Apparatus for heating smokable material

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material is disclosed. The apparatus (100) comprises: a heating zone (113) for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising smokable material; a magnetic field generator (120) for generating a varying magnetic field; and an elongated heating element (130) extending into the heating region (113). The heating element (130) comprises a heating material that can be heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field to heat the heating zone (113).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application, whose parent application application number is 201680049479.5 (international application number is PCT / EP2016 / 070176), the application date is August 26, 2016, and the invention title is "Apparatus for heating a suctionable material". Technical Field

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

[0003] Smoking products (such as cigarettes, cigars, etc.) produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these products by manufacturing products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are so-called "heat-not-burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products that release compounds by heating but not burning a material. This material can 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 present 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 heater area or heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising a suctionable material; A magnetic field generator, used to produce changing magnetic fields; and A slender heater or heating element that extends into the heating area; The heating element includes a heating material that can be heated by passing through a changing magnetic field to heat the aforementioned heating region.

[0005] In one representative embodiment, the device includes a body defining a heating region, wherein the body does not contain a heating material that can be heated by penetration through a changing magnetic field.

[0006] In a representative embodiment, the heating region is elongated, and the heating element extends along a longitudinal axis that substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the heating region.

[0007] In one representative embodiment, the heating element has a length and a cross-section perpendicular to that length, the cross-section having a width and a depth, the length being greater than the width and the width being greater than the depth.

[0008] In one representative embodiment, the heating element is planar, or substantially planar.

[0009] In a representative embodiment, the device includes an opening at a first end of the heating zone, through which a portion of an article can be inserted into the heating zone; and

[0010] The heating element extends into the heating area from a second end opposite to the first end, and the heating element has a free end that is away from the second end of the heating area arranged relative to the opening, so that the article can enter when the article is inserted into the heating area.

[0011] In one representative embodiment, the free end of the heating element is tapered.

[0012] In one representative embodiment, the inner surface of the body has a thermal emissivity of 0.1 or less. In another representative embodiment, the thermal emissivity is 0.05 or less.

[0013] In one representative embodiment, the outer surface of the body has a thermal emissivity of 0.1 or less. In another representative embodiment, the thermal emissivity is 0.05 or less.

[0014] In one representative embodiment, the magnetic field generator includes a coil and means for passing a changing current through the coil.

[0015] In one representative embodiment, the coil surrounds the body.

[0016] In one representative embodiment, the coil surrounds the heating area.

[0017] In one representative embodiment, a coil surrounds the heating element.

[0018] In a representative embodiment, the coil extends along a longitudinal axis that substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the heating element.

[0019] In a representative embodiment, the impedance of the coil is equal to, or substantially equal to, the impedance of the heating element.

[0020] In one representative embodiment, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, magnetic materials, and non-magnetic materials.

[0021] In one representative embodiment, the heating material includes a metal or a metal alloy.

[0022] In one representative embodiment, the heating material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, ordinary carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze.

[0023] In one representative embodiment, the heating material is susceptible to eddy currents induced in the heating material when penetrated by a changing magnetic field.

[0024] In one representative embodiment, the heating element is arranged to change shape when heated.

[0025] In one representative embodiment, the heating element comprises two parts attached to each other and having correspondingly different coefficients of thermal expansion.

[0026] In one representative embodiment, the heating element includes a bimetallic strip.

[0027] In one representative embodiment, the heating material is exposed to the heating zone.

[0028] In one representative embodiment, the body is made of a non-magnetic and non-conductive material.

[0029] In one representative embodiment, the device includes a first thermal insulation material between the coil and the body.

[0030] In a representative embodiment, the first thermal insulation material may include, for example, one or more thermal insulators selected from the group consisting of closed-cell materials, closed-cell plastic materials, aerogels, vacuum insulation materials, silicone foams, and rubber materials.

[0031] In one representative embodiment, the device includes a second thermal insulation material surrounding the coil between the two thermal insulation materials.

[0032] In a representative embodiment, the second thermal insulation material may include, for example, one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aerogel, vacuum insulation material, filler, wool, nonwoven material, nonwoven wool, braided material, knitted material, nylon, foam, polystyrene, polyester, polyester filament, polypropylene, mixtures of polyester and polypropylene, cellulose acetate, paper or card, and corrugated materials such as corrugated paper or card.

[0033] In one representative embodiment, the heating element includes a heating member composed entirely of heating material or substantially entirely of heating material.

[0034] In one representative embodiment, the heating element is composed entirely of heating material or substantially entirely of heating material.

[0035] In one representative embodiment, the first portion of the heating element is more susceptible to the effects of eddy currents induced therein by the penetration of a changing magnetic field than the second portion of the heating element.

[0036] In one representative embodiment, the device includes a catalytic material on at least a portion of the outer surface of the heating element.

[0037] In one representative embodiment, the body includes a component and a coating on the inner surface of the component, the coating being either smoother or harder than the inner surface of the component.

[0038] In one representative embodiment, a magnetic field generator is used to generate multiple varying magnetic fields for penetrating different corresponding portions of the heating element.

[0039] In one representative embodiment, the device includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heated area or the temperature of the heating element. In another representative embodiment, the magnetic field generator is arranged to operate based on the output of the temperature sensor.

[0040] A second 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: First component and second component; A heating zone between the first and second components, used to receive at least a portion of an article comprising a suctionable material; and A magnetic field generator, which is used to generate a changing magnetic field that will be used to heat the heated area; The first and second components can move toward each other to compress the heating area.

[0041] In one representative embodiment, a magnetic field generator is used to generate a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heated region.

[0042] In one representative embodiment, the device includes a heating element comprising a heating material that can be heated by penetration with a changing magnetic field to heat the aforementioned heating region.

[0043] In a representative embodiment, the first and second components include heating materials that can be heated to heat the heating region by being penetrated by a changing magnetic field.

[0044] A third 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 material that can be sucked up (mass, block); and A wiper is attached to a substance that can absorb material. The heating element used to heat the absorbent material can be inserted into the absorbent material while in contact with the wiper.

[0045] In a representative embodiment, the wiper includes one or more of the following: a scraper, a blade, an abrasive pad, a foam material, a wire, a plurality of relatively oriented wires, wound wires, and metal bristles.

[0046] In one representative embodiment, the absorbent material is elongated, and the wiper is located at the longitudinal end of the absorbent material.

[0047] In one representative embodiment, the article has a cavity formed therein for receiving a heating element in use.

