Aerosol Delivery Device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more aerosol generators arranged to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material, a controller for controlling the aerosol generators, and a user interface. The user interface may be arranged to allow a user to interact with the user interface at a point after a usage session has begun to cause the controller to (i) pause or modify further operation of the aerosol generator, and / or (ii) cause the aerosol generator to enter a power saving mode of operation, and / or (iii) change or vary a heating profile set for the aerosol generator for the remainder of the session, and / or (iv) change or vary the duration of a heating profile set for the aerosol generator for the remainder of the session.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device, an aerosol generating system, and a method for generating an aerosol. [Background technology]

[0002] Cigarettes, cigars, and other articles burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke when used. Attempts have been made to provide an alternative to these types of articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning them. Devices are known that heat smoking material to volatilize at least one component of the smoking material, typically forming an aerosol that can be inhaled, without burning the smoking material. Such devices may be described as "non-combustion heating" devices or "tobacco heating products" (THPs) or "tobacco heating devices", etc. A variety of different configurations are known for volatilizing at least one component of the smoking material.

[0003] The ingredients may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, or combinations such as a mixed mix, which may or may not contain nicotine.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide an improved aerosol delivery device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the device comprising: one or more aerosol generators arranged to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; A controller for controlling one or more aerosol generators; a user interface arranged to enable a user to interact with the user interface to cause the controller, at a time t1 after the use session has begun, to (i) pause or modify further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, and / or (ii) place the one or more aerosol generators into a power saving mode of operation, and / or (iii) change or vary a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, and / or (iv) change or vary the duration of a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards; An aerosol delivery device is provided comprising:

[0006] Various embodiments relate to an aerosol delivery device where, after a usage session has begun, a user can interact with a user interface to interrupt or change the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session.

[0007] According to an embodiment, when the controller pauses or modifies further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, the controller may be further arranged to reduce energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators such that an operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators drops to a temperature T1, T1≦200° C. Optionally, T1 is selected from the group consisting of: (i) below 20° C., (ii) between 20 and 40° C., (iii) between 40 and 60° C., (iv) between 60 and 80° C., (v) between 80 and 100° C., (vi) between 100 and 120° C., (vii) between 120 and 140° C., (viii) between 140 and 160° C., (ix) between 160 and 180° C., and (x) between 180 and 200° C.

[0008] When the controller is caused to pause or alter further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, the controller may be further configured to turn off the energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators.

[0009] When the controller is caused to pause or modify further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, the controller may be further arranged to prevent aerosol from being generated from the aerosol-generating material.

[0010] The user interface may be further arranged to allow the user to further interact with the user interface to cause the controller, at a next point in time t2, to (i) resume operation of the one or more aerosol generators and / or (ii) bring the one or more aerosol generators out of the power saving operating mode.

[0011] The controller may be further arranged to turn off energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators after a predetermined period of time from time t1 if there has been no further user interaction with the user interface after time t1. The predetermined period of time may be less than 10 seconds, 10-20 seconds, 20-30 seconds, 30-40 seconds, 40-50 seconds, 50-60 seconds, 60-70 seconds, 70-80 seconds, 80-90 seconds, 90-100 seconds, 100-110 seconds, 110-120 seconds, 120-130 seconds, 130-140 seconds, 140-150 seconds, 150-160 seconds, 160-170 seconds, 170-180 seconds, or more than 180 seconds.

[0012] According to one embodiment, prior to time t1, the controller is arranged to set a first heating profile for the one or more aerosol generators having a first average operating temperature T1 throughout the intended usage session, and following user interaction with the user interface after time t1, the controller is arranged to set a second, different heating profile for the one or more aerosol generators such that the one or more aerosol generators have a second average operating temperature T2 throughout the usage session, where T1>T2 or T2>T1.

[0013] According to one embodiment, following a user interaction with the user interface by a user at time t1, the controller is arranged to increase or progressively increase the operating temperature of one or more aerosol generators.

[0014] According to one embodiment, following a user interaction with the user interface by a user at time t1, the controller is arranged to reduce or progressively reduce the operating temperature of one or more aerosol generators.

[0015] Following a user interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller may be configured to increase the duration of the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards.

[0016] Following a user interaction with the user interface by a user at time t1, the controller may be configured to reduce the duration of a heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards.

[0017] Following a user interaction with the user interface by a user at time t1, the controller may be arranged to set different pre-defined heating profiles for one or more aerosol generators.

[0018] The one or more aerosol generators may comprise one or more inductive heating units.

[0019] The aerosol generator or generators may comprise one or more resistive or non-inductive heating units.

[0020] The aerosol generator or generators may be equipped with one or more external heating units.

[0021] The one or more aerosol generators include one or more internal heating units.

[0022] If the controller is caused to change or vary the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, the controller may be further arranged to increase or decrease the temperature of one or more aerosol generators.

[0023] The one or more aerosol generators may comprise a first heating unit and a second heating unit.

[0024] According to one embodiment, (i) the first heating unit comprises an inductive heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an inductive heating unit; (ii) the first heating unit comprises an inductive heating unit and the second heating unit comprises a resistive or non-inductive heating unit; (iii) the first heating unit comprises a resistive or non-inductive heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an inductive heating unit; or (iv) the first heating unit comprises a resistive or non-inductive heating unit and the second heating unit comprises a resistive or non-inductive heating unit.

[0025] According to one embodiment, (i) the first heating unit comprises an external heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an external heating unit; (ii) the first heating unit comprises an external heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an internal heating unit; (iii) the first heating unit comprises an internal heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an internal heating unit; or (iv) the first heating unit comprises an internal heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an external heating unit.

[0026] If the controller is forced to change or vary the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, the controller may be arranged to increase or decrease the temperature of the first heating unit.

[0027] If the controller is forced to change or vary the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards, the controller can be arranged to increase or decrease the temperature of the second heating unit.

[0028] A usage session may be determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to the one or more aerosol generators after an aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol delivery device.

[0029] A use session may be determined to begin when power or energy is initially provided to one or more aerosol generators to raise the temperature of the one or more aerosol generators to an operating temperature Tmin such that a user may inhale a first puff of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material. Optionally, Tmin is within the ranges of: (i) 200-210°C, (ii) 210-220°C, (iii) 220-230°C, (iv) 230-240°C, (v) 240-250°C, (vi) 250-260°C, (vii) 260-270°C, (viii) 270-280°C, (ix) 280-290°C, and (x) 290-300°C.

[0030] A usage session may be determined to end when power or energy is no longer supplied to one or more aerosol generators.

[0031] A usage session may be determined to end when the aerosol-generating material is substantially depleted or when the user is unable to inhale additional puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material.

[0032] A usage session may be determined to relate to a period of time during which a user is able to inhale multiple puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material without replacing or refilling the aerosol generating material.

[0033] The aerosol delivery device may further comprise a first device arranged to detect the frequency with which a user takes puffs of aerosol, and if the frequency is above or below a predetermined level, the controller is further arranged to prompt the user to interact with the user interface.

[0034] The first device may comprise a microphone.

[0035] The aerosol delivery device may further comprise a second device arranged to detect the frequency with which a user takes puffs of aerosol, and if the frequency falls below a predetermined level, the controller is further arranged to pause operation of the one or more aerosol generators or to turn off the energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators.

[0036] According to another aspect, an aerosol delivery device as described above; an aerosol-producing article comprising an aerosol-forming material; An aerosol generating system is provided comprising:

[0037] At the time of use, the aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol delivery device.

[0038] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol, comprising the steps of: providing an aerosol delivery device comprising one or more aerosol generators arranged to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device further comprising a user interface; Inserting an aerosol product into an aerosol delivery device; At a time t1 after the use session has begun, in response to a user interaction with the user interface, (i) pausing or modifying further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, and / or (ii) placing the one or more aerosol generators into a power saving mode of operation, and / or (iii) changing or varying a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, and / or (iv) changing or varying a duration of a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards. A method is provided that includes:

[0039] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a heating assembly of an aerosol delivery device. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the heating assembly shown in FIG. 1A in which an aerosol production article is disposed. [Figure 2A] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol product for use with an aerosol delivery device. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol delivery article. [Diagram 3]1 is a graph showing a schematic temperature profile of a first heating unit in an aerosol delivery device during an exemplary smoking session. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph showing a schematic temperature profile of a second heating unit in an aerosol delivery device during an exemplary smoking session. [Diagram 5] 1 is a graph illustrating a schematic programmed heating profile of a heating element in an aerosol delivery device during an exemplary session of use. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment having a user interface that a user can press to pause operation of the aerosol delivery device or to select a different heating profile after a usage session has begun. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 illustrates a heating profile that can be set for one or more aerosol generators of an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing a heating profile that can be set for one or more aerosol generators of an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment, in which at time t1 during a usage session, a user interacts with a user interface to pause operation of the aerosol generator, and at a next time t2, the user interacts with the user interface a second time to resume operation of the aerosol generator. [Figure 9] A figure showing a heating profile that can be set for one or more aerosol generators of an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment, where at a first time t1 during a usage session, a user interacts with a user interface to place the aerosol delivery device into a power saving operating mode in which power to the aerosol generators is turned off, and at a second time t2, the user interacts with the user interface a second time to take the aerosol delivery device out of the power saving operating mode and resume operation. [Figure 10]A figure showing a heating profile that can be set for one or more aerosol generators of an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment, where at time t1 during a usage session, a user interacts with a user interface to change the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session. [Figure 11] A figure showing a heating profile that can be set for one or more heating units of an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment, where a user interacts with a user interface to extend the duration of the heating profile during a usage session. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] The term "aerosol-generating material" includes materials that, when heated, provide volatile components, typically in the form of an aerosol. Aerosol-generating materials include any tobacco-containing material, such as one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials can also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-generating materials can be in the form of, for example, solids, liquids, gels, waxes, and the like. Aerosol-generating materials can also be, for example, combinations or blends of materials. Aerosol-generating materials may also be known as "smoking materials." In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material is a non-liquid aerosol-generating material. In a particular embodiment, the non-liquid aerosol-generating material includes tobacco.

[0042] Devices are known that heat an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material without burning the aerosol-generating material, forming an aerosol that can typically be inhaled. Such devices may be described as "aerosol generating devices", "aerosol delivery devices", "non-combustion heating devices", "tobacco heating products", "tobacco heating product devices", "tobacco heating devices", and the like. In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery device is a tobacco heating product. Non-liquid aerosol-generating materials for use with tobacco heating products include tobacco.

[0043] E-cigarette devices are also known that include an aerosol delivery device that vaporizes a liquid form of aerosol-generating material, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, or provided as part of, a rod, cartridge, cassette, or the like that can be inserted into the device. A heater that heats the aerosol-generating material to vaporize it may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

[0044] Aerosol delivery devices are also known which generate an aerosol from a mixed aerosol product article that includes a section containing a cartomizer containing a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and another section containing a solid aerosol-generating material, such as tobacco granules.

