Auto-lock of aerosol dispenser

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device is provided that includes a coupling portion structured to engage a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device or consumable further including an aerosol generator. The device includes a communications interface configured to enable wireless connectivity and processing circuitry configured to control power provided to the aerosol generator to activate a consumable aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user, and the processing circuitry is further configured to initiate a timer to measure an elapsed time and, when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined period, automatically lock the aerosol delivery device in response to a timeout condition in which no computers on a whitelist of one or more computers are present within wireless range of the communications interface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 371,972, filed August 19, 2022, entitled "Auto-Lock of an Aerosol Provision Device," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as smoking articles, designed to deliver at least one substance to a user. [Background technology]

[0003] Many aerosol delivery systems, particularly non-combustible aerosol delivery systems, have been proposed over the years as improvements or replacements for smoking products that require the combustion of tobacco for use. These systems are generally designed to deliver at least one substance to the user, such as to satisfy a particular "consumer moment." To this end, the substance may include components that impart a physiological effect to the user, a sensory effect to the user, or both. The substance may generally be present in the aerosol-generating material, which may contain one or more components from a range of ingredients, such as active agents, flavorings, aerosol-forming materials, and other functional materials, such as bulking agents.

[0004] Aerosol delivery systems include, for example, heated tobacco products, including tobacco heating products (THPs) and carbon-end tobacco heating products (CTHPs), as well as vapor products commonly known as "electronic cigarettes," "e-cigarettes," or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Many of these products take the form of a system that includes a device and a consumable, which is a consumable that contains the material from which the delivered substance is derived. Typically, the device is reusable and the consumable is disposable (although some consumables are refillable). Therefore, in many cases, the consumable is sold separately from the device, often in multipacks. Additionally, subsystems and some individual components of the device or consumable may be sourced from specialized manufacturers. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Implementations of the present disclosure relate to an autolock for an aerosol delivery system, such as a smoking article, designed to deliver at least one substance to a user. The present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following implementations: [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Some implementations provide an aerosol delivery device having a coupling portion structured to engage with a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol delivery device or consumable further includes an aerosol generator, a communication interface configured to enable wireless connection, and processing circuitry configured to control power provided to the aerosol generator and activate the aerosol-generating material of the consumable to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user, and the processing circuitry is further configured to at least start a timer to measure elapsed time and automatically lock the aerosol delivery device when a timeout condition occurs in which no computer on a whitelist of one or more computers is present within wireless range of the communication interface when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined period.

[0007] Some implementations provide a method for operating an aerosol delivery device that includes a coupling portion structured to engage with a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol delivery device or consumable further includes an aerosol generator configured to activate the aerosol-generating material of the consumable to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user, the method including starting a timer to measure an elapsed time, and automatically locking the aerosol delivery device when a predetermined period of time has elapsed and a timeout condition is met in which no computers on a whitelist of one or more computers are present within wireless range of the communication interface.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four, or more features or elements presented in the present disclosure, whether such features or elements are expressly combined or described in a particular implementation described herein. Because the present disclosure is intended to be read holistically, separate features or elements of the present disclosure should be considered combinable in any of its aspects and implementations, unless the context of the disclosure clearly indicates otherwise.

[0009] It will therefore be appreciated that this Summary of the Invention is provided solely for the purpose of summarizing some implementations so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the implementations described above are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. Other implementations, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of some of the described implementations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] Having described aspects of the disclosure in broad terms above, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily to scale. [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol delivery system according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] and [Figure 3] 1 illustrates an aerosol delivery system in the form of a vapor product according to some implementations. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a nebulizer that can be used to implement an aerosol generator of an aerosol delivery system, according to some implementations. [Figure 5] ~ [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an aerosol delivery system in the form of a heated product, according to some implementations. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a system including an aerosol delivery device in wireless communication with a computer that can access a service platform, according to various implementations. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating user accounts that may be provided by a service platform, according to various implementations. [Figure 10] 1 is a state diagram of an aerosol delivery device with auto-lock settings for timeout and low voltage conditions according to various implementations. [Figure 11A] and [Figure 11B] 10A-10C illustrate customer journey maps for use of an aerosol delivery device with an auto-lock setting for timeout conditions, according to various implementation examples. [Figure 12A] ~ [Figure 12H] 1 is a flowchart illustrating various steps of a method for operating an aerosol delivery device, according to various implementations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Certain implementations of the disclosure will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures, in which some, but not all, implementations of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, various implementations of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein. Rather, these implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0012] Unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, references to first, second, etc. should not be construed to imply a particular order. A feature described as being above another feature may instead be below (unless otherwise specified or clear from the context), and vice versa. Similarly, a feature described as being to the left of another feature may instead be to the right, and vice versa. Also, while reference may be made herein to quantitative measurements, values, geometric relationships, and the like, unless otherwise noted, one or more, if not all, of these may be absolute or approximate, to account for acceptable variations that may occur, such as due to engineering tolerances or the like.

[0013] As used herein, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, an "or" of a set of operands is an "inclusive or," and therefore true if and only if one or more of the operands are true, as opposed to an "exclusive or," which is false when all of the operands are true. Thus, for example, "[A] or [B]" is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. Furthermore, the articles "a" and "an" mean "one or more" unless otherwise specified or clear from the context that this is in the singular. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms "data," "content," "digital content," "information," and similar terms may sometimes be used interchangeably, unless otherwise specified.

[0014] Implementations of the present disclosure generally relate to delivery systems designed to deliver at least one substance to a user, such as to satisfy a particular "consumer moment." The substance may include ingredients that impart a physiological effect to the user, a sensory effect to the user, or both.

[0015] Delivery systems can take many forms. Examples of suitable delivery systems include aerosol delivery systems, such as powered aerosol delivery systems, that are designed to release one or more substances or compounds from an aerosol-generating material without burning the aerosol-generating material. These aerosol delivery systems may sometimes be referred to as non-combustible aerosol delivery systems, aerosol delivery devices, etc., and the aerosol-generating material may be, for example, in the form of a solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine.

[0016] Examples of suitable aerosol-delivery systems include vapor products, heat-not-burn products, hybrid products, and others. Vapor products are commonly known as "electronic cigarettes," "e-cigarettes," or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), although the aerosol-generating material does not have to contain nicotine. Many vapor products are designed to generate an aerosol by heating a liquid material. Other vapor products are designed to break down an aerosol-generating material into an aerosol without heating, or with only secondary heating. Heat-not-burn products include tobacco-heating products (THPs) and carbon-end tobacco-heating products (CTHPs), and many are designed to generate an aerosol by heating a solid material without burning the material.

[0017] Hybrid products use 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, semi-solid, liquid, or gel. Some hybrid products are similar to vapor products, except that the aerosol generated from the liquid or gel aerosol-generating material passes through a second material (such as tobacco) to incorporate additional components before reaching the user. In some implementations, 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, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0018] 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol delivery system 100 according to some implementations. In various examples, the aerosol delivery system can be a vapor product, a heated product, or a hybrid product. The aerosol delivery system includes one or more of several components, including, for example, an aerosol delivery device 102 and a consumable (sometimes referred to as an article) 104 for use with the aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery system also includes an aerosol generator 106. In various implementations, the aerosol generator can be part of the aerosol delivery device or the consumable. In other implementations, the aerosol generator is separate from the aerosol delivery device and the consumable and can be removably engaged with the aerosol delivery device and / or the consumable.

[0019] In various examples, the aerosol delivery system 100 and its components, including the aerosol delivery device 102 and the consumables 104, can be reusable or disposable. In some examples, the aerosol delivery system, including both the aerosol delivery device and the consumables, can be disposable. In some examples, the aerosol delivery device is reusable, and the consumables can be reusable (e.g., refillable) or disposable (e.g., replaceable). In yet further examples, the consumables can be both refillable and replaceable. In examples where the aerosol generator 106 is part of the aerosol delivery device or consumables, the aerosol generator, like the aerosol delivery device or consumables, can be reusable or disposable.

[0020] In some implementations, the aerosol delivery device 102 includes a housing 108 that includes a power source 110 and circuitry 112. The power source is configured to provide a power source to the aerosol delivery device, and thus the aerosol delivery system 100. The power source can be or include a power source such as, for example, a non-rechargeable or rechargeable battery, a solid-state battery (SSB), a lithium-ion battery, a supercapacitor, or the like.

[0021] The circuitry 112 can be configured to enable one or more functions (sometimes referred to as services) of the aerosol delivery device 102 and, therefore, the aerosol delivery system 100. The circuitry includes electronic components, and in some examples, one or more of the electronic components can be formed as a circuit board, such as a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0022] In some examples, the circuitry 112 includes at least one switch 114 that can be directly or indirectly operated by a user to activate the aerosol delivery device 102, and thus the aerosol delivery system 100. The switch can be or include a push button, a touch-sensitive surface, or the like that can be manipulated by a user's hand. Additionally or alternatively, the switch can be or include a sensor configured to sense one or more process variables that specify use of the aerosol delivery device or aerosol delivery system. One example is a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a pressure switch, or the like configured to detect airflow or pressure changes caused by airflow when a user inhales on the consumable product 104.

