Vaping and smoking devices and capsules

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are described for use with a first capsule type containing solid smoking material containing one or more active agents and for use with a second capsule type containing liquid material containing one or more active agents. The smoking device (200) is configured to vaporize one or more active agents contained within the solid smoking material by heating a capsule (20) of the first capsule type when the capsule (20) of the first capsule type is inserted into the smoking device, and to vaporize at least a portion of the liquid vaping material by heating a capsule (150) of the second capsule type when the capsule (150) of the second capsule type is inserted into the smoking device. Other uses are also described.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is (1) This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 211,849 to Raichman, entitled "Vaping and smoking device and capsules," filed June 20, 2023, which is (a) a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 303,627, filed April 20, 2023, to Raichman, which is a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT / IB2023 / 052518, filed March 15, 2023, entitled "Smoking capsule with flattened profile," which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 438,643, filed January 12, 2023, entitled "Smoking device and capsule for use therewith," to Raichman; (b) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 457,182 to Raichman, filed April 5, 2023, entitled "Smoking device with capsule detecting function"; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 463,117, filed May 1, 2023, to Raichman, entitled "Vaping and smoking device and capsules"; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 468,418 to Raichman, filed May 23, 2023, entitled "Vaping and smoking device and capsules," and Claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 521,685, filed June 18, 2023, to Raichman, entitled "Vaping and smoking device and capsules"; (2) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 522,303, filed June 21, 2023, entitled "Vaping and smoking device and capsules," to Raichman; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 524,736 to Raichman, filed July 3, 2023, entitled "Vaping and smoking device and capsules"; Raichman's U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 531,667, filed August 9, 2023, entitled "Vaping and smoking device and capsules," and This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 602,545 to Raichman, filed November 24, 2023, entitled "Vaping and smoking device and capsules."

[0002] All of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus relating to smoking devices, and more particularly to apparatus and methods relating to vaping and non-combustion heated smoking devices. [Background technology]

[0004] Non-combustion heated smoking devices (also known as "smokeless" devices) are devices that heat smoking material containing an active agent (e.g., plant material such as tobacco and / or cannabinoid-containing plant material (e.g., marijuana), or non-plant material) without burning the smoking material. The user inhales the vaporized active agent that is produced. Such devices have become popular in recent years, and some users, especially those who previously smoked traditional cigarettes, have switched to using such products.

[0005] Electronic cigarettes (also known as "vaping devices") are electronic devices that produce vapor from a liquid material that typically contains one or more active agents, such as nicotine. The vapor is inhaled by the user, a process commonly referred to as "vaping." Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to some applications of the present invention, a capsule is configured to be inserted into a smoking device. Typically, the capsule is a disposable capsule configured to be used during a single smoking session, while the smoking device is configured to be reusable. The capsule typically has the general structure (e.g., shape and size) of a conventional cigarette. Many users and manufacturers of such capsules and smoking devices prefer single-use capsules having the general structure of a conventional cigarette for (a) user habits, (b) manufacturer habits, (c) manufacturer production lines that are optimally equipped to produce such capsules compared to capsules that differ from conventional cigarettes, (d) single-use capsules being more hygienic than capsules designed for repeated use, and / or (e) additional reasons.

[0007] Typically, the capsule includes a first portion containing smoking material (containing an active agent) and a heating element. For some applications, the smoking material is solid smoking material, e.g., plant material such as tobacco and / or cannabinoid-containing plant material (e.g., marijuana). For some applications, the smoking material is non-plant material containing an active agent. The smoking device is configured to heat the smoking material, for example, to generate vapor containing the active agent within the smoking material in a non-combustion heating manner. A user typically inhales the generated vapor from a second portion of the capsule, which functions as a mouthpiece.

[0008] For some applications, a capsule is provided for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by the smoking device described above (or a different smoking device). For some applications, the liquid material includes vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, nicotine, nicotine salts, and / or additional flavor and / or fragrance materials. Typically, in such applications, the capsule is a "vaping" capsule, and the smoking device functions as a "vaping device." Nevertheless, the device is referred to herein as a smoking device because, in some applications, it is used with a capsule used for smoking (typically in a non-combustion heating manner), as described in the following paragraphs.

[0009] For some applications, a single smoking device is configured for use with a first capsule type containing solid smoking material containing one or more active agents and a second capsule type containing liquid material containing one or more active agents. When a capsule of the first capsule type is inserted into the smoking device, the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents contained within the solid smoking material by heating the capsule of the first capsule type, and when a capsule of the second capsule type is inserted into the smoking device, the smoking device is configured to vaporize at least a portion of the liquid vaping material by heating the capsule of the second capsule type. Alternatively, for some applications, each smoking device is configured for use with either a capsule type containing solid smoking material containing one or more active agents or a capsule type containing liquid material containing one or more active agents.

[0010] It should be noted that the smoking device is configured for separate use with each of the two capsule types at each time, so that in a first smoking session, if the user wishes to smoke from solid smoking material (e.g., in a non-combustion heating manner), the user inserts a capsule of the first capsule type into the capsule receiving portion of the smoking device, and in a separate smoking session, if the user wishes to vape from liquid smoking material, the user inserts a capsule of the second capsule type into the same capsule receiving portion of the smoking device.

[0011] Typically, the heating element is built into the capsule and thereby comes into direct contact with the smoking material. For some applications, at least a portion of the heating element is embedded within the smoking material, as described in more detail below. For some applications, the heating element comprises a metallic material (e.g., a metal foil, such as a stainless steel foil, a nickel-titanium foil, a titanium foil, a copper foil, an aluminum foil, a steel foil, etc.) that is typically disposed within the capsule and / or typically comes into direct contact with the smoking material and is heated via electrical resistance heating, as described in more detail herein below. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element comprises one or more magnetic heating materials (e.g., a magnetic material and / or a ferromagnetic material) susceptible to heating by a magnetic field, which are typically disposed within the capsule and / or typically come into direct contact with the smoking material and are heated via magnetic induction, as described in more detail herein below.

[0012] Typically, the capsule is an elongated capsule. For some applications, the capsule has a length of 15 mm to 150 mm (e.g., 50 mm to 90 mm).

[0013] For some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes configured to (a) heat a heating element disposed within the capsule via electrical resistance heating, and / or (b) apply mechanical pressure to the capsule to flatten all or a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material.

[0014] For some applications, the liquid material is held in a reservoir containing an absorbent material into which the liquid material is absorbed. Typically, the absorbent material is solid and / or flexible, can withstand the high temperatures that can occur during the vaporization process, and is safe for human inhalation. For example, the absorbent material may include cotton, linen, wool, plastic materials, cellulose materials, paper, woven or nonwoven fabrics, yarn, etc. (In other examples of "absorbent material" described in this disclosure, the term "absorbent material" should be interpreted to include any one or combination of the aforementioned types of materials.) In some such applications, a layer of material extends from the reservoir around the capsule. For some applications, the layer of material is made of an absorbent material similar to the absorbent material disposed in the reservoir. Typically, the layer of material has a thickness of more than 0.1 mm (e.g., more than 0.2 mm) and / or less than 3 mm (e.g., less than 1 mm), e.g., between 0.1 mm and 3 mm, or between 0.2 mm and 1 mm. The layer of material is typically configured so that the liquid material flows from a reservoir along the layer of material via capillary forces. For some applications, a metal foil is disposed around the outside of the layer of material. The metal foil is typically heated via electrodes (via resistive heating) in much the same manner as described herein above. Typically, the metal foil thereby heats and vaporizes the liquid material within the layer of material.

[0015] For some applications, the vaping capsule includes a housing containing a reservoir of absorbent material in which a liquid material is absorbed. Typically, the housing is an electrical insulator and impermeable to the liquid material. More typically, the housing defines one or more side windows. The absorbent material is configured to allow the liquid material to flow to the side windows via capillary force. Typically, at the side windows, the liquid material within the absorbent material is exposed to a metal foil of the capsule, thereby vaporizing the liquid material. Typically, the metal foil contacts an electrode at a location spaced from each of the one or more side windows.

[0016] For some applications, the vaping capsule includes a housing containing a reservoir of liquid material. Typically, the housing is an electrical insulator and impermeable to the liquid material. More typically, the housing defines one or more side windows. For some applications, an absorbent material is disposed within the reservoir, extending from the reservoir to the one or more side windows, and configured to transport the liquid material from the reservoir to the one or more side windows via capillary force. Typically, at the side windows, the liquid material within the absorbent material is exposed to a metal foil of the capsule, thereby vaporizing the liquid material. Typically, the metal foil contacts an electrode at a location spaced from each of the one or more side windows. Typically, the absorbent material is shaped to enhance capillary flow of the liquid material toward the side windows according to some applications of the present invention.

[0017] Depending on the respective application, the vaping capsule may be rigid or flexible. For some applications, the capsule may be configured to be flattened, for example, using the techniques described below. For example, the capsule may be flattened to enhance electrical contact between the electrodes and the metal foil by applying mechanical pressure to the capsule using electrodes. For some applications, the capsule is flattened to generate a desired heating profile and / or a desired airflow profile. For some applications, the smoking device includes a non-contact temperature sensor (such as an infrared temperature sensor). In some such applications, the portion of the capsule where the sensor is configured to detect temperature (i.e., the portion of the capsule configured adjacent to the temperature sensor) is flattened to facilitate temperature detection (typically by creating a flat surface for performing temperature detection). For some applications, the capsule is flattened to increase capillary flow through an absorbent material disposed within the capsule. Note that the above-described techniques related to flattening the capsule are typically applicable to any one of the capsule embodiments described herein.

[0018] Thus, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided a device for use with a first capsule type containing solid smoking material containing one or more active agents, and for use with a second capsule type containing liquid material containing one or more active agents, the device comprising: a smoking device, the smoking device comprising: vaporizing one or more of the active agents contained within the solid smoking material by heating the capsule of the first capsule type when the capsule is inserted into the smoking device; and When the capsule of the second capsule type is inserted into the smoking device, the capsule of the second capsule type is heated to vaporize at least a portion of the liquid vaping material. An apparatus is provided that is configured to:

[0019] In some applications, the smoking device includes a control component configured to detect whether a capsule of the first or second capsule type is currently disposed within the smoking device and to control heating of the capsule currently disposed within the smoking device accordingly.

[0020] In some applications, when a capsule of either the first or second capsule type is placed in the smoking device, the smoking device receiving an indication from the user indicating whether the user desires to smoke the active agent in the first mode or the second mode; In response to receiving an indication that a user desires to smoke an active agent in a first mode, heating the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of one or more active agents for a predetermined period of time; and and heating the smoking material only to a vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user desiring that the smoking material be heated in response to receiving an indication that the user desires to smoke the active agent in the second mode. The control component is configured to:

[0021] In some applications, when a capsule of either the first or second capsule type is placed within the smoking device, the smoking device is configured to flatten at least a portion of the capsule currently placed within the smoking device.

[0022] In some applications, the smoking device is configured to flatten at least a portion of a capsule disposed within the smoking device such that the portion of the capsule defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0023] For some applications, the smoking device includes a mechanical element configured to flatten a portion of the capsule disposed within the smoking device by applying mechanical pressure to the capsule.

[0024] In some applications, when a capsule of the second capsule type is placed within the smoking device, the smoking device is configured to drive the liquid material toward an area within the capsule where the liquid material vaporizes by flattening portions of the capsule.

[0025] In some applications, the smoking device further includes a temperature sensor and a control component configured to determine a temperature of the solid smoking material in the capsule of the first capsule type or the liquid material in the capsule of the second capsule type based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0026] In some applications, the control component is configured to control heating of the solid smoking material in the capsules of the first capsule type or the liquid material in the capsules of the second capsule type in response to a determined temperature of the solid smoking material in the capsules of the first capsule type or the liquid material in the capsules of the second capsule type.

[0027] In some applications, the control component is configured to control heating of the solid smoking material in the capsules of the first capsule type or the liquid material in the capsules of the second capsule type so as to maintain the solid smoking material in the capsules of the first capsule type or the liquid material in the capsules of the second capsule type within a predetermined temperature range.

[0028] In some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes configured to heat solid smoking material in a capsule of a first capsule type or liquid material in a capsule of a second capsule type by generating resistive heating within the capsule by driving an electric current through portions of the capsule.

[0029] For some applications, the smoking device includes a mechanism configured to bring the electrode into pressurized contact with a capsule currently disposed within the smoking device to enhance electrical contact between the electrode and the capsule.

[0030] In some applications, each capsule of the first and second capsule types includes a metal foil surrounding a solid smoking material or a liquid material, respectively, and the electrodes are configured to drive an electric current through the metal foil of the capsule of the first capsule type and the capsule of the second capsule type.

[0031] In some applications, each capsule of the first and second capsule types is an elongated capsule, and during heating of the solid smoking material in the capsule of the first capsule type or the liquid material in the capsule of the second capsule type, the smoking device is configured to accommodate the capsule of the first capsule type or the capsule of the second capsule type so that airflow through the capsule is substantially along the length of the capsule, and a first one of the electrodes is configured to drive an electric current toward a second one of the electrodes along a length greater than 5 mm in an axial direction along the length of the capsule.

[0032] In some applications, a first one of the electrodes is configured to drive a current axially along the length of the capsule for a length greater than 15 mm toward a second one of the electrodes.

[0033] In some applications, the smoking device includes a coil configured to heat solid smoking material in a capsule of a first capsule type or liquid material in a capsule of a second capsule type by generating a magnetic field to heat the capsule via magnetic induction.

[0034] For some applications, the coil is configured to be flattened while at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material is disposed within the coil.

[0035] In some applications, the coil is shaped to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape, and the smoking device is configured to flatten at least some portions of each of the capsules of the first and second capsule types before the portions of each of the capsules of the first and second capsule types are introduced into the coil.

[0036] For some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive capsules of each of the first and second capsule types, which are cylindrically shaped, elongated capsules having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm.

[0037] For some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive an elongated cylindrical capsule having a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

[0038] According to some applications of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use with a smoking device, the apparatus comprising: The capsule comprises: a smoking material containing one or more active agents; one or more heating elements disposed within the capsule, the heating elements configured to be heated by a smoking device to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material; Further provided is a device comprising: an anti-collapse element arranged along the axis of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material, the anti-collapse element being configured to prevent the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material.

[0039] In some applications, the smoking material comprises a plant-based smoking material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the plant-based smoking material upon heating of the plant-based smoking material.

[0040] For some applications, the smoking material includes a liquid material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the liquid material upon vaporization of the liquid material.

[0041] In some applications, at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material is configured to be flattened by a smoking device, and the anti-collapse element is configured to prevent the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material from collapsing when at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material is flattened by the smoking device.

[0042] In some applications, the anti-collapse element is configured to diffuse one or more chemicals. In some applications, the anti-collapse element includes a phase change material configured to prevent the temperature of the smoking material from exceeding a phase change temperature of the phase change material. In some applications, the anti-collapse element is configured to absorb chemicals produced by thermal decomposition of the smoking material.

[0043] In some applications, the capsule includes two or more cylindrical anti-collapse elements positioned at each end of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material, the anti-collapse elements configured to prevent the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material.

[0044] In some applications, the anti-collapse element is configured to promote proper airflow through the capsule by preventing the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material.

[0045] In some applications, the one or more heating elements include one or more magnetic heating materials susceptible to heating by a magnetic field.

[0046] In some applications, the capsule is manufactured to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0047] In some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes, and the one or more heating elements include a metal foil configured to be heated via resistive heating via the two or more electrodes.

[0048] In some applications, the anti-collapse element is configured to facilitate electrical contact between two or more electrodes and the metal foil by preventing the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material.

[0049] In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 1 micron to 20 microns. In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 3 microns to 10 microns.

[0050] In some applications, at least a portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened by the smoking device before the one or more heating elements are heated by the smoking device. In some applications, the capsule has a circular cross-sectional shape and is configured to be flattened to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

[0051] In some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0052] In some applications, the one or more heating elements include one or more magnetic heating materials susceptible to heating by a magnetic field.

[0053] In some applications, the portion of the capsule configured to be flattened by the smoking device is configured to be inserted into a coil having a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

[0054] In some applications, the smoking device is configured to flatten the capsule portion while it is positioned within the coil.

[0055] In some applications, the one or more heating elements include a metal foil configured to be heated via resistive heating.

[0056] In some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes configured to drive an electric current through the metal foil, and the capsule is configured to be flattened by the two or more electrodes.

[0057] In some applications, the anti-collapse element is shaped as at least one rod extending axially along the longitudinal axis of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material. In some applications, the rod has a diameter of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. In some applications, the rod extends along only a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material. In some applications, the anti-collapse element is shaped as two or more rods. In some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes configured to drive an electric current into the capsule, and at locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the capsule, the rod includes radially protruding portions having a larger diameter than other locations along the rod.

[0058] In some applications, the anti-collapse element is shaped as at least one tube extending axially along the longitudinal axis of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material, and in some applications, the tube contains one or more chemicals configured to be released from the tube during heating of the smoking material.

[0059] In some applications, the capsule includes a mouthpiece, and the tube is configured to collect vaporized activator produced by heating the smoking material and direct the vapor toward the mouthpiece.

[0060] In some applications, the capsule comprises an elongated capsule having a length of 15 mm to 150 mm. In some applications, the elongated capsule has a length of 50 mm to 90 mm.

[0061] According to some applications of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use with a smoking device, the apparatus comprising: The capsule comprises: a smoking material containing one or more active agents; one or more heating elements disposed within the capsule, the heating elements configured to be heated by a smoking device to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material; The device further includes two or more cylindrical anti-collapse elements positioned at the end of each of the portions of the capsule containing smoking material, the anti-collapse elements configured to prevent the portions of the capsule containing smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portions of the capsule containing smoking material.