[0045] The aerosol delivery device can receive an article that includes an aerosol-generating material for heating, also referred to as a "smoking article." In this context, an "article," "aerosol-producing item," or "smoking article" is a component that includes an aerosol-generating material when in use, and that, when heated, volatilizes the aerosol-generating material, and optionally other components. A user can insert the article into the aerosol delivery device and then heat it to produce an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article can be of a predetermined or specific size configured, for example, to be placed in a heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.

[0046] An aerosol delivery device according to various embodiments comprises a number of aerosol generators that, in use, generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material.

[0047] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy to liberate one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator can be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0048] A heating unit typically refers to a component arranged to receive electrical energy from an electrical energy source and provide thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material. A heating unit may comprise a heating element. A heating element is typically a material arranged to provide heat to the aerosol-generating material during use. A heating unit comprising a heating element may comprise any other components required, such as components for converting the electrical energy received by the heating unit. In other examples, the heating element itself may be configured to convert electrical energy to thermal energy.

[0049] The heating unit can include an induction coil, in some examples, configured to cause heating of the at least one conductive heating element such that thermal energy can be conducted from the at least one conductive heating element to the aerosol-forming material, thereby causing heating of the aerosol-forming material.

[0050] In some examples, the coil may be configured to generate a varying magnetic field that, in use, penetrates at least one heating element, thereby causing inductive heating and / or magnetic hysteresis heating of the at least one heating element. In such an arrangement, the or each heating element may be referred to as a "susceptor." A coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field that, in use, penetrates at least one conductive heating element, thereby causing inductive heating of the at least one conductive heating element may be referred to as an "induction coil" or an "inductor coil."

[0051] In some examples, the coil can be helical. In some examples, the coil can surround at least a portion of a heated section of an aerosol delivery device configured to receive the aerosol generating material. In some examples, the coil is a helical coil surrounding at least a portion of the heated section.

[0052] It has been found that the inductive heating units in the aerosol delivery device reach their maximum operating temperature much more rapidly than the corresponding resistive heating elements. According to various embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can be configured such that one or both heating units reach their maximum operating temperature at a rate of at least 100° C. per second. In certain embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can be configured such that one or both heating units reach their maximum operating temperature at a rate of at least 150° C. per second.

[0053] Induction heating systems may be of interest because the magnitude of the varying magnetic field can be easily controlled by controlling the power supplied to the heating unit. Furthermore, induction heating does not require a physical connection to be provided between the varying magnetic field source and the heat source, which may allow for increased design freedom and control over the heating profile and may reduce costs.

[0054] The aerosol delivery device can include a heating assembly. The heating assembly can include a first heating unit and a second heating unit.

[0055] The first and second heating units may comprise induction heating units, which may be controllable independently of each other. Heating the aerosol-generating material with independent heating units may provide more precise control of the heating of the aerosol-generating material. Independently controllable heating units may also provide thermal energy differently to portions of the aerosol-generating material, resulting in different temperature profiles in the portions of the aerosol-generating material.

[0056] According to various embodiments, the first and second heating units can be configured to have different temperature profiles in use to provide asymmetric heating of the aerosol-generating material along a longitudinal plane between the mouth end and distal end of the aerosol delivery device when the aerosol delivery device is in use.

[0057] Alternatively, the first and second heating units can be configured to have substantially the same temperature profile in use, thereby providing symmetric heating of the aerosol-generating material along a longitudinal plane between the mouth end and distal end of the aerosol delivery device when the aerosol delivery device is in use.

[0058] The object that can be inductively heated is known as a susceptor. If the susceptor comprises a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the variation in the orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of alignment with a varying magnetic field. In induction heating, heat is generated in the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating, as compared to, for example, heating by conduction. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.

[0059] Throughout this document, reference may be made to the temperature of one or more heating units or heating elements. The temperature of a heating unit or heating element may conveniently also be referred to as the temperature of the heating unit comprising the heating element. This does not necessarily mean that the entire heating unit is at a given temperature. For example, when referring to the temperature of an induction heating unit, this does not necessarily mean that both the induction element and the susceptor have such a temperature. Rather, in this example, the temperature of the induction heating unit corresponds to the temperature of a heating element comprised within the induction heating unit. For the avoidance of doubt, the temperature of a heating element and the temperature of a heating unit may be used interchangeably.

[0060] As used herein, a "temperature profile" or "heating profile" refers to the variation in temperature of a material over time. For example, the varying temperature of a heating element or unit measured at the heating element or unit over the duration of a smoking session can be referred to as the temperature profile or heating profile of that heating element or unit. In use, the heating element or heating unit provides heat to the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. Thus, the temperature profile or heating profile of the heating element or heating unit induces a temperature profile in the aerosol-generating material located near the heating element or heating unit.

[0061] As used herein, an "operating temperature" in reference to a heating element or heating unit refers to any heating element temperature at which the element can heat the aerosol-generating material to produce enough aerosol for a satisfactory puff without burning the aerosol-generating material. The maximum operating temperature of a heating element or heating unit is the highest temperature the heating element or heating unit reaches during a smoking session. The minimum operating temperature of a heating element or heating unit refers to the lowest heating element temperature at which the heating element or heating unit can generate enough aerosol from the aerosol-generating material for a satisfactory puff. When multiple heating elements or heating units are present in the aerosol delivery device, each heating element or heating unit has an associated maximum operating temperature. The maximum operating temperature of each heating element or heating unit can be the same or can be different for each heating element or heating unit.

[0062] In an embodiment of the aerosol delivery device, each heating element or unit may be arranged to heat the aerosol-generating material in a non-combustion manner. Although the temperature profile or heating profile of each heating element or unit may induce a temperature profile of each relevant portion of the aerosol-generating material, the temperature profile or heating profile of the heating element or unit and the temperature profile or heating profile of the relevant portion of the aerosol-generating material may not correspond exactly. For example, depending on the heat capacity of the aerosol-generating material, there may be "bleed" in the form of conduction, convection, and / or radiation of thermal energy from one portion of the aerosol-generating material to another, there may be variations in the conduction, convection, and / or radiation of thermal energy from the heating element or unit to the aerosol-generating material, and there may be a delay between the change in the temperature profile of the heating element or unit and the change in the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating material.

[0063] The aerosol delivery device may include a controller that controls each heating unit present in the aerosol delivery device. The controller may include a printed circuit board ("PCB"). The controller may be configured to control the power supplied to each heating unit present in the aerosol delivery device and to control the "programmed heating profile" of each heating unit. For example, the controller may be programmed to control the current supplied to multiple inductors to control the resulting temperature profile or heating profile of the corresponding induction heating element or induction heating unit. As between the temperature profile of the heating element / unit and the temperature profile of the aerosol-generating material discussed above, the programmed heating profile of the heating element or heating unit may not strictly correspond to the observed temperature profile of the heating element or heating unit for the same reasons discussed above.

[0064] The term "operating temperature" may also be used in relation to an aerosol-generating material. In this case, the term refers to the temperature of the aerosol-generating material itself at which sufficient aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material for a satisfactory puff. The maximum operating temperature of the aerosol-generating material is the highest temperature that any portion of the aerosol-generating material reaches during a smoking session. In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of the aerosol-generating material is greater than 200°C, 210°C, 220°C, 230°C, 240°C, 250°C, 260°C, or 270°C. In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature of the aerosol-generating material is less than 300°C, 290°C, 280°C, 270°C, 260°C, or 250°C. The minimum operating temperature is the lowest temperature of the aerosol-generating material at which sufficient aerosol is generated from the material to generate sufficient aerosol for a satisfactory "puff". In some embodiments, the minimum operating temperature of the aerosol-generating material is greater than 90°C, 100°C, 110°C, 120°C, 130°C, 140°C, or 150°C. In some embodiments, the minimum operating temperature of the aerosol-generating material is less than 150°C, 140°C, 130°C, or 120°C.

[0065] Various embodiments are disclosed that reduce the amount of time it takes for an aerosol delivery device to be ready for use, and more generally improve the inhalation experience for the user. Surprisingly, it has been found that by reducing the time it takes for a heating element or heating unit to reach an operating temperature, it is possible to at least partially alleviate "hot puffs", a phenomenon that occurs when the generated aerosol contains a lot of moisture. Thus, the aerosol delivery device according to various embodiments can deliver to the consumer an inhalable aerosol that has better organoleptic properties than an aerosol delivered by a conventional aerosol delivery device that does not include a heating unit that reaches its maximum operating temperature as quickly.

[0066] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device is configured such that at least one heating element or heating unit therein reaches its maximum operating temperature within 20 seconds, and the first temperature at which the at least one heating unit is held for at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, or 20 seconds is the maximum operating temperature, i.e., in these embodiments, the heating unit is not held at a temperature other than the maximum operating temperature until the maximum operating temperature is reached.

[0067] In some embodiments, the at least one heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature from ambient temperature within a given period of time.

[0068] The aerosol delivery device can be configured to operate as described herein. The aerosol delivery device can be configured to operate in this manner, at least in part, by a controller that can be programmed to operate the device in one or more different modes. Thus, in this document, references to the configuration of the aerosol delivery device or its components can refer to a controller programmed to operate the aerosol delivery device disclosed herein, among other features (such as the spatial arrangement of the heating unit).

[0069] Aerosol-producing articles for aerosol delivery devices (such as tobacco heating products) typically contain more water and / or aerosol-generating agents than combustible smoking articles to facilitate the formation of aerosol during use. This higher moisture and / or aerosol-generating agent content may increase the risk of condensation collecting in the aerosol delivery device during use, especially away from the heating unit(s). This problem may be greater for aerosol delivery devices with enclosed heating chambers, and especially for devices with external heaters, than for devices with internal heaters (such as "blade" heaters). Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that a larger proportion / surface area of ​​the aerosol-generating material is heated by an externally heated heating assembly, which releases more aerosol than an aerosol delivery device that heats the aerosol-generating material internally, leading to more condensation of the aerosol within the aerosol delivery device.

[0070] By using various programmed heating profiles within an aerosol delivery device configured to externally and / or internally heat an aerosol-generating material, a relatively low amount of aerosol can be produced within the aerosol delivery device while still delivering a desired amount of aerosol to a user. For example, the maximum operating temperature of the heating units can affect the amount of condensation that forms. A lower maximum operating temperature can provide less undesirable condensation. The difference between the maximum operating temperatures of the heating units within a heating assembly can also affect the amount of condensation that forms. Additionally, the point in time at which each heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature during a use session can affect the amount of condensation that forms.

[0071] In use, the aerosol delivery device can heat the aerosol generating material to deliver an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol delivery device can be said to be "ready for use" when at least a portion of the aerosol generating material has reached a minimum operating temperature, and a user can take a puff containing a satisfactory amount of aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can be ready for use within about 20 seconds, or within 15 seconds, or within 10 seconds, or within 5 seconds of providing power to one or both heating units. The aerosol delivery device can be ready for use within about 20 seconds, or within 15 seconds, or within 10 seconds, or within 5 seconds of activating the device. The aerosol delivery device can begin providing power to a heating unit, such as the first heating unit or the second heating unit, when the device is activated, or can begin providing power to the heating unit after the aerosol delivery device is activated. The aerosol delivery device can be configured such that power to the one or the heating units begins some time after activation of the aerosol delivery device, such as at least 1, 2, or 3 seconds after activation of the aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device can be configured such that power is not provided to one of the heating units, or to any heating units present in the heating assembly, until at least 2.5 seconds after activation of the aerosol delivery device. This can increase battery life by avoiding unintentional activation of the heating unit(s).