[0023] The switch 114 may provide user interface functionality. In some examples, the circuitry 112 may include a user interface (UI) 116 that is separate from or includes a switch. The UI may include one or more input and / or output devices that enable interaction between a user and the aerosol delivery device 102. As described above with respect to the switch, examples of suitable input devices include push buttons, touch-sensitive surfaces, and the like. The one or more output devices generally include devices configured to provide information in a human-perceivable form, which may be visual, auditory, or tactile / kinematic. Examples of suitable output devices include light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), quantum dot-based LEDs, and the like. Other examples of suitable output devices include display devices (e.g., electronic visual displays), touch screens (integrated with touch-sensitive surfaces and display devices), speakers, vibration motors, and the like.

[0024] In some examples, circuitry 112 includes processing circuitry 118 configured to process data, execute applications, or perform other processing, control, or management services according to one or more implementations. The processing circuitry may include a processor embodied in a variety of forms, such as at least one processor core, microprocessor, coprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or various other computing or processing devices including one or more integrated circuits, such as an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), any combination thereof, etc. In some examples, the processing circuitry may include memory coupled to or integral with the processor, which may store data, computer program instructions executable by the processor, any combination thereof, etc.

[0025] In some examples, circuitry 112 includes at least one communication interface 120 that enables a wired or wireless connection to a computer or other digital device, either directly or via one or more communication networks. Examples of suitable communication interfaces include a network adapter or network interface controller (NIC), a wireless NIC (WNIC), a transceiver integrated circuit, and the like. In these and other similar examples, the communication interface may include an electrical connector for a wired connection or an antenna for a wireless connection. The at least one communication interface may support any of several different communication technologies via suitable wired or wireless connections, such as those used with the Internet, cellular (mobile), wired and wireless local area networks (LANs), personal area networks (PANs), near field communications (NFC), and the like. More specific examples of suitable wireless PAN (WPAN) connections include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth LE), Zigbee, infrared (e.g., IrDA), radio frequency identification (RFID), wireless USB, and the like. Further examples of suitable WPAN connections include Wi-Fi Direct, along with any other connection that supports direct device-to-device communication based on or specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0026] As also shown, in some examples, the housing 108, and thus the aerosol delivery device 102, may also include a coupling 122 having structure that engages with the consumable 104, thereby coupling the aerosol delivery device to the consumable. The coupling may be or include a connector, fastener, or the like configured to connect with a corresponding coupling on the consumable, such as by a press-fit (or interference fit) connection, a threaded connection, a magnetic connection, or the like. The coupling may be or include a container, such as a reservoir, tank, container, cavity, chamber, or the like, that has structure to contain and store the consumable or at least a portion of the consumable.

[0027] Consumable 104 is an article containing an aerosol-generating material 124 (also referred to as an aerosol precursor composition), some or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. Aerosol delivery system 100 may include one or more consumables, each containing one or more aerosol-generating materials. In some instances where the aerosol delivery system is a hybrid product, the aerosol delivery system may contain a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material that generates an aerosol, which then passes through a second solid aerosol-generating material to incorporate additional components before reaching the user. These aerosol-generating materials may be present in a single consumable or in each of the consumables, which may be separately removable.

[0028] The aerosol-generating material 124 can generate an aerosol when activated, for example, by heating, radiation, or some other method. The aerosol-generating material can be in the form of, for example, a solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel. The aerosol-generating material can include an "amorphous solid," which can alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some examples, the amorphous solid can be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material can include from about 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solid by weight to about 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solid by weight.

[0029] The aerosol-generating material 124 may include one or more of several components, such as an active agent 126 , a flavoring agent 128 , an aerosol-forming material 130 , or other functional material 132 .

[0030] The active substance 126 may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response, such as improved attention, improved focus, increased energy, increased stamina, improved mental well-being, or improved sleep. The active substance may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychotropic drugs. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically derived. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), L-theanine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 (cobalamin) or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, terpenes, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another botanical material.

[0031] In some instances where the active substance 126 comprises a derivative or extract, the active substance may be or include one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0032] As described herein, the active substance 126 may include or be derived from one or more botanical substances, or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical substance" includes any material derived from a plant, including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fiber, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, pods, and the like. Alternatively, the material may include active compounds naturally present in the botanical substance or synthetically obtained. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, ground particles, granules, pellets, chips, shreds, sheets, or the like. Examples of botanical substances include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, and lavender. The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: Mentha arvensis, Mentha sieboldii (spicy mint), Mentha sieboldii (spicy mint), Mentha sieboldii (spicy mint), Mentha sieboldii (spicy mint), Mentha sieboldii (spicy mint), Mentha sieboldii (spicy mint), Mentha sieboldii (spicy mint), Mentha sieboldii (spicy mint), Mentha sieboldii (spicy mint), Mentha sieboldii (spicy mint), Mentha sieboldii (spicy mint), Mentha sieboldii (spicy mint), Mentha sieboldii (spicy mint), Kentucky Kernel Mint, Horse Mint, Pineapple Mint, Pennyroyal Mint, Spearmint sieboldii (spicy mint), and Apple Mint.

[0033] In still other examples, the active substance 126 may be 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) / oxitriptan / Griffonia simplicifolia, acetylcholine, arachidonic acid (AA, omega-6), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Bacopa monniera, beta-alanine, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), Centella asiatica, Bupleurum Root, cinnamon, citicoline, cotinine, creatine, curcumin, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, omega-3), dopamine, Dorstenia arifolia, Dorstenia odorata, essential oils, GABA, Cantharium sieboldii, glutamic acid, hops, black ginger (Thai ginseng), kava, L-carnitine, L-arginine, lavender oil, L-coli The ingredients in this product may be or contain one or more of: licorice, L-lysine, L-theanine, L-tryptophan, lutein, magnesium, magnesium L-threonate, myo-inositol, Nardostachys chinensis, nitrate, oil-based extract of viola odorata, oxygen, phenylalanine, phosphatidylserine, quercetin, resveratrol, tian hemp, rhodiola, rhodiola rosea, rose essential oil, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), skeletalium tortiosum, schisandra chinensis, selenium, serotonin, skullcap, spearmint extract, spikenard, theobromine, turmeric, turnella aphrodisiaca, tyrosine, vitamin A, vitamin B3, or yerba mate.

[0034] In some implementations, the aerosol-generating material 124 includes a flavoring agent 128. As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that may be used, where permitted by local regulations, to impart a desired flavor, aroma, or other somatic sensation to products for adult consumers.Flavoring agents may be naturally occurring flavoring materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically derived materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, oak, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spice, Asian spice, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime). , tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel quid, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, ca Lewei, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil from any peppermint species, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, coriander, myrtle, black currant , valerian, pimento, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway seeds, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, organoleptic site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners.Flavorings may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or blends thereof. Flavorings may be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

[0035] In some implementations, the flavoring agent 128 includes sensates intended to achieve somatic sensations, typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or instead of olfactory or gustatory nerves, and these may include chemicals that impart hot, cold, tingling, numbing, etc. Suitable heating agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable cooling agents may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0036] The aerosol-forming material 130 may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some implementations, 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 mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0037] The one or more other functional ingredients 132 may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a bulking agent, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant. Suitable binders include, for example, pectin, guar gum, fruit pectin, citrus pectin, tobacco pectin, hydroxyethyl guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, hydroxyethyl locust bean gum, hydroxypropyl locust bean gum, alginate, starch, modified starch, derivatized starch, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, ethylhydroxymethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, tamarind gum, dextran, puralon, konjac flour, or xanthan gum.

[0038] In some implementations, the aerosol-generating material 124 may be in or on a support to form the substrate 134. The support may be or include, for example, paper, card, cardboard, corrugated board, reconstituted material (e.g., material formed from reconstituted plant material such as reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted hemp, etc.), plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some examples, the support includes a susceptor that may be embedded in the aerosol-generating material or on one or either side of the aerosol-generating material.

[0039] Although not separately shown, in some implementations, the consumable 104 may further include a container structured to engage the aerosol-generating material 124 or a substrate 134 containing the aerosol-generating material. The container may be or include a reservoir, tank, container, cavity, chamber, or the like structured to contain and store the aerosol-generating material or substrate. The consumable may include an aerosol-generating material transport component (also referred to as a liquid transport element) configured to transport the aerosol-generating material to the aerosol generator 106. The aerosol-generating material transport component may act as a wick to carry the aerosol-generating material or may be adapted to transport via capillary action. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material transport component may include a microfluidic chip, a micropump, or other suitable component for transporting the aerosol-generating material.

[0040] The aerosol generator 106 (also referred to as a nebulizer, aerosolizer, or aerosol-generating component) is configured to activate an aerosol-generating material 124 to generate an aerosol or otherwise generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. More specifically, in some examples, the aerosol generator may be powered by a power source 110 under the control of circuitry 112 to activate the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol.

[0041] In some implementations, the aerosol generator 106 is an electric heater configured to perform electrical heating, in which electrical energy from a power source is converted into thermal energy, which the aerosol-generating material receives to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material and form an aerosol. Examples of suitable forms of electrical heating include resistive (Joule) heating, induction heating, dielectric and microwave heating, radiant heating, arc heating, and others. More specific examples of suitable electric heaters include resistive heating elements such as wire coils, flat plates, protrusions, microheaters, and others.

