Device with respiratory induction means

Abstract

A device including a mouthpiece and an opening in fluid communication with the mouthpiece, the device configured to allow a user to breathe through the mouthpiece by inhaling air through the opening and expelling air through the opening, the device further including a breathing inducer for encouraging compliance with a predetermined breathing regimen, and an air reformer, the air reformer including either an air ionizer for ionizing air drawn through the opening, an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol for incorporation into the air drawn through the opening, a heater for heating the air drawn through the opening, or a means for cooling the air drawn through the opening.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device having a respiratory guidance means. [Background technology]

[0002] Controlling breathing can be useful for enhancing certain moods: for example, slowing down the rate at which you breathe can have a calming effect and reduce anxiety, while other breathing patterns may be useful for improving focus or increasing energy levels. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some embodiments described herein, in a first aspect, there is provided a device including a mouthpiece and an opening in fluid communication with the mouthpiece, the device configured to enable a user to breathe through the mouthpiece by drawing in air through the opening and expelling air through the opening; a respiratory guidance means for encouraging compliance with a predetermined breathing regimen; an air ionizer for ionizing air drawn through the opening; an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol for incorporation into air drawn through the opening; A heater that heats the air drawn through the opening, or means for cooling the air drawn through the opening; An air reformer including any one of the above. Further includes:

[0004] According to some embodiments described herein, in a second aspect, there is provided a system including a handheld device and a portable electronic device, the handheld device including a mouthpiece and an opening in fluid communication with the mouthpiece, the handheld device configured to enable a user to breathe through the mouthpiece by inhaling air through the opening and expelling air through the opening, the handheld device further including a flow sensor configured to generate data representative of a flow rate of air expelled through the opening, and a breathing guidance means configured to encourage compliance with a predetermined breathing regimen, the portable device is in communication with the handheld device, includes computer code, and is configured to execute the computer code to receive data from the handheld device indicative of a flow rate of air discharged through the opening; A mobile device is an air ionizer for ionizing air drawn through the opening; an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol for incorporation into air drawn through the opening; A heater that heats the air drawn through the opening, or means for cooling the air drawn through the opening; The present invention further includes an air reformer comprising any one of the following:

[0005] According to some embodiments described herein, in a third aspect there is provided a method of operating a system including a handheld device and a portable device, comprising: The handheld device includes a mouthpiece and an opening in fluid communication with the mouthpiece, and is configured to enable a user to breathe through the mouthpiece by inhaling air through the opening and expelling air through the opening, the handheld device further comprising a flow sensor configured to generate data representative of a flow rate of air expelled through the opening, and a breathing guidance means configured to encourage compliance with a predetermined breathing regimen, the method of operation comprising: In a handheld device, utilizing a flow sensor to generate data representative of a flow rate of air discharged through the opening; transmitting data representative of the flow rate to a portable device; In a portable device, receiving data representative of a flow rate of air discharged through the opening; The handheld device is an air ionizer for ionizing air drawn through the opening; an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol for incorporation into air drawn through the opening; A heater that heats the air drawn through the opening, or means for cooling the air drawn through the opening; The present invention further includes an air reformer comprising any one of the following:

[0006] According to some embodiments described herein, in a fourth aspect, there is provided a non-combustion aerosol delivery device including an inlet and a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the inlet, the device further including an adjustable restrictor configured to vary a resistance to draw at the inlet. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an air reformer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7]1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic diagram illustrating an air reformer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic diagram illustrating an air reformer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic diagram illustrating an air reformer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11A] FIG. 2 is a top view of an article according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11B] FIG. 2 is an end view of an article according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11C] FIG. 2 is a side view of an article according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an air reformer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a system including an apparatus and a portable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 15A] FIG. 2 is a top view of an article according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15B] FIG. 2 is an end view of an article according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15C] FIG. 2 is a side view of an article according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] 1 is a schematic diagram of a handheld device 1 according to an embodiment described herein. The device 1 includes an elongated housing 2 and a mouthpiece 3 disposed at a proximal end P of the housing 2. The mouthpiece 3 is in fluid communication with an opening 4 in the housing 2, allowing a user of the device to breathe through the mouthpiece 3 by inhaling air through the opening 4 and exhaling air through the opening 4.

[0009] A flow path FP, FP' is defined between the opening 4 and the mouth opening 3, and air inhaled or exhaled by a user is directed to travel along the flow paths FP, FP'. The flow paths FP, FP' also include an inlet flow path FP and an outlet flow path FP'. An air reformer 5 is disposed in the inlet flow path FP and configured to reform the air drawn through the opening 4. The air reformer 5 is configured to impart additional qualities to the air before it passes through the mouth opening 3 for inhalation by a user.

[0010] The apparatus 1 further includes a power source 6, such as a battery 6. The battery 6 may be a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery. The battery 6 is configured to power the air reformer 5 and other associated systems, as described below.

[0011] A flow sensor 7 is disposed across the flow path and is connected to both the battery 6 for power and to the control unit 8. The flow sensor 7 is configured to detect when air is drawn through the opening 4 and send a signal to the control unit 8. In response to this signal, the control unit 8 distributes power to the air reformer 5 to reform the air drawn through the opening 4. In some embodiments, the flow sensor 7 may include a pressure sensor 7. The pressure sensor 7 detects a drop in pressure at the opening 4 resulting from a user breathing in through the mouthpiece 3. It will be appreciated that other flow sensors 7, such as a microphone or a volumetric flow sensor, may be used.

[0012] In some embodiments, the air reformer 5 includes an air ionizer 5 for ionizing the air as it passes across the ionizer 5. While any air ionization technology may be used, by way of example, the air ionizer 5 may include an electrostatically charged surface. Electrostatic repulsion causes electrons to detach from the surface and attach to nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air to form negative ions. In use, the air ionizer 5 is activated by applying a voltage to the charged surface as the user breathes in through the mouthpiece 3. Thus, when the user inhales through the device 1, the user breathes in ionized air. A purported benefit of inhaling ionized air is that it has a calming or anti-depressant effect.

[0013] In some embodiments, the air reformer 5 includes a means 5 for cooling the air drawn through the inlet, so that the air is cooled as it passes through the air reformer and exits through the inlet. The air cooling means 5 may be a heat pump 5, as further described below, or alternatively, the air cooling means 5 may be a passive cooling system 5. For example, the passive cooling system 5 may include an ice pack. In such an example, the air reformer is provided with a chamber that allows the user to insert an ice pack. The chamber may be accessible through an opening in the housing 2 and may include a replaceably insertable cover in the opening to seal the chamber. The ice pack may include water or any other non-toxic refrigerant. In use, the ice pack is first placed in a domestic freezer to cool it below the freezing temperature of the refrigerant. The ice pack is then removed from the freezer and inserted into the chamber of the device. When the user inhales through the device, the inhaled air is cooled as it passes through the air reformer 5 and over the ice pack. The ice pack may continue to provide a cooling effect until the temperature of the ice pack exceeds the melting point of the refrigerant, after which the ice pack may be removed and placed back into the freezer so that the procedure can be repeated. The ice pack includes a non-permeable shell to retain the refrigerant. The non-permeable shell prevents the refrigerant from leaking out of the ice pack as it melts and from entering the air inhaled by the user.

[0014] In some embodiments, the air reformer 5 includes a heater 5' and a heat pump 5", as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2. It will be appreciated that by using both the heater 5' and the heat pump 5", a user can selectively heat or cool the air drawn through the device depending on whether the heater 5' or the heat pump 5" is activated. In one embodiment, the heater 5' includes a filament heater 5'. When a user breathes in through the mouthpiece, power from the power source induces a current in the filament heater 5' increasing its temperature. The filament thus heats the air as it passes over the filament and travels along the flow path.

[0015] The heat pump 5″ is configured to cool air passing along the flow path. When a user inhales through the mouthpiece 3, power from a power source is sent to the heat pump 5″ to operate the heat pump 5″. The heat pump 5″ operates on a conventional refrigeration cycle (shown in FIG. 3 for reference) and includes a refrigerant circuit 51, a condenser 52, an evaporator 53, a pump / compressor 54, and an expansion valve 55. The refrigerant expands through the expansion valve 55 into the evaporator 53, picks up heat, thereafter travels to the compressor 54 for compression, and then to the condenser 52 for condensation and heat removal. The evaporator 53 is disposed in the flow path FP and cools the air as it passes through the evaporator 53.

[0016] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the air reformer 5 includes one of a heater or a heat pump. It is not necessary to provide both a heater and a heat pump.

[0017] In some embodiments, the air reformer includes a non-combustion aerosol delivery system 5. Exemplary non-combustion aerosol delivery systems 5 are shown in Figures 8-10. According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one that facilitates delivery of at least one substance to a user without the constituent aerosol generating materials being burned or combusted. To allow for a larger view, each of the aerosol delivery systems 5 in Figures 8-10 is shown without distal features from the aerosol delivery system 5 of the device 1. However, the aerosol delivery systems 5 in Figures 8-10 may be installed in any of the embodiments of the device 1 described and illustrated herein. It will be understood that the aerosol delivery systems 5 in Figures 8-10 may be installed where the air reformer 5 is shown generally in Figures 1, 2, 6 or 7. "Distal" means closer to the distal end D of the housing 2. The distal end D is the end of the housing 2 opposite the proximal end P described above.

