element 20 or aid in cleaning the heating element 20.

[0089] The heating element 20 of the device 100 and Figure 2 The heating element 20 is the same. Figure 5 The first part 20a and the second part 20b of the heating element 20 respectively correspond to Figure 2 The heating element 20 consists of a first part 20a and a second part 20b. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the common features of the two heating elements 20 will not be described in detail. [The remaining text appears to be incomplete and requires further context.] Figure 5 The heating element 20 of the device 100 is made Figure 2 The heating element 20 may be any of the possible variations described herein to form a separate corresponding embodiment of the device.

[0090] In this embodiment, coil 114 surrounds heating element 20 and heating zone 111. Coil 114 extends along a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of heating zone 111. The aligned axes coincide. In a variation of this embodiment, the aligned axes may be parallel to each other. However, in other embodiments, the axes may be inclined to each other. Furthermore, coil 114 extends along a longitudinal axis substantially coinciding with the longitudinal axis of heating element 20. In other embodiments, the longitudinal axes of coil 114 and heating element 20 may be aligned with each other by being parallel to each other, or they may be inclined to each other.

[0091] In this embodiment, a device 116 for passing a varying current through coil 114 is electrically connected between power source 113 and coil 114. In this embodiment, controller 117 is also electrically connected to power source 113 and communicatively connected to device 116 to control device 116. More specifically, in this embodiment, controller 117 controls device 116 to control the supply of electrical power from power source 113 to coil 114. In this embodiment, controller 117 includes an integrated circuit (IC), such as an IC on a printed circuit board (PCB). In other embodiments, controller 117 may take different forms. In some embodiments, the device may have a single electrical or electronic component including device 116 and controller 117. In this embodiment, controller 117 is operated by user operation of user interface 118. In this embodiment, user interface 118 is located external to body 110. User interface 118 may include buttons, toggle switches, dial pads, touchscreens, etc. In other embodiments, user interface 118 may be remote and wirelessly connected to the rest of the device, such as via Bluetooth.

[0092] In this embodiment, user operation of the user interface 118 causes the controller 117 to cause the device 116 to generate alternating current through the coil 114. This causes the coil 114 to generate an alternating magnetic field. The coil 114 of the device 100 and the heating element 20 are suitably positioned relative to each other such that the changing magnetic field generated by the coil 114 penetrates the heating material of the heating element 20. In this embodiment, the heating material of the heating element 20 is a conductive material, and therefore this penetration causes the generation of one or more eddy currents in the heating material. The flow of eddy currents in the heating material against the resistance of the heating material causes the heating material to be heated by Joule heating. When the heating material is made of a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the heating material changes with the changing applied magnetic field, which causes heat to be generated in the heating material.

[0093] Because the second part 20b of the heating element 20 has a smaller thermal mass than the first part 20a of the heating element 20, the changing magnetic field penetrating the heating element 20 causes the second part 20b of the heating element 20 to heat at a greater rate than the first part 20a of the heating element 20. Therefore, when an article comprising a suctionable material is located in the heating zone 111 during use (e.g., Figure 7 As shown in the diagram (discussed below), the first portion of the article closest to the second portion 20b of the heating element 20 is initially heated by heat emitted from the second portion 20b of the heating element 20. This causes the volatilization of at least one component of the extractable material of the first portion of the article and the formation of an aerosol therein. Over time, the temperature of the first portion 20a of the heating element 20 increases. This causes the second portion of the article closest to the first portion 20a of the heating element 20 to be heated by heat emitted from the first portion 20a of the heating element 20. In turn, this causes the volatilization of at least one component of the extractable material of the second portion of the article and the formation of an aerosol therein.

[0094] Thus, the article is gradually heated, and therefore the extractable material of the article is gradually heated over time. This helps to enable the aerosol to form and release relatively quickly for inhalation by the user, and also provides time-dependent release, allowing the aerosol to continue forming and releasing even after the extractable material in the first part of the article has stopped generating the aerosol. Such cessation of aerosol generation can occur as the extractable material in the first part of the article becomes depleted of its volatile components.

[0095] It will be noted that in this embodiment, the second portion 20b of the heating element 20 is closer to the channel 122 of the mouthpiece 120 than the first portion 20a of the heating element 20. Therefore, in use, the first portion of the article, which is heated to evaporate the (multiple) components of the suction material, is also closer to the channel 122 of the mouthpiece 120 than the second portion of the article. However, in other embodiments, the heating element 20 may alternatively be arranged relative to the channel 122 such that the second portion 20b of the heating element 20 is farther from the channel 122 of the mouthpiece 120 than the first portion 20a of the heating element 20.

