Radio frequency transmitter for powering aerosol supply devices

Abstract

The present invention provides a radio frequency transmitter and a case for the radio frequency transmitter for transmitting radio frequency signals to an aerosol supply device as part of a radio frequency charging system. [Solution] In the non-flammable aerosol supply system 30, the radio frequency transmitter 31 includes a signal generator 32 that generates a radio frequency signal, and an RF antenna 34 that transmits the generated radio frequency signal to an aerosol supply device 36 located near the radio frequency transmitter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a radio frequency transmitter, for example, a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency signal to an aerosol supply device as part of a radio frequency charging system. Background

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. For example, a tobacco heating device forms an aerosol by heating an aerosol supply substrate such as tobacco, rather than burning the substrate. The aerosol supply device may include a case such as a carrying case for holding the device when not in use. Further development in this field is still needed. Summary

[0003] In a first aspect, this specification describes a radio frequency transmitter comprising a signal generator configured to generate a radio frequency signal and an antenna configured to transmit the generated radio frequency signal to an aerosol supply device in the vicinity of the radio frequency transmitter. The radio frequency signal may be for powering the aerosol supply device. The antenna may be configured to transmit and / or receive data.

[0004] The radio frequency transmitter may further comprise a connector configured to connect to a vehicle power outlet. The connector may be configured to connect to a cigarette lighter, a USB outlet or an AC port.

[0005] The radio frequency transmitter may further include a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor) configured to detect the presence of an aerosol supply device in the vicinity of the radio frequency transmitter and to output a signal indicating the presence of the aerosol supply device for use in triggering the transmission of the radio frequency signal to the aerosol supply device in the vicinity of the radio frequency transmitter.

[0006] In a second aspect, this specification describes a lighting fixture comprising a radio frequency transmitter as described above with reference to the first aspect. The lighting fixture may further comprise a light-emitting element and means for mounting it to a surface. The lighting fixture may further comprise a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor) configured to detect the presence of an aerosol supply device in the vicinity of the radio frequency transmitter and to output a signal indicating the presence of the aerosol supply device for use in triggering the transmission of the radio frequency signal to the aerosol supply device in the vicinity of the radio frequency transmitter.

[0007] In a third aspect, this specification describes a case (e.g., a carrying case and / or charging case) comprising a radio frequency transmitter as described above with reference to the first aspect. The case may be configured to receive an aerosol supply device.

[0008] The case may include a battery, and the radio frequency transmitter may be powered by the battery.

[0009] The case may further include a case antenna for receiving radio frequency signals and a charge controller configured to charge the case's battery with power extracted from the radio frequency signals received by the case antenna. The case antenna may be formed from at least a portion of the metal casing of the case.

[0010] The case may further comprise one / its charge controller configured to charge the case's battery with power obtained from the power input. The power input may receive power from one or more of the following: a solar power generator, an induction generator, and commercial power.

[0011] The case may further include a control module configured to control charging of the aerosol supply device directly from the battery when the aerosol supply device is received inside the case. The control module may be configured to disable the radio frequency transmitter when the aerosol supply device is received inside the case.

[0012] The case may further include a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor) configured to detect the presence of an aerosol supply device in the vicinity of a radio frequency transmitter and to output a signal indicating the presence of the aerosol supply device for use in triggering the transmission of the radio frequency signal to the aerosol supply device in the vicinity of the radio frequency transmitter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] Here, an exemplary embodiment will be described as a mere example, with reference to the following schematic diagram. [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of a non-flammable aerosol supply device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of a system according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of a system according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of a radio frequency transmitter according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram of a radio frequency transmitter according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows a vehicle dashboard according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7]This figure shows a vehicle dashboard according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows a lighting fixture according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows a case for an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows the use of the system in Figure 11 according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed explanation

[0014] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass a system for delivering at least one substance to a user, and includes non-flammable aerosol supply systems that release compounds from aerosol-generating materials without burning the aerosol-generating materials, such as a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of e-cigarettes, tobacco heated products, and aerosol-generating materials.

[0015] According to this disclosure, a “flammable” aerosol supply system is a system in which, during use, the aerosol-generating material (or its components) that constitutes the aerosol supply system is burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0016] According to this disclosure, a “non-flammable” aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or their components) of the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0017] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0018] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0019] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0020] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0021] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include an aerosol-generating material and are configured to be used with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables may sometimes be referred to as articles throughout the present disclosure.

