Non-combustion aerosol delivery device, aerosol delivery system, and method for heating aerosol-generating materials

Abstract

A non-combustion aerosol delivery device, an aerosol delivery system, and a method for heating an aerosol-forming material are provided. [Solution] The non-combustion aerosol delivery device comprises a receiving portion (40) for receiving an article during use, a heating system for heating an aerosol-generating material when the article is received in the receiving portion, wherein at least a portion of the heating system and the receiving portion are movable relative to each other, a selector (70) operable to select one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material from a plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating material for heating by the heating system, and a controller (80) configured to move at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receiving portion to a position such that one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material can be heated by the heating system during use.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery system, a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, and a method for heating an aerosol-forming material. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion.

[0003]

[0003] Examples of such articles include heating devices that release compounds by heating, rather than burning, a material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or another non-tobacco product, which may or may not contain nicotine. Heating the tobacco or non-tobacco product can volatilize at least one component of the tobacco or non-tobacco product, typically to form an inhalable aerosol, without burning or combusting the tobacco or non-tobacco product.

[0004] Heating devices for heating tobacco or non-tobacco products are sometimes described as "non-combustion heating" devices, or "tobacco heating products" (THPs), or "tobacco heating devices," or the like. Various configurations have been attempted to volatilize at least one component of the tobacco or non-tobacco product. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides a non-combustion aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device comprising: a receptacle for receiving the article in use; a heating system for heating the aerosol-generating material when the article is received in the receptacle, the heating system being configured such that at least a portion of the heating system and the receptacle are movable relative to one another; a selector operable to select one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material from a plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating material for heating by the heating system; and a controller configured to move at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receptacle such that, in use, the one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material are heatable by the heating system.

[0006] In some examples, at least a portion of the heating system is rotatable relative to the receiver about a first axis of the receiver. In some examples, the device includes a rotational actuator to drive rotation of at least a portion of the heating system.

[0007] In some examples, at least a portion of the heating system is translatable relative to the receiver in the direction of a second axis of the receiver. In some examples, the device includes a linear actuator to drive the translation of at least a portion of the heating system.

[0008]

[0008] In some examples, at least a portion of the heating system comprises multiple portions of the heating system, each of which is movable relative to the receiver during use to heat a different portion of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating material.

[0009] In some examples, the controller is configured to cause at least a portion of the heating system to heat multiple portions of the aerosol-forming material in a non-sequential order.

[0010] In some examples, the heating system comprises a resistive heating system, at least some of which are electrical resistance heaters.

[0011] In some examples, the heating system comprises an induction heating system.

[0012] In some examples, the induction heating system comprises a susceptor and an induction coil operable, in use, to cause heating of the susceptor.

[0013] In some examples, the at least one portion comprises a susceptor, and the induction coil is fixed in position relative to the receiving portion.

[0014] In some examples, the at least part comprises a susceptor and an induction coil.

[0015] In some examples, the induction coil is movable relative to the susceptor.

[0016] In some examples, the at least one portion comprises an induction coil, and the susceptor is fixed relative to the receiving portion.

[0017] In some examples, the susceptor is positioned radially inward of the induction coil.

[0018] A second aspect of the present invention provides a non-combustion aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an article comprising an aerosol-forming material, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device comprising: a receptacle for receiving the article in use; and an induction heating system for causing heating of the aerosol-forming material when the article is received in the receptacle, the induction heating system comprising at least one of a susceptor and an induction coil, wherein at least one of the susceptor and the induction coil is movable relative to the receptacle such that at least one portion of the aerosol-forming material in use is heatable by the induction heating system.

[0019] In some examples, the susceptor and induction coil are movable relative to the receiver.

[0020] In some examples, the induction coil is movable relative to the susceptor.

[0021] In some examples, the induction coil is movable relative to the receiving portion.

[0022] In some examples, the induction heating system includes a susceptor, the susceptor being fixed in position relative to the receiver.

[0023] In some examples, the susceptor is positioned radially inward of the induction coil.

[0024] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, comprising the non-combustion aerosol delivery device of the first or second aspect and at least one article comprising an aerosol-generating material, the at least one article having a shape and size to be received within the receptacle. The article may have any of the exemplary features described herein.

[0025]

[0025] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system includes a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, at least one susceptor, and an induction heating system comprising at least one induction coil operable to cause heating of the susceptor in use. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device includes a receptacle for receiving the article in use. The article is of a shape and size that can be received within the receptacle. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device includes at least one induction coil, and the at least one induction coil and the receptacle are relatively movable. The article includes at least one susceptor. The article may have any of the exemplary features described herein.

[0026] In some examples, the at least one susceptor includes a plurality of susceptors, each of which is associated with one or more individual portions of the plurality of portions of aerosol-forming material.

[0027] In some examples, the article has a flat shape and the at least one induction coil has a flat tubular shape.

[0028] In any of the aspects of the present invention in which the non-combustion aerosol delivery system, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device, and / or the article comprises a susceptor, the susceptor may, in certain examples, comprise a homogeneous or substantially homogeneous material. In certain examples, the susceptor may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetically conductive material. In certain examples, the susceptor may comprise a metal or alloy. In certain examples, the susceptor may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

[0029] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a method for heating an aerosol-generating material, the method including the steps of receiving an article including an aerosol-generating material in a receptacle of a non-combustion aerosol-delivery device, the device including a heating system for heating the aerosol-generating material, selecting one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material from a plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating material for heating by the heating system, moving at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receptacle to a position such that the one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material are heatable by the heating system, and heating the one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material using the heating system.

[0030] In some examples, the method includes moving at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receiver to a position such that a second portion of the aerosol-forming material is heatable by the heating system.

[0031]

[0031] In some examples, the method includes the steps of reselecting one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material for heating by the heating system, moving at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receiver to a position such that one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material are heatable by the heating system, and reheating one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material using the heating system.

[0032] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of specific examples that proceed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033]

[0033] Specific examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example aerosol delivery system including a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and an article including an aerosol-generating material.

[0035] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another example of an aerosol delivery system including a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and an article including an aerosol-generating material.

[0036] [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another example of an aerosol delivery system including a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and an article including an aerosol-generating material.

[0037] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another example of an aerosol delivery system including a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and an article including an aerosol-generating material.

[0038] [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another example of an aerosol delivery system including a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and an article including an aerosol-generating material.

[0039] [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another example of an aerosol delivery system including a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and an article including an aerosol-generating material.

[0040] [Figure 7A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an article comprising an aerosol-forming material capable of generating or forming an aerosol.

[0041] [Figure 7B] 7B is a schematic diagram of an example of an induction heating system comprising at least one susceptor and at least one induction coil, where the article of FIG. 7A comprises the at least one susceptor.

[0042] [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another example of an aerosol delivery system including a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and an article including an aerosol-generating material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043]

[0043] Tobacco and / or non-tobacco products from which at least one component is volatilized may be described as aerosol-forming material(s).

[0044] An aerosol-generating material is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. The aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material can facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user, for example, by the user inhaling the generated aerosol.

[0045] The aerosol-generating material may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain an active agent and / or flavoring. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material capable of retaining some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, about 50%, 60%, or 70% to about 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solid by weight.

[0046]

[0046] The aerosol-forming material or amorphous solid may include one or more active agents and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and, optionally, one or more other functional materials.

[0047] As used herein, an active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material may include the active substance, and as a result, in certain instances, the substance delivered to the user may include the active substance. 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, taurine, theine, vitamins (such as B6, B12, or C), melatonin, cannabinoids, 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.

[0048] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine, hi some embodiments, the active agent comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0049] As described herein, the active agent 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, petioles, roots, seeds, flowers, fruit, pollen, husks, peels, and the like. Alternatively, the material may include active compounds naturally occurring in the botanical substance or synthetically obtained. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, fragments, shreds, sheets, and the like. Examples of botanical substances include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cacao, 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, lavender, Lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, shiso, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, Calvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof.The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: Mentha arventis, grapefruit mint (Mentha cv), Egyptian mint (Mentha niliaca), peppermint (Mentha piperita), lime mint (Mentha piperita citrata cv), chocolate mint (Mentha piperita cv), curly mint (Mentha spicata crispa), wild mint (Mentha cordifolia), horse mint (Mentha longifolia), pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens variegata), pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium), English spearmint (Mentha spicata cv), and apple mint (Mentha suaveolens).

[0050]

[0050] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances, or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substance is tobacco.

[0051]

[0051] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances, or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, the botanical substances being selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0052]

[0052] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances, or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, wherein the botanical substances are selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0053]

[0053] The aerosol-generating material, in certain instances, may include a "flavoring," which is a material that imparts flavor to the generated aerosol. Thus, in certain instances, the substance delivered to the user may include a flavoring.

[0054]

[0054] As used herein, the terms "flavoring" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that can be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensation in products for adult consumers, where permitted by local regulations. They include naturally occurring flavoring materials, botanical substances, extracts of botanical substances, synthetically derived materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha green tea, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (aniseed), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, 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 etel), shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil from any species of mint, eucalyptus, star anise, cacao, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, yerba mate, orange peel, basil La, tea (such as green tea or black tea), thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, black currant, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, Calvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators, or stimulants,They may contain sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), as well as other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. They may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid (such as an oil), a solid (such as a powder), or a gas.

[0055] In some embodiments, the flavoring includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0056] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may include a sensory agent intended to achieve somatic sensations typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulating the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to, or instead of, the olfactory or gustatory nerves, and these may include agents that provide a heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effect. 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.

[0057] The aerosol-forming material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol or facilitating the generation of an aerosol. In certain examples, the aerosol-forming material may facilitate the generation of an aerosol by promoting the initial vaporization of a gas and / or condensation of the gas into an inhalable solid and / or liquid aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0058]

[0058] In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent comprises one or more polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, glycerol diacetate, glycerol triacetate), and / or aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate).

[0059] The one or more other functional ingredients may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0060] In certain examples, the aerosol-forming material may be a tobacco material. In certain examples, the aerosol-forming material may include a nicotine source and may be free of tobacco material. In certain examples, the aerosol-forming material may include a tobacco material and a separate nicotine source. In certain examples, the aerosol-forming material may be free of a nicotine source.

[0061] In examples where the aerosol-forming material includes a gel, the gel may include a nicotine source. In some examples, the gel may include tobacco material. In some cases, the gel may include tobacco material and a separate nicotine source. For example, the gel may additionally include powdered tobacco and / or nicotine and / or tobacco extract.

[0062] In some examples, the aerosol-forming material or amorphous solid may be cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), or a combination thereof. acid), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabielsoin (CBE), and cannabicitran (CBT).

[0063]

[0063] The aerosol-forming material or amorphous solid may comprise one or more cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of cannabidiol (CBD) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

[0064]

[0064] The aerosol-forming material or amorphous solid may include cannabidiol (CBD).

[0065]

[0065] The aerosol-forming material or amorphous solid may include nicotine and cannabidiol (CBD).