[0062] In some applications, the smoking material comprises a plant-based smoking material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the plant-based smoking material upon heating of the plant-based smoking material.

[0063] For some applications, the smoking material includes a liquid material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the liquid material upon vaporization of the liquid material.

[0064] In some applications, at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material is configured to be flattened by a smoking device, and the cylindrical anti-collapse element is configured to prevent the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material from collapsing when at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material is flattened by the smoking device.

[0065] In some applications, the capsule further includes a rod-shaped anti-collapse element disposed along the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material, the rod-shaped anti-collapse element being configured to prevent the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material.

[0066] In some applications, the capsule further includes a tubular-shaped anti-collapse element disposed along the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material, the tubular-shaped anti-collapse element being configured to prevent the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material.

[0067] In some applications, the cylindrical anti-collapse element is configured to promote proper airflow through the capsule by preventing the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material.

[0068] In some applications, the one or more heating elements include one or more magnetic heating materials susceptible to heating by a magnetic field.

[0069] In some applications, the capsule is manufactured to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0070] In some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes, and the one or more heating elements include a metal foil configured to be heated via resistive heating via the two or more electrodes.

[0071] In some applications, the cylindrical anti-collapse element is configured to facilitate electrical contact between two or more electrodes and the metal foil by preventing the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material.

[0072] In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 1 micron to 20 microns. In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 3 microns to 10 microns.

[0073] In some applications, at least a portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened by the smoking device before the one or more heating elements are heated by the smoking device. In some applications, the capsule has a circular cross-sectional shape and is configured to be flattened to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

[0074] In some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0075] In some applications, the one or more heating elements include one or more magnetic heating materials susceptible to heating by a magnetic field.

[0076] In some applications, the capsule portion is configured to be inserted into a coil having a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

[0077] In some applications, the portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened while the portion of the capsule is disposed within the coil.

[0078] In some applications, the one or more heating elements include a metal foil configured to be heated via resistive heating.

[0079] In some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes configured to drive an electric current through the metal foil, and the capsule is configured to be flattened by the two or more electrodes.

[0080] In some applications, the capsule comprises an elongated capsule having a length of 15 mm to 150 mm. In some applications, the elongated capsule has a length of 50 mm to 90 mm.

[0081] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use with a smoking device including an infrared temperature sensor, the apparatus comprising: The capsule comprises: a smoking material containing one or more active agents; a metal foil disposed about at least a portion of the smoking material, the metal foil configured to be heated by the smoking device via resistive heating to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material; and a coating disposed about at least a portion of the metal foil where the infrared temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the capsule, the coating having an emissivity value of at least 0.5.

[0082] In some applications, the smoking material comprises a plant-based smoking material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the plant-based smoking material upon heating of the plant-based smoking material.

[0083] For some applications, the smoking material includes a liquid material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the liquid material upon vaporization of the liquid material.

[0084] In some applications, the coating has an emissivity value of at least 0.95.

[0085] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use with a smoking device including an infrared temperature sensor, the apparatus comprising: The capsule comprises: a smoking material containing one or more active agents; a metal foil disposed about at least a portion of the smoking material, the metal foil configured to be heated by the smoking device via resistive heating to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material; There is further provided an apparatus wherein in at least a portion of the metal foil where the infrared temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the capsule, the metal foil is treated to have an emissivity value of at least 0.5.

[0086] In some applications, portions of the metal foil are treated to have an emissivity value of at least 0.95.

[0087] In some applications, the smoking material comprises a plant-based smoking material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the plant-based smoking material upon heating of the plant-based smoking material.

[0088] For some applications, the smoking material includes a liquid material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the liquid material upon vaporization of the liquid material.

[0089] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use with a smoking device including an infrared temperature sensor, the apparatus comprising: The capsule comprises: a smoking material containing one or more active agents; Further provided is an apparatus including one or more resistive elements, the resistive elements configured to provide the capsule with an electrical resistance profile that provides identification information about the capsule.

[0090] In some applications, the smoking material comprises a plant-based smoking material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the plant-based smoking material upon heating of the plant-based smoking material.

[0091] For some applications, the smoking material includes a liquid material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the liquid material upon vaporization of the liquid material.

[0092] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use with a smoking device including at least first and second electrodes, the apparatus comprising: The capsule comprises: a smoking material containing one or more active agents; a metal foil surrounding the smoking material, the metal foil configured to be heated via resistive heating by electrodes driving an electric current through the metal foil; A paper cover over the metal foil, the paper cover defining an opening through which an electrode is configured to make electrical contact with the metal foil, is further provided.

[0093] In some applications, the smoking material comprises a plant-based smoking material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the plant-based smoking material upon heating of the plant-based smoking material.

[0094] For some applications, the smoking material includes a liquid material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the liquid material upon vaporization of the liquid material.

[0095] In some applications, the metal foil is shaped so that at least a portion of the metal foil is embedded within the smoking material.

[0096] In some applications, the metal foil includes multiple regions, each having a different electrical resistance profile, such that when a given current is driven through the metal foil, each of the regions heats to a different temperature.

[0097] For some applications, the capsule further includes an anti-collapse element configured to prevent the capsule from collapsing, thereby facilitating electrical contact between the electrode and the metal foil.

[0098] In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical contact coating that coats the metal foil at locations configured to allow electrodes to contact the capsule.

[0099] In some applications, the metal foil has a first configuration at locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the metal foil, and a second configuration along the area where the metal foil surrounds the smoking material that is between the locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the metal foil.

[0100] In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines the inside of the metal foil, the inner lining being configured to spread heat generated by the metal foil.

[0101] In some applications, the smoking device includes one or more batteries, and the overall resistance to the current provided by the capsule is configured to substantially match the internal resistance of the one or more batteries of the smoking device.

[0102] In some applications, the paper cover is adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape and the metal foil forms an overlapping strip having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil, and an electrically insulating material is disposed along the overlapping strip to insulate the inner layer of metal foil from the electrode. In some applications, the paper cover is adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape and the metal foil forms an overlapping strip having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil, and the metal foil is treated along the overlapping strip to increase the resistance of the metal foil along the overlapping strip.

[0103] In some applications, the capsule is shaped to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0104] In some applications, at least a portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened by the smoking device before the one or more heating elements are heated by the smoking device. In some applications, the capsule has a circular cross-sectional shape and is configured to be flattened to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0105] In some applications, the capsule comprises an elongated capsule having a length of 15 mm to 150 mm. In some applications, the elongated capsule has a length of 50 mm to 90 mm.

[0106] In some applications, the capsule is configured so that the air flow through the capsule is substantially axial along the length of the capsule.

[0107] In some applications, the metal foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by a first electrode driving a current to a second electrode axially along the metal foil for a length greater than 5 mm. In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially axial along the length of the capsule. In some applications, the metal foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by a first electrode driving a current to a second electrode axially along the metal foil for a length greater than 15 mm.

[0108] In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 1 micron to 20 microns. In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 3 microns to 10 microns.

[0109] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use with a smoking device including at least first and second electrodes, the apparatus comprising: The capsule comprises: a smoking material containing one or more active agents; There is further provided an apparatus comprising: a metal foil surrounding a smoking material, the metal foil configured to be heated via resistive heating by electrodes driving an electric current through the metal foil, the metal foil including a plurality of regions along its length, each of the regions having a respective different electrical resistance profile, whereby when a given electric current is driven through the metal foil, each of the regions is heated to a respective different temperature.

[0110] In some applications, the smoking material comprises a plant-based smoking material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the plant-based smoking material upon heating of the plant-based smoking material.

[0111] For some applications, the smoking material includes a liquid material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the liquid material upon vaporization of the liquid material.

[0112] In some applications, the metal foil is shaped so that at least a portion of the metal foil is embedded within the smoking material.

[0113] For some applications, the capsule further includes an anti-collapse element configured to prevent the capsule from collapsing, thereby facilitating electrical contact between the electrode and the metal foil.

[0114] In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical contact coating that coats the metal foil at locations configured to allow electrodes to contact the capsule.

[0115] In some applications, the metal foil has a first configuration at locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the metal foil, and a second configuration along the area where the metal foil surrounds the smoking material that is between the locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the metal foil.

[0116] In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines the inside of the metal foil, the inner lining being configured to spread heat generated by the metal foil.

[0117] In some applications, the smoking device includes one or more batteries, and the overall resistance to the current provided by the capsule is configured to substantially match the internal resistance of the one or more batteries of the smoking device.

[0118] In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper cover covering the metal foil, the paper cover being adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape and such that the metal foil forms an overlapping strip having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil, and an electrically insulating material being disposed along the overlapping strip to insulate the inner layer of metal foil from the electrodes.

[0119] In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper cover covering the metal foil, the paper cover being adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape and such that the metal foil forms an overlapping strip having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil, the metal foil being treated along the overlapping strip to increase the resistance of the metal foil along the overlapping strip.

[0120] In some applications, the capsule is shaped to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0121] For some applications, the capsule further includes a paper cover over the metal foil, the paper cover defining an opening through which an electrode is configured to make electrical contact with the metal foil.

[0122] For some applications, the capsule is configured for use with a smoking device that includes respective temperature sensors configured to detect the temperature of respective regions along the metal foil.

[0123] In some applications, at least a portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened by the smoking device before the one or more heating elements are heated by the smoking device. In some applications, the capsule has a circular cross-sectional shape and is configured to be flattened to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0124] In some applications, the capsule comprises an elongated capsule having a length of 15 mm to 150 mm. In some applications, the elongated capsule has a length of 50 mm to 90 mm.

[0125] In some applications, the capsule is configured so that the air flow through the capsule is substantially axial along the length of the capsule.

[0126] In some applications, the metal foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by a first electrode driving a current to a second electrode axially along the metal foil for a length greater than 5 mm. In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially axial along the length of the capsule. In some applications, the metal foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by a first electrode driving a current to a second electrode axially along the metal foil for a length greater than 15 mm.

[0127] In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 1 micron to 20 microns. In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 3 microns to 10 microns.

[0128] In some applications, each of the regions along the length of the metal foil includes a different respective material configured to be vaporized by heating the metal foil.

[0129] In some applications, the capsule is configured for use with a smoking device configured to receive input from a user indicating the user's preferred vapor mix and to heat respective regions along the length of the metal foil to respective different temperatures in response.

[0130] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use with a smoking device including at least first and second electrodes, the apparatus comprising: The capsule comprises: a smoking material containing one or more active agents; a metal foil surrounding the smoking material, the metal foil configured to be heated via resistive heating by electrodes driving an electric current through the metal foil; and a collapse prevention element configured to prevent the capsule from collapsing, thereby facilitating electrical contact between the electrode and the metal foil.

[0131] In some applications, the smoking material comprises a plant-based smoking material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the plant-based smoking material upon heating of the plant-based smoking material.

[0132] For some applications, the smoking material includes a liquid material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the liquid material upon vaporization of the liquid material.

[0133] In some applications, the metal foil includes multiple regions, each having a different electrical resistance profile, such that when a given current is driven through the metal foil, each of the regions heats to a different temperature.

[0134] In some applications, the metal foil is shaped so that at least a portion of the metal foil is embedded within the smoking material.

[0135] In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical contact coating that coats the metal foil at locations configured to allow electrodes to contact the capsule.

[0136] In some applications, the metal foil has a first configuration at locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the metal foil, and a second configuration along the area where the metal foil surrounds the smoking material that is between the locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the metal foil.

[0137] In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines the inside of the metal foil, the inner lining being configured to spread heat generated by the metal foil.

[0138] In some applications, the smoking device includes one or more batteries, and the overall resistance to the current provided by the capsule is configured to substantially match the internal resistance of the one or more batteries of the smoking device.

[0139] In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper cover covering the metal foil, the paper cover being adhered along the overlapping strip and to itself so that the metal foil forms an overlapping strip having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil to form a cylindrical shape, and an electrically insulating material being disposed along the overlapping strip to insulate the inner layer of metal foil from the electrodes.

[0140] In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper cover covering the metal foil, the paper cover being adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape and such that the metal foil forms an overlapping strip having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil, the metal foil being treated along the overlapping strip to increase the resistance of the metal foil along the overlapping strip.

[0141] In some applications, the capsule is shaped to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0142] For some applications, the capsule further includes a paper cover over the metal foil, the paper cover defining an opening through which an electrode is configured to make electrical contact with the metal foil.

[0143] In some applications, the anti-collapse element is configured to diffuse one or more chemicals. In some applications, the anti-collapse element includes a phase change material configured to prevent the temperature of the smoking material from exceeding a phase change temperature of the phase change material. In some applications, the anti-collapse element is configured to absorb chemicals produced by thermal decomposition of the smoking material. In some applications, the anti-collapse element includes two or more cylindrical anti-collapse elements positioned at each end of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material.

[0144] In some applications, at least a portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened by the smoking device before the one or more heating elements are heated by the smoking device. In some applications, the capsule has a circular cross-sectional shape and is configured to be flattened to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0145] In some applications, the capsule comprises an elongated capsule having a length of 15 mm to 150 mm. In some applications, the elongated capsule has a length of 50 mm to 90 mm.

[0146] In some applications, the capsule is configured so that the air flow through the capsule is substantially axial along the length of the capsule.

[0147] In some applications, the metal foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by a first electrode driving a current to a second electrode axially along the metal foil for a length greater than 5 mm. In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially axial along the length of the capsule. In some applications, the metal foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by a first electrode driving a current to a second electrode axially along the metal foil for a length greater than 15 mm.

[0148] In some applications, the anti-collapse element is shaped as at least one rod extending axially along the longitudinal axis of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material. In some applications, the rod has a diameter of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. In some applications, the rod extends along only a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material. In some applications, the anti-collapse element is shaped as two or more rods. In some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes configured to drive an electric current into the capsule, and at locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the capsule, the rod includes radially protruding portions having a larger diameter than other locations along the rod.

[0149] In some applications, the anti-collapse element is shaped as at least one tube extending axially along the longitudinal axis of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material. In some applications, the tube contains one or more chemicals configured to be released from the tube during heating of the smoking material. In some applications, the capsule includes a mouthpiece, and the tube is configured to collect vaporized activator produced by heating the smoking material and direct vapor toward the mouthpiece.

[0150] In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 1 micron to 20 microns. In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 3 microns to 10 microns.

[0151] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use with a smoking device including at least first and second electrodes and one or more batteries, the apparatus comprising: The capsule comprises: a smoking material containing one or more active agents; Further provided is an apparatus including: a metal foil surrounding the smoking material, the metal foil configured to be heated via resistive heating by electrodes that drive an electric current through the metal foil, and the metal foil configured so that its overall resistance to the electric current provided by the capsule substantially matches the internal resistance of one or more batteries of the smoking device.

[0152] In some applications, the smoking material comprises a plant-based smoking material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the plant-based smoking material upon heating of the plant-based smoking material.

[0153] For some applications, the smoking material includes a liquid material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the liquid material upon vaporization of the liquid material.

[0154] For some applications, the capsule further includes an anti-collapse element configured to prevent the capsule from collapsing, thereby facilitating electrical contact between the electrode and the metal foil.

[0155] In some applications, the metal foil includes multiple regions, each having a different electrical resistance profile, such that when a given current is driven through the metal foil, each of the regions heats to a different temperature.

[0156] In some applications, the metal foil is shaped so that at least a portion of the metal foil is embedded within the smoking material.

[0157] In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical contact coating that coats the metal foil at locations configured to allow electrodes to contact the capsule.

[0158] In some applications, the metal foil has a first configuration at locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the metal foil, and a second configuration along the area where the metal foil surrounds the smoking material that is between the locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the metal foil.

[0159] In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines the inside of the metal foil, the inner lining being configured to spread heat generated by the metal foil.

[0160] In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper cover covering the metal foil, the paper cover being adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape and such that the metal foil forms an overlapping strip having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil, and an electrically insulating material being disposed along the overlapping strip to insulate the inner layer of metal foil from the electrodes.

[0161] In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper cover covering the metal foil, the paper cover being adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape and such that the metal foil forms an overlapping strip having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil, the metal foil being treated along the overlapping strip to increase the resistance of the metal foil along the overlapping strip.

[0162] In some applications, the capsule is shaped to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0163] For some applications, the capsule further includes a paper cover over the metal foil, the paper cover defining an opening through which an electrode is configured to make electrical contact with the metal foil.

[0164] In some applications, at least a portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened by the smoking device before the one or more heating elements are heated by the smoking device. In some applications, the capsule has a circular cross-sectional shape and is configured to be flattened to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0165] In some applications, the capsule comprises an elongated capsule having a length of 15 mm to 150 mm. In some applications, the elongated capsule has a length of 50 mm to 90 mm.

[0166] In some applications, the capsule is configured so that the air flow through the capsule is substantially axial along the length of the capsule.

[0167] In some applications, the metal foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by a first electrode driving a current to a second electrode axially along the metal foil for a length greater than 5 mm. In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially axial along the length of the capsule. In some applications, the metal foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by a first electrode driving a current to a second electrode axially along the metal foil for a length greater than 15 mm.

[0168] In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 1 micron to 20 microns. In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 3 microns to 10 microns.

[0169] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use with a smoking device including at least first and second electrodes, the apparatus comprising: The capsule comprises: a smoking material containing one or more active agents; a metal foil surrounding the smoking material, the metal foil configured to be heated via resistive heating by electrodes driving an electric current through the metal foil; and an electrical contact coating coating the metal foil at a location configured to contact the electrode with the capsule.

[0170] In some applications, the smoking material comprises a plant-based smoking material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the plant-based smoking material upon heating of the plant-based smoking material.

