Aerosol device for sucking material, method for sucking material, and its use

Abstract

To provide a device, a cartridge and a method for imitating smoking.SOLUTION: In a device, aerosol to be sucked by a person is generated, in which Hoffman specimen and a mutation induction compound delivered to a user is reduced in comparison with a normal cigarette of shredded tobacco, by heating a high viscosity material generating response caused by a touch sense in a mouth or a respiratory system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross-reference) This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 336,439, filed Dec. 16, 2008, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 014,690, filed Dec. 18, 2007, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Attention to the use of tobacco products and the harmful side effects of tobacco smoking is increasing worldwide. As the regulations on smoking in the workplace or public places increase, the interest in developing alternative products is growing. One way to reduce the harmful side effects of smoking is not to burn tobacco products. This is because many harmful analytes (specimens) such as Hoffmann analytes (Hoffmann specimens) obtained from smoking are ingested by the combustion of materials.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The difficulty in developing and selling a device capable of delivering an aerosolized tobacco product is to meet the user's desires in terms of the visual and physical appeal of use. What is desired is a device that can be used multiple times to aerosolize a variety of different substances while providing the user with a visual sensation similar to smoking, such as visible vapor. Also desired are devices and products that can aerosolize tobacco products and reduce the Hoffmann analytes and mutagenic compounds delivered to the user compared to smoking.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In one aspect of the present invention, a cartridge for use in an apparatus for aerosolizing a material is disclosed, which includes a case (shell) containing a high-viscosity volatile material and a lid that seals over the case, thereby forming a sealed cartridge containing the high-viscosity volatile material. The lid can be made permeable, and the permeated lid can serve as an outlet for the aerosol generated by heating the high-viscosity volatile material. Also, the lid can be a heat-sealable film, and this heat-sealable film includes a base layer and a heat-sealable layer. The case of the cartridge or the lid of the cartridge can include aluminum. When the case of the cartridge of the present invention is provided with a flange, the lid can seal over the flange.

[0005] The cartridge can be heated to a temperature necessary to aerosolize the material contained within the case, preferably heated to less than 400°F (204°C). The high-viscosity volatile material within the cartridge can be composed of at least one of a medium for forming an aerosol, propylene glycol, or glycerin. The high-viscosity volatile material can include tobacco.

[0006] The cartridge can be inserted into the apparatus, and the apparatus is capable of aerosolizing the high-viscosity volatile material. The apparatus can include an oven chamber capable of heating the cartridge.

[0007] To label the cartridge of the present invention, information can be printed on at least one of the case and the lid.

[0008] In another aspect, a method of loading a cartridge containing a high-viscosity volatile material comprises filling the high-viscosity volatile material into the case of the cartridge and sealing the top of the cartridge case with a lid. This method can be automated and can be carried out, for example, on a linear or rotating dispensing device, or can be filled using an auger filler (a filler equipped with a spiral screw), a peristaltic pump method or a piston pump method. During the filling step, a predetermined volume of the high-viscosity volatile material can be filled, and the predetermined volume can be from about 0.1 to about 0.8 cubic centimeters or less. The volume is preferably about 0.25 cubic centimeters. The sealing step of the method of loading the cartridge can consist of heating at least one of the lid and the case of the cartridge and trimming any excess material from the lid.

[0009] An apparatus for generating an inhalable aerosol, as used in this application, includes a body, a heater within the body capable of heating a high-viscosity volatile material to generate an inhalable aerosol, and temperature control means including one or more bimetallic disks, the disks converting a temperature change into a mechanical variation. The inhalable aerosol can include particles having a diameter of less than about 2 microns. The heater of the apparatus can be supplied with a gaseous fuel such as butane and ignited with a piezoelectric igniter.

[0010] The disk of the temperature control means can move a push rod, which restricts or stops the flow of gaseous fuel within the apparatus body by pushing against a flow restriction valve with a settable change. Also, the push rod can provide support for a catalytic mesh element.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus that mimics smoking, the apparatus generating an aerosol for human inhalation by heating a highly viscous material containing plant material to about 150°C, the aerosol creating a tactile response in the oral cavity or respiratory tract. The highly viscous material can include a medium for forming the aerosol, and the medium for forming the aerosol can include at least one of propylene glycol and glycerin and can generate a visible aerosol when heated. Further, the highly viscous material can also include tobacco and flavorings.

[0012] Also, the apparatus can deliver an active ingredient that is part of the aerosol to the user. The active ingredient can be absorbed in the respiratory tract. Further, the aerosol can include particles having a diameter of less than about 2 microns.

[0013] Disclosed in the present application is an apparatus of the present invention including a main body and a heater, the apparatus generating a smokeless aerosol (a non-smoking aerosol) for human inhalation by heating a highly viscous tobacco material to a target temperature. The highly viscous material can include a medium for forming the aerosol, and the medium for forming the aerosol can include at least one of propylene glycol and glycerin and can generate a visible aerosol when heated. Also, the apparatus can deliver an active ingredient that is part of the aerosol to the user. The active ingredient can be absorbed in the respiratory tract. Further, the aerosol can include particles having a diameter of less than about 2 microns.

[0014] The target temperature for heating the highly viscous material in the apparatus can be about 100°C or higher and about 200°C or lower. The target temperature is preferably about 150°C.

[0015] Also, the apparatus can be operated by the user with one hand.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is disclosed, which generates an aerosol substantially free of at least one Hoffmann analyte when heating a smokable material to a target temperature. The Hoffmann analyte can be selected from the group consisting of ammonia, aminonaphthalene, benzopyrene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, butyraldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA), pyridine, quinoline, hydroquinone, phenol, cresol, tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, acrylonitrile, benzene, toluene, and styrene.

[0017] The target temperature for heating a high-viscosity material in the device can be from about 100 °C to about 200 °C. The target temperature is preferably about 150 °C, and an aerosol containing particles with a diameter of less than about 2 microns is generated at the target temperature.

[0018] Further, the present invention provides an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol with at least 70% less Hoffmann analyte than a conventional shredded tobacco cigarette when heating a smokable material to a target temperature. The Hoffmann analyte can be selected from the group consisting of ammonia, aminonaphthalene, benzopyrene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, butyraldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA), pyridine, quinoline, hydroquinone, phenol, cresol, tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, acrylonitrile, benzene, toluene, and styrene. A conventional shredded tobacco cigarette can include a filter.