[0042] In some implementations, the aerosol generator 106 is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating or with only secondary heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of an increase in pressure, vibration, or electrostatic energy. More specific examples of these aerosol generators include jet nebulizers, ultrasonic nebulizers, vibrating mesh technology (VMT) nebulizers, surface acoustic wave (SAW) nebulizers, and others.

[0043] Jet nebulizers are configured to use compressed gas (e.g., air, oxygen) to break down the aerosol-generating material 124 into an aerosol, while ultrasonic nebulizers are configured to use ultrasound to break down the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. VMT nebulizers include a mesh and a piezoelectric material (e.g., a piezoelectric material, a piezomagnetic material) that can be driven to vibrate and break down the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol via the mesh. SAW nebulizers are configured to use surface acoustic waves or Rayleigh waves to break down the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol.

[0044] In some examples, the aerosol generator 106 can include a susceptor, or the susceptor can be part of the substrate 134. The susceptor is a material that can be heated by passing through a variable magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator, which can be separate from or part of the aerosol generator. The susceptor can be a conductive material, so that the passage of the variable magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material can be a magnetic material, so that the passage of the variable magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. Some example susceptors can be both conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptors in these examples can be heated by both heating mechanisms.

[0045] Although not separately shown, either or both of the aerosol delivery device 102 and the consumable 104 may include an aerosol modifier. An aerosol modifier is a substance configured to modify the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material 124, such as by changing the taste, flavor, acidity, or other characteristics of the aerosol. In various examples, the aerosol modifier may be an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may include, for example, one or more of a flavoring agent, a colorant, water, or a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may be a solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, filaments, or granules. The aerosol modifier may not require a filtration material. In some examples, the aerosol modifier may be provided in an aerosol modifier-releasing component operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0046] The aerosol delivery system 100 and its components, including the aerosol delivery device 102, the consumable 104, and the aerosol generator 106, can be manufactured in any of several different form factors and with additional or alternative components to those described above.

[0047] 2 and 3 illustrate an aerosol delivery system 200 in the form of a vapor product that may correspond to the aerosol delivery system 100 in some implementations. As shown, the aerosol delivery system 200 may include an aerosol delivery device 202 (also referred to as a control body or power unit) and a consumable 204 (also referred to as a cartridge or tank), which may correspond to the aerosol delivery device 102 and the consumable 104, respectively. The aerosol delivery system, and in particular the consumable, may also include an aerosol generator in the form of an electric heater 306, such as a heating element resembling a metal wire coil configured to convert electrical energy to thermal energy through resistive (Joule) heating, and which corresponds to the aerosol generator 106. The aerosol delivery device and the consumable may be permanently or removably aligned in functional relationship. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a perspective view and a partially cutaway side view, respectively, of the aerosol delivery system in a coupled configuration.

[0048] As can be seen in Figure 2 and the cutaway view shown in Figure 3, aerosol delivery device 202 and consumable 204 each include several such components. The components shown in Figure 3 are representative of components that may be present in the aerosol delivery device and consumable and are not intended to limit the scope of components included in this disclosure.

[0049] The aerosol delivery device 202 may include a housing 208 (sometimes referred to as an aerosol delivery device shell) that may include a power source 310. The housing may also include circuitry 312 with a switch in the form of a sensor 314, a user interface including a light source 316 that may be illuminated upon use of the aerosol delivery system 200, and processing circuitry 318 (also referred to as a control component). The housing may also include a container in the form of a consumable chamber 322 that has structure to engage the consumable 204. The consumable, in turn, may include an aerosol-generating material 324 that may correspond to the aerosol-generating material 124 and may include one or more of several components, such as an active agent, a flavoring, an aerosol-forming material, or other functional material.

[0050] 3, the aerosol delivery device 202 may also include an electrical connector 336 disposed in the consumable chamber 322 that is configured to electrically couple the aerosol delivery device with the consumable 204, particularly the electrical contacts 338 of the consumable. In this regard, the electrical connector and the electrical contacts may form a connection interface between the aerosol delivery device and the consumable. As also shown, the aerosol delivery device may include an external electrical connector 340 that connects the aerosol delivery device to one or more external devices. Examples of suitable external electrical connectors include a USB connector, a proprietary connector such as an Apple Lightning connector, and others.

[0051] In various examples, the consumable 204 includes a tank portion and a tip portion. The tank portion and tip portion may be integral or permanently attached, or the tank portion itself may define the tip portion (or vice versa). In other examples, the tank portion and tip portion may be separate and releasably engage with each other.

[0052] The consumable 204, tank portion, and / or mouthpiece portion may be separately defined relative to a longitudinal axis (L), a first transverse axis (T1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second transverse axis (T2) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first transverse axis. The consumable may be formed from a housing 242 (sometimes referred to as a consumable shell) that encloses a reservoir 344 (of the tank portion) configured to hold an aerosol-generating material 324. In some examples, the consumable may include an aerosol generator, such as the electric heater 306 in the illustrated example. In some examples, an electrical connector 336 of the aerosol delivery device 202 and electrical contacts 338 of the consumable may electrically connect the electric heater to the power source 310 and / or circuitry 312 of the aerosol delivery device.

[0053] As shown, in some examples, the reservoir 344 may be in fluid communication with an aerosol-generating material transport component 346 adapted to act as a wick or otherwise transport the aerosol-generating material 324 stored in the reservoir housing to the electric heater 306. At least a portion of the aerosol-generating material transport component may be positioned proximal to (e.g., immediately adjacent, adjacent, in close proximity, in relatively close proximity to) the electric heater. The aerosol-generating material transport component may extend between the electric heater and the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir, with at least a portion of the electric heater being located above the proximal end of the reservoir. For purposes of this disclosure, it should be understood that the term "above" in this particular context should be interpreted to mean toward the proximal end of the reservoir and / or consumable 204 in a direction substantially along the longitudinal axis (L). Other arrangements of the aerosol-generating material transport component are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in some implementations, the aerosol-generating material transport component may be located proximate the distal end of the reservoir and / or may be disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis (L).

[0054] The electric heater 306 and the aerosol-generating material transport component 346 may be configured as separate elements that are fluidly connected, or the electric heater and the aerosol-generating material transport component may be configured as a combined element. For example, in some implementations, the electric heater may be integrated into the aerosol-generating material transport component. Alternatively, the electric heater and the aerosol-generating material transport component may be formed from structures such as those described elsewhere herein. In some examples, a valve may be disposed between the reservoir 344 and the electric heater and configured to control the amount of aerosol-generating material 324 pumped or delivered from the reservoir to the electric heater.

[0055] An opening 348 may be present in the housing 242 (eg, at the mouth end of the mouthpiece) to allow the flow of formed aerosol from the consumable 204 .

[0056] As noted above, the circuitry 312 of the aerosol delivery device 202 may include several electronic components and, in some instances, may be formed from a circuit board, such as a PCB, that supports and electrically connects the electronic components. The sensor 314 (switch) may be one of these electronic components located on the circuit board. In some instances, the sensor may have its own circuit board or other base element to which it may be mounted. In some instances, a flexible circuit board may be utilized. Flexible circuit boards may be configured in a variety of shapes. In some instances, the flexible circuit board may be combined with, overlay, or form part or all of the heater substrate.

[0057] In some examples, the reservoir 344 can be a container for storing the aerosol-generating material 324. In some examples, the reservoir can be or include a fibrous reservoir comprising a substrate containing the aerosol-generating material present on or within a support. For example, the reservoir can include one or more layers of nonwoven fibers substantially formed into the shape of a tube that surrounds the interior of the housing 242, in this example. The aerosol-generating material can be held in the reservoir. For example, a liquid component can be absorbed and held by the reservoir. The reservoir can be in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material transport component 346. The aerosol-generating material transport component can transport the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir to the electric heater 306 via capillary action—or via a micropump. To this end, the electric heater can be in a heating configuration with the aerosol-generating material transport component.

[0058] In use, when a user draws on the aerosol delivery system 200, airflow is detected by the sensor 314, which activates the electric heater 306, activating the aerosol-generating material 324 and generating an aerosol. Drawing on the mouth end of the aerosol delivery system draws ambient air into and through the aerosol delivery system. In the consumable 204, the drawn air combines with the aerosol, agitates it, and is drawn or otherwise drawn through the electric heater and out the opening 348 at the mouth end of the aerosol delivery system.

[0059] 2 and 3, the aerosol generator of the aerosol delivery system 200 is an electric heater 306 designed to heat the aerosol-generating material 324 to generate an aerosol. In other implementations, the aerosol generator is designed to decompose the aerosol-generating material without heating, or with only secondary heating. FIG. 4 illustrates a nebulizer 400 that can be used to implement the aerosol generator of the aerosol delivery system according to some such other implementations.

[0060] 4, nebulizer 400 includes a mesh plate 402 and a piezoelectric material 404 bonded together. The piezoelectric material is driven to vibrate and break down the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol by the mesh plate. In some examples, the nebulizer may also include a support component mounted on the mesh plate opposite the piezoelectric material to extend the life of the mesh plate, and / or an auxiliary component between the mesh plate and the piezoelectric material to promote interfacial contact between the mesh plate and the piezoelectric material.