[0023] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as the non-combustible aerosol supply device, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source comprises a carbon-based substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat-transfer material in proximity to the heat-generating power source.

[0024] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a region for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0025] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0026] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Optionally, any of the materials may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0027] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes an active substance. The active substance used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, or psychostimulants. The active substance may be naturally derived or obtained synthetically. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or their components, derivatives, or combinations. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another plant substance. In one embodiment, the active substance is a legally permissible recreational drug. In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12. In some embodiments, the active substance includes, or is derived from, one or more plant substances, or their components, derivatives, or extracts, where the plant substance is tobacco. In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes a flavoring agent.

[0028] Aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating aerosols when heated, irradiated, or energized by any other means. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavoring agents.

[0029] The aerosol-generating material may be an amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a monolithic solid. The aerosol-generating material may be non-fibrous or fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dry gel. The aerosol-generating material may be a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the held fluid may be water (such as water absorbed from the surroundings of the aerosol-generating material), or the held fluid may be a solvent (such as when the aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent may be water.

[0030] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50% by weight, 60% by weight, or 70% by weight of amorphous solid, or about 90% by weight, 95% by weight, or 100% by weight of amorphous solid.

[0031] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0032] The aerosol-forming material may contain one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may contain one or more of the following: 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, a mixture of diacetins, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0033] The material may be present on or within a support to form a substrate. The support may be, for example, paper, cardboard, cardboard, reconstructive material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy, or may comprise these. In some embodiments, the support includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

[0034] Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. Consumables may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat to generate an aerosol in the aerosol-generating material during use. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a non-flammable aerosol supply device, shown as a whole and designated reference numeral 10, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] The aerosol supply device 10 comprises a battery 11, a control circuit 12, a heater 13, and consumables 14 (e.g., tobacco consumables in the form of tobacco sticks). The device also includes an antenna 15. An exemplary antenna 15 is shown located near the battery 11, but this is one of many exemplary locations. As will be described in detail below, the antenna may be used to receive radio frequency signals for use when charging the battery 11 (e.g., under the control of the control circuit 12). Furthermore, the antenna 15 may be used to transmit and / or receive data using, for example, one of several protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.).

[0037] In the use of device 10, the heater 13 is inserted into the consumable 14 so that the consumable is heated and an aerosol (and tobacco flavor in the case of a tobacco consumable) can be generated for the user. As indicated by arrow 17, when the user inhales at the end of the consumable, air is drawn into device 10 through the air inlet as indicated by arrow 16, and then passes through the consumable to deliver an aerosol (and tobacco flavor in the case of a tobacco consumable) to the user.

[0038] The aerosol supply device 10 is described merely as an example. Many alternative aerosol supply devices may be used in exemplary implementations of the principle described herein. For example, device 10 may be replaced within a vaping device in which an aerosol-generating material (e.g., a liquid) is heated to produce an aerosol. The principle of this disclosure is not limited to a specific type of aerosol supply device 10 (i.e., the aerosol supply device 10 may be configured to aerosolize a solid, liquid, or other aerosol-generating material via any suitable motorized or controller aerosol generator, such as an electrically controlled pressurized canister which may include a heater, a vibrating mesh, an irradiation source, and an electrically operated release valve).

[0039] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the system, as a whole, shown as reference numeral 20, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] System 20 comprises the battery 11, control circuit 12, heater 13 (or more commonly, aerosol generator), and antenna 15 of the aerosol supply device 10 described above. The control circuit 12 of system 20 comprises a charge controller 22 and a control module 24.

[0041] Antenna 15 may be used to receive radio frequency signals for use when charging the battery 11 (for example, under the control of control circuit 12). Furthermore, the charge controller 22 may be configured to charge the battery 11 with power extracted from the received radio frequency signals (for example, under the control of control module 24).

[0042] It should be noted that in some exemplary embodiments, the functions of the control module 24 are performed by the charge controller 22. In fact, the control module 24 may be omitted from some exemplary embodiments. As described above, the antenna 15 may also be used for transmitting and / or receiving data.

[0043] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the system, as a whole, shown by reference numeral 30, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] System 30 includes a radio frequency transmitter 31 for transmitting a radio frequency signal to an aerosol supply device 36 (such as the aerosol supply device 10 described above). The radio frequency transmitter 31 includes a signal generator 32 and an antenna 34. The signal generator 32 is configured to generate a radio frequency signal. The antenna 34 is configured to transmit the generated radio frequency signal to the aerosol supply device 36. The aerosol supply device 36 is located near the radio frequency transmitter 31 so that the radio frequency transmitter 31 can communicate wirelessly with the aerosol supply device 36.