[0072] The aerosol delivery device can be ready for use more quickly than corresponding aerosol delivery devices known in the art, providing an improved user experience. Generally, it takes some amount of time to transfer sufficient thermal energy from the heating units to the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol, so that the aerosol delivery device is ready for use some time after one of the heating units reaches its maximum operating temperature. The aerosol delivery device can be ready for use within 20 seconds, or within 15 seconds, or within 10 seconds, or within 5 seconds after one of the heating units reaches its maximum operating temperature.

[0073] In some embodiments, the user's sensory experience resulting from the aerosol produced by the device resembles the experience of smoking a combustible cigarette, such as an industrially made cigarette.

[0074] The aerosol delivery device can indicate readiness for use via an indicator. In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery device can be configured such that the indicator indicates readiness for use of the aerosol delivery device within about 20 seconds, or 15 seconds, or 10 seconds, or 5 seconds after power is provided to one of the heating units. In a particular embodiment, the aerosol delivery device can be configured such that the indicator indicates readiness for use of the aerosol delivery device within about 20 seconds, or 15 seconds, or 10 seconds, or 5 seconds after activation of the device. In another embodiment, the device is configured such that the indicator indicates readiness for use of the device within about 20 seconds, or 15 seconds, or 10 seconds after the first heating unit reaches its maximum operating temperature.

[0075] As used herein, a "puff" refers to a single inhalation by a user of the aerosol produced by an aerosol delivery device.

[0076] As used herein, a "use session" refers to a single period of use of an aerosol delivery device by a user. A use session begins when power is first provided to at least one aerosol generator present in the heating assembly. After a period of time has elapsed since the start of the use session, the device is ready for use.

[0077] A usage session can end when power is no longer supplied to any of the aerosol generators in the aerosol delivery device. The end of a usage session can coincide with the aerosol product being exhausted (when the total particulate matter yield (mg) in each puff is deemed unacceptably low by the user). A session can have multiple puffs. A session can have a duration of 7 minutes, or 6 minutes, or 5 minutes, or 4 minutes 30 seconds, or less than 4 minutes, or 3 minutes 30 seconds. In some embodiments, a usage session can have a duration of 2 to 5 minutes, or 3 to 4.5 minutes, or 3.5 to 4.5 minutes, or about 4 minutes. A session can be initiated by a user activating a button or switch on the device, which causes the temperature of at least one heating unit to begin increasing upon activation or some time after activation.

[0078] A use session may be determined to begin when power or energy is first provided to the aerosol generator after the aerosol product item is inserted into the aerosol delivery device. A use session may be determined to begin when power or energy is first provided to the one or more aerosol generators to raise the temperature of the one or more aerosol generators to an operating temperature Tmin such that a user may inhale a first puff of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material. According to various embodiments, Tmin may be within the range of (i) 200-210°C, (ii) 210-220°C, (iii) 220-230°C, (iv) 230-240°C, (v) 240-250°C, (vi) 250-260°C, (vii) 260-270°C, (viii) 270-280°C, (ix) 280-290°C, and (x) 290-300°C.

[0079] A usage session may be determined to end when power or energy is no longer provided to one or more aerosol generators. A usage session may be determined to end when the aerosol-generating material is substantially depleted or when a user is unable to inhale additional puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material.

[0080] A usage session may be determined to relate to a period of time during which a user is able to inhale multiple puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material without replacing or refilling the aerosol generating material.

[0081] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can be operable in at least a first (eg, base) mode of operation and a second (eg, boost) mode of operation.

[0082] The heating assembly may be operable in up to two operating modes, or may be operable in more than two modes, such as three modes, four modes, or five modes.

[0083] Each operating mode can be associated with a predefined heating profile for each heating unit in the heating assembly, such as a programmed heating profile. One or more of the programmed heating profiles can be programmed or selected by a user. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the programmed heating profiles can be programmed by a manufacturer. In these examples, the one or more programmed heating profiles can be fixed such that an end user cannot change the one or more programmed heating profiles.

[0084] The operating mode can be user selectable. For example, a user can select a desired operating mode by interacting with a user interface. The supply of power to the first heating unit can begin substantially at the same time that the desired operating mode is selected.

[0085] Each mode can be associated with a temperature profile that is different from the temperature profiles of the other modes. Additionally, one or more modes can be associated with a different time point when the device is ready for use. For example, the heating assembly can be configured such that in a first mode, the device is ready for use a first period of time from the start of a usage session, and in a second mode, the device is ready for use a second period of time from the start of the session. The first period of time can be different from the second period of time.

[0086] In some examples, the heating assembly can be configured to have the aerosol delivery device ready for use within 30, 25, 20, or 15 seconds of providing power to the heating unit when operating in the first mode, and the heating assembly can also be configured to have the aerosol delivery device ready for use in a shorter period of time when operating in the second mode, and within 25, 20, 15, or 10 seconds of providing power to the heating unit when operating in the second mode.

[0087] In certain embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can be configured such that an indicator indicates that the aerosol delivery device is ready for use within 20 seconds of selecting the first (e.g., basic) mode and within 10 seconds of selecting the second (e.g., boost) mode.

[0088] Providing an aerosol delivery device, such as a tobacco heating product, with a heating assembly operable in multiple modes (e.g., base and boost modes) provides consumers with additional options, especially when each mode is associated with a different maximum heater temperature. Furthermore, such an aerosol delivery device can provide different aerosols with different characteristics, since the volatile components in the aerosol generating material volatilize at different rates and concentrations at different heater temperatures. This allows the user to select a particular mode based on the desired characteristics of the inhalable aerosol, such as the degree of tobacco flavor, nicotine concentration, and aerosol temperature. For example, a mode that more quickly prepares the aerosol delivery device for use (e.g., the second or "boost" mode) can provide a more rapid first puff, or a higher nicotine content per puff, or a more concentrated flavor per puff. Conversely, a mode that prepares the aerosol delivery device for use at a later time point within a use session (e.g., the first or base mode) can provide a longer overall use session, a lower nicotine content per puff, and a more sustained flavor delivery.

[0089] In embodiments in which the aerosol delivery device is ready to use in the second (e.g., boost) mode more quickly and / or the first and / or second heating units have a higher maximum operating temperature in the second mode, the second mode can be referred to as a "boost" mode. Various embodiments provide an aerosol delivery device that can operate in a first "normal" or "basic" mode and a second "boost" mode. The "boost" mode can provide a quicker first puff, or a higher nicotine content per puff, or a more concentrated flavor per puff.

[0090] The aerosol delivery device can include up to two aerosol generators, hi other examples, the aerosol delivery device can include more than two independently controllable aerosol generators, such as three, four, or five independently controllable aerosol generators.

[0091] As discussed hereinabove, in some embodiments, at least one of the heating units provided in the heating assembly may constitute an induction heating unit. In these embodiments, the heating unit comprises an inductor (e.g., one or more inductor coils), and the aerosol delivery device may be arranged to pass a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the inductor. The fluctuating current in the inductor generates a fluctuating magnetic field. When the inductor and the heating element are suitably arranged relative to each other such that the fluctuating magnetic field generated by the inductor penetrates the heating element, one or more eddy currents are generated in the heating element. The heating element has a resistance to the flow of current, and thus, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, the flow of current against the electrical resistance of the object heats the object by Joule heating. Providing a fluctuating magnetic field to the susceptor may conveniently be referred to as providing energy to the susceptor.

[0092] An aerosol generating system is disclosed that includes an aerosol delivery device as described herein in combination with an aerosol product article.

[0093] The aerosol delivery device may comprise a non-combustion heating device or tobacco heating product ("THP") that heats the smokable material without combusting the smokable material.

[0094] The aerosol delivery device or aerosol generating device will now be described in more detail.

[0095] FIG 1A shows an inductive heating assembly 100 of an aerosol delivery device, provided for illustrative purposes to illustrate various aspects of a non-combustion heated aerosol delivery device. FIG 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the inductive heating assembly 100 of the device. In an alternative embodiment, the heating assembly may constitute a resistive heating assembly, and the aerosol delivery device comprises one or more electrical resistance heaters. According to one embodiment, the one or more electrical resistance heaters may comprise windings or films of electrical resistance wire. The windings or films of electrical resistance wire may be provided in a tubular configuration that surrounds the aerosol product article.

[0096] The heating assembly 100 has a first or proximal or mouth end 102 and a second or distal end 104. In use, a user inhales the formed aerosol from the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device. The mouth end may be open ended.

[0097] The heating assembly 100 includes a first induction heating unit 110 and a second induction heating unit 120. The first induction heating unit 110 includes a first inductor coil 112 and a first heating element 114. The second induction heating unit 120 includes a second inductor coil 122 and a second heating element 124.

[0098] 1A and 1B show the aerosol product article 130 received within a susceptor 140 (see FIG. 1B). The susceptor 140 forms the first induction heating element 114 and the second induction heating element 124. The susceptor 140 can be formed from any material suitable for induction heating. For example, the susceptor 140 can include a metal. In some embodiments, the susceptor 140 can include a non-ferrous metal, such as copper, nickel, titanium, aluminum, tin, or zinc, and / or a ferrous material, such as iron, nickel, or cobalt. Additionally or alternatively, the susceptor 140 can include a semiconductor, such as silicon carbide, carbon, or graphite.

[0099] Each inductive heating element present in the aerosol delivery device can have any suitable shape. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1B, the inductive heating elements 114, 124 define a receptacle that surrounds the aerosol product article to heat the aerosol product article externally. In other embodiments (not shown), the inductive heating element or elements can be substantially elongated and positioned to penetrate the aerosol product article to heat it internally.

[0100] 1B, the first induction heating element 114 and the second induction heating element 124 may be provided together as a unitary element 140. That is, in some embodiments, there is no physical distinction between the first heating element 114 and the second heating element 124. Rather, the different characteristics between the first heating unit 110 and the second heating unit 120 are defined by separate inductor coils 112, 122 surrounding each induction heating element 114, 124, and therefore may be controlled independently of one another. In other embodiments (not shown), physically distinct induction heating elements may be used.

[0101] The first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 can be made from a conductive material. In this example, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 are made from a Litz wire / cable that is wound in a helical shape to provide the helical inductor coils 112, 122. The Litz wire comprises a number of individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. The Litz wire is designed to reduce the skin effect losses of the conductor. In the exemplary induction heating assembly 100, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are made from a copper Litz wire with a circular cross section. In other examples, the Litz wire can have other shaped cross sections, such as a square.

[0102] The first inductor coil 112 is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating the first induction heating element 114, and the second inductor coil 122 is configured to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second section of the susceptor 124. Taken together, the first inductor coil 112 and the first induction heating element 114 form a first induction heating unit 110. Similarly, taken together, the second inductor coil 122 and the second induction heating element 124 form a second induction heating unit 120.