[0171] For some applications, the smoking material includes a liquid material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the liquid material upon vaporization of the liquid material.

[0172] In some applications, the electrical contact coating coats the outside of the metal foil. In some applications, the electrical contact coating coats the inside of the metal foil. In some applications, the electrical contact coating has a resistance lower than that of the metal foil. In some applications, the electrical contact coating is configured to prevent the creation of hot spots at locations where electrodes are configured to contact the capsule. In some applications, the electrical contact coating includes a ring-shaped coating at each location where an electrode is configured to contact the capsule. In some applications, the edges of the electrical contact coating are zigzag on the side where the coating contacts the metal foil, thereby conducting current to the metal foil in a uniform manner.

[0173] For some applications, the capsule further includes an anti-collapse element configured to prevent the capsule from collapsing, thereby facilitating electrical contact between the electrode and the metal foil.

[0174] In some applications, the metal foil includes multiple regions, each having a different electrical resistance profile, such that when a given current is driven through the metal foil, each of the regions heats to a different temperature.

[0175] In some applications, the metal foil is shaped so that at least a portion of the metal foil is embedded within the smoking material.

[0176] In some applications, the metal foil has a first configuration at locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the metal foil, and a second configuration along the area where the metal foil surrounds the smoking material that is between the locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the metal foil.

[0177] In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines the inside of the metal foil, the inner lining being configured to spread heat generated by the metal foil.

[0178] In some applications, the smoking device includes one or more batteries, and the overall resistance to the current provided by the capsule is configured to substantially match the internal resistance of the one or more batteries of the smoking device.

[0179] In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper cover covering the metal foil, the paper cover being adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape and such that the metal foil forms an overlapping strip having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil, and an electrically insulating material being disposed along the overlapping strip to insulate the inner layer of metal foil from the electrodes.

[0180] In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper cover covering the metal foil, the paper cover being adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape and such that the metal foil forms an overlapping strip having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil, the metal foil being treated along the overlapping strip to increase the resistance of the metal foil along the overlapping strip.

[0181] In some applications, the capsule is shaped to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0182] For some applications, the capsule further includes a paper cover over the metal foil, the paper cover defining an opening through which an electrode is configured to make electrical contact with the metal foil.

[0183] In some applications, at least a portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened by the smoking device before the one or more heating elements are heated by the smoking device. In some applications, the capsule has a circular cross-sectional shape and is configured to be flattened to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0184] In some applications, the capsule comprises an elongated capsule having a length of 15 mm to 150 mm. In some applications, the elongated capsule has a length of 50 mm to 90 mm.

[0185] In some applications, the capsule is configured so that the air flow through the capsule is substantially axial along the length of the capsule.

[0186] In some applications, the metal foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by a first electrode driving a current to a second electrode axially along the metal foil for a length greater than 5 mm. In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially axial along the length of the capsule. In some applications, the metal foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by a first electrode driving a current to a second electrode axially along the metal foil for a length greater than 15 mm.

[0187] In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 1 micron to 20 microns. In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 3 microns to 10 microns.

[0188] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use with a smoking device including at least first and second electrodes, the apparatus comprising: The capsule comprises: a smoking material containing one or more active agents; a metal foil surrounding the smoking material, the metal foil configured to be heated via resistive heating by electrodes driving an electric current through the metal foil; and an inner lining lining the inside of the metal foil, the inner lining dissipating heat generated in the metal foil.

[0189] In some applications, the smoking material comprises a plant-based smoking material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the plant-based smoking material upon heating of the plant-based smoking material.

[0190] For some applications, the smoking material includes a liquid material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the liquid material upon vaporization of the liquid material.

[0191] In some applications, the inner lining comprises a polyimide. In some applications, the inner lining is configured to spread heat generated by the metal foil throughout the smoking material, thereby preventing hot spots from being created within the smoking material. In some applications, the inner lining is configured to provide mechanical strength to the capsule to reduce the likelihood of the capsule tearing as a result of mechanical pressure being applied to the capsule. In some applications, electrodes are configured to apply mechanical pressure to the capsule, and the inner lining is disposed in a region of the capsule configured to be compressed by the electrodes.

[0192] In some applications, the inner lining is configured to diffuse one or more chemicals. In some applications, the inner lining includes a phase change material configured to prevent the temperature of the smoking material from exceeding a phase change temperature of the phase change material. In some applications, the inner lining is configured to absorb chemicals produced by thermal decomposition of the smoking material.

[0193] For some applications, the capsule further includes an anti-collapse element configured to prevent the capsule from collapsing, thereby facilitating electrical contact between the electrode and the metal foil.

[0194] In some applications, the metal foil includes multiple regions, each having a different electrical resistance profile, such that when a given current is driven through the metal foil, each of the regions heats to a different temperature.

[0195] In some applications, the metal foil is shaped so that at least a portion of the metal foil is embedded within the smoking material.

[0196] In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical contact coating that coats the metal foil at locations configured to allow electrodes to contact the capsule.

[0197] In some applications, the metal foil has a first configuration at locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the metal foil, and a second configuration along the area where the metal foil surrounds the smoking material that is between the locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the metal foil.

[0198] In some applications, the smoking device includes one or more batteries, and the overall resistance to the current provided by the capsule is configured to substantially match the internal resistance of the one or more batteries of the smoking device.

[0199] In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper cover covering the metal foil, the paper cover being adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape and such that the metal foil forms an overlapping strip having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil, and an electrically insulating material being disposed along the overlapping strip to insulate the inner layer of metal foil from the electrodes.

[0200] In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper cover covering the metal foil, the paper cover being adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape and such that the metal foil forms an overlapping strip having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil, the metal foil being treated along the overlapping strip to increase the resistance of the metal foil along the overlapping strip.

[0201] In some applications, the capsule is shaped to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0202] For some applications, the capsule further includes a paper cover over the metal foil, the paper cover defining an opening through which an electrode is configured to make electrical contact with the metal foil.

[0203] In some applications, at least a portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened by the smoking device before the one or more heating elements are heated by the smoking device. In some applications, the capsule has a circular cross-sectional shape and is configured to be flattened to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0204] In some applications, the capsule comprises an elongated capsule having a length of 15 mm to 150 mm. In some applications, the elongated capsule has a length of 50 mm to 90 mm.

[0205] In some applications, the capsule is configured so that the air flow through the capsule is substantially axial along the length of the capsule.

[0206] In some applications, the metal foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by a first electrode driving a current to a second electrode axially along the metal foil for a length greater than 5 mm. In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially axial along the length of the capsule. In some applications, the metal foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by a first electrode driving a current to a second electrode axially along the metal foil for a length greater than 15 mm.

[0207] In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 1 micron to 20 microns. In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 3 microns to 10 microns.

[0208] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use with a smoking device including at least first and second electrodes, the apparatus comprising: The capsule comprises: a smoking material containing one or more active agents; a metal foil surrounding the smoking material, the metal foil configured to be heated via resistive heating by electrodes driving an electric current through the metal foil; A paper cover covering the metal foil, a paper cover adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape and such that the metal foil forms an overlapping strip having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil; and an electrically insulating material disposed along the overlapping strip to insulate the inner layer of metal foil from the electrodes.

[0209] In some applications, the smoking material comprises a plant-based smoking material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the plant-based smoking material upon heating of the plant-based smoking material.

[0210] For some applications, the smoking material includes a liquid material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the liquid material upon vaporization of the liquid material.

[0211] In some applications, the electrically insulating material includes an adhesive used to adhere the paper cover to itself along the overlapping strip. In some applications, the electrically insulating material includes a polyimide.

[0212] In some applications, the metal foil is shaped so that at least a portion of the metal foil is embedded within the smoking material.

[0213] In some applications, the metal foil includes multiple regions, each having a different electrical resistance profile, such that when a given current is driven through the metal foil, each of the regions heats to a different temperature.

[0214] For some applications, the capsule further includes an anti-collapse element configured to prevent the capsule from collapsing, thereby facilitating electrical contact between the electrode and the metal foil.

[0215] In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical contact coating that coats the metal foil at locations configured to allow electrodes to contact the capsule.

[0216] In some applications, the metal foil has a first configuration at locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the metal foil, and a second configuration along the area where the metal foil surrounds the smoking material that is between the locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the metal foil.

[0217] In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines the inside of the metal foil, the inner lining being configured to spread heat generated by the metal foil.

[0218] In some applications, the smoking device includes one or more batteries, and the overall resistance to the current provided by the capsule is configured to substantially match the internal resistance of the one or more batteries of the smoking device.

[0219] In some applications, the paper cover defines an opening through which an electrode is configured to make electrical contact with the metal foil.

[0220] In some applications, the metal foil is treated along the overlapping strip to increase the resistance of the metal foil along the overlapping strip.

[0221] In some applications, the capsule is shaped to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0222] In some applications, at least a portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened by the smoking device before the one or more heating elements are heated by the smoking device. In some applications, the capsule has a circular cross-sectional shape and is configured to be flattened to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0223] In some applications, the capsule comprises an elongated capsule having a length of 15 mm to 150 mm. In some applications, the elongated capsule has a length of 50 mm to 90 mm.

[0224] In some applications, the capsule is configured so that the air flow through the capsule is substantially axial along the length of the capsule.

[0225] In some applications, the metal foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by a first electrode driving a current to a second electrode axially along the metal foil for a length greater than 5 mm. In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially axial along the length of the capsule. In some applications, the metal foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by a first electrode driving a current to a second electrode axially along the metal foil for a length greater than 15 mm.

[0226] In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 1 micron to 20 microns. In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 3 microns to 10 microns.

[0227] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use with a smoking device including at least first and second electrodes, the apparatus comprising: The capsule comprises: a smoking material containing one or more active agents; a metal foil surrounding the smoking material, the metal foil configured to be heated via resistive heating by electrodes driving an electric current through the metal foil; A paper cover covering the metal foil, the paper cover is adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape and the metal foil to form an overlapping strip having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil; An apparatus is further provided in which the metal foil is treated along the overlapping strip to increase the resistance of the metal foil along the overlapping strip.

[0228] In some applications, the smoking material comprises a plant-based smoking material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the plant-based smoking material upon heating of the plant-based smoking material.

[0229] For some applications, the smoking material includes a liquid material, and one or more of the active agents are configured to vaporize from within the liquid material upon vaporization of the liquid material.

[0230] In some applications, the metal foil defines slits along the overlapping strip to increase the resistance of the metal foil along the overlapping strip.

[0231] In some applications, the metal foil is shaped so that at least a portion of the metal foil is embedded within the smoking material.

[0232] In some applications, the metal foil includes multiple regions, each having a different electrical resistance profile, such that when a given current is driven through the metal foil, each of the regions heats to a different temperature.

[0233] For some applications, the capsule further includes an anti-collapse element configured to prevent the capsule from collapsing, thereby facilitating electrical contact between the electrode and the metal foil.

[0234] In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical contact coating that coats the metal foil at locations configured to allow electrodes to contact the capsule.

[0235] In some applications, the metal foil has a first configuration at locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the metal foil, and a second configuration along the area where the metal foil surrounds the smoking material that is between the locations where the electrodes are configured to contact the metal foil.

[0236] In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines the inside of the metal foil, the inner lining being configured to spread heat generated by the metal foil.

[0237] In some applications, the smoking device includes one or more batteries, and the overall resistance to the current provided by the capsule is configured to substantially match the internal resistance of the one or more batteries of the smoking device.

[0238] In some applications, the paper cover defines an opening through which an electrode is configured to make electrical contact with the metal foil.

[0239] In some applications, an electrically insulating material is placed along the overlapping strip to insulate the inner layer of metal foil from the electrodes.

[0240] In some applications, the capsule is shaped to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0241] In some applications, at least a portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened by the smoking device before the one or more heating elements are heated by the smoking device. In some applications, the capsule has a circular cross-sectional shape and is configured to be flattened to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1.

[0242] In some applications, the capsule comprises an elongated capsule having a length of 15 mm to 150 mm. In some applications, the elongated capsule has a length of 50 mm to 90 mm.

[0243] In some applications, the capsule is configured so that the air flow through the capsule is substantially axial along the length of the capsule.

[0244] In some applications, the metal foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by a first electrode driving a current to a second electrode axially along the metal foil for a length greater than 5 mm. In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially axial along the length of the capsule. In some applications, the metal foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by a first electrode driving a current to a second electrode axially along the metal foil for a length greater than 15 mm.

[0245] In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 1 micron to 20 microns. In some applications, the metal foil has a thickness of 3 microns to 10 microns.

[0246] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided a device for use with a capsule containing smoking material containing one or more active agents, the device comprising: a smoking device configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, the smoking device comprising: There is further provided an apparatus including two or more sensors each configured to sense the temperature of the capsule at the same location along the length of the capsule as each other.

[0247] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing plant-based smoking material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the plant-based smoking material by heating the plant-based smoking material.

[0248] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing a liquid material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the liquid material by vaporizing the liquid material.

[0249] In some applications, the sensors are configured to be mounted on each side of the capsule. In some applications, the sensors include infrared temperature sensors. In some applications, the sensors include thermocouple sensors. In some applications, the sensors include contact sensors configured to contact the smoking material. In some applications, the sensors are configured to move axially along the length of the capsule.

[0250] In some applications, the smoking device receiving an indication from the user indicating whether the user desires to smoke the active agent in the first mode or the second mode; In response to receiving an indication that a user desires to smoke an active agent in a first mode, heating the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of one or more active agents for a predetermined period of time; and and heating the smoking material only to a vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user desiring that the smoking material be heated in response to receiving an indication that the user desires to smoke the active agent in the second mode. The control component is configured to:

[0251] In some applications, the control component is configured to preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents before receiving an instruction from the user indicating whether the user wishes to smoke the active agent in the first mode or the second mode. In some applications, the control component is configured to automatically preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents in response to inserting the capsule into the smoking device. In some applications, the control component is configured to preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents in response to input from the user.

[0252] In some applications, the device further includes a control component configured to determine a temperature of the smoking material at a position along the length of the capsule based on the temperature detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine an average temperature of the smoking material at a position along the length of the capsule based on the temperature detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a maximum temperature of the smoking material at a position along the length of the capsule based on the temperature detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a minimum temperature of the smoking material at a position along the length of the capsule based on the temperature detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a temperature range of the smoking material at a position along the length of the capsule based on the temperature detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, based on the temperatures detected by each of the sensors, the control component is configured to determine that a temperature detected by a first of the sensors indicates a fault by the first of the sensors, and in response, the control component is configured to determine a temperature of the smoking material based on a temperature detected by a second of the sensors.

[0253] In some applications, the control component is configured to control heating of the smoking material in response to the determined temperature of the smoking material. In some applications, the control component is configured to control heating of the smoking material to maintain the smoking material within a predetermined temperature range.

[0254] In some applications, the smoking device two or more electrodes configured to heat the smoking material by driving an electric current through portions of the capsule to generate resistive heating within the capsule; and a control component configured to detect the amount of current that must be applied to the capsule to maintain the smoking material at a substantially constant temperature, thereby detecting when a user has taken a puff on the smoking device.

[0255] In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a parameter of the puff. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a length of the puff. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a depth of the puff. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine one or more amounts of active agent vaporized from the capsule by monitoring the number of puffs taken from the capsule and a parameter of the puffs.

[0256] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided a device for use with a capsule containing smoking material containing one or more active agents, the device comprising: a smoking device configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, the smoking device comprising: There is further provided an apparatus including one or more sensors configured to detect the temperature of smoking material within the capsule and configured to be axially movable along the length of the capsule.

[0257] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing plant-based smoking material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the plant-based smoking material by heating the plant-based smoking material.

[0258] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing a liquid material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the liquid material by vaporizing the liquid material.

[0259] In some applications, the sensor includes an infrared temperature sensor. In some applications, the sensor includes a thermocouple sensor. In some applications, the sensor includes a contact sensor configured to contact the smoking material.

[0260] In some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes configured to heat smoking material by driving an electric current through the capsule, the two or more electrodes configured to be axially movable along the length of the capsule together with the one or more sensors. In some applications, the smoking device includes a motor and a rail, the motor configured to slide the one or more sensors along the rail, thereby moving the one or more sensors axially along the length of the capsule.

[0261] In some applications, the smoking device receiving an indication from the user indicating whether the user desires to smoke the active agent in the first mode or the second mode; In response to receiving an indication that a user desires to smoke an active agent in a first mode, heating the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of one or more active agents for a predetermined period of time; and and heating the smoking material only to a vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user desiring that the smoking material be heated in response to receiving an indication that the user desires to smoke the active agent in the second mode. The control component is configured to:

[0262] In some applications, the control component is configured to preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents before receiving an instruction from the user indicating whether the user wishes to smoke the active agent in the first mode or the second mode. In some applications, the control component is configured to automatically preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents in response to inserting the capsule into the smoking device. In some applications, the control component is configured to preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents in response to input from the user.

[0263] In some applications, the sensor includes two or more sensors, each configured to detect the temperature of the capsule at the same position along the length of the capsule at a given time. In some applications, the sensors are configured to be installed on each side of the capsule. In some applications, the device further includes a control component configured to determine a temperature of the smoking material at the position along the length of the capsule based on the temperatures detected by the sensors. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine an average temperature of the smoking material at the position along the length of the capsule based on the temperatures detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a maximum temperature of the smoking material at the position along the length of the capsule based on the temperatures detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a minimum temperature of the smoking material at the position along the length of the capsule based on the temperatures detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a temperature range of the smoking material at the position along the length of the capsule based on the temperatures detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, based on the temperatures detected by each of the sensors, the control component is configured to determine that the temperature detected by a first of the sensors indicates a fault with the first of the sensors, and in response, the control component is configured to determine a temperature of the smoking material based on the temperature detected by a second of the sensors.

