Aerosol delivery devices, cartridges and controllers for aerosol delivery systems

Abstract

A controller 22a, b for an aerosol delivery system configured to generate aerosol from aerosol-generating material in use, the system comprising a device 2 having a power supply 26 and a removable cartridge 4 containing aerosol-generating material, the device and cartridge connected in use via electrical contacts 112, 114, wherein the controller is configured to: adjust a variable resistance component or circuit 170a, b connected to the electrical contacts and having a variable resistance, to provide a variable power signal to the electrical contacts, to transmit data across the electrical contacts.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICES, CARTRIDGES AND CONTROLLERS FOR AEROSOL DELIVERY SYSTEMS

[0002] Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, cartridges and controllers for aerosol delivery systems such as, but not exclusively, nicotine delivery systems (e.g. e-cigarettes), as well as related methods.

[0004] Background

[0005] Aerosol delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain an aerosol generating material, such as a chamber of a source solid or liquid, which may contain an active substance and / or a flavour, from which an aerosol or vapour is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Thus, an aerosol delivery system will typically comprise an aerosol generation area containing an aerosol generator, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise or aerosolise a portion of precursor material to generate a vapour or aerosol in the aerosol generation area. As a user inhales on the device and electrical power is supplied to the vaporiser, air is drawn into the device through an inlet hole and along an inlet air channel connecting to the aerosol generation area, where the air mixes with vaporised precursor material to form a condensation aerosol. There is an outlet channel connecting the aerosol generation area to an outlet in the mouthpiece and the air drawn into the aerosol generation area as a user inhales on the mouthpiece continues along the outlet flow path to the mouthpiece outlet, carrying the aerosol with it, for inhalation by the user. Some electronic cigarettes may also include a flavour element in the air flow path through the device to impart additional flavours. Such devices may sometimes be referred to as hybrid devices, and the flavour element may, for example, include a portion of tobacco arranged in the air flow path between the aerosol generation area and the mouthpiece such that aerosol I condensation aerosol drawn through the device passes through the portion of tobacco before exiting the mouthpiece for user inhalation.

[0006] It is known to provide two-part aerosol delivery systems comprising a device with a power supply for generating aerosol from a removable cartridge, and providing a data communication channel between the device and cartridge. However, existing arrangements may consume notable power. The present invention aims to improve the user experience by reducing power consumption, prolonging use time to provide an improved user experience and environmental benefits.

[0007] Terminology

[0008] Delivery System As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolgenerating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolgenerating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0009] Combustible Aerosol Provision System

[0010] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0011] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.

[0012] Non-Combustible Aerosol Provision System

[0013] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0014] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolgenerating material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0015] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosolgenerating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0016] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0017] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0018] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0019] Aerosol-Free Delivery System

[0020] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0021] Active Substance

[0022] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0023] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0024] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes. As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.

[0025] Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0026] Flavours

[0027] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

[0028] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis. In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0029] Aerosol-generating material

[0030] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0031] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0032] Aerosol-former material

[0033] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso- Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0034] Functional material

[0035] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0036] Substrate The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0037] Consumable

[0038] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0039] Susceptor

[0040] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0041] Aerosol-modifying agent

[0042] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosolmodifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material. Aerosol generator

[0043] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0044] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term “e- cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system I device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

[0045] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol generating material and the vaporiser (which may collectively be called a ‘cartomizer’) and the reusable device part will comprise the power supply (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices.

[0046] It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.

[0047] Brief summary of the invention

[0048] The present invention provides a controller for an aerosol delivery system configured to generate aerosol from aerosol-generating material in use, the system comprising a device having a power supply and a removable cartridge containing aerosol-generating material, the device and cartridge connected in use via electrical contacts, wherein the controller is configured to: adjust a variable resistance component or circuit connected to the electrical contacts and having a variable resistance, to provide a variable power signal to the electrical contacts, to transmit data across the electrical contacts.

[0049] The present invention further provides an aerosol delivery device configured to generate aerosol from aerosol-generating material contained in a removable cartridge in use, the device comprising: a. a pair of device electrical contacts; b. a power supply configured to supply power to the device electrical contacts; c. a variable resistance component or circuit connected to the device electrical contacts and having a variable resistance; and d. a controller configured to adjust the variable resistance to provide a variable power signal to the device electrical contacts, for transmitting data to a removable cartridge that is connectable to the device electrical contacts in use.