[0103] In this example, the first inductor coil 112 is adjacent to the second inductor coil 122 in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the device heating assembly 100 (i.e., the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 do not overlap). The susceptor structure 140 may comprise a single susceptor. Ends 150 of the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 may be connected to a controller (not shown), such as a PCB. In some embodiments, the controller comprises a PID controller (proportional integral derivative controller).

[0104] The changing magnetic field generates eddy currents in the first induction heating element 114, causing the first induction heating element 114 to heat up rapidly to a maximum operating temperature within a short period of time, for example within 20, 15, 12, 10, 5, or 2 seconds, after supplying alternating current to the coil 112. Locating the first induction heating unit 110, which is configured to reach a maximum operating temperature rapidly, closer to the mouth end 102 of the heating assembly 100 than the second induction heating unit 120 can mean that an acceptable aerosol is provided to the user as soon as possible after the start of a use session.

[0105] It will be appreciated that in some examples, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 can have at least one characteristic that is different from each other. For example, the first inductor coil 112 can have at least one characteristic that is different from the second inductor coil 122. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil 112 can have a different value of inductance than the second inductor coil 122. In FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 are of different lengths such that the first inductor coil 112 is wound on a smaller section of the susceptor 140 than the second inductor coil 122. Thus, the first inductor coil 112 can include a different number of turns than the second inductor coil 122 (assuming that the spacing between the individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil 112 can be made of a different material than the second inductor coil 122. In some examples, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 may be substantially identical.

[0106] In this example, the first inductor coil 112 and the second inductor coil 122 are wound in the same direction. However, in another embodiment, the inductor coils 112, 122 can be wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the inductor coils are active at different times. For example, the first inductor coil 112 can be initially operated to heat the first inductive heating element 114, and later the second inductor coil 122 can be operated to heat the second inductive heating element 124. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in the inactive coils when used with certain types of control circuits. In one example, the first inductor coil 112 can be a right-handed spiral and the second inductor coil 122 can be a left-handed spiral. In another example, the first inductor coil 112 can be a left-handed spiral and the second inductor coil 122 can be a right-handed spiral.

[0107] The coils 112, 122 can have any suitable geometry. Without wishing to be bound by theory, configuring the induction heating element to be smaller (e.g., smaller pitch helix, fewer turns in the helix, shorter overall helix length) can increase the speed at which the induction heating element can reach a maximum operating temperature. In some embodiments, the first coil 112 can have a length less than about 20 mm, less than 18 mm, less than 16 mm, or about 14 mm in the longitudinal direction of the heating assembly 100. The first coil 112 can have a shorter length than the second coil 124 in the longitudinal direction of the heating assembly 100. Such a configuration can provide asymmetric heating of the aerosol product article along the length of the aerosol product article.

[0108] The susceptor 140 in this example is hollow and thus defines a receptacle in which the aerosol-generating material is received. For example, the article 130 can be inserted into the susceptor 140. In this example, the susceptor 140 is tubular and has a circular cross-section.

[0109] The induction heating elements 114 and 124 surround the aerosol product article 130 and are positioned to externally heat the aerosol product article 130. The aerosol delivery device is configured such that when the aerosol product article 130 is received within the susceptor 140, an outer surface of the article 130 abuts an inner surface of the susceptor 140. This ensures that heating is most efficient. The article 130 in this example includes an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material is disposed within the susceptor 140. The article 130 can also include other components, such as a filter, a packaging material, and / or a cooling structure.

[0110] The heating assembly 100 is not limited to two heating units. In some examples, the heating assembly 100 can include three, four, five, six, or more heating units. Each of these heating units can be controllable independently of the other heating units present in the heating assembly 100.

[0111] 2A and 2B, there is shown a partial cutaway cross-sectional view and a perspective view of an example aerosol product 200. The aerosol product 200 shown in Figures 2A and 2B corresponds to the aerosol product 130 shown in Figure 1.

[0112] The aerosol product article 200 may be in any shape suitable for use with an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol product article 130 may be in the form of, or may be provided as part of, a cartridge or cassette or rod that can be inserted into the device. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1A and 1B and 2, the aerosol product article 130 is in the form of a substantially cylindrical rod and includes a body of smoking material 202 and a rod-form filter assembly 204. The filter assembly 204 includes three segments: a cooling segment 206, a filter segment 208, and a mouth end segment 210. The article 200 has a first end 212, also known as the mouth end or proximal end, and a second end 214, also known as the distal end. The body of aerosol generating material 202 is located towards the distal end 214 of the article 200. In one example, the cooling segment 206 is positioned adjacent to the body of aerosol-generating material 202 between the body of aerosol-generating material 202 and the filter segment 208, such that the cooling segment 206 is in an abutting relationship with the aerosol-generating material 202 and the filter segment 208. In other examples, a separation can be provided between the body of aerosol-generating material 202 and the cooling segment 206 and between the body of aerosol-generating material 202 and the filter segment 208. The filter segment 208 is positioned between the cooling segment 206 and the mouth end segment 210. The mouth end segment 210 is positioned adjacent to the filter segment 208 toward the proximal end 212 of the article 200. In one example, the filter segment 208 is in an abutting relationship with the mouth end segment 210. In one embodiment, the overall length of the filter assembly 204 is between 37 mm and 45 mm, and optionally the overall length of the filter assembly 204 is 41 mm.

[0113] In use, the portions 202a and 202b of the body of aerosol-generating material 202 may correspond to the first and second inductive heating elements 114 and 124, respectively, of the portion 100 shown in FIG. 1B.

[0114] The body of smoking material may have multiple portions 202a, 202b corresponding to multiple inductive heating elements present in the aerosol delivery device. For example, the aerosol product article 200 may have a first portion 202a corresponding to the first inductive heating element 114 and a second portion 202b corresponding to the second inductive heating element 124. The portions 202a, 202b may exhibit different temperature profiles during a usage session, and the temperature profiles of the portions 202a, 202b may be derived from the temperature profiles of the first and second inductive heating elements 114, 124, respectively.

[0115] When multiple portions 202a, 202b of the body of aerosol-generating material 202 are present, any number of the substrate portions 202a, 202b can have substantially the same composition. In certain examples, the substrate portions 202a, 202b all have substantially the same composition. In one embodiment, the body of aerosol-generating material 202 is a single continuous body, with no physical separation between a first portion 202a and a second portion 202b, and the first and second portions having substantially the same composition.

[0116] In one embodiment, the body of aerosol-generating material 202 comprises tobacco. However, in each of the other embodiments, the body of smoking material 202 may consist of tobacco, consist substantially entirely of tobacco, include tobacco and aerosol-generating materials other than tobacco, include aerosol-generating materials other than tobacco, or be tobacco-free. The aerosol-generating materials may include an aerosol-generating agent, such as glycerol.

[0117] In certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may include one or more of a tobacco component, a filler component, an adhesive, and an aerosol-forming agent.

[0118] The filler component can be any suitable inorganic filler material. Suitable inorganic filler materials include, but are not limited to, calcium carbonate (i.e., chalk), perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silicic acid, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic adsorbents such as molecular sieves. Calcium carbonate is particularly suitable. In some cases, the filler includes organic materials such as wood pulp, cellulose, and cellulose derivatives.

[0119] The adhesive can be any suitable adhesive, hi some embodiments, the adhesive comprises one or more of alginic acid, cellulose or modified cellulose, polysaccharides, starch or modified starch, and natural gums.

[0120] Suitable adhesives include, but are not limited to, alginates including any suitable cation, such as sodium alginate, calcium alginate, and potassium alginate; cellulose or modified cellulose, such as hydroxypropyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose; starch or modified starch; polysaccharides, such as pectin salts including any suitable cation, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium pectinate; xanthan gum, guar gum, and any other suitable natural gum.

[0121] The adhesive may be included in the aerosol-forming material in any suitable amount and concentration.

[0122] An "aerosol generating agent" is an agent that facilitates the generation of an aerosol. An aerosol generating agent can facilitate the generation of an aerosol by facilitating the initial vaporization and / or condensation of a gas into an inhalable solid and / or liquid aerosol. In some embodiments, an aerosol generating agent can improve the delivery of flavor from an aerosol product.

[0123] Generally, any suitable aerosol generating agent or agents can be included in the aerosol generating material. Suitable aerosol generating agents include, but are not limited to, polyols such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol, non-polyols such as monohydric alcohols, high boiling point hydrocarbons, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, or myristic acid including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate, and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate, and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

[0124] In certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises a tobacco component in an amount of 60-90% by weight of the tobacco composition, a filler component in an amount of 0-20% by weight of the tobacco composition, and an aerosol-generating agent in an amount of 10-20% by weight of the tobacco composition. The tobacco component can include reconstituted tobacco in an amount of 70-100% by weight of the tobacco component.

[0125] In one example, the body of aerosol-generating material 202 is between 34 mm and 50 mm in length, optionally the body of aerosol-generating material 202 is between 38 mm and 46 mm in length, and further optionally the body of aerosol-generating material 202 is 42 mm in length.

[0126] In one example, the overall length of article 200 is between 71 mm and 95 mm, optionally the overall length of article 200 is between 79 mm and 87 mm, and further optionally the overall length of article 200 is 83 mm.

[0127] The axial end of the body of aerosol-generating material 202 is visible at the distal end 214 of the article 200. However, in other embodiments, the distal end 214 of the article 200 can include an end member (not shown) that covers the axial end of the body of aerosol-generating material 202.

[0128] The body of aerosol-generating material 202 is joined to the filter assembly 204 by an annular tipping paper (not shown) that is positioned substantially circumferentially around the filter assembly 204 and extends partially along the length of the body of aerosol-generating material 202. In one example, the tipping paper is made from 58 GSM standard tipping base paper. In one example, the tipping paper has a length of 42 mm to 50 mm, and optionally the tipping paper has a length of 46 mm.

[0129] In one example, cooling segment 206 is an annular tube that is positioned around and defines a cavity within the cooling segment. The cavity provides a chamber for the flow of heated volatiles generated from body of aerosol-generating material 202. Cooling segment 206 is hollow, providing a chamber for aerosol accumulation that is yet rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during use of article 200 during manufacture and insertion into device 100. In one example, the wall thickness of cooling segment 206 is about 0.29 mm.

[0130] The cooling segment 206 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol generating material 202 and the filter segment 208. The physical displacement provided by the cooling segment 206 provides a thermal gradient across the length of the cooling segment 206. In one example, the cooling segment 206 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 40° C. between the heated volatile component entering the first end of the cooling segment 206 and the heated volatile component exiting the second end of the cooling segment 206. In one example, the cooling segment 206 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 60° C. between the heated volatile component entering the first end of the cooling segment 206 and the heated volatile component exiting the second end of the cooling segment 206. This temperature difference across the length of the cooling element 206 protects the temperature sensitive filter segment 208 from the high temperatures of the aerosol generating material 202 when heated by the heating assembly 100 of the device aerosol delivery device. If no physical displacement is provided between the filter segment 208 and the body of aerosol generating material 202 and the heating elements 114, 124 of the heating assembly 100, the temperature sensitive filter segment 208 may be damaged during use and therefore would not effectively perform its required function.