[0018] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system 5 includes an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. The aerosol-generating material is typically an aerosol-forming material. In such an embodiment, an example of which is shown in FIG. 8, the device 1 may include a tank 81 for storing the liquid aerosol-forming material, a heating chamber 82 for heating and vaporizing the forming material, and a wick 83 for drawing the forming material into the heating chamber 82. A heating element 84, typically a resistive coil, is disposed in close proximity to the wick 83. In use, power is provided to the heating element 84 in response to a user inhaling through the device 1, causing the aerosol-forming material drawn into the heating chamber 82 to be vaporized by the wick 83. Specifically, when the flow sensor 7 detects a pressure drop at the opening 4, the control unit 8 distributes power from the battery 6 to the heating element 84. The inhalation flow path FP is directed through the heating chamber 82, which introduces vaporized aerosol-forming material into the flow path FP for inhalation by the user. The aerosol-forming material is consumed and can be replaced as it becomes depleted by refilling the tank 81. In some embodiments, the tank 81 itself is removable from the device, thereby allowing it to be disposed of and replaced as it becomes depleted. In some embodiments, the entire assembly 5 of the tank 81, chamber 82, wick 83 and heating element 84 can be removed and replaced. Such removable assemblies are often known as cartomizers.

[0019] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system 5 includes an aerosol-generating material heating system 5, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a tobacco heating system 5 is shown in FIG. 9. The system includes a heating chamber 90 for receiving tobacco material 92 and a heater 93 for heating the heating chamber 90. In this example, the heater 93 includes an induction heating system having a susceptor 94 and an induction coil 95. The susceptor 94 is a wall of the heating chamber 90, and the induction coil 95 is radially disposed around the heating chamber 90 and heats the susceptor 94 by a varying magnetic field. In use, the induction coil 95 is powered in response to a user breathing through the device. Specifically, when the flow sensor 7 detects a pressure drop at the opening 4, the control unit 8 distributes power from the battery to the induction coil 95, which in turn generates a varying magnetic field to heat the susceptor 94. Tobacco material 92 received within heating chamber 90 is heated by susceptor 94, which releases volatile components of tobacco 92 and captures them in flow path FP for inhalation by a user. Typically, tobacco material 92 is placed within a consumable material 96 that is inserted into heating chamber 90 prior to use of device 1. When consumable material 96 is depleted, it can be removed for replacement. In the illustrated example, mouthpiece 3 is removable to provide access to heating chamber 90 and for insertion and removal of consumable material 96.

[0020] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system configured to generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, a tobacco or non-tobacco product.

[0021] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is configured to heat an aerosol-generating material disposed on a support component, such as the example shown in FIG.

[0022] The aerosol delivery system of FIG. 10 includes a control circuit 23, a number of aerosol generating components 24, a receptacle or aerosol forming chamber 25, an air inlet 27, an air outlet 28, an activation button 29, and an end-of-use indicator 31.

[0023] Control circuitry 23 is configured to control the aerosolization of the aerosol-generating material, as described in more detail below. Control circuitry 23 is connected to battery 6 and control unit 8.

[0024] The receptacle 25 is configured to receive an aerosol product article 4. The aerosol product article 40 includes a support component 42 and an aerosol-generating material 44. An exemplary aerosol product article 4 having a support component is shown in detail in Figures 11A-11C. Figure 11A is a top view of the article 40, Figure 11B is an end view along the longitudinal (length) axis of the article 40, and Figure 11C is a side view along the width axis of the article 40.

[0025] In this example, the support component 42 is formed of card. The support component 42 forms the majority of the article 40 and serves as a base for the aerosol-generating material 44 placed thereon. The support component 42 is generally rectangular in shape having a length l, a width w, and a thickness tc, as shown in FIGS. 11A-11C. As an example, the length of the support component 42 may be 30-80 mm, the width may be 7-25 mm, and the thickness may be 0.2-1 mm. However, it should be understood that the above are exemplary dimensions of the support component 42, and that in other implementations, the support component 42 may have different dimensions as appropriate. In the illustrated example, the article 40 includes a plurality of individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 44 disposed on the surface of the support component 42. More specifically, the article 40 includes six individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 44, numbered 44a through 44f, arranged in a 2×3 array. However, it should be understood that in other implementations, more or fewer individual portions may be provided and / or the individual portions may be arranged in a different array (e.g., a 1×6 array). In the illustrated example, the aerosol-generating material 44 is disposed in separate, isolated locations on a single surface of the component support 42. Although the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 44 are shown as having a circular shape, it should be understood that the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 44 may have any other shape, such as a square or rectangular shape, as desired. The individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 44 have a diameter d and a thickness ta, as shown in FIGS. 11A-11C. The thickness ta may be any suitable value, for example, the thickness ta may range from 50 μm to 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness ta is about 50 μm to about 200 μm, or about 50 μm to about 100 μm, or about 60 μm to about 90 μm, preferably about 77 μm. In other embodiments, the thickness ta may be greater than 200 μm, for example, from about 50 μm to about 400 μm, or up to about 1 mm, or up to about 1.5 mm.

[0026] The individual portions of aerosol-generating material 44 are separate from one another such that each individual portion can be individually or selectively energized (e.g., heated) to generate an aerosol. In some implementations, the portions of aerosol-generating material 44 may have a mass of 20 mg or less, such that the amount of material aerosolized at any one time by a given aerosol generating component 24 is relatively small. For example, the mass per portion may be 20 mg or less, or 10 mg or less, or 5 mg or less. Of course, it should be understood that the total mass of article 40 may be greater than 20 mg.

[0027] In the described implementation, the aerosol-generating material 44 is an amorphous solid. In general, the amorphous solid may include a gelling agent (sometimes referred to as a binder) and an aerosol-generating agent (which may include, for example, glycerol). Optionally, the aerosol-generating material may include one or more of an active agent (which may include tobacco extract), a flavoring agent, an acid, and a filler. Other ingredients may also be present as desired. Amorphous solid aerosol-generating materials offer several advantages over other types of aerosolizable materials commonly found in some electronic aerosol delivery devices. For example, compared to electronic aerosol delivery devices that aerosolize liquid aerosolizable materials, the likelihood that the amorphous solid will leak or otherwise flow from where it is stored is greatly reduced. This means that the aerosol delivery device or article may be cheaper to manufacture, since components do not necessarily need to use the same liquid-tight seals, etc.

[0028] Article 40 may include multiple portions of aerosol-generating material all formed from the same aerosol-generating material (e.g., one of the amorphous solids described above), or article 40 may include multiple portions of aerosol-generating material 44, with at least two portions being formed from different aerosol-generating materials (e.g., one of the amorphous solids described above). The receptacle 25 is suitably dimensioned to removably receive the article 40 therein. Although not shown in FIG. 10, the device 1 may include a hinged door or removable portion of the housing 2 to allow access to the receptacle 25 so that a user can insert and / or remove the article 40 from the receptacle 25. The hinged door or removable portion of the housing 2 may also function to retain the article 40 within the receptacle 25 when closed. When the aerosol product article 40 is used up or the user simply desires to switch to a different aerosol product article 40, the aerosol product article 40 may be removed from the device 1 and a replacement aerosol product article 40 placed in the receptacle 25 in its place.

[0029] 10, the aerosol delivery system 5 includes several aerosol generating components 24. In this example, the aerosol generating components 24 are heating elements 24, more specifically resistive heating elements 24. The resistive heating elements 5 24 receive an electric current and convert the electrical energy into heat. The resistive heating elements 24 may be formed from or include any suitable resistive heating material, such as NiChrome (Ni20Cr80), that generates heat when it receives an electric current.

[0030] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional top view of the aerosol delivery system 5 of Figure 10, showing the arrangement of the heating element 24 in more detail. In Figures 10 and 12, the heating element 24 is arranged such that a surface of the heating element 24 forms part of a surface of the receptacle 25. That is, the outer surface of the heating element 24 is flush with the inner surface of the receptacle 25. More specifically, the outer surface of the heating element 24 that is flush with the inner surface of the receptacle 25 is the surface of the heating element 24 that is heated (i.e., its temperature increases) when an electric current is passed through the heating element 24.

[0031] The heating elements 24 are arranged such that when the article 40 is received in the receptacle 25, each heating element 24 is aligned with a corresponding individual portion of the aerosol-generating material 44. Thus, in this example, the six heating elements 24 are arranged in a 2×3 array that broadly corresponds to the arrangement of the six individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 44 in the 2×3 array, as shown in FIGS. 11A-11C. However, as noted above, the number of heating elements 24 may vary in different implementations, e.g., there may be 8, 10, 12, 14, etc. heating elements 24. In some implementations, the number of heating elements 24 is six or more but 20 or less. More specifically, the heating elements 24 are numbered 24a-24f in FIG. 12, and it should be understood that each heating element 24 is arranged to be aligned with a corresponding portion of the aerosol-generating material 44, as indicated by the corresponding letter following the reference number 24 / 44. Thus, each of the heating elements 24 can be individually activated to heat a corresponding portion of the aerosol-generating material 44. Although the heating elements 24 are shown flush with the inner surface of the receptacle 25, in other implementations the heating elements 24 may protrude into the receptacle 25. In either case, the article 40 contacts a surface of the heating elements 24 when present within the receptacle 25 such that heat generated by the heating elements 24 is conducted through the support component 42 to the aerosol-generating material 44.