[0050] The present invention further provides a removable cartridge for containing aerosol-generating material for use with an aerosol delivery device to generate aerosol in use, the cartridge comprising: a. a pair of cartridge electrical contacts for receiving power from the aerosol delivery device; b. a variable resistance component or circuit connected to the cartridge electrical contacts and having a variable resistance; and c. a controller configured to adjust the variable resistance to provide a variable power signal to the cartridge electrical contacts, for transmitting data to an aerosol delivery device connectable to the cartridge electrical contacts in use.

[0051] The present invention further provides a method of transmitting data in an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device having a power supply and a removable cartridge comprising aerosol-generating material in use, wherein: a. the device comprises a power supply configured to supply power to the removable cartridge via complementary electrical contacts on the device and the cartridge; and b. at least one of the device and the cartridge comprises: i. a variable resistance component or circuit connected to the electrical contacts and having a variable resistance; and ii. a controller configured to adjust the variable resistance to provide a variable power signal to the electrical contacts, c. the method comprising: i. the controller of the device or the cartridge transmitting data to the other of the device and the cartridge via the electrical contacts by varying the resistance of the variable resistance component or circuit, providing a variable power signal.

[0052] The present invention further provides additional embodiments as claimed in the dependent claims.

[0053] The claimed invention generally provides circuitry, a sub-assembly or sub-system suitable for use in an aerosol delivery system, or configured for use in an aerosol delivery system. The sub-system may generally form part of an aerosol delivery system and in particular may form part of the reusable device and / or the consumable cartridge.

[0054] The claimed arrangement beneficially reduces power consumption, prolonging use time providing an improved user experience and environmental benefits. The claimed arrangement also reduces complexity.

[0055] Brief description of the figures

[0056] Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0057] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-section view of an aerosol delivery system in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0058] Figure 2 is a schematic of electronic circuitry in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0059] Figure 3 is a schematic circuit diagram in accordance with a particular embodiment of the disclosure.

[0060] Detailed description of the disclosure

[0061] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not described in detail in the interest of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatuses and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any suitable conventional techniques.

[0062] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view through an example aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, providing an introduction to two-part aerosol delivery systems, the components therein and their functionality.

[0063] The aerosol delivery system 1 comprises two main parts, namely a reusable part 2 and a replaceable I disposable consumable cartridge part 4. In normal use, the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 are releasably coupled together at an interface 6. When the cartridge part 4 is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge part 4, the cartridge part 4 may be removed from the reusable part 2 and a replacement cartridge part 4 attached to the reusable part 2 in its place. The interface 6 provides a structural, electrical and airflow path connection between the two parts 2, 4 and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, magnetic or bayonet fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings for establishing the electrical connection and airflow path between the two parts 2, 4 as appropriate. The specific manner by which the cartridge part 4 mechanically mounts to the reusable part 2 is not significant to the principles described herein, but for the sake of a concrete example is assumed here to comprise a magnetic coupling (not represented in figure 1). It will also be appreciated the interface 6 in some implementations may not support an electrical and I or airflow path connection between the respective parts 2, 4. For example, in some implementations an aerosol generator may be provided in the reusable part 2 rather than in the cartridge part 4, or the transfer of electrical power from the reusable part 2 to the cartridge part 4 may be wireless (e.g. based on electromagnetic induction), so that an electrical connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is not needed. Furthermore, in some implementations the airflow through the electronic cigarette might not go through the reusable part 2, so that an airflow path connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is not needed. In some instances, a portion of the airflow path may be defined at the interface between portions of the reusable part 2 and cartridge part 4 when these are coupled together for use.

[0064] In some embodiments of the disclosure, the device 2 and cartridge 4 are connected in use via electrical contacts 112, 114 and the device 2 and / or cartridge 4 comprises a variable resistance component or circuit 170 connected to the electrical contacts 112, 114 and having a variable resistance, to provide a variable power signal to the electrical contacts 112, 114, to transmit data across the electrical contacts 112, 114. This is described further with reference to the subsequent figures below.

[0065] The cartridge I consumable part 4 may, in certain embodiments, be broadly conventional. In figure 1 , the cartridge part 4 comprises a cartridge housing 42 formed of a plastics material. The cartridge housing 42 supports other components of the cartridge part 4 and provides the mechanical interface 6 with the reusable part 2. The cartridge housing 42 is generally circularly symmetrical about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge part 4 couples to the reusable part 2. In this example, the cartridge part 4 has a length of around 4 cm and a diameter of around 1 .5 cm. However, the specific geometry and the overall shapes and materials used may vary.

[0066] Within the cartridge housing 42 is a chamber or reservoir 44 that contains aerosol-generating material. In the example of figure 1 , the reservoir 44 stores a supply of liquid aerosol generating material. In this example, the liquid reservoir 44 has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42 and an inner wall that defines an airflow path 52 through the cartridge part 4. The reservoir 44 is closed at each end with end walls to contain the aerosol generating material. The reservoir 44 may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example it may comprise a plastics material and be integrally moulded with the cartridge housing 42.