[0019] The target temperature for heating a high-viscosity material in the device can be from about 100 °C to about 200 °C. The target temperature is preferably about 150 °C, and an aerosol containing particles with a diameter of less than about 2 microns is generated at the target temperature.

[0020] In one aspect, the present invention discloses a method of delivering to a human an aerosol substantially free of Hoffmann analytes, comprising disposing an aerosol generating device comprising a heater and a smokable material, heating the smokable material to a target temperature at which the heater of the device generates an aerosol, and delivering the aerosol to a human for inhalation.

[0021] In other aspects, a method of generating a tactile response in the oral cavity or respiratory tract is disclosed. The method comprises disposing a smoking mimic device, generating a smokeless aerosol having a tactile response in the oral cavity or respiratory tract by heating a high-viscosity material comprising a plant substance housed therein by the device, heating the high-viscosity material to a target temperature, generating an aerosol having a tactile response from the heated high-viscosity material into the oral cavity or respiratory tract, and inhaling the aerosol. The high-viscosity material can comprise a medium for forming an aerosol, and the medium for forming the aerosol can comprise at least one of propylene glycol and glycerin that generates a visible aerosol when heated. Also, the high-viscosity material can comprise at least one of tobacco and flavor. The device can deliver an active ingredient that is part of the aerosol to a user. The active ingredient can be absorbed in the respiratory tract. The aerosol can comprise particles having a diameter of less than about 2 microns.

[0022] In other aspects, the present invention discloses an aerosol generating device provided by the present invention, the device generating an aerosol from a smokable material, the aerosol comprising at least 70% less Hoffmann analytes than the substances generated by the combustion of the smokable material.

[0023] Also disclosed is an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol from a smokable material that passes the Ames test, and an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol from a smokable material, the aerosol obtaining a significantly better score in the Ames test than the substances generated by the combustion of the smokable material.

[0024] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device that provides inhalable aerosol to a user for at least 4 hours, discontinuously, without refueling or servicing the device.

[0025] (Incorporation by reference) All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0026] A further understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings that illustrate exemplary embodiments in which the principles of the invention are utilized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13A

Figure 13B

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention described herein has a wide range of uses for the inhalation of active substances, as will be understood by those skilled in the art upon reviewing the present disclosure. For example, the apparatus, cartridge, system, kit, and method can be used, for example, to inhale tobacco products via the mouth or nose. Also, the apparatus, system, kit, and method can be used to reduce the Hoffmann analytes provided to the user by the inhalation of tobacco products as compared to tobacco smoking or combustion. Further, the apparatus, system, kit, and method can be used to inhale any substance, such as, for example, plant substances, pharmaceuticals, nutrients, or any other substance that provides a benefit or sensation to the end user.

[0029] I AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE An exemplary device of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The device 100 is capable of generating a temperature high enough to aerosolize a product housed within the device 100. The device of the present invention can include a mouthpiece 110 and a body 120 having a heater 122, a chamber furnace 124, a fuel tank 126, and a lighter having adjustment means for maintaining an operating temperature. An example of the adjustment means for the operating temperature of the device is a bimetal actuator. Alternatively, a telescoping component filled with paraffin can be used to regulate the flow of butane. Alternatively, a system can be used in which the current temperature is measured, for example, by a thermocouple sensor, compared to a predetermined temperature, for example, by micro-adjustment means, and an electromechanical valve, for example, a servo or solenoid valve, is controlled. The temperature selected by the user can be used as an input to this system as described above.

[0030] The device can be manufactured without active control elements. This results in a reduction in complexity and a lower overall manufacturing cost of the device. For example, the flow of fuel to the heater 122 can be set at a low level. In use, the temperature within the chamber furnace 124 rises to an equilibrium point where the additional heat introduced equals the heat lost to the environment. The heat is lost by conduction through the body of the device 100 and by the vapor delivered to the user. This equilibrium point determines the operating temperature of the device 100. By varying the fuel flow rate, the size and material of the burner, and other factors, the system can be calibrated to provide a sufficiently stable and desirable operating temperature.

[0031] A piezoelectric igniter can be used. Other igniters such as a flint igniter or a battery-driven resistance coil can be used.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the device 200 of the present invention can also include a refillable fuel tank 226 and an inlet / outlet 230 for that purpose. The tank 226 can be made disposable when its fuel is consumed. A release mechanism such as a pin or a cam can be used, allowing the user to quickly remove the empty tank 226 and replace it with a full tank. The replaceable tank can include additional parts of the device such as an igniter or a heater. Although liquid fuel is preferably the fuel source, the liquid fuel can be supplemented or replaced by a battery-powered electric heater or other small heat source. The tank 126 can be filled with a specific fuel source or a standard commercially available fuel source by the filling valve mechanism 128 shown in FIG. 1.

[0033] The fuel tank can hold enough fuel for repeated use of the device. The device can be used up to 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 times. In some embodiments, the device can be used more than 60 times. Also, the device can be used continuously or discontinuously for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 hours. The cartridge used with the device can be discarded after each use or can be used multiple times. The long-term use of the device of the present invention provides the advantage to the user that no regular maintenance of the device or refilling of the fuel tank is required. The advantage of multiple uses is preferably obtained by using a larger-sized fuel tank and / or using butane as the fuel, which efficiently generates the temperature required for the use of the device.

[0034] Typically, the operating temperature of the device is 200°C or less. Often, the temperature required to aerosolize the product is about 100 - 200°C. In some embodiments, the temperature required to aerosolize the product is about 150°C. When the product in the device is aerosolized, the aerosolized product is provided to the user through the mouthpiece. In many cases, the device of the present invention is designed to mimic a smoking device such as a cigarette, a pipe, or a cigar holder.

[0035] In FIG. 3, the device 300 includes a heater assembly 322 that can be driven by any combustible fuel, and a series of bimetal objects 332 that control the flow of combustible fuel to the heater assembly 322. Examples of combustible fuels include, but are not limited to, propane, butane, methane, and ethanol. When the device 300 is heated, or when a part of the device 300 is heated, the bimetal objects 332 change their shape (e.g., from flat to concave or convex) to control the amount of fuel entering the heater assembly 322. This can occur by various mechanisms, including pressing a rod 334 (referred to herein as the push rod 334) against the variable flow valve 336 shown in FIG. 3.

[0036] Bimetal objects can be used to convert a temperature change into a mechanical displacement. The objects include two different metals, such as steel and copper, that expand at different rates when they are heated. The objects can be alloys or two metals fixed to each other. The bimetal objects can be of any flat shape, such as square, rectangular, or strip-shaped. The bimetal objects are preferably bimetal disks. The different expansions cause a flat object to curve in one direction when heated and in the opposite direction when cooled. The bimetal objects can be bimetal disks, for example, using Truflex P675 / 700 disks available on the market.