[0032] In use, the device 1 (more specifically the control circuitry 23) is configured to provide power to the heating elements 24 in response to a user inhaling through the device 1. When the flow sensor 7 detects a pressure drop at the opening 4, the control unit 8 distributes power from the battery to the control circuitry 23. The control circuitry 23 is configured to selectively apply power to the heating elements 24 and subsequently heat corresponding portions of the aerosol generating material 44 to generate an aerosol. In particular, the control circuitry 23 may be configured to receive a signal from the control unit 8 and use this signal to determine whether a user is inhaling on the device 1. When the control circuitry 23 receives this signal, the control circuitry 23 is configured to provide power from the power source 6 to one or more of the heating 20 elements 24. Power may be provided for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) from the moment inhalation is detected, or in response to the length of time inhalation is detected. Thus, when a user breathes through the device 1, air is drawn into the opening 4, enters through the air inlet 27 of the receptacle 25, mixes with the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-generating material 44 in the receptacle 25, and then passes to the user's mouth via the air outlet 28.

[0033] In some embodiments, an activation button 29 can be pressed by a user to initiate aerosol generation. The control circuitry 23 may be configured to receive a signal from the button 29 and determine whether the user is pressing the button 29. When the control circuitry 23 receives this signal, the control circuitry 23 is configured to provide power from the power source 6 to one or more of the heating elements 24. The power may be provided a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) after the signal is detected or in response to the length of time the signal is detected. In other implementations, the button 29 may be replaced by a screen-type user interface.

[0034] In some implementations, the control circuit 23 is configured to sequentially power each of the individual heating elements 24 in response to detection of a signal from either or both of the button 29 and the control unit 8. For example, the control circuit 23 may be configured to power a first heating element 24 of the plurality of heating elements 24 when the signal is first detected (e.g., from when the device 1 is first activated). When the signal ceases or in response to a predetermined lapse of time since the signal was detected, the control circuit 23 registers that the first heating element 24 has been activated (and thus the corresponding individual portion of the aerosol generating material 44 has been heated). In response to a subsequent signal being received by the control circuit 23 from either or both of the button 29 and the control unit 8, the control circuit 23 determines that the control circuit 23 should activate the second heating element 24. This procedure is repeated for the remaining heating elements 24 such that all heating elements 24 are sequentially activated. Effectively, this operation means that for each inhalation, a different one of the discrete portions of aerosol-generating material 44 is heated and an aerosol is generated from that discrete portion. In other words, a single discrete portion of aerosol-generating material is heated each time the user inhales.

[0035] The device 1 of the embodiments described herein further comprises a respiratory guidance means 9. The respiratory guidance means 9 is configured to encourage compliance with a predetermined respiratory regimen. By "predetermined respiratory regimen" is meant a respiratory cycle having a predetermined duration and / or flow rate of inhalation and exhalation. The control unit 8 utilizes the information generated by the flow sensor 7 to determine deviations from the predetermined respiratory regimen and then operates the respiratory guidance means 9 to encourage a breathing pattern that more closely resembles the predetermined respiratory regimen.

[0036] In some embodiments, the flow sensor 7 is configured to determine the direction of flow through the opening 4 and to send a signal to the control unit 8. The signal indicates the direction of flow through the opening 4 and thus indicates whether the user is inhaling or exhaling through the device 1. The flow sensor 7 generates a signal for the duration of the inhalation or exhalation. The control unit 8 timely compares the duration of the signal with a predetermined duration of inhalation or exhalation that is consistent with a predetermined breathing regimen. The control unit 8 continuously calculates the time that has elapsed since the signal was first received as a percentage of the predetermined duration. The control unit 8 sends a signal to the respiratory guidance means 9 at predetermined intervals, which is representative of the time that has elapsed since the signal was first received. The predetermined intervals correspond to predetermined percentages of the predetermined duration. For example, the control unit 8 may be configured to send signals to the respiratory guidance means that are representative of the duration of inhalation or exhalation reaching 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of the predetermined duration. The breathing guidance means 9 is arranged to communicate to a user of the device when his inhalation or exhalation has reached said predetermined percentage of a predetermined duration, thereby encouraging compliance with the predetermined breathing regimen.

[0037] In some embodiments, the breathing guidance means 9 comprises visual means 9. The visual means may comprise a series of LED lights 91 or a screen 92 provided on the housing 2 of the device 1. The visual means 9 is configured to indicate to a user of the device whether or not he or she is following a predefined breathing regimen.

[0038] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the visual means 9 includes a series of LEDs 91 that are illuminated sequentially as the user breathes through the device. Five LEDs are shown, but it will be understood that more or fewer LEDs may be used as appropriate. The breathing guidance means 9 is configured to illuminate an LED each time a signal is received from the control unit 8 representing the duration of inhalation or exhalation. For example, when the user breathes through the device 1, the control unit 8 sends a signal to the breathing guidance means to illuminate an LED each time the duration of inhalation is equal to 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of a predefined duration. The LEDs are illuminated sequentially, with one LED illuminated corresponding to the duration of inhalation being equal to 20% of the predefined duration, two LEDs illuminated corresponding to the duration of inhalation being equal to 40% of the predefined duration, and so on, until all five LEDs are illuminated indicating that the duration of inhalation is at least equal to 100% of the predefined duration. The user is thus prompted to inhale for a predefined duration by visually inspecting the number of illuminated LEDs. The user can also monitor the progress to 100% of the predefined duration in time by watching the LEDs light up in sequence. Exactly the same procedure is used during exhalation. When the user exhales through the device, the control unit 8 sends a signal to the breathing induction means to light an LED each time the duration of exhalation is equal to 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of the predefined duration. Again, the LEDs are lighted in sequence, with one LED being lighted corresponding to the duration of exhalation being equal to 20% of the predefined duration, two LEDs being lighted corresponding to the duration of exhalation being equal to 40% of the predefined duration, and so on, until all five LEDs are lighted indicating that the duration of exhalation is at least equal to 100% of the predefined duration. As before, the user is prompted to exhale for the predefined duration by visually inspecting the number of lighted LEDs, and can monitor the progress to 100% of the predefined duration in time by watching the LEDs light up in sequence.Each time the user transitions from inhalation to exhalation or vice versa, the LEDs are all reset to off, allowing the predominance of the inhalation or exhalation event to be monitored, thus allowing the user to judge the duration of inhalation or exhalation relative to a predefined breathing regimen.

[0039] Instead of an LED, the visual means may include an LCD screen or the like. This is shown in figure 5. The respiratory guidance means 9 is configured to adjust the display each time a signal representing the duration of inhalation or exhalation is received from the control unit 8. For example, when the user inhales through the device 1, the control unit 8 sends a signal to the respiratory guidance means to adjust the display each time the duration of inhalation is equal to 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of the predefined duration. The display may include a bar graph with the percentage of the predefined duration on the Y-axis. The bar progresses over the duration of inhalation. For example, the display is adjusted so that the bar graph indicates 20% when the respiratory guidance means 9 receives a signal corresponding to the duration of inhalation being equal to 20% of the predefined duration, and further, the display is adjusted so that the bar graph indicates 40% when the respiratory guidance means 9 receives a signal corresponding to the duration of inhalation being equal to 40% of the predefined duration, until the bar graph indicates 100% of the predefined duration. Thus, the user is prompted to inhale for a predetermined duration by visually inspecting the display. The user can also monitor the progress towards 100% of the predetermined duration in time by looking at the progress on the display. Exactly the same procedure is used during exhalation. When the user exhales through the device 1, the control unit 8 sends a signal to the breathing induction means to adjust the display each time the duration of exhalation is equal to 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of the predetermined duration. The bar progresses over the duration of exhalation. As in the above example, the display may be adjusted such that the bar graph shows 20% when the breathing induction means 9 receives a signal corresponding to the duration of exhalation being equal to 20% of the predetermined duration, and further, the display is adjusted such that the bar graph shows 40% when the breathing induction means 9 receives a signal corresponding to the duration of exhalation being equal to 40% of the predetermined duration, and so on until the bar graph shows 100% of the predetermined duration. Thus, the user is prompted to exhale for a predetermined duration by visually inspecting the display.The user can also monitor the progress towards 100% of the predefined duration in time by viewing the progress on the display. Each time the user transitions from inhalation to exhalation or vice versa, the display adjusts and resets the bar graph so that the predominance of the inhalation or exhalation event can be monitored. Thus, the user can determine the duration of the inhalation or exhalation for the predefined breathing regimen.