[0264] For some applications, the device further includes a control component configured to determine a temperature of the smoking material based on the temperature detected by the sensor. For some applications, the control component is configured to control heating of the smoking material in response to the determined temperature of the smoking material. For some applications, the control component is configured to control heating of the smoking material to maintain the smoking material within a predetermined temperature range.

[0265] In some applications, the smoking device two or more electrodes configured to heat the smoking material by driving an electric current through portions of the capsule to generate resistive heating within the capsule; and a control component configured to detect the amount of current that must be applied to the capsule to maintain the smoking material at a substantially constant temperature, thereby detecting when a user has taken a puff on the smoking device.

[0266] In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a parameter of the puff. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a length of the puff. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a depth of the puff. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine one or more amounts of active agent vaporized from the capsule by monitoring the number of puffs taken from the capsule and a parameter of the puffs.

[0267] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided a device for use with a capsule containing smoking material containing one or more active agents, the device comprising: a smoking device configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, the smoking device comprising: receiving an indication from the user indicating whether the user desires to smoke the active agent in the first mode or the second mode; In response to receiving an indication that a user desires to smoke an active agent in a first mode, heating the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of one or more active agents for a predetermined period of time; and and heating the smoking material to a vaporization temperature only while receiving active input from a user desiring that the smoking material be heated in response to receiving an indication that the user desires to smoke the active agent in the second mode. An apparatus is further provided that includes a control component configured to:

[0268] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing plant-based smoking material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the plant-based smoking material by heating the plant-based smoking material.

[0269] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing a liquid material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the liquid material by vaporizing the liquid material.

[0270] In some applications, the control component is configured to heat the smoking material to a vaporization temperature for a predetermined period of time between 60 seconds and 600 seconds in response to receiving an indication that a user wishes to smoke the active agent in the first mode.

[0271] For some applications, the smoking device includes a button configured to be pressed by a user, and the control component includes: the control component interprets the user's desire to smoke the active agent in the second mode by the user pressing the button for a duration less than the threshold duration; and A user pressing the button for a duration greater than the threshold duration is interpreted by the control component as indicating that the user desires to smoke the active agent in the first mode. It is configured as follows.

[0272] In some applications, the control component is configured to preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents before receiving an instruction from the user indicating whether the user wishes to smoke the active agent in the first mode or the second mode. In some applications, the control component is configured to automatically preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents in response to inserting the capsule into the smoking device. In some applications, the control component is configured to preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents in response to input from the user.

[0273] For some applications, the smoking device includes a button configured to be pressed by a user, and the control component includes: the control component interprets the user's desire to smoke the active agent in the first mode by the user pressing the button for a duration less than the threshold duration; and The control component interprets the user's desire to smoke the active agent in a second mode by the user pressing the button for a duration greater than the threshold duration. It is configured as follows.

[0274] In some applications, the threshold duration is between 0 and 2 seconds.

[0275] For some applications, the smoking device is configured to allow a user to switch from the first mode to the second mode during a smoking session by pressing a button for more than a threshold duration.

[0276] For some applications, the smoking device is configured to allow a user to switch from the second mode to the first mode during a smoking session by pressing the button for less than a threshold duration.

[0277] In some applications, the smoking device flattening at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material; and vaporizing one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material while at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material is in a flattened configuration; The device is configured to:

[0278] For some applications, the smoking device includes a roller wheel configured to flatten at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing smoking material when the capsule is inserted into the smoking device. For some applications, the smoking device includes a funnel configured to flatten at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing smoking material when the capsule is inserted into the smoking device. For some applications, the smoking device includes a mechanical element configured to flatten at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing smoking material by applying mechanical pressure to the capsule.

[0279] In some applications, the smoking device is configured to flatten at least a portion of the capsule containing smoking material such that the portion of the capsule containing smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1. In some applications, the smoking device is configured to flatten at least a portion of the capsule containing smoking material such that the portion of the capsule containing smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 3:1. In some applications, the smoking device is configured to flatten at least a portion of the capsule containing smoking material such that the portion of the capsule containing smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 4:1. In some applications, the smoking device is configured to flatten at least a portion of the capsule containing smoking material such that the portion of the capsule containing smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 6:1.

[0280] In some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes configured to heat the smoking material by generating resistive heating within the capsule by driving an electric current through portions of the capsule. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to move axially along the length of the capsule. In some applications, the smoking device includes a mechanism configured to bring the electrodes into pressurized contact with the capsule to enhance electrical contact between the electrodes and the capsule.

[0281] In some applications, the capsule includes an elongated capsule, and during heating of the smoking material, the smoking device is configured to house the capsule such that airflow through the capsule is substantially along the length of the elongated capsule, and the first one of the electrodes is configured to drive a current toward the second one of the electrodes axially along the length of the capsule for a distance greater than 5 mm. In some applications, the first one of the electrodes is configured to drive a current toward the second one of the electrodes axially along the length of the capsule for a distance greater than 15 mm.

[0282] In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule including a metal foil surrounding a smoking material, and the electrode is configured to drive an electric current through the metal foil. In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule containing a metal foil surrounding a smoking material and a paper cover covering the metal foil, and the electrode is needle-shaped and configured to make electrical contact with the metal foil by penetrating the paper cover.

[0283] In some applications, the smoking device includes a coil configured to heat smoking material by generating a magnetic field to heat the capsule via magnetic induction. In some applications, the coil is configured to be flattened while at least a portion of the capsule containing smoking material is disposed within the coil. In some applications, the coil is shaped to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape even before the portion of the capsule containing smoking material is introduced into the coil, and the smoking device is configured to flatten the portion of the capsule containing smoking material before the portion of the capsule containing smoking material is introduced into the coil.

[0284] For some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a cylindrically shaped, elongated capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. For some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a cylindrically shaped, elongated capsule having a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

[0285] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided a device for use with a capsule containing smoking material containing one or more active agents, the device comprising: a smoking device configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, the smoking device comprising: There is further provided an apparatus including a roller wheel configured to change the shape of the capsule when the capsule is inserted into the smoking device.

[0286] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing plant-based smoking material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the plant-based smoking material by heating the plant-based smoking material.

[0287] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing a liquid material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the liquid material by vaporizing the liquid material.

[0288] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided a device for use with a capsule containing smoking material containing one or more active agents, the device comprising: a smoking device configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, the smoking device comprising: There is further provided an apparatus including a funnel configured to change the shape of the capsule when the capsule is inserted into a smoking device.

[0289] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing plant-based smoking material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the plant-based smoking material by heating the plant-based smoking material.

[0290] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing a liquid material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the liquid material by vaporizing the liquid material.

[0291] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided a device for use with a capsule containing smoking material containing one or more active agents, the device comprising: a smoking device configured to receive the capsule, the smoking device comprising: vaporizing one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material by driving an electric current through a portion of the capsule; and Axial movement along the length of the capsule Further provided is a device including two or more electrodes configured to:

[0292] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing plant-based smoking material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the plant-based smoking material by heating the plant-based smoking material.

[0293] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing a liquid material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the liquid material by vaporizing the liquid material.

[0294] In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a cylindrically shaped capsule, the smoking device including a cylindrically shaped insertion port configured to receive the cylindrically shaped capsule and a non-cylindrical housing configured to accommodate at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material while the smoking material is heated.

[0295] For some applications, the smoking device includes a mechanism configured to bring the electrode into pressurized contact with the capsule to enhance electrical contact between the electrode and the capsule.

[0296] In some applications, the smoking device includes one or more sensors configured to detect the temperature of the smoking material in the capsule, and the one or more sensors are configured to be axially movable along the length of the capsule together with the two or more electrodes.

[0297] In some applications, the smoking device includes a motor and a rail, and the motor is configured to move the two or more electrodes axially along the length of the capsule by sliding the two or more electrodes along the rail.

[0298] In some applications, the smoking device receiving an indication from the user indicating whether the user desires to smoke the active agent in the first mode or the second mode; In response to receiving an indication that a user desires to smoke an active agent in a first mode, heating the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of one or more active agents for a predetermined period of time; and and heating the smoking material only to a vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user desiring that the smoking material be heated in response to receiving an indication that the user desires to smoke the active agent in the second mode. The control component is configured to:

[0299] In some applications, the control component is configured to preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents before receiving an instruction from the user indicating whether the user wishes to smoke the active agent in the first mode or the second mode. In some applications, the control component is configured to automatically preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents in response to inserting the capsule into the smoking device. In some applications, the control component is configured to preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents in response to input from the user.

[0300] In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule including a metal foil surrounding a smoking material, and the electrode is configured to drive an electric current through the metal foil. In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule containing a metal foil surrounding a smoking material and a paper cover covering the metal foil, and the electrode is needle-shaped and configured to make electrical contact with the metal foil by penetrating the paper cover.

[0301] In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive an elongated capsule, and during heating of the smoking material, the smoking device is configured to accommodate the capsule such that airflow through the capsule is substantially along the length of the elongated capsule, and the first one of the electrodes is configured to drive a current axially along the length of the capsule toward the second one of the electrodes along a length greater than 5 mm. In some applications, the first one of the electrodes is configured to drive a current axially along the length of the capsule toward the second one of the electrodes along a length greater than 15 mm.

[0302] For some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a cylindrically shaped, elongated capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. For some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a cylindrically shaped, elongated capsule having a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

[0303] In some applications, the electrodes are configured to change the shape of the capsule when the capsule is inserted into a smoking device by applying mechanical pressure to the capsule. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to flatten at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material such that the portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to flatten at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material such that the portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 3:1. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to flatten at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material such that the portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 4:1. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to flatten at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material such that the portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 6:1.

[0304] For some applications, the smoking device is configured to flatten at least a portion of the capsule containing smoking material. For some applications, the smoking device includes a roller wheel configured to flatten at least a portion of the capsule containing smoking material when the capsule is inserted into the smoking device. For some applications, the smoking device includes a funnel configured to flatten at least a portion of the capsule containing smoking material when the capsule is inserted into the smoking device. For some applications, the smoking device includes a mechanical element configured to flatten at least a portion of the capsule containing smoking material by applying mechanical pressure to the capsule.

[0305] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided a device for use with a capsule containing smoking material containing one or more active agents, the smoking material being covered with a metal foil and paper cover, the device comprising: a smoking device configured to receive the capsule, the smoking device comprising: two or more electrodes configured to drive an electric current through the metal foil, thereby heating the smoking material and thereby vaporizing one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material; There is further provided a device wherein the two or more electrodes are needle-shaped and configured to make electrical contact with the metal foil by penetrating the paper cover.

[0306] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing plant-based smoking material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the plant-based smoking material by heating the plant-based smoking material.

[0307] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing a liquid material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the liquid material by vaporizing the liquid material.

[0308] In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a cylindrically shaped capsule, the smoking device including a cylindrically shaped insertion port configured to receive the cylindrically shaped capsule and a non-cylindrical housing configured to accommodate at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material while the smoking material is heated.

[0309] In some applications, the electrodes are configured to move axially along the length of the capsule.

[0310] For some applications, the smoking device includes a mechanism configured to bring the electrode into pressurized contact with the capsule to enhance electrical contact between the electrode and the capsule.

[0311] In some applications, the smoking device receiving an indication from the user indicating whether the user desires to smoke the active agent in the first mode or the second mode; In response to receiving an indication that a user desires to smoke an active agent in a first mode, heating the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of one or more active agents for a predetermined period of time; and and heating the smoking material only to a vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user desiring that the smoking material be heated in response to receiving an indication that the user desires to smoke the active agent in the second mode. The control component is configured to:

[0312] In some applications, the control component is configured to preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents before receiving an instruction from the user indicating whether the user wishes to smoke the active agent in the first mode or the second mode. In some applications, the control component is configured to automatically preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents in response to inserting the capsule into the smoking device. In some applications, the control component is configured to preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents in response to input from the user.

[0313] In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive an elongated capsule, and during heating of the smoking material, the smoking device is configured to accommodate the capsule such that airflow through the capsule is substantially along the length of the elongated capsule, and the first one of the electrodes is configured to drive a current axially along the length of the capsule toward the second one of the electrodes along a length greater than 5 mm. In some applications, the first one of the electrodes is configured to drive a current axially along the length of the capsule toward the second one of the electrodes along a length greater than 15 mm.

[0314] For some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a cylindrically shaped, elongated capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. For some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a cylindrically shaped, elongated capsule having a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

[0315] In some applications, the electrodes are configured to change the shape of the capsule when the capsule is inserted into a smoking device by applying mechanical pressure to the capsule. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to flatten at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material such that the portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:1. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to flatten at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material such that the portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 3:1. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to flatten at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material such that the portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 4:1. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to flatten at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material such that the portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between the long side of the cross-sectional shape and the short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 6:1.

[0316] For some applications, the smoking device is configured to flatten at least a portion of the capsule containing smoking material. For some applications, the smoking device includes a roller wheel configured to flatten at least a portion of the capsule containing smoking material when the capsule is inserted into the smoking device. For some applications, the smoking device includes a funnel configured to flatten at least a portion of the capsule containing smoking material when the capsule is inserted into the smoking device. For some applications, the smoking device includes a mechanical element configured to flatten at least a portion of the capsule containing smoking material by applying mechanical pressure to the capsule.

[0317] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided a device for use with a capsule containing smoking material containing one or more active agents, the smoking material being covered with a metal foil, the device comprising: a smoking device configured to receive the capsule, the smoking device comprising: two or more electrodes configured to drive an electric current through the metal foil, thereby heating the smoking material and thereby vaporizing one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material; An apparatus is further provided that includes: a control component configured to periodically drive a test current through the electrodes and detect whether a capsule is disposed within the smoking device based on a response to the test current.

[0318] In some applications, when the capsule is placed in the smoking device, the control component driving a further test current through the electrode; measuring the resistance between the electrodes in response to the test current; and and in response thereto, detecting at least one fault selected from the group consisting of a fault in the capsule, a fault in the smoking device, and a fault in the electrical contact between the electrode and the capsule. The device is further configured to:

[0319] In some applications, when the capsule is placed in the smoking device, the control component driving a further test current through the electrode; measuring a temperature change in a portion of the capsule in response to the test current; and and in response thereto, detecting at least one fault selected from the group consisting of a fault in the capsule, a fault in the smoking device, and a fault in the electrical contact between the electrode and the capsule. The device is further configured to:

[0320] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing plant-based smoking material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the plant-based smoking material by heating the plant-based smoking material.

[0321] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing a liquid material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the liquid material by vaporizing the liquid material.

[0322] In some applications, the control component is configured to detect that no capsule is positioned within the smoking device in response to a test current not flowing from a first one of the electrodes to a second one of the electrodes.

[0323] In some applications, the control component is configured to detect that a capsule disposed within the smoking device responds to a test current flowing from a first one of the electrodes to a second one of the electrodes with a given resistance profile.

[0324] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided a device for use with a capsule containing smoking material containing one or more active agents, the smoking material being covered with a metal foil, the device comprising: a smoking device configured to receive the capsule, the smoking device comprising: two or more electrodes configured to drive an electric current through the metal foil, thereby heating the smoking material and thereby vaporizing one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material; driving a test current through the electrodes; measuring the resistance between the electrodes in response to the test current; and and in response thereto, detecting at least one fault selected from the group consisting of a fault in the capsule, a fault in the smoking device, and a fault in the electrical contact between the electrode and the capsule. and a control component configured to:

[0325] In some applications, the control component may include: driving a further test current through the electrode; measuring a temperature change in a portion of the capsule in response to the test current; and and in response thereto, detecting at least one fault selected from the group consisting of a fault in the capsule, a fault in the smoking device, and a fault in the electrical contact between the electrode and the capsule. The device is further configured to:

[0326] In some applications, the control component is further configured to periodically drive a further test current through the electrodes and detect whether a capsule is disposed within the smoking device based on a response to the test current.

[0327] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing plant-based smoking material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the plant-based smoking material by heating the plant-based smoking material.

[0328] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing a liquid material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the liquid material by vaporizing the liquid material.

[0329] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there is provided a device for use with a capsule containing smoking material containing one or more active agents, the smoking material being covered with a metal foil, the device comprising: a smoking device configured to receive the capsule, the smoking device comprising: two or more electrodes configured to drive an electric current through the metal foil, thereby heating the smoking material and thereby vaporizing one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material; driving a test current through the electrodes; measuring a temperature change in a portion of the capsule in response to the test current; and and in response thereto, detecting at least one fault selected from the group consisting of a fault in the capsule, a fault in the smoking device, and a fault in the electrical contact between the electrode and the capsule. and a control component further configured to:

[0330] In some applications, the control component may include: driving a further test current through the electrode; measuring the resistance between the electrodes in response to the test current; and and in response thereto, detecting at least one fault selected from the group consisting of a fault in the capsule, a fault in the smoking device, and a fault in the electrical contact between the electrode and the capsule. The device is further configured to:

[0331] In some applications, the control component is further configured to periodically drive a further test current through the electrodes and detect whether a capsule is disposed within the smoking device based on a response to the test current.

[0332] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing plant-based smoking material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the plant-based smoking material by heating the plant-based smoking material.

[0333] In some applications, the smoking device is configured for use with a capsule containing a liquid material, and the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the liquid material by vaporizing the liquid material.