[0037] The mechanical displacement of the bimetal objects is much larger than the small elongation in the longitudinal direction of either of the two metals. This effect is used in a wide range of mechanical and electrical devices. In many exemplary devices of the present invention, the bimetal objects are used in a flat shape. Alternatively, they can be wound into a coil shape for miniaturization.

[0038] Nickel titanium (NiTi) is a shape memory alloy, commonly called Nitinol. Above its transition temperature, Nitinol is superelastic and can withstand large deformations even when a load is applied, returning to its original shape when the load is removed. Below its transition temperature, it exhibits the shape memory effect. When deformed, it maintains its shape until heated above the transition temperature at which it returns to its original shape. Nitinol typically consists of about 55 wt% nickel. Slight compositional changes greatly alter the alloy's transition temperature. These unique properties of Nitinol and its tunability over a wide range of temperatures make it suitable as an alternative for the bimetallic objects of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that other shape memory alloys can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0039] In the device of the present invention, the use of alternately stacked bimetallic disks is not only a simple and inexpensive solution for allocating a thermal regulation scheme to a very small space, but also has significant advantages over other methods of thermal regulation. The disks are a modular solution and the temperature sensitivity of the device can be adjusted using different numbers of disks. Using multiple disks instead of one disk allows for a longer overall movement for a given (small) diameter of the disk. Also, for the same purpose or to add additional capabilities to exert force, thinner or thicker disks can be used. Dome-shaped disks are particularly strong, so fuel pressure changes have a minimal impact on temperature regulation. Also, since the bimetallic stack is a continuous operating system rather than a discontinuous one, the device can have a gentle adjustment effect by using the rough seating design described above, and the device is less likely to self-extinguish. Also, since the disks respond to the temperature at the point closest to the oven of the device, the oven is maintained at the most stable temperature.

[0040] Figure 4 shows a detailed example of some components of the apparatus 400 of the present invention. In Figure 4, fuel is supplied to the tank 426 via the filling valve 428, and the compressed liquid fuel can be withdrawn for use by the wick 438. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the gaseous fuel flow is restricted by the compressed foam flow restrictor 540 and can be released only via the valve orifice 542. There is a single elastic stopper 544 that suppresses the movement of the gas. Using a single stopper 544 for all gas flow regulation significantly enhances the simplicity and reliability of the system. Also, in this specification, the stopper 544 is also referred to as a valve 544 with variable flow rate. Further, what may be included is a simple but independent means of regulating the flow of butane by temperature, distributing a very small amount of gas flow to keep a part of the catalyst above its extinguishing temperature, and enabling the user to turn the apparatus 500 on and off. A valve with variable flow rate enables the operation of all three of these requirements with a single valve.

[0041] The stopper 544 can be connected to a solid jet assembly that terminates in an electrically insulated component 546. The jet assembly is normally held in position by a bias spring of relatively low spring constant such that gas exits the valve orifice 542 and enters the jet assembly. The gas is limited to entering the jet assembly only by the sliding seal 550. Alternatively, a flexible diaphragm can be used. The user can block this normal gas flow by sliding the activation slider, so that the jet assembly is held downward such that the stopper 544 seals the valve orifice 542, which is the off state of the apparatus 500. When the user moves the activation slider to the on position to allow the normal gas flow condition, the piezoelectric igniter is depressed and a spark is generated between the jet rose 552 and the oven heater 522, thereby igniting the flowing gas. When the oven heater 522 begins to reach its operating temperature, a series of alternately stacked bimetallic disks 532 change shape (transitioning from flat to domed) and act on the push rod component 534, whereby the jet assembly is pressed and the stopper 544 restricts or stops the gas flow.

[0042] By using the design of the bimetallic disk, the apparatus of the present invention can be finely adjusted to a specific temperature control range simply by changing the distance between the disk backstop and the valve seat. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the operating temperature can be changed by screwing the oven heater components 422, 522 into the plastic bodies 420, 520 of the apparatuses 400, 500 using a tool that fits into the oven and screwing the oven components 422, 522 externally. Also, the oven 424 can be designed to be manually moved by the user. Also, an operation can be incorporated on the oven 422 for screwing the components.

[0043] In FIG. 5, the push rod component 534 can have multiple functions. The push rod 534 can serve to transmit the longitudinal movement of the bimetallic disk 532 to the jet assembly, whereby its movement is transmitted to the valve stopper 544. Also, the push rod 534 can hold the catalyst in a simple assembly manner, such as by winding the catalyst around the push rod 534. Since the push rod 534 defines a fixed space between the jet rosette 552 and the catalyst, initial combustion occurs easily. In one embodiment, the push rod 534 has a generally dumbbell-shaped configuration with two flat, circular surfaces at its opposing ends, which are used to contact the bimetallic disk 532 at the top and the insulating component 546 at the bottom. The lower end of the push rod 534 has a large notch through which the gas flow passes, enabling initial combustion to occur.

[0044] Many of the devices of the present invention use a temperature control mechanism in which a thermostat (bimetallic disk) is disposed near the region where temperature is most critical (in an oven). Related art typically places temperature sensing components in the flow valve, which is vulnerable to the cold temperature of the expanding fuel gas and results in less intimate contact with the vaporization chamber. Examples of related devices and methods are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 485,168, U.S. Patent No. 4,819,665, U.S. Patent No. 4,793,365, U.S. Patent No. 5,027,836, and PCT Application WO2006 / 082571. The adjustment mechanism of the device of the present invention can be finely adjusted to a specific temperature by simply turning the oven.

[0045] In the exemplary devices of FIGS. 4 and 5, air enters the jet assembly via the inlet holes 454, 554 and intersects the butane flow path at the venturi 556. The exhaust gas exits through the outlet hole 458.

[0046] The user is prevented from touching the hot internal elements by the surrounding insulation. The device of the present invention can include an insulator to avoid the user necessarily touching the hot parts of the device. A greater heat insulation capacity is preferred so that the device operates with the best possible efficiency, but what is important for the user is to perceive a relatively cold surface temperature. Various strategies can be used to address the user's perception of the device's temperature. The device can be wrapped with a heat-insulating material that is sufficiently durable for external use. The materials for this purpose have a low thermal conductivity and a low heat capacity (specific heat). By combining these properties, little heat is transferred to the user's fingers. Examples of materials with low thermal conductivity and capacity include some polymers and ceramics. Another strategy is to use a shielding mechanism so that the user does not directly touch the higher temperature areas. This further reduces the perceived heat by minimizing the contact area between the user's fingers and the device. The thermal conductivity and specific heat of the shielding mechanism should be as low as possible.