[0067] The cartridge I consumable part 4 further comprises an aerosol generator 48 located towards an end of the reservoir 44 opposite to a mouthpiece outlet 50. It will be appreciated that in a two-part system such as shown in figure 1 , the aerosol generator 48 may be in either of the reusable part 2 or the cartridge part 4. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 48 (e.g. a heater, which may be in the form of a wick and coil arrangement as shown, a distiller, which may be formed from a sintered metal fibre material or other porous conducting material, or any suitable alternative aerosol generator) may be comprised in the reusable part 2, and is brought into proximity with a portion of aerosol generating material in the cartridge part 4 when the cartridge part 4 is engaged with the reusable part 2. In such embodiments, the cartridge part 4 may comprise a portion of aerosol generating material, and an aerosol generator 48 comprising a heater is at least partially inserted into or at least partially surrounds the portion of aerosol generating material as the cartridge part 4 is engaged with the reusable part 2.

[0068] In the example of figure 1 , a wick 46 in contact with the aerosol generator 48 extends transversely across the cartridge airflow path 52 with its ends extending into the reservoir 44 of the liquid aerosol generating material through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44. The openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 are sized to broadly match the dimensions of the wick 46 to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the liquid reservoir 44 into the cartridge airflow path without unduly compressing the wick 46, which may be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance.

[0069] The wick 46 and aerosol generator 48 are arranged in the cartridge airflow path 52 such that a region of the cartridge airflow path 52 around the wick 46 and heater 48 in effect defines a vaporisation region for the cartridge part 4. Aerosol generating material in the reservoir 44 infiltrates the wick 46 through the ends of the wick extending into the reservoir 44 and is drawn along the wick by surface tension I capillary action (i.e. wicking). The aerosol generator 48 in this example comprises an electrically resistive wire coiled around the wick 46. In figure 1 , the heater 48 comprises a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire and the wick 46 comprises a glass fibre bundle, but the specific aerosol generator configuration is not significant to the principles described herein.

[0070] In use, electrical power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 48 to vaporise an amount of aerosol generating material (aerosol generating material) drawn to the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 by the wick 46. Vaporised aerosol generating material may then become entrained in air drawn along the cartridge airflow path from the vaporisation region towards the mouthpiece outlet 50 for user inhalation.

[0071] As noted above, the rate at which aerosol generating material is vaporised by the aerosol generator 48 will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48. Thus electrical power can be applied to the aerosol generator 48 to selectively generate aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the cartridge part 4, and furthermore, the rate of aerosol generation can be changed by changing the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48, for example through pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques.

[0072] The reusable part 2 comprises an outer housing 12 having with an opening that defines an air inlet 28 for the e-cigarette, a power source 26 (e.g. a battery) for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette, control circuitry / controller 22 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a first user input button 14, a second user input button 16, and a visual display 24.

[0073] The outer housing 12 may be formed, for example, from a plastics or metallic material and in this example has a circular cross section generally conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge part 4 so as to provide a smooth transition between the two parts 2, 4 at the interface 6. In this example, the reusable part 2 has a length of around 8 cm so the overall length of the e-cigarette when the cartridge part 4 and the reusable part 2 are coupled together is around 12 cm.

[0074] The air inlet 28 connects to an airflow path 51 through the reusable part 2. The reusable part airflow path 51 in turn connects to the cartridge airflow path 52 across the interface 6 when the reusable part 2 and cartridge part 4 are connected together. Thus, when a user inhales on the mouthpiece opening 50, air is drawn in through the air inlet 28, along the reusable part airflow path 51 , across the interface 6, through the aerosol generation area in the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 (where vaporised aerosol generating material becomes entrained in the air flow), along the cartridge airflow path 52, and out through the mouthpiece opening 50 for user inhalation.

[0075] The power source 26 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The power source 26 may be recharged through a charging connector in the reusable part housing 12, for example a USB connector. Optionally, first and / or second user input buttons 14, 16 may be provided, which in this example are conventional mechanical buttons, for example comprising a spring mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact. In this regard, the input buttons may be considered input devices for detecting user input and the specific manner in which the buttons are implemented is not significant. The buttons may be assigned to functions such as switching the aerosol delivery system 1 on and off, and adjusting user settings such as a power to be supplied from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48.