[0048] In one representative embodiment, the wiper defines at least a portion of the cavity.

[0049] In one representative embodiment, the wiper defines the opening of the cavity.

[0050] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a system comprising: An apparatus for heating a removable material to cause at least one component of the removable material to volatilize, the apparatus comprising: a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising the removable material; a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field; and an elongated heating element extending into the heating zone, wherein the heating element comprises a heating material that can be heated to heat the heating zone by penetration through the varying magnetic field; and Items for use with the device, including suction-capsulating materials.

[0051] In one representative embodiment, the article includes a removable material and a wiper attached to the removable material, wherein a heating element can be inserted into the removable material while in contact with the wiper.

[0052] In a corresponding representative embodiment, the articles of the system may have any of the features of the articles of the third aspect of the present invention described above in the representative embodiments.

[0053] In corresponding representative embodiments, the device of the system may have any of the features of the device described above in the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a portion of an example of 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 of the device is shown, which is only... Figure 1 The part shown; Figure 3 It shows the use of with Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of items used in conjunction with the equipment; Figure 4A A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an example of another device for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize is shown, wherein a first component and a second component of the device are separated by a first distance; Figure 4B It shows Figure 4A The schematic cross-sectional view of this part of the device shown shows that the first and second components of the device are separated by a second distance less than a first distance; Figure 5A A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an example of a device for heating a suckable material to volatilize at least one component of the suckable material is shown, wherein a first component and a second component of the device are separated by a first distance; and Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A The schematic cross-sectional view of this part of the device is shown, wherein the first and second components of the device are separated by a second distance less than the first distance. Detailed Implementation

[0055] As used herein, the term "smokable material" includes materials that provide volatile components when heated, typically in the form of vapor or aerosol. "Smokable material" can be tobacco-free or tobacco-containing. "Smokable material" may include, for example, one or more of the following materials: tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extracts, homogenized tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Smokable material can be in the form of tobacco dust, tobacco scraps, extruded tobacco, liquid, gel, film, powder, or clump. "Smokable material" may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. "Smokable material" may include one or more humectants, such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0056] As used herein, the term "heating material" or "heater material" refers to a material that can be heated by being penetrated by a changing magnetic field.

[0057] As used herein, the terms "spice" and "fragrance" refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, can be used to produce a desired flavor or aroma in products intended for adult consumers. These may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia bark leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, fennel, cinnamon, vanilla, prickly ash, cherry, berries, peach, apple, thuja, bourbon, Scotch whisky, whiskey, mint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, acerola, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla extract, lemon oil, orange oil, cinnamon, coriander, etc.). Jasmine, thyme, sage, fennel, allspice, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or peppermint oil from any species of the peppermint genus), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor blockers, receptor activators, or stimulants, sugars and / or artificial sweeteners (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanical ingredients, or breath fresheners. They can be artificial, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof. They can be in any suitable form, such as oil, liquid, gel, powder, etc.

[0058] Induction heating is the process of heating a conductive object by passing a changing magnetic field through it. 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 (e.g., alternating current) through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are properly positioned relative to each other such that the changing magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. The object resists the flow of current. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, this flow, relative to the object's resistance, causes the object to be heated. This process is called Joule heating, Ohm heating, or resistance heating. An object that can be inductively heated is called a sensor.

[0059] It has been found that when the sensor is in the form of a closed circuit, enhanced magnetic coupling between the sensor and the electromagnet in use leads to larger or improved Joule heating.

[0060] 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 as comprising 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 (e.g., an alternating magnetic field, such as one generated by an electromagnet) penetrates the magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the applied changing magnetic field. This reorientation of the magnetic dipoles results in heat being generated within the magnetic material.

[0061] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, penetrating it with a changing magnetic field can cause Joule heating and hysteresis heating within the object. Furthermore, the use of magnetic materials can enhance the magnetic field, which in turn enhances Joule heating.

[0062] In each of the above processes, rapid temperature rise and more uniform temperature distribution within the object can be achieved by generating heat internally rather than through conduction from an external heat source, particularly through the selection of suitable object materials and geometries, as well as appropriate magnitudes and orientations of the varying magnetic field relative to the object. Furthermore, when induction heating and hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection between the source of the varying magnetic field and the object, greater design freedom and control over the heating curve are possible, and costs can be lower.

[0063] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 1 The images show a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a device for heating a removable material to cause at least one component of the removable material to volatilize, according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a schematic perspective view of a portion of the device. Generally, the device 100 includes a heating region 113 for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising the removable material, a magnetic field generator 120 for generating a varying magnetic field, and an elongated heating element 130 extending into the heating region 113. In this embodiment, the heating region 113 includes a cavity. The heating element 130 includes heating material that can be heated by penetrating with a varying magnetic field to heat the heating region 113.

[0064] In this embodiment, the device 100 includes a body 110 that defines a heating region 113 and does not contain a heating material that can be heated by penetration with a changing magnetic field. However, in other embodiments, the body 110 may include a heating material that can be heated by penetration with a changing magnetic field, or may be omitted.

[0065] In this embodiment, the body 110 is a tubular body 110 surrounding the heating region 113. However, in other embodiments, the body 110 may not be entirely tubular. For example, in some embodiments, the body 110 may be tubular except for one or more axially extending gaps or slits formed in the body 110. As described above, in this embodiment, the body 110 itself does not contain any heating material that can be heated by penetration with a changing magnetic field. Therefore, when a changing magnetic field is generated by the magnetic field generator 120 as discussed below, more energy of the changing magnetic field can be obtained to cause heating of the heating element 130. The body 110 may be made of glass, ceramic materials, or high-temperature resistant plastic materials, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polyetherimide (PEI), an example of which is Ultem.

[0066] In this embodiment, the body 110 has a substantially circular cross-section. However, in other embodiments, the body 110 may have a cross-section other than circular, such as square, rectangular, polygonal, or elliptical. In this embodiment, the heating region 113 is defined by the body 110. That is, the body 110 outlines or defines the heating region 113. In this embodiment, the heating region 113 also has a substantially circular cross-section. However, in other embodiments, the heating region 113 may have a cross-section other than circular, such as square, rectangular, polygonal, or elliptical.

[0067] In this embodiment, the body 110 includes a tubular member 115 extending around the heating region 113, and a coating 116 on the inner surface of the tubular member 115. The coating 115 is smoother or harder than the inner surface of the tubular member 115 itself. This smoother or harder coating 116 facilitates cleaning of the body 110 after use of the device 100. The coating 116 may be made of, for example, glass or ceramic materials. In other embodiments, the coating 116 may be omitted.