[0096] In this embodiment, the impedance of the coil 114 of the magnetic field generator 112 is equal to or substantially equal to the impedance of the heating element 20. If the impedance of the heating element 20 is instead lower than the impedance of the coil 114, the voltage generated across the heating element 120 in use may be lower than the voltage generated across the heating element 20 when impedance matching is achieved. Alternatively, if the impedance of the heating element 20 is instead higher than the impedance of the coil 114, the current generated in the heating element 20 in use may be lower than the current generated in the heating element 20 when impedance matching is achieved. Impedance matching helps balance voltage and current to maximize the heating power generated at the heating element 20 in use. In some embodiments, the impedance of the device 116 may be equal to or substantially equal to the combined impedance of the coil 114 and the heating element 20.

[0097] The apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes a temperature sensor 119 for sensing the temperature of the heating zone 111. The temperature sensor 119 is communicatively connected to a controller 117, enabling the controller 117 to monitor the temperature of the heating zone 111. Based on one or more signals received from the temperature sensor 119, the controller 117 can cause the device 116 to adjust the characteristics of the changing current or alternating current passing through the coil 114 as needed to ensure that the temperature of the heating zone 111 is maintained within a predetermined temperature range. The characteristics may be, for example, amplitude, frequency, or duty cycle. Within the predetermined temperature range, in use, the extractable material within the article located in the heating zone 111 is sufficiently heated to cause at least one component of the extractable material to volatilize without burning the extractable material. Thus, the controller 117 and the device 100 are arranged as a whole to heat the extractable material to cause at least one component of the extractable material to volatilize without burning the extractable material. In some embodiments, the temperature range is from about 50°C to about 300°C, such as between about 50°C and about 250°C, between about 50°C and about 150°C, between about 50°C and about 120°C, between about 50°C and about 100°C, between about 50°C and about 80°C, or between about 60°C and about 70°C. In some embodiments, the temperature range is between about 170°C and about 220°C. In other embodiments, the temperature range may not be this range. In some embodiments, the upper limit of the temperature range may be greater than 300°C. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 119 may be omitted. In some embodiments, the heating material may have a Curie point temperature selected based on the highest temperature at which the heating material is desired to be heated, such that it prevents or inhibits further heating of the heating material to a temperature higher than that temperature by induction heating.

[0098] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a device according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. Besides the form of the heating element, heating zone, and coil of the device, Figure 6 Device 200 and Figure 5 The apparatus 100 is identical. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the common features of the two embodiments will not be described in detail. Figure 6 The device 200 was made Figure 5 Any of the possible variations of the device 100 described herein can be used to form a separate corresponding embodiment of the device.

[0099] As noted above, in Figure 5 In the device 100, the heating element 20 extends into the heating zone 111. In contrast, Figure 6 The device 200 includes a heating element 40 of heating material extending around the heating zone 111. Therefore, although in Figure 5 In embodiments, heating zone 111 and any articles therein in use are heated from the inside out, but in Figure 6 In one embodiment, heating zone 111 and any articles therein in use are heated from the outside in.

[0100] The heating element 40 is made by penetrating a heatable heating material with a varying magnetic field. The heating element 40 is a tubular heating element 40 surrounding the heating zone 111. However, in other embodiments, the heating element 40 may not be entirely tubular. For example, in some embodiments, the heating element 40 may be tubular except for axially extending gaps or slits formed within it. The heating element 40 has a substantially circular cross-section. However, in other embodiments, the heating element may have a cross-section other than circular (such as square, rectangular, polygonal, or elliptical). The heating element 40 extends along a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the heating zone 111. In this embodiment, the aligned axes coincide. In a variation of this embodiment, the aligned axes may be parallel to each other. However, in other embodiments, the axes may be inclined to each other.

[0101] In this embodiment, the heating zone 111 is at least partially defined by the heating element 40. That is, the heating element 40 at least partially delineates or defines the heating zone 111. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the heating zone 111 perpendicular to its longitudinal axis is constant along the length of the heating zone 111. However, in other embodiments, the cross-section may vary with distance along the length of the heating zone 111. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the heating zone 111 is circular, but in other embodiments, the cross-section of the heating zone 111 may not be circular, such as a square, rectangle, polygon, or ellipse.

[0102] When an article comprising a suction-type material is located in the heating zone 111, the heating element 40 is in thermal contact with the article. Preferably, when an article comprising a suction-type material is located in the heating zone 111, the heating element 40 is in contact with the surface of the article. Therefore, heat can be directly conducted from the heating element 40 to the article. In other embodiments, the heating element may remain in non-direct surface contact with the article. Examples of how this can be achieved and the benefits that can be obtained by doing so have been discussed above.