[0066]

[0066] The aerosol-forming material or amorphous solid may include nicotine, cannabidiol (CBD), and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

[0067] The aerosol-generating material or amorphous solid may include an acid. The acid may be an organic acid. In some of these embodiments, the acid may be at least one of a monobasic acid, a dibasic acid, and a tribasic acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may include at least one carboxyl functional group. In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of an alpha-hydroxy acid, a carboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, a tricarboxylic acid, and a keto acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may be an alpha-keto acid.

[0068]

[0068] In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of succinic acid, lactic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, levulinic acid, acetic acid, malic acid, formic acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, propanoic acid, and pyruvic acid.

[0069] Preferably, the acid is lactic acid. In other embodiments, the acid is benzoic acid. In other embodiments, the acid may be an inorganic acid. In some of these embodiments, the acid may be a mineral acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, boric acid, and phosphoric acid. In some embodiments, the acid is levulinic acid.

[0070] In certain instances where the aerosol-forming material or amorphous solid comprises a gel, the gel may comprise a gelling agent. The gelling agent may comprise a hydrocolloid. In certain instances where the aerosol-forming material comprises a gel, the gel may comprise a hydrogel. The gel may additionally comprise a solvent.

[0071] The gelling agent may comprise one or more compounds selected from cellulosic gelling agents, non-cellulosic gelling agents, guar gum, acacia gum, and mixtures thereof.

[0072]

[0072] In certain examples, the cellulose-based gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and combinations thereof.

[0073]

[0073] In certain examples, the gelling agent includes (or is) one or more of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethyl cellulose, guar gum, or acacia gum.

[0074] In particular examples, the gelling agent comprises (or is) one or more non-cellulosic gelling agents, including, but not limited to, agar, xanthan gum, gum arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum, pectin, carrageenan, starch, alginate, and combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the non-cellulosic gelling agent is alginate or agar.

[0075] In certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming material or amorphous solid comprises a gelling agent, including a cellulosic gelling agent and / or a non-cellulosic gelling agent, an active agent, and an acid.

[0076] In certain instances where the aerosol-forming material includes an amorphous solid, the amorphous solid may include a colorant. The addition of a colorant can change the appearance of the amorphous solid. The presence of a colorant in the amorphous solid can enhance the appearance of the amorphous solid and the aerosol-forming material. By adding a colorant to the amorphous solid, the amorphous solid can be matched to the color of other components of the aerosol-forming material or other components of the article that includes the amorphous solid.

[0077] In these examples, various coloring agents may be used depending on the desired color of the amorphous solid. The color of the amorphous solid may be, for example, white, green, red, purple, blue, brown, or black. Other colors are also contemplated. Natural or synthetic coloring agents, such as natural or synthetic dyes, food coloring agents, and pharmaceutical coloring agents, may be used. In certain embodiments, the coloring agent is caramel, which may impart a brown appearance to the amorphous solid. In such embodiments, the color of the amorphous solid may resemble the color of other components (e.g., tobacco material) in the aerosol-forming material that includes the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the addition of a coloring agent to the amorphous solid makes it visually indistinguishable from other components in the aerosol-forming material.

[0078]

[0078] The colorant may be incorporated into the amorphous solid during its formation (e.g., when forming a slurry containing the materials that form the amorphous solid) or may be applied to the amorphous solid after its formation (e.g., by spraying it onto the amorphous solid).

[0079] In certain instances where the aerosol is generated from heating an aerosol-forming material, the aerosol-forming material may be heated to a temperature of from about 50°C to about 250°C or 300°C.

[0080]

[0080] Note that, generally, a vapor is a substance in the gas phase below its critical temperature, meaning that the vapor can be condensed into a liquid, for example, by increasing the vapor's pressure without lowering the temperature. On the other hand, an aerosol is generally a colloid of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. A "colloid" is a substance in which microscopically dispersed, insoluble particles are suspended throughout another substance.

[0081] For convenience, the term "aerosol" as used herein will be understood to mean an aerosol, a vapor, or a mixture of an aerosol and a vapor.

[0082] As used herein, the term "tobacco material" refers to any material containing tobacco or a derivative thereof. The term "tobacco material" may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may include one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stem, reconstituted tobacco, and / or tobacco extract.

[0083] The tobacco used to make the tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco, such as a single grade or blend, cut rag, or whole leaf, including Virginia and / or Burley and / or Oriental. It may also be "fines" or dust of tobacco particles, expanded tobacco, petioles, expanded petioles, and other processed petiole materials (such as rolled cut petioles). The tobacco material may be ground tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. Reconstituted tobacco material may include tobacco fiber and may be formed by casting, a Fourdrinier-type means with the inverse addition of tobacco extract, or extrusion.

[0084]

[0084] An article may be provided comprising an aerosol-forming material having any of the above characteristics and properties, or any combination thereof.

[0085]

[0085] An article may be described, for example, as a consumable product. A consumable product is an article that includes or consists of an aerosol-generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. An article may be described as an article that includes an aerosol-generating material that is capable of generating or forming an aerosol. In some examples, an article may include, in addition to the aerosol-generating material, other materials and one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage region, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating region, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. In certain examples, an article may include a handling feature that allows a user to handle the article without coming into contact with the aerosol-generating material.

[0086] The article may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol during use. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy, thereby releasing one or more volatile components from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. The heater may comprise, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor as described herein.

[0087] The aerosol-generating material may be on or in a support to form a substrate. The support may be or include, for example, paper, card, corrugated board, cardboard, recycled material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises an aerosol generator, such as a susceptor as described herein. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the aerosol-generating material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

[0088] In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be provided as multiple portions of aerosol-generating material. In other words, an article may include multiple portions of aerosol-generating material. In certain embodiments, the multiple portions of aerosol-generating material may be provided as a single or integral body; in other words, each portion of the multiple portions of aerosol-generating material may also be described as a region or area of ​​aerosol-generating material within the entire aerosol-generating material. In certain embodiments, the multiple portions of aerosol-generating material may be provided as a series of individual or separate bodies of aerosol-generating material; in other words, each portion of the multiple portions of aerosol-generating material may also be described as separate or distinct from the rest of the multiple portions of aerosol-generating material. Providing multiple portions of aerosol-generating material in an article allows any of the aerosol delivery systems described herein to generate aerosol from the article in a controlled manner. For example, a specific flavor or strength of aerosol for inhalation can be selected and released. Furthermore, specific portions of aerosol-generating material provided in an article may be heated in a specific order or heating pattern so that aerosols of different compositions can be released in a specific order or pattern.

[0089] An aerosol delivery system may be provided that includes at least one article, which may be any of the exemplary articles comprising an aerosol-generating material as described herein, and a non-combustion aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from the article. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device may be used by a user to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material of the article, and then the generated aerosol may be inhaled by the user. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device may be any of the non-combustion aerosol delivery devices described herein. A non-combustion aerosol delivery device according to any of the non-combustion aerosol delivery devices described herein may also be provided separately.

[0090]

[0090] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example aerosol delivery system 1. The aerosol delivery system 1 includes a non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 for generating an aerosol from an article 100. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 may form part of an aerosol delivery system described herein. The article 100 may be an example of an article comprising an aerosol-forming material as described herein. The article 100 may be receivable by the device 10. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 may include a housing 12 for supporting and retaining various components of the device 10.

[0091] In certain examples, non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 may include a mouthpiece 20 through which a user of device 10 can inhale the aerosol generated by device 10. In certain examples, non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 may include an air inlet 30 through which air is drawn when a user inhales the aerosol generated by device 10. In some examples, air inlet 30 may comprise an opening in housing 12 of device 10. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , when a user inhales, air is drawn in in the direction of arrow A, and the user can inhale the aerosol in the direction of arrow B.

[0092] In other examples, such as the exemplary non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 shown schematically as part of system 1 in FIG. 2, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 may not include a tipping element. For example, a user of device 10 can inhale aerosol generated by device 10 through article 100 itself. For example, article 100 may include a tipping element 120, through which a user of device 10 can inhale aerosol generated by device 10. Similar to device 10 in FIG. 2, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when a user inhales, air is drawn in the direction of arrow A, and the user can inhale aerosol in the direction of arrow B.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 may include a receptacle 40. The receptacle 40 may be configured to receive, in use, an article 100, such as any of the exemplary articles described herein. In certain examples, the receptacle 40 may receive the entire body of the article 100, as shown in FIG. 1, for example. In other examples, the receptacle 40 may be configured to receive a portion or a portion of the article 100. The housing may define an opening through which the article 100 can be inserted to be received by the receptacle 40. In some cases where only a portion of the article 100 is received in the receptacle 40, the remainder of the article 100 may protrude from the opening in the housing. For example, in the case of the device 10 shown in FIG. 2, the tipping element 120 of the article 100 may protrude from the opening.

[0094]

[0094] Article 100 may be shaped to fit snugly within receptacle 40. In certain embodiments, article 100 may be a rod, stick, or pod that corresponds to the interior shape of receptacle 40. Receptacle 40 may be configured such that when a user draws on tipping tip 20 or tipping element 120, air can pass from air inlet 30 through receptacle 40 and out to tipping tip 20 or tipping element 120. When a user draws, the air passing through receptacle 40 can collect any aerosol generated from article 100 before it enters the user's mouth.

[0095] In certain examples, the device 10 may include a lid, such as the lid 60 shown in FIG. 1 . The lid 60 can seal an opening through which the article 100 can be inserted to be received by the receptacle 40. The lid 60 may be a closable lid. When closed, the lid 60 can enclose the article 100 within the device 10. When closed, the lid 60 can surround the receptacle 40 to form an enclosed volume, and air can be drawn by a user from the air inlet 30 through this enclosed volume and into the mouthpiece 20. The lid 60 may be configured to allow aerosol generated from the article 100 to exit and be drawn through the mouthpiece 20 when closed. In certain examples of the device 10, the air inlet 30 can also function as a lid that covers the receptacle 40 to prevent access by a user and also allows a user to insert the aerosol-forming consumable 100 into the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10.

[0096] Device 10 may include other components not shown in the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2. In certain examples, non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 may include a power unit that holds a power source, which may be, for example, a battery, to provide electrical energy to device 10. Device 10 may also include electrical circuitry connected to the power source to conduct electrical energy to other components within device 10.

[0097] The aerosol delivery system includes a heating system. For example, heating system 50 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The heating system is for heating the aerosol-generating material when the article is received in the receptacle. In certain embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may include all of the heating system components. In certain embodiments, the article may include at least one component of the heating system. For example, in some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device and the article may include the heating system components.

[0098] The heating system may include at least one aerosol generator. For example, in certain embodiments, the heating system may include at least one heater. In certain embodiments, the heating system includes two or more aerosol generators. For example, in certain embodiments, the heating system includes multiple heaters. At least a portion of the heating system is movable.