[0131] In one example, the length of the cooling segment 206 is at least 15 mm. In one example, the length of the cooling segment 206 is between 20 mm and 30 mm, more particularly between 23 mm and 27 mm, more particularly between 25 mm and 27 mm, more particularly 25 mm.

[0132] The cooling segment 206 is made from paper, meaning that it is composed of a material that does not generate problematic, e.g., toxic, compounds when adjacent to the heating assembly 100 of the aerosol delivery device during use. In one example, the cooling segment 206 is manufactured from a spirally wound paper tube that maintains mechanical rigidity while providing a hollow interior chamber. A spirally wound paper tube is capable of meeting the strict dimensional accuracy requirements of high speed manufacturing processes for tube length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness.

[0133] In another example, cooling segment 206 is a recess made from rigid plug wrap or tipping paper that is manufactured to be sufficiently rigid to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur while article 200 is in use, during manufacture and during insertion into device 100.

[0134] In each example of the cooling segment 206, the dimensional accuracy of the cooling segment is sufficient to meet the dimensional accuracy requirements of high speed manufacturing processes.

[0135] The filter segment 208 may be formed from any filter material sufficient to remove one or more volatile compounds from the heated volatiles from the smoking material. In one example, the filter segment 208 is made from a monoacetate material, such as cellulose acetate. The filter segment 208 provides cooling and reduced irritation from the heated volatiles without exhausting the amount of the heated volatiles to a level that is unsatisfactory for the user.

[0136] The density of the cellulose acetate tow material of filter segment 208 controls the pressure drop across filter segment 208, thereby controlling the resistance to draw of article 200. Thus, the selection of material for filter segment 208 is important in controlling the resistance to draw of article 200. In addition, filter segment 208 performs a filtration function within article 200.

[0137] In one example, the filter segment 208 is made from 8Y15 grade filter tow material, which provides filtration for the heated volatile material while also reducing the size of condensed aerosol droplets resulting from the heated volatile material, thereby satisfactorily reducing the irritation and throat impact of the heated volatile material.

[0138] The presence of filter segment 208 provides an insulating effect by providing additional cooling to the heated volatile components exiting cooling segment 206. This additional cooling reduces the temperature of the contact of a user's lips with the surface of filter segment 208.

[0139] One or more flavors can be added to the filter segment 208 in the form of direct injection of a flavored liquid into the filter segment 208, or by embedding or disposing one or more flavored breakable capsules or other flavor carriers in the cellulose acetate tow of the filter segment 208.

[0140] In one example, the filter segment 208 is between 6 mm and 10 mm in length, optionally 8 mm.

[0141] The mouth end segment 210 is an annular tube that is positioned around and defines a cavity within the mouth end segment 210. The cavity provides a chamber for heated volatiles flowing from the filter segment 208. The mouth end segment 210 is hollow, providing a chamber for aerosol accumulation that is yet rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during use of the article during manufacture and insertion into the device 100. In one example, the wall thickness of the mouth end segment 210 is about 0.29 mm.

[0142] In one example, the length of the mouth end segment 210 is between 6 mm and 10 mm, optionally 8 mm. In one example, the thickness of the mouth end segment is 0.29 mm.

[0143] The mouth end segment 210 can be manufactured from a spirally wound paper tube that maintains critical mechanical stiffness while providing a hollow interior chamber. A spirally wound paper tube can meet the strict dimensional accuracy requirements of high speed manufacturing processes for tube length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness.

[0144] Mouth end segment 210 serves the function of preventing any liquid condensate that accumulates at the outlet of filter segment 208 from coming into direct contact with the user.

[0145] It should be appreciated that in one example, the mouth end segment 210 and the cooling segment 206 may be formed from a single tube, with the filter segment 208 positioned within the tube to separate the mouth end segment 210 and the cooling segment 206.

[0146] A ventilation region 216 is provided within article 200 to allow air to flow from the exterior of article 200 to the interior of article 200. In one example, ventilation region 216 takes the form of one or more vent holes 216 formed through an outer layer of article 200. The vent holes may be located within cooling segment 206 to aid in cooling article 200. In one example, ventilation region 216 comprises one or more rows of holes, optionally each row of holes disposed circumferentially around article 200 in a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of article 200.

[0147] In one example, there are 1-4 rows of vent holes to provide ventilation for article 200. Each row of vent holes can have 12-36 vent holes 216. The vent holes 216 can be, for example, 100-500 μm in diameter. In one example, the axial separation between rows of vent holes 216 is 0.25 mm-0.75 mm, and optionally the axial separation between rows of vent holes 216 is 0.5 mm.

[0148] In one example, the vent holes 216 are uniform in size. In another example, the vent holes 216 vary in size. The vent holes can be made using any suitable technique, such as one or more of laser techniques, mechanical drilling of the cooling segment 206, or pre-drilling of the cooling segment 206 before it is formed into the article 200. The vent holes 216 are positioned to provide effective cooling to the article 200.

[0149] In one example, the row of vent holes 216 are positioned at least 11 mm from the proximal end 212 of the article, and optionally the vent holes are positioned 17 mm to 20 mm from the proximal end 212 of the article 200. The positions of the vent holes 216 are positioned such that the vent holes 216 are not blocked by a user while the article 200 is in use.

[0150] Spacing the row of vent holes 17-20 mm from the proximal end 212 of the article 200 allows the vent holes 216 to be located on the exterior of the device 100 when the article 200 is fully inserted into the device 100, as can be seen in Figure 1. Locating the vent holes on the exterior of the apparatus allows unheated air to enter the article 200 from outside the device 100 through the vent holes to assist in cooling the article 200.

[0151] The length of the cooling segment 206 is such that when the article 200 is fully inserted into the device 100, the cooling segment 206 is partially inserted into the device 100. The length of the cooling segment 206 provides a first function of providing a physical gap between the heater arrangement and the thermal filter arrangement 208 of the device 100, and a second function of allowing the vent 216 to be located within the cooling segment while also being located outside the device 100 when the article 200 is fully inserted into the device 100. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the majority of the cooling element 206 is located within the device 100. However, a portion of the cooling element 206 extends from the device 100. The vent 216 is located in this portion of the cooling element 206 that extends from the device 100.

[0152] FIG. 3 illustrates a temperature profile 300 of a first heating element in an aerosol delivery device, such as the first induction heating element 114 illustrated in FIG. 1B during an exemplary use session 302. The temperature profile 300 preferably refers to the temperature profile of the first induction heating element 114 in any operating mode of the heating assembly. The temperature profile 300 of the first heating element 114 is measured by a suitable temperature sensor disposed on the first heating element 114. Suitable temperature sensors include a thermocouple, a thermopile, or a resistance temperature detector (RTD, also called a resistance thermometer). In certain embodiments, the device comprises at least one RTD. In one embodiment, the device comprises a thermocouple disposed on each heating element 114, 124 present in the aerosol delivery device. The temperature data measured by the or each temperature sensor can be communicated to a controller. Furthermore, when the heating elements 114, 124 reach a predetermined temperature, the temperature data can be communicated to the controller, so that the controller can vary the supply of power to the elements in the aerosol delivery device accordingly. Optionally, the controller comprises a PID (proportional integral derivative) controller to control the temperature of the heating elements based on data provided from one or more temperature sensors disposed within the device using a control loop feedback mechanism. In one embodiment, the controller comprises a PID controller configured to control the temperature of each heating element based on temperature data provided from a thermocouple disposed in each of the heating elements.

[0153] A use session 302 begins when the device is activated 304, the controller controls the device to supply energy to at least the first induction heating unit 110. The device can be activated by a user, for example by actuation of a push button or by inhaling from the device. Activation means for use with aerosol delivery devices are known to those skilled in the art. In the context of a heating assembly comprising an induction heating means, a use session begins when the controller commands the supply of a varying current to the inductors (such as the first coil 112 and the second coil 122), and thus a varying magnetic field to the induction heating element, generating an increase in the temperature of the induction heating element. As mentioned herein above, this can conveniently be referred to as "supplying energy to the induction heating unit".

[0154] The end 306 of a use session 302 occurs when the controller commands elements within the aerosol delivery device to stop supplying energy to all heating units present in the device. In the context of a heating assembly including an inductive heating unit, the use session ends when the supply of varying electrical current to any of the inductive heating elements provided within the heating assembly ceases, and thus the supply of any varying magnetic field to the inductive heating elements ceases.

[0155] At the start of a smoking session 302, the temperature of the first heating element increases rapidly until it reaches a maximum operating temperature 308. According to various embodiments, the time 310 it takes to reach the maximum operating temperature 308 can be referred to as a "rise" period and has a duration of less than 20 seconds.

[0156] The temperature of the first heating element may optionally be reduced from the maximum operating temperature 308 to a lower temperature 314 at a later time 312 in the use session. If the temperature is reduced from the maximum operating temperature 308 at a later time 302 in the use session, the temperature 314 to which the first heating element is reduced is preferably the operating temperature. The operating temperature 314 to which the first heating element is reduced may suitably be referred to as the "second operating temperature" 314. Optionally, the temperature of the first heating element does not decrease below the minimum operating temperature of the first heating element until the end 306 of the use session 302. The first heating element optionally remains at or above the second operating temperature 314 until the end 306 of the use session 302.

[0157] In embodiments in which the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes (e.g., base mode and boost mode), the temperature of the first heating element may be reduced in at least one of the modes from the maximum operating temperature 308 to the second operating temperature 314. Optionally, the temperature of the first heating element is reduced from the maximum operating temperature 308 to the second operating temperature 314 in all of the operable modes. For the avoidance of doubt, the maximum operating temperature 308 and second operating temperature 314 of the first heating element may differ from mode to mode.

[0158] In some examples, the second operating temperature 314 is between 180 and 240° C. When the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes, the second operating temperature 314 in at least one operating mode can be between 180 and 240° C. Optionally, the second operating temperature 314 in all operating modes can be between 180 and 240° C. Further optionally, the second operating temperature 314 is at least 220° C. In some examples, the first heating element or heating unit remains at or above the second operating temperature 314 in all operating modes until the end of the use session. Without wishing to be bound by theory, configuring the heating assembly such that the first heating element does not drop below 220° C. until the end of the use session 220 can at least partially prevent condensation from occurring on the first portion of the aerosol product article during the use session and / or can reduce the resistance to draw offered by the first portion of the aerosol product article.

[0159] In these embodiments, the first heating element can remain at or substantially near its maximum operating temperature for at least 25%, 50%, or 75% of the session. For example, the first heating element can remain at its maximum operating temperature for a first duration of the use session, then drop to a second operating temperature and remain at the second operating temperature for a second duration of the use session, the first duration being at least 25%, 50%, or 75% of the session. The first duration can be longer or shorter than the second duration. Optionally, in at least one operating mode, the first duration is longer than the second duration. In this example, the ratio of the first duration to the second duration can be 1.1:1 to 7:1, 1.5:1 to 5:1, 2:1 to 3:1, or about 2.5:1.