[0040] It will be appreciated that an advantage of using a display rather than LED lights is that a higher resolution can be more easily obtained. By "higher resolution" we mean that the degree of progress towards 100% of the predefined duration for either inhalation or exhalation can be resolved to a smaller degree. To achieve a higher resolution using LED lights, more LED lights would be required, which is not always feasible. By using a display, any information can be displayed, and therefore any degree of resolution is possible. For example, the control unit 8 may be configured to send a signal to the respiratory guidance means 9 representing that the duration of inhalation or exhalation has reached any percentage of the predefined duration. The display may be configured to display this information in smaller increments of progress on a bar graph, or by displaying the progress numerically, i.e. by displaying a progress of 20% as "20%" and so on.

[0041] In the embodiments described herein, the flow sensor 7 may be further configured to determine the flow rate through the opening 4 and send a signal to the control unit 8. The signal is indicative of the flow rate through the opening 4. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the measured flow rate may be either a volumetric flow rate or a mass flow rate depending on the type of sensing device used. The flow sensor 7 generates a signal for the duration of the inhalation or exhalation. The signal amplitude corresponds to the flow rate. The control unit 8 compares the amplitude of the signal from time to time with a predefined amplitude that is consistent with a predefined breathing regimen. The control unit 8 continuously calculates the amplitude of the signal as a percentage of the predefined amplitude. Thus, the control unit 8 may send a signal to the respiratory guidance means 9 that represents the percentage of the predefined amplitude.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4A, when the respiratory guidance means 9 includes five LEDs 91, the device 1 may utilize the LEDs 91 to indicate to the user whether the user's respiratory flow (i.e., breathing strength) complies with the predefined breathing regimen. In such an embodiment, the control unit 8 divides the predefined percentage of the amplitude into one of five levels. In other words, the control unit 8 divides the predefined percentage of the amplitude into one of five bands including <50%, 51%-90%, 91%-110%, 111%-150% or >150%. The control unit 8 transmits a signal representing one of the five bands to the respiratory guidance means 9. The respiratory guidance means 9 is configured to light a pattern of the LEDs 91 corresponding to the signal received from the control unit 8. In one embodiment, the LEDs 91 light up sequentially when the signal value indicates an increase from one band to the next. Thus, starting at one end of the string of LEDs 91, one lit LED 91 indicates that the flow rate of the user breathing through the device is less than 50% of the pre-determined flow rate, two consecutive LEDs 91 indicate that the flow rate of the user breathing through the device 1 is between 51% and 90% of the pre-determined flow rate, and so on. Thus, when three LEDs 91 are lit, the user knows that the flow rate is within the acceptable range of the pre-determined flow rate. Four or more LEDs 91 indicate that the pre-determined flow rate has been exceeded. The number of lit LEDs 91 indicates how "hard" the user is inhaling or exhaling through the device. In one embodiment, the LEDs 91 can be colored to further indicate whether the user is breathing too hard or too weakly. For example, a traffic light system can be used, with the first and fifth LEDs 91 being red, the second and fourth LEDs 91 being amber, and the third (center) LED 91 being green. Thus, the user is prompted to control his breathing by visual inspection of the display 9 and is prompted to adhere to a predetermined breathing regimen.

[0043] If the LED 91 is used to indicate to the user how "hard" he is breathing (i.e. the inhalation and exhalation flow rates) for a predefined breathing regimen, then obviously the LED cannot be used to indicate the duration of inhalation or exhalation for the predefined breathing regimen. Thus, the device 1 may further be provided with a switch to allow the user to switch between a first mode in which the LED 91 is used to indicate how hard or soft he is breathing for the predefined breathing regimen, and a second mode in which the LED 91 is used to indicate the duration of inhalation or exhalation for the predefined breathing regimen. Alternatively, the breathing guidance means may include two rows of LEDs as shown in FIG. 4B, each row being used in the manner described above. Thus, the first row 100 is used to indicate how hard the user is breathing for the predefined breathing regimen, and the second row 101 is used to indicate the duration of the user's inhalation or exhalation for the predefined breathing regimen. This means that the user can monitor both simultaneously.

[0044] In embodiments where the visual means includes an LCD screen, the user may be simultaneously informed of the breath strength and inhale or exhale duration for the predefined breathing regimen. Such information may be simultaneously delivered by any suitable graphical display. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, the LCD screen includes a graph with flow rate on the Y-axis and time on the X-axis. The graph includes a line l representing the predefined breathing regimen. 1 As the user breathes through the device, the display shows a line l representing the user's respiratory flow over time. 2 The user is configured to draw the drawn line l 2 Line l represents a predetermined breathing regimen. 1 By attempting to reliably follow the line, the user is encouraged to follow a predefined breathing regimen when breathing through the device 1. Each time the user transitions from inhalation to exhalation or vice versa, the display 9 is adjusted to reset and the line is drawn anew.

[0045] It will be appreciated that the predetermined breathing regimen is selected to promote a favorable mood. In one embodiment, the predetermined breathing regimen may be selected to promote a state of relaxation. For example, the predetermined breathing regimen may have an inhalation to exhalation ratio of 1:2. That is, the predetermined breathing regimen may include an inhalation time that is half the exhalation time. For example, the inhalation time may be 2-4 seconds and the exhalation time may be 4-8 seconds.

[0046] In some embodiments, the predetermined breathing regimen may also include a hold time. By "hold time" is meant the time during which the user is encouraged to hold their breath between inhalation and exhalation. For example, the predetermined breathing regimen may have a ratio of inhalation to hold to exhalation of 4:7:8. That is, the inhalation time is 4 / 7 of the hold time and 4 / 8 (half) of the exhalation time. For example, the inhalation time may be 4 seconds, the hold time 7 seconds, and the exhalation time 8 seconds. In embodiments such as the embodiment of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B where the breathing inducer includes LED 91, the start of the hold time may be indicated by lighting all LEDs simultaneously, and a countdown to the end of the hold time may be visually represented by turning off LED 91 (five LEDs are used) every fifth of the hold time that has elapsed. In embodiments such as the embodiment of FIG. 5 where a display is used, a message may be shown on the display indicating to the user that the user should hold their breath. The message may be accompanied by a timer that counts down to the end of the hold time.

[0047] In some embodiments, the hold time begins upon a signal from the control unit 8 indicating that a predetermined inhalation time has elapsed and the hold time has begun.

[0048] In some embodiments, the respiratory guidance means 9 includes tactile or audio in addition to or instead of visual means.

[0049] In one embodiment, the breathing guidance means 9 comprises a haptic motor 9. The haptic motor 9 is configured such that a user of the device can feel haptic feedback generated by the haptic motor through contact with the housing 2 of the device 1. The haptic feedback may comprise vibration pulses.

[0050] In one embodiment, the haptic motor 9 is configured to provide haptic feedback when the control unit 8 sends a signal to the breathing guidance means 9 representing that the duration of inhalation or exhalation has reached 100% of the predefined duration. In one embodiment, the haptic motor 9 is configured to provide haptic feedback at the start and end of the hold time.

[0051] In one embodiment, the breathing guidance means 9 includes a speaker 9 for providing audio feedback. The speaker is configured such that a user of the device can hear the audio feedback generated by the speaker 9 while breathing through the device 1. The audio feedback may include sounds or musical notes.

[0052] In one embodiment, the speaker 9 is configured to provide audio feedback when the control unit 8 sends a signal to the breathing guidance means representing that the duration of inhalation or exhalation has reached 100% of a predetermined duration. In one embodiment, the speaker 9 is configured to provide audio feedback at the start and end of the hold time.

[0053] In some embodiments, the respiratory guidance means 9 comprises a portable electronic device 201. A system 200 including the device 1 and the portable electronic device 201 is shown in FIG. 13. The portable electronic device 201 may be in addition to or instead of tactile, audio or visual means. The portable electronic device 201 may be a smartphone, tablet, etc. The portable device electronics 201 is capable of communicating with the handheld device and includes computer code that, when executed by the handheld device, receives data from the handheld device 1. In one embodiment, the data represents the direction of flow through the opening and / or the flow rate through the opening.

[0054] To facilitate communication with the portable electronic device 201, the handheld device 1 is further provided with a transmitter 10 electrically connected to the control unit. The transmitter 10 is configured to wirelessly transmit data to the portable electronic device 201. The transmitter 10 may comprise a Bluetooth transmitter 10 for direct communication with the portable electronic device 201 or the transmitter 10 may be configured to communicate with a wireless network of which the portable electronic device 201 is a part.

[0055] As described above, the flow sensor 7 determines the direction of flow through the opening 4 and transmits a signal to the control unit 8. The signal indicates the direction of flow through the opening 4 and therefore whether the user is inhaling or exhaling through the device 1. The flow sensor 7 generates a signal for the duration of the inhalation or exhalation, and the control unit 8 converts the signal into data available for transmission by the transmitter 10. The handheld device executes computer code to obtain the data, which is transmitted continuously for the duration of the inhalation or exhalation. The computer code of the handheld device 201 is further executed to compare the duration of the signal from time to time with a predefined duration of inhalation or exhalation that is consistent with a predefined breathing regimen. The computer code continuously calculates the time that has elapsed since data of a particular flow direction was first transmitted as a percentage of the predefined duration. The result of this calculation is the duration data. The duration data is then displayed to the user of the handheld device via the display 202 of the portable electronic device 201 in the same manner that comparable data is displayed on the device 1 itself as shown in FIG. 5A. The display thus includes a bar graph with a percentage of the predefined duration on the Y-axis. The bar progresses during the duration of the inhale or exhale. The user is thus prompted to inhale or exhale for the predefined duration by visually inspecting the display. The user can also monitor the progress towards 100% of the predefined duration in time by viewing the progress on the display. It will be appreciated that instead of being calculated on the portable electronic device 201, the duration data may be calculated by the control unit 8 of the handheld device 1 and converted into data available for transmission to the portable electronic device 201. In such an example, the portable electronic device 201 executes computer code solely for the purpose of displaying the duration data in any of the described manners.