[0045] The radio frequency signal transmitted from the radio frequency transmitter 31 to the aerosol supply device 36 is intended to provide power to the aerosol supply device 36. The aerosol supply device may operate using the power extracted from the transmitted radio frequency signal.

[0046] The radio frequency transmitter 31 may further include a sensor 35 (e.g., a proximity sensor). The sensor 35 is configured to detect the presence of an aerosol supply device (such as device 36) and to output a signal indicating the presence of the aerosol supply device for use in triggering the transmission of the radio frequency signal to the aerosol supply device in the vicinity of the radio frequency transmitter. For example, in some implementations, the sensor 35 may include a radio receiver configured to receive radio signals (such as WiFi or Bluetooth) emitted by the aerosol supply device 36 (e.g., for the purpose of establishing a communication link with system 30). A control module (not shown) may control the operation of the signal generator 32 and / or RF antenna 34 based on the output of the sensor 35.

[0047] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a radio frequency transmitter, shown collectively as reference numeral 40, according to an exemplary embodiment. The radio frequency transmitter 40 comprises the signal generator 32 and antenna 34 of the radio frequency transmitter 31 described above (and may also include a sensor 35). The radio frequency transmitter 40 further comprises a power supply 46. The power supply 46 is configured to power the operation of the signal generator 32. The power supply 46 can take many forms. For example, the power supply 46 may include a battery, a supercapacitor, a commercial power supply or an alternative power supply (such as a solar power supply or an inductive power supply), as will be further described below.

[0048] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a radio frequency transmitter, shown as a whole and referred to as reference numeral 50, according to an exemplary embodiment. The radio frequency transmitter 50 comprises the signal generator 32 and antenna 34 of the radio frequency transmitter 31 described above (and may also include a sensor 35). As described above, the signal generator 32 is configured to generate a radio frequency signal, and the antenna 34 is configured to transmit the generated radio frequency signal to an aerosol supply device located near the radio frequency transmitter. The radio frequency signal is for powering the aerosol supply device.

[0049] The radio frequency transmitter 50 further includes a connector 56 configured to connect to a vehicle power outlet. By connecting the radio frequency transmitter 50 to a vehicle power outlet, the vehicle's power supply can function as a power source to operate the signal generator 32. The vehicle power outlet connector 56 may be configured to connect to a cigarette lighter, a USB outlet, or an AC port (e.g., a 3-pin AC port). Thus, the vehicle power outlet connector 56 is an example of the power supply 46 of the system 40 described above.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a vehicle dashboard, collectively referred to as reference number 60, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0051] The vehicle dashboard 60 includes a power outlet to which the radio frequency transmitter 50 described above is connected. In this example, the radio frequency transmitter 50 (which includes a signal generator 32 configured to generate a radio frequency signal and an antenna 34 configured to transmit the generated radio frequency signal to an aerosol supply device located near the radio frequency transmitter) may be connected to the vehicle's cigarette lighter, USB outlet, or AC port. The radio frequency signal output by the radio frequency transmitter 50 is intended to power the aerosol supply device or any other device.

[0052] The antenna 34 of the radio frequency transmitter 50 may include a directional antenna that generates a directional beam 63 of the radio frequency signal. The directional antenna may be configured to direct the directional beam of the radio frequency signal to a location within the vehicle dashboard configured to store or position a device for charging, such as the aerosol supply device 36 described above. Alternatively, or additionally, the beam 63 may be adjustable in response to the location of a device for charging identified in the vicinity of the dashboard. (i.e., the radio frequency transmitter 50 may be configured to output a directional beam 63 based on first identifying the location of a device to be changed, and then generating the beam 63 by, for example, controlling one or more antennas constituting the antenna 34).

[0053] In addition to the aerosol supply device 36 described above, several other devices may be charged by the antenna beam. As an example, a mobile phone 64 placed on the vehicle dashboard 60 for charging is shown.