[0160] In a particular embodiment, the device is operable in multiple modes, and the ratios listed above apply to the first mode of operation. In the second mode of operation, the first duration can be longer or shorter than the second duration. Optionally, the second duration is longer than the first duration. Thus, an embodiment is a device configured such that in the first mode of operation, the first duration is longer than the second duration, but in the second mode of operation, the second duration is longer than the first duration. In an embodiment, in the second mode of operation, the ratio of the second duration to the first duration can be between 1.1:1 and 5:1, between 1.2 and 2:1, or between 1.3:1 and 1.4:1. In another embodiment, in the second mode of operation, the ratio of the second duration to the first duration can be between 2:1 and 12:1, between 2.5:1 and 11:1. In particular, the ratio may be between 3:1 and 4:1, alternatively the ratio may be between 8:1 and 10:1. This embodiment may be particularly suitable for reducing the amount of condensation that forms within the device during a usage session.

[0161] It has been determined that operating the first heating element at its maximum operating temperature for a greater portion of a usage session can help reduce the amount of condensation that collects within the device during use. This effect can be particularly noticeable in so-called "boost" modes of operation in which the heating unit operates at a higher maximum operating temperature during shorter usage sessions.

[0162] The maximum operating temperature 308 may be between about 200°C and 300°C, or between 210°C and 290°C, or between 220°C and 280°C, or between 230°C and 270°C, or between 240°C and 260°C.

[0163] Figure 4 illustrates a temperature profile 400 of a second heating element, such as the second inductive heating element 124 shown in Figure 1B, when present within an aerosol delivery device during an exemplary smoking session 402. The smoking session 402 corresponds to the smoking session 302 shown in Figure 3. The temperature profile 400 suitably refers to the temperature profile of the second inductive heating element 124 in any operating mode of the heating assembly.

[0164] A use session 402 begins when the device is powered up 404 and energy is provided to at least the first induction heating unit. In this example, the controller is configured to not provide energy to the second induction heating unit at the start of the use session 402. Nonetheless, the temperature of the second induction heating element will likely increase to some extent due to thermal "bleed," which is the conduction, convection, and / or radiation of thermal energy from the first heating element 114 to the second heating element 124.

[0165] At a first programmed time point 406 after the start of a usage session, the controller commands the supply of energy to the second heating unit 120, and the temperature of the second heating element 124 rises rapidly before reaching a first predetermined operating temperature 410 at time point 408, and the controller then controls the second heating unit 120 such that the second heating element 124 remains at substantially this temperature for a further period of time. The first predetermined operating temperature 410 may be lower than a maximum operating temperature 412 of the second heating element 124. In other embodiments (not shown), the first predetermined operating temperature is a maximum operating temperature, i.e., the second heating element 124 is heated directly to its maximum operating temperature upon start-up of the second heating unit 120.

[0166] In some embodiments, the predetermined first operating temperature 410 is between 150° C. and 200° C. The predetermined first operating temperature 410 can be greater than 150° C., 160° C., 170° C., 180° C., or 190° C. The predetermined first operating temperature 410 can be less than 200° C., 190° C., 180° C., 170° C., or 160° C. Optionally, the predetermined first operating temperature 410 is between 150° C. and 170° C. A lower first operating temperature 410 can help reduce the amount of undesirable condensation that collects within the device.

[0167] In embodiments in which the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes, the heating assembly can be configured in at least one mode for the second heating element 124 to rise to the first operating temperature 410, maintain the first operating temperature 410, and then rise to the maximum operating temperature 412. Optionally, the heating assembly is configured in all operable modes for the second heating element 124 to rise to the first operating temperature 410, maintain the first operating temperature 410, and then rise to the maximum operating temperature 412.

[0168] The first programmed time 406 at which power is first provided to the second heating unit 120 can be at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 seconds after activation 404 of the device. For embodiments in which the heating assembly is operable in multiple modes, the first programmed time 406 is at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 seconds after activation 404 of the device in at least one mode. Optionally, the first programmed time 406 is at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 seconds after activation 404 of the device in all operable modes. The first programmed time 406 can be the same for each mode or can differ between modes. Optionally, the first programmed time 406 differs between modes. In particular, the first programmed point in time 406 can be a later point in time during a use session in the first mode than in the second mode.

[0169] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 can be configured such that the second induction unit 120 ramps up to the first predetermined operating temperature 410 within 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds, or 2 seconds from the programmed time point 406 to increase the temperature of the second induction heating element 124 to the first predetermined operating temperature 410. In other words, the period 414 between the two time points 406, 408 can have a duration of 10 seconds or less, 5 seconds or less, 4 seconds or less, 3 seconds or less, or 2 seconds or less. Optionally, the period 414 has a duration of 2 seconds or less.

[0170] The second heating element 124 may be maintained at the predetermined first operating temperature 410 for a predetermined period of time until a second programmed time point 416, at which point the controller controls the second heating unit to increase the second heating element 124 to its maximum operating temperature 412. At this second programmed time point 416, the temperature of the second heating element 124 increases rapidly before reaching the maximum operating temperature 412 at time point 418. The controller then controls the second heating unit such that the second heating element 124 remains at substantially this temperature for a further period of time.

[0171] The second programmed time point 416 can be at least about 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, or 60 seconds from the activation 404 of the device.

[0172] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 can be configured such that the second induction element 124 ramps up from the first predetermined operating temperature 410 to the maximum operating temperature 412 within 10 seconds, or 5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds, or 2 seconds from a programmed time point 416 to increase the temperature of the second induction heating element 124 to the maximum operating temperature 412. In other words, the period 420 between the two time points 416, 418 can have a duration of 10 seconds or less, 5 seconds or less, 4 seconds or less, 3 seconds or less, or 2 seconds or less. Optionally, the period 420 has a duration of 2 seconds or less.

[0173] The temperature of the second heating element during the period from time 416 to time 418 may increase at a rate of at least 50° C. per second, or 100° C. per second, or 150° C. per second.

[0174] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 can be configured such that the second inductive heating element 124 reaches the maximum operating temperature 412 at least about 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, or 120 seconds after activation 404 of the device. Optionally, the heating assembly 100 is configured such that the second inductive heating element 124 reaches the maximum operating temperature 412 at least about 120 seconds after activation 404 of the device.

[0175] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 can be configured such that the second induction heating element 124 reaches its maximum operating temperature 412 at least about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, or 120 seconds after the first induction heating element 122 reaches its maximum operating temperature 308. Optionally, the heating assembly 100 is configured such that the second induction heating element 124 reaches its maximum operating temperature 412 at least about 120 seconds after the first induction heating element 122 reaches its maximum operating temperature 308. In other words, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the time point 418 may be at least 120 seconds later than the time point 310 during the smoking session 302, 402.

[0176] The second heating element 124 may be maintained at its maximum operating temperature 412 for a predetermined period of time until the end of the smoking session 422, at which point the controller controls the heating assembly to cease supplying energy to all heating elements present in the aerosol delivery device. Optionally, after the temperature of the second heating element 124 reaches the operating temperature (roughly around the first predetermined time point 406), the temperature of the second heating element 124 does not drop below a minimum operating temperature 424 of the second heating element 124 until the end of the smoking session 402.

[0177] In embodiments in which the first heating element 122 drops from its maximum operating temperature 308 to a lower temperature later within a smoking session, the second heating element 124 can reach its maximum operating temperature 412 before the temperature drop of the first heating element 122, after the temperature drop of the first heating element 122, or simultaneously with the temperature drop of the first heating element 122. In one embodiment, the second heating element 124 reaches its maximum operating temperature 412 before the first heating element 122 drops from its maximum operating temperature 308 to a lower temperature.

[0178] In some embodiments, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 is substantially the same as that of the second heating element 124. In other embodiments, the maximum operating temperatures 308, 412 of the first heating element 122 and the second heating element 124 can be different. For example, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 can be greater than that of the second heating element 124, or the maximum operating temperature 412 of the second heating element 124 can be greater than that of the first heating element 122. In one embodiment, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 is greater than the maximum operating temperature 412 of the second heating element 124. In another embodiment, the maximum operating temperature 308 of the first heating element 122 is substantially the same as that of the second heating element 124.

[0179] Over the period that the heating elements remain at a substantially constant temperature, slight variations in temperature may occur around the target temperature defined by the controller. In some embodiments, the variations are less than about ±10° C., or ±5° C., or ±4° C., or ±3° C., or ±2° C., or ±1° C. Optionally, the variations are less than about ±3° C. across at least the first heating element, across at least the second heating element, or across both the first heating element and the second element.

[0180] 3 and 4 discussed herein above reflect measured or observed temperature profiles of heating units present in device 100. FIG 5 reflects programmed heating profiles of every heating unit present in device 100. Every programmed heating profile of every heating unit present in the heating assembly of the device can be illustrated by the schematic programmed heating profile shown in FIG 5.

[0181] The programmed heating profile 500 includes a first temperature, temperature A502, which the heating unit is programmed to reach during a given use session at a time A504. The time A504 may conveniently be defined in terms of the number of seconds elapsed from the start of the use session, i.e., from the time when power is first supplied to at least one heating unit present in the heating assembly.

[0182] Optionally, the programmed heating profile 500 can include a second temperature, temperature B 506. Temperature B 506 is a different temperature than temperature A 502. In some embodiments, the device is programmed to reach temperature B 506 at time B 508 during a given use session. Time B 508 comes later in time than time A 504.

[0183] From time A504 to time B508, the device is programmed to have a temperature A502 that is substantially the same temperature. However, in some embodiments, there may be variation around temperature A502 during this period. For example, the heating unit may have a temperature within 10° C. of temperature A502 during this period, optionally within 5° C. of temperature A502 during this period. Such a profile would still correspond to the profile shown generally in FIG. 5. In other embodiments, there is substantially no variation from temperature A502 during this period.

[0184] Although FIG. 5 shows temperature B 506 to be greater than temperature A 502, the program heating profiles of the present disclosure are not so limited, and for any given heating profile, temperature B 506 can be greater or less than temperature A 502.

[0185] Optionally, the program heating profile 500 includes a second temperature, temperature B 506.

[0186] Optionally, the programmed heating profile 500 may include a third temperature, temperature C510, which is different from temperature B. In some embodiments, the device is programmed to reach temperature C510 at time C512 during a given use session, which is later in time than time B508 and thus time A502.

[0187] Temperature C510 may or may not be the same temperature as temperature A502.

[0188] Although FIG. 5 shows temperature C510 being higher than temperature B506 and temperature A502, the program temperature profiles of the present disclosure are not so limited, and for any given heating profile, temperature C510 can be higher or lower than temperature A502, and for any given heating profile, temperature C510 can be higher or lower than temperature B506.

[0189] The program heating profile 500 includes a final time point 514 at which the supply of energy to the heating unit ceases for the remainder of the use session. The final time point 514 may coincide with the end of the use session.

[0190] Surprisingly, it has been found that the temperatures 502, 506, 510 and times 504, 508, 512, 514 of the heating unit's programmed heating profile can be adjusted to reduce the build-up of condensation within the device 100. In particular, by configuring the device such that time point B 508 occurs after 50% of a usage session has elapsed, and optionally after 75% of a usage session has elapsed, the amount of condensation that collects within the device during use can be reduced.