[0068] In some embodiments, the inner or outer surface of the body 110 may have a thermal emissivity of 0.1 or less. For example, in some embodiments, the thermal emissivity may be 0.05 or less, such as 0.03 or 0.02. This low emissivity helps retain heat in the heating region 113, helps prevent heat loss from the heating element 130 to components of the device 100 other than the heating region 113, helps increase the heating efficiency of the heating region 113, and / or helps reduce the transfer of heating energy from the heating element 130 to the outer surface of the device 100. This improves user comfort in maintaining the device 100. This thermal emissivity can be achieved by manufacturing the inner or outer surface of the body 110 with a low-emissivity material (e.g., silver or aluminum).

[0069] In this embodiment, the heating region 113 has a first end 111 and an opposite second end 112, and the body 110 defines an opening 114 at the first end 111 through which an article or a portion thereof can be inserted into the heating region 113. In some embodiments, the opening 114 may be closable or blockable, for example, by means of a mouthpiece of the device 100, such as the mouthpiece discussed below. In this embodiment, the heating region 113 is elongated, having a length from the first end 111 to the second end 112, and the heating element 130 extends along a longitudinal axis substantially coinciding with the longitudinal axis AA of the heating region 113. In other embodiments, the longitudinal axes AA of the heating region 113 and the heating element 130 may be aligned with each other by being parallel to each other, or may be inclined to each other.

[0070] In some embodiments, one end of the heating region 113 is closed. This can help the heating region 113 function as a container for aspirable material or as a support during the process of pushing the heating element 130 into the aspirable material body.

[0071] In this embodiment, the heating element 130 extends into the heating region 113 from the second end 112. More specifically, in this embodiment, an end member 140 is provided at the end of the body 110 away from the opening 114. In this embodiment, the end member 140 includes a plug attached to the end of the body 110, for example, by friction or adhesive. However, in other embodiments, the end member 140 may take a different form or be integral with the body 110. In this embodiment, the end member 140 defines the second end 112 of the heating region 113. Moreover, in this embodiment, the heating element 130 is attached to and extends from the end member 140 into the heating region 113. In this embodiment, a portion of the heating element 130 is located within the end member 140, which helps increase the robustness of the connection between the heating element 130 and the end member 140. In some other embodiments, alternatively, the heating element 130 may abut and extend from the side of the end member 140 facing the heating region 113.

[0072] In this embodiment, a thermal insulator 150 is provided on the outer side of the end member 140. The thermal insulator 150 helps prevent heat loss from the heating element 130 away from the device 100, helps increase the heating efficiency of the heating zone 113, and / or helps reduce the transfer of heating energy from the heating element 130 to the outer surface of the device 100. This improves the user's ability to maintain comfort while using the device 100.

[0073] In some embodiments, the thermal insulator 150 may comprise any one or more of the materials discussed below regarding the first and / or second thermal insulation materials. In this embodiment, the thermal insulator 150 is permeable. In this embodiment, a plurality of air inlets 141, 142, 143 extend through the end member 140. The air inlets 141, 142, 143 fluidly communicate the heating zone 113 with the permeable thermal insulator 150. Thus, in use of the device 100, air can be drawn from outside the device 100 into the heating zone 113 via the permeable thermal insulator 150 and the air inlets 141, 142, 143. In other embodiments, only one air inlet, or no air inlet, may extend through the end member 140. In such other embodiments, air can be drawn from outside the device 100 into the heating zone 113 via different routes, such as via an air inlet through the body 110 or an air inlet in the mouthpiece (not shown) of the device 100.

[0074] In this embodiment, the heating element 130 has a free first end 131 located away from a second end 112 of the heating region 113 arranged relative to the opening 114, so that an article can enter when it is inserted into the heating region 113 through the opening 114. In some embodiments, the free end 131 of the heating element 130 may be tapered, for example, to facilitate the entry of an article.

[0075] In this embodiment, the heating element 130 has a length within the heating region 113, extending from a first end 131 to a point 132 on the heating element 130 at a second end 112 of the heating region 113. The heating element 130 also has a cross-section perpendicular to its length. This cross-section has a width and a depth, with the length greater than the width and the width greater than the depth. Therefore, the depth or thickness of the heating element 130 is relatively small compared to its other dimensions. The sensor may have a skin depth, which is the outer region within which most of the induced current occurs. By assuming the heating element 130 has a relatively small thickness, a larger proportion of the heating element 130 can be heated by a given changing magnetic field compared to a heating element 130 having a relatively large depth or thickness compared to its other dimensions. Therefore, more efficient use of material is achieved. Correspondingly, costs are reduced. However, in other embodiments, the heating element 130 may have a cross-section with a shape other than a rectangle, such as circular, elliptical, annular, star-shaped, polygonal, square, or triangular. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the heating element 130 is constant along its length. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating element 130 is planar, or substantially planar. It can be considered that the heating element 130 in this embodiment is a flat strip. However, this may not be the case in other embodiments.

[0076] The heating element 130 of this embodiment includes a heating member 135, which is composed entirely of heating material, or substantially entirely of heating material. Therefore, the heating member 135 can be heated by penetrating with a changing magnetic field. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating element 130 includes a coating 136 on the outer surface of the heating member 135. The coating 136 is smoother or harder than the outer surface of the heating member 135 itself. This smoother or harder coating 136 facilitates cleaning of the heating element 130 after use of the device 100. The coating 136 may be made of, for example, glass or ceramic materials. In other embodiments, the coating 136 may be provided only on a portion of the heating member 135, or the coating 136 may be omitted. In some embodiments, the coating may be rougher than the outer surface of the heating member 135 itself to increase the surface area on which the heating element 130 can contact an article or a suction-type material inserted into the heating region 113 during use. In some of these other embodiments, the heating material may be exposed to the heating region 113. Therefore, when the heating material is heated, heat can be directly transferred from the heating material to the heating zone 113.

[0077] The heating material may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, magnetic materials, and non-magnetic materials. The heating material may include metals or metal alloys. The heating material may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, ordinary carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze. Other heating materials may be used in other embodiments. In this embodiment, the heating material of the heating element 130 includes a conductive material. Therefore, the heating material is susceptible to the influence of eddy currents induced in the heating material when penetrated by a changing magnetic field. Therefore, the heating element 130 can function as a sensor when subjected to a changing magnetic field. It has also been found that when a magnetically conductive material is used as the heating material, the magnetic coupling between the heating element 130 (described below) and the coil 122 of the magnetic field generator 120 can be enhanced in use. In addition to potentially enabling hysteresis heating, this can result in larger or improved Joule heating of the heating element 130, thereby resulting in larger or improved heating of the heating region 113.