[0334] The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of its application, taken in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0335] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 1C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 1D] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule inserted into a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 1A-1C are schematic isometric and end views of a capsule in which the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material and heating element has a flattened shape compared to a conventional cigarette, thereby having an oval cross-sectional shape, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 2B] 1A-1C are schematic isometric and end views of a capsule in which the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material and heating element has a flattened shape compared to a conventional cigarette, thereby having a rectangular cross-sectional shape, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 2C] 1A-1C are schematic isometric and end views of a capsule in which the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material and heating element has a flattened shape compared to a conventional cigarette, thereby having a tablet-like cross-sectional shape, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 2D]1A-1C are schematic isometric and end views of a capsule in which the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material and heating element has a flattened shape compared to a conventional cigarette, thereby having a racetrack-shaped cross-sectional shape, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule having a circular cross section, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 3B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule that has been flattened by applying pressure to the capsule at discrete locations along its length, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 3C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule flattened along the entire length of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material and heating element, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrode placed in electrical contact with a heating element of a capsule, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrode placed in electrical contact with a heating element of a capsule, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 4C] 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrode placed in electrical contact with a heating element of a capsule, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 4D] 10 is a schematic diagram of an electrode including needle contacts configured to pierce the paper cover and directly contact the heating element of the capsule, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a heating element including a fold, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 6A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule containing a heating element penetrating smoking material, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 6B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule containing a heating element penetrating smoking material, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 7A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including one or more magnetic heating elements, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 7B]1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including one or more magnetic heating elements, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 7C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including one or more magnetic heating elements, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 7D] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including one or more magnetic heating elements, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 8A] 1 is a schematic diagram of one or more sensors for sensing the temperature of smoking material within a capsule, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 8B] 1 is a schematic diagram of one or more sensors for sensing the temperature of smoking material within a capsule, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 8C] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a portion positioned near a temperature sensor, the portion being covered, coated, and / or treated to be non-reflective or to have a high emissivity value, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 8D] 1 is a schematic diagram of two or more sensors being used to detect the temperature of smoking material in a capsule at the same location along the length of the capsule as each other, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 9A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a collapse prevention element, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 9B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a collapse prevention element, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 9C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a collapse prevention element, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 10A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of capsules including anti-collapse elements, in accordance with some alternative applications of the present invention. [Figure 10B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of capsules including anti-collapse elements, in accordance with some alternative applications of the present invention. [Figure 11A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a collapse prevention element, in accordance with some additional applications of the present invention. [Figure 11B]1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a collapse prevention element, in accordance with some additional applications of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a collapse prevention element, in accordance with some additional applications of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a collapse prevention element, in accordance with some additional applications of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a collapse prevention element, in accordance with some additional applications of the present invention. [Figure 15A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a collapse prevention element, according to some further applications of the present invention. [Figure 15B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a collapse prevention element, according to some further applications of the present invention. [Figure 16A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a collapse prevention element, in accordance with some additional applications of the present invention. [Figure 16B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a collapse prevention element, in accordance with some additional applications of the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including one or more stoppers, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 18A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a mouthpiece, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 18B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a mouthpiece, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 18C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a mouthpiece, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 18D] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule having a multi-purpose mouthpiece in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 18E] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule having a multi-purpose mouthpiece in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 18F] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule having a multi-purpose mouthpiece in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 19A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a paper cover and heating element of a capsule, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 19B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a paper cover and heating element of a capsule, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 20A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including an electrical contact coating in areas where the capsule is configured to contact electrodes, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 20B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including an electrical contact coating in areas where the capsule is configured to contact electrodes, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 20C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including an electrical contact coating in areas where the capsule is configured to contact electrodes, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 21A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a region surrounding the smoking material in which the foil heating element has a resistance greater than the resistance of the foil in the region where the capsule is configured to contact the electrodes, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 21B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a region surrounding the smoking material in which the foil heating element has a resistance greater than the resistance of the foil in the region where the capsule is configured to contact the electrodes, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 21C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a region surrounding the smoking material in which the foil heating element has a resistance greater than the resistance of the foil in the region where the capsule is configured to contact the electrodes, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 22A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule coating material including an inner lining, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 22B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule coating material including an inner lining, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 22C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule coating material including an inner lining, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 22D]1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule coating material including an inner lining, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 23A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule coating material including adhesive and / or additional materials in overlapping bands of coating material, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 23B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule coating material including adhesive and / or additional materials in overlapping bands of coating material, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 23C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule coating material including adhesive and / or additional materials in overlapping bands of coating material, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 23D] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule coating material including adhesive and / or additional materials in overlapping bands of coating material, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 23E] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule coating material including adhesive and / or additional materials in overlapping bands of coating material, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 23F] 1 is a schematic illustration of a capsule coating material including adhesive and / or additional materials in overlapping bands of coating material, according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 24A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule coating material having slits formed in conductive elements in overlapping bands of coating material, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 24B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule coating material having slits formed in conductive elements in overlapping bands of coating material, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 25A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including one or more identifying features, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 25B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including one or more identifying features, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 25C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule including one or more identifying features, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 26]1 is a schematic diagram of a smoking device with the cover removed (for illustrative purposes) in accordance with some applications of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 27A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a mechanical element for flattening portions of a capsule in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 27B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a mechanical element for flattening portions of a capsule in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 27C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a mechanical element for flattening portions of a capsule in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 27D] 1 is a schematic diagram of a mechanical element for flattening portions of a capsule in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 27E] 1 is a schematic diagram of a mechanical element for flattening portions of a capsule in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 27F] 1 is a schematic diagram of a mechanical element for flattening portions of a capsule in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 28] 1 is a schematic diagram of a smoking device including electrodes and / or mechanical elements configured to move axially relative to a capsule, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 29A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a smoking device including a mechanism configured to bring electrodes and / or mechanical elements into pressurized contact with a capsule, according to some applications of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 29B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a smoking device including a mechanism configured to bring electrodes and / or mechanical elements into pressurized contact with a capsule, according to some applications of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 29C] 10A-10C are schematic diagrams of smoking devices including mechanisms configured to bring electrodes and / or mechanical elements into pressurized contact with the capsule, in accordance with some further applications of the present invention. [Figure 29D] 10A-10C are schematic diagrams of smoking devices including mechanisms configured to bring electrodes and / or mechanical elements into pressurized contact with the capsule, in accordance with some further applications of the present invention. [Figure 30A]1 is a schematic diagram of a coil of a smoking device configured to be flattened by a mechanical element, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 30B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a coil of a smoking device configured to be flattened by a mechanical element, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 31A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a coil of a smoking device pre-formed into a flattened configuration in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 31B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a coil of a smoking device pre-formed into a flattened configuration in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 31C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a coil of a smoking device pre-formed into a flattened configuration in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 31D] 1 is a schematic diagram of a coil of a smoking device pre-formed into a flattened configuration in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 32A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a coil of a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 32B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a coil of a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 33] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule being heated while in an unflattened cylindrical shape, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 34] 1 is a flow chart illustrating steps performed by a smoking device according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 35A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, the capsule including a layer of absorbent material, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 35B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, the capsule including a layer of absorbent material, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 35C]1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, the capsule including a layer of absorbent material, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 36A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, according to some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a layer of absorbent material with holes therethrough. [Figure 36B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, according to some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a layer of absorbent material with holes therethrough. [Figure 37A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a reservoir of liquid material absorbed within an absorbent material, and configured so that only portions of the absorbent material are heated. [Figure 37B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a reservoir of liquid material absorbed within an absorbent material, and configured so that only portions of the absorbent material are heated. [Figure 38A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a reservoir of liquid material absorbed within an absorbent material, the absorbent material defining an airflow channel along its periphery. [Figure 38B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a reservoir of liquid material absorbed within an absorbent material, the absorbent material defining an airflow channel along its periphery. [Figure 39A]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, according to a respective application of the present invention, the capsule including a layer of absorbent material having a non-uniform thickness. [Figure 39B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, according to a respective application of the present invention, the capsule including a layer of absorbent material having a non-uniform thickness. [Figure 40A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, according to some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a reservoir containing the liquid material. [Figure 40B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, according to some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a reservoir containing the liquid material. [Figure 41A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to a heating element. [Figure 41B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to a heating element. [Figure 41C] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to a heating element. [Figure 42A]1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element disposed within the capsule. [Figure 42B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element disposed within the capsule. [Figure 42C] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element disposed within the capsule. [Figure 43A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element. [Figure 43B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element. [Figure 43C] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element. [Figure 43D]1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element. [Figure 44A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element, in accordance with some alternative applications of the present invention. [Figure 44B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element, in accordance with some alternative applications of the present invention. [Figure 44C] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element, in accordance with some alternative applications of the present invention. [Figure 44D] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element, in accordance with some alternative applications of the present invention. [Figure 45A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element, the capsule including a reusable portion and a disposable portion, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 45B]1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element, the capsule including a reusable portion and a disposable portion, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 45C] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element, the capsule including a reusable portion and a disposable portion, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 45D] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element, the capsule including a reusable portion and a disposable portion, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 46A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element and defining an opening proximate to the heating element. [Figure 46B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element and defining an opening proximate to the heating element. [Figure 47A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element, defining an opening proximate to the heating element, and including a reusable portion and a disposable portion. [Figure 47B]1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element, defining an opening proximate to the heating element, and including a reusable portion and a disposable portion. [Figure 48A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a housing disposed around an absorbent material having the liquid material absorbed therein, the housing being an electrical insulator and defining one or more side windows. [Figure 48B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a housing disposed around an absorbent material having the liquid material absorbed therein, the housing being an electrical insulator and defining one or more side windows. [Figure 49A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device according to some alternative applications of the present invention, the capsule including a housing disposed around a reservoir containing the liquid material, the housing being an electrical insulator and defining one or more side windows. [Figure 49B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device according to some alternative applications of the present invention, the capsule including a housing disposed around a reservoir containing the liquid material, the housing being an electrical insulator and defining one or more side windows. [Figure 50A]1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a housing disposed around a reservoir containing the liquid material, the housing being an electrical insulator and defining one or more side windows. [Figure 50B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the capsule including a housing disposed around a reservoir containing the liquid material, the housing being an electrical insulator and defining one or more side windows. [Figure 51A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing and a flap that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, with the flap in an open position, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 51B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing and a flap that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, with the flap in an open position, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 51C] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing and a flap that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, with the flap in an open position, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 51D] 52A-52C are schematic diagrams of the smoking device of each of FIGS. 52A-52C with the flaps in a closed position, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 51E] 52A-52C are schematic diagrams of the smoking device of each of FIGS. 52A-52C with the flaps in a closed position, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 51F] 52A-52C are schematic diagrams of the smoking device of each of FIGS. 52A-52C with the flaps in a closed position, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 52A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing and a flap that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, with the flap in an open position, in accordance with some additional applications of the present invention. [Figure 52B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing and a flap that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, with the flap in an open position, in accordance with some additional applications of the present invention. [Figure 52C] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing and a flap that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, with the flap in an open position, in accordance with some additional applications of the present invention. [Figure 52D] 52A-52C are schematic diagrams of the respective views of the smoking device of FIGS. 52A-52C with the flaps in a closed position, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 52E] 52A-52C are schematic diagrams of the respective views of the smoking device of FIGS. 52A-52C with the flaps in a closed position, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 53A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing and a flap that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, with the flap in an open position, in accordance with some additional applications of the present invention. [Figure 53B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing and a flap that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, with the flap in an open position, in accordance with some additional applications of the present invention. [Figure 53C] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing and a flap that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, with the flap in an open position, in accordance with some additional applications of the present invention. [Figure 53D] 53A-53C are schematic diagrams of the smoking device of each of FIGS. 53A-53C with the flaps in a closed position, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 53E] 53A-53C are schematic diagrams of the smoking device of each of FIGS. 53A-53C with the flaps in a closed position, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 54A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing and a flap that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, with the flap in an open position, in accordance with some additional applications of the present invention. [Figure 54B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing and a flap that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, with the flap in an open position, in accordance with some additional applications of the present invention. [Figure 54C] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing and a flap that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, with the flap in an open position, in accordance with some additional applications of the present invention. [Figure 54D] 54A-54C are schematic diagrams of the smoking device of each of FIGS. 54A-54C with the flaps in a closed position, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 54E] 54A-54C are schematic diagrams of the smoking device of each of FIGS. 54A-54C with the flaps in a closed position, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 55A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing and a cover reversibly connectable to the housing, with the cover detached from the housing, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 55B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing and a cover reversibly connectable to the housing, with the cover detached from the housing, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 55C] 55A-55B are schematic diagrams of the smoking device of each of FIGS. 55A-55B, with a cover coupled to the housing, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 55D] 55A-55B are schematic diagrams of the smoking device of each of FIGS. 55A-55B, with a cover coupled to the housing, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 56A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of electrodes, electrical contacts, and / or mechanical elements configured to flatten a capsule in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 56B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of electrodes, electrical contacts, and / or mechanical elements configured to flatten a capsule in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 56C]1A-1C are schematic diagrams of electrodes, electrical contacts, and / or mechanical elements configured to flatten a capsule in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 56D] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of electrodes, electrical contacts, and / or mechanical elements configured to flatten a capsule in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 57A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a hinged electrode, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 57B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a hinged electrode, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 57C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a hinged electrode, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 57D] 1 is a schematic diagram of a hinged electrode, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 58A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrode and electrical contacts configured to make electrical contact with each other via a conductive spring, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 58B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrode and electrical contacts configured to make electrical contact with each other via a conductive spring, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 58C] 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrode and electrical contacts configured to make electrical contact with each other via a conductive spring, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 58D] 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrode and electrical contacts configured to make electrical contact with each other via a conductive spring, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 59A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule including a metal foil surrounding smoking material, the metal foil being shaped to define lateral winged protrusions configured to contact electrodes of a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 59B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule including a metal foil surrounding smoking material, the metal foil being shaped to define lateral winged protrusions configured to contact electrodes of a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 59C] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule including a metal foil surrounding smoking material, the metal foil being shaped to define lateral winged protrusions configured to contact electrodes of a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 60] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of electrode configurations configured to drive current laterally across a capsule, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 61A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing, a flap that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, and a magnet, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 61B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing, a flap that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, and a magnet, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 61C] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of respective views of a smoking device including a housing, a flap that can be opened and closed relative to the housing, and a magnet, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 62A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule configured to facilitate detection when a user places the capsule's mouthpiece in their mouth, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 62B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule configured to facilitate detection when a user places the capsule's mouthpiece in their mouth, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 62C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule configured to facilitate detection when a user places the capsule's mouthpiece in their mouth, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 63A] 1 is a schematic diagram of spring electrodes configured to be positioned around the periphery of a capsule-receiving chamber of a smoking device at two or more axial positions, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 63B] 1 is a schematic diagram of spring electrodes configured to be positioned around the periphery of a capsule-receiving chamber of a smoking device at two or more axial positions, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 64A] 1 is a schematic diagram of spring electrodes arranged around the periphery of a capsule-receiving chamber of a smoking device at two or more axial positions, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 64B] 1 is a schematic diagram of spring electrodes arranged around the periphery of a capsule-receiving chamber of a smoking device at two or more axial positions, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 65A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule disposed in a capsule-receiving chamber of a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 65B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule disposed in a capsule-receiving chamber of a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 66A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule-receiving chamber of a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 66B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule-receiving chamber of a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 66C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule-receiving chamber of a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 67] 1 is a schematic diagram of a metal foil of a capsule according to some applications of the present invention. [Figure 68A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 68B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 68C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. [Figure 68D] 1 is a schematic diagram of a capsule, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0336] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, which are schematic diagrams of a capsule 20 (FIGS. 1A-B), a smoking device 200 (FIG. 1C), and a capsule inserted into a smoking device (FIG. 1D) according to some applications of the present invention. Note that the term "smoking device" is used herein to describe device 200, as this terminology is used in the art. However, device 200 may also be referred to as a "vaping device." For some applications, as shown in FIG. 1D, the smoking device is configured to be used with both capsule 20 (typically containing solid smoking material, such as plant material containing an active agent) and capsule 150 (typically containing a liquid material containing an active agent and configured to be vaporized), capsule 150 being, for example, as described below with reference to FIGS. 35A-50B. Typically, at any given time, the smoking device is used with either capsule 20 or capsule 150. For some applications, the smoking device uses similar techniques to heat the plant material in capsule 20 (to release the active agent from the plant material) and the liquid material in capsule 150 (to vaporize the liquid material), as described in more detail below.

[0337] Typically, the capsule 20 is a disposable capsule configured to be used during a single smoking session, while the smoking device is configured to be reusable. The capsule 20 typically has the general structure (e.g., shape and / or size) of a conventional cigarette. Many users and manufacturers of such capsules and smoking devices prefer single-use capsules having the general structure of a conventional cigarette for (a) user habits, (b) manufacturer habits, (c) manufacturer production lines that are optimally equipped to produce such capsules compared to capsules that differ from conventional cigarettes, (d) single-use capsules being more hygienic than capsules designed for repeated use, and / or (e) additional reasons.

[0338] Typically, capsule 20 includes a first portion 22 containing smoking material 23 (containing an active agent) and a heating element (as described in more detail below). The smoking material 23 is typically a plant material, such as tobacco and / or a cannabinoid-containing plant material (such as marijuana). For some applications, the smoking material is a non-plant material containing an active agent. (Note that in some of the figures (e.g., FIGS. 6A-7D, 9A-B, and 10B-14), for illustrative purposes, the smoking material is not shown diagrammatically (e.g., using hatching or shading). However, all figures showing a capsule should be interpreted as showing a capsule containing smoking material.) The capsule is typically inserted into a slot 202 in a smoking device 200. Smoking device 200 is configured to heat the smoking material to generate vapor containing an active agent within the smoking material in a non-combustion-heated manner. A user typically inhales the generated vapor through a second portion 24 of the capsule, which functions as a mouthpiece.