[0099] In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the heating system and the receiver are movable relative to one another. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the heating system is movable relative to the receiver. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the heating system is movable relative to the housing of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device. In certain embodiments, the receiver may be fixed relative to the housing.

[0100] In certain embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may comprise at least a portion of a heating system. In certain embodiments, an article may comprise at least a portion of a heating system. For example, an article may comprise at least a portion of a heating system, and the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may comprise other components of the heating system that cooperate with at least a portion of the heating system.

[0101] In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the heating system may be movable to a position such that, during use of the aerosol delivery system, one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material of the article can be heated by the heating system. For example, at least a portion of the heating system may be movable to a position where heat is applied from an aerosol generator to one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material such that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material, and thus from the article.

[0102] In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the heating system may be movable such that one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material can be selectively heated by the aerosol generator by moving at least a portion of the heating system to a position proximate to one or more of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating material. For example, in some examples, moving at least a portion of the heating system to a position proximate to one or more of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating material may include moving the aerosol generator to a position close enough to effectively transfer heat to the one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material. In other examples, moving at least a portion of the heating system to a position proximate to one or more of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating material may include moving at least a portion of the heating system other than the aerosol generator to a position that effectively transfers heat to the one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material. For example, at least a portion of the heating system may be movable relative to the aerosol generator.

[0103] In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the heating system may be movable relative to the receptacle to a position where one or more portions of the aerosol-forming material are heatable by the heating system. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the heating system may be movable relative to the housing to a position where one or more portions of the aerosol-forming material are heatable by the heating system.

[0104] For example, applicant has determined that by heating at least a portion of the aerosol-forming material, as opposed to heating the entire aerosol-forming material, the instantaneous power required to heat the aerosol-forming material can be reduced, and therefore a lower discharge rate can be required from the power unit, thereby increasing the effective capacity of the power unit.

[0105] Additionally, Applicant has determined that when transferring heat to one or more portions of aerosol-forming material, the heat may also be transferred to portions of the aerosol-forming material adjacent to the one or more portions of aerosol-forming material, thereby reducing the power required to heat the adjacent portions of the aerosol-forming material.

[0106] In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the heating system may include multiple heating system sections. Each of the multiple heating system sections may be movable during use to heat different portions of the multiple portions of the aerosol-generating material. For example, each of the multiple heating system sections may be independently movable during use relative to the receptacle or housing to different positions such that different portions of the aerosol-generating material can be heated by the heating system. Thus, in certain embodiments, different portions of the aerosol-generating material may be independently heated by the heating system simultaneously.

[0107] In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the heating system may operate by moving the heating system to heat multiple portions of aerosol-generating material in a non-sequential order. For example, in some instances, at least a portion may be movable to several different positions so that multiple portions of aerosol-generating material that are not adjacent to or located beside each other within the article can be heated sequentially. For example, selected portions of the multiple portions of aerosol-generating material may be heated in a particular predetermined pattern or sequence such that portions of aerosol-generating material adjacent to portions of aerosol-generating material previously heated are not subsequently heated. In some instances, at least a portion of the heating system may operate to reheat one or more portions of aerosol-generating material previously heated by the heating system.

[0108] In certain embodiments, the receiver can define a first axis, and at least a portion of the heating system can be rotatable about the receiver's first axis. In certain examples, the device can include a rotary actuator to drive the rotation of at least a portion of the heating system. In certain examples, at least a portion of the heating system can also be translatable along the first axis. In certain embodiments, the receiver can define a second axis, and at least a portion of the heating system can be translatable along the second axis. In certain examples, the device can include a linear actuator to drive the translation of the at least one heater. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the heating system can be rotatable and translatable about the respective first and second axes. In certain embodiments, the first and second axes can be coaxial. In certain embodiments, the receiver can define a third axis, and at least a portion of the heating system can be translatable along and / or rotatable about the third axis. For example, if at least a portion of the heating system is translatable along first and second axes, then at least a portion of the heating system may be translatable two-dimensionally across the plane of motion.

[0109] In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the heating system may include at least one aerosol generator. For example, the at least a portion may include at least one heater. In other embodiments, for example, the at least a portion of the heating system may include multiple heaters. In certain embodiments, when the at least one heater includes multiple heaters, each of the heaters may be movable relative to the receptacle or housing so as to heat different portions of the aerosol-generating material during use. Thus, in certain embodiments, different portions of the aerosol-generating material may be heated by different heaters simultaneously. It will be understood that, as described herein, at least a portion of the heating system may include one or more components of the heating system other than the aerosol generator itself. For example, one or more heaters of the heating system may be fixed in position relative to the receptacle or housing, and at least a portion of the heating system may be movable relative to the receptacle or housing. In embodiments in which an article includes at least a portion of the heating system, as discussed herein, the aerosol generator may, in some examples, be described as being fixed in position when the article is received within the receptacle.

[0110] At least one heater as described herein may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of the article during use of the system without burning it. By applying heat to the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material of the article may be heated, thereby generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. In certain embodiments, the heater may be utilized to increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material to control condensation of any gases on components of the article or on components of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device. In such examples, one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material may not be heated to a temperature at which an aerosol is generated from one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material. In certain examples, the heater may conduct heat to the aerosol-generating material of the article. In certain examples, the heater may radiate heat to the aerosol-generating material of the article. In certain examples, the heater may heat the aerosol-generating material of the article by convection of heat to the aerosol-generating material.

[0111] In certain embodiments, the heater may comprise one or more electrical resistance heaters, including, for example, one or more nichrome resistance heater(s) and / or one or more ceramic heater(s). The one or more heaters may comprise one or more induction heaters, including a configuration with one or more susceptors that may form a chamber into which the article comprising the aerosolizable material is inserted or otherwise disposed during use. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more susceptors may be provided with the aerosolizable material. Other heater configurations may also be used.

[0112] In certain embodiments, the heater may define a portion of the receptacle. For example, the heater may form part of a surface of the receptacle that mates with (give clearance for movement with) the item when the item is received in the receptacle. Thus, in certain examples, the heater may form part of a volume surrounding the receptacle in which, in use, aerosol is generated and expelled as it is delivered to a user who inhales it. In certain embodiments, the heater may be confined within the receptacle.

[0113] The heater can take any shape or form suitable for movement and / or for transferring heat to the aerosol-generating material. In certain embodiments, the heater may comprise a hollow tube. A hollow tube may be particularly suitable for housing an article within the tube, allowing for effective transfer of heat from the heater to the aerosol-generating material. In other embodiments, the heater may comprise a plate capable of providing a substantially flat heat transfer surface. A flat or plate-like heater may be particularly suitable for transferring heat to a flat or thin article on which the aerosol-generating material is provided as a layer of material. For example, the heater may be translated on a moving surface above a flat article to transfer heat to different portions of the aerosol-generating material on the article.

[0114] In certain examples, the heater may include a homogeneous or substantially homogeneous material. In certain examples, the heater may include a mixture of materials. In certain examples, the heater may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetically conductive material.

[0115]

[0115] In certain examples, the heater may be made from a metallic material, for example, the heater element may include a metal or alloy.

[0116]

[0116] In certain examples, the heater may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

[0117] In certain examples, the heater may include a ceramic. In some examples, the heater may be made from a mixture of metallic and non-metallic materials. For example, the heater may be made from a metallic material embedded in a ceramic material. The ceramic material may be any suitable ceramic material, such as, but not limited to, at least one of alumina, zirconia, yttria, calcium carbide, and calcium sulfate.

[0118] In use, the heater system heats the heater, i.e., increases the temperature of the heater. Heating of the heater may be accomplished by any suitable heating configuration. In certain examples, the heater may be maintained at a constant temperature as the heater is moved relative to the receptacle or housing. In certain examples, the temperature of the heater may be changed as the heater is moved relative to the receptacle or housing. In certain embodiments, the temperature of the heater may be changed when at least a portion of the heating system is positioned such that it can transfer heat to one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material. In certain examples, the heating system may increase the heater to a predetermined temperature before the heater begins to move. In certain examples, the heating system may be activated to increase the heater temperature in response to a user drawing air through the device or by another means, such as a switch.

[0119] In certain embodiments, a temperature and / or heat transfer sensor may be provided in the non-combustion aerosol delivery device to monitor the temperature of the aerosol-forming material of the article and / or the heat transferred to the aerosol-forming material of the article. For example, a temperature sensor monitor may be provided within the receptacle. In certain embodiments, multiple temperature and / or heat transfer sensors may be provided to monitor the temperature and / or the heat transferred to multiple portions of the aerosol-forming material, each corresponding to a respective portion of the multiple portions of the aerosol-forming material of the article.

[0120] In certain embodiments, the heater of the heating system may comprise an electric resistance heater. The heating system may include circuitry for connecting the heater to a power source. In use, an electric current from the power source may be passed through the electric resistance heater, causing Joule heating of the heater. The electric resistance heater may be any suitable material that forms an electrical conductor, for example, a metallic material. In use, when an electric current is activated to pass through the electric resistance heater, one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material may be heatable by the electric resistance heater.

[0121] In certain embodiments, the heating system may include a radiant heating system. In one example, the radiant heating system may include a heat lamp that radiates thermal energy to the heater. For example, the radiant heating system may include an infrared light source directed toward the heater. For example, the radiant heating system may include a radiant heat source such as an LED or a laser.

[0122] In certain embodiments, the heating system may include a heater that heats by conduction, for example, a heat source may be placed in contact with the heater and activated during use of the aerosol delivery system.

[0123] In certain embodiments, the heating system may comprise an induction heating system. The heating system may use induction heating to cause heating of the at least one heater. In certain embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may comprise the entire induction heating system. In certain embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may comprise some of the components of the induction heating system. In certain embodiments, the article may comprise some of the components of the induction heating system, such as at least one component of the induction heating system. Thus, in some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device and the article may comprise components of the heating system.

[0124] Induction heating is the process of heating a conductive object by electromagnetic induction. The process involves immersing the conductive object in a fluctuating magnetic field, causing it to heat. This process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. When the conductive object is then used to heat another element, the conductive object may be referred to as a "susceptor." The susceptor material may be formed from any suitable susceptor material, such as those identified above, for example, at least one of iron, iron alloys such as stainless steel, mild steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, aluminum, gold, and copper, or any combination thereof.

[0125] In certain embodiments, at least one heater may be a "susceptor" in that it may be heated by induction heating, thereby heating the aerosol-forming material of the article. Heating of the aerosol-forming material may be primarily by conduction or radiation of heat from the heater to the aerosol-forming material, for example.

[0126]

[0126] Configuring the heater as a susceptor can, in certain instances, effectively heat aerosol-forming materials that may be substantially non-conductive. Additionally, configuring the heater as a susceptor can allow for control of the thermal pattern of heat directed toward the aerosol-forming material of the article.

[0127]

[0127] An induction heating system may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. The varying current in the electromagnet generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a conductive object suitably positioned relative to the electromagnet and generates eddy currents within the object. The object has an electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and therefore, by causing eddy currents to flow against this resistance, the object is heated by Joule heating. This is also known as ohmic heating or resistive heating. It has been found that when the conductive object is in the form of a closed circuit, the magnetic coupling between the object and the electromagnet in use is stronger, resulting in increased or improved Joule heating.