[0078] In some embodiments, the device may include a catalytic material on at least a portion of the outer surface of the heating element 130. The catalytic material may be disposed on all or only a portion of the outer surface of the heating element 130. The catalytic material may be in the form of a coating. The provision of such a catalytic material means that, in use, the device 100 may have a heated, chemically active surface. In use, the catalytic material may be used to convert a potentially irritating substance into a less irritating one, or to increase the conversion rate of a potentially irritating substance into a less irritating one. In use, the catalytic material may be used, for example, to convert formic acid into methanol, or to increase the conversion rate of formic acid into methanol. In other embodiments, the catalytic material may be used to convert other chemicals, or to increase the conversion rate of other chemicals, such as converting acetylene into ethane by hydrogenation, or converting ammonia into nitrogen and hydrogen. The catalytic material may additionally or alternatively be used to react carbon monoxide with water vapor to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen (water-gas transfer reaction, or WGSR), or to increase the reaction rate of carbon monoxide reacting with water vapor to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

[0079] In some embodiments, a first portion of the heating element 130 may be more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by penetration with a varying magnetic field than a second portion of the heating element 130. For example, the first portion of the heating element 130 may be more sensitive as a result of the first portion being made of a first material and the second portion being made of a different second material, and the first material having a higher sensitivity than the second material. For example, one of the first and second portions may be made of iron, and the other may be made of graphite. Alternatively or additionally, the first portion of the heating element 130 may be more sensitive as a result of the first portion having a different thickness and / or material density than the second portion of the heating element 130.

[0080] The more sensitive portion may be located closer to the intended opening of device 100, or the less sensitive portion may be located closer to the intended opening of device 100. In the latter case, the less sensitive portion may heat the extractable material in the article located in the heating zone 113 to a lesser extent than the more sensitive portion, so the less heated extractable material can act as a filter to reduce the temperature of the generated vapor, or to moderate the vapor generated in the article during the heating of the extractable material.

[0081] For example, the first part and the second part of the heating element 130 may be located adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the heating element 130, or they may be arranged to be adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heating element 130.

[0082] The sensitivity of the heating element 130 to such changes in the eddies induced therein helps to achieve gradual heating of the removable material in an article inserted in the heating zone 113, thereby achieving gradual vapor generation. For example, a more sensitive portion may be able to heat a first region of the removable material relatively quickly to begin evaporating at least one component of the removable material and forming vapor in the first region of the removable material. A less sensitive portion may be able to heat a second region of the removable material relatively slowly to begin evaporating at least one component of the removable material and forming vapor in the second region of the removable material. Thus, vapor can be formed relatively quickly for inhalation by the user, and vapor can then continue to form for subsequent inhalation by the user, even after the first region of the removable material may have stopped generating vapor. The first region of the removable material can stop generating vapor when it becomes depleted of the volatile components of the removable material.

[0083] In other embodiments, all portions of the heating element 130 may be similarly, or substantially similarly, affected by eddy currents induced therein by penetration through a changing magnetic field. In some embodiments, the heating element 130 may be unaffected by such eddy currents. In such embodiments, the heating material may be a non-conductive magnetic material, thereby allowing heating via the hysteresis process discussed above.

[0084] In some embodiments, the heating element 130 may be arranged to change shape when heated. That is, the shape of the heating element 130 may be heat-sensitive. For example, the heating element 130 may be arranged to bend when heated and / or to expand when heated. Changes in shape may include deviations from the longitudinal axis of the heating region 113. In some embodiments, the heating element 130 may be helical or spiral, for example, around the longitudinal axis of the heating region 113, and heating of the heating element 130 may cause the helical or spiral heating element 130 to partially unfold, thereby increasing the diameter or width of the heating element 130. This change in shape of the heating element 130 may help provide or increase contact between the heating element 130 and the article located in the heating region 113. This may help improve thermal conductivity from the heating element 130 to the article and extractable material located therein.

[0085] The heating element 130 may include two portions attached to each other and having correspondingly different coefficients of expansion, thus possessing different expansion capacities when heated. For example, these two portions may be elongated and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating region 113. When heated, the heating element 130 may bend or deform due to the different expansion characteristics of these two portions. This converts temperature changes into physical displacement or deformation. The degree of shape change of the heating element 130 may be temperature-dependent, such that at higher temperatures, the heating element 130 exhibits a greater degree of displacement or deformation. The degree of displacement or deformation of the heating element 130 may be proportional to the magnitude of the temperature change of the heating element 130.

[0086] Suitable heating elements 130 for use in device 100 can vary in aspects such as the thickness and cross-sectional shape of these portions, the material composition of these portions, the arrangement in which these portions are joined together, etc., and these variables can affect the properties of heating element 130, such as the ability of heating element 130 to bend, thermal conductivity, etc. In some embodiments, the two portions can be two different plastic polymers with correspondingly different coefficients of thermal expansion. In other embodiments, the two portions can be two different metals with correspondingly different coefficients of thermal expansion. Thus, heating element 130 may include a bimetallic strip. One example of a bimetallic strip may include a steel portion and a copper portion. In other embodiments, other combinations of materials may be used, such as manganese and copper, or brass and steel.

[0087] The magnetic field generator 120 of this embodiment includes a power supply 121, a coil 122, a means 123 for passing a changing current (e.g., alternating current) through the coil 122, a controller 124, and a user interface 125 for user operation of the controller 124.

[0088] In this embodiment, the power source 121 is a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, the power source 121 may be a power source other than a rechargeable battery, such as a non-rechargeable battery, a capacitor, or a connection to a mains power source.

[0089] The coil 122 can take any suitable form. In this embodiment, the coil 122 is a helical coil of a conductive material, such as copper. In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator 120 may include a magnetic core around which the coil 122 is wound. This magnetic core concentrates the magnetic flux generated by the coil 122 during use and produces a stronger magnetic field. The magnetic core may be made of, for example, iron. In some embodiments, the magnetic core may extend only partially along the length of the coil 122 to concentrate the magnetic flux only in certain areas.