[0056] Also, as described above, the flow sensor 7 may determine the flow rate through the opening 4 and send a signal to the control unit 8. The signal indicates the flow rate through the opening 4 as a volumetric flow rate or a mass flow rate. The flow sensor 7 generates a signal for the duration of the inhalation or exhalation, and the control unit 8 converts the signal into data available for transmission by the transmitter 10. The portable device 201 executes computer code to obtain the data, which is transmitted continuously for the duration of the inhalation or exhalation. The computer code of the portable device 201 is further executed to compare the measured flow rate with a predefined flow rate from time to time and output this as a percentage. The result of this calculation is the flow rate data. The flow rate data is then displayed to the user of the handheld device 1 via the display 202 of the portable electronic device 201. For example, the display may combine the duration and flow rate data by displaying a graph with flow rate on the Y-axis and time on the X-axis, in the same way that comparable data is displayed on the device 1 itself as shown in FIG. 5B. Thus, the graph includes a line representing a predefined breathing regimen, and as the user breathes through the device, the display 202 is configured to draw a line representing the user's respiratory flow over time. The user is encouraged to follow the predefined breathing regimen when breathing through the device 1 by attempting to ensure that the drawn line follows the line representing the predefined breathing regimen. Each time the user transitions from inhalation to exhalation or vice versa, the display 202 is adjusted to reset and the line is drawn anew. It will be appreciated that instead of being calculated at the portable electronic device 201, the flow data may be calculated by the control unit 8 of the handheld device 1 and converted into data available for transmission to the portable electronic device 201. In such an example, the portable electronic device 201 executes computer code solely for the purpose of displaying the flow data in any of the described manners.

[0057] In some embodiments, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6, the device 1 further includes an adjustable restrictor 11 operable to vary the resistance to air being expelled or drawn through the opening 4. The adjustable restrictor 11 includes an occlusion mechanism 11 for varying the occlusion of the opening 4. For example, the adjustable restrictor 11 may include a plate 11 that overlaps the opening 4 to block the opening 4. The plate 11 is adjusted to vary the amount the plate 11 overlaps the opening 4, varying the occlusion of the opening 4. Alternatively, the plate 11 may include several holes of various dimensions and be configured to rotate to selectively align the holes with the opening 4. By changing the dimensions of the holes that are aligned with the opening 4, the plate 11 is rotated to vary the occlusion of the opening 4. It will be appreciated that other methods of varying the occlusion of the opening 4 may be used.

[0058] The adjustable restrictor 11 may be manually operated by the user depending on the resistance to inhalation or exhalation preferred by the user. The manual operation of the adjustable restrictor 11 may be provided electronically. For example, the adjustable restrictor 11 may be moved by an electronic actuator 12 connected to the battery 6 and the control unit 8. In such an example, a control interface is provided to allow the user to adjust the restrictor. The control interface may be a button provided on the housing of the device or may be integrated into the LCD display of Figs. 5A, 5B, where said display is for example touch-sensitive. The control interface receives an input from the user, which is sent to the control unit 8. A signal is then generated by the control unit 8 to adjust the adjustable restrictor by actuation of the actuator 12. It will be appreciated that if the adjustable restrictor 11 is manually operated, the actuator 12 is not required. Instead, the adjustable restrictor 11 may be directly operated by the user. For example, where the plate 11 is provided with holes as described above, the restrictor may further include a dial extending from the plate 11 to the outside of the housing 2 to enable a user to adjust the occlusion of the opening 4 by rotating the plate 11.

[0059] In embodiments in which the adjustable restrictor 11 is provided with an actuator 12 as described, the adjustable restrictor 11 may be adjusted automatically. In other words, the adjustable restrictor 11 is adjusted as part of the control system, without direct input from the user, to help the user follow a predefined breathing regimen. In such an embodiment, the control unit 8 actively adjusts the adjustable restrictor as the user breathes through the device 1 to regulate the flow rate through the openings and maintain the predefined flow rates of inhalation and exhalation. In such an embodiment, the adjustable restrictor 11 can be said to be part of the breathing guidance means 9.

[0060] In such an embodiment, the control unit 8 continuously calculates the difference between the flow rate output by the flow sensor 7 and the predetermined flow rate. The control unit 8 then sends a signal to the actuator 12 to adjust the restrictor 11 accordingly. If the control unit 8 determines that the flow rate is below the predetermined flow rate, the control unit 8 sends a signal to the actuator 12 to operate the adjustable restrictor 11 to reduce the obstruction of the opening 4. If the control unit 8 determines that the flow rate is above the predetermined flow rate, the control unit 8 sends a signal to the actuator 12 to operate the adjustable restrictor 11 to increase the obstruction of the opening 4. This procedure continues as the user inhales or exhales through the device 1. Thus, as the user breathes through the device 1, the user's breathing rate is adjusted to follow the predetermined breathing regimen. This procedure may be switchable so that the user can choose whether or not to have the device 1 automatically adjust the adjustable restrictor 11. For example, the user may wish to control their own breathing and rely on any of the visual, audio or tactile breathing guidance means 9 described above.

[0061] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the opening 4 includes separate inlets 4 and outlets 4' forming parts of an inlet flow path FP and an outlet flow path FP', respectively. Each of the inlet flow path FP and the outlet flow path FP' includes a one-way valve 13, 13'. The one-way valve 13 of the inlet flow path FP is configured to ensure that air flows only in the direction from the inlet 4 to the mouthpiece 3. The one-way valve 13' of the outlet flow path FP' is configured to ensure that air flows only in the direction from the mouthpiece 3 to the outlet 4'. Thus, when a user breathes through the device 1, air is inhaled along the inlet flow path FP and exhaled along the outlet flow path FP'. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet flow path FP' is directed to the periphery of the air reformer 5. It will be understood that the one-way valves 13, 13' are only shown in FIG. 7, but may also be used in any other embodiment described herein. In particular, if it is beneficial to diverge the inlet flow path FP and the outlet flow path FP', the respective one-way valves 13, 13' may be used at one or the other end where the flow paths FP, FP' diverge. This may be useful, for example, if the discharge flow path needs to be bypassed around the air reformer 5 .

[0062] Referring again to Figure 7, the inlets and outlets include separate adjustable restrictors 11, 11'. Each adjustable restrictor 11, 11' is substantially similar to that described above with reference to Figure 6 and includes an obstruction mechanism for varying the obstruction of the respective inlet 4 or outlet 4'.

[0063] As discussed above with reference to the adjustable restrictor 11 of Figure 6, each adjustable restrictor 11, 11' of Figure 7 may be manually operated by a user depending on the user's preferred resistance to inhalation or exhalation. Again, manual operation of the adjustable restrictor may be accomplished electronically, by movement effected by an electronic actuator or by direct manipulation of a dial on the adjustable restrictor 11, 11'. Again, a control interface is provided to allow the user to adjust the restrictor 11, 11'. The control interface allows independent adjustment of each adjustable restrictor 11, 11', such that the user can set the resistance to inhalation separately from the selected resistance to exhalation.

[0064] Each adjustable restrictor 11, 11' may alternatively be adjusted automatically. In other words, each adjustable restrictor 11, 11' is adjusted without direct input from the user, but as part of the control system, helps the user to follow a predefined breathing regimen. In such an embodiment, the control unit 8 actively adjusts each adjustable restrictor 11, 11' as the user breathes through the device 1 to regulate the flow rates through the inlets 4 and outlets 4' and maintain the predefined flow rates of inhalation and exhalation. Each of the inlets 4 and outlets 4' is provided with its own flow sensor 7, 7'. As the user breathes through the device, the flow sensors 7, 7' output the respective flow rates through the inlets 4 and outlets 4' to the control unit 8. The control unit 8 continuously calculates the difference between the flow rates at the inlets 4 and outlets 4' and the respective predefined flow rates at the inlets 4 and outlets 4'. The control unit 8 sends a signal to each actuator 12, 12' to adjust each restrictor accordingly. If the control unit 8 determines that the flow rate at the inlet 4 is below the predetermined flow rate, the control unit 8 sends a signal to the inlet 4 actuator 12 to operate the inlet adjustable restrictor 11 to reduce blockage of the inlet 4. If the control unit 8 determines that the flow rate at the inlet 4 is above the predetermined flow rate, the control unit 8 sends a signal to the inlet 4 actuator 12 to operate the inlet adjustable restrictor 11 to increase blockage of the inlet 4. Similarly, if the control unit determines that the flow rate at the outlet 4' is below the predetermined flow rate, the control unit 8 sends a signal to the outlet 4' actuator 12' to operate the outlet adjustable restrictor 11' to reduce blockage of the outlet 4'. If the control unit 8 determines that the flow rate at the outlet 4' is above the predetermined flow rate, the control unit 8 sends a signal to the outlet 4' actuator 12' to operate the outlet 4' adjustable restrictor 11' to increase blockage of the outlet 4'. This adjustment procedure of the inlet adjustable restrictor 11 and the outlet adjustable restrictor 11' continues as the user inhales or exhales through the device 1. Thus, as the user breathes through the device 1, the user's breathing rate is adjusted to follow a predetermined breathing regimen.This procedure may be switchable so that the user can choose whether or not to have the device automatically adjust the adjustable restrictor 11, 11'. For example, the user may wish to control their own breathing and rely on any of the visual, audio or tactile breathing guidance means 9 described above.