[0047] The heater of the device of the present invention can include a conductive case and a catalyst, and the case can be made of one or more materials formed by welding or pressing each other. The catalyst in the heater can be selected to provide efficient flameless combustion of the fuel. In some cases, to provide a visible cue to the user, when the heater is heating, the catalyst or the heater can emit a color such as red to indicate that the device is in operation.

[0048] In some cases, the heater can exhaust directly to the surrounding environment via side holes. However, as shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 of the present invention preferably incorporates a series of small holes 158 around the heater assembly 122, which conducts heat better from the catalyzed gas to the oven 124. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, since the exhaust holes 662 of the plastic body 620 are disposed above the heater exhaust holes, the exhausted gas must pass along the heater body, exchanging even more heat and improving the efficiency of the apparatus 600. Staggering the exhaust holes and using two barriers (the heater wall and the body wall) has the additional advantage of improving wind resistance (e.g., the surrounding wind is less likely to interfere with the internal flow of the gas or cool the catalyst to its extinction point). The specific geometry of the exhaust path enables these advantages without inhibiting the initial combustion of the gas required to initiate catalytic activity. The gas flows smoothly through a continuously expanding exhaust region without a distorted detour that could self-extinguish the ignition of the initial gas.

[0049] In the field of combustion catalysts, the extinction temperature is often used to describe the minimum temperature that the catalyst must maintain in order to catalyze the exothermic reaction of the fuel and the oxidizer. To prevent the reaction from stopping together, only a portion of the catalyst needs to remain at this temperature. The target operating temperature of the heater of the apparatus of the present invention is close to the extinction temperature of most catalysts, and it is difficult to maintain the catalyst. The target operation of the temperature of the heater can be 180 °C. Examples of the types of catalysts used in the apparatus of the present invention include, but are not limited to, platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The extinction temperature of the catalyst for use in the present invention can be about 100 °C or more and 200 °C or less.

[0050] To cope with a slight temperature difference of the heater compared to the extinction temperature, a small gas flow can be passed over the catalyst and / or the catalyst can be shielded from external factors such as wind. The apparatus of the present invention can include a protected exhaust path such that the exhaust is not discharged directly to the outside air but instead moves along a spiral passage, resulting in the catalyst being less likely to be extinguished by the wind.

[0051] The reliability problem of the device of the present invention is to maintain the operation of the catalyst at a low target temperature of the device. The cycle time of the combustion interval of butane often cools the catalyst and makes the temperature too low, and the rapid ejection of expanded butane actually extinguishes the catalyst because the temperature of butane becomes low. Therefore, it is difficult to solve this problem only with a discontinuous on / off valve. A simple solution that can be incorporated into the device of the present invention is to slightly roughen the valve seat surface or use a rough stopper surface so that the device can obtain a small flow of butane immediately before completely closing the flow during adjustment. This is similar to a needle valve in operation, but the implementation is much cheaper and easier. In addition, a needle valve can be used in the device of the present invention to adjust the fuel flow. Some prior arts use heat mass to maintain the extinguishing temperature during the adjustment interval. When the gas flow recovers during the adjustment interval, only the area in contact with the heat mass first catalyzes the gas and discharges a proper amount of unused fuel. Since the valve seat functions as an analog valve and can reduce the adjustment interval and intensity of the device, the device of the present invention does not require such heat mass. The device of the present invention can keep the catalyst above the extinguishing temperature, in other words, can flow a small amount of butane necessary to prevent the catalyst from being extinguished.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus 300 of the present invention can be used for aerosolizing materials housed within a cartridge 370 that can be inserted into a chamber furnace 324 of the apparatus 300. Gas is ignited by a spark from an igniter (immediately after the start of the gas flow), and heat begins to conduct throughout the heater assembly 322. The heat is transferred to the cartridge 370 by conduction, convection, and / or radiation. The cartridge 370 can be shaped to fill the chamber furnace 324 to maximize surface contact for heat conduction. When the cartridge 370 is heated, vapor is generated within the cartridge 370 and in the space immediately above it. When the user inhales on the apparatus 300, fresh air enters through an air inlet, mixes with the vapor, and the mixture is delivered to the user via an inhalation passage. The air inlet or inlets can be directed downward to improve the extraction of vapor from the cartridge 370. Also, the air inlet can be directed diagonally above the cartridge 370 and the mouthpiece 310, or laterally to the side of the case itself. The air inlet or inlets can have a diameter and direction that allows ambient air to enter the chamber furnace (chamber) 324 and mix with the vapor without affecting the operating temperature. Also, the air inlet holes can adjust the speed of the ambient air flowing in and mixing with the vapor generated in the chamber furnace 424 to either a set speed or a speed selected by the user. For example, the speed of the air entering the apparatus 300 can give the user the perception as if smoke is being inhaled through a cigarette. When the cartridge 370 is used up, the apparatus 300 can be turned off and the cartridge 370 can be removed by opening the chamber furnace 324 of the apparatus 300. The cartridge 370 can be removed by hand or by a mechanism that allows the cartridge 370 to be removed quickly and easily. This mechanism can include the use of pins or sliding components that eject the cartridge 370 such that other parts of the apparatus 300 are not moved or removed. Also, the removal mechanism can include the introduction of an external object.

[0053] The device shown in FIG. 7 can incorporate a mouthpiece 710 connected to the body 720 of device 700. The mouthpiece 710 can be a hinged component. Also, the mouthpiece 710 can be made so that it is firmly fixed in place when closed on the device body 720. The device 700 is intended to be used together with the cartridge 770 of the present invention as described herein. The cartridge 770 can be inserted into the chamber furnace 724 of the device 700 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the mouthpiece 710 can be removed or the hinge opened to access the chamber furnace 724, and the cartridge 770 containing the aerosolized material can be inserted. Also, the mouthpiece 710 of the device 700 can be removable or made disposable. In this way, multiple users can use the same device 700 but with a replaceable mouthpiece 710. Or, if the mouthpiece 710 gets dirty, it can be easily replaced with another mouthpiece 710, avoiding the need to discard the entire device 700. When the device 700 incorporates a mouthpiece 710 connected to the body of the device such as a hinged mouthpiece 710, the device 700 can be operated with one hand of the user.