[0090] In this embodiment, coil 122 is a cylindrical helix. That is, coil 122 has a substantially constant radius along its length. In other embodiments, the radius of coil 122 may vary along its length. For example, in some embodiments, coil 122 may comprise a conical helix or an elliptical helix. In this embodiment, coil 122 has a substantially constant spacing along its length. That is, the width of the gap between any two adjacent turns of coil 122, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of coil 122, is substantially the same as the width of the gap between any other two adjacent turns of coil 122. This may not be the case in other embodiments. Providing a varying spacing allows the intensity of the varying magnetic field generated by coil 122 to be different in different portions of coil 122, which helps to provide gradual heating of heating element 130 and heating region 113, thereby providing gradual heating of any item located in heating region 113 in a manner similar to that described above.

[0091] In this embodiment, coil 122 is positioned relative to heating element 130 and heating region 113. In this embodiment, coil 122 surrounds heating element 130 and heating region 113. In this embodiment, coil 122 extends along a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis AA of heating region 113. 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. Moreover, in this embodiment, coil 122 extends along a longitudinal axis substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of heating element 130. This helps to provide more uniform heating of heating element 130 during use and also contributes to the manufacturability of device 100. In other embodiments, the longitudinal axes of coil 122 and heating element 130 may be aligned with each other by being parallel to each other, or they may be inclined to each other.

[0092] In this embodiment, the impedance of the coil 122 of the magnetic field generator 120 is equal to or substantially equal to the impedance of the heating element 130. If the impedance of the heating element 130 is lower than the impedance of the coil 122 of the magnetic field generator 120, the voltage generated in the heating element 130 during use may be lower than the voltage generated in the heating element 130 when impedance is matched. Alternatively, if the impedance of the heating element 130 is higher than the impedance of the coil 122 of the magnetic field generator 120, the current generated in the heating element 130 during use may be lower than the current generated in the heating element 130 when impedance is matched. Impedance matching helps balance voltage and current to maximize the heating power generated in the heating element 130 during heating in use. In some other embodiments, impedance matching may be unmatched.

[0093] In this embodiment, a device 123 for allowing a changing current to pass through coil 122 is electrically connected between power supply 121 and coil 122. In this embodiment, controller 124 is also electrically connected to power supply 121 and communicatively connected to device 123. Controller 124 is used to cause and control the heating of heating element 130. More specifically, in this embodiment, controller 124 is used to control device 123 to control the supply of electrical power from power supply 121 to coil 122. In this embodiment, controller 124 includes an integrated circuit (IC), such as an IC on a printed circuit board (PCB). In other embodiments, controller 124 may take different forms. In some embodiments, the device may have a single electrical or electronic component including device 123 and controller 124. In this embodiment, controller 124 is operated by user operation via user interface 125. User interface 125 is located external to device 100. User interface 125 may include buttons, toggle switches, dials, touchscreens, etc.

[0094] In this embodiment, user operation of the user interface 125 causes the controller 124 to cause the device 123 to generate alternating current through the coil 122, resulting in the coil 122 generating an alternating magnetic field. The coil 122 and the heating element 130 are appropriately positioned relative to each other such that the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 122 penetrates the heating material of the heating element 130. When the heating material of the heating element 130 is a conductive material, this can result in the generation of one or more eddy currents in the heating material. The eddy currents in the heating material flow against the resistance of the heating material, resulting in heating of the heating material by Joule heating. As described above, when the heating material is made of a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the heating material changes with the applied changing magnetic field, resulting in the generation of heat in the heating material.

[0095] The device 100 of this embodiment includes a temperature sensor 126 for sensing the temperature of a heated region 113. The temperature sensor 126 is communicatively connected to a controller 124, enabling the controller 124 to monitor the temperature of the heated region 113. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 126 may be arranged to perform optical temperature measurements of the heated region 113 or optical temperature measurements of an article located within the heated region 113. In some embodiments, the article located within the heated region 113 may include a temperature detector, such as a resistance temperature detector (RTD), for detecting the temperature of the article. The article may further include one or more terminals connected to (e.g., electrically connected to) the temperature detector. The terminals may be used to connect, for example, electrically, to a temperature monitor (not shown) of the device 100 when the article is in the heated region 113. The controller 124 may include the temperature monitor. Therefore, the temperature monitor of the device 100 may be able to determine the temperature of the article during use with the article and the device 100.

[0096] Based on one or more signals received from temperature sensor 126 (and / or temperature detector, when provided), controller 124 may cause device 123 to adjust, as necessary, the characteristics of the changing current or alternating current passing through coil 122 to ensure that the temperature of heating zone 113 is maintained within a predetermined temperature range. This characteristic may be, for example, amplitude or frequency. Within the predetermined temperature range, in use, the extractable material within the article located in heating zone 113 is sufficiently heated to volatilize at least one component of the extractable material without burning it. Therefore, controller 124 and device 100 are arranged integrally to heat the extractable material to volatilize at least one component of the extractable material without burning it. In some embodiments, the temperature range is from about 50°C to about 250°C, for example, 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 approximately 170°C and approximately 220°C. In other embodiments, the temperature range may be a range other than these.

[0097] In some embodiments, device 100 may include a mouthpiece (not shown). The mouthpiece may be releasably engaged with the remainder of device 100 to connect the mouthpiece to the remainder of device 100. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece and the remainder of device 100 may be permanently connected, for example, via a hinge or flexible element.

[0098] The mouthpiece can be positioned relative to the body 110 to cover the opening 114 leading to the heating zone 113. When the mouthpiece is positioned in this way relative to the body 110, the passage through the mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the heating zone 113. In use, this passage serves as a channel for allowing volatile materials to pass from the heating zone 113 to the outside of the device 100.

[0099] The mouthpiece, when provided, may include or be impregnated with flavoring. The flavoring may be arranged such that it is acquired by heated steam as the steam passes through the passage of the mouthpiece in use.

[0100] When the heating zone 113 is heated, and thereby any article therein, a user may be able to inhale the volatile components of the removable material by drawing them out through the article's mouthpiece (when provided) or through the device 100's mouthpiece (when provided). Air may enter the article through the gap between the article and the body 110, or in some embodiments, the device 100 may define an air inlet that fluidly connects the heating zone 113 to the outside of the device 100. When volatile components are removed from the article, air may be drawn into the heating zone 113 through the air inlet of the device 100.

[0101] Some embodiments of device 100 may be arranged to provide “self-cleaning” for heating element 130. For example, in some embodiments, controller 124 may be arranged based on appropriate user operation of user interface 125, causing device 123 to adjust, if necessary, the characteristics of the varying current or alternating current passing through coil 122 to increase the temperature of heating element 130 to a level that can burn residues or remnants left on heating element 130 from previously consumed items to ash. This characteristic may be, for example, amplitude or frequency. The temperature may be, for example, exceeding 500 degrees Celsius.