[0128] Magnetic hysteresis heating is the process of heating an object made of a magnetic material by the penetration of a varying magnetic field into the object. Magnetic materials can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align along the field. Thus, when a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field (e.g., produced by an electromagnet), penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes in response to the applied varying magnetic field. This reorientation of the magnetic dipoles generates heat within the magnetic material.

[0129]

[0129] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, penetrating a changing magnetic field into the object can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Furthermore, the use of magnetic materials can enhance the magnetic field, thereby enhancing Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating. If the heater comprises a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the heater, i.e., when the orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material changes as a result of aligning with the changing magnetic field.

[0130]

[0130] In each of the above processes, heat is generated within the object itself, rather than by thermal conduction from an external heat source. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the object's material and geometry, and by appropriately selecting the magnitude and orientation of the variable magnetic field relative to the object, a rapid temperature increase and a more uniform heat distribution within the object can be achieved. Therefore, induction heating, compared to, for example, conduction heating, can enable more rapid heating of the heater (susceptor) because heat is generated within the heater. Furthermore, induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection between the source of the variable magnetic field and the object, thereby increasing design freedom, control of the heating profile, and reducing costs. Therefore, no physical contact is required between the heater and the remaining components of the induction heating system, thereby allowing greater flexibility in the design, application, and reliability of the aerosol delivery system.

[0131] In certain embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may include a selector operable to select one or more portions of aerosol-generating material of the article from a plurality of portions of aerosol-generating material for heating by the heating system when the article is received in the receptacle.

[0132] In certain embodiments, the selector may be operable to select one or more portions of the plurality of portions of the receptacle that correspond to one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material of the article when the article is received in the receptacle. In this manner, the desired one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material of the article selected for heating by the heating system when the article is received in the receptacle can be indirectly selected by selecting one or more portions of the receptacle that geometrically correspond to one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material when the article is received in the receptacle. Thus, in certain embodiments, this selection can be based on a known geometric relationship between the article and the receptacle of the device.

[0133]

[0133] In certain examples, the selector may be used by a user to select a particular portion of the aerosol-generating material of the article for heating by the heating system. The user may, for example, desire to experience inhalation of an aerosol having a particular flavor and may therefore select a particular portion of the aerosol-generating material of the article for heating. In other examples, the user may desire to experience inhalation of an aerosol having a particular flavor intensity and may accordingly select a particular portion of the aerosol-generating material of the article for heating.

[0134] In certain examples, the selector can be manually operated by a user to select particular portions of the aerosol-forming material of the article for heating, or to select particular portions of the aerosol-forming material for heating in a particular sequence. For example, a switch may be provided on the device to allow a user to operate the selector.

[0135] In other examples, the selector can operate in a predetermined manner when the article is received in the receptacle, and optionally at the direction of a user. For example, the selector may be activated to select specific portions of the aerosol-generating material for heating in a specific order when the article is received in the receptacle. In some embodiments, the article may include an identifier that is operable to communicate the type or model of the article to the non-combustion aerosol delivery device when the article is received in the receptacle. The identifier may communicate information to the non-combustion aerosol delivery device indicating how or in what order to heat specific portions of the aerosol-generating material of the article. In other embodiments, a user may communicate information to the non-combustion aerosol delivery device, for example, through a user interface, indicating how or in what order to heat specific portions of the aerosol-generating material of the article. In other embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may be pre-loaded with information indicating how or in what order to heat specific portions of the aerosol-generating material of the article. For example, this information may be entered into the non-combustion aerosol delivery device when it is manufactured or when it is ordered by a product supplier.

[0136] In certain embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may include a controller. The controller may be operable to control elements of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device. In some embodiments, the controller may control or cause movement of at least a portion of the heating system. For example, the controller may move at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receptacle and / or relative to the housing. In certain embodiments, the controller may be configured to move at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receptacle such that, in use, one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material of the article are heatable by the heating system.

[0137] In certain embodiments, in response to the selector selecting one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material of the article for heating, the controller may move at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receiver so that, in use, one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material of the article are heatable by the heating system. For example, when the heating system is activated to heat the at least one heater, the controller may move at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receiver to a position adjacent to one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material so that at least a portion of the heating system can transfer heat to the aerosol-generating material.

[0138] In certain embodiments, in response to the selector selecting one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material of the article to be heated, the controller may move at least a portion of the heating system relative to the housing such that, in use, one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material of the article are heatable by the heating system. For example, when the heating system is activated to heat the at least one heater, the controller may move at least a portion of the heating system relative to the housing to a position adjacent to one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material such that at least a portion of the heating system can transfer heat to the aerosol-generating material.

[0139]

[0139] In certain embodiments, the controller may comprise a selector, for example, the controller may comprise circuitry that enables the controller to perform the functions of a selector as described herein.

[0140] In certain embodiments, when at least a portion of the heating system moves to a position where one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material of the article are heatable by the heating system, the controller can cause the heating system to heat the at least one heater, thereby heating the one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the controller can cause the heating system to heat the at least one heater before at least a portion of the heating system begins to move. In some embodiments, the controller can cause the heating system to heat the at least one heater while at least a portion of the heating system is moving and / or before one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material of the article reach a position where they are heatable by the heating system.

[0141] A method for heating an aerosol-generating material may be provided. In certain embodiments, the method may be implemented in any of the aerosol delivery systems described herein. In certain embodiments, the method may include heating the aerosol-generating material in any of the articles described herein.

[0142] A method for heating an aerosol-generating material includes receiving an article comprising an aerosol-generating material in a receptacle of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device including a heating system; selecting one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material for heating by the heating system; moving at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receptacle or housing to a position where the one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material are heatable by the heating system; and heating the one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material using the heating system. In certain embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may include a housing, and the method may instead include moving at least a portion of the heating system relative to the housing to a position where the one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material are heatable by the heating system. In certain embodiments, any of the movements relative to the receptacle as described herein may instead be movements of a heater relative to the housing. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the heating system may include an aerosol generator as described herein. For example, at least a portion of the heating system may include a heater, such as a susceptor as described herein.

[0143] In certain embodiments, the method may include moving at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receiver to a position where a second portion of the aerosol-generating material is heatable by the heating system. In some examples, the method may include heating the second portion of the aerosol-generating material using the heating system. In certain embodiments, the method may include, for example, following the movement to a position where the second portion of the aerosol-generating material is heatable by the heating system, reselecting one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material for heating by the heating system, moving at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receiver to a position where the one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material are heatable by the heating system, and reheating the one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material using the heating system. In this manner, the amount of heat transferred to the one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material can be controlled to maintain the temperature of the one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material at a desired temperature, while simultaneously controlling the amount of heat transferred to the second portion of the aerosol-generating material to maintain the temperature of the second portion of the aerosol-generating material at a second desired temperature. Furthermore, in this manner, at least a portion of the heating system may be repeatedly moved to different positions proximate different portions of the aerosol-generating material of the article to maintain the respective desired temperatures of all the different portions of the aerosol-generating material. For example, in one example where the article is in the form of an elongated rod, at least a portion of the heating system may be repeatedly moved back and forth along the length of the rod to transfer heat to the different portions of the aerosol-generating material of the article and thereby maintain the respective desired specific temperatures of those different portions.

[0144] An embodiment of a system 1 including a non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 for generating an aerosol from an article 100 including an aerosol-generating material is shown in FIG. 3. The aerosol-generating material may be stored in an aerosol-generating material storage area 102. In this embodiment, the heating system includes a resistive heating system 350. The resistive heating system 350 is operable to cause heating of a heater. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the heating system is a heater. The heater is an electric resistance heater 352 that can be heated by passing an electric current through the resistive heater 352 as described herein. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the electric resistance heater 352 is movable relative to the receiver 40.

[0145]

[0145] In use, when an electric current is activated to pass through the electrical resistance heater 352, one or more portions of the aerosol-forming material may be heatable by the electrical resistance heater 352.

[0146] In the aerosol delivery system shown in FIG. 3 , article 100 is provided with a tipping element 120, which allows a user to inhale the aerosol generated by device 10. However, it will be understood that device 10 may instead be provided with a tipping element as described and illustrated herein. Like the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 shown in FIG. 4 includes an air inlet 30. A user inserts article 100 into receptacle 40 of non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 through an opening in housing 12, according to the examples described herein. In other embodiments of the device, a lid may be provided to cover receptacle 40 to prevent user access and to allow an article to be inserted into receptacle 40.

[0147] 3, the receptacle 40 is shaped and arranged to receive an elongated article 100 and is open at one end to allow the article 100 to be inserted into the receptacle 40. It will be appreciated that the receptacle 40 may be shaped and arranged to receive an article 100 of other shapes as described herein.

[0148]

[0148] In the example shown in Figure 3, the electric resistance heater 352 may have an elongated tubular shape. The electric resistance heater 352 may be a hollow tube. The tubular shape may allow for receiving an elongated article within the electric resistance heater 352 when the article 100 is received in the receiving portion, as shown in Figure 3. The electric resistance heater 352 may have, for example, a cylindrical tubular shape. In Figure 3, the electric resistance heater 352 is shown in cross section through the axis of the electric resistance heater 352.

[0149] 3 , the electric resistance heater 352 is movable in the direction of arrow M along at least a portion of the length of the receiver 40. Thus, when the article 100 is received in the receiver 40, the electric resistance heater 352 is movable along at least a portion of the length of the article 100. In this manner, the electric resistance heater 352 can be moved back and forth along the length of the article 100, such that one or more selected portions of the aerosol-generating material can be heated by the electric resistance heater 352 by positioning the electric resistance heater 352 adjacent to each portion of the aerosol-generating material and activating the heating system 350.

[0150] 3 may include a selector 70. The selector 70 is operable to select one or more portions of aerosol-forming material from the article 100 for heating by the electrical resistance heater 352, as described herein.

[0151] In certain embodiments, device 10 may include a controller 80. Controller 80 may be connected to other components of device 10 by circuitry 82. For example, controller 80 may be connected to a power unit 84 via circuitry 82 to provide power to device 10. Circuitry 82 may also connect controller 80 and / or power unit 84 to heating system 350. In the illustrated example, heating system 350 is connected to controller 80 and / or power unit 84 through circuitry 82 via a wiring loom 86, or harness. Heating system 350 may also be connected to selector 70, for example, through controller 80, via loom 86. Thus, controller 80 can control the current through electrical resistance heater 352 and, therefore, the amount of heat generated by electrical resistance heater 352. In use, current from a power source can pass through electrical resistance heater 352, causing Joule heating of the heater. Controller 80 can control the position of electrical resistance heater 352.

[0152]

[0152] In certain examples, the wiring loom 86 is positioned to facilitate movement of the electrical resistance heater 352. For example, the loom 86 can fold itself to accommodate movement of the electrical resistance heater 352 while still allowing for a stable electrical connection.