[0076] A display 24 may be provided to give a user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the aerosol delivery system, for example current power setting information, remaining power source power, and so forth. The display may be implemented in various ways. In this example the display 24 comprises a conventional pixilated LCD screen that may be driven to display the desired information in accordance with conventional techniques. In other implementations, the display may comprise one or more discrete indicators, for example LEDs, that are arranged to display the desired information, for example through particular colours and I or flash sequences. More generally, the manner in which the display 24 is provided and information is displayed to a user using the display is not significant to the principles described herein. For example, some embodiments may not include a visual display and / or may include other means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system, for example using audio signalling, or may not include any means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system.

[0077] A controller 22 is suitably configured I programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 to provide functionality as described herein, as well as for providing conventional operating functions of the aerosol delivery system 1 . The controller (processor circuitry) 22 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units I circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 . In this example the controller 22 comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in response to user input, user programming circuitry 20 for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input, as well as other functional units I circuitry associated functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as display driving circuitry and user input detection circuitry. The functionality of the controller 22 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and I or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) I circuitry I chip(s) I chipset(s).

[0078] The controller 22 may comprise an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or microcontroller, for controlling the aerosol delivery device. The microcontroller or ASIC may include a CPU or microprocessor. The operations of a CPU and other electronic components are generally controlled at least in part by software programs running on the CPU (or other component). Such software programs may be stored in non-volatile memory, such as ROM, which can be integrated into the microcontroller itself, or provided as a separate component. The CPU may access the ROM to load and execute individual software programs as and when required.

[0079] The reusable part 2 comprises an airflow sensor 30 which is electrically connected to the controller 22. In most embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 comprises a so-called “puff sensor”, in that the airflow sensor 30 is used to detect when a user is puffing on the device. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 comprises a switch in an electrical path providing electrical power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48. In such embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 generally comprises a pressure sensor configured to close the switch when subjected to a particular range of pressures, enabling current to flow from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 once the pressure in the vicinity of the airflow sensor 30 drops below a threshold value. The threshold value can be set to a value determined by experimentation to correspond to a characteristic value associated with the initiation of a user puff. In other embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 is connected to the controller 22, and the controller distributes electrical power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in dependence of a signal received from the airflow sensor 30 by the controller 22. The specific manner in which the signal output from the airflow sensor 30 (which may comprise a measure of capacitance, resistance or other characteristic of the airflow sensor, made by the controller 22) is used by the controller 22 to control the supply of power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 can be carried out in accordance with any approach known to the skilled person.

[0080] In the example shown in figure 1 , the airflow sensor 30 is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 31 , but this is not essential. The airflow sensor 30 may comprise any sensor which is configured to determine a characteristic of airflow in an airflow path 51 disposed between air inlet 28 and mouthpiece opening 50, for example a pressure sensor or transducer (for example a membrane or solid-state pressure sensor), a combined temperature and pressure sensor, or a microphone (for example an electret-type microphone), which is sensitive to changes in air pressure, including acoustical signals. The airflow sensor 30 is situated within a sensor cavity or chamber 32, which comprises the interior space defined by one or more chamber walls 34. The sensor cavity 32 comprises a region internal to one or more chamber walls 34 in which an airflow sensor 30 can be fully or partially situated. In some embodiments, the PCB 31 comprises one of the chamber walls of a sensor housing comprising the sensor chamber I cavity 32.

[0081] A deformable membrane is disposed across an opening communicating between the sensor cavity 32 containing the sensor 30, and a portion of the airflow path disposed between air inlet 28 and mouthpiece opening 50. The deformable membrane covers the opening, and is attached to one or more of the chamber walls according to approaches described further herein.

[0082] As described further herein, the aerosol delivery system 1 comprises communication circuitry configured to enable a connection to be established with one or more further electronic devices (for example, a storage / charging case, and / or a refill / charging dock) to enable data transfer between the aerosol delivery system 1 and further electronic device(s). In some embodiments, the communication circuitry is integrated into controller 22, and in others it is implemented separately. For example, the communication circuitry may comprise a separate module to the controller 22 which, while connected to controller 22, provides dedicated data transfer functionality for the aerosol delivery device. In some embodiments, the communication circuitry is configured to support communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and one or more further electronic devices over a wireless interface. The communication circuitry may be configured to support wireless communications between the aerosol delivery system 1 and other electronic devices such as a case, a dock, a computing device such as a smartphone or PC, a base station supporting cellular communications, a relay node providing an onward connection to a base station, a wearable device, or any other portable or fixed device which supports wireless communications.

[0083] The controller 22, other components within the system 1 and other devices / systems may comprise one or more processors and data processing steps may be performed on any of these processors or on a remote processor, the data communicated by wire or wirelessly.