[0054] Figure 7 shows a vehicle dashboard, collectively referred to as reference number 70, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0055] The vehicle dashboard 70 comprises a radio frequency transmitter 50 and a charging device, including the aerosol supply device 36 and mobile phone 64 described above. In the exemplary vehicle dashboard 70, the antenna 34 is an omnidirectional antenna that broadcasts the radio frequency signal 73 in close proximity to the radio frequency transmitter 50 to charge the aerosol supply device, as well as any other device 64 that can draw power from the radio frequency signal 73. Thus, the radio frequency output of the antenna 34 differs between the vehicle dashboards 60 and 70.

[0056] A radio frequency transmitter used in combination with either the vehicle dashboard 60 or the vehicle dashboard 70 may include a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor) for detecting the presence of a device for charging in the vicinity of the radio frequency transmitter, for use in triggering the transmission of a radio frequency signal for charging.

[0057] Figure 8 is a block diagram of the system, as a whole, shown by reference numeral 80, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0058] System 80 comprises the signal generator 32, RF antenna 34, and power supply 46 of System 40 described above (and may further include a sensor 35). The antenna 34 is configured to transmit the radio frequency signal generated by the signal generator 32 to a device in the vicinity of the antenna (such as the aerosol supply device 36 described above) (for the purpose of supplying power to the device). A sensor 35 (if provided) may be used to trigger the supply of power to the detected device.

[0059] The system 80 further comprises a controller 87 and a light-emitting element 88. The power supply 46 is configured to power the operation of the signal generator 32, the controller 87, and the light-emitting element 88. The power supply may include, but is not limited to, a battery, a supercapacitor, or a connector to a commercial power supply or alternative power supply.

[0060] Figure 9 shows a lighting fixture according to an exemplary embodiment, which is collectively referred to as reference number 90.

[0061] System 90 represents a lighting fixture equipped with a radio frequency transmitter 92. The lighting fixture comprises a light-emitting element 94 (which may be the same form as the light-emitting element 88 described above) and means for mounting it to a surface (such as screws). The lighting fixture equipped with the radio frequency transmitter 92 is configured to broadcast a radio frequency signal (as schematically shown in Figure 9) to an aerosol supply device 96.

[0062] Figure 10 shows a case for an aerosol delivery device, collectively referred to as reference numeral 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. The case 100 comprises a lid 102 and a body 104. The body 104 includes a storage area 106 for storing an aerosol delivery device (not shown in Figure 10). The aerosol delivery device may be a non-flammable aerosol generating device, but this is not required in all exemplary embodiments. For example, the case 100 may be configured to accept any of the aerosol delivery devices 10, 36, and 96 described above.

[0063] Case 100 may be a carrying case so that the aerosol generating device can be stored inside the case. Case 100 may also be a charging case so that the stored aerosol generating device can be charged.

[0064] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a system, collectively referred to as reference numeral 110, according to an exemplary embodiment. System 110 may form part of the case 100 described above.

[0065] The system 110 comprises a region 112 for receiving an aerosol supply device, a charge controller 116, and an antenna 118 for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals, and optionally a battery 114. Region 112 may be the storage region 106 of the case 100 described above. As will be further described below, the charge controller 116 may be configured to charge the battery of the aerosol supply device and / or (if provided) the battery 114 of the case with power extracted from the received radio frequency signal.

[0066] The region 112 for receiving the aerosol supply device may include means for electrically coupling to the received aerosol supply device. These means can take many forms, such as physical electrical connections and / or inductive coupling.

[0067] The antenna 118 may be located outside the case (as shown in system 110), but in some exemplary embodiments, system 110 may include a metal casing that can be used at least partially as an antenna. The antenna may be formed from part or all of the metal casing of the case.

[0068] Figure 12 is a high-level schematic flowchart illustrating the use of the system in Figure 11 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0069] Algorithm 120 starts in operation 122 and power is obtained. Power may be obtained from the power port of case 100. Alternatively, or additionally, power may be extracted from a radio frequency signal received by antenna 118.

[0070] Next, the battery 114 in the case is charged using the power obtained in operation 122. Note that operation 122 may be omitted (for example, if the case does not contain a battery 114).

[0071] Therefore, in one exemplary embodiment, a case antenna (e.g., antenna 118) is used to receive a radio frequency signal, and a charge control 116 is used to charge the case battery 114 with power extracted from the radio frequency signal received by the case antenna.

[0072] In operation 126, the charge controller 116 controls the charging of the aerosol supply device. The device may be housed within area 112 or (for example, when in use) outside the case. The aerosol supply device may be charged with power stored in battery 114 or directly (under the control of charge controller 116) with power extracted from the received radio frequency signal (without an intervening step of using that power to charge battery 114).