[0103] Similar to Figure 5 The heating element 20 in the embodiment, Figure 6 The heating element 40 in this embodiment has a first portion 40a and a second portion 40b, wherein the first portion 40a and the second portion 40b of the heating element 40 have different respective thermal masses. In this embodiment, the material composition of the heating material, including the density of the heating material, in the first portion 40a of the heating element 40 is the same as the material composition of the heating material in the second portion 40b of the heating element 40. Moreover, in this embodiment, the material composition of the heating material, including the density of the heating material, is homogeneous throughout the heating element 40. Because the thickness of the first portion 40a of the heating element 40 is different from the thickness of the second portion 40b of the heating element 40, the first portion 40a and the second portion 40b of the heating element 40 have different respective thermal masses.

[0104] More specifically, and as from Figure 6 As understood, the first portion 40a of the heating element 40 has a greater thickness than the second portion 40b of the heating element 40, and therefore has a greater thermal mass. Consequently, the second portion 40b of the heating element 40 is heatable by penetration with a given varying magnetic field at a greater rate than the first portion 40a of the heating element 40. Thus, during penetration of the heating element 40 by the varying magnetic field generated by the generator 112, a gradual heating effect similar to that discussed above can be provided. That is, in use, when the article is located in the heating zone 111 (e.g., ...), Figure 8 As shown in the diagram and discussed below, the second portion 40b of the heating element 40 is heated most quickly to heat the first portion of the article, and the first portion 40a of the heating element 40 is heated more slowly to heat the second portion of the article. Also as noted above, this helps to enable the relatively rapid formation and release of the aerosol for inhalation by the user, and provides time-dependent release, allowing the aerosol to continue forming and releasing even after the aerosol has ceased to be generated by the inhalable material of the first portion of the article.

[0105] In this embodiment, the first portion 40a and the second portion 40b of the heating element 40 are located at opposite ends of the heating element 40. However, in other embodiments, one of the first portion 40a and the second portion 40b of the heating element 40 may be located between the other two portions 40a and 40b of the heating element 40. That is, in some embodiments, the heating element 40 may have a relatively thick portion between two relatively thin portions, or it may have a relatively thin portion between two relatively thick portions.

[0106] In the previous embodiment, the second portion 40b of the heating element 40 is closer to the channel 122 of the nozzle 120 than the first portion 40a of the heating element 40. However, in other embodiments, the heating element 40 may instead be arranged relative to the channel 122, such that the opposite is true.

[0107] Since the thickness of the heating element 40 varies correspondingly along its entire length, Figure 6 The thermal mass of the heating element 40 varies along its entire length. In other embodiments, the thermal mass may vary only over a large portion of the length of the heating element, or only over a portion of the length of the heating element. Furthermore, this can be due to the appropriate selection of the thickness of the heating element 40 along its length. Also, in this embodiment, the thermal mass decreases continuously with the distance along the length of the heating element 40 from the first portion 40a to the second portion 40b. More specifically, in this embodiment, the thermal mass decreases linearly or substantially linearly with the distance along its length. This is because the thickness of the heating element 40 decreases linearly or substantially linearly with the distance along its length. Thus, in use, the heating element 40 is gradually heatable along its length at a constant or substantially constant rate. However, in other embodiments, the thermal mass may vary in addition to being continuous with the distance along the length of the heating element 40 from the first portion 40a to the second portion 40b. For example, the variation may be stepped or continuous over at least one segment of the heating element 40, and stepped over at least one other segment of the heating element 40.

[0108] In this embodiment, as noted above, the cross-section of the heating zone 111, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, is constant along the length of the heating zone 111. Furthermore, also as noted above, the thickness or diameter of the heating element 40 varies linearly with the distance along its length. Therefore, the heating element 40 is conical or truncated conical. It will be noted that in this embodiment, the coil 114 extends along an axis substantially coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the heating zone 111. The coil 114 has a diameter that varies with the distance along the longitudinal axis of the heating zone 111, making the coil a conical helix. However, in other embodiments, the coil 114 may have a substantially constant diameter along its entire length, making the coil 114 a cylindrical helix.

[0109] In a variation of this embodiment, the device may include a heating element 40 extending at least partially around the heating zone 111, and similar to Figure 5 In one embodiment, heating element 20 protrudes into another heating element within heating zone 111. Such an embodiment facilitates the delivery of heat to heating zone 111 and any articles therein during use from both the center and the outside.