[0084] Wireless communications between the aerosol delivery system 1 and a further electronic device may be configured according to data transfer protocols such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee, WiFi®, Wifi Direct, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, RFID, or generally any other wireless, and / or wired, network protocol or interface. The communication circuitry may comprise any suitable interface for wired data connection, such as USB-C, micro-USB or Thunderbolt interfaces, and may comprise pin or contact pad arrangements configured to engage cooperating pins or contact pads on a dock, case, cable, or other external device which can be connected to the aerosol delivery system 1 .

[0085] Independent embodiments of the disclosure include controllers for aerosol delivery systems that are configured to adjust a variable resistance component or circuit connected to electrical contacts and having a variable resistance, to provide a variable power signal to the electrical contacts, to transmit data across the electrical contacts, thus not requiring a separate data communications pathway.

[0086] Further independent embodiments include aerosol delivery devices and / or removable cartridges comprising a variable resistance component or circuit connected to electrical contacts and having a variable resistance and a controller configured to adjust the variable resistance to provide a variable power signal to the electrical contacts, for transmitting data via the electrical contacts in use.

[0087] Figure 2 is a schematic of electronic circuitry for an aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0088] The aerosol delivery system 1 of figure 2 comprises a reusable device part 2 having a power supply 26, and a removable cartridge part 4 containing aerosol-generating material (not shown), the device 2 and cartridge 4 connected in use via electrical contacts 112, 114 on the device 2 and cartridge 4 respectively. In the figure 2 embodiment, both the device 2 and the cartridge 4 are capable of providing a variable power signal to their respective electrical contacts 112, 114, to transmit data across the electrical contacts 112, 114 to the other of the device 2 and the cartridge 4. In figure 2, the device 2 and the cartridge 4 each comprise a variable resistance component or circuit 170 connected to respective electrical contacts 112, 114 and having a variable resistance to provide the variable power signal. The device 2 and the cartridge 4 also each comprise a control unit I controller 22.

[0089] In more detail, the device 2 of figure 2 comprises a pair of device electrical contacts 112 in the form of positive and negative (ground) pogo pins 112, a power supply 26 (which may be broadly conventional in some embodiments) configured to supply power to the device electrical contacts 112 (to provide power to the cartridge 4), a variable resistance component or circuit 170a receiving power from the power supply 26 and connected to the device electrical contacts 112, the variable resistance component or circuit 170a having a variable resistance, and a device control unit I controller 22a receiving power from the power supply 26 and configured to adjust the variable resistance to provide a variable power signal to the device electrical contacts 112, for transmitting data to the removable cartridge 4 that is connectable to the device electrical contacts 112 in use. The variable resistance component or circuit 170a in the device 2 is thus connected in series with the cartridge 4 in use.

[0090] In some embodiments, the variable resistance component or circuit 170 comprises one or more of: a variable resistor, a transistor; and / or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In some embodiments, the variable resistance component or circuit 170 comprises an N-type or P-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS or PMOS) field effect transistor (FET) with a resistor connected in parallel thereto. Further specific implementations are discussed with reference to the subsequent figures.

[0091] As shown in figure 2, the device 2 may comprise an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) between the power supply 26 and the controller 22a. The controller 22a may also be configured to process variable power signals received from the cartridge 4.

[0092] The cartridge 4 of figure 2 comprises a pair of cartridge electrical contacts 114 in the form of positive and negative (ground) pogo pins 114 corresponding to the pogo pins 112 on the device 2, for receiving power therefrom, a variable resistance component or circuit 170b having a variable resistance and a cartridge control unit I controller 22b. The controller 22b receives power from the device 2 and is configured to adjust the variable resistance to provide a variable power signal to the cartridge electrical contacts 114, for transmitting data to the device 2. The controller 22b may also be configured to process received variable power signals from the device 2.

[0093] In this embodiment, the cartridge 4 further comprises the aerosol generator 48 and a switch 150 connected to the power supply and the controller 22b, for selectively switching the variable resistance component or circuit 170b and the aerosol generator 48 (which are also both connected to ground as shown). The switching functionality provided by the switch 150 may comprise selectively actuating (enabling / disabling) the variable resistance component or circuit 170b (for providing data communication) and the aerosol generator 48 independently, e.g. non-exclusively or exclusively switching power supply between the variable resistance component or circuit 170b and the aerosol generator 48. As indicated in figure 2, the cartridge 4 may comprise an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) between the controller 22b and the variable resistance component or circuit 170b. Similarly, digital-to-analogue converters (DACs) may be provided as needed.