[0061] In various implementations, the mesh plate 402 can have a variety of different configurations. The mesh plate can have a flat profile, a dome shape (concave or convex with respect to the aerosol-generating material), or flat and dome portions. The mesh plate defines a plurality of perforations 406 that can be substantially uniform or vary in size across the perforated portion of the mesh plate. The perforations can be circular or non-circular openings (e.g., elliptical, rectangular, triangular, regular polygonal, irregular polygonal). In three dimensions, the perforations can have a constant cross-section, as in the case of cylindrical perforations with a constant circular cross-section, or a variable cross-section, as in the case of truncated conical perforations with a variable circular cross-section. In other implementations, the perforations can be tetragonal or pyramidal.

[0062] The piezo material 404 may be or include a piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material. The piezoelectric material may be coupled to circuitry configured to generate oscillating electrical signals to drive the piezoelectric material into vibration. For piezomagnetic materials, the circuitry may generate a pair of oscillating electrical signals in opposite phase to drive a pair of magnets, generating oscillating magnetic fields in opposite phase that drive the piezomagnetic material into vibration.

[0063] The piezoelectric material 404 is bonded to the mesh plate 402, and vibration of the piezoelectric material can vibrate the mesh plate. The mesh plate can be in sufficient proximity to the aerosol-generating material to be in contact with or immersed in the aerosol-generating material, or can receive the aerosol-generating material via an aerosol-generating material transport component. Vibration of the mesh plate then passes the aerosol-generating material through the perforations 406, which breaks the aerosol-generating material into aerosols. More specifically, in some examples, the aerosol-generating material is forced through the perforations 406 in the mesh plate 402, resulting in aerosol particles. In other examples where the mesh plate is in contact with or immersed in the aerosol-generating material, the vibrating mesh plate can generate ultrasonic waves within the aerosol-generating material, causing aerosols to form on the surface of the aerosol-generating material.

[0064] As described above, hybrid products use a combination of aerosol-generating materials, and some hybrid products are similar to vapor products, except that the aerosol generated from one aerosol-generating material passes through a second aerosol-generating material to incorporate additional components. Therefore, another similar aerosol delivery system in the form of a hybrid product may have a structure similar to the vapor product of Figures 2 and 3 (including electric heater 306 or nebulizer 400). Hybrid products may also include a second aerosol-generating material through which the aerosol from aerosol-generating material 324 passes to incorporate additional components before passing through opening 348 at the mouth end of the aerosol delivery system.

[0065] 5, 6, and 7 illustrate an aerosol delivery system 500 in the form of a heated product, which may correspond to the aerosol delivery system 100 in some implementations. As shown, the aerosol delivery system may include an aerosol delivery device 502 (also referred to as a control body or power unit) and a consumable 504 (also referred to as an aerosol source member), which may correspond to the aerosol delivery device 102 and the consumable 104, respectively. The aerosol delivery system, and more particularly, the aerosol delivery device, may also include an aerosol generator in the form of an electric heater 706 corresponding to the aerosol generator 106. The aerosol delivery device and the consumable may be permanently or removably aligned in a functional relationship. While FIG. 5 illustrates the aerosol delivery system in a coupled configuration, FIG. 6 illustrates the aerosol delivery system in a decoupled configuration. FIG. 7 shows a partially cutaway side view of the aerosol delivery system in a coupled configuration.

[0066] 5, 6, and 7, aerosol delivery device 502 and consumable 504 each include several such components. The components shown in the figures are representative of components that may be present in the aerosol delivery device and consumable and are not intended to limit the scope of components included in this disclosure.

[0067] The aerosol delivery device 502 may include a housing 708 (sometimes referred to as an aerosol delivery device shell) that may include a power source 710. The housing may also include circuitry 712 including a switch in the form of a sensor 714, a user interface including a light source 716 that may be illuminated upon use of the aerosol delivery system 500, and processing circuitry 718 (also referred to as control components). In some examples, at least some of the electronic components of the circuitry may be formed from a circuit board or flexible circuit board that supports and electrically connects the electronic components.

[0068] The housing 708 may also include a reservoir in the form of a consumable chamber 722 configured to engage the consumable 504. The consumable may include the aerosol-generating material 624, which may correspond to the aerosol-generating material 124 and may include one or more of several components, such as an active agent, a flavoring, an aerosol-forming material, or other functional material. The aerosol-generating material may then reside on or in a support to form the substrate 634.

[0069] In a combined configuration of the aerosol delivery system 500, the extent to which the consumable 504 may be held in the consumable chamber 722 may vary. In some instances, less than half or approximately half of the consumable may be held in the chamber. In other instances, more than half of the consumable may be held in the chamber. In still other instances, substantially the entire consumable may be held in the chamber.

[0070] 6 and 7, in various implementations of the present disclosure, the consumable 504 can include a heated end 636 sized and shaped for insertion into the aerosol delivery device 502 and a mouth end 638 that generates an aerosol when inhaled by a user. In various implementations, at least a portion of the heated end can include an aerosol-generating material 624.

[0071] In some implementations, the mouth end 638 of the consumable 504 may include a filter 640 made of a material such as cellulose acetate or polypropylene. The filter may additionally or alternatively contain a twisted strand of tobacco-containing material. In some instances, at least a portion of the consumable may be wrapped in an outer wrapping material, which may be formed of any material useful for providing additional structure, support, and / or heat resistance. In some instances, the excess length of wrapping material at the mouth end of the consumable may simply function to distance the aerosol-generating material 624 from the user's mouth, provide space for placement of a filter material, or otherwise affect draw on the consumable or affect the flow characteristics of the aerosol exiting the consumable during draw.

[0072] The electric heater 706 may provide electrical heating of the aerosol-generating material 624 by resistive (Joule) heating, induction heating, dielectric and microwave heating, radiant heating, arc heating, or the like. The electric heater may have a variety of different configurations. In some examples, at least a portion of the electric heater may surround or at least partially surround at least a portion of the consumable 504 containing the aerosol-generating material when inserted into the aerosol-providing device 502. In other examples, at least a portion of the electric heater may penetrate the consumable when inserted into the aerosol-providing device. In some examples, the material of the substrate 634 may include a susceptor that may be embedded within the aerosol-generating material or on one or both sides of the aerosol-generating material.

[0073] Although shown as part of aerosol-delivery device 502, electric heater 706 may alternatively be part of consumable 504. In some examples, the electric heater or a portion of the electric heater may be combined with, bundled with, or integrated (e.g., embedded) with aerosol-generating material 624.

[0074] As shown, in some examples, the electric heater 706 may be configured to extend proximal to the engagement end of the housing 708 and substantially surround a portion of the heating end 636 of the consumable 504, including the aerosol-generating material 624. The electric heater 706 may be, or may include, an outer cylinder 742 and one or more resistive heating elements 744, such as protrusions, surrounded by the outer cylinder to form a consumable chamber 722, which may extend from an aerosol provider storage base 746 to an opening 748 in the aerosol provider housing 708. In some examples, the outer cylinder may be a double-walled evacuated tube constructed of stainless steel to maintain heat generated by the resistive heating elements within the outer cylinder, and more particularly, within the aerosol-generating material.

[0075] Similar to the electric heater 706, the resistive heating element 744 can have a variety of different configurations and can vary in number from one to multiple resistive heating elements. As shown, the resistive heating element can extend from the housing base 746 of the aerosol delivery device 502. In some instances, when inserted into the aerosol delivery device, the resistive heating element can be located approximately at or around the radial center of the heated end 636 of the consumable 504. In some instances, the resistive heating element can penetrate the heated end of the consumable and be in direct contact with the aerosol-generating material. In other instances, the resistive heating element can be located inside (but not in direct contact with) a cavity defined by the inner surface of the heated end of the consumable.

[0076] In some examples, the resistive heating element 744 of the electric heater 706 may be connected in an electrical circuit that includes the power supply 710 such that an electrical current generated by the power supply may be passed through the resistive heating element, causing the resistive heating element to generate heat through resistive (Joule) heating.

[0077] In other examples, the electric heater 706, including the outer cylinder 742 and the resistive heating element 744, can be configured to perform inductive heating, where the outer cylinder can be connected to an electrical circuit including the power source 710 and the resistive heating element can be connected to another electrical circuit. In this configuration, the outer cylinder and the resistive heating element can function as a transformer, with the outer cylinder being the inductive power transmitter and the resistive heating element being the inductive power receiver. In some of these examples, the outer cylinder and the resistive heating element can be part of the aerosol delivery device 502. In other of these examples, the outer cylinder can be part of the aerosol delivery device and the resistive heating element can be part of the consumable 504.

[0078] Alternating current can be provided to the outer cylinder 742 directly from the power supply 710, or indirectly from the power supply if an inverter (as part of circuitry 712) is configured to convert direct current from the power supply to alternating current. The alternating current drives the outer cylinder to generate an oscillating magnetic field, which induces eddy currents in the resistive heating element 744. The eddy currents then cause the resistive heating element to generate heat through resistive (Joule) heating. In these examples, the resistive heating element can be wirelessly heated to form an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 624 positioned proximate to the resistive heating element.