[0153] In certain embodiments, the controller 80 may include the selector 70. In certain embodiments, the selector 70 may be separate from the controller 80. For example, the selector 70 may be a user interface, such as a switch or a touch screen, through which a user can select one or more portions of the aerosol-forming material to be heated by the electrical resistance heater 352. In some examples, the selector 70 may be connected to the controller, for example, via circuitry 82.

[0154] The device 10 may include an actuator 90 operable to drive the movement of the electric resistance heater 352. In certain embodiments, the actuator 90 may be a linear actuator for driving the translation of the electric resistance heater 352 along the length of the receiver 40, and thus along the length of the article 100. For example, the actuator 90 may comprise a lead screw 92, with the electric resistance heater 352 attached to a lead nut attached to the lead screw 92. In certain embodiments, the actuator 90 may be a rotary actuator for driving the rotation of the electric resistance heater 352 about the receiver 40, and thus about the exterior of the article 100.

[0155] It will be appreciated that other actuators can be used to drive the movement of the electrical resistance heater 352. For example, a push-pull actuator such as a rigid belt, a chain drive, or a magnetic drive can be used to drive the movement of the electrical resistance heater 352.

[0156] 3, the lead screw 92 of the actuator 90 is located outside the receiver 40. However, it will be appreciated that the lead screw 92 may be located inside the receiver 40, such as in the induction heating system described below with respect to FIG. 4. In the example shown, the lead nut includes a support that protrudes through the wall of the receiver 40 to connect to and drive the movement of the electrical resistance heater 352.

[0157]

[0157] The actuator 90 may be connected to the controller 80 via circuitry 82 so that the controller 80 can control the movement of the electrical resistance heater 352 relative to the receiving portion 40.

[0158] Another embodiment of a system 1 including a non-combustion aerosol-delivery device 10 for generating an aerosol from an article 100 comprising an aerosol-generating material is shown in FIG. 4. The aerosol-generating material may be stored in an aerosol-generating material storage area 102. In this embodiment, the heating system includes an induction heating system 450. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the heating system includes a susceptor 452 that can be heated by induction heating as described herein. The induction heating system 450 is operable to cause heating of the susceptor 452. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the induction heating system 450 includes an induction coil 454 and a susceptor 452.

[0159] 4, the susceptor 452 is movable relative to an induction coil 454 that is fixed relative to the receiver 40. The induction coil 454 may be attached to the housing 12.

[0160] When induction coil 454 is energized with alternating current, as described herein, the resulting varying magnetic field heats susceptor 452. Susceptor 452 can then be used to heat one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material of article 100 when device 10 is in use and article 100 is received in receiver 40.

[0161] In the embodiment of the aerosol delivery system shown in FIG. 4, article 100 is provided with a tipping element 120, which allows a user to inhale the aerosol generated by device 10. However, it will be understood that device 10 may alternatively be provided with a tipping element as described herein. Like the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 shown in FIG. 4 includes an air inlet 30. A user inserts article 100 into receptacle 40 of non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 through an opening in housing 12, according to the examples described herein. In other embodiments of the device, a lid may be provided to cover receptacle 40 to prevent user access and to allow an article to be inserted into receptacle 40.

[0162] 4, the receptacle 40 is shaped and arranged to receive an elongated article 100 and is open at one end to allow the article 100 to be inserted into the receptacle 40. It will be appreciated that the receptacle 40 may be shaped and arranged to receive an article 100 of other shapes as described herein.

[0163] In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the induction coil 454 of the induction heating system 450 is coiled or wound around the susceptor 452. In other examples, as described further below, the induction coil 454 may be coiled inside the susceptor 452. In certain examples, the susceptor 452 may have an elongated tubular shape. The susceptor 452 may be a hollow tube. The tubular shape may allow for the reception of an elongated article 100 within the susceptor 452 when the article 100 is received in the receiver, as shown in FIG. 4 . The susceptor 452 may have, for example, a cylindrical tubular shape. The induction coil 454 may also have an elongated tubular shape corresponding to the susceptor 452, for example, a cylindrical tubular shape. In FIG. 4 , the susceptor 452 and the induction coil 454 are shown in cross section through the axis of the tubular coil 454.

[0164] In this embodiment, the induction coil 454 extends along substantially the entire length of the receiver 40. Thus, in this example, when the article 100 is received in the receiver 40, the induction coil 454 extends substantially along the entire length of the article 100. In certain embodiments, the induction coil 454 may extend along only a portion of the length of the receiver 40. This may be the case, for example, in examples where the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 is configured to accommodate an article 100 in which only a portion of the article 100 supports or includes an aerosol-generating material. For example, the article 100 may include a handling feature that occupies a portion of the volume of the article 100 and, therefore, occupies a corresponding portion of the volume of the receiver 40 when the article 100 is received in the receiver 40. Thus, in some examples, the induction coil 454 may extend along only a portion of the length of the receiver 40 or may cover only a portion.

[0165] 4, the induction coil 454 is disposed outside the receiving portion 40. In other examples, the induction coil 454 may be disposed inside the receiving portion 40. In the example of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device shown in FIG. 4, the susceptor 452 is disposed inside the induction coil 454. In other words, the susceptor 452 may be disposed radially inside the induction coil 454. For example, the induction coil 454 is coiled or wound into a substantially cylindrical shape, and the radial direction is relatively defined by the cylindrical shape of the induction coil 454. In other examples, the susceptor 452 may be disposed outside the induction coil 454, for example, radially outward from the induction coil 454.

[0166] 4 , the susceptor 452 is movable in the direction of arrow M along at least a portion of the length of the receiver 40. Thus, when the article 100 is received in the receiver 40, the susceptor 452 is movable along at least a portion of the length of the article 100. In this manner, the susceptor 452 can be moved back and forth along the length of the article 100, such that one or more selected portions of the aerosol-generating material can be heated by the susceptor 452 by positioning the susceptor 452 adjacent to the respective portions of the aerosol-generating material and activating the induction heating system 450.

[0167] 4 may include a selector 70. The selector 70 is operable to select one or more portions of aerosol-generating material from the article 100 for heating by the susceptor 452, as described herein.

[0168] In certain embodiments, device 10 may include a controller 80. Controller 80 may be connected to other components of device 10 by circuitry 82. For example, controller 80 may be connected via circuitry 82 to a power unit 84 to provide power to device 10. Circuitry 82 may also connect controller 80 and / or power unit 84 to induction heating system 450. For example, induction coil 454 may be connected to controller 80 and power unit 84.

[0169] In certain embodiments, the controller 80 may include the selector 70. In certain embodiments, the selector 70 may be separate from the controller 80. For example, the selector 70 may be a user interface, such as a switch or a touchscreen, through which a user can select one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material for heating by the susceptor 452. In some examples, the selector 70 may be connected to the controller, for example, via circuitry 82.

[0170] The device 10 may include an actuator 90 operable to drive the movement of the susceptor 452. In certain embodiments, the actuator 90 may be a linear actuator for driving the translation of the susceptor 452 along the length of the receiver 40, and thus along the length of the article 100. For example, the actuator 90 may comprise a lead screw 92, with the susceptor 452 attached to a lead nut attached to the lead screw 92. In certain embodiments, the actuator 90 may be a rotary actuator for driving the rotation of the susceptor 452 about the receiver 40, and thus about the exterior of the article 100.

[0171] It will be appreciated that other actuators can be used to drive the movement of the susceptor 452. For example, a push-pull actuator, such as a rigid belt, a chain drive, or a magnetic drive, can be used to drive the movement of the susceptor 452.

[0172]

[0172] In the example shown in Figure 4, the lead screw 92 of the actuator 90 is located inside the receiving part 40. However, it will be understood that the lead screw 92 may also be located outside the receiving part (inside the housing 12), as shown in Figure 5.

[0173]

[0173] The actuator 90 may be connected to the controller 80 via circuitry 82 so that the controller 80 can control the movement of the susceptor 452 relative to the receiver 40.

[0174] Another exemplary embodiment of a system 1 including a non-combustion aerosol-delivery device 10 for generating an aerosol from an article 100 comprising an aerosol-generating material is shown in FIG. 5 . The aerosol-generating material may be stored in an aerosol-generating material storage area 102. In this embodiment, the heating system includes an induction heating system 550. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the heating system includes a susceptor 552 that can be heated by induction heating as described herein. The induction heating system 550 is operable to cause heating of the susceptor 552. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the heating system includes an induction coil 554. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the induction heating system 550 includes the induction coil 554 and the susceptor 552.

[0175] In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the susceptor 552 is movable relative to the receiver 40. In certain embodiments, the induction coil 554 is movable relative to the receiver 40 and can move in conjunction with the susceptor 552. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the susceptor 554 and the induction coil 554 are fixed relative to each other. Thus, as the susceptor 552 moves relative to the receiver, the induction coil 554 moves with the susceptor. This configuration may require a smaller induction coil, allowing for a lighter and / or smaller device, since the coil size need only be substantially matched to the size of the susceptor 552. This configuration may also allow for more efficient use of energy, since the induction coil 554 and the susceptor 552 can be positioned closely together, allowing for efficient use of space.

[0176] When induction coil 554 is energized with alternating current, as described herein, the resulting varying magnetic field heats susceptor 552. Susceptor 552 can then be used to heat one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material of article 100 when device 10 is in use and article 100 is received in receiver 40.

[0177] In the embodiment of the aerosol delivery system 1 shown in FIG. 5 , the article 100 is provided with a tipping element 120, which allows a user to inhale the aerosol generated by the device 10. However, it will be understood that the device 10 may alternatively be provided with a tipping element as described herein. Like the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 shown in FIG. 5 includes an air inlet 30. A user inserts the article 100 into the receptacle 40 of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 through an opening in the housing 12, according to the examples described herein. In other embodiments of the device, a lid may be provided to cover the receptacle 40 to prevent user access and to allow the article 100 to be inserted into the receptacle 40.

[0178] 5, the receptacle 40 is shaped and arranged to receive an elongated article 100 and is open at one end to allow the article 100 to be inserted into the receptacle 40. It will be appreciated that the receptacle 40 may be shaped and arranged to receive an article 100 of other shapes as described herein.

[0179] In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the induction coil 554 of the induction heating system 550 is coiled or wound around the susceptor 552. In other examples, the induction coil 554 may be coiled inside the susceptor 552. In certain examples, the susceptor 552 may have an elongated tubular shape. The susceptor 552 may be a hollow tube. The tubular shape may allow for the reception of an elongated article within the susceptor 552 when the article 100 is received in the receiver 40, as shown in FIG. 5 . The susceptor 552 may have, for example, a cylindrical tubular shape. The induction coil 554 may also have an elongated tubular shape corresponding to the susceptor 552, for example, a cylindrical tubular shape. In FIG. 5 , the susceptor 552 and the induction coil 554 are shown in cross section through the axis of the tubular coil 554 and / or the susceptor 552.