[0094] As outlined above, both the device 2 and the cartridge 4 of figure 2 are capable of providing a variable power signal to the electrical contacts 112, 114 to transmit data across the electrical contacts 112, 114 to the other of the device 2 and the cartridge 4. This data communication via existing electrical contacts is extremely beneficial, since it avoids the need for a separate data channel in addition to the electrical contacts, thus increases efficiency and reduces costs. Typically, in the majority of embodiments, only two electrical contacts (e.g. consisting of positive and negative contacts) are required (for DC supply) between the device 2 and cartridge 4, i.e. the device 2 may comprise only two electrical contacts 112 for contacting two complementary electrical contacts 114 on the cartridge, as shown in figure 2. In some embodiments the electrical contacts 112, 114 may comprise pogo pins.

[0095] In other examples, the data communication may be one-way, i.e. from the device 2 to the cartridge 4 only or vice versa. In such examples, the non-transmitting part does not require a variable resistance component or circuit 170 connected to the electrical contacts to provide a variable power signal, nor a controller 22 configured to provide adjustment of the variable resistance.

[0096] In particular, an aerosol delivery device 2 configured to transmit data to a removable cartridge 4 may be paired with a removable cartridge 4 suitable for receiving data from the aerosol delivery device 2, the cartridge 4 comprising: aerosol generating material; a pair of cartridge electrical contacts 114 for receiving the variable power signal transmitting data from the aerosol delivery device 2; and a controller 22b configured to process the received variable power signal from the device 2. The cartridge controller 22b is configured to detect changes in the power supply signal from the device 2 (e.g. low / high resistance / voltage) to receive data.

[0097] Equally, a removable cartridge 4 (containing aerosol-generating material for use with an aerosol delivery device 4 as part of an aerosol delivery system 1) may be paired with an aerosol delivery device 2 suitable for receiving data from the removable cartridge 4, the device 2 comprising a pair of device electrical contacts 112 connectable to the cartridge electrical contacts 114; a power supply 26 configured to supply power to the device electrical contacts 112 and thereby supply power to the cartridge 4 via the cartridge electrical contacts 114 in use; and a controller 22a configured to process the received variable power signal from the cartridge 4. The device controller 22a is configured to detect changes in the power supply signal from the cartridge 4 (e.g. low / high resistance / voltage) to receive data.

[0098] Beneficially, existing devices 2 and / or cartridges 4 comprising a controller 22 may be updated to function with embodying devices 2 and / or cartridges 4 which transmit data using a variable resistance component or circuit 170 connected to electrical contacts to provide a variable power signal.

[0099] Further details of the data communication method are now discussed.

[0100] In some embodiments, the controller 22 is configured to transmit data by transmitting a sequence of two or more different power signals. For example, in a simple form, the variable resistance may be variable between a first, high resistance and a second, low resistance. In some embodiments, the high resistance is substantially within the range of 0.5-1.5 Q, preferably 0.7-1 .3 Q; and / or the low resistance is substantially within the range of 0-0.5 Q, preferably < 0.1 Q. In some embodiments, the low resistance is substantially a minimum resistance for the variable resistance component or circuit 170; and / or the high resistance is substantially a maximum resistance for the variable resistance component or circuit 170.

[0101] Such 2-output variability can provide binary (base-2) data as 0 / 1 outputs and thus be used to transmit data in a sequence over a time period as a string of binary data, e.g. providing an output of 01011011 . The bandwidth can be increased by using more unique base values, e.g. base-16 (hex) representing numbers using 16 unique resistance values e.g. providing an output of 0678AF41 , which could be a serial number. In this way, data such as a serial number, cartridge type (e.g. predefined type I standard resistance for or other properties of the aerosol generator 48 or aerosol generating material, such as composition, viscosity, optimum operating temperature etc.) can quickly be transmitted between the device 2 and the cartridge 4, without requiring a separate data channel.

[0102] In some embodiments, the controller 22 is configured to perform encoding / decoding, e.g. the controller 22 is configured to decode the received variable power signal into a data signal; and / or encode a data signal into the variable power signal. For example, the controller 22b in the cartridge 4 may be configured to encode data such as aerosol-generating material properties, date of manufacture etc. for sending to the device 2.

[0103] In some embodiments, the system 1 or the controller 22 may be further configured to adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system 1 dependent on the power signal I data received. For example, the operating parameters may include any parameters for the aerosol generator 48, such as the power supply profile therefor (i.e. the voltage or current supply profile over time, which may depend on the type or standard resistance of the aerosol generator 48, particularly if a particular operating temperature of the aerosol generator 48 is desired), and / or other operating parameters such as rate of supply or mixture of aerosol generating material (which might be adjustable e.g. via a valve) air flow into / aerosol flow out of the system (either of which might be adjustable by baffles), etc.