[0079] In various implementations, the aerosol delivery device 502 may include an air inlet 750 (e.g., one or more openings or holes) in the housing 708 (and possibly in the storage base 746) to allow airflow into the consumable storage chamber 722. When a user draws on the mouth end 638 of the consumable 504, airflow may be drawn from the air inlet into the storage chamber, pass through the consumable, and be drawn through the aerosol-generating material 624. The airflow may be detected by the sensor 714, which may activate the electric heater 706, activating the aerosol-generating material and generating an aerosol. The airflow may combine with and agitate the aerosol and be drawn or otherwise drawn through an opening in the mouth end of the aerosol delivery system. In examples including a filter 640, the airflow combined with the aerosol may be drawn through an opening in the filter at the mouth end.

[0080] 8 illustrates a system 800 including an aerosol delivery device 102 in wireless communication with a computer 802 external to the aerosol delivery device (external computer), according to various implementations. This computer may be embodied as any of several different devices, such as any of several different mobile computers. More specific examples of suitable mobile computers include portable computers (e.g., laptops, notebooks, tablet computers), mobile phones (e.g., cell phones, smartphones), wearable computers (e.g., smart watches), and the like. In other examples, the computer may be embodied as something other than a mobile computer, such as a desktop computer, a server computer, or the like.

[0081] In some examples, at least one communication interface 120 of the aerosol delivery device 102 is configured to allow a wireless connection 804 to a computer 802. As described above, the wireless connection can be a WPAN connection such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, ZigBee, infrared, RFID, Wireless USB, or Wi-Fi Direct, as well as any type of connection based on or specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard that supports direct device-to-device connections. The computer 802 can also include at least one communication interface that allows a wired or wireless connection 806 to a computer or other digital device, either directly or via one or more communication networks 808.

[0082] System 800 may further include a service platform 810, which may be embodied as a computer system accessible from computer 802 via one or more communications networks 808. The service platform may include one or more servers, such as may be provided by one or more blade servers, a cloud computing infrastructure, etc. In some examples, the service platform may be embodied as a distributed computing facility including multiple computers, such as may be used to provide a cloud computing infrastructure. And in these examples, the computers forming the service platform may be in communication with each other via at least one of the one or more communications networks.

[0083] The computer 802 may launch, execute, or otherwise provide application software (app) 812 or other interface for making the service platform 810 accessible. This application software or other interface may be or be provided by a thin client and / or other client application, such as a progressive web application (PWA) or web browser application for making accessible web pages or websites (e.g., web applications) provided by the service platform. As another example, the application or other interface may be or be provided by a dedicated application, such as a mobile app installed on a computer embodied as a mobile computer. For purposes of illustration and without limitation, implementations of the present disclosure may refer to application software or other interfaces more simply as apps.

[0084] Service platform 810 may be configured to provide one or more services to users of aerosol delivery device 102 (and possibly users of other aerosol delivery devices) and may be accessed by users through app 812 on computer 802. For example, the service platform may be operated by an aerosol delivery device manufacturer, a distributor of aerosol delivery devices, or another entity interested in the manufacture, distribution, or maintenance of aerosol delivery devices. The service platform may enable users to access and use various features, such as features for managing aerosol delivery devices, including those described below.

[0085] A user may access the service platform 810 through an app 812 on the computer 802, and the app may be delivered to the user through activation of the aerosol delivery device 102. This may include an age verification process in which the app may collect information identifying the user and transmit this information by the computer to the service platform 810 or another age verification system, which may use this information to verify whether the user is of legal age to use the aerosol delivery device. If not already registered, the user may register a user account with the service platform, and the user may be assigned or confirm a username and password. The user may be prompted to pair or otherwise connect the computer and the aerosol delivery device and establish a WPAN connection 804 between the computer and the aerosol delivery device. The app may communicate with the aerosol delivery device through the computer to obtain the aerosol delivery device's unique identifier (UID), such as a serial number or MAC (Media Access Control), which may be linked to the user account. Similarly, the computer's UID may be linked to the user account, thus linking the aerosol delivery device and the computer.

[0086] 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a user account 900 that may be provided by a service platform 810, a computer 802 that includes an app 812, and the relationship of the user account to an aerosol delivery device 102. As shown, the user account may store or otherwise include the UIDs of the computer and the aerosol delivery device. In some examples, the user account may also link one or more additional computers 802A, 802B (either of which may also include an app), and similarly, the user account may link one or more additional aerosol delivery devices 102A, 102B, 102C. In these examples, the user account may also store or otherwise include the UIDs of one or more additional computers and / or aerosol delivery devices. Also shown, the user account may interface with an age verification system 902 to verify that the user is of an age permitted to use the aerosol delivery device.

[0087] 8 , the app 812 allows a user to interact with the aerosol delivery device 102 from the computer 802. In various examples, the app may allow a user to configure the aerosol delivery device, receive data such as usage data from the aerosol delivery device, send data such as one or more usage parameters to the aerosol delivery device, or remotely control the aerosol delivery device. In a more detailed example, the app may allow a user to lock the aerosol delivery device, preventing use of the aerosol delivery device with the consumables 104 and the aerosol generator 106 to generate an aerosol, or to unlock the aerosol delivery device, allowing use of the aerosol delivery device with the consumables and the aerosol generator to generate an aerosol.

[0088] The app 812 may also allow a user to set an auto-lock, which configures the aerosol delivery device 102 to automatically lock when one or more conditions are met. In some examples, the one or more conditions may include one or more of the following: the time of the first draw on the consumable 104 engaged with the aerosol delivery device; the time of the last draw on the consumable; the number of cycles the aerosol generator 106 is powered to activate the aerosol-generating material 124; the amount of time the aerosol generator has been powered; and others. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the one or more conditions may include a timeout condition in which the computer 802 (or another computer that may be instructed by the user) is not within wireless range of the communication interface 120 of the aerosol delivery device when a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Another example of a condition is a low voltage condition in which the voltage level of the power supply 110 falls below a predetermined cutoff voltage.

[0089] According to various implementations, the auto-lock can be set by having the processing circuitry 118 of the aerosol delivery device 102 configured to start a timer to measure an elapsed time. The processing circuitry can then be configured to automatically lock the aerosol delivery device upon a timeout condition in which no computers from a whitelist of one or more computers are within wireless range of the communication interface 120 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The whitelist of one or more computers can be specified by a user. As shown in FIG. 9 , the whitelist 904 can include the computer 802 linked in the user account 900 and additional computers 802A and 802B (each of which may be individually referred to as computer 800).

[0090] Again, the communication interface 120 of the aerosol delivery device 102 is configured to enable a wireless connection 804 (e.g., a WPAN connection) to a computer 802 (one or more computers), and in some examples, the wireless range may be the WPAN range of the aerosol delivery device. The wireless range may be specified by the sensitivity of the communication interface. In this regard, sensitivity is or includes a measure of the minimum power level at which the communication interface can maintain a wireless connection and interpret data carried by a radio signal via the wireless connection.

[0091] Computers 802 on the whitelist 904 within wireless range of the communications interface 120 may be determined in several different ways. In some instances, computers within wireless range may be determined by wireless connection 804 with the computer, or in some instances, by an active wireless connection. In some instances, computers within wireless range may further be determined by confirmation that the computer and aerosol delivery device 102 are linked in a user account 900 provided by the service platform 810 that is accessible from the computer. As described above, the computer and the aerosol delivery device may be linked in the user account by their UIDs. And in some instances, one or more computers on the whitelist and the aerosol delivery device may be linked in the user account by their UIDs.

[0092] In some examples, a predetermined period of time may be marked as a timeout condition when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined period, and possibly one or more times before the elapsed time reaches the predetermined period, by none of the computers 802 on the whitelist 904 being within wireless range. In this regard, as the elapsed time is measured, the processing circuitry 118 of the aerosol delivery device 102 may send a ping command from the aerosol delivery device 102 via the communication interface 120. This ping command may be sent to one or more computers 802, 802A, 802B on the whitelist 904 to identify any computers on the whitelist that are within wireless range of the communication interface 120. The processing circuitry may be configured to receive a response to the ping command (at the aerosol delivery device via the communication interface) from the computers on the whitelist. The processing circuitry may then be configured to receive the response to the ping command and reset the timer, and therefore the elapsed time.

[0093] As the elapsed time is measured, the aerosol delivery device 102 performs one or more ping tests to one or more computers 802, 802A, and 802B. In this regard, a ping command may be sent to one or more computers when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined period of time. A ping command may also be sent to one or more computers one or more times before the elapsed time reaches the predetermined period of time. And, in some more specific examples, a ping command may be sent to one or more computers at regular intervals, including when the elapsed time reaches the predetermined period of time and one or more times before the elapsed time reaches the predetermined period of time.

[0094] In some examples, the response to the ping command from the computer 208 includes the computer's UID, and the processing circuitry 118 of the aerosol delivery device 102 may be further configured to match the UID with a corresponding UID of one of the one or more computers 802, 802A, 802B in the whitelist 904. The processing circuitry may then be configured to identify the computer 802 as one of the one or more computers upon matching the UID.