[0065] As in the above embodiment, each flow sensor 7, 7' is configured to send a signal to the control unit 8 when flow is detected. The signal includes information about the flow rate, thereby enabling the control unit 8 to determine both the duration of inhalation or exhalation and the flow rates of inhalation and exhalation. This means that having separate flow sensors 7, 7' for the inlet 4 and the outlet 4' does not affect the functionality of the device of FIG. 7. In fact, the device of FIG. 7 can provide any of the functions described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 or 8 to 13. The only difference is that information about inhalation and exhalation is not provided by a single flow sensor 7 at a single opening 4, but rather information about inhalation is provided to the control unit 8 by the flow sensor 7 at the inlet 4 and information about exhalation is provided by the flow sensor 7 at the outlet 4'.

[0066] In an embodiment in which the air reformer 5 includes a non-combustion aerosol delivery system 5, the breathing inducer 9 may be further configured to select a predetermined breathing regimen in response to information about an aerosol generating material installed in the non-combustion aerosol delivery system 5. By "selecting a predetermined breathing regimen" it is meant that the breathing inducer 9 is configured to encourage compliance with a predetermined breathing regimen corresponding to the predetermined aerosol generating material. For example, the breathing inducer 9 may be configured to encourage compliance with a first predetermined breathing regimen when a first aerosol generating material is installed in the non-combustion aerosol delivery system 5 and to encourage compliance with a second predetermined breathing regimen when a second aerosol generating material is installed in the non-combustion aerosol delivery system 5. The first aerosol generating material and the first predetermined breathing regimen are selected to promote a different mood in the user than the second aerosol generating material and the second predetermined breathing regimen.

[0067] In an embodiment of the device 2 including the non-combustion aerosol generating system 5 of FIG. 8, the breathing induction means 9 may be further configured to select a predetermined breathing regimen depending on information about the aerosol-forming material received in the tank 81. In such an embodiment, several different types of aerosol-forming material may be provided, each type of aerosol-forming material configured to promote a particular mood. The breathing induction means 9 is therefore configured to select a predetermined breathing regimen that enhances the mood promoted by the selected aerosol-forming material. For example, the user may select the predetermined breathing regimen via any suitable user interface, such as via a touch-sensitive screen on the device (if provided) or using an application on a portable electronic device 201 that communicates with the device 1, such as the portable electronic device 201 shown in the system of FIG. 13. In some embodiments, the tank 81 is replaceable and is provided with electronic identification means that enable the control unit 8 to determine the type of aerosol-forming material in the tank 81. Thus, when such a tank 81 is installed in the device, the control unit 8 can identify the aerosol-forming material and select a predetermined breathing regimen automatically, i.e. depending on the information about the aerosol-forming material, without further input from the user.

[0068] In an embodiment of the device 2 including the aerosol generating system of Figures 10 to 12, the breathing induction means 9 may further be configured to select a predetermined breathing regimen depending on information about the article 40 received in the device 1. In such an embodiment, several different types of articles 40 may be provided, each type of article 40 configured to promote a particular mood. The breathing induction means 9 is therefore configured to select a predetermined breathing regimen that enhances the mood promoted by the selected article 40. As mentioned above, the user can select the predetermined breathing regimen via any suitable user interface, such as via a touch-sensitive screen on the device (if provided) or using an application on the portable electronic device 201 that communicates with the device. The user's selection is processed by the control unit 8, which selects the predetermined breathing regimen accordingly. In some embodiments, the article 40 is provided with electronic identification means that enable the control unit 8 to determine the type of aerosol-generating material of the article 40. Thus, when the article 40 is placed in the device, the control unit 8 can identify and select the predetermined breathing regimen automatically, i.e. depending on information about the aerosol-generating material.

[0069] In embodiments in which the plurality of portions of aerosol-generating material 44a-44f includes portions of at least two different aerosol-generating materials, the device 1 may be configured to adapt the predetermined breathing regimen according to the type of aerosol-generating material 44 that is heated by the device 1 at any given time. The article 40 may be provided with electronic identification means that enable the control unit 8 to determine the type of aerosol-generating material of the article 40. Thus, when the article 40 is placed in the device, the control unit 8 can identify and select the predetermined breathing regimen automatically, i.e. in response to information about the aerosol-generating material. In particular, the control unit can adjust the selection of the predetermined breathing regimen in response to the portion of aerosol-generating material 44a-44f that is heated at any given time.

[0070] As used herein, an "aerosol-generating material" is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain actives and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid therein, such as a liquid. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solid by weight, up to about 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solid by weight.

[0071] The aerosol-generating materials may include one or more active agents and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0072] The aerosol-forming material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0073] In another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol delivery device is provided as shown in Figures 14 to 16. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery device 100. The aerosol delivery device 100 includes an outer housing 121, a power source 122, a control circuit 123, a number of aerosol generating components 124, a receptacle or aerosol forming chamber 125, a mouth end 126, an air inlet 127, an air outlet 128, an activation button 129, and an inhalation sensor 130. The outer housing 121 is arranged such that the power source 122, the control circuit 123, the aerosol generating components 124, the receptacle 125, and the inhalation sensor 130 are located within the outer housing 121. The outer housing 121 also defines an air inlet 127 and an air outlet 128, which will be described in more detail below. The activation button 129 is located on the outside of the outer housing 121.

[0074] Power source 122 is configured to provide operating power to aerosol delivery device 100. Power source 122 may be any suitable power source, such as a battery. For example, power source 122 may include a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery. Control circuitry 123 is suitably configured or programmed to control the operation of aerosol delivery device 100 and distribute power from power source 122 to other components of device 100.

[0075] Receptacle 125 is positioned to receive an aerosol product article 140, an example of which is shown in detail in Figures 15A-15C. Aerosol product article 140 includes a support component 142 and an aerosol-generating material 144. Figure 15A is a top view of article 140, Figure 15B is an end view along the longitudinal (length) axis of article 140, and Figure 15C is a side view along the width axis of article 140.

[0076] In this example, the support component 142 is formed of card and is generally planar. The support component 142 forms the majority of the article 140 and serves as a base for the aerosol-generating material 144 placed thereon. The support component 142 is generally rectangular in shape having a length l, a width w, and a thickness tc, as shown in FIGS. 15A-15C. As an example, the length of the support component 142 may be 30-80 mm, the width may be 7-25 mm, and the thickness may be 0.2-1 mm. However, it should be understood that the above are exemplary dimensions of the support component 142, and that in other implementations, the support component 142 may have different dimensions as appropriate. In the illustrated example, the article 140 includes a plurality of individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 144 disposed on a surface of the support component 142. More specifically, the article 140 includes six individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 144, numbered 144a through 144f, arranged in a 2×3 array. However, it should be understood that in other implementations, more or fewer individual portions may be provided and / or the individual portions may be arranged in a different array (e.g., a 1×6 array). In the illustrated example, the aerosol-generating material 144 is disposed in separate, isolated locations on a single surface of the component support 142. Although the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 144 are shown as having a circular shape, it should be understood that the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 144 may have any other shape, such as a square or rectangular shape, as desired. The individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 144 have a diameter d and a thickness ta, as shown in FIGS. 15A-15C. The thickness ta may be any suitable value, for example, the thickness ta may range from 50 μm to 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness ta is about 50 μm to about 200 μm, or about 50 μm to about 100 μm, or about 60 μm to about 90 μm, preferably about 77 μm. In other embodiments, the thickness ta may be greater than 200 μm, for example, from about 50 μm to about 400 μm, or up to about 1 mm, or up to about 1.5 mm.

[0077] The individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 144 are separate from one another such that each of the individual portions can be individually or selectively energized (e.g., heated) to generate an aerosol. In some implementations, the portions of the aerosol-generating material 144 may have a mass of 20 mg or less, such that the amount of material aerosolized at any one time by a given aerosol generating component 124 is relatively small. For example, the mass per portion may be 20 mg or less, or 10 mg or less, or 5 mg or less. Of course, it should be understood that the total mass of the article 140 may be more than 20 mg.

[0078] In the described implementation, the aerosol-generating material 144 is an amorphous solid. In general, the amorphous solid may include a gelling agent (sometimes referred to as a binder) and an aerosol-generating agent (which may include, for example, glycerol). Optionally, the aerosol-generating material 144 may include one or more of an active agent (which may include tobacco extract), a flavoring agent, an acid, and a filler. Other ingredients may also be present as desired.