[0191] In embodiments where the heating assembly includes at least two heating units, the heating assembly can be configured such that the first and second heating units have substantially the same maximum operating temperature. The inventors have determined that this configuration can also reduce condensation build-up within the device.

[0192] 6 shows an example of an aerosol delivery device 600 according to one embodiment. The device comprises a user interface 610 and an indicator 620. In this example, the user interface 610 is a push button. The indicator 620 comprises a visual indicator. The indicator 620 may also comprise a tactile indicator (not shown). The tactile indicator of the indicator 620 is located separate from the visual indicator within the device 600.

[0193] Indicators 620 are positioned to surround user interface 610. It has been found that positioning indicators 620 to surround user interface 610 can mean that a user can see that they can operate the device more easily.

[0194] The user interface 610 may have a substantially circular shape in a first plane. The user interface 610 may extend in a dimension orthogonal to the first plane and may have a convex or concave shape. The user interface 610 may form a concave shape on a surface of the device. Providing the user interface 610 with a concave shape may allow easier and more precise manipulation of the device by a user's fingertip. The indicator 620 may have a substantially circular outline. The indicator 620 may be provided as an annulus such that the user interface 610 may be provided at the center of the indicator 620.

[0195] The device 600 comprises a housing 630. The housing 630 may comprise a receptacle 640 for receiving an aerosol product article during use. The receptacle 640 comprises a heating assembly (not shown) for non-combustionally heating an aerosol product article disposed within the receptacle 640. The device 600 may optionally further comprise a movable cover 650 for covering an opening in the receptacle 640 when the device is not in use. The movable cover 650 may comprise a sliding cover. A user may interact with the user interface 610 to activate the device. The device is configured such that the device is activated by the user pressing a push button.

[0196] The device can be configured to allow one of two modes to be set before starting a usage session. One operating mode that can be set is a "normal" mode and a second operating mode that can be set is a "boost" mode. A user can interact with the user interface 610 to select the operating mode before starting a usage session. The device is configured to allow the operating mode to be selected by pressing a push button for different durations. After the operating mode is selected, power is provided to at least one heating unit or aerosol generator in the heating assembly.

[0197] Device 600 can be configured such that after an operational mode is selected by a user, indicator 620 indicates the selected mode to the user. The selected mode can be indicated in a predetermined manner by activation of a light source within a visual indicator component of indicator 620. The selected mode can also be indicated in a predetermined manner by activation of a tactile indicator component of indicator 620.

[0198] At least one component of indicator 620 may continue to display the selected mode to the user until the device is ready to be used. A visual indicator portion of indicator 620 may continue to display the selected mode from the time the mode is selected until the device is ready to be used, at which point the indicator may indicate that the device is ready to be used.

[0199] 7 illustrates a heating profile that may be set for one or more aerosol generators according to one embodiment. A use session may be considered to begin at time 0 seconds, with the one or more aerosol generators set to a target operating temperature 700 for a period of time between 0 and 80 seconds. After 80 seconds, the heating profile increases to temperature 701 by time 150 seconds, such that the one or more aerosol generators are set to the target operating temperature 701 for a period of time between 80 and 150 seconds. After 150 seconds, the heating profile increases to temperature 702 by time 180 seconds, such that the one or more aerosol generators are set to the target operating temperature 702 for a period of time between 150 and 180 seconds. The use session ends at time 180 seconds, when the energy or power to the one or more aerosol generators is turned off.

[0200] It will be appreciated that the heating profile may be selected by the user prior to commencing a usage session, for example the user may select between a normal and a boost mode of operation.

[0201] However, according to various embodiments, in addition to selecting a heating profile before initiating a use session, a user can also interact with a user interface after the use session has begun to vary the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session.

[0202] In particular, a user may interact with the user interface at a time t1 after a usage session has begun to place the controller into one or more further operating modes.

[0203] According to one embodiment, a user can interact with a user interface to pause or modify further operation of one or more aerosol generators at a time t1 after a usage session has begun.

[0204] 8 illustrates a heating profile according to one embodiment in which a user presses a user interface to place the aerosol delivery device into a paused mode of operation at time t1 after a use session has begun. In the particular example illustrated in FIG. 8, operation of the aerosol delivery device is paused for 40 seconds between times 50 and 90 seconds.

[0205] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the heating profile is such that when operation of the aerosol delivery device is paused for a period of 50 to 90 seconds, the controller continues to set the same operating temperature 800 for one or more aerosol generators.

[0206] However, other embodiments are contemplated in which the controller may be further configured to turn off or reduce the energy or power supplied to one or more aerosol generators when the controller is caused to pause or alter further operation of the one or more aerosol generators.

[0207] When the controller is caused to pause or modify further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, the controller may be further arranged to prevent aerosol from being generated from the aerosol-generating material.

[0208] The user interface may be further arranged to allow the user to further interact with the user interface to cause the controller, at a next point in time t2, to (i) resume operation of the one or more aerosol generators and / or (ii) bring the one or more aerosol generators out of the power saving operating mode.

[0209] The controller may be further arranged to turn off energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators after a predetermined period of time from time t1 if there has been no further user interaction with the user interface after time t1. The predetermined period of time may be less than 10 seconds, 10-20 seconds, 20-30 seconds, 30-40 seconds, 40-50 seconds, 50-60 seconds, 60-70 seconds, 70-80 seconds, 80-90 seconds, 90-100 seconds, 100-110 seconds, 110-120 seconds, 120-130 seconds, 130-140 seconds, 140-150 seconds, 150-160 seconds, 160-170 seconds, 170-180 seconds, or more than 180 seconds.

[0210] 8, at a second time point, time t2 (90 seconds), the user then presses the user interface to bring the aerosol delivery device out of sleep mode, at which point the heating profile set for the aerosol generator or generators resumes. Because a 40 second delay is introduced, the heating profile now ends at a later time point, 220 seconds, or 40 seconds after the end of the heating profile shown in FIG.

[0211] According to an embodiment, when the controller pauses or modifies further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, the controller may be further arranged to reduce energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators such that an operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators drops to a temperature T1, T1≦200° C. Optionally, T1 is selected from the group consisting of: (i) below 20° C., (ii) between 20 and 40° C., (iii) between 40 and 60° C., (iv) between 60 and 80° C., (v) between 80 and 100° C., (vi) between 100 and 120° C., (vii) between 120 and 140° C., (viii) between 140 and 160° C., (ix) between 160 and 180° C., and (x) between 180 and 200° C.

[0212] FIG. 9 illustrates a heating profile according to one embodiment where, at time t1 (50 seconds) after a usage session has begun, a user presses a user interface to place the aerosol delivery device into a power saving mode of operation.

[0213] In a particular embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol delivery device is placed into a power saving mode at 50 seconds, such that energy or power to one or more aerosol generators is turned off to conserve power.

[0214] At a next time point t2 (90 seconds), the user presses the user interface a second time to bring the aerosol delivery device out of the power saving mode of operation, at which point the heating profile set for the aerosol generator or generators resumes. Due to the 40 second period during which the device enters the power saving mode of operation, the heating profile now ends at 220 seconds, i.e., 40 seconds after the end of the heating profile shown in FIG. 7.

[0215] According to another embodiment, at a time t1 after a usage session has begun, a user can interact with a user interface to change or vary the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards.

[0216] 10 illustrates an embodiment in which, at time t1 (50 seconds), a user interacts with a user interface to change the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session. Prior to pressing the user interface at time t1, the heating profile 1010 shown in FIG. 10 was set for one or more aerosol generators. However, as a result of pressing the user interface at time t1, a different heating profile 1011 may now be set for the remainder of the use session.

[0217] According to another embodiment, at time t1 after the use session has begun, a user can interact with a user interface to change or vary the duration of a heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, e.g., the duration of the heating profile can be increased or decreased.

[0218] 10, the heating profile 1010 is increased after a user interacts with the user interface at time t1. According to other embodiments, the length of the usage session may also be decreased when the temperature of the heating profile is increased.

[0219] Conversely, the heating profile 1010 may be decreased after the user interacts with the user interface at time t1. For example, it is contemplated that the length of the usage session may also be increased if the heating profile 1020 is decreased.

[0220] After the user interacts with the user interface at time t1, a further embodiment is contemplated in which a new heating profile that is substantially different with respect to the profile may be set for one or more heating units for the remainder of the usage session.

[0221] Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment in which a user interacts with a user interface to vary the duration of a heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators during a use session. According to the particular embodiment illustrated in Figure 11, if a user interacts with the user interface at some point after a use session begins, the duration of the heating profile can be extended, so that rather than ending the heating profile at time 1110 at 180 seconds, the heating profile is now extended to a later time 1111, which in the particular example illustrated in Figure 11 is at 250 seconds.

[0222] According to one embodiment, prior to time t1 (when a user interacts with the user interface), the controller is arranged to set a first heating profile for the one or more aerosol generators having a first average operating temperature T1 throughout the intended usage session, and following user interaction with the user interface after time t1, the controller is arranged to set a second, different heating profile for the one or more aerosol generators such that the one or more aerosol generators have a second average operating temperature T2 throughout the usage session, where T1>T2 or T2>T1.

[0223] According to one embodiment, following a user interaction with the user interface by a user at time t1, the controller is arranged to increase or progressively increase the operating temperature of one or more aerosol generators.

[0224] According to an alternative embodiment, following a user interaction with the user interface by a user at time t1, the controller is arranged to reduce or progressively reduce the operating temperature of one or more aerosol generators.

[0225] Following a user interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller may be configured to increase the duration of the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards.

[0226] Alternatively, following a user interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller may be configured to reduce the duration of a heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards.

[0227] More specifically, following a user interaction with the user interface by a user at time t1, the controller may be arranged to set different pre-defined heating profiles for one or more aerosol generators.

[0228] The one or more aerosol generators may comprise one or more inductive heating units.

[0229] The aerosol generator or generators may comprise one or more resistive or non-inductive heating units.

[0230] The aerosol generator or generators may be equipped with one or more external heating units.

[0231] The one or more aerosol generators include one or more internal heating units.

[0232] It will be appreciated that the external heating unit constitutes a heating unit that surrounds the aerosol product article and induces heat to an outer portion of the aerosol product article, which in turn heats the remainder of the aerosol product article. The external heating unit(s) may constitute an inductive heating unit(s) and / or a resistive heating unit(s).