[0054] The mouthpiece can be made from high-temperature and food-safe materials such as ceramic, glass, or various high-temperature plastics such as polyimide thermoplastic and polyetherimide (PEI) resin (trade name Ultem®). The design is simplified by the use of high-temperature materials, but standard plastics or wood can also be used by adding insulating components to prevent excessive heat from reaching the user, for example, the user's lips. Further, the length of the mouthpiece can be extended so that the temperature in the user's mouth is substantially lower than the end of the mouthpiece closer to the heat source.

[0055] In embodiments such as that of FIG. 7, the mouthpiece 710 of the device 700 of the present invention can include a piercer for piercing a sealed cartridge that contains a material for use with the device 700. For example, the hinge-type mouthpiece 710 can be opened, the cartridge 700 can be inserted into the device 700, and then the mouthpiece 710 can be closed to pierce the cartridge 770 for use with the device 710. The piercer 712 can be any object that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The piercer 712 is preferably a small protrusion that is molded within the mouthpiece 710 and that terminates at a point or end 714 for piercing the cartridge 770 when a small force is applied.

[0056] Some related art devices require both hands for ignition, and users experience difficulty in handling. Preferably, the ignition method using the device of the present invention enables one-handed ignition. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the user can press the button 802 on the device 800 to activate it and press the button 802 again to stop it. In other embodiments, the user can slide a string of material towards the mouthpiece end 810 of the device 800 to activate it and then slide the string back towards the filling port (filling opening) to stop it. As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, other components such as switches can be incorporated into the device of the present invention. A mechanical advantage is provided to the user to drive the igniter without applying excessive force. Examples of mechanical advantages include, but are not limited to, levers, four-bar linkages, and other devices that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0057] Also, the device of the present invention can provide additional user-friendly advantages. For example, temperature regulating means made of a bimetal object can make it possible to thin and miniaturize the device and thus make it an attractive shape. The heat insulation method prevents the user from being stimulated by high heat. With a simple on / off mechanism, the user can start and end the use operation with one hand.

[0058] II Cartridge FIG. 9 shows a cartridge 970 that can contain a wetted volatile product 972 (also often referred to herein as a high viscosity volatile material, a liquid volatile material, a smokable material in a wetted state, a fluid smokable material, or a volatile content in a wetted state) for use with an apparatus capable of evaporating product 970. In the figure, cartridge 970 houses a case 974 sealed with a lid 976. In this embodiment, case 974 includes a flange 978 for adhering lid 976 to case 974. Case 974 of cartridge 970, or cartridge 970 as a whole, can be made from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, metal, rigid plastic, flexible plastic, paper, paperboard, cardboard, and wax paper. Case 974 of cartridge 970 often typically includes a food safety material, and cartridge 970 is used with an apparatus for inhalation of substances by a person. Some food safety materials include aluminum, stainless steel, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and many paper products. In some cases where the material is paper in particular, case 974 can be lined with a material or a food safety material for both preventing drying of the volatile content 972 in a wetted state and protecting the volatile content 972 in a wetted state.

[0059] The cartridge is formed in a shape that is easy to insert into the chamber furnace of the apparatus of the present invention and preferably fits snugly into the cavity of the chamber furnace to improve heat conduction and evaporation. The cartridge can be formed and packaged by a process so as not to generate a large amount of harmful gases.

[0060] The cartridge case can be capped, for example, with a heat-sealable lid film to create a completely sealed, airtight cartridge. The sealed cartridge of the present invention can have the advantage of maintaining the freshness of the contents and preventing the materials within the cartridge from spilling during shipping or handling by the user.

[0061] The lid of the cartridge can be made from a variety of materials. Typically, the lid comprises a food-safe material. After a volatile content in a wet state has been inserted into the cartridge of the present invention, the lid can be sealed onto the cartridge. Many methods of sealing a lid onto the cartridge case are well known to those skilled in the art. An example of a method of sealing a lid onto a cartridge case that includes a flange is heat-sealing. The lid of the cartridge is preferably considered to be food hygienically safe up to at least about 400°F (204°C). The lid can be a film available on the market for use with foods cooked in a conventional oven and is often referred to as double ovenable (usable in a microwave and a conventional oven). Double ovenable films typically consist of a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) base layer and an APET (amorphous polyethylene terephthalate) heat-sealing layer. Those lid films can be easily metallized or, preferably, pre-foiled with aluminum to improve the barrier performance of the film against humidity, oxygen, and other gases. The metallized film can be manufactured by ordinary conversion processes well known to those skilled in the art.

[0062] For illustrative purposes, FIG. 10 shows a basic heat-sealable film 1076 having a PET base layer 1080 and an APET heat-sealing layer 1082. FIG. 11 shows a composite film 1176 having a similar PET base layer 1180 and APET heat-sealing layer 1182 but also having an additional metal layer 1184 and a metal adhesive layer 1186. In both cases, the APET heat-sealing layer 1182 is the one that contacts the flange of the cartridge case of the present invention.

[0063] The materials and case of the cartridge of the present invention serve to keep the filling material fresh and can increase the storage life of the cartridge. Also, the metallized cartridge, lid, and case enhance the visual appeal and perceived value of the cartridge. Further, the material of the cartridge can enhance the printing and visibility of product information such as trademarks and scent displays.

[0064] The cartridge 1270 of the present invention that houses a volatile product in a wet state can have holes or vents 1288 in the cartridge 1270, as shown in the exemplary cartridge 1270 of FIG. 12. These holes 1288 allow the contents within the cartridge 1270 to access the environment. Some types of contents may require or can find the advantage of access to the environment.

[0065] Also, the exemplary cartridge 1270 of FIG. 12 can be composed of a material that can be perforated or opened when placed in a device capable of evaporating the contents of the cartridge 1270. For example, when the cartridge 1270 is heated to a certain temperature, the contents evaporate, and the holes or multiple holes, or the openings 1288 formed by the device, allow the vapor contents to be discharged from the heated cartridge 1270. In a different method, the cartridge 1270 can include a lid or seal 1276 that can be opened immediately before inserting the cartridge 1270 into the device.

[0066] A part of the cartridge can be as shown in FIG. 13A, and the cartridge 1370 having two parts 1390, 1392 can be fixed to each other or have a mechanism for sealing the two parts 1390, 1392 to each other. FIG. 13B shows the cartridge 1370 fixed to each other, and each part includes holes or vents 1388 for discharging vapor from the contents of the cartridge 1370 when the cartridge 1370 is heated.