[0102] Some embodiments of device 100 may be arranged to provide tactile feedback to a user. This feedback may indicate that heating is occurring, or may be triggered by a timer to indicate that a predetermined proportion of the original amount of volatile components of the extractable material in the article within the heated zone 113 has been consumed, etc. Tactile feedback may be generated by the interaction (i.e., magnetic response) between coil 122 and heating element 130, by the interaction between a conductive element and coil 122, by rotating an unbalanced motor, by repeatedly applying and removing current to a piezoelectric element, etc. Additionally or alternatively, some embodiments of device 100 may use this tactile feedback to aid the “self-cleaning” process discussed above, achieved by cleaning the heating element 130 through vibration.

[0103] In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator 120 may be used to generate a plurality of varying magnetic fields for penetrating different corresponding portions of the heating element 130. For example, the device 100 may include more than one coil. These plurality of coils of the device 100 are operable to provide gradual heating of the heating element 130, thereby providing gradual heating of the removable material in the article located in the heating zone 113 to provide gradual vapor generation. For example, one coil may be able to heat a first region of the heating material relatively quickly to begin evaporating at least one component of the removable material and forming vapor in the first region of the removable material. Another coil may be able to heat a second region of the heating material relatively slowly to begin evaporating at least one component of the removable material and forming vapor in the second region of the removable material. Thus, vapor can be formed relatively quickly for inhalation by a user, and vapor can then continue to form for subsequent inhalation by a user, even after the first region of the removable material may have stopped generating vapor. During the heating of the first region of the removable material, the initially unheated second region of the removable material can act as a filter to reduce the temperature of the generated vapor or to moderate the generated vapor.

[0104] In some embodiments, device 100 may include a first thermal insulation material between coil 122 and body 110. The first thermal insulation material may surround body 110. The first thermal insulation material may include, for example, one or more thermal insulators selected from the group consisting of closed-cell materials, closed-cell plastic materials, aerogels, vacuum insulation materials, silicone foams, and rubber materials. The thermal insulation material may additionally or alternatively include air gaps. This first thermal insulation material helps prevent heat loss from heating element 130 to components of device 100 other than the heating region 113, helps increase the heating efficiency of the heating region 113, and / or helps reduce the transfer of heating energy from heating element 130 to the outer surface of device 100. This improves user comfort in maintaining device 100.

[0105] In some embodiments, device 100 may include a second thermal insulation material surrounding coil 122. The second thermal insulation material may include, for example, one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aerogel, vacuum insulation material, filler, wool, nonwoven material, nonwoven wool, braided material, knitted material, nylon, foam, polystyrene, polyester, polyester filament, polypropylene, mixtures of polyester and polypropylene, cellulose acetate, paper or card, and corrugated materials such as corrugated paper or card. In some embodiments, the second thermal insulation material may include one or more of the materials discussed above for the first thermal insulation material. The thermal insulation material may additionally or alternatively include an air gap. This second thermal insulation material may help reduce the transfer of heating energy from heating element 130 to the outer surface of device 100 and may additionally or alternatively help increase the heating efficiency of heating region 113.

[0106] In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second thermal insulation materials may be omitted. In some embodiments, the coil 122 may be embedded in a body of thermal insulation material. This body of thermal insulation material may be adjacent to or surround the body 110. The body of thermal insulation material may include, for example, one or more thermal insulators selected from the group consisting of closed-cell materials, closed-cell plastic materials, aerogels, vacuum insulation materials, silicone foams, and rubber materials. In addition to the thermal benefits discussed above, this body of thermal insulation material may help increase the robustness of the device 100, for example by helping to maintain the relative positioning of the coil 122 and the body 110.

[0107] refer to Figure 3This illustration shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an article for use with a device for heating a removable material to volatilize at least one component of the removable material (such as one of the devices 100, 200, 300 described herein). Generally, the article 500 includes a removable material 510 and a wiper 530 connected to the removable material 510. The article 500 is arranged such that a heating element for heating the removable material 510 (such as heating element 130 of device 100) can be inserted into the removable material 510 while in contact with the wiper 530.

[0108] In this embodiment, both the article 500 and the absorbent material 510 are elongated, and the wiper 530 is located at the longitudinal end of the absorbent material 510. In other embodiments, the article 500 and / or the absorbent material 510 may have different shape factors.

[0109] In this embodiment, the article 500 includes a cover 520 around the removable material 510 to maintain the structural integrity of the removable material 510. The cover 520 may be made of any suitable material, such as paper, card, plastic film, foil, etc. A wiper 530 may be attached to the cover 520, for example, by a strip of material (not shown) extending around a portion of the cover 520 and the wiper 530 at the connection between the cover 520 and the wiper 530, thereby connecting the wiper 530 to the removable material 510.

[0110] The wiper 530 may be made of any material or have any shape, and the material or shape is suitable for wiping, scraping, or wiping away residues or remnants from the heating element 130 when the heating element 130 is inserted into the suction material 510 while in contact with the wiper 530, or when the heating element 130 is withdrawn from the suction material 510 while in contact with the wiper 530. Therefore, the wiper 530 can help clean the heating element 130 of the device 100 before or after using the item 500 with the device 100.

[0111] In some embodiments, the wiper 530 may include a scraper. In this embodiment, the wiper 530 includes an abrasive pad. In this embodiment, the abrasive pad is formed from wound wire, such as metallic wool, such as steel wool, brass wool, etc. In other embodiments, the abrasive pad may include one or more of the following materials: foam material, wire, a plurality of relatively oriented wires, wound wire, and metallic bristles, etc. In some embodiments, the wiper 530 may include a blade, such as a metal blade or a plastic blade. The blade may be oriented perpendicularly or obliquely to the insertion direction of the heating element 130, for example, perpendicularly or obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the article 500. In some embodiments, the wiper 530 may include a component for rubbing or scraping the uneven surface of the heating element 130 during relative movement of the wiper 530 and the heating element 130. For example, the wiper 530 may include a corrugated member or a member having a plurality of blocks or protrusions extending therefrom. These blocks or protrusions may extend from the member in a direction having at least one component that is perpendicular or inclined to the insertion direction of the heating element 130 (e.g., perpendicular or inclined to the longitudinal axis of the article 500).