[0095] In some examples, the ping command from the aerosol delivery device 102 includes the UID of the aerosol delivery device. And in some of these examples, the response to the ping command from the computer 802 may specify the UID, thereby linking the aerosol delivery device to the computer. In this regard, the UID, and therefore the aerosol delivery device, may be linked to the computer through a user account 900 provided by the service platform 810 that is accessible from the computer. The computer may then verify that the computer and the aerosol delivery device are linked through the user account and, upon receiving this verification, may send a response to the ping command.

[0096] In some examples, the aerosol delivery device 102 may be configured to perform a ping test on one or more computers 802, 802A, 802B on the whitelist 904 after the aerosol delivery device 102 has been locked, which may be used as a means to unlock the aerosol delivery device. In this regard, after the aerosol delivery device has been locked, the processing circuitry 118 may be configured to send a ping command to one or more computers on the whitelist to identify any computers on the whitelist that are within wireless range of the communication interface 120. In response to the ping command from a computer on the whitelist, the processing circuitry may be configured to unlock the aerosol delivery device and possibly also reset a timer (and thus the elapsed time).

[0097] In these various examples, the processing circuitry 118 may be activated to ping one or more computers to unlock the aerosol delivery device in several different ways. In some examples, the UI 116 of the aerosol delivery device may be configured to accept user input, which may result in a ping command being sent to one or more computers.

[0098] User input received by UI 116 may, in some examples, be used to lock aerosol delivery device 102. In particular, processing circuitry 118 may be configured to accept the user input and lock the aerosol delivery device. Additionally or alternatively, app 812 may be configured to receive the user input. The processing circuitry may be configured to receive a user input designation from the app via wireless connection 804 with computer 802. The processing circuitry may be configured to accept a user input designation from the app and unlock the aerosol delivery device.

[0099] In addition to or instead of a timeout condition, the aerosol delivery device 102 can be configured for one or more other conditions that can automatically lock the aerosol delivery device 102. One example is a low voltage condition in which the voltage level of the power supply falls below a predetermined cutoff voltage, such as the cutoff voltage of the aerosol delivery device, processing circuitry, or aerosol generator 106. In these examples, the processing circuitry 118 can be configured to measure the voltage level of the power supply 110 and automatically lock the aerosol delivery device in response to the low voltage condition.

[0100] To further illustrate an example implementation of the present disclosure, FIG. 10 is a state diagram 1000 of an aerosol delivery device 102 with auto-lock settings for both a timeout condition and a low voltage condition.

[0101] 11A and 11B are customer journey maps 1100A and 1100B for use of an aerosol delivery device 102 with an auto-lock setting for a timeout condition, according to various implementations. The customer journey map 1100A shown in FIG. 11A is for a passive management scenario in which the auto-lock may include a long, predetermined period (e.g., 12 hours). In this scenario, after the aerosol delivery device is locked, the aerosol delivery device may be unlocked using the UI 116 and activated to ping computers 802 on the whitelist 904 (shown to include smartphones and smartwatches). As shown, the aerosol delivery device may ping the whitelisted computers at regular three-hour intervals until the aerosol delivery device automatically locks at 2:00 AM. Then, when the response to the ping command indicates that the whitelisted computer is within wireless range of the communication interface 120, the UI is used to activate the aerosol delivery device, ping the computer, and unlock the aerosol delivery device at 9:00 AM.

[0102] Customer journey map 1100B shown in FIG. 11B is for a more actively managed scenario in which auto-locking may include a short, predetermined period (e.g., three hours). In this scenario, after the aerosol delivery device is locked, it may be unlocked using only app 812, and UI 116 may be used to more directly lock the aerosol delivery device. As shown, the aerosol delivery device may ping whitelisted computer 802 (shown as including only a smartphone) at regular three-hour intervals until the aerosol delivery device automatically locks at 2:00 PM. The app is then used to unlock the aerosol delivery device at 6:00 PM. The aerosol delivery device is locked again at 7:00 PM through the UI and unlocked again at 9:00 AM using the app. Again, the aerosol delivery device locks at 3:00 PM following a timeout condition in which a whitelisted computer is not within wireless range of the communications interface when the three-hour period expires.

[0103] 12A-12H are flowcharts illustrating various steps of a method 1200 for operating an aerosol delivery device, according to various implementations. As described above, the aerosol delivery device includes a coupling structured to engage a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material, and the aerosol delivery device or consumable further includes an aerosol generator configured to activate the aerosol-generating material of the consumable to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user. The method includes starting a timer to measure an elapsed time, as shown in block 1202 of FIG. 12A. The method also includes automatically locking the aerosol delivery device upon a timeout condition in which no computers from one or more computers are present within wireless range of the communication interface when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined period, as shown in block 1204.

[0104] In some instances, the aerosol delivery device is automatically locked in block 1204, disabling use of the aerosol delivery device to generate aerosols in conjunction with the consumables and aerosol generator.

[0105] In some examples, the wireless connection is a wireless personal area network (WPAN) connection and the wireless range is a WPAN range of the aerosol delivery device.

[0106] In some instances, the wireless range is specified by the sensitivity of the communication interface.

[0107] In some examples, sensitivity is or includes a measure of the minimum power level at which a communications interface can maintain a wireless connection and interpret data carried by wireless signals over the wireless connection.

[0108] In some instances, the whitelisted computers within wireless range of the communication interface are determined by wireless connection with the computers.

[0109] In some instances, computers within wireless range of a communication interface are determined by an active wireless connection.

[0110] In some examples, a computer within wireless range of the communications interface is further determined by verifying that the computer and the aerosol delivery device are linked with a user account provided by a service platform accessible from the computer.

[0111] In some instances, the computer and aerosol delivery device are linked in a user account by the unique identifier.

[0112] In some examples, one or more computers on the whitelist and the aerosol delivery device are linked in a user account by a unique identifier.

[0113] In some examples, when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined period, the predetermined period is marked by no computers on the whitelist being within wireless range.

[0114] In some instances, the predetermined period of time is further marked by no computers on the whitelist being within wireless range one or more times before the elapsed time reaches the predetermined period of time.

[0115] In some examples, when the elapsed time is measured, method 1200 further includes sending a ping command to one or more computers on the whitelist to identify any computers on the whitelist that are within wireless range of the communication interface, as shown in block 1206 of FIG. 12B. In some of these examples, the method also includes receiving a response to the ping command from a computer on the whitelist, as shown in block 1208. And the method includes receiving the response to the ping command and resetting the timer, and thus the elapsed time, as shown in block 1210.

[0116] In some examples, when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined period, a ping command is sent to one or more computers in block 1206 .

[0117] In some instances, a ping command is sent one or more times to one or more computers at block 1206 even before the elapsed time reaches the predetermined period.

[0118] In some examples, a ping command is sent to one or more computers at regular intervals in block 1206, including when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined period of time and one or more times before the elapsed time reaches the predetermined period of time.

[0119] In some examples, the response to the ping command includes a unique identifier for the computer. In some of these examples, method 1200 further includes matching the unique identifier with a corresponding unique identifier for one of the one or more computers on the whitelist, as shown in block 1212 of FIGURE 12C. And in some of these examples, the method includes identifying the computer as one of the one or more computers upon matching the unique identifier, as shown in block 1214.

[0120] In some examples, the ping command includes a unique identifier for the aerosol delivery device, and the response to the ping command specifies the unique identifier, thereby linking the aerosol delivery device to the computer.

[0121] In some examples, the unique identifier, and therefore the aerosol delivery device, is linked to the computer through a user account provided by a service platform accessible from the computer, and the computer performs a confirmation that the computer and the aerosol delivery device are linked through the user account and sends a response to the ping command upon this confirmation.

[0122] In some examples, after the aerosol delivery device is locked at block 1204, method 1200 further includes sending a ping command to one or more computers on the whitelist to identify any computers on the whitelist that are within wireless range of the communication interface, as shown at block 1216 of FIG. 12D. In some of these examples, the method includes receiving a response to the ping command from the computers on the whitelist, as shown at block 1218. The method then includes unlocking the aerosol delivery device in response to the ping command, as shown at block 1220.

[0123] In some examples, the aerosol delivery device is unlocked in block 1220 to enable use of the aerosol delivery device to generate an aerosol in conjunction with the consumables and the aerosol generator.

[0124] In some examples, the method 1200 further includes receiving a response to the ping command, as shown in block 1222 of FIG. 12E, resetting the timer, and therefore the elapsed time.

[0125] In some examples, the aerosol delivery device further includes a user interface for accepting user input, and upon receiving the user input, a ping command is sent in block 1216 to perform a ping test on one or more computers.

[0126] In some examples, the aerosol delivery device further includes a user interface that accepts user input. In some of these examples, method 1200 further includes locking the aerosol delivery device in response to the user input, as shown in block 1224 of FIG.

[0127] In some examples, the whitelist computer includes application software that receives user input, and after the aerosol delivery device is locked in block 1204, method 1200 further includes receiving a user input designation from the application software via a wireless connection with the computer, as shown in block 1226 of FIG. 12G. In some of these examples, the method includes unlocking the aerosol delivery device in response to the user input designation from the application software, as shown in block 1228.

[0128] In some examples, the aerosol delivery device further includes a power supply for powering the aerosol delivery device, and method 1200 further includes measuring a voltage level of the power supply, as shown in block 1230 of FIGURE 12H. And in some of these examples, the method includes automatically locking the aerosol delivery device upon a low voltage condition in which the voltage level of the power supply is below a predetermined cutoff voltage, as shown in block 1232.