[0067] In many cases, the cartridges of the present invention are intended to be disposable and easily disposable. However, some cartridge types, such as those having a way to seal two parts together, could be used multiple times as reusable cartridges.

[0068] The cartridge can contain a disposable wet volatile product and be provided or sold to the end user. The type of product contained in the cartridge can be imprinted or written on the cartridge or represented by the color, size, or shape of the cartridge. However, the cartridge can be filled with a wet volatile product at final use.

[0069] Intended for use by the end consumer, the sealed cartridge of the present invention can be inserted into the chamber oven of the apparatus of the present invention. The mouthpiece of the apparatus can then be returned to the closed position and at that point the film at the top of the cartridge can be perforated. The vapor generated by the heating process can exit the cartridge and be inhaled by the user via the mouthpiece.

[0070] III Aerosolized Materials As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, any material that can be aerosolized and inhaled by a user can be incorporated into the device or cartridge of the present invention. It is particularly interesting to provide the user with an experience in terms of the tactile response in the respiratory tract or the visual feedback regarding the expulsion of the inhaled material. For example, but not limited to, many materials can be used in conjunction with the present invention, including tobacco, natural or artificial flavors, coffee powder or coffee beans, mint, Roman chamomile, lemon, honey, tea leaves, cocoa, and other non-tobacco alternatives based on other plants. Also, the device or cartridge of the present invention is intended to be able to use pharmaceutical compounds or synthetic compounds for both medical and recreational purposes. Any of those compounds that can evaporate (or volatilize) without harmful degradation products at relatively low temperatures are suitable for use with the cartridge or device of the present invention. Examples of compounds include, but are not limited to, menthol, caffeine, taurine, and nicotine.

[0071] The active ingredients contained in plants evaporate at different temperatures. The device can be calibrated, for example, to establish a single stable temperature for the purpose of evaporating a specific product. Also, various temperature settings can be selected using adjustment means. The user will select that setting based on the type of cartridge being used. Also, the adjustment means can mechanically obtain the desired temperature, such as by changing the flow rate of a valve, or can obtain it electrically, such as by means of an electromechanical valve and intermediate micro-adjustment means. For example, to change the operating temperature of the device of the present invention, the chamber furnace can be moved relative to temperature adjustment means such as a bimetallic disk.

[0072] Here, the tobacco or tobacco material is defined as any combination of natural and synthetic materials that can be evaporated for entertainment or medical use. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge can be prepared using cured tobacco, glycerin, and flavorings. Those skilled in the art of tobacco product manufacturing techniques are familiar with these substances or other components used in cigarettes, cigars, etc. The cartridge can be manufactured by crushing the tobacco into shreds (e.g., less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm), adding other components, and mixing until uniformity is obtained. In other embodiments, the cartridge can be prepared by processing the filling material into a uniform paste-like form (e.g., particle size less than 1 mm), which facilitates the filling process of the cartridge, for example, by using an auger filler, a peristaltic pump, or a piston pump.

[0073] The materials used in conjunction with the apparatus of the present invention or contained within the cartridge of the present invention preferably include at least one medium for forming a vapor and a medium for providing a tactile response within the user's respiratory tract. The aerosolized product from the material inserted into the apparatus can be a combination of vapor-phase gas and small droplets that condense from the vapor phase and remain suspended in the gas / air mixture (the latter forming the visible portion of the inhaled substance).

[0074] Propylene glycol (PG), glycerin, or a combination of both can be used as the medium for forming a vapor. Other media for forming a vapor can be used in conjunction with the cartridge and apparatus of the present invention. The medium for forming a vapor serves to generate a visual vapor such as smoky vapor when heated. This vapor can be visualized both before inhalation and during exhalation of the medium. PG has several advantages compared to glycerin alone, as it exhibits a much higher vapor pressure at the same temperature, enabling the apparatus to operate at a lower temperature. The reduction in operating temperature saves energy and can potentially further improve the health benefits of using this system.

[0075] In some cases, the vapor obtained from PG inhaled by the user can be partially absorbed into the respiratory tract. When this occurs, the user appears to be mainly exhaling air. This is different from the conventional smoking experience in that the user typically cannot enjoy seeing the smoke expelled when exhaling themselves as in smoking. Since the visual vapor created by heating glycerin can be seen during exhalation, some preparations of the filling material of the present invention can include a combination of both glycerin and PG. In these embodiments, the PG enables a high density of visible vapor that the user can see / experience prior to inhalation as well as the tactile response in the respiratory tract, and the additional glycerin enables seeing or experiencing an increased amount of vapor during exhalation.

[0076] One method of manufacturing a material for use in the device or cartridge of the present invention is to mix cured tobacco leaves with other ingredients at a low temperature and then incorporate or marinate the mixture at room temperature for a long time, from 1 day to 3 weeks in length (depending on the specific formulation and flavor used). The material can then be processed by crushing it to a uniform density with particles having a diameter of 1 to 2 mm and can be inserted into the cartridge or directly into the device. Alternatively, to improve handling in the conventional pump devices described herein, the material can be further processed into a more uniform paste-like form.

[0077] Exemplary methods of filling the material into the cartridge included using an auger filler and a piston pump method. These are both filling processes used in the packaging industry for food and pharmaceutical products. Both methods enable loading a case with a repeatedly controlled volume (e.g., about 0.25 cubic centimeters) of the filling material. The filled case can then be capped using a heat-sealable lid film. The filling and sealing operations can be combined in an indexing device known to those skilled in the food and pharmaceutical packaging fields.

[0078] IV Use The device mimics smoking by providing many of the desirable effects of smoking that the user desires. Examples of the method of using the device and / or cartridge of the present invention are shown in FIG. 14. The medium for forming the vapor described herein can be mixed with tobacco material and inserted directly or using the cartridge of the present invention into the device 1400 of the present invention. The tobacco material provides the user with the inhalation of substances such as nicotine, but does not provide many tar-type substances such as many Hoffmann analytes (see below) associated with the combustion of the tobacco material. The device 1400 of the present invention can be used in the same manner as a cigarette or other smoking device by bringing the mouthpiece of the device 1400 into contact with the mouth 12 of the user 10. However, without the smoke or the sensation of smoke, the user cannot be satisfied with this experience. To provide a tactile response to the inhalation of the tobacco material, a medium 1494 for forming a vapor such as propylene glycol that can be absorbed into the respiratory tract 14 can be added.