[0112] In some embodiments, article 500 may have a cavity formed therein for receiving heating element 130 in use. In some embodiments, a suction-resistant material may define at least a portion of the cavity. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cavity may be defined by a heat-conducting bag, sleeve, or liner. The heat-conducting bag, sleeve, or liner may be made of, for example, foil (e.g., aluminum). In some embodiments, wiper 530 may define at least a portion of the cavity to be able to contact heating element 130 when the heating element moves within the cavity in use. For example, wiper 530 may define an opening of the cavity.

[0113] refer to Figure 4A This image shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention for heating a suctionable material to cause at least one component of the suctionable material to volatilize. The device 200 of this embodiment is... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device 200 is identical to the device 100, except for the features defining the heating zone 113 and the shape of the heating element 130. Therefore, for brevity, repeated discussion of the various features of the device 200 will be omitted, and the accompanying drawings only show those components of the device 200 necessary for understanding the technical features and advantages discussed below. Figure 4A Equipment 200 is used for Figure 1 and Figure 2 Any of the above-described possible variations of the device 100 may be used to form various corresponding embodiments.

[0114] In this embodiment, the heating element 130 includes a heating member composed entirely or substantially entirely of heating material, and the coating 136 on the heating member is omitted. However, in other embodiments, the heating element 130 may have a coating similar to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device 100 has the same construction as the heating element 130, or has any of the above variations thereof.

[0115] In this embodiment, the main body 110 defining the heating region 113 is omitted; instead, the heating region 113 is located between the first member 160 and the second member 170, which can move toward each other to compress the heating region 113. Figure 4A In the diagram, the first component 160 and the second component 170 are shown in a first state, in which the first component 160 and the second component 170 are separated by a first distance. The first component 160 and the second component 170 can be moved relative to each other to reduce the distance between the first component 160 and the second component 170 until the first component 160 and the second component 170 reach a distance such that... Figure 4B As shown in the second state, in this second state, the first member 160 and the second member 170 are separated by a second distance less than the first distance. In this embodiment, both the first member 160 and the second member 170 are movable relative to the heating element 130. In other embodiments, only one of the first member 160 and the second member 170 is movable relative to the heating element 130. In this embodiment, both the first member 160 and the second member 170 are movable relative to the coil 122. In other embodiments, only one of the first member 160 and the second member 170 is movable relative to the coil 122, or neither of them may be movable relative to the coil 122. That is, the coil 122 may move or deform with the relative movement of the first member 160 and the second member 170.

[0116] In this embodiment, neither the first component 160 nor the second component 170 contains any heating material that can be heated by penetration through a changing magnetic field. Therefore, when the magnetic field generator produces a changing magnetic field, more energy of the changing magnetic field can be obtained to cause heating of the heating element 130. However, in other embodiments, one or both of the first component 160 and the second component 170 may include heating material that can be heated by penetration through a changing magnetic field.

[0117] During use, when the first component 160 and the second component 170 are in Figure 4A When the relative positions are shown, an article containing suction-capable material can be located in the heating zone 113. Then the first component 160 and the second component 170 can then be oriented towards... Figure 4BThe relative movement of the illustrated state compresses the heated area 113 and the article therein. Specifically, the article can be compressed by one or both of the corresponding inner surfaces 161, 171 of the first member 160 and the second member 170. This compression of the article results in compression of the extractable material therein, which increases the thermal conductivity of the extractable material. This, in turn, helps increase the ability of heat from the heating element 130 to penetrate the extractable material, allowing at least one component of the extractable material to evaporate better or more completely. When one or more volatile components of the extractable material have been consumed, the first member 160 and the second member 170 can move relative to each other back to their original positions. Figure 4A The state shown is to facilitate the removal of items from the heating zone 113.

[0118] In other embodiments, the heating element 130 within the heating region 113 may be omitted. (See reference...) Figure 5A This illustration shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a device according to this embodiment of the invention for heating a suctionable material to cause at least one component of the suctionable material to volatilize. The device 300 of this embodiment is... Figure 4A and Figure 4B The device 200 is identical to the device 300, except for the features discussed in the following paragraphs. Therefore, for brevity, repeated discussions of the various features of the device 200 will be omitted, and the accompanying drawings show only those parts of the device 300 necessary for understanding the technical features and advantages discussed below. Figure 5A Equipment 300 is used for Figure 4A and Figure 4B Any of the above possible variations of the device 200 can be used to form various corresponding embodiments.

[0119] In this embodiment, the heating element 130 discussed above is omitted, and the heating region 113 contains no heating material that can be heated by penetration with a changing magnetic field. The purpose of this device 300 is for use with articles comprising both a drawable material and a heating material that can be heated by penetration with a changing magnetic field. Therefore, a magnetic field generator is arranged to generate a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heating region 113 during use, resulting in heating of the article's heating material.

[0120] In this embodiment, the inner surfaces 161, 171 of the first member 160 and the second member 170 have corresponding protrusions 165, 175 extending therefrom and into the heating region 113. In this embodiment, the protrusions 165, 175 are axially staggered or offset from each other, so that when the first member 160 and the second member 170 move toward each other relative to achieve... Figure 5BIn the illustrated state (where the heating region 113 is compressed), protrusions 165 and 175 do not contact each other. Furthermore, in use, when the article is located within the heating region 113, as the first member 160 and the second member 170 move relative to each other to compress the heating region 113, the offset protrusions 165 and 175 apply a corresponding offset force to the article, thereby deforming the article into a serrated or twisted shape. This can have the effect of creating a distorted flow path for the suction material passing through the article, which can generate turbulence in the air passing through the suction material to help the air capture volatile materials generated when the suction material is heated. However, in other embodiments, protrusions 165 and 175 may not be offset from each other.

[0121] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Device 300 can be with Figure 4A and Figure 4B The device 200 operates in a similar manner. Therefore, when the first component 160 and the second component 170 are in... Figure 5A When the relative positions are shown, the article, including the suction material and the heating material, can be located in the heating zone 113. Then the first component 160 and the second component 170 can be oriented towards... Figure 5B The relative movement of the illustrated components compresses the heated zone 113 and the items therein. This provides one or more of the benefits discussed above. When one or more volatile components of the extractable material have been consumed, the first component 160 and the second component 170 can move relative to each other back to their original positions. Figure 5A The state shown is to facilitate the removal of items from the heating zone 113.