[0129] In some instances, the predetermined cutoff voltage is a cutoff voltage of the aerosol provider, processing circuitry, or aerosol generator.

[0130] As discussed above and reiterated below, the present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.

[0131] Section 1. An aerosol delivery device, comprising a coupling portion configured to engage a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device or consumable further comprising a coupling portion including an aerosol generator, a communications interface configured to enable wireless connectivity, and processing circuitry configured to control power provided to the aerosol generator and activate the aerosol-generating material of the consumable to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user, the processing circuitry further configured to do at least one of: start a timer to measure elapsed time; and automatically lock the aerosol delivery device upon a timeout condition in which no computer on a whitelist of one or more computers is present within wireless range of the communications interface when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined period of time.

[0132] 2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to automatically lock the aerosol delivery device to disable use of the aerosol delivery device to generate the aerosol together with the consumables and the aerosol generator.

[0133] Item 3. An aerosol delivery device of paragraph 1 or paragraph 2, wherein the wireless connection is a wireless personal area network (WPAN) connection and the wireless range is the WPAN range of the aerosol delivery device.

[0134] 4. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the wireless range is specified by the sensitivity of the communication interface.

[0135] Item 5. An aerosol delivery device according to item 4, wherein the sensitivity is or includes a measurement of the minimum power level at which the communications interface can maintain a wireless connection and interpret data carried by a wireless signal over the wireless connection.

[0136] Item 6. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein a whitelist of computers within the wireless range of the communication interface is determined by wireless connection with the computer.

[0137] Item 7. The aerosol delivery device of Item 6, wherein a computer within wireless range of the communications interface is determined by an active wireless connection.

[0138] Item 8. An aerosol delivery device as defined in item 6 or 7, wherein a computer within wireless range of the communications interface is further identified by confirming that the computer and the aerosol delivery device are linked with a user account provided by a service platform accessible from the computer.

[0139] 9. An aerosol delivery device according to paragraph 8, wherein the computer and the aerosol delivery device are linked through a user account by the unique identifier.

[0140] 10. An aerosol delivery device as defined in paragraph 8 or paragraph 9, where one or more computers on the whitelist and the aerosol delivery device are linked in a user account by the unique identifier.

[0141] 11. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined period, the predetermined period is marked by the absence of any computer on the whitelist within wireless range.

[0142] Item 12. The aerosol delivery device of Item 11, wherein the predetermined period is further marked by no computer on the whitelist being within wireless range at least one time before the elapsed time reaches the predetermined period.

[0143] Clause 13. The aerosol delivery device of any of clauses 1 to 12, wherein when the elapsed time is measured, the processing circuitry is further configured to: send a ping command to one or more computers on the whitelist to identify any computers on the whitelist that are within wireless range of the communication interface; receive responses to the ping command from the computers on the whitelist; and reset the timer, and therefore the elapsed time, in response to the response to the ping command.

[0144] Clause 14. The aerosol delivery device of clause 13, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to send a ping command to one or more computers when a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0145] Clause 15. The aerosol delivery device of clause 14, wherein the processing circuitry is also configured to send a ping command to the one or more computers one or more times before the elapsed time reaches the predetermined period.

[0146] Clause 16: An aerosol delivery device according to any one of clauses 13 to 15, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to send ping commands to one or more computers at regular intervals, including when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined period and at least once before the elapsed time reaches the predetermined period.

[0147] Item 17. The aerosol delivery device of any of items 13 to 16, wherein the response to the ping command includes a unique identifier of the computer, and the processing circuitry is further configured to match the unique identifier with a corresponding unique identifier of one of the one or more computers on a whitelist, and identify the computer as one of the one or more computers upon matching.

[0148] Clause 18. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of clauses 13 to 17, wherein the ping command includes a unique identifier of the aerosol delivery device, and the response to the ping command specifies the unique identifier, thereby linking the aerosol delivery device to the computer.

[0149] Item 19. An aerosol delivery device according to item 18, wherein the computer is configured to perform a verification that a unique identifier is provided in a user account provided by a service platform accessible from the computer, thereby linking the aerosol delivery device to the computer, and that the computer and the aerosol delivery device are linked by the user account, and to send a response to a ping command upon receiving this verification.

[0150] Clause 20: An aerosol delivery device according to any one of clauses 1 to 19, further comprising a processing circuit configuration configured to, after the aerosol delivery device is locked, send a ping command to one or more computers on a whitelist to identify any computers on the whitelist that are within wireless range of the communication interface, receive a response to the ping command from the computers on the whitelist, and unlock the aerosol delivery device in response to the response to the ping command.

[0151] Clause 21. The aerosol delivery device of clause 20, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to unlock the aerosol delivery device to enable use of the aerosol delivery device to generate an aerosol in conjunction with the consumable and the aerosol generator.

[0152] Clause 22. The aerosol delivery device of clause 20 or clause 21, wherein the processing configuration is further configured to reset the timer, and thus the elapsed time, upon receiving a response to the ping command.

[0153] 23. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 20 to 22, further comprising a user interface configured to accept user input, and wherein the processing circuitry is configured to receive the user input and send a ping command to one or more computers.

[0154] Clause 24: The aerosol delivery device of clauses 1 to 23, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises a user interface configured to accept user input, and the processing circuitry is further configured to lock the aerosol delivery device in response to the user input.

[0155] Clause 25: An aerosol delivery device according to any one of clauses 1 to 24, wherein the whitelist computer includes application software configured to receive user input, and the processing circuitry is further configured to receive a user input designation from the application software via a wireless connection with the computer after the aerosol delivery device is locked, and to unlock the aerosol delivery device in response to the user input designation from the application software.

[0156] Clause 26. The aerosol delivery device of any one of clauses 1 to 25, further comprising a power supply for powering the aerosol delivery device, and wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to measure a voltage level of the power supply and automatically lock the aerosol delivery device in response to a low voltage condition in which the voltage level of the power supply is below a predetermined cutoff voltage.

[0157] 27. The aerosol delivery device of claim 26, wherein the predetermined cutoff voltage is a cutoff voltage of the aerosol delivery device, processing circuitry, or aerosol generator.

[0158] Section 28. A method of operating an aerosol delivery device including a coupling configured to engage a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol delivery device or the consumable further includes an aerosol generator configured to activate the aerosol-generating material of the consumable to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user, the method including starting a timer to measure an elapsed time, and automatically locking the aerosol delivery device upon a timeout condition in which no computers on a whitelist of one or more computers are present within wireless range of the communications interface when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined period of time.

[0159] 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the aerosol delivery device is automatically locked to disable use of the aerosol delivery device to generate the aerosol together with the consumable and aerosol generator.

[0160] Clause 30. The method of clause 28 or clause 29, wherein the wireless connection is a wireless area network (WPAN) connection and the wireless range is the WPAN range of the aerosol delivery device.

[0161] Clause 31. The method of any of clauses 28 to 30, wherein the radio range is specified by the sensitivity of the communication interface.

[0162] Clause 32. The method of clause 31, wherein sensitivity is or includes a measure of the lowest power level at which the communications interface can maintain a radio connection and interpret data carried by radio signals over the radio connection.

[0163] 33. The method of any of claims 28 to 32, wherein the whitelisted computers within wireless range of the communications interface are determined by wireless connection with the computers.

[0164] Clause 34. The method of clause 33, wherein computers within radio range of the communications interface are determined by an active radio connection.

[0165] 35. The method of claim 33 or 34, wherein a computer within wireless range of the communications interface is further determined by confirming that the computer and the aerosol delivery device are linked with a user account provided by a service platform accessible from the computer.

[0166] 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the computer and the aerosol delivery device are linked in a user account by the unique identifier.

[0167] 37. The method of paragraph 35 or paragraph 36, wherein one or more computers on the whitelist and the aerosol delivery device are linked in a user account by the unique identifier.

[0168] 38. The method of any one of claims 28 to 37, wherein when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, the predetermined period is marked by the absence of a whitelisted computer within wireless range.

[0169] Clause 39. The method of clause 38, wherein the predetermined period is further marked by the absence of a whitelisted computer within wireless range one or more times before the elapsed time reaches the predetermined period.

[0170] Clause 40. The method of any of clauses 28 to 39, wherein when the elapsed time is measured, the method further comprises sending a ping command to one or more computers on the whitelist to identify any computers on the whitelist that are within wireless range of the communications interface; receiving a response to the ping command from the computers on the whitelist; and resetting a timer and therefore the elapsed time in response to the response to the ping command.

[0171] 41. The method of claim 40, wherein a ping command is sent to one or more computers when a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0172] 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the ping command is sent to the one or more computers at least once before the elapsed time reaches the predetermined time.

[0173] 43. The method of any of paragraphs 40 to 42, wherein a ping command is sent to one or more computers at regular intervals, including when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time and at least once before the elapsed time reaches the predetermined time.

[0174] 44. The method of any of paragraphs 40 to 43, wherein the response to the ping command includes a unique identifier of the computer, and further comprising: matching the unique identifier with a corresponding unique identification of one of the one or more computers on a whitelist; and identifying the computer as one of the one or more computers upon matching the unique identifier.