[0079] Amorphous solid aerosol-generating materials offer several advantages over other types of aerosolizable materials commonly found in some electronic aerosol delivery devices. For example, compared to electronic aerosol delivery devices that aerosolize liquid aerosolizable materials, the likelihood that the amorphous solid will leak or otherwise flow from where it is stored is greatly reduced. This means that the aerosol delivery device or article may be cheaper to manufacture, since components do not necessarily need to use the same liquid-tight seals, etc.

[0080] Article 140 may include multiple portions of aerosol-generating material 144 that are all formed from the same aerosol-generating material 144 (e.g., one of the amorphous solids described above). Alternatively, article 140 may include multiple portions of aerosol-generating material 144, where at least two portions are formed from different aerosol-generating materials (e.g., one of the amorphous solids described above).

[0081] The receptacle 125 is suitably dimensioned to removably receive the article 140 therein. Although not shown in FIG. 14 , the device 100 may include a hinged door or removable portion of the housing 121 to allow access to the receptacle 125 so that a user can insert and / or remove the article 140 from the receptacle 125. The hinged door or removable portion of the housing 121 may also function to retain the article 140 within the receptacle 125 when closed. When the aerosol product article 140 is used up or the user simply desires to switch to a different aerosol product article 140, the aerosol product article 140 may be removed from the device 100 and a replacement aerosol product article 140 placed in the receptacle 125 in its place.

[0082] 14, the aerosol delivery device 100 includes several aerosol generating components 124. In this example, the aerosol generating components 124 are heating elements 124, more specifically resistive heating elements 124. The resistive heating elements 124 receive an electric current and convert the electrical energy into heat. The resistive heating elements 124 may be formed from or include any suitable resistive heating material, such as NiChrome (Ni20Cr80), that generates heat when it receives an electric current.

[0083] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional top view of the aerosol delivery device 100 of Figure 14 showing the arrangement of the heating element 124 in more detail. In Figures 14 and 16, the heating element 124 is arranged such that a surface of the heating element 124 forms part of a surface of the receptacle 125. That is, the outer surface of the heating element 124 is flush with the inner surface of the receptacle 125. More specifically, the outer surface of the heating element 124 that is flush with the inner surface of the receptacle 125 is the surface of the heating element 124 that is heated (i.e., its temperature increases) when an electric current is passed through the heating element 124.

[0084] The heating elements 124 are arranged such that when the article 140 is received in the receptacle 125, each heating element 124 is aligned with a corresponding individual portion of the aerosol-generating material 144. Thus, in this example, as shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, the six heating elements 124 are arranged in a 2×3 array that broadly corresponds to the arrangement of the six individual portions of the aerosol-generating material 144 in a 2×3 array. However, as noted above, the number of heating elements 124 may vary in different implementations, e.g., there may be 8, 10, 12, 14, etc. heating elements 124. In some implementations, the number of heating elements 124 is 6 or more but 20 or less. More specifically, the heating elements 124 are numbered 124a-124f in FIG. 16, and it should be understood that each heating element 124 is arranged to be aligned with a corresponding portion of the aerosol-generating material 144, as indicated by the corresponding letter following the reference number 124 / 144. Thus, each of the heating elements 124 can be individually activated to heat a corresponding portion of the aerosol-generating material 144. Although the heating elements 124 are shown flush with the inner surface of the receptacle 125, in other implementations the heating elements 124 may protrude into the receptacle 125. In either case, the article 140 contacts a surface of the heating elements 124 when present within the receptacle 125 such that heat generated by the heating elements 124 is conducted through the support component 142 to the aerosol-generating material 144.

[0085] In use, device 100 (more specifically control circuit 123 ) is configured to provide power to heating element 124 in response to a user drawing on the mouth end of device 100 .

[0086] In use, device 100 (and more specifically control circuitry 123) is configured to provide power to heating element 124 in response to a user input. Generally speaking, control circuitry 123 is configured to selectively apply power to heating element 124, which in turn heats corresponding portions of aerosol-generating material 144 to generate an aerosol. Thus, when a user inhales through device 100 (i.e., inhales at mouth end 126), air is drawn into device 100 through air inlet 127, enters receptacle 125, where it mixes with the aerosol generated by heating aerosol-generating material 144, and then passes to the user's mouth via air outlet 128. That is, the aerosol is delivered to the user through mouth end 126 and air outlet 128.

[0087] 14 includes an activation button 129 and an inhalation sensor 130. Collectively, the activation button 129 and the inhalation sensor 130 function as a mechanism for receiving user input to trigger the generation of aerosol and may therefore be more broadly referred to as a user input mechanism. The received user input may be said to be indicative of a user's desire to generate aerosol.

[0088] An activation button 129 can be pressed by a user to initiate aerosol generation. The control circuitry 123 may be configured to receive a signal from the button 129 and determine whether the user is pressing the button 129. When the control circuitry 123 receives the signal, the control circuitry 123 is configured to provide power from the power source 122 to one or more of the heating elements 124. The power may be provided a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) after the signal is detected or in response to the length of time the signal is detected. In other implementations, the button 129 may be replaced by a screen-type user interface.

[0089] The inhalation sensor 130 may be a pressure sensor or a microphone, etc., configured to detect a drop in pressure or airflow caused by a user inhaling on the device 100. The inhalation sensor 130 is disposed in fluid communication with the airflow path (i.e., in fluid communication with the airflow path between the inlet 127 and the outlet 128). As above, the control circuit 123 may be configured to receive a signal from the inhalation sensor and use the signal to determine whether the user is inhaling on the aerosol delivery device 100. When the control circuit 123 receives the signal, the control circuit 123 is configured to supply power from the power source 122 to one or more of the heating elements 124. The power may be supplied for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) from the moment inhalation is detected or in response to the length of time inhalation is detected.

[0090] In the described example, both the button 129 and the inhalation sensor 130 detect the user's desire to initiate generation of aerosol for inhalation. The control circuitry 123 may be configured to provide power to the heating element 124 only when signals from both the button 129 and the inhalation sensor 130 are detected. This may help prevent unintentional activation of the heating element 124 due to accidental activation of one of the user input mechanisms. However, in other implementations, the aerosol delivery device 100 may have only one of the button 129 and the inhalation sensor 130.

[0091] These aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery device 100 (i.e., breath detection and touch detection) may themselves be performed in accordance with established techniques (e.g., using conventional inhalation sensors and inhalation sensor signal processing techniques, using conventional button sensor signal processing techniques).

[0092] In some implementations, the control circuitry 123 is configured to sequentially power each of the individual heating elements 124 in response to detection of a signal from either or both of the touch-sensitive panel 129 and the inhalation sensor 130. More specifically, the control circuitry 123 is configured to sequentially power each of the individual heating elements 123 in response to detection of a sequence of signals received from either or both of the touch-sensitive panel 129 and the inhalation sensor 130. For example, the control circuitry 123 may be configured to power a first heating element 124 of the plurality of heating elements 124 when a signal is first detected (e.g., from when the device 100 is first activated). When the signal ceases or in response to a predetermined lapse of time since the signal was detected, the control circuitry 123 registers that the first heating element 124 has been activated (and thus the corresponding individual portion of the aerosol-generating material 144 has been heated). The control circuit 123 determines to activate the second heating element 124 in response to a subsequent signal being received from either or both of the button 29 and the inhalation sensor 130. Thus, when a signal from either or both of the button 129 and the inhalation sensor 130 is received by the control circuit 123, the control circuit 123 activates the second heating element 124. This procedure is repeated for the remaining heating elements 124 such that all heating elements 124 are activated in sequence.

[0093] Effectively, this operation means that for each inhalation, a different one of the discrete portions of aerosol-generating material 144 is heated and an aerosol is generated from that discrete portion. In other words, a single discrete portion of aerosol-generating material is heated each time the user inhales.

[0094] 14 further includes an adjustable restrictor 131 at the inlet 127, where the adjustable restrictor 131 is configured to vary the resistance to suction, i.e., the adjustable restrictor 131 is configured to adjust the effort required to suction air along the airflow path through the inlet 127. The adjustable restrictor 131 can be configured to be manually adjustable or automatically adjustable, as described further below.

[0095] The adjustable restrictor may include any mechanism for varying the resistance to draw. For example, the adjustable restrictor 131 may include an obstruction mechanism 131 for varying the obstruction of the inlet 127. For example, the adjustable restrictor 131 may include a plate that overlaps the inlet 127 to block the inlet 127. The plate is adjustable to vary the amount the plate overlaps the inlet 127, varying the obstruction of the inlet 127. Alternatively, the plate may include several holes of various sizes and be configured to rotate to selectively align the holes with the inlet 127. By changing the size of the holes that are aligned with the inlet 127, the plate is rotated to vary the obstruction of the inlet 127. It will be appreciated that other methods of varying the obstruction of the inlet 127 may be used.