[0122] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B In one variation of the illustrated device 300, one or both of the first component 160 and the second component 170 may include a heating material that can be heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field. For example, the protrusions 165, 175 of one or both of the first component 160 and the second component 170 may include such a heating material. This can further increase the ability of heat from the heating material to penetrate the extractable material of an article in the heated region 113 during use. In some embodiments, the protrusions 165, 175 may be annular or ring-shaped.

[0123] In some of the ways Figure 5A and Figure 5B In a variant embodiment of the device 300 shown, these protrusions 165, 175 of one or both of the first component 160 and the second component 170 may be omitted.

[0124] In some of the ways Figure 5A and Figure 5B In a variant embodiment of the device 300 shown, the device 300 may include Figure 4A and Figure 4B The heating element 130 of the device 200 shown.

[0125] In some of the ways Figure 4A and Figure 4B In a variant embodiment of the device 200 shown, the inner surfaces 161, 171 of the first component 160 and the second component 170 may have corresponding protrusions extending therefrom and into the heating region 113, to interact with... Figure 5A and Figure 5B The protrusions 165 and 175 of the device 300 shown are in the same manner. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The protrusion of device 200 may have the above-mentioned features. Figure 5A and Figure 5B Any features discussed regarding the protrusions 165, 175 of the device 300 shown.

[0126] In some embodiments, the heating material of the heating element 130 may include discontinuities or holes. These discontinuities or holes can serve as heat-insulating strips to control the degree of heating of different areas of the pumpable material during use. Areas of the heating material with discontinuities or holes can be heated to a lesser degree than areas without discontinuities or holes. This facilitates the gradual heating of the pumpable material, thereby achieving gradual vapor generation.

[0127] In each of the above embodiments, the smokeable material includes 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 not contain tobacco. In some embodiments, the smokeable material may include a vapor or aerosol forming agent or a wetting agent, such as glycerin, propylene glycol, acetic acid, or diethylene glycol.

[0128] In some embodiments, the items discussed above are solid and are supplied separately from or otherwise provided with the devices 100, 200, 300 that can be used with them. However, in some embodiments, the devices 100, 200, 300 and one or more items may be provided together as a system, such as a kit or component, possibly with additional parts, such as cleaning tools.

[0129] This invention can be implemented in a system comprising any of the articles and devices discussed herein, wherein the article itself further comprises a heating material, for example in a sensor, for heating by penetration with a changing magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator. Heat generated in the heating material of the article itself can be transferred to a suction material to further heat the suction material therein.

[0130] To address various problems and advance technology, this disclosure, in its entirety, illustrates various embodiments through examples and instances in which the claimed invention can be practiced, and these embodiments provide preferred apparatus for heating a suctionable material to volatilize at least one component of the suctionable material, preferred articles for use with such apparatus, and preferred systems comprising such articles and such apparatus. The advantages and features of the invention are merely representative examples of these embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are intended only to aid understanding and teach the claimed and otherwise disclosed features. It will be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure are not to be considered as limitations on this disclosure as defined by the claims, or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments and modifications may be used without departing from the scope and / or substance of this disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably include various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc., constitute, or essentially constitute various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. This disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An apparatus for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize, the apparatus comprising: The heater area is configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising a suctionable material; A magnetic field generator is constructed to produce a changing magnetic field. as well as A slender heater element extends into the heater region; The heater element includes a heater material that can be heated by penetrating a changing magnetic field, thereby heating the heater region.

2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a body defining the heater region, wherein, The main body does not have a heater material that can be heated by penetrating a changing magnetic field.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The heater region is elongated, and the elongated heater element extends along a longitudinal axis that substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the heater region.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The heater element has a length and a cross-section perpendicular to that length, wherein the cross-section has a width and a depth, wherein the length of the heater element is greater than the width of the cross-section, and wherein the width of the cross-section is greater than the depth of the cross-section.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The heater element is substantially planar.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising an opening defined at a first end of the heater region, the opening being configured to receive said at least a portion of the article. in, The heater element extends into the heater region from a second end opposite to the first end, and wherein the heater element has a free end that is away from the second end of the heater region arranged relative to the opening, so that the free end enters the article when the article is inserted into the heater region.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein, The free end of the heater element is tapered.

8. The device according to claim 2, wherein, The inner surface or the outer surface of the body has a thermal emissivity of 0.1 or less.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The magnetic field generator includes a coil and a device configured to allow a changing current to pass through the coil.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The coil surrounds the heater area.

11. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The coil extends along a longitudinal axis that substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the heater element.

12. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The impedance of the coil is equal to, or substantially equal to, the impedance of the heater element.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The heater material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: conductive materials, magnetic materials, and non-magnetic materials.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The heater material includes metal or metal alloy.

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

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The heater material is susceptible to eddy currents induced in it when a changing magnetic field penetrates it.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The heater element is configured to change shape when heated.

18. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The heater material is exposed in the heater region.

19. An apparatus for heating a pumpable material to cause at least one component of the pumpable material to volatilize, the apparatus comprising: First component and second component; A heater region defined between the first member and the second member, the heater region being configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising a suctionable material; as well as A magnetic field generator is configured to generate a changing magnetic field during use to heat the heater region; The first and second components are capable of moving toward each other to compress the heater region.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein, The magnetic field generator is configured to generate a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heater region.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a heater element comprising a heater material capable of being heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field, thereby heating the heater region.

22. 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 substance that can be sucked up; as well as A wiper, connected to the absorbent material; The article is configured to receive a heating element, which is configured to heat the absorbent material by inserting the heating element into the absorbent material while in contact with the wiper.

23. The article according to claim 22, wherein, The wiper includes one or more of the following: a scraper, a blade, an abrasive pad, a foam material, a metal wire, a plurality of relatively oriented metal wires, wound metal wires, and metal bristles.

24. The article according to claim 22, wherein, The article has a cavity formed therein, the cavity being configured to receive the heater element in use.

25. The article according to claim 24, wherein, The wiper defines at least a portion of the cavity.

26. A system comprising: An apparatus configured to heat a suction-prone material and cause at least one component of the suction-prone material to volatilize, the apparatus comprising: a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising the suction-prone material; a magnetic field generator for generating a changing magnetic field; and an elongated heating element extending into the heating zone, wherein the heating element comprises a heating material capable of being heated by penetration through the changing magnetic field to heat the heating zone; and Articles for use with the device, the articles comprising the aspirable material.

27. The system according to claim 26, wherein, The article includes a removable material and a wiper attached to the removable material, wherein the heating element is capable of being inserted into the removable material while in contact with the wiper.

Images