[0180] In this embodiment, the induction coil 554 extends substantially only along the length of the susceptor 552. Thus, in this example, when the article 100 is received in the receiver 40, the induction coil 554 extends substantially along the portion of the length of the article 100 that corresponds to the portion of the aerosol-generating material that is to be heated.

[0181] In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the induction coil 554 is disposed outside the receiving portion 40. In other examples, the induction coil 554 may be disposed inside the receiving portion 40, for example, directly adjacent to the susceptor 552. In the example of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 shown in FIG. 5 , the susceptor 552 is disposed inside the induction coil 554. In other words, the susceptor 552 may be disposed radially inward of the induction coil 554. For example, the induction coil 554 is coiled or wound into a substantially cylindrical shape, and the radial direction is relatively defined by the cylindrical shape of the induction coil 554. In other examples, the susceptor 552 may be disposed outside the induction coil 554, for example, radially outward of the induction coil 554.

[0182] 5 , the susceptor 552 is movable in the direction of arrow M along at least a portion of the length of the receiver 40. Thus, when the article 100 is received in the receiver 40, the susceptor 552 and the induction coil 554 are movable along at least a portion of the length of the article 100. In this manner, the susceptor 552 can be moved back and forth along the length of the article 100, such that one or more selected portions of the aerosol-generating material can be heated by the susceptor 552 by positioning the susceptor 552 adjacent to the respective portions of the aerosol-generating material and activating the induction heating system 550.

[0183] 5 may include a selector 70. The selector 70 is operable to select one or more portions of aerosol-generating material from the article 100 for heating by the susceptor 552, as described herein.

[0184] In certain embodiments, device 10 may include a controller 80. Controller 80 may be connected to other components of device 10 by circuitry 82. For example, controller 80 may be connected via circuitry 82 to a power unit 84 to provide power to device 10. Circuitry 82 may also connect controller 80 and / or power unit 84 to induction heating system 550. For example, induction coil 554 may be connected to controller 80 and power unit 84.

[0185] In certain embodiments, the controller 80 may include a selector 70. In certain embodiments, the selector 70 may be separate from the controller 80. For example, the selector 70 may be a user interface, such as a switch or a touchscreen, through which a user can select one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material for heating by the susceptor 552. In some examples, the selector 70 may be connected to the controller, for example, via circuitry 82.

[0186] The device 10 may include an actuator 90 operable to drive the movement of the susceptor 552 and the induction coil 554. In certain embodiments, the actuator 90 may be a linear actuator for driving the translation of the susceptor 552 and the induction coil 554 along the length of the receiver 40, and thus along the length of the article 100. For example, the actuator 90 may comprise a lead screw 92, with the susceptor 552 and the induction coil 554 attached to a lead nut attached to the lead screw 92. In certain embodiments, the actuator 90 may be a rotary actuator for driving the rotation of the susceptor 552 and / or the induction coil 554 about the receiver 40, and thus about the outside of the article 100.

[0187] It will be appreciated that other actuators can be used to drive the movement of the susceptor 552 and / or the induction coil 554. For example, a push-pull actuator, such as a rigid belt, a chain drive, or a magnetic drive, can be used to drive the movement of the susceptor 552 and / or the induction coil 554.

[0188]

[0188] In the example shown in Figure 5, the lead screw 92 of the actuator 90 is located outside the receiving part 40. However, it will be understood that the lead screw 92 may also be located inside the receiving part, for example as shown in Figure 4.

[0189]

[0189] The actuator 90 may be connected to the controller 80 via the circuitry 82 so that the controller 80 can control the movement of the susceptor 552 and / or the induction coil 554 relative to the receiver 40.

[0190] Another exemplary embodiment of a system 1 including a non-combustion aerosol-delivery device 10 for generating an aerosol from an article 100 comprising an aerosol-generating material is shown in FIG. 6. The aerosol-generating material may be stored in an aerosol-generating material storage area 102. In this embodiment, the heating system includes an induction heating system 650. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the heating system includes an induction coil 654. The induction heating system 650 is operable to cause heating of a susceptor 652. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the induction heating system 650 includes the induction coil 654 and the susceptor 652.

[0191] In the embodiment of FIG. 6 , the induction coil 554 is movable relative to the receiver 40. The susceptor 652 is fixed relative to the receiver 40. Thus, in certain examples, the induction coil 554 is movable relative to the susceptor 652. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , the susceptor 652 is part of the device 10 and may be mounted, for example, within the housing 12 or within the receiver 40. This configuration may allow for a smaller induction coil, enabling a lighter device, because the size of the coil need only be substantially matched to the size of the area or portion of the susceptor 652 that needs to be heated to heat each portion of the aerosol-generating material. This configuration may also allow for more efficient use of energy, because the induction coil 654 and the susceptor 652 can be positioned closely together, making efficient use of space. In some examples, the susceptor 652 may be formed from multiple segments that are insulated from each other so that when one segment of the susceptor 652 is heated by the induction heating system 650, there is no heat loss to an adjacent segment of the susceptor 652. In this way, efficient use of energy can be further improved.

[0192] When induction coil 654 is energized with alternating current, as described herein, the resulting varying magnetic field heats susceptor 652. Susceptor 652 can then be used to heat one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material of article 100 when device 10 is in use and article 100 is received in receiver 40.

[0193] In the embodiment of the aerosol delivery system 1 shown in FIG. 6, the article 100 is provided with a tipping element 120, which allows a user to inhale the aerosol generated by the device 10. However, it will be understood that the device 10 may alternatively be provided with a tipping element as described herein. Like the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 shown in FIG. 5 includes an air inlet 30. A user inserts the article 100 into the receptacle 40 of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 through an opening in the housing 12, according to the examples described herein. In other embodiments of the device, a lid may be provided that covers the receptacle 40 to prevent user access and allows the article 100 to be inserted into the receptacle 40.

[0194] 6, the receptacle 40 is shaped and arranged to receive an elongated article 100 and is open at one end to allow the article 100 to be inserted into the receptacle 40. It will be appreciated that the receptacle 40 may be shaped and arranged to receive an article 100 of other shapes as described herein.

[0195] In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the induction coil 654 of the induction heating system 550 is coiled or wound around the susceptor 652. In other examples, the induction coil 654 may be coiled inside the susceptor 652. In certain examples, the susceptor 652 may have an elongated tubular shape. The susceptor 652 may be a hollow tube. The tubular shape may allow for the reception of an elongated article within the susceptor 652 when the article 100 is received in the receiver 40, as shown in FIG. 5 . The susceptor 652 may have, for example, a cylindrical tubular shape. The induction coil 654 may also have an elongated tubular shape corresponding to the susceptor 652, for example, a cylindrical tubular shape. In FIG. 6 , the susceptor 652 and the induction coil 654 are shown in cross section through the axis of the tubular coil 654 and / or the susceptor 652.

[0196] In this embodiment, the induction coil 654 extends along only a portion of the length of the susceptor 652. Thus, in this example, when the article 100 is received in the receiver 40, the induction coil 654 extends substantially along the portion of the length of the article 100 that corresponds to the portion of the aerosol-generating material that is to be heated.

[0197] In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the induction coil 654 is disposed outside the receiving portion 40. In other examples, the induction coil 654 may be disposed inside the receiving portion 40, for example, directly adjacent to the susceptor 652. In the example of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 shown in FIG. 6 , the susceptor 652 is disposed inside the induction coil 654. In other words, the susceptor 652 may be disposed radially inside the induction coil 654. For example, the induction coil 654 is coiled or wound into a substantially cylindrical shape, and the radial direction is relatively defined by the cylindrical shape of the induction coil 654. In other examples, the susceptor 652 may be disposed outside the induction coil 654, for example, radially outward of the induction coil 654.

[0198] 6 , the induction coil 654 is movable in the direction of arrow M along at least a portion of the length of the receiver 40. Thus, when the article 100 is received in the receiver 40, the induction coil 654 is movable along at least a portion of the length of the article 100. In this manner, the induction coil 654 can be moved back and forth along the length of the article 100, such that one or more selected portions of the aerosol-generating material can be heated by the susceptor 652 by positioning the induction coil 654 proximate respective portions of the susceptor 652 corresponding to the selected one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material and activating the induction heating system 650.

[0199] 6 may include a selector 70. The selector 70 is operable to select one or more portions of aerosol-generating material from the article 100 for heating by the susceptor 652, as described herein.

[0200] In certain embodiments, device 10 may include a controller 80. Controller 80 may be connected to other components of device 10 by circuitry 82. For example, controller 80 may be connected via circuitry 82 to a power unit 84 to provide power to device 10. Circuitry 82 may also connect controller 80 and / or power unit 84 to induction heating system 650. For example, induction coil 654 may be connected to controller 80 and power unit 84.

[0201]

[0201] In certain embodiments, the controller 80 may include a selector 70. In certain embodiments, the selector 70 may be separate from the controller 80. For example, the selector 70 may be a user interface, such as a switch or a touchscreen, through which a user can select one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material for heating by the susceptor 652. In some examples, the selector 70 may be connected to the controller, for example, via circuitry 82.

[0202]

[0202] Device 10 may include an actuator 90 operable to drive movement of induction coil 654. In certain embodiments, actuator 90 may be a linear actuator for driving translation of induction coil 654 along the length of receiver 40, and thus along the length of article 100. For example, actuator 90 may comprise a lead screw 92, with induction coil 654 attached to a lead nut attached to lead screw 92. In certain embodiments, actuator 90 may be a rotary actuator for driving rotation of induction coil 654 around receiver 40, and thus around the outside of article 100.

[0203] It will be appreciated that other actuators can be used to drive the movement of the induction coil 654. For example, a push-pull actuator, such as a rigid belt, a chain drive, or a magnetic drive, can be used to drive the movement of the induction coil 654.

[0204]

[0204] In the example shown in Figure 6, the lead screw 92 of the actuator 90 is located outside the receiving part 40. However, it will be understood that the lead screw 92 may also be located inside the receiving part, for example as shown in Figure 4.

[0205]

[0205] The actuator 90 may be connected to the controller 80 via circuitry 82 so that the controller 80 can control the movement of the induction coil 654 relative to the receiving part 40.

[0206] Another embodiment of an aerosol delivery system 1 including a non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 for generating an aerosol from an article 100 comprising an aerosol-generating material is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B . In this embodiment, the heating system includes an induction heating system 750. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the heating system includes at least one induction coil 754. The induction heating system 650 is operable to cause heating of at least one susceptor 752. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B , the aerosol delivery system 1 may include an induction heating system 850 including at least one induction coil 754 and at least one susceptor 752. In certain embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 10 may include an induction heating system 850 including at least one induction coil 754, and the article 100 may include at least one susceptor 752.