[0339] As discussed above in the Background Art, non-combustion heated smoking devices (also known as "smokeless" devices) are devices that heat smoking material without burning (i.e., pyrolyzing) the smoking material. The user inhales the vaporized activator produced. Important factors in non-combustion heated smoking devices are the time it takes to heat the smoking material and the uniformity of the heating. The time it takes to heat the smoking material is defined by the following formula: t=Q*d / (K*A*ΔT) [Equation 1] where: t is the time it takes to heat the smoking material, Q is the amount of heat transferred to the smoking material; d is the distance from the location where heat is generated to the smoking material being heated; K is a constant that defines the thermal conductance of the smoking material (which is relatively low for smoking materials because the smoking material is relatively non-conductive), and any other materials between the heating element and the smoking material; A is the contact area between the heating element and the smoking material; T is the temperature change applied to the heating element.

[0340] Heating smoking materials in a heat-not-burn process presents several challenges, including: Low thermal conductivity of the smoking material (i.e., low value of K in Equation 1), the limited temperature to which the heating element can be heated (i.e., a low value of ΔT in Equation 1) to avoid thermal decomposition (i.e., combustion) of the smoking material; Many designs of heating element-capsule combinations provide a relatively small contact area between the heating element and the smoking material (i.e., a low value of A in Equation 1), particularly when the capsule is designed to have the general shape of a conventional cigarette; If heat is applied by a heating element located within the smoking device outside the capsule, for example, to provide the appearance and feel of a conventional cigarette, there may be an insulating material (e.g., paper) between the heating element and the smoking material (thereby further reducing K in Equation 1); The distance from the heating element to the smoking material located towards the radial centre of the capsule is relatively large (i.e. a high value of d in Equation 1).

[0341] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, there are provided devices and methods that provide a user with a capsule that (a) provides a relatively large contact area between the heating element and the smoking material (i.e., A in Equation 1), (b) provides a relatively small distance between the heating element and the smoking material even at the radial center of the capsule (i.e., d in Equation 1), and (c) has the same general structure as a conventional cigarette.

[0342] Typically, the heating element is contained within the capsule, thereby in direct contact with the smoking material 23. For some applications, at least a portion of the heating element is embedded within the smoking material, as described in further detail below. For some applications, the heating element comprises a metallic material (e.g., a metal foil, such as a stainless steel foil, a nickel-titanium foil, a titanium foil, a copper foil, an aluminum foil, a steel foil, etc.) that is typically disposed within the capsule and / or that is typically in direct contact with the smoking material and is heated via electrical resistance heating, as described in further detail herein below. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element comprises one or more magnetic heating materials (e.g., a magnetic material and / or a ferromagnetic material) that are susceptible to heating by a magnetic field, which are typically disposed within the capsule and / or that is typically in direct contact with the smoking material and is heated via magnetic induction, as described in further detail herein below.

[0343] Typically, the capsule is an elongated capsule. For some applications, the elongated capsule has a length of 15 mm to 150 mm (e.g., 50 mm to 90 mm). For some applications, the capsule has the same general structure as a conventional cigarette, but differs from the general structure of a cigarette in that the capsule is provided to the user with at least a portion of the capsule having a flattened shape compared to a conventional cigarette (e.g., having an oval, rectangular, tablet-like, or racetrack-shaped cross-sectional shape). Typically, the flattening positions smoking material located toward the radial center of the capsule closer to the heating element than if the capsule had a circular cross-section with a similar cross-sectional area, as described in more detail below. Alternatively, the capsule is provided to the user with a circular cross-sectional shape, typically having a diameter of 4 mm to 12 mm (e.g., 5 to 8.5 mm). Typically, for such applications, the capsule is provided to the user in a capsule having a circular cross-sectional shape, but at least a portion of the capsule is flattened upon insertion into the smoking device (e.g., to have an oval, rectangular, tablet-like, or racetrack-shaped cross-sectional shape), so that smoking material located toward the radial center of the capsule is positioned closer to the heating element than before flattening, as described in more detail below.

[0344] In general, references to the cross-sectional shape of a capsule and its dimensions in this disclosure, including the claims, unless otherwise specified, should be construed as referring to the radial cross-section of the capsule (i.e., a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the capsule). Thus, in all cases, unless otherwise specified, the term "cross-sectional shape" used in reference to a capsule can be replaced with the term "radial cross-sectional shape."

[0345] It is further noted that, in general, the use of the term "cylindrical" and related terms with respect to a capsule or a portion of a smoking device used with a capsule should be interpreted as referring to a shape having a circular radial cross-section, and the term "non-cylindrical" and related terms, when used in a similar context, should be interpreted as referring to a shape having a non-circular radial cross-section, e.g., an elliptical radial cross-section. It is further noted that the use of the term "flattened" and related terms with respect to a capsule or a portion of a smoking device used with a capsule should be interpreted as referring to a radial cross-sectional shape that is flattened compared to a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0346] 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, which are schematic isometric and end views of a capsule 20, in which a portion 22 of the capsule containing the smoking material and heating element has a flattened shape relative to a conventional cigarette, thereby having an oval cross-sectional shape (FIG. 2A), a rectangular cross-sectional shape (FIG. 2B), a pill-like cross-sectional shape (FIG. 2C), or a racetrack-like cross-sectional shape (FIG. 2D). (Each of FIGS. 2A-D shows an isometric and end view of the capsule.) Typically, a portion 24 of the capsule, which functions as a mouthpiece, has a circular cross-sectional shape. As mentioned above, for some applications, the capsule is provided to a user with a portion 22 of the capsule having a flattened shape relative to a conventional cigarette. Alternatively, the capsule is provided to a user with a portion 22 of the capsule having a circular cross-sectional shape, but all or a portion of the portion 22 of the capsule is flattened upon insertion into a smoking device. For some applications, at least a portion of portion 22 is flattened such that the ratio of the long side of the cross-sectional shape to the short side of the cross-sectional shape is greater than 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, or 6:1. Typically, the heating element is positioned along at least the long side of portion 22, such that the distance between the heating element and the smokable material is less than if portion 22 had a circular cross-sectional shape with a similar circumference.

[0347] 3A, 3B, and 3C, which are schematic diagrams of a capsule having a circular cross-section, a capsule flattened by applying mechanical pressure to the capsule at discrete locations along its length, and a capsule flattened along the entire length of portion 22, respectively, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. For some applications, the capsule is flattened by smoking device 200. For some applications, smoking device 200 includes two or more electrodes configured to (a) heat a heating element disposed within the capsule via electrical resistance heating and (b) apply mechanical pressure to the capsule to flatten at least a portion of portion 22 of the capsule. For some applications, the electrodes apply mechanical pressure at discrete locations along its length (as shown in FIG. 3B). For some applications, the electrodes apply mechanical pressure along the entire length of portion 22 (as shown in FIG. 3C).

[0348] 4A, 4B, and 4C, which are schematic diagrams of an electrode 30 placed in electrical contact with a heating element 32 of a capsule 20 according to some applications of the present invention. As noted above, the heating element is typically built into the capsule and thereby in direct contact with the smoking material. Also, as noted above, the capsule is typically disposable and configured for use in a single smoking session. Thus, problems associated with repeated use of the heating element, such as the accumulation of dirt and / or impurities and wear due to repeated heating and / or mechanical interaction, are avoided. For some applications, the heating element is typically disposed within the capsule and / or typically in direct contact with the smoking material and comprises a metallic material that is heated via electrical resistance heating. For some applications, the heating element is typically a metallic foil (e.g., stainless steel foil, nickel-titanium foil, titanium foil, copper foil, aluminum foil, steel foil) that directly contacts and surrounds the smoking material in portion 22 of the capsule 20. For some applications, the foil has a thickness greater than 1 micron (e.g., greater than 3 microns) and / or less than 20 microns (e.g., less than 10 microns), e.g., 1 to 20 microns, or 3 to 10 microns. Typically, current is applied along the length of portion 22 (e.g., positive electrode at the first end and negative electrode at the second end, or vice versa), and air flow is parallel to the direction of current flow. For some applications, current is applied along the metal foil along the length of portion 22 greater than 5 mm, e.g., greater than 15 mm. Typically, the metal foil is flexible so that it can be flattened and configured by a mechanical flattening element, as described in more detail below. It should be noted that the heating element 32 is typically a metal foil, and therefore the element 32 is sometimes referred to as a "metal foil 32" or a "foil 32."

[0349] As described above, it is typically desirable for the capsule 20 to have the general structure of a conventional cigarette. Typically, the heating element extends along the entire length of the smokable material-containing portion of the capsule. For some applications, the heating element extends only along the length and / or periphery of the smokable material-containing portion of the capsule, as described in more detail below. For some applications, the capsule includes a paper cover 34, and the heating element 32 (typically as described above) is printed and / or adhered to the paper cover. Typically, where the electrode contacts the capsule, the heating element is exposed to the electrode for direct electrical contact with the electrode. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, where the electrode contacts the capsule, the heating element is not covered by the paper cover 34. As shown in FIG. 4C and as described above, for some applications, the electrode applies mechanical pressure to the capsule portion 22 to flatten at least a portion of the capsule portion 22.

[0350] Referring to FIG. 4D, for some applications, the electrodes include needle contacts 36 configured to pierce the paper cover and make direct contact with the heating element.

[0351] For some applications, a conductive material is absorbed into the paper cover to facilitate electrical contact between the electrodes and the heating element. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material passes from the heating element through the paper to make direct contact with the electrodes.

[0352] For some applications, the capsule includes a layer of insulating material within at least a portion of the capsule to reduce heat loss through the capsule wall.

[0353] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a schematic diagram of a heating element 32 that, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, includes folds (e.g., zigzag or wavy folds). Typically, the inclusion of folds increases the contact area between the heating element and the smoking material compared to when the heating element does not include the folds. For some applications, the inclusion of folds causes the heating element to be shaped to define ribs that penetrate the smoking material, thereby (a) increasing the contact area between the heating element and the smoking material and / or (b) reducing the maximum distance between the heating element and the smoking material. For some applications, a folded heating element such as that shown in FIG. 5 is combined with one or more of the techniques described with reference to FIGS. 4A-D.

[0354] 6A and 6B, which are schematic diagrams of a capsule 20 including a heating element 32 that penetrates the smoking material. As noted above, for some applications, the heating element is typically a metal foil (e.g., stainless steel foil, nickel-titanium foil, titanium foil, copper foil, aluminum foil, steel foil) that directly contacts and surrounds the smoking material in portion 22 of the capsule 20. For some applications, the foil has a thickness of greater than 1 micron (e.g., greater than 3 microns) and / or less than 20 microns (e.g., less than 10 microns), e.g., 1-20 microns, or 3-10 microns. Typically, an electric current is applied along the length of portion 22 (e.g., the positive electrode is at the first end and the negative electrode is at the second end, or vice versa), and the airflow is parallel to the direction of current flow. For some applications, an electric current is applied axially (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis of the capsule) along the metal foil along the length of portion 22 for greater than 5 mm, e.g., greater than 15 mm. For some applications, the foil is shaped and placed within the capsule so that the flaps 40 of the heating element penetrate the smoking material, as shown in Figure 6A. For some applications, the foil has a spiral shape that spirals through the smoking material, as shown in Figure 6B. For some applications, by penetrating the smoking material, the heating element (a) increases the contact area between the heating element and the smoking material, and / or (b) decreases the maximum distance between the heating element and the smoking material.

[0355] 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D, which are schematic diagrams of a capsule 20 that includes one or more magnetic heating elements in accordance with some applications of the present invention. As described above, the heating element is typically built into the capsule, thereby directly contacting the smoking material. For some applications, at least a portion of the heating element is embedded within the smoking material. For some applications, the heating element is typically disposed within the capsule and / or is typically in direct contact with the smoking material and includes one or more magnetic heating materials (i.e., materials susceptible to heating by a magnetic field, such as magnetic and / or ferromagnetic materials) that are heated via magnetic induction. For some applications, the smoking device 200 includes a coil configured to generate an electromagnetic field, as described in more detail below. The coil is configured to heat the magnetic heating material within the capsule via magnetic induction. According to some applications, the magnetic heating material is configured as a magnetic heating rod 42 (shown in FIG. 7A ) disposed along the length of a portion of the capsule, a magnetic heating strip 44 (shown in FIG. 7B ) disposed along the length of a portion of the capsule, a magnetic heating tube 46 (shown in FIG. 7C ) disposed along the length of a portion of the capsule, and / or a plurality of magnetic heating particles 48 (e.g., balls or beads) (shown in FIG. 7D ) dispersed within the smoking material. Alternatively or additionally, the magnetic heating material is disposed around the smoking material (e.g., under a paper cover) in a manner similar to that described with reference to the metal foil heated via electrical resistance heating. For some applications, there is no magnetic heating material disposed around the smoking material. Typically, in applications in which the capsule includes one or more magnetic heating materials, the smoking material is covered with a cover material that is not attenuated by the electromagnetic field generated by the smoking device (e.g., by the coil of the smoking device). In some such applications, the smoking material is covered with a paper cover, as described in more detail below. For some applications, the smoking material is covered with a cover that is itself a magnetic heating material (e.g., metal foil). Typically, at least a portion of portion 22 is configured to be flattened by the smoking device (or provided to the user in a flattened shape).Typically, the material in which the smoking material is wrapped is flexible to allow portion 22 to be flattened.

[0356] Reference is now made to Figures 8A and 8B, which are schematic diagrams of one or more sensors 50 for sensing the temperature of smoking material in a capsule, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Figures 8A and 8B show sensors used to sense the temperature of smoking material in a capsule that has been heated via electrical resistance heating of a heating element by electrodes 30. However, the sensors would typically be used mutatis mutandis with capsules that are heated via magnetic induction.

[0357] As described above, typically, to heat smoking material via electrical resistance heating, an electric current is applied along the length of the capsule portion 22 (e.g., a positive electrode at the first end and a negative electrode at the second end, or vice versa), with airflow parallel to the direction of current flow. For some applications, as shown in FIG. 8A, the electric current is applied along the entire length of the heating element using a single electrode pair (or a respective single electrode pair along each side of the capsule). Alternatively, each electrode pair applies current along a respective portion of the heating element's length, as shown in FIG. 8B. (In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the electrodes are shown as positive and negative, respectively, using reference numerals 30+ and 30−, by way of example. The charge of the electrodes can be reversed.) For some applications, the electric current is applied axially (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis of the capsule) along the metal foil along the length of the portion 22 for more than 5 mm, e.g., more than 15 mm, of the metal foil. This allows for separate control of each portion of the heating element for some applications. In some such applications, different portions along the length of the heating element are heated to different temperatures. In some such applications, different materials are vaporized by different portions of the heating element. For example, one portion may contain smoking material, while another portion may contain a material that provides flavor to the vapor. For some applications, a user selects the type of vapor they prefer, and different portions along the length of the heating element are heated accordingly (e.g., according to different temperature profiles). Typically, in applications where different electrode pairs apply current along different portions along the length of the heating element (as shown in FIG. 8B), different temperature sensors are configured to detect the temperature of the portion of smoking material disposed within the different portions along the length of the heating element.

[0358] For some applications, one or more of the techniques described in the above paragraphs are used in conjunction with electrodes configured as shown in other figures, such as electrodes including needle contacts 36 (shown in FIG. 4D) and / or spring electrodes 350 (shown in FIGS. 63A-66C).

[0359] Referring now to FIG. 8C, this is a schematic diagram of a capsule including a portion 52 disposed proximate a temperature sensor 50, which portion 52 is covered, coated, and / or treated to be non-reflective or to have a high emissivity value (e.g., an emissivity of at least 0.5, or at least 0.95) according to some applications of the present invention. Typically, sensor 50 is configured to detect the temperature of the smoking material without extracting heat from the smoking material. For some applications, sensor 50 is a contact sensor that contacts the smoking material to measure the temperature of the smoking material. Typically, sensor 50 is a non-contact sensor that measures the temperature of the smoking material without contacting the smoking material. For some applications, the temperature sensor is a thermal camera and / or thermocouple sensor that detects the overall resistance of the capsule (or a portion thereof) and thereby derives the capsule temperature. For some applications, the sensor is an infrared temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the smoking material by detecting infrared heat radiation from the smoking material (and typically without contacting the smoking material).

[0360] As mentioned above, the capsule is typically made of metal and includes a heating element surrounding the smoking material. Typically, the heating element includes a reflective material. For some applications, to facilitate accurate determination of the temperature of the smoking material using an infrared temperature sensor, the capsule is configured to be non-reflective or have a high emissivity value at the location where the sensor detects the capsule's temperature. For example, the capsule is covered or coated with a non-reflective material or a material with a high emissivity value (e.g., an emissivity of at least 0.5 or at least 0.95) at that location (e.g., polyimide tape, paper, or another thin material with high thermal conductivity and high emissivity). For some applications, the capsule is treated (e.g., via chemical treatment, sandblasting, etching, staining, knurling, and / or oxidation) so that the capsule is configured to be non-reflective or have a high emissivity value (e.g., an emissivity of at least 0.5 or at least 0.95) at the location where the sensor detects the capsule's temperature.