[0175] 45. The method of any of paragraphs 40 to 44, wherein the ping command includes a unique identifier of the aerosol delivery device, and the response to the ping command specifies the unique identifier, thereby linking the aerosol delivery device to the computer.

[0176] 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the unique identifier, and therefore the aerosol delivery device, is linked to the computer through a user account provided by a service platform accessible from the computer, and the computer performs a verification that the computer and the aerosol delivery device are linked through the user account, and sends a response to the ping command upon verification.

[0177] Clause 47: Any of the methods of clauses 28 to 46, further comprising, after the aerosol delivery device is locked, sending a ping command to one or more computers on a whitelist to identify computers on the whitelist that are within wireless range of the communication interface, receiving responses to the ping command from the computers on the whitelist, and unlocking the aerosol delivery device in response to the responses to the ping command.

[0178] Clause 48. The method of clause 47, wherein the aerosol delivery device is unlocked to enable use of the aerosol delivery device to generate an aerosol together with the consumable and the aerosol generator.

[0179] 49. The method of claim 47 or 48, further comprising resetting the timer, and thus the elapsed time, upon receiving a response to the ping command.

[0180] Clause 50: The method of any of clauses 47 to 49, wherein the aerosol delivery device further includes a user interface for accepting user input, and in response to the user input, a ping command is sent to one or more computers.

[0181] 51. The method of any one of claims 28 to 50, wherein the aerosol delivery device further includes a user interface that accepts user input, and the method further comprises receiving the user input to lock the aerosol delivery device.

[0182] Item 52. The method of any of items 28 to 51, wherein the whitelist computer includes application software that receives user input, and further includes receiving a user input designation from the application software via a wireless connection with the computer after the aerosol delivery device is locked, and unlocking the aerosol delivery device in response to the user input designation from the application software.

[0183] Clause 53. The method of any of clauses 28 through 52, wherein the aerosol dispenser further includes a power supply for powering the aerosol dispenser, measuring a voltage level of the power supply, and automatically locking the aerosol dispenser upon a low voltage condition in which the voltage level of the power supply is below a predetermined cutoff voltage.

[0184] 54. The method of paragraph 53, wherein the predetermined cutoff voltage is a cutoff voltage of the aerosol delivery device, processing circuitry, or aerosol generator.

[0185] Many modifications and other implementations of the present disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular implementations disclosed herein, and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0186] 100 Aerosol Delivery System 102, 102A, 102B, 102C Aerosol providing device 104 Consumables 106 Aerosol Generator 108 Housing 110 Power supply 112 Circuit Configuration 114 Switch 116 User Interface 118 Processing circuit configuration 120 Communication Interface 122 Joint 124 Aerosol-generating materials 126 Active substances 128 Flavoring agents 130 Aerosol-forming materials 132 Functional Materials 134 Base material 200 Aerosol Delivery System 202 Aerosol providing device 204 Consumables 208 Housing 242 Housing 306 Electric heater 310 Power supply 312 Circuit Configuration 314 Sensors 316 light source 318 Processing Circuit Configuration 322 Expendables Containment Room 324 Aerosol-generating materials 336 Electrical Connectors 338 Electrical Contacts 340 External Electrical Connector 344 Reservoir 346 Aerosol-Generating Material Transfer Components 348 Opening 400 Nebulizer 402 Mesh Plate 404 Piezoelectric Materials 406 Perforation 500 Aerosol Delivery System 502 Aerosol providing device 504 Consumables 624 Aerosol-generating materials 634 Base material 636 heating end 638 Mouth end 640 filters 706 Electric heater 708 Housing 710 Power supply 712 Circuit Configuration 714 Sensors 716 light source 718 Processing Circuit Configuration 722 Expendables Containment Room 742 outer cylinder 744 Resistance Heating Element 746 Containment Base 748 Opening 750 air intake 800 System 802, 802A, 802B Computer 804 wireless connection 806 Wired or wireless connection 808 Communication Network 810 Service Platform 812 App 900 user accounts 902 Age Verification System 904 Whitelist 1100 Phase Diagram 1100A, 1100B Customer Journey Map 1200 methods

Claims

1. An aerosol providing device, comprising: a coupling configured to engage a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol delivery device or the consumable further comprising an aerosol generator; and a communication interface configured to enable wireless connectivity; processing circuitry configured to control power provided to the aerosol generator to activate the aerosol-generating material of the consumable to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user, and further comprising at least: Start a timer to measure the elapsed time; automatically locking the aerosol delivery device when a timeout condition is met in which no computer on a whitelist of one or more computers is present within wireless range of the communication interface when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined period of time; a processing circuit arrangement configured as follows: An aerosol providing device comprising:

2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the computers on the whitelist within wireless range of the communication interface are determined by the wireless connection with the computers.

3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the computer within wireless range of the communication interface is further determined by confirming that the computer and the aerosol delivery device are linked with a user account provided by a service platform accessible from the computer.

4. When the elapsed time is measured, the processing circuitry further sending ping commands to one or more computers on the whitelist to identify computers on the whitelist that are within wireless range of the communication interface; receiving a response to the ping command from a computer on the whitelist; resetting the timer, and therefore the elapsed time, upon receiving the response to the ping command; The aerosol dispenser of claim 1 , configured as follows:

5. the response to the ping command includes a unique identifier of the computer, and the processing circuitry further matching the unique identifier with a corresponding unique identifier of one of the one or more computers on the whitelist; identifying the computer as one of the one or more computers upon receiving the match; It is configured as follows: The aerosol dispenser of claim 4.

6. 5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 4, wherein the ping command includes a unique identifier of the aerosol delivery device, and the response to the ping command specifies the unique identifier, thereby linking the aerosol delivery device to the computer.

7. After the aerosol delivery device is locked, the processing circuitry further: sending a ping command to the one or more computers on the whitelist to identify any computers on the whitelist that are within wireless range of the communication interface; receiving a response to the ping command from a computer on the whitelist; unlocking the aerosol provision device in response to the response to the ping command; The aerosol dispenser of claim 1 , configured as follows:

8. 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 7, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to receive a response to the ping command and reset the timer, and thus the elapsed time.

9. 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 7, further comprising a user interface configured to accept user input, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to receive the user input and send the ping command to the one or more computers.

10. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to accept user input, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to receive the user input and lock the aerosol delivery device.

11. the whitelist computer includes application software configured to accept user input, and after the aerosol delivery device is locked, receiving the user input designation from the application software via a wireless connection with the computer; unlocking the aerosol delivery device in response to the designation of the user input from the application software; The aerosol dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to:

12. 1. The aerosol dispenser, further comprising a power source for powering the aerosol dispenser, wherein the processing circuitry further comprises: measuring the voltage level of said power supply; automatically locking the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a low voltage condition in which the voltage level of the power supply is below a predetermined cutoff voltage; The aerosol dispenser of claim 1 , configured as follows:

13. 1. A method of operating an aerosol delivery device including a coupling portion configured to engage a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol delivery device or the consumable further includes an aerosol generator configured to activate the aerosol-generating material of the consumable to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user; starting a timer to measure elapsed time; automatically locking the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a timeout condition in which one or more computers on a whitelist are not present within wireless range of the communication interface when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined period; and A method that encompasses

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the whitelisted computers within wireless range of the communication interface are determined by wireless connection with the computers.

15. The method of claim 14, further determining that the computer is within wireless range of the communication interface by confirming that the computer and the aerosol delivery device are linked with a user account provided by a service platform accessible from the computer.

16. When the elapsed time is measured, sending a ping command to the one or more computers on the whitelist to identify any computers on the whitelist that are within wireless range of the communication interface; receiving a response to the ping command from a computer on the whitelist; receiving the response to the ping command, resetting the timer and therefore the elapsed time; 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

17. the response to the ping command includes a unique identifier for the computer; matching the unique identifier with a corresponding unique identifier of one of the one or more computers on the whitelist; identifying the computer as one of the one or more computers upon matching the unique identifier; 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

18. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the ping command includes a unique identifier of the aerosol delivery device, and the response to the ping command specifies the unique identifier, thereby linking the aerosol delivery device to the computer.

19. After the aerosol delivery device is locked, sending a ping command to the one or more computers on the whitelist to identify any computers on the whitelist that are within wireless range of the communication interface; receiving a response to the ping command from a computer on the whitelist; unlocking the aerosol provision device in response to the ping command; 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

20. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: resetting the timer, and thus the elapsed time, upon receiving the response to the ping command.

21. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises a user interface for accepting user input, and wherein the ping command is sent to the one or more computers in response to the user input.

22. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises a user interface for accepting user input, the method further comprising locking the aerosol delivery device in response to the user input.

23. the whitelist computer includes application software that accepts user input, and after the aerosol delivery device is locked, receiving the user input designation from the application software via a wireless connection with the computer; unlocking the aerosol delivery device in response to the designation of the user input from the application software; 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

24. the aerosol dispenser further includes a power source for supplying power to the aerosol dispenser; measuring a voltage level of the power supply; automatically locking the aerosol dispenser upon receiving a low voltage condition in which the voltage level of the power supply is below a predetermined cutoff voltage; 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

Images