[0207] 7A and 7B schematically illustrate an arrangement between the article 100, at least one induction coil 754, and at least one susceptor 752. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the induction coil 754 is movable relative to the receiver 40, which is not shown. The at least one susceptor 752 is fixed relative to the receiver 40 when the article 100 is received in the receiver 40. Thus, in certain examples, the induction coil 554 is movable relative to the susceptor 752. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the at least one susceptor 752 is part of the article 100 and may be fixed relative to the receiver 40 and / or the housing 12, for example, when the article 100 is received in the receiver 40.

[0208] 7A shows one possible example of an article 100 comprising an aerosol-generating material. In this case, the article comprises a plurality of individual portions 102 of aerosol-generating material. In the illustrated example, the individual portions 102 are disposed on a support 110 to form a substrate. The substrate may also include at least one susceptor 752. For example, the substrate may comprise a plurality of susceptors 752, each associated with one of the individual portions 102 of the plurality of portions of aerosol-generating material. In certain embodiments, each susceptor 752 of the plurality of susceptors 752 may be associated with one or more of the individual portions 102 of the plurality of portions of aerosol-generating material.

[0209] In the illustrated example, each susceptor 752 is positioned between a respective one of the individual portions 102 of aerosol-generating material and the support 110. In other examples, each susceptor 752 may be positioned at other locations relative to a respective one of the individual portions 102. For example, each susceptor 752 may be positioned on the opposite side of the support 110 from a respective one of the individual portions 102. In such examples, each susceptor 752 may be aligned with a respective one of the individual portions 102, for example, by being located underneath the respective one of the individual portions 102. In certain embodiments, each susceptor 752 may be sized to cover substantially the same area as the support 110. The susceptor 752 may be any material as described herein, for example, a foil such as aluminum foil. In other examples, each susceptor 752 may be positioned within or inside a respective one of the individual portions 102 of aerosol-generating material. For example, each susceptor 752 may comprise a heatable material as described herein mixed with a discrete portion 102 of aerosol-generating material.

[0210] 7A, the individual portions 102 are arranged in two rows of individual portions 102. However, it will be appreciated that any number of rows, columns, or patterns of individual portions 102 may be arranged on the support 110.

[0211] When the induction coil 754 is energized by an alternating current, the resulting varying magnetic field heats at least one susceptor 752 that is suitably positioned to be heated by a heating system, as described herein. The at least one susceptor 752 can then be used to heat one or more of the discrete portions 102 of aerosol-generating material of the article 100 when the device 10 is in use and the article 100 is received in the receiver 40.

[0212] When the at least one induction coil 754 is moved relative to the receiver 40 and / or housing 12, the at least one induction coil 754 can be used to heat different discrete portions 102 of the aerosol-generating material. In certain examples, as shown in FIG. 7A , the article 100 may be flat or generally flat in shape. The article 100 may be rectangular in shape and have a length L, as shown in FIG. 7A . The induction coil 754 may be movable along at least a portion of the length of the article 100. When the article 100 is received in the receiver 40, the at least one induction coil 754 may be movable in the length direction L shown in FIG. 7A . Thus, the at least one induction coil 754 can be moved along the length of the article 100 to a position where one or more selected discrete portions 102 of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating material can be heated by the heating system. For example, at least one induction coil 754 may be positioned in proximity to each susceptor 752 corresponding to one or more selected individual portions 102 of the aerosol-generating material, and then the induction heating system 750 may be activated.

[0213] This configuration can allow for the delivery of a selected amount, a particular fragrance, an active, or any desired combination thereof to a user. For example, if one individual portion 102 of aerosol-generating material comprises a fragrance and an immediately adjacent individual portion 102 of aerosol-generating material comprises an active or a different fragrance, when at least one induction coil 754 is activated, the two adjacent individual portions 102 can generate and deliver a combined aerosol to a user. In this manner, articles 100 can be provided and used in device 10 to provide a variety of different aerosol combinations to a user. For example, a single article 100 may provide different fragrance combinations for a user to experience upon use.

[0214]

[0214] This configuration can also allow for more efficient use of energy since the induction coil 754 and susceptor 752 can be placed closely together to efficiently use space. Additionally, the susceptor 752 can be made very small, generally minimizing material waste and reducing waste to be disposed of.

[0215] In the example shown in FIG. 7B6, the induction coil 754 of the induction heating system 550 is coiled or wrapped around the at least one susceptor 752. In FIG. 7B, the article 100 is schematically shown positioned with its end facing inward of the induction coil 754 when received in the receiver 40 (not shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B). In the example shown in FIG. 7B, the at least one induction coil 754 takes the form of a flattened tube. In certain examples, the at least one induction coil 754 may have an elongated, flattened tubular shape. In this manner, the at least one induction coil 754 has a shape corresponding to the flat article 100. This allows for efficient transfer of energy to the at least one susceptor 752 during induction heating. The at least one induction coil 754 may have other suitable shapes, such as, for example, an oval, an elliptical, or a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0216] In certain embodiments, the induction coil 754 may extend along only a portion of the article 100. Thus, in this example, when the article 100 is received in the receptacle 40, the induction coil 754 extends substantially along the portion of the length of the article 100 that corresponds to the discrete portion 102 of aerosol-generating material to be heated.

[0217] As with other examples described herein, the induction coil 754 may be positioned inside or outside the receptacle 40. In the example of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 shown in FIG. 7, the article 100 is positioned inside the induction coil 754 when the article 100 is received in the receptacle 40. In other examples, the article 100 may be positioned outside the induction coil 754 when the article 100 is received in the receptacle 40, for example, by taking the form of a hollow tube that fits snugly over the induction coil 754 of the device 10.

[0218]

[0218] As with other examples described herein, in the embodiment of the aerosol delivery system 1 shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the device 10 may be provided with any of the features described, such as a mouthpiece element, an air inlet, or a lid.

[0219] 7A and 7B may include a selector 70. The selector 70 is operable to select one or more discrete portions 102 of aerosol-generating material from the article 100 for heating by the heating system, as described herein. In certain embodiments, the device 10 may include a controller 80. The controller 80 may be connected to the other components of the device 10 by circuitry in the same manner as described for other examples described herein. Circuitry may also connect the controller 80 and / or the power unit 84 to the induction heating system 750. For example, the induction coil 754 may be connected to the controller 80 and the power unit 84. In certain embodiments, the controller 80 may comprise the selector 70. In certain embodiments, the selector 70 may be separate from the controller 80.

[0220] As with other examples described herein, device 10 may include an actuator 90 operable to drive movement of induction coil 754. In certain embodiments, actuator 90 may be a linear actuator for driving translation of induction coil 754 along the length of receiver 40, and thus along the length of article 100. In certain embodiments, actuator 90 may be a rotary actuator for driving rotation of induction coil 754 around receiver 40, and thus around the outside of article 100.

[0221] Another embodiment of an aerosol delivery system 1 including a non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 for generating an aerosol from an article 100 including an aerosol-generating material is shown in Figure 8. In this embodiment of the system, the article 100 includes at least a portion of a heating system, and the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 includes other components of the heating system that cooperate with at least a portion of the heating system. The aerosol-generating material may be stored in an aerosol-generating material storage area 102 of the article 100.

[0222] In this embodiment, the heating system includes an induction heating system 850. The induction heating system 850 is operable to cause heating of the susceptor 852. In this embodiment, the susceptor 852 can be heated by induction heating as described herein. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the induction heating system 850 includes an induction coil 854. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the susceptor 852 is movable relative to the induction coil 854, which is fixed relative to the receiver 40. The induction coil 854 can be attached to the housing 12. An aerosol-generating material storage area 100 for storing the aerosol-generating material can be disposed proximate to the susceptor 852.

[0223] When induction coil 854 is energized with alternating current, the resulting varying magnetic field heats susceptor 852 of article 100, as described herein. Susceptor 852 can then be used to heat one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material of article 100 when device 10 is in use and article 100 is received in receptacle 40.

[0224]

[0224] In the embodiment of the aerosol delivery system shown in Figure 8, the device 10 is provided with a tipping element 20 through which a user can inhale the aerosol generated by the device 10. However, it will be appreciated that the article 100 may alternatively be provided with a tipping element as described herein.

[0225] 1 and 2, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 shown in FIG. 8 includes an air inlet 30. A user inserts an article 100 into the receptacle 40 of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 through an opening in the housing 12, according to the examples described herein. For example, in this example, the mouthpiece 20 may function as a lid that covers the receptacle 40 to prevent access by the user and also allows the article 100 to be inserted into the receptacle 40.

[0226] 8, the receiver 40 is shaped and arranged to receive an elongated article 100 and is open at one end to allow the article 100 to be inserted into the receiver 40. It will be understood that the receiver 40 may be shaped and arranged to receive articles 100 of other shapes as described herein. The article 100 may include an engagement element 104 that mechanically engages a feature of the receiver 40 to enable the transmission of a motive force to one or more components of the article 100.

[0227] 8 , the induction coil 854 of the induction heating system 850 is coiled or wrapped around the susceptor 852 when the article 100 is received in the receiver 40. In other examples, the induction coil 854 may be coiled inside the susceptor 852 when the article 100 is received in the receiver 40. For example, the article 100 may have a tubular shape that fits snugly over a spigot in the receiver. The spigot may include the induction coil 854, for example.

[0228]

[0228] In certain examples, the susceptor 852 may take the form of a plate or flat element. In other examples, the susceptor 852 may be a hollow tube. The induction coil 854 may also have an elongated tubular shape, such as a cylindrical tubular shape, surrounding the susceptor 852. In Figure 8, the induction coil 854 is shown in cross section through the axis of the tubular coil 854.

[0229]

[0229] In this embodiment, induction coil 854 extends along a portion of the length of receptacle 40. Thus, in this example, induction coil 854 extends along a portion of the length of article 100 when article 100 is received in receptacle 40. In this example, non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 is configured to accommodate article 100, with only a portion of article 100 supporting or containing aerosol-forming material, such as aerosol-forming material storage region 102. In this example, article 100 accommodates engaging element 104, which occupies a portion of the volume of article 100 and, therefore, a corresponding portion of the volume of receptacle 40 when article 100 is received in receptacle 40.

[0230] 8, the induction coil 854 is disposed outside the receiving portion 40. In other examples, the induction coil 854 may be disposed inside the receiving portion 40. In the example of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 10 shown in FIG. 8, the susceptor 852 is disposed inside the induction coil 454. In other words, the susceptor 852 may be disposed radially inside the induction coil 854. For example, the induction coil 854 is coiled or wound into a substantially cylindrical shape, and the radial direction is relatively defined by the cylindrical shape of the induction coil 454. In other examples, the susceptor 852 may be disposed outside the induction coil 854, for example, radially outward from the induction coil 854.

[0231] 8 , the susceptor 852 is movable in the direction of arrow M along at least a portion of the length of the receiver 40. Thus, when the article 100 is received in the receiver 40, the susceptor 852 is movable along at least a portion of the length of the article 100. In this manner, the susceptor 852 can be moved back and forth along the length of the article 100, such that one or more selected portions of the aerosol-generating material can be heated by the susceptor 852 by positioning the susceptor 852 adjacent to the respective portions of the aerosol-generating material and activating the induction heating system 850.