[0361] Referring now to FIG. 8D, this is a schematic diagram of two or more sensors 50 used to detect the temperature of the smoking material in a capsule 20 at the same location along the length of the capsule as each other, according to some applications of the present invention. For some applications, a sensor is installed on each side of the capsule. In some such applications, an average temperature of the smoking material is determined based on the temperature detected by each of the sensors. For some applications, a temperature range across the smoking material is determined, a maximum temperature of the smoking material is determined, and / or a minimum temperature of the smoking material is determined based on the temperatures detected by each of the sensors. For some applications, the temperature of the smoking material is detected using the temperature detected by only one of the sensors, for example, if the temperature detected by the other sensor (or another indication from the other sensor) indicates that the other sensor is faulty, dirty, in contact with the capsule, detecting temperature from an overlapping area of ​​the capsule cover, etc.

[0362] For some applications, the temperature detected by the sensor described with reference to any one of Figures 8A-D is used as feedback in response to controlling the heating of the heating element. Typically, the heating of the heating element is controlled to maintain the smoking material within a predetermined temperature range, at which the active agent in the smoking material is vaporized but the smoking material is not thermally decomposed. For some applications, a control component 233 (e.g., a control chip and / or control microprocessor shown in Figures 29C and 29D) within the smoking device is configured to detect when a user has taken a puff on the smoking device (and / or determine puff parameters, such as puff length and / or puff depth) based on the temperature of the smoking material detected by the sensor. Typically, the sensor detects the amount of current that must be applied to the heating element to maintain the smoking material at a constant (or substantially constant) temperature, thereby detecting when a user has taken a puff on the smoking device (and / or determining puff parameters, such as puff length and / or puff depth).

[0363] For some applications, upon inserting a capsule into the smoking device (or in response to activation in a different manner, e.g., by pressing a button), the smoking device preheats the capsule to below the vaporization temperature of the smoking material, as described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 34 . Thereafter, in response to detecting that the user has taken a puff from the smoking device (or in response to activation in a different manner, e.g., by pressing a button), the control component heats the smoking material to its vaporization temperature. For some applications, during use of a given capsule, the control component detects the number of puffs, puff length, and / or puff depth that the user has taken from the capsule. In some such applications, the control component prevents the capsule from being heated in response to detecting an indication that more than a predetermined amount of active agent has vaporized. In this manner, the smoking device is configured to provide a metered dose of active agent to the user. Alternatively or additionally, in this manner, the smoking device is configured to prevent further use of the capsule if further use may result in undesirable flavors, thermal decomposition of the smoking material, etc. For some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive an input indicating the type of capsule placed in the device (and / or to automatically detect this, as described in further detail below), and in response, to control the heating of the smoking material as described above.

[0364] 9A, 9B, and 9C, which are schematic diagrams of capsule 20, which includes anti-collapse element 60, according to some applications of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 9A-C, the anti-collapse element is shaped as a rod extending axially along the longitudinal axis of capsule portion 22. For some applications, the rod has a diameter greater than 0.5 mm (e.g., less than 2 mm) and / or less than 5 mm (e.g., less than 3 mm), e.g., 0.5-5 mm, or 2-3 mm. The anti-collapse element is configured to prevent capsule portion 22 from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to capsule portion 22 to flatten it. Note that the smoking material, heating element, and paper cover are typically all soft, non-rigid materials, and therefore, without the anti-collapse element, capsule portion 22 would be prone to collapse or crushing. In contrast, the rod is typically rigid and holds capsule portion 22 open at least up to the diameter of the rod. Typically, the diameter of the rod defines the thickness of portion 22 when the capsule is in its flattened configuration. By defining the thickness of portion 22 when the capsule is in its flattened configuration, the rod ensures that there is adequate air flow through portion 22. Additionally, the rod ensures that there is good electrical contact between the electrode and the heating element by ensuring that the heating element is held in contact with the electrode.

[0365] Figure 9A shows the capsule before mechanical pressure is applied to portion 22 by electrode 30, and Figures 9B-C show the capsule after mechanical pressure is applied to portion 22. As shown in Figures 9B-C, the rod holds open portion 22, so that the thickness of portion 22 when the capsule is in its flattened configuration is defined by the diameter of the rod.

[0366] Note that for some applications, the rods do not extend along the entire length of capsule portion 22. For example, the rods may be positioned only along a portion of the length of portion 22 where the heating element is configured to contact the electrode. For some applications, two or more rods are positioned along the length of capsule portion 22, each in a region where the heating element is configured to contact the electrode, as shown in FIG. 10A.

[0367] For some applications, the rod is a solid rod. As mentioned above, the rod is typically rigid. For some applications, the rod is flexible but has a higher rigidity than the smoking material. Typically, the rod is made of a material that can withstand heating up to the temperature to which the smoking material is heated. Depending on the application, the rod is made of wood, metal, and / or a polymeric material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). For some applications, the rod is made of natural or smoking materials such as wood, tobacco, and / or hemp. For some applications, the rod is configured to diffuse one or more chemicals, such as flavorings, pharmaceuticals, and / or vapor-producing chemicals such as glycerol. For some applications, the rod includes a phase change material configured to prevent the temperature of the smoking material from exceeding the phase change temperature of the phase change material. Typically, the phase change material is selected to prevent the temperature of the smoking material from exceeding the temperature at which the smoking material thermally decomposes. For some applications, the phase change material is selected to maintain the temperature of the smoking material within an optimal range for vaporization and / or taste. For some applications, the rod is configured to absorb chemicals, such as nitric oxide and / or carbon monoxide, produced by the thermal decomposition of the smoking material and / or other materials in the capsule. As noted above, the anti-collapse element is not necessarily a rod, and the scope of the present disclosure includes anti-collapse elements having different structures, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art and as described below. Typically, the rod configurations described above are applicable, mutatis mutandis, to any type of anti-collapse element.

[0368] 10A and 10B, which are schematic illustrations of capsule 20, which includes anti-collapse element 60, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10A, as noted above, for some applications, the anti-collapse element includes two or more rods positioned along the length of portion 22 of the capsule, in respective regions where a heating element is configured to contact an electrode. Referring to FIG. 10B, for some applications, the rods have non-uniform diameters. For example, as shown, in locations where an electrode is configured to contact the capsule, the rods include radially protruding portions 62 having a larger diameter (typically to ensure good electrical contact between the heating element and the electrode), while in other locations, the rods have a smaller diameter.

[0369] 11A and 11B, which are schematic diagrams of capsule 20, which includes anti-collapse element 60 in accordance with some applications of the present invention. For some applications, anti-collapse element is a tube containing chemicals (such as flavorings, pharmaceuticals, and / or vapor-producing chemicals (such as glycerol) in liquid, solid, gas, and / or gel form) that are released from the tube during heating of the smoking material. For example, tube portion 64 may be perforated (as shown in FIG. 11A) or may include a membrane or slit through which the chemical is released. For some applications, anti-collapse element 60 is a tube that serves one or more additional functions. For example, at least along its length, portion 64 may be hollow and may define an opening (such as a hole or slit) configured to collect and direct vaporized active agent toward the mouthpiece. As shown in FIG. 11B, for some applications, the anti-collapse element has a cross-sectional shape, whereby (a) the anti-collapse element holds the open portion 22 of the capsule to a sufficiently large thickness, but (b) the anti-collapse element does not occupy as much of the volume of portion 22 as it would if it had a different shape, thereby leaving a larger volume within portion 22 to be occupied by smoking material.

[0370] 12, which is a schematic diagram of capsule 20, which includes anti-collapse element 60, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. For some applications, as shown in FIG. 12, a disk-shaped or cylindrical structure 66 is disposed at one or both ends of the anti-collapse element. For some applications, structure 66 is configured to center the anti-collapse element within portion 22 of the capsule. For some applications, structure 66 is configured to hold the anti-collapse element in place, prevent smoking material from falling out of the capsule, and / or perform additional functions such as holding the smoking material in place while allowing sufficient airflow through the capsule.

[0371] 13, which is a schematic diagram of capsule 20, including anti-collapse element 60, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. For some applications, the anti-collapse element is configured to act as a heating element configured to be heated by an electrode via electrical resistance heating. For example, when the electrode flattens capsule portion 22, the electrode may be configured to be electrically connected to a conductive portion of the anti-collapse element. For example, mechanical pressure of the electrode may be configured to bring electrical contacts 68 (described above) of capsule portion 22 into contact with a metal coating disposed on the anti-collapse element.

[0372] Referring now to FIG. 14 , which is a schematic diagram of capsule 20, which includes anti-collapse element 60 in accordance with some applications of the present invention. For some applications, the anti-collapse element is a tube, such as a hollow, flexible tube, as shown in FIG. 14 . Smoking material is disposed inside the tube, and the tube typically adds rigidity to portion 22, thereby preventing it from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to portion 22 of the capsule to flatten it. Typically, the tube ensures that there is adequate airflow through portion 22 and that the heating element is held in contact with the electrode, thereby ensuring good electrical contact between the electrode and the heating element. For some applications, the capsule is configured to act in this manner and includes an anti-collapse element disposed in the area where the electrode is configured to contact the capsule, but not in other areas of the capsule containing the smoking material (e.g., as shown in FIG. 68C ).

[0373] 15A and 15B, which are schematic diagrams of a capsule 20 including a collapse prevention element 60 in accordance with some applications of the present invention. FIG. 15A shows the capsule 20 in an uncompressed configuration, and FIG. 15B shows the capsule in a compressed configuration in which mechanical pressure has been applied to the capsule by an electrode 30 (or a different mechanical flattening element) to flatten the capsule. For some applications, the collapse prevention element is a sponge-like or foam-like, disk-shaped or cylindrical element 72 disposed at one or both ends of the capsule portion 22. For some applications, the shape and / or material of the element 72 is similar to that of a cigarette filter. Typically, the element 72 is configured to allow airflow therethrough and to maintain a given minimum thickness when mechanical pressure is applied to the element 72. The element 72 thereby ensures that there is adequate airflow through the portion 22 and that the heating element is held in contact with the electrode, thereby ensuring good electrical contact between the electrode and the heating element. For some applications, a cylindrical element is disposed at each end of portion 22, with a predetermined amount of smoking material disposed between the two cylindrical elements. For some applications, the capsule is configured to provide a metered dose of active agent to a user because the predetermined amount of smoking material is disposed between the two cylindrical elements. In some such applications, the smoking device is configured to detect tampering with the capsule to ensure that the dose being provided to the user has not been tampered with.

[0374] 16A and 16B, which are schematic illustrations of capsule 20 including anti-collapse element 60 in accordance with some applications of the present invention. As described with reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B, for some applications, anti-collapse element 60 is a sponge- or foam-like, disk-shaped or cylindrical element 72 disposed at one or both ends of capsule portion 22. For some applications, the shape and / or material of element 72 is similar to the shape and / or material of a cigarette filter. For some applications, element 72 defines a lumen 74 therethrough. The lumen is typically configured to allow airflow through element 72 even when element 72 is compressed. (In FIG. 16B, lumen 74 is not visible. However, as discussed above, the lumen is typically configured to allow airflow through element 72 even when element 72 is compressed.)

[0375] Referring now to FIG. 17 , which is a schematic diagram of a capsule 20, the capsule including one or more stoppers 80 according to some applications of the present invention. For some applications, the stoppers are sponge-like or foam-like disk-shaped or cylindrical elements disposed at one or both ends of the capsule portion 22. For some applications, the shape and / or material of each of the stoppers is similar to that of a cigarette filter. Typically, the stoppers are configured to prevent smoking material from being removed from within the capsule (which could result in the smoking material itself entering the user's mouth and / or reducing the efficiency of the device). The stoppers are typically configured to allow airflow through the capsule while preventing smoking material from being removed. For some applications, the stoppers include holes configured to allow airflow through the stopper. For some applications, at least one of the stoppers is configured to adjust the airflow resistance of the capsule to be similar to that of a conventional combustible cigarette, for example.

[0376] 18A, 18B, and 18C, which are schematic diagrams of a capsule 20 including a mouthpiece 90 according to some applications of the present invention. As described above, typically, the capsule portion 24 defines the mouthpiece 90. Typically, a user inhales vapor from the capsule through the mouthpiece. Typically, the mouthpiece is configured to prevent at least a portion of the heat from the heated portion of the capsule from reaching the user's mouth. For some applications, the mouthpiece includes a flavoring agent. For some applications, the mouthpiece filters the vapor. For some applications, the mouthpiece cools the vapor. Referring to FIG. 18A, for some applications, the mouthpiece is typically similar to that of a cigarette filter and includes a sponge-like or foam-like, disk-shaped or cylindrical element 92 covered with paper 94. Referring to FIG. 18B, for some applications, the mouthpiece includes a tube 96 having spokes 98 (e.g., plastic or metal spokes) configured to cool the vapor. Referring to FIG. 18C, for some applications, the mouthpiece comprises a hollow tube 100 defining a lumen 102 configured to allow airflow therethrough.

[0377] 18D, 18E, and 18F, which are schematic diagrams of respective views of capsule 20 having a mouthpiece 90, which serves several purposes in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Each of FIGS. 18D-F shows the capsule positioned between electrodes 30. FIG. 18E shows a cross-sectional view of the capsule, and FIGS. 18E and 18F show respective perspective views of the capsule with a portion of the cover layer peeled away for illustrative purposes. For some applications, the mouthpiece includes a cylindrically shaped first portion 90A configured for a user to draw vaporized active agent from the capsule into the user's mouth, and a cone-shaped second portion 90B with a narrow end of the cone adjacent the smoking material to prevent solids (such as smoking material and / or debris generated from heating) from passing from the capsule into the user's mouth. For some applications, the mouthpiece is made of paper (e.g., card) shaped to define the first and second portions of the mouthpiece. For some applications, the second end of the mouthpiece is shaped so that the opening through the mouthpiece at the narrow end of the cone is 1 mm to 3 mm in diameter. (As noted above, typically the diameter of the capsule itself (and the first portion of the mouthpiece) is 4 mm to 12 mm (e.g., 5 to 8.5 mm).) For some applications, the second portion of the mouthpiece is sized to provide a desired level of resistance to airflow through the mouthpiece.

[0378] 19A and 19B, which are schematic diagrams of the paper cover 34 and heating element 32 of the capsule 20, according to some applications of the present invention. Figure 19A shows the paper cover and metal foil (acting as the heating element 32) in a flattened configuration before smoking material has been inserted and the paper cover forms a cylindrical housing for the smoking material. Figure 19B shows the paper cover and foil as configured after smoking material has been inserted and the paper cover forms a cylindrical housing for the smoking material.

[0379] As mentioned above, for some applications, the heating element is typically disposed within the capsule and / or typically comprises a metallic material in direct contact with the smoking material and heated via electrical resistance heating. For some applications, the heating element is typically a metal foil (e.g., stainless steel foil, nickel-titanium foil, titanium foil, copper foil, aluminum foil, steel foil) that directly contacts and surrounds the smoking material in portion 22 of capsule 20. For some applications, the foil has a thickness of greater than 1 micron (e.g., greater than 3 microns) and / or less than 20 microns (e.g., less than 10 microns), e.g., 1-20 microns, or 3-10 microns. Typically, an electric current is applied along the length of portion 22 (e.g., the positive electrode is at the first end and the negative electrode is at the second end, or vice versa), and the airflow is parallel to the direction of current flow. For some applications, the electric current is applied axially (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis of the capsule) along the metal foil along the length of portion 22 for greater than 5 mm, e.g., greater than 15 mm. Typically, it is desirable for the capsule 20 to have the general structure of a conventional cigarette. For some applications, the heating element extends along the entire length of the smokable material-containing portion of the capsule. Alternatively, the heating element extends only along a portion of the length and / or circumference of the smokable material-containing portion of the capsule. For some applications, the heating element 32 (typically as described above) is printed and / or glued to the paper cover. Typically, at the location where the electrode contacts the capsule, the heating element is exposed to the electrode for direct electrical contact with the electrode.

[0380] As shown in Figures 19A-B, for some applications, the foil is adhered to the paper cover along only a portion of the length of capsule portion 22. For some applications, the foil is not adhered to the paper cover along the entire circumference of portion 22. For some applications, the paper cover is adhered to itself along overlapping strip 108 to form a cylindrical shape (i.e., an overlapping strip 108 of paper cover is present to affix the paper cover to itself to form a closed cylinder). In some such applications, there is no foil within the overlapping strip (e.g., as described below with reference to Figures 68A-D). Alternatively, the paper cover is adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape, and the metal foil is adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form an overlapping strip having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil. For some applications, the paper cover defines an opening 112 (e.g., a hole or slit) to provide direct electrical contact between the electrode and the foil.

[0381] 20A, 20B, and 20C, which are schematic diagrams of a capsule 20 including an electrical contact coating 120 in the area where the capsule is configured to contact the electrode 30, according to some applications of the present invention. For some applications, in the area where the capsule is configured to contact the electrode 30, the capsule is coated with a coating 120 configured to enhance electrical contact between the electrode and the heating element. For example, the coating may be a gold or copper coating, and may be an inner and / or outer coating. For some applications, the coating has a resistance lower than that of the metal foil 32. Typically, the coating extends to the area where it is desired that the heating element be heated via electrical resistance heating. For some applications, the overall resistance of the coating and heating element is configured to provide a desired overall resistance by configuring the materials, thicknesses, and / or treatments applied to the coating and / or heating element, as described in more detail below. For example, the overall resistance may be configured to control the amount of heat generated and / or to draw current from the smoking device battery in an efficient manner. For some applications, the overall resistance is set to substantially match the internal resistance of the smoking device's battery(ies), thereby allowing current to be drawn from the smoking device's battery(ies) in an efficient manner.

[0382] For some applications, the coating is configured to prevent the creation of hot spots in the area where the capsule is configured to contact the electrode 30. For example, if there is suboptimal contact between the electrode and the heating element, this can result in the creation of hot spots in the area where the capsule is configured to contact the electrode 30, which can cause thermal decomposition of the smokable material at the hot spots and / or can result in inadequate heating of the heating element. Typically, the coating 120 is configured to prevent the creation of such hot spots.