[0079] Also, when smoking tobacco, the smoke can provide the user with visual assistance and / or visual recognition. To provide a similar visual assistance, the medium for forming the vapor can contain substances such as glycerin and can be seen before, during, and between inhalations and exhalations. In the exemplary method of use shown in FIG. 15, the user 10 received tobacco substances inhaled from the device 1500 of the present invention with at least a 70% reduction in the user's Hoffmann analyte intake. After the intake of the substance, the user can exhale the visual vapor 1596 from the medium for forming the vapor through the mouth 12. The visual vapor 1596 can provide the same visual assistance as that of the exhaled smoke in the act of smoking.

[0080] V Hoffmann analyte The smoke of a cigarette is a complex mixture of thousands of chemical components. Many of these are associated with smoking-related diseases. The Hoffmann analytes list is a standard reference for the more harmful compounds found in cigarette smoke, and about 44 different analytes present in mainstream smoke are recognized. It is named in honor of Dietrich Hoffmann, a biochemist and leading authority on tobacco carcinogenesis. This list includes chemicals commonly associated with the health risks of smoking. These analytes and chemicals include, for example, ammonia, aminonaphthalene, benzopyrene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, butyraldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA), pyridine, quinoline, hydroquinone, phenol, cresol, tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, acrylonitrile, benzene, toluene, styrene, and many others. Among the mainstream smoke from smoking devices, some of the Hoffmann analytes have been determined to be undesirable. Thus, extensive research has been conducted on reducing Hoffmann analytes. Also, Hoffmann analytes are carcinogenic, and smoking or smoking-mimicking devices are undesirable.

[0081] Using the device of the present invention, tobacco material can be aerosolized without burning the material. By aerosolizing the tobacco, many undesirable chemicals and Hoffmann analytes are not inhaled by the user. For example, the device of the present invention can reduce the inhalation of Hoffmann analytes by about 70% or more. In some embodiments, the device of the present invention can reduce the inhalation of Hoffmann analytes by about 50% or more. In some embodiments, the device of the present invention can reduce the inhalation of Hoffmann analytes by about 60% or more. In some embodiments, the device of the present invention can reduce the inhalation of Hoffmann analytes by about 70% or more. In some embodiments, the device of the present invention can reduce the inhalation of Hoffmann analytes by about 80% or more. In some embodiments, the device of the present invention can reduce the inhalation of Hoffmann analytes by about 90% or more.

[0082] Ames test The bacterial reverse mutation assay was originally developed by Ames et al. The Ames test serves as a prediction of compounds that cause carcinogenic phenomena in humans. The method has been widely applied, and the FDA incorporates it as part of a more comprehensive study for new food additives and drugs. The same test has been widely used in toxicity studies of tobacco products and tobacco smoke. The Ames test is a biochemical test that evaluates the mutagenic potential of chemical compounds. Since cancer is often associated with DNA damage, the test also serves as a rapid test to predict the carcinogenic potential of compounds. In contrast, standard carcinogenicity tests performed on rodents take several years to complete and are expensive. The Ames test uses several strains of Salmonella typhimurium that mutate in genes involved in histidine synthesis, so they require histidine for growth. The variable being tested is the mutagenic potential to induce reverse mutations for growth on a medium without histidine. The test strains are specially constructed to have both frameshift and point mutations in the genes required for histidine synthesis, thus enabling the detection of mutations occurring via different mechanisms. Some compounds are completely specific and induce reverse mutations in only one or two strains. Also, the test strains mutate in genes involved in lipopolysaccharide synthesis, making the bacterial cell wall more permeable and making the test more sensitive in the excision repair system. Some compounds such as benzopyrene are not mutagenic themselves, but their metabolites are mutagenic, so an extract of rat liver is added to mimic the effect of metabolism. To conduct the test, the bacteria are spread on a growth plate along with a small amount of histidine. This small amount of histidine in the growth medium gives the bacteria the opportunity to grow and mutate during the initial period. When the histidine is depleted, only the bacteria that have mutated to gain the ability to produce histidine survive. The plates are incubated for 48 hours. The mutagenicity of the substance is proportional to the number of colonies observed.

[0083] As shown in Example 2 below, the device of the present invention for use with tobacco-containing materials can show a significant improvement in the Ames test results compared to many types of tobacco smoking. Therefore, the device of the present invention can provide many substances in tobacco, such as nicotine, to the user without giving several important carcinogenic components associated with tobacco combustion or smoke.

Example

[0084] The smoke of a cigarette is a complex mixture of thousands of chemical components. Many of these have been linked to smoking-related diseases. The Hoffmann analytes list is a standard reference for the more harmful compounds found in cigarette smoke. Fifty-two target compounds will be selected based on the Hoffmann list. The vapor generated by the device of the present invention is expected to reduce the levels of these target compounds by a significant amount (reduction of 70% or more).

[0085] Component tests of the prototype device of the present invention and a reference cigarette (KY2R4F) are conducted in the laboratory. Samples from both types of devices are obtained with a field automatic smoking machine under Canadian intensity (55 cubic centimeters (cc) puff every 30 seconds). This method is considered to approximate the actual smoking condition more than the FTC type (35 cc puff every 60 seconds). Aristar has developed an extensive record for the analysis of target compounds based on the literature. These records are used in the tests. The collection and extraction methods for each analyte group are summarized in Table 1.

[0086]

Table 1-1

Table 1-2

Table 1-3

[0087] For both the device of the present invention and the reference cigarette, five repeated tests are conducted for each target compound. The difference in the average values between the two items is determined as a percentage. The device of the present invention is expected to reduce the level of Hoffmann analytes by about 70% or more compared to the reference cigarette.

Example

[0088] The bacterial reverse mutation test, or "Ames test", serves as a prediction of compounds that cause carcinogenic phenomena in humans. This test has been widely used in the toxicity studies of tobacco products and tobacco smoke. The purpose of this study described in this specification was to screen the smoke concentrate of the present invention using the Ames test for mutagenicity in the TA98 strain of Salmonella typhimurium. The strain TA98 was selected because it is the most sensitive strain among Salmonella typhimurium and can detect various mutations. If a dose-dependent response is detected, the smoke condensate is considered to be mutagenic for that strain.

[0089] Test facility: Test article preparation (i.e., "smoking" and extraction), chemical composition analysis, and genotoxicity were conducted at Arista Laboratories, 1941 Reymet Road, Richmond, VA. 23237.