[0096] The adjustable limiter 131 may be manually operated by the user depending on the resistance of attraction preferred by the user. The manual operation of the adjustable limiter 131 may be provided electronically. For example, the adjustable limiter 131 may be moved by an electronic actuator connected to the battery 122 and the control circuitry 123. In such an example, a control interface is provided to allow the user to adjust the limiter 131. The control interface may be a button provided on the housing 121 of the device 100 or may be integrated into a touch-sensitive display. The control interface receives an input from the user, which is sent to the control circuitry 123. A signal is then generated by the control circuitry 123 to adjust the adjustable limiter 131 by actuation of the actuator. It will be appreciated that if the adjustable limiter 131 is manually operated, no actuator is required. Instead, the adjustable limiter 131 may be directly operated by the user. For example, where the plate is provided with holes as described above, the restrictor 131 may further include a dial extending from the plate to the outside of the housing 121 to allow a user to adjust the blockage of the inlet 127 by rotating the plate.

[0097] In embodiments in which the adjustable restrictor 131 is provided with an actuator as described, the adjustable restrictor 131 may be adjusted automatically. In other words, the adjustable restrictor 131 is adjusted to help maintain a predetermined resistance to draw as part of the control system, without direct input from the user. In such an embodiment, the control circuit 123 actively adjusts the adjustable restrictor 131 as the user inhales on the device 100, adjusting the pressure drop at the inlet 127 to maintain the predetermined resistance to draw. For example, an inhalation sensor determines the pressure at the inlet 127 and continuously relays this pressure to the control circuit 123, which calculates the difference between the pressure at the inlet and a predetermined inlet pressure, which indicates the predetermined resistance to draw. The control circuit 123 then sends a signal to the actuator to adjust the restrictor 131 accordingly. If the control circuit 123 determines that the pressure at the inlet 127 is below the predetermined pressure, the control circuit 123 sends a signal to the actuator to operate the adjustable restrictor 131 to reduce blockage of the inlet 127. If the control circuit 123 determines that the pressure at the inlet 127 is above the predetermined pressure, the control circuit 123 sends a signal to the actuator to operate the adjustable restrictor 131 to increase occlusion of the inlet 127. This sequence continues as the user inhales on the device 100.

[0098] 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. 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 it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A device comprising a mouthpiece and an opening in fluid communication with the mouthpiece, the device being configured to allow a user to breathe through the mouthpiece by drawing in air through the opening and expelling air through the opening; a respiratory guidance means for encouraging compliance with a predetermined breathing regimen; An air reformer, an air ionizer for ionizing air drawn through the opening; an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol for incorporation into air drawn through said opening; a heater for heating the air drawn through the opening; or means for cooling the air drawn through said opening; An air reformer comprising any one of the following: The apparatus further comprises:

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the respiratory inducer comprises an adjustable restrictor operable to vary the resistance to air being expelled through the opening.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the adjustable restrictor is operable to vary the resistance to air being drawn through the opening.

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a control unit and a flow sensor, the flow sensor configured to send a signal to the control unit indicative of the flow rate of air expelled through the opening and / or inhaled through the opening.

5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the flow sensor is configured to send a signal to the control unit indicative of a duration of an inhalation or exhalation event.

6. 6. Apparatus according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 2, or claim 5 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the adjustable restrictor is operable to vary the resistance to air being discharged through the opening in response to a signal from the control unit.

7. 7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the adjustable restrictor comprises an obstruction mechanism for obstructing the opening, the obstruction mechanism being adjustable to vary the obstruction of the opening.

8. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the opening comprises separate inlets and outlets, the inlets and outlets each comprising a one-way valve, the inlet valve configured to allow air to flow only in a direction into the device and the outlet valve configured to allow air to flow only in a direction out of the device.

9. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the adjustable restrictor comprises an inlet obstruction mechanism and an outlet obstruction mechanism, each of the inlet obstruction mechanism and the outlet obstruction mechanism being independently adjustable to vary the obstruction of the inlet and the outlet, respectively.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 9 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the flow sensor comprises an inlet flow sensor and an outlet flow sensor, the inlet flow sensor configured to send a signal to the control unit indicative of the flow rate of air drawn in through the inlet, and the outlet flow sensor configured to send a signal to the control unit indicative of the flow rate of air exhausted through the outlet.

11. 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the inlet flow sensor is configured to send a signal indicative of the duration of an inhalation event to the control unit and / or the outlet flow sensor is configured to send a signal indicative of the duration of an exhalation event to the control unit.

12. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the inlet blocking mechanism is configured to adjust blocking of the inlet in response to a signal from the control unit, and / or the outlet blocking mechanism is configured to adjust blocking of the outlet in response to a signal from the control unit.

13. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the flow sensor of the inlet flow sensor is selected from a list of sensors including a microphone, a volumetric flow meter, or a mass flow meter, and / or the flow sensor of the outlet flow sensor is selected from a list of sensors including a microphone, a volumetric flow meter, or a mass flow meter.

14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein the breathing guidance means comprises tactile feedback means and / or the breathing guidance means comprises visual display means in communication with the control unit.

15. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the tactile feedback means or the visual display means is configured to alert a user if the flow rate of air drawn in through the inlet and / or exhausted through the outlet is outside a predetermined range.

16. 16. A device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the tactile feedback means or the visual display means is configured to alert the user if the duration of an inhalation and / or exhalation event is outside a predetermined range.

17. 17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the aerosol generator is configured to vaporize an aerosol-forming material.

18. 20. The device of claim 17, wherein the aerosol forming material comprises nicotine.

19. 17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the aerosol generator is configured to generate aerosol from an article comprising a plurality of aerosol-generation regions, the apparatus comprising one or more heating elements.

20. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the aerosol product article comprising a plurality of aerosol-generating regions is positioned such that, during use, one or more of the aerosol-generating regions are adjacent a heating element of the one or more heating elements.

21. 17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a supply of aerosol.

22. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the aerosol supply comprises purified air.

23. 12. Apparatus according to claim 5 or 11, wherein the control unit is configured to transmit a signal indicative of the flow rate and / or the duration of an inhalation or exhalation event to a portable electronic device.

24. 1. A system comprising a handheld device and a portable electronic device, the handheld device comprising a mouthpiece and an opening in fluid communication with the mouthpiece, configured to enable a user to breathe through the mouthpiece by inhaling air through the opening and expelling air through the opening, a flow sensor configured to generate data representative of a flow rate of air expelled through the opening, and a breathing guidance means configured to encourage compliance with a predetermined breathing regimen; the portable electronic device is in communication with the handheld device, comprises computer code, and is configured to execute the computer code to receive from the handheld device the data representative of a flow rate of air discharged through the opening; The handheld device comprises: an air ionizer for ionizing air drawn through the opening; an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol for entrainment in air drawn through said opening; a heater for heating the air drawn through the opening; or means for cooling the air drawn through said opening; The system further comprises an air reformer comprising any one of the following:

25. 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the portable electronic device is further configured to execute the computer code to remotely control the respiratory guidance means.

26. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the respiratory guidance means comprises an adjustable restrictor for restricting flow through the opening, and the portable electronic device is further configured to execute the computer code to remotely control the adjustable restrictor.

27. 27. The system of claim 25 or 26, wherein the portable electronic device is configured to execute the computer code to display information to the user and prompt the user to control their breathing in accordance with the predetermined breathing regimen.

28. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the portable electronic device is configured to execute the computer code to remotely control the respiratory guidance means in response to data received from the flow sensor.

29. 1. A method of operating a system including a handheld device and a portable electronic device, comprising: The handheld device comprises a mouthpiece and an opening in fluid communication with the mouthpiece, and is configured to enable a user to breathe through the mouthpiece by inhaling air through the opening and expelling air through the opening, further comprising a flow sensor configured to generate data representative of a flow rate of air expelled through the opening, and a breathing guidance means configured to encourage compliance with a predetermined breathing regimen, the method of operation further comprising: In the handheld device, utilizing the flow sensor to generate data representative of a flow rate of air discharged through the opening; transmitting the data representative of the flow rate to the portable electronic device; In the portable electronic device, receiving the data representative of a flow rate of air discharged through the opening; The handheld device comprises: an air ionizer for ionizing air drawn through the opening; an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol for entrainment in air drawn through said opening; a heater for heating the air drawn through the opening; or means for cooling the air drawn through said opening; The method of operating the air reformer further comprises:

30. 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of remotely controlling, in the portable electronic device, the respiratory guidance means of the handheld device.

31. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the respiratory guidance means comprises an adjustable restrictor for restricting flow through the opening, the method further comprising the step of remotely controlling the adjustable restrictor at the portable electronic device.

32. 32. A method according to claim 30 or 31, further comprising the step of displaying information to the user in the portable electronic device, prompting the user to control their breathing in accordance with the predetermined breathing regimen.

33. A non-combustion aerosol delivery device comprising an inlet and a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the inlet, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device further comprising an adjustable restrictor configured to vary the resistance to draw at the inlet.

34. 34. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of claim 33, further comprising a power source and an aerosol generating component configured to draw power from the power source and generate an aerosol by heating an article comprising an aerosol-generating material.

35. 35. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of claim 34, further comprising an aerosol-forming chamber configured to receive an article comprising the aerosol-generating material.

36. 36. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of claim 35, wherein the aerosol formation chamber is configured to receive an article comprising a generally planar support component and a plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol-generating material disposed on the support component.

37. 37. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of claim 36, wherein the aerosol generating component comprises a plurality of aerosol generating components, each aerosol generating component of the plurality of aerosol generating components configured to heat one of the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material of the article received in the device.

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