[0233] In contrast, the internal heating unit constitutes a heating unit that enters or is provided within the body of the aerosol product article. For example, the internal heating unit may comprise a blade provided within the base of the heating chamber of the aerosol delivery device. The aerosol product article inserted into the aerosol delivery device is pressed into the blade, so that the blade extends into the distal end of the aerosol product article. According to various embodiments, the internal heating unit(s) may constitute a resistive heating unit, and a current is passed through the heating unit to heat it. However, other embodiments are also contemplated in which the internal heating unit(s) may constitute an inductive heating unit(s). The inductive heating unit may comprise an induction coil that generates a time-varying magnetic field and the susceptor. The induction coil and the susceptor are suitably positioned relative to one another such that a varying magnetic field provided by an inductor penetrates the susceptor and one or more eddy currents are generated in the susceptor. The susceptor has a resistance to the flow of electrical current, so when such eddy currents are generated within the susceptor, they flow against the electrical resistance of the susceptor and heat the susceptor by Joule heating. For example, a susceptor can be provided within the base of a heating chamber of an aerosol delivery device, so that when an aerosol product article is inserted into the aerosol delivery device, it is forced into the susceptor. The susceptor can then be heated by an induction coil, which can be spaced a distance from the inner susceptor.

[0234] If the controller is caused to change or vary the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, the controller may be further arranged to increase or decrease the temperature of one or more aerosol generators.

[0235] The one or more aerosol generators may comprise a first heating unit and a second heating unit.

[0236] According to one embodiment, (i) the first heating unit constitutes an inductive heating unit and the second heating unit constitutes an inductive heating unit; (ii) the first heating unit constitutes an inductive heating unit and the second heating unit constitutes a resistive or non-inductive heating unit; (iii) the first heating unit constitutes a resistive or non-inductive heating unit and the second heating unit constitutes an inductive heating unit; or (iv) the first heating unit constitutes a resistive or non-inductive heating unit and the second heating unit constitutes a resistive or non-inductive heating unit.

[0237] According to one embodiment, (i) the first heating unit constitutes an external heating unit and the second heating unit constitutes an external heating unit, (ii) the first heating unit constitutes an external heating unit and the second heating unit constitutes an internal heating unit, (iii) the first heating unit constitutes an internal heating unit and the second heating unit constitutes an internal heating unit, or (iv) the first heating unit constitutes an internal heating unit and the second heating unit constitutes an external heating unit.

[0238] If the controller is forced to change or vary the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, the controller may be arranged to increase or decrease the temperature of the first heating unit.

[0239] If the controller is forced to change or vary the heating profile set for one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards, the controller can be arranged to increase or decrease the temperature of the second heating unit.

[0240] A usage session may be determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to the one or more aerosol generators after an aerosol product is inserted into the aerosol delivery device.

[0241] A use session may be determined to begin when power or energy is initially provided to one or more aerosol generators to raise the temperature of the one or more aerosol generators to an operating temperature Tmin such that a user may inhale a first puff of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material. Optionally, Tmin is within the ranges of: (i) 200-210°C, (ii) 210-220°C, (iii) 220-230°C, (iv) 230-240°C, (v) 240-250°C, (vi) 250-260°C, (vii) 260-270°C, (viii) 270-280°C, (ix) 280-290°C, and (x) 290-300°C.

[0242] A usage session may be determined to end when power or energy is no longer supplied to one or more aerosol generators.

[0243] A usage session may be determined to end when the aerosol-generating material is substantially depleted or when the user is unable to inhale additional puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material.

[0244] A usage session may be determined to relate to a period of time during which a user is able to inhale multiple puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material without replacing or refilling the aerosol generating material.

[0245] The aerosol delivery device may additionally or alternatively comprise a first device arranged to detect how often a user takes puffs of aerosol or whether no puffs have been taken within a predetermined period of time, and if the frequency is above or below a predetermined level (either during the predetermined period or if no puffs have been detected), the controller is further arranged to prompt the user to interact with the user interface. The first device may constitute a microphone.

[0246] The aerosol delivery device may additionally or alternatively be provided with a second device arranged to detect how often a user takes puffs of aerosol or whether no puffs have been taken within a predetermined period of time, and if the frequency falls below a predetermined level (or if no puffs are detected within the period of time), the controller is further arranged to pause operation of the one or more aerosol generators or to switch off the energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators.

[0247] According to various embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can be arranged to detect that a new or fresh puff is taken a period of time after detecting that a puff has not been taken, resulting in the device entering a power saving mode, Upon detecting that a new or fresh puff has been taken, the aerosol delivery device can resume operation.

[0248] Further embodiments are contemplated in which the aerosol delivery device may be arranged to detect when a user is taking puffs more frequently than a threshold (which may be a user set or a predetermined threshold), at which point the aerosol delivery device may change operational modes. For example, the aerosol delivery device may change operational modes such that the aerosol delivery device operates in an operational mode having an increased or otherwise altered temperature or heating profile, such as a boost operational mode.

[0249] Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol delivery device may be arranged to detect when a user is taking puffs more frequently than a threshold (which may be a user-set threshold or a predetermined threshold), at which point the aerosol delivery device may prompt the user to interact with a user interface.

[0250] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments can be utilized and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention can suitably comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, the present disclosure can include other inventions not claimed herein but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: one or more aerosol generators arranged to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; a controller for controlling the one or more aerosol generators; a user interface arranged to enable a user to interact with the user interface to cause the controller, at a time t1 after a use session has begun, to (i) pause or modify further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, and / or (ii) cause the one or more aerosol generators to enter a power saving mode of operation, and / or (iii) change or vary a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, and / or (iv) change or vary a duration of a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards; 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising:

2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein when the controller pauses or changes further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, the controller is further configured to reduce energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators such that an operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators drops to a temperature T1, where T1≦200° C.

3. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein T1 is selected from the group consisting of: (i) less than 20°C, (ii) 20-40°C, (iii) 40-60°C, (iv) 60-80°C, (v) 80-100°C, (vi) 100-120°C, (vii) 120-140°C, (viii) 140-160°C, (ix) 160-180°C, and (x) 180-200°C.

4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the controller is further configured to turn off energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators when the controller is caused to pause or change further operation of the one or more aerosol generators.

5. 5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to prevent aerosol from being generated from the aerosol generating material when the controller is caused to pause or modify further operation of the one or more aerosol generators.

6. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the user interface is further arranged to allow a user to further interact with the user interface to cause the controller to (i) resume operation of the one or more aerosol generators and / or (ii) exit the one or more aerosol generators from a power saving operating mode at a next time point t2.

7. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller is further configured to turn off the energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators after a predetermined period of time from time t1 if there is no further user interaction with the user interface after time t1.

8. 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein prior to time t1, the controller is arranged to set a first heating profile for the one or more aerosol generators having a first average operating temperature T1 throughout an intended usage session, and following a user's interaction with the user interface from time t1 onwards, the controller is arranged to set a second, different heating profile for the one or more aerosol generators such that the one or more aerosol generators have a second average operating temperature T2 throughout the usage session, where T1>T2 or T2>T1.

9. An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the controller is arranged to increase or progressively increase the operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators following interaction with the user interface by a user at time t1.

10. An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein following interaction with the user interface by a user at time t1, the controller is arranged to reduce or progressively reduce the operating temperature of the one or more aerosol generators.

11. An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein following a user's interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller is arranged to increase the duration of a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards.

12. An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein following a user interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller is configured to reduce the duration of the heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards.

13. An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein following a user's interaction with the user interface at time t1, the controller is arranged to set different predetermined heating profiles for the one or more aerosol generators.

14. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the one or more aerosol generators comprise one or more induction heating units.

15. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the one or more aerosol generators comprise one or more resistive or non-inductive heating units.

16. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the one or more aerosol generators comprise one or more external heating units.

17. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the one or more aerosol generators comprise one or more internal heating units.

18. An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the controller is further configured to increase or decrease the temperature of the one or more aerosol generators when the controller is caused to change or vary a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards.

19. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the one or more aerosol generators comprise a first heating unit and a second heating unit.

20. 20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 19, wherein: (i) the first heating unit comprises an inductive heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an inductive heating unit; (ii) the first heating unit comprises an inductive heating unit and the second heating unit comprises a resistive or non-inductive heating unit; (iii) the first heating unit comprises a resistive or non-inductive heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an inductive heating unit; or (iv) the first heating unit comprises a resistive or non-inductive heating unit and the second heating unit comprises a resistive or non-inductive heating unit.

21. 21. The aerosol delivery device of claim 19 or 20, wherein: (i) the first heating unit comprises an external heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an external heating unit; (ii) the first heating unit comprises an external heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an internal heating unit; (iii) the first heating unit comprises an internal heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an internal heating unit; or (iv) the first heating unit comprises an internal heating unit and the second heating unit comprises an external heating unit.

22. An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of claims 19, 20, or 21, wherein the controller is configured to increase or decrease the temperature of the first heating unit when the controller is caused to change or vary a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards.

23. An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the controller is configured to increase or decrease the temperature of the second heating unit when the controller is caused to change or vary a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the usage session from time t1 onwards.

24. 24. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein a usage session is determined to begin when power or energy is first supplied to the one or more aerosol generators after an aerosol product item is inserted into the aerosol delivery device.

25. 25. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein a usage session is determined to start when power or energy is first supplied to the one or more aerosol generators to raise the temperature of the one or more aerosol generators to an operating temperature Tmin so that a user can inhale a first puff of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material.

26. 26. The aerosol delivery device of claim 25, wherein Tmin is within the range of: (i) 200-210°C, (ii) 210-220°C, (iii) 220-230°C, (iv) 230-240°C, (v) 240-250°C, (vi) 250-260°C, (vii) 260-270°C, (viii) 270-280°C, (ix) 280-290°C, and (x) 290-300°C.

27. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein a usage session is determined to end when power or energy is no longer supplied to the one or more aerosol generators.

28. 28. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein a usage session is determined to end when the aerosol generating material is substantially exhausted or when a user is unable to inhale further puffs of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material.

29. 29. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein a usage session is determined to relate to a period of time during which a user is able to inhale multiple puffs of aerosol generated from an aerosol generating material without replacement or replenishment of the aerosol generating material.

30. 30. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 29, further comprising a first device arranged to detect the frequency at which a user takes puffs of aerosol, and wherein the controller is further arranged to prompt the user to interact with the user interface if the frequency is above or below a predetermined level.

31. The aerosol delivery device of claim 30 , wherein the first device comprises a microphone.

32. An aerosol delivery device as described in any one of claims 1 to 31, further comprising a second device arranged to detect the frequency at which a user inhales puffs of aerosol, and wherein if the frequency falls below a predetermined level, the controller is further arranged to pause the operation of the one or more aerosol generators or turn off the energy or power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators.

33. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 32; an aerosol-producing article comprising an aerosol-forming material; An aerosol generating system comprising:

34. 34. The aerosol generation system of claim 33, wherein the aerosol product item is inserted into the aerosol delivery device during use.

35. 1. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising: providing an aerosol delivery device comprising one or more aerosol generators arranged to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device further comprising a user interface; inserting an aerosol product into the aerosol delivery device; at a time t1 after a use session has begun, in response to a user interaction with the user interface, (i) pausing or modifying further operation of the one or more aerosol generators, and / or (ii) causing the one or more aerosol generators to enter a power saving mode of operation, and / or (iii) changing or varying a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards, and / or (iv) changing or varying a duration of a heating profile set for the one or more aerosol generators for the remainder of the use session from time t1 onwards. The method includes:

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