[0090] Preparation of test article extraction: Using the device of the present invention connected to an automatic rotary smoking machine (Borgwaldt RM-20CSR), three cartridges were "smoked" repeatedly using the following parameters: (1) puff volume 55 ml, (2) puff duration 30 seconds, and air flow according to ISO standards. The total particulate matter (TPM) phase was collected on a 44-mm Cambridge filter pad and extracted into dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Immediately following extraction, the TPM samples were separated into individual brown test bottles and stored at at least -70°C for 48 hours or more before the Ames test. Once dissolved and used for the test, the TPM extract was not reused or refrozen.

[0091] Ames test: The Ames test was performed with TPM extracts generated during three separate “smoking” sessions. The test was conducted according to Arista Standard Operating Procedure #TOX001. TPM samples were tested in triplicate with the addition of an exogenous metabolic activation system (S9). For each replicate sample, 10 concentrates of the TPM particulate phase at 0 to 2000 μg per plate were tested on at least three plates per concentrate. Strain-specific positive control tests (with and without S9) and a concentrate of the KY2R4F reference cigarette paper (i.e., 100 μg) were run concurrently. The test was conducted according to Canada Official Method 501, 2nd Edition, 2004-11-01, Arista Standard Operating Procedure #TOX001. The results of the Ames test are shown in Figure 16. The spontaneous revertant mutations that occurred concurrently with the vehicle and positive controls, KY2R4F, and the strains and culture conditions in each test were within the expected laboratory control limits or were chemically acceptable as determined by the study supervisor.

[0092] Results: As shown in Figure 16, the study did not find a dose-dependent effect of the total particulate matter (TPM) generated by “smoking” the device of the present invention. Further, all TPM samples showed a revertant mutation rate less than half that of the control tests. In contrast, published data for the “1R4F” Kentucky reference cigarette, regular tobacco cigarettes, and filter compositions had a positive-slope trend for the TA98 test strain. See D.W. Bombick et al., “Chemical and Biological Studies of a New Cigarette that Primarily Heats Tobacco (Part 3, In Vitro Toxicity of Whole Smoke)”, Food and Chemical Toxicology, 36:183-190 (1997).

[0093] In this specification, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only. Without departing from the present invention, many variations, modifications, and alternatives will occur to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention. The following claims define the scope of the present invention, and it is intended that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be embraced thereby.

Claims

1. A method of delivering to a user an aerosol with reduced levels of Hoffmann analytes, comprising: (a) placing an aerosol generating device comprising a chamber furnace including a heater, said aerosol generating device further comprising a cartridge including a case containing a volatile material, said cartridge having a lid on said case, said volatile material including a tobacco product and a medium for forming an aerosol including propylene glycol and glycerin; (b) heating, with said heater, said volatile material to at least a target temperature by conduction or convection to generate said aerosol; (c) delivering to the user, without filtration after generation, said aerosol for inhalation, wherein at least one of ammonia, aminonaphthalene, benzo[a]pyrene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, butyraldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), pyridine, quinoline, hydroquinone, phenol, cresol, tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, acrylonitrile, benzene, toluene, and styrene in said aerosol is reduced by at least 70% compared to substances generated by burning a reference tobacco; A method comprising the above steps.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said aerosol comprises particles having a diameter of less than 2 microns.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein heating said volatile material comprises heating said device to a temperature of 100°C or more and 200°C or less.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein heating said volatile material comprises heating said device to about 150°C.

5. A method of delivering to a user an aerosol with reduced levels of Hoffmann analytes, comprising: (a) placing an aerosol generating device including a heater, said aerosol generating device further including a cartridge including a case containing a volatile material, said cartridge having a lid on said case, said volatile material including a tobacco product and a medium for forming an aerosol including propylene glycol and glycerin; (b) heating, by the heater of the device, the volatile material to at least a target temperature by conduction or convection to generate the aerosol; (c) delivering the aerosol to a user for inhalation without filtration after generation, wherein at least one level of ammonia, aminonaphthalene, benzopyrene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, butyraldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxide, tobacco-specific nitrosamine (TSNA), pyridine, quinoline, hydroquinone, phenol, cresol, tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, acrylonitrile, benzene, toluene, and styrene in the aerosol is at least 70% reduced compared to the substances generated by burning a reference tobacco, the step of delivering the aerosol to the user; A method comprising the above.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the aerosol contains particles with a diameter of less than 2 microns.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the step of heating the volatile material includes heating the device to 100°C or higher and 200°C or lower.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of heating the volatile material includes heating the device to about 150°C.

9. The method according to claim 5, wherein the volatile material includes shredded tobacco with a diameter of less than 2 mm.

10. An aerosol generating device comprising a chamber furnace and a cartridge, the cartridge comprising a case containing a volatile material and a lid on the case, when the device heats the volatile material to at least a target temperature by conduction or convection, it generates an aerosol with a reduced level of Hoffmann analytes, the volatile material includes a tobacco product and a medium for forming an aerosol containing propylene glycol and glycerin, the aerosol is delivered directly to the user without being filtered after generation, An aerosol generating device in which at least one level of ammonia, aminonaphthalene, benzopyrene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, butyraldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA), pyridine, quinoline, hydroquinone, phenol, cresol, tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, acrylonitrile, benzene, toluene, and styrene in the aerosol is reduced by at least 70% compared to the substances generated by burning a reference tobacco.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the target temperature is in the range of 100°C or higher and 200°C or lower.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the target temperature is 150°C.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the aerosol contains particles having a diameter of less than 2 microns.

14. An aerosol generating device including a heater and a cartridge, the cartridge comprising a case containing a volatile material and a lid on the case, wherein the device generates an aerosol with a reduced level of Hoffmann analytes when heating the volatile material to at least a target temperature by conduction or convection, the volatile material includes a tobacco product and a medium for forming an aerosol containing propylene glycol and glycerin, the aerosol is delivered directly to a user without being filtered after generation, An aerosol generating device in which at least one level of ammonia, aminonaphthalene, benzopyrene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, butyraldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA), pyridine, quinoline, hydroquinone, phenol, cresol, tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, acrylonitrile, benzene, toluene, and styrene in the aerosol is reduced by at least 70% compared to the substances generated by burning a reference tobacco.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14, wherein the target temperature is in the range of 100°C or higher and 200°C or lower.

16. The aerosol generating device according to claim 15, wherein the target temperature is 150°C.

17. The aerosol generator according to claim 14, wherein the aerosol contains particles having a diameter of less than 2 microns.

18. The device according to claim 14, wherein the volatile material contains tobacco pieces having a diameter of less than 2 mm.

Images