[0104] Figure 3 is a schematic circuit diagram in accordance with a particular embodiment of the disclosure, providing a working example.

[0105] The circuitry for the device 2 in figure 3 comprises a 4.2 V power supply connected to the variable resistance component or circuit 170a and thereby supplies power to the positive electrical contact, with the device 2 also comprising a negative electrical contact for ground. The variable resistance component or circuit 170a generally comprises a P-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS or PMOS) field effect transistor (FET), with a resistor connected in parallel thereto, although in other, examples not shown here, N-type MOSFETS may be used. In figure 3, the Q8 MOSFET is a NX2301 P P-channel Field-Effect Transistor (FET) and the resistor R11 has a resistance rating of 4.7 Q as one particular example. The device 2 further comprises a microcontroller (MCU) 22a which receives power from the 4.2 V supply and provides a control signal to the MOSFET.

[0106] The circuitry for the cartridge 4 in figure 3 receives power from the 4.2 V power supply from the device 2 in use via the positive electrical contact (when the device 2 receives the removable cartridge 4), delivering power to the cartridge microcontroller (MCU) 22b and to switch 150 (with a typical voltage of 3-4 V). In figure 3, the switch 150 generally comprises two MOSFETS, more specifically 2x NX2301 Ps (Q2, Q3) connected in parallel with one another and each receiving a control signal from the MCU 22b. The first NX2301 P (Q2) is connected in series with the variable resistance component or circuit 170b, then connected to ground, whilst the second NX2301 P (Q3) is connected in series with the aerosol generator 48, represented here by a resistor of 1 .4 Q, then connected to ground.

[0107] The variable resistance component or circuit 170b comprises a third NX2301 P (Q4) connected in parallel with a 4.7 Q resistor, where Q4 also receives a control signal from the MCU 22b. An analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) is provided between the MCU 22b and the variable resistance component or circuit 170b.

[0108] For the avoidance of doubt, the specific values described herein e.g. for resistance and voltage, are to provide a concrete example and are not limiting: other values may be used, in any combinations. The terms ‘circuit’ and ‘circuitry’ are used interchangeably. Furthermore, any specific directional flow pathways between components is not limiting: both specific one-way communication and two-way communication between any components and / or combinations thereof are explicitly contemplated.

[0109] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. Any functions of a processor (e.g. controller) may be shared between processors on the various devices / systems in the wider system and / or a remote server. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0110] Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. Protection may also be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

[0111] Index to reference numerals

[0112] 1 aerosol delivery system

[0113] 2 reusable part

[0114] 4 cartridge part

[0115] 6 interface between reusable part and cartridge part

[0116] 12 reusable part housing

[0117] 14, 16 user input buttons

[0118] 20 user programming circuitry

[0119] 22 controller

[0120] 24 display

[0121] 26 power source

[0122] 28 air inlet

[0123] 30 airflow sensor

[0124] 31 printed circuit board (PCB)

[0125] 32 sensor cavity or chamber

[0126] 34 chamber wall

[0127] 42 cartridge housing

[0128] 44 chamber or reservoir

[0129] 46 wick

[0130] 48 aerosol generator

[0131] 50 mouthpiece outlet

[0132] 51 airflow path through reusable part

[0133] 52 airflow path through cartridge

[0134] 112 device electrical contacts

[0135] 114 cartridge electrical contacts

[0136] 120 power supply control circuit / circuitry 150 switch

[0137] 170 variable resistance component or circu it / ci rcu itry

Claims

Claims1 . A controller for an aerosol delivery system configured to generate aerosol from aerosolgenerating material in use, the system comprising a device having a power supply and a removable cartridge containing aerosol-generating material, the device and cartridge connected in use via electrical contacts, wherein the controller is configured to: a. adjust a variable resistance component or circuit connected to the electrical contacts and having a variable resistance, to provide a variable power signal to the electrical contacts, to transmit data across the electrical contacts.

2. An aerosol delivery device configured to generate aerosol from aerosol-generating material contained in a removable cartridge in use, the device comprising: a. a pair of device electrical contacts; b. a power supply configured to supply power to the device electrical contacts; c. a variable resistance component or circuit connected to the device electrical contacts and having a variable resistance; and d. a controller configured to adjust the variable resistance to provide a variable power signal to the device electrical contacts, for transmitting data to a removable cartridge that is connectable to the device electrical contacts in use.

3. A removable cartridge for receiving data from the aerosol delivery device of claim 2, the cartridge comprising: a. aerosol generating material; b. a pair of cartridge electrical contacts for receiving the variable power signal transmitting data from the aerosol delivery device; and c. a controller configured to process the received variable power signal from the device.