[0232] 4 may include a selector 70. The selector 70 is operable to select one or more portions of aerosol-generating material from the article 100 for heating by the susceptor 852, as described herein.

[0233] In certain embodiments, device 10 may include a controller 80. Controller 80 may be connected to other components of device 10 by circuitry 82. For example, controller 80 may be connected via circuitry 82 to a power unit 84 to provide power to device 10. Circuitry 82 may also connect controller 80 and / or power unit 84 to induction heating system 850. For example, induction coil 854 may be connected to controller 80 and power unit 84.

[0234]

[0234] In certain embodiments, controller 80 may include selector 70. In certain embodiments, selector 70 may be separate from controller 80. For example, selector 70 may be a user interface, such as a switch or a touchscreen, through which a user can select one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material for heating by susceptor 852. In some examples, selector 70 may be connected to the controller, for example, via circuitry 82.

[0235] The device 10 may include an actuator 90 operable to drive the movement of the susceptor 852. In certain embodiments, the actuator 90 may be a linear actuator for driving the translation of the susceptor 852 along the length of the receiver 40, and thus along the length of the article 100. In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the actuator 90 may include a worm gear 94 that engages with an engagement element 104 on the article 100 when the article 100 is received in the receiver 40. Thus, the actuator 90 may be described as having components on both the article 100 and the device 10. For example, the engagement element 104 may include a gear driven by the worm gear 94. In the illustrated example, the gear may function as a drive to push or pull a rigid belt 106 that functions to translate the susceptor 852 back and forth in the direction of arrow M.

[0236] It will be appreciated that other actuators can be used to drive the movement of the susceptor 852. For example, a rotary actuator or a magnetic drive can be used to drive the movement of the susceptor 852.

[0237]

[0237] The actuator 90 may be connected to the controller 80 via the circuitry 82 so that the controller 80 can control the movement of the susceptor 852 relative to the receiver 40.

[0238] Any of the embodiments of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device described herein may be provided to a user as an aerosol delivery system that includes at least one item for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery system may include multiple similar items for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0239] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as merely representative examples of embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive of all embodiments. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or their equivalents, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future. [Item of invention] [Item 1] 1. A non-combustion aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an article comprising an aerosol-forming material, comprising: a receiving portion for receiving the article in use; a heating system for heating the aerosol-forming material when the article is received in the receptacle, wherein at least a portion of the heating system and the receptacle are movable relative to one another; a selector operable to select one or more portions of the aerosol-forming material from the plurality of portions of the aerosol-forming material for heating by the heating system; a controller configured to move the at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receptacle to a position such that, in use, the one or more portions of the aerosol-forming material are heatable by the heating system; A non-combustion aerosol delivery device comprising: [Item 2] Item 1, a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, wherein at least a portion of the heating system is rotatable relative to the receiver around a first axis of the receiver. [Item 3] 3. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the heating system is translatable relative to the receiving portion in the direction of a second axis of the receiving portion. [Item 4] 4. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the at least one portion of the heating system comprises a plurality of portions of the heating system, each of the portions of the heating system being movable relative to the receiver in use to heat a different portion of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-forming material. [Item 5] 5. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the controller is configured to cause at least a portion of the heating system to heat the portions of the aerosol-forming material in a non-sequential order. [Item 6] 6. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the heating system comprises a resistive heating system, and the at least one portion is an electrical resistive heater. [Item 7] 6. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the heating system comprises an induction heating system. [Item 8] 8. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of claim 7, wherein the induction heating system comprises a susceptor and an induction coil operable to cause heating of the susceptor in use. [Item 9] 9. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of claim 8, wherein the at least one portion comprises the susceptor, and the induction coil is fixed in position relative to the receiving portion. [Item 10] 9. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of claim 8, wherein the at least one portion comprises the susceptor and the induction coil. [Item 11] Item 11. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device according to item 10, wherein the induction coil is movable relative to the susceptor. [Item 12] 9. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of claim 8, wherein the at least one portion comprises the induction coil, and the susceptor is fixed relative to the receiving portion. [Item 13] 13. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device according to any one of items 7 to 12, wherein the susceptor is disposed radially inside the induction coil. [Item 14] 1. A non-combustion aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an article comprising an aerosol-forming material, comprising: a receiving portion for receiving the article in use; an induction heating system for causing heating of the aerosol-generating material when the article is received in the receptacle, the induction heating system comprising at least one of a susceptor and an induction coil; Equipped with A non-combustion aerosol delivery device, wherein, in use, at least one of the susceptor and the induction coil is movable relative to the receiving portion so that at least one portion of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating material can be heated by the induction heating system. [Item 15] Item 15. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device according to item 14, wherein the susceptor and the induction coil are movable relative to the receiving portion. [Item 16] Item 16. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device according to item 15, wherein the induction coil is movable relative to the susceptor. [Item 17] Item 15. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of item 14, wherein the induction coil is movable relative to the receiving portion. [Item 18] Item 18. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of item 17, wherein the induction heating system comprises the susceptor, and the susceptor is fixed in position relative to the receiving portion. [Item 19] 19. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device according to any one of items 14 to 18, wherein the susceptor is disposed radially inside the induction coil. [Item 20] 20. An aerosol delivery system comprising the non-combustion aerosol delivery device of any one of items 1 to 19 and at least one article comprising an aerosol-generating material, wherein the at least one article has a shape and size that can be received within the receptacle. [Item 21] Not specified. [Item 22] 1. An aerosol delivery system comprising: a non-combustion aerosol delivery device; an article comprising an aerosol-generating material; and an induction heating system comprising at least one susceptor and at least one induction coil operable in use to cause heating of the susceptor, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device comprises a receptacle for receiving the article in use, the article being shaped and sized to be received within the receptacle; the non-combustion aerosol delivery device comprises the at least one induction coil, and the at least one induction coil and the receiving portion are relatively movable; The aerosol delivery system, wherein the article comprises the at least one susceptor. [Item 23] 23. The aerosol delivery system of claim 22, wherein the at least one susceptor comprises a plurality of susceptors, each of the susceptors being associated with one or more individual portions of the plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating material. [Item 24] 24. The aerosol delivery system of claim 22 or 23, wherein the article has a flat shape and the at least one induction coil has a flattened tubular shape. [Item 25] 1. A method for heating an aerosol-forming material, comprising: receiving an article comprising an aerosol-forming material in a receptacle of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, the device comprising a heating system for heating the aerosol-forming material; selecting one or more portions of the aerosol-forming material from the plurality of portions of the aerosol-forming material for heating by the heating system; moving at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receptacle to a position such that the one or more portions of the aerosol-forming material are heatable by the heating system; heating the one or more portions of the aerosol-forming material using the heating system; A method comprising: [Item 26] 26. The method of claim 25, comprising moving the at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receiver to a position such that a second portion of the aerosol-forming material is heatable by the heating system. [Item 27] 27. The method of claim 26, comprising the steps of: reselecting the one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material for heating by the heating system; moving at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receiver to a position such that the one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material are heatable by the heating system; and reheating the one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material using the heating system.

Claims

1. A non-combustion aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, A receiving portion for receiving the aforementioned article during use, A heating system for heating the aerosol-generating material when the article is received in the receiving portion, wherein at least a portion of the heating system and the receiving portion are relatively movable. A selector that can be operated to select one or more portions of the aerosol generating material from a plurality of portions of the aerosol generating material for heating by the heating system, A controller configured to move at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receiving portion to a position in which one or more portions of the aerosol generating material can be heated by the heating system during use, and Equipped with, A non-combustion aerosol supply device wherein at least one part of the heating system comprises a plurality of separate parts of the heating system, and each of the parts of the heating system is movable relative to the receiving part to heat a different part of the plurality of parts of the aerosol generating material during use.

2. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the heating system is rotatable with respect to the receiving portion about a first axis of the receiving portion.

3. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the heating system is translatable relative to the receiving portion in the direction of the second axis of the receiving portion.

4. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller is configured to heat the plurality of portions of the aerosol generating material in a discontinuous order to at least a portion of the heating system.

5. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating system comprises a resistance heating system, and at least a portion of the heating system is an electric resistance heater.

6. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating system comprises an induction heating system.

7. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 6, wherein the induction heating system comprises a susceptor and an induction coil that is operable to cause heating of the susceptor when in use.

8. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the device comprises the susceptor, and the induction coil is fixed in position relative to the receiving portion.

9. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the above comprises the susceptor and the induction coil.

10. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 9, wherein the induction coil is movable in conjunction with the susceptor.

11. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the device comprises the induction coil, and the susceptor is fixed to the receiving portion.

12. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the susceptor is arranged radially inward of the induction coil.

13. A non-combustion aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, A receiving portion for receiving the aforementioned article during use, An induction heating system for causing heating of the aerosol-generating material when the article is received in the receiving portion, comprising at least one of a susceptor and an induction coil, and It is equipped with, During use, at least one of the susceptor and the induction coil is movable relative to the receiving portion so that at least one of the multiple portions of the aerosol generating material can be heated by the induction heating system. At least one of the susceptor and the induction coil comprises a plurality of separate parts, each of which is movable relative to the receiving part to heat a different part of the plurality of parts of the aerosol generating material during use. Non-combustion type aerosol supply device.

14. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 13, wherein the susceptor and the induction coil are movable relative to the receiving portion.

15. The non-combustion type aerosol supply device according to claim 14, wherein the induction coil is movable in conjunction with the susceptor.

16. The non-combustion type aerosol supply device according to claim 13, wherein the induction coil is movable relative to the receiving portion.

17. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 16, wherein the induction heating system comprises the susceptor, and the position of the susceptor is fixed with respect to the receiving portion.

18. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the susceptor is arranged radially inward of the induction coil.

19. An aerosol supply system comprising a non-combustible aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and at least one article comprising an aerosol generating material, wherein the at least one article has a shape and size that can be received in the receiving portion.

20. A method for heating an aerosol-generating material, A step of receiving an article comprising an aerosol-generating material into a receiving portion of a non-combustible aerosol supply device, wherein the device includes a heating system for heating the aerosol-generating material; The steps include selecting one or more portions of the aerosol-generating material from among a plurality of portions of the aerosol-generating material to be heated by the heating system, A step of moving at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receiving portion, wherein the at least portion of the heating system comprises a plurality of distinct parts of the heating system, and different parts of the aerosol generating material are positioned so that they can be heated by the heating system. A step of heating the different parts of the aerosol generating material among the plurality of parts using the heating system. Methods that include...

21. The method according to claim 20, comprising the step of moving at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receiving portion such that a second portion of the aerosol generating material can be heated by the heating system.

22. The method according to claim 21, comprising the steps of: re-selecting one or more portions of the aerosol generating material for heating by the heating system; moving at least a portion of the heating system relative to the receiving portion to a position such that one or more portions of the aerosol generating material can be heated by the heating system; and reheating one or more portions of the aerosol generating material using the heating system.

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