[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, operation 126 may be performed by transmitting a radio frequency signal to an aerosol supply device for charging (for example, using the case antenna 118). Thus, the antenna 118 may be used to transmit the radio frequency signal under the control of a charging controller (and powered, for example, by a battery 114).

[0074] In some exemplary embodiments, the charge controller 116 may control charging the aerosol supply device directly from the battery when the aerosol supply device is received in a case (e.g., case 100). Furthermore, the charge controller may disable radio frequency charging of the received aerosol supply device.

[0075] As described above, some exemplary transmitter module implementations include an omnidirectional antenna, and some other exemplary transmitter module implementations include a directional antenna. In some exemplary embodiments, a transmitter module may be provided that includes both an omnidirectional antenna and a directional antenna. A mechanism may be provided for determining whether to use an omnidirectional antenna or a directional antenna. Such a mechanism may include system settings (e.g., the user may indicate whether an omnidirectional operating mode or a directional operating mode should be used). Alternatively or additionally, the decision mechanism may be situation-based; for example, a directional antenna may be used if a small number of devices (e.g., one or two aerosol supply devices) are to be charged, but an omnidirectional antenna may be used if multiple devices (e.g., three or more) are to be charged. Alternatively or additionally, the decision mechanism may depend on whether (or how accurately) the location of the devices to be charged can be determined.

[0076] As described above, power may be extracted from a radio frequency (RF) signal. This may be done in several ways. For example, a receiving antenna may be provided to receive the RF signal, creating a potential difference along the length of the antenna. Thus, an AC (typically sinusoidal) RF signal is obtained at the antenna. This AC signal is typically converted to a DC signal using, for example, a rectifier circuit (such as a full-bridge or half-bridge rectifier). In some exemplary embodiments, an impedance matching circuit is provided between the antenna and the rectifier to maximize power transmission from the antenna to the rectifier. The DC power output by the rectifier may be stored, for example, using a battery.

[0077] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may appropriately include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A radio frequency transmitter, A signal generator configured to generate radio frequency signals, An antenna configured to transmit the generated radio frequency signal to an aerosol supply device located near the radio frequency transmitter, A radio frequency transmitter equipped with the following features.

2. The radio frequency transmitter according to claim 1, wherein the radio frequency signal is for supplying power to the aerosol supply device.

3. A connector configured to connect to a vehicle power outlet. A radio frequency transmitter according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. The radio frequency transmitter according to claim 3, wherein the connector is configured to connect to a cigarette lighter, a USB outlet, or an AC port.

5. The radio frequency transmitter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive data.

6. A lighting fixture comprising a radio frequency transmitter according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A light-emitting body, Means for attaching to the surface and The lighting fixture according to claim 6, further comprising:

8. A case comprising a radio frequency transmitter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, configured to receive an aerosol supply device.

9. The case according to claim 8, wherein the case is a mobile phone case and / or a charging case.

10. The aforementioned case is equipped with a battery, The radio frequency transmitter is powered by the battery. The case according to claim 8 or 9.

11. A case antenna for receiving radio frequency signals, A charge controller configured to charge the battery of the case with power extracted from the radio frequency signal received by the case antenna, The case according to claim 10, further comprising:

12. The case according to claim 11, wherein the case antenna is formed from at least a portion of the metal casing of the case.

13. A charge controller configured to charge the battery in the case with power obtained from the power input. The case according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising the above.

14. The case according to claim 13, wherein the power input receives power from one or more of the following: a solar power generator, an induction generator, and commercial power.

15. A control module configured to control the charging of the aerosol supply device directly from the battery when the aerosol supply device is received in the case. The case according to any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising the above.

16. The case according to claim 15, wherein the control module is configured to disable the radio frequency transmitter when the aerosol supply device is received inside the case.

17. A sensor configured to detect the presence of an aerosol supply device in the vicinity of a radio frequency transmitter and to output a signal indicating the presence of the aerosol supply device for use in triggering the transmission of a radio frequency signal to the aerosol supply device in the vicinity of the radio frequency transmitter. A radio frequency transmitter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a lighting fixture according to claim 6 or 7, or a case according to any one of claims 8 to 16, further comprising the above.

18. The radio frequency transmitter, lighting fixture, or case according to claim 17, wherein the sensor is a proximity sensor.

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