[0110] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a system according to a corresponding embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 System 1000 includes Figure 5 The device 100, and the article 3 including the suction material. Figure 8 System 2000 includes Figure 6 The device 200 and the article 4 comprising a removable material. A heating zone 111 in each of the devices 100 and 200 is used to receive the articles 3 and 4 of the respective system 1000 and system 2000. In each of these embodiments, the article 3 or 4 can be inserted into the heating zone 111 of the respective device 100 or device 200 when the nozzle 120 is disengaged from the body 100 of the respective device 100 or device 200. In each system 1000 or system 2000, as discussed above, the operation of the magnetic field generator 112 generates a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heating elements 20 and 40 to cause gradual heating of the heating elements 20 and 40. Conversely, also as discussed above, the gradual heating of the heating elements 20 and 40 causes gradual heating of the removable material of the respective article 3 or article 4, preferably so as to cause at least one component of the removable material to volatilize without burning the removable material.

[0111] For the sake of brevity, devices 100 and 200 will not be described in detail. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and unrelated to the preceding text.) Figure 8 System 1000, System 2000, Device 100, Device 200 make Figure 5 and Figure 6 Any of the possible variations of the apparatus 100 and apparatus 200 described herein can be used to form separate corresponding embodiments of the system.

[0112] refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating an example of a method for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0113] Method 900 includes step 901 of providing a heating element formed by penetrating a heatable heating material with a varying magnetic field, wherein a first portion and a second portion of the heating element have different respective thermal masses. The heating element may be, for example, a heating element of a device for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize, such as those referenced above. Figure 5 and Figure 6 One of the heating elements 20 and 40 discussed. Alternatively, the heating element may be, for example, a heating element comprising an article of suction material, such as those referenced above. Figure 3 and Figure 4 One of the heating elements 10 and 20 is discussed. Due to the difference in density or thickness between the first and second parts of the heating element, the thermal mass may be different.

[0114] The method also includes step 902 of providing a suction-bearing material in thermal contact with a heating element. The suction-bearing material may include, for example, [materials such as...]. Figure 3 The product shown or Figure 4 In the article shown, since the heating element is also part of the article, the suctionable material can come into thermal contact with the heating element, as in... Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this case, alternatively, since the suctionable material is inserted into the heating zone of the device including the heating element, the suctionable material can be positioned in thermal contact with the heating element, such as in... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The situation in the middle.

[0115] The method further includes step 903, in which a varying magnetic field penetrates the heating element, causing the penetration to gradually heat the heating element, and thereby gradually heat the pumpable material. An example of such gradual heating has been described above. Heating the pumpable material can cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize without burning the pumpable material.

[0116] In each of the embodiments discussed above, the heating material is steel. However, in other embodiments, the heating material may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: conductive materials, magnetic materials, and magnetically conductive materials. In some embodiments, the heating material may include a metal or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the heating material may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze. Other heating materials may be used in other embodiments. It has been found that when a magnetically conductive material is used as the heating material, the magnetic coupling between the magnetically conductive material and the electromagnet of the device in use can be enhanced. In addition to potentially enabling hysteresis heating, this can result in greater or improved Joule heating of the heating material, and thus greater or improved heating of the pumpable material.

[0117] In each of the embodiments discussed above, the heating element is made of or substantially made of a heating material. However, this is not the case in other embodiments.

[0118] The heating material can have a skin depth, which is the outer region in which most of the induced current and / or the reorientation of the magnetic dipoles occur. By specifying that the heating material has a relatively small thickness, a larger proportion of the heating material can be heated by a given varying magnetic field compared to heating materials with a relatively large depth or thickness compared to other dimensions of the heating material. Therefore, more efficient use of the material is achieved, and in turn, costs are reduced.

[0119] In each of the embodiments described above, the smokeable material comprises tobacco. However, in corresponding variations of each of these embodiments, the smokeable material may consist of tobacco, may consist substantially entirely of tobacco, may include tobacco and other smokeable materials besides tobacco, may include other smokeable materials besides tobacco, or may contain no tobacco. In some embodiments, the smokeable material may include a vapor or aerosol forming agent or wetting agent, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, glyceryl triacetate, or diethylene glycol.

[0120] In each of the embodiments described above, the pumpable material is a non-liquid pumpable material, and the apparatus is used to heat the non-liquid pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to evaporate. In other embodiments, the opposite may be true.

[0121] In each of the embodiments described above, articles 1, 2, 3, and 4 are consumable articles. Once all or substantially all of the volatile components of the extractable material 60 in articles 1, 2, 3, and 4 have been consumed, the user can remove articles 1, 2, 3, and 4 from device 100 and device 200 and discard them. The user can then reuse device 100 or device 200 having another of articles 1, 2, 3, and 4. However, in other corresponding embodiments, the articles may be non-consumable, and once the (multiple) volatile components of the extractable material have been consumed, the device and the articles may be discarded together.