4. A removable cartridge for containing aerosol-generating material for use with an aerosol delivery device to generate aerosol in use, the cartridge comprising: a. a pair of cartridge electrical contacts for receiving power from the aerosol delivery device; b. a variable resistance component or circuit connected to the cartridge electrical contacts and having a variable resistance; and c. a controller configured to adjust the variable resistance to provide a variable power signal to the cartridge electrical contacts, for transmitting data to an aerosol delivery device connectable to the cartridge electrical contacts in use.

5. An aerosol delivery device for receiving data from the removable cartridge of claim 4, the device comprising: a. a pair of device electrical contacts connectable to the cartridge electrical contacts;b. a power supply configured to supply power to the device electrical contacts and thereby supply power to the cartridge via the cartridge electrical contacts in use; and c. a controller configured to process the received variable power signal from the cartridge.

6. The controller of claim 1 , the device of claim 2 or the cartridge of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to transmit data by transmitting a sequence of two or more different power signals.

7. An aerosol delivery system comprising: a. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2 and the cartridge of claim 3 or 4; or b. The cartridge of claim 4 and the aerosol delivery device of claim 5.

8. The aerosol delivery system of claim 7, wherein the device and the cartridge each comprise a variable resistance component or circuit connected to their respective electrical contacts and having a variable resistance.

9. The aerosol delivery system of claim 7 or 8, wherein the controller configured to adjust the variable resistance to provide a variable power signal to the electrical contacts is further configured to process received variable power signals.

10. The controller, aerosol delivery device, cartridge or system of any preceding claim, wherein the device and / or cartridge comprises only two electrical contacts.11 . The controller, aerosol delivery device, cartridge or system of any preceding claim, wherein the device and / or cartridge electrical contacts consist of positive and negative contacts.

12. The controller, aerosol delivery device, cartridge or system of any preceding claim, wherein the electrical contacts comprise pogo pins.

13. The controller, aerosol delivery device, cartridge or system of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to adjust one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system dependent on the power signal received from the cartridge and / or device.

14. The controller, aerosol delivery device, cartridge or system of any preceding claim, comprising an aerosol generator and / or aerosol-generating material.

15. The controller, aerosol delivery device, cartridge or system of any preceding claim, wherein the controller, aerosol delivery device, cartridge or system is configured to control a supply ofpower to the aerosol generator dependent on the power signal received from the device and / or cartridge.

16. The controller, aerosol delivery device, cartridge or system of any preceding claim, comprising a switch for selectively actuating the variable resistance component or circuit and / or the aerosol generator.

17. The controller, aerosol delivery device, cartridge or system of any preceding claim, wherein the variable resistance component or circuit and / or the switch comprises: a. a variable resistor; and / or b. a transistor; and / or c. an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

18. The controller, aerosol delivery device, cartridge or system of any preceding claim, wherein the variable resistance component or circuit comprises: a. an N-type or P-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS or PMOS) field effect transistor (FET) with a resistor connected in parallel thereto.

19. The system of any preceding claim, wherein, in use, the variable resistance component or circuit in the device is connected in series with the cartridge.

20. The controller, aerosol delivery device, cartridge or system of any preceding claim, wherein the variable resistance is variable between a first, high resistance and a second, low resistance.21 . The controller, aerosol delivery device, cartridge or system of any preceding claim, wherein: a. the high resistance is substantially within the range of 0.5-1 .5 Q, preferably 0.7-1 .3 Q; and / or b. the low resistance is substantially within the range of 0-0.5 Q, preferably < 0.1 Q ; and / or c. the low resistance is substantially a minimum resistance for the variable resistance component or circuit; and / or d. the high resistance is substantially a maximum resistance for the variable resistance component or circuit.

22. The controller, aerosol delivery device, cartridge or system of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to: a. decode the received variable power signal into a data signal; and / or b. encode a data signal into the variable power signal.

23. A method of transmitting data in an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device having a power supply and a removable cartridge comprising aerosol-generating material in use, wherein: a. the device comprises a power supply configured to supply power to the removable cartridge via complementary electrical contacts on the device and the cartridge; and b. at least one of the device and the cartridge comprises: i. a variable resistance component or circuit connected to the electrical contacts and having a variable resistance; and ii. a controller configured to adjust the variable resistance to provide a variable power signal to the electrical contacts, c. the method comprising: i. the controller of the device or the cartridge transmitting data to the other of the device and the cartridge via the electrical contacts by varying the resistance of the variable resistance component or circuit, providing a variable power signal.

24. A computer program product or computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method of claim

Images