[0122] In some embodiments, device 100, device 200 are sold, supplied, or otherwise provided separately from articles 1, 2, 3, and 4, and are used together with articles 1, 2, 3, and 4. However, in some embodiments, device 100, device 200, and one or more of articles 1, 2, 3, and 4 may be provided as a system, such as a kit or component, which may have additional components such as cleaning equipment.

[0123] To address various problems and improve the technology, this disclosure illustrates, by way of example and illustration, various embodiments in which the claimed invention can be practiced and provides superior heating elements for use with apparatus for heating a pumpable material to volatilize at least one component of the pumpable material, superior articles including such heating elements and for use with such apparatus, superior apparatus including such heating elements for heating a pumpable material to volatilize at least one component of the pumpable material, superior systems including such apparatus, and superior methods for heating a pumpable material to volatilize at least one component of the pumpable material. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages and features of this disclosure are presented only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed and otherwise disclosed features. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure are not to be considered as limitations of this disclosure as defined by the claims, or limitations of the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be utilized, and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of this disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably include various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, means, etc., and may be constituted by or essentially by various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, means, etc. This disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A heating element for use with a device for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize, the heating element being formed of a heating material that can be heated by penetrating with a varying magnetic field, wherein, The first and second parts of the heating element have different thermal masses.

2. The heating element according to claim 1, wherein, The thermal mass of the heating element varies with the distance along the heating element.

3. The heating element according to claim 2, wherein, The thermal mass of the heating element varies over at least most of the length of the heating element.

4. The heating element according to claim 2, wherein, The thermal mass of the heating element decreases continuously with distance along the heating element.

5. The heating element according to claim 2, wherein, The thermal mass of the heating element decreases linearly with distance along the heating element.

6. The heating element according to claim 1, wherein, Because the density of the first part of the heating element is different from the density of the second part of the heating element, the first part and the second part of the heating element have different respective thermal masses.

7. The heating element according to claim 1, wherein, Because the thickness of the first part of the heating element is different from the thickness of the second part of the heating element, the first part and the second part of the heating element have different respective thermal masses.

8. The heating element according to claim 1, wherein, Because the material composition of the first part of the heating element is different from that of the second part of the heating element, the first part and the second part of the heating element have different thermal masses.

9. The heating element according to claim 1, wherein, The material composition of the heating material in the first part of the heating element is the same as that of the heating material in the second part of the heating element.

10. The heating element according to claim 1, wherein, The heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: conductive materials, magnetic materials, and magnetically conductive materials.

11. The heating element according to claim 1, wherein, The heating material includes metal or metal alloy.

12. The heating element according to claim 1, wherein, The heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze.

13. An article for use with a device for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize, the article comprising a heating element formed of a heating material capable of being heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field, and the pumpable material being in thermal contact with the heating element, wherein, The first and second parts of the heating element have different thermal masses.

14. The article of claim 13, wherein, The suction-capable material is in contact with the surface of the heating element.

15. The article of claim 13, wherein, The smokeable material includes tobacco and / or one or more wetting agents.

16. An apparatus for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize, the apparatus comprising: A magnetic field generator is used to generate changing magnetic fields. as well as A heating element, formed of a heating material that can be heated by penetration through the changing magnetic field, wherein a first part and a second part of the heating element have different respective thermal masses.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, comprising: A heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising a suctionable material, wherein the heating element extends into the heating zone.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, comprising: A heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising a suctionable material, wherein the heating element extends at least partially around the heating zone.

19. A system for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize, the system comprising: Products including those made of extractable materials; An apparatus including a heating zone and a magnetic field generator, the heating zone being used to receive at least a portion of the article, and the magnetic field generator being used to generate a changing magnetic field to heat the extractable material when that portion of the article is in the heating zone; as well as A heating element, formed of a heating material, is heated by the penetration of the changing magnetic field when the portion of the article is in the heating zone, wherein the first and second portions of the heating element have different respective thermal masses.

20. A method of heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize, the method comprising: A heating element is provided, which is formed of a heating material that can be heated by penetrating it with a changing magnetic field, wherein a first part and a second part of the heating element have different respective thermal masses. Provide a suctionable material that is in thermal contact with the heating element; and A changing magnetic field is used to penetrate the heating material, causing the heating element to gradually heat up, and thus causing the suction material to gradually heat up.

Images