[0383] For some applications, the coating is applied in a ring shape, as shown in Figures 20A and 20B. Alternatively, the coating may be applied in a different shape. For example, the coating may have a zigzag edge on the side where it contacts the metal foil (as shown in Figure 20C) to direct current in a uniform manner to the heating element.

[0384] For some applications, the coating extends around the entire circumference of the capsule, thereby spreading the current applied to the capsule by the electrodes evenly around the capsule. In some such applications, the smoking device includes only a single pair of electrodes located on one side of the capsule, rather than multiple pairs of electrodes located at respective circumferential positions around the capsule. In some such applications, the smoking device includes a pair of electrodes located on one side of the capsule and a pair of mechanical elements configured to apply mechanical pressure to the capsule on the other side of the capsule.

[0385] 19A-B, the metal foil is exposed through an opening in the paper cover, and the coating 120 is disposed on the outside of the paper cover over the area of ​​the paper cover that defines the opening. Thus, the coating electrically couples the electrodes to the metal foil through the opening in the paper cover.

[0386] 21A, 21B, and 21C, which are schematic diagrams of capsule 20, including region 122 surrounding the smoking material, in which the metal foil heating element has a resistance greater than the resistance of the foil in the region where the capsule is configured to contact electrode 30, according to some applications of the present invention. In some applications (instead of, or in addition to, coating the capsule in the region where the capsule is configured to contact electrode 30, as described with reference to FIGS. 20A-C), in the region where the capsule is configured to contact electrode 30, the foil is made thick enough to provide good electrical contact with the electrode and relatively low resistance. However, within region 122, the foil has different properties to increase its resistance so as to provide adequate resistive heating for heating the smoking material. For example, within region 122, the foil may be thinner than the region where the capsule is configured to contact electrode 30, as shown in FIG. 21A, to increase its resistance in region 122. Alternatively or additionally, within region 122, the foil may be etched to increase the resistance within region 122 (e.g., to create openings (e.g., holes or slits) in the foil), as shown in FIG. 21B. Further alternatively or additionally, within region 122, the foil may have openings (e.g., holes or slits) cut therein to increase the resistance within region 122, as shown in FIG. 21C. Typically, even in locations where the foil defines openings (e.g., holes or slits), as shown in FIG. 21C, the paper cover 34 does not define openings. In this way, the paper cover covers radial airflow into the capsule, thereby preventing (or minimizing) radial airflow into the capsule, with substantially all of the airflow being axial. Alternatively, the openings in the foil are left uncovered to allow radial airflow into the capsule.

[0387] For some applications, the metal foil heating element is configured to provide a desired overall resistance by configuring the material, thickness, and / or treatment applied to the foil. For example, the overall resistance may be configured to control the amount of heat generated and / or to draw current from the smoking device's battery in an efficient manner. For some applications, the overall resistance is set to match the internal resistance of the smoking device's battery(ies), thereby drawing current from the smoking device's battery in an efficient manner.

[0388] 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D, which are schematic illustrations of the covering material (e.g., paper cover 34 and / or heating element 32) of capsule 20, including inner lining 130, according to some applications of the present invention. Typically, the inner lining is flexible and configured to diffuse heat generated by the heating element. For example, the inner lining may include polyimide. Typically, the inner lining acts as a barrier between the heating element and the smoking material, thereby diffusing heat across the smoking material when heat is not generated uniformly across the heating element and / or when hot spots exist. For some applications, the inner lining extends along the length of the capsule where the smoking material is disposed, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 22A-B. For some applications, the inner lining is configured to add mechanical strength to the capsule, for example, to prevent the capsule from tearing as a result of mechanical pressure applied to the capsule by electrodes 30. In some such applications, the inner lining is disposed in a region of the capsule configured to be compressed by the electrodes, as shown in Figures 22C-D.

[0389] For some applications, the inner lining is configured to diffuse one or more chemicals, such as flavorings, pharmaceuticals, and / or vapor-producing chemicals, such as glycerol. For some applications, the inner lining includes a phase change material configured to prevent the temperature of the smoking material from exceeding a phase change temperature of the phase change material. Typically, the phase change material is selected to prevent the temperature of the smoking material from exceeding a temperature at which the smoking material thermally decomposes. For some applications, the phase change material is selected to maintain the temperature of the smoking material within an optimal range for vaporization and / or taste. For some applications, the inner lining is configured to absorb chemicals, such as nitric oxide and / or carbon monoxide, produced by the thermal decomposition of the smoking material and / or other materials within the capsule.

[0390] 23A, 23B, 23C, and 23D, which are schematic illustrations of the covering material (e.g., paper cover 34 and / or heating element 32) of the capsule 20, the covering material including adhesive 132 and / or additional materials in the overlapping band 108 of the covering material, according to some applications of the present invention. For some applications, the covering material is adhered to itself at the overlapping band to form a cylindrical shape encasing the smoking material (and / or additional elements described herein). For example, the adhesive may be a liquid adhesive and / or a double-sided adhesive. For some applications, the covering material is treated at the overlapping band to adhere to itself (e.g., UV treatment or welding). For some applications, the covering material is processed to form a cylindrical shape without the overlapping band, for example, via extrusion. For some applications, at least a portion of the covering material includes an inner lining 130, as shown in FIGS. 23C and 23D, which are typically as described above.

[0391] For some applications, the metal foil and / or other conductive elements (e.g., conductive coatings) may be doubled in the overlapping strip. For some applications, a paper cover is adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape, and the metal foil forms an overlapping strip having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil. In some cases, this can create hot spots. To prevent this, for some applications, an adhesive that is an electrical insulator is used, so that the electrode applies current only to the outer layer of the conductive element (e.g., metal foil), while the inner layer of the conductive element (e.g., metal foil) is electrically insulated from the electrode. For some applications, an additional insulating material 134 (e.g., liquid polyimide) is added along at least a portion of the overlapping strip.

[0392] 23E and 23F, which are schematic illustrations of the covering material (e.g., paper cover 34 and / or heating element 32) of the capsule 20, which includes an adhesive 132 and / or additional material in an overlapping band 108 of the covering material according to some applications of the present invention. The covering material configuration shown in FIGS. 23E-F is generally similar to that shown in FIGS. 23C-D, except that the configurations shown in FIGS. 23E-F include a small band of heating element 32 (i.e., metal foil) configured to overlap the inner layer of the heating element when the covering material is overlapped with itself to form a cylindrical shape. Thus configured, even when one of a smoking device's electrode pair coincides with the overlapping band 108 of the covering material, the electrode still passes a current through the metal foil at that circumferential position. Typically, in such cases, the electrode pair drives a current through the outer layer of the metal foil, which then transmits the current to the inner layer of the metal foil.

[0393] 24A and 24B, which are schematic illustrations of the covering material (e.g., paper cover 34 and / or heating element 32) of capsule 20, in which one or more slits 136 are formed in the conductive element (e.g., heating element 32) in an overlapping band 108 of covering material according to some applications of the present invention. For some applications, the metal foil, which typically includes the heating element and / or other conductive elements (e.g., conductive coating), may be doubled in the overlapping band. For some applications, the paper cover is adhered to itself along the overlapping band to form a cylindrical shape, and the metal foil forms an overlapping band having an inner layer of metal foil and an outer layer of metal foil. In some cases, this can create hot spots. For some applications, along at least a portion of the overlapping band, slits 136 are made in the conductive element (e.g., metal foil) in the circumferential direction to increase resistance along a portion of the overlapping band. For some applications, along at least a portion of the overlapping band, the conductive element (e.g., metal foil) is treated in some other manner to increase resistance along a portion of the overlapping band. For some applications, at least a portion of the covering material includes an inner lining 130, as shown in Figure 24B, which is typically as described above.

[0394] 19A-24B (which illustrate various outer coatings, inner linings, and apparatus and methods for forming cylindrically shaped capsules), it should be noted that the scope of the present disclosure includes any one of the following capsule designs: In some applications, a paper cover 34 covers at least a portion of the capsule; In some applications, the paper cover is adhered to itself along an overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape, thereby making the capsule airtight (thereby ensuring axial air flow in the cylindrical capsule).

[0395] In some applications, the metal foil (which functions as the heating element 32) is adhered to the inside of the paper cover. In some applications, the metal foil overlaps itself, as described above. In some applications, the overlap of the paper cover and the overlap of the metal foil are not the same. In some applications, the metal foil does not overlap itself at all. Typically, in such applications, the metal foil still surrounds the entire periphery of the capsule with two sides of the metal foil contacting each other (but not overlapping each other), thereby providing uniform resistance around the capsule. In some such applications, the metal foil is adhered to only a portion of the periphery of the paper cover, such that the paper cover overlaps itself but the metal foil does not overlap itself (e.g., as shown in FIG. 19A). Typically, even in such cases, the paper cover is adhered to itself along the overlapping strip to form a cylindrical shape, thereby making the capsule airtight. For some applications, an inner lining (e.g., a strip of polyimide extending along the length of portion 22 of the capsule) is used to hold two sides of the metal foil in place and seal the capsule airtight. For some applications, the inner lining is placed along the portions of the capsule where the electrodes contact the metal foil to seal the capsule in these areas. For some applications, there is an overlap between the outer coating or cover (e.g., a paper cover) and the inner lining to ensure that the capsule is completely sealed.

[0396] 25A, 25B, and 25C, which are schematic diagrams of a capsule 20 that, according to some applications of the present invention, includes one or more identification features 142. For some applications, the smoking device 200 is configured to identify which type of capsule has been inserted and operate accordingly, for example, by heating the capsule to the vaporization temperature of the smoking material or according to a temperature profile suitable for the smoking material, controlling the amount of vaporized active agent, providing an output to the user regarding the capsule's category, etc. For some applications, the identification feature is a colored marking, and the smoking device is configured to detect the color of the marking when the capsule is placed in the smoking device and / or during insertion of the capsule into the smoking device. For some applications, the identification feature is a barcode, a QR code, and / or a different type of patterned marking. For some applications, the identification feature is a portion of the capsule configured to emit thermal radiation when the capsule is heated. Typically, the smoking device includes an optical camera (e.g., a black-and-white camera) and / or a thermal camera configured to identify the above-mentioned features. For some applications, the identification feature is the resistance or resistance profile of the capsule. For example, a paper cover and / or a different insulating material may cover the metal foil to define a resistance pattern that is identified by the smoking device. For some applications, the smoking device includes a sensor (such as an NFC antenna) configured to identify the capsule package in which the capsule is supplied.

[0397] As described above, for some applications, a single smoking device is configured for use with a first capsule type containing solid smoking material containing one or more active agents and a second capsule type containing liquid material containing one or more active agents, such that when a capsule of the first capsule type is inserted into the smoking device, the smoking device is configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents contained within the solid smoking material by heating the capsule of the first capsule type, and when a capsule of the second capsule type is inserted into the smoking device, the smoking device is configured to vaporize at least a portion of the liquid vaping material by heating the capsule of the second capsule type.

[0398] It should be noted that the smoking device is configured for separate use with each of the two capsule types at each time, so that in a first smoking session, if the user wishes to smoke from solid smoking material (e.g., in a non-combustion heating manner), the user inserts a capsule of the first capsule type into the capsule receiving portion of the smoking device, and in a separate smoking session, if the user wishes to vape from liquid smoking material, the user inserts a capsule of the second capsule type into the same capsule receiving portion of the smoking device.

[0399] In some such applications, the capsule identification technology described above is used to automatically determine whether a capsule of the first or second capsule type is currently placed within the smoking device. Alternatively, a user manually provides an input to the smoking device indicating whether a capsule of the first or second capsule type is currently placed within the smoking device. The smoking device typically controls heating of the capsule based on the type of capsule determined to be currently placed within the device. In some applications, the smoking device controls heating of the capsule in a similar manner regardless of the type of capsule currently placed within the device.

[0400] Alternatively, for some applications, each smoking device is configured for use with a capsule type containing solid smoking material containing one or more active agents, or with a capsule type containing liquid material containing one or more active agents.

[0401] It should be noted that although some applications of the present disclosure are described as applying to capsules that are provided to a user in a flattened configuration and / or flattened by a smoking device, the scope of the present disclosure includes, mutatis mutandis, applying any one of the features of capsule 20 described herein to a cylindrical capsule configured to remain cylindrical when inserted into a smoking device. For example, any one of the features described with respect to capsule structure, capsule components, capsule coating, capsule inner lining, capsule identifying features, etc., is applicable, mutatis mutandis, to a cylindrical capsule configured to remain cylindrical when inserted into a smoking device.

[0402] Referring again to FIGS. 1C and 1D, these show a smoking device 200 configured for use with a capsule 20. Also referring to FIG. 26, which is a schematic diagram of a smoking device 200 with the cover removed (for illustrative purposes) in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Typically, the smoking device includes a button 204 and an indicator light 206 (shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D), e.g., an LED light. For some applications, the smoking device includes additional user interface components, e.g., a vibration component. Typically, the smoking device includes a power source 237, e.g., one or more batteries (shown in FIGS. 29C and 29D), typically rechargeable via a charging port built into the device. Typically, the smoking device includes a control component 233 (e.g., a microprocessor and / or microchip shown in FIGS. 29C and 29D) configured to control heating of the capsule, identify the capsule, detect the insertion of the capsule, detect the user's puff (and / or the length and / or depth of the puff), detect the temperature of the smoking material, and control heating of the smoking material in response, as described in detail above. For some applications, the smoking device includes one or more sensors, such as an infrared temperature sensor, a thermal camera, a temperature sensor (such as a contact temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the smoking material by contacting the smoking material), and / or a thermocouple sensor. For some applications, the smoking device is configured to detect the electrical resistance of the capsule.

[0403] As described above, for some applications, the smoking device includes multiple temperature sensors, such as multiple infrared temperature sensors. For some applications, the smoking device is configured to detect a user's puff, puff length, and / or puff depth and control the heating of the smoking material or perform other functions accordingly. For some applications, the smoking device is configured to identify the capsule and perform functions accordingly. For some applications, the smoking device includes a sensor configured to detect a pattern or color, an optical camera (e.g., a black-and-white camera), a thermal camera, or a sensor configured to detect the resistance or conductance of a portion of a given capsule. For some applications, the smoking device includes a sensor (e.g., an NFC antenna) configured to identify the capsule package from which the capsule was dispensed.

[0404] Depending on the application, the smoking device may be configured to flatten the capsule 20 or not to change its shape. For some applications, the smoking device is configured to heat the capsule via electrical resistance heating. Alternatively, or additionally, the smoking device is configured to heat the capsule via magnetic induction heating. FIG. 26 shows an example of a smoking device configured to flatten the capsule. As shown, the capsule is configured to be inserted through a cylindrical insertion port 210, but the capsule portion 22 (or a portion thereof) is housed within a non-cylindrical housing 212 (e.g., a housing having an oval, rectangular, tablet-like, or racetrack-shaped cross-sectional shape) during heating of the smoking material, as described above. For some applications, the smoking device includes one or more mechanical elements 214 (e.g., gears 216 and motor 218, as shown) configured to flatten the capsule. For some applications, the mechanical elements are configured to flatten the capsule by applying mechanical pressure to the sides of the capsule while it is stationary. For some applications, the mechanical element is configured to flatten the capsule by applying mechanical pressure to the sides of the capsule as it moves from the insertion port 210 into the housing 212. For some applications, the smoking device includes a funnel and is configured to flatten the capsule by forcing the capsule through the funnel as it moves from the insertion port 210 into the housing 212.

[0405] Reference is now made to Figures 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D, 27E, and 27F, which are schematic diagrams of a mechanical element 214 for flattening a portion of a capsule 20 according to some applications of the present invention. According to respective embodiments, the mechanical element may include one or more of a wheel (Figure 27A), a gear (27B), a plate configured to apply uniform mechanical pressure along at least a portion of the capsule's portion 22 (Figure 27C), a rectangular element configured to apply uniform mechanical pressure at discrete locations along the capsule's portion 22 (Figure 27D), and / or a blade-like element (Figure 27E). For some applications, the mechanical element also functions as an electrode, heating the smoking material via resistive heating of a heating element inside the capsule, as described in detail above. Thus, the electrode serves the dual function of heating the smoking material via resistive heating of a heating element inside the capsule and flattening the capsule's portion via mechanical pressure.

[0406] For some applications, the contact area between the mechanical element 214 and the capsule is minimized to reduce the loss of thermal energy from the capsule through this contact area. For some applications, an insulating material is disposed between the mechanical element and the capsule over at least a portion of the contact area to reduce the loss of thermal energy from the capsule through this contact area.

[0407] For some applications, a mechanical element (such as a roller wheel as shown in FIG. 27F) is used to flatten at least a portion of portion 22 of capsule 20 by rolling the capsule as it is being inserted into the smoking device. For some applications, the roller wheel aids in the axial insertion of the capsule.

[0408] Reference is now made to FIG. 28 , which is a schematic diagram of a smoking device 200 including an electrode 30 and / or a mechanical element 214 configured to move axially relative to the capsule 20, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. For some applications, the smoking device includes a motor 220 configured to slide the electrode 30 and / or the mechanical element 214 axially along a rail 222 relative to the capsule 20. For some applications, the mechanical element 214 flattens the capsule as it moves over it. For some applications, as the electrodes move, the sensor 50 moves with them, as indicated by arrow 224. The scope of the present disclosure includes electrodes configured to move axially relative to the capsule (e.g., using a mechanism substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 28 ), one or more sensors configured to move axially relative to the capsule (e.g., using a mechanism substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 28 ), or both one or more sensors and electrodes configured to move axially relative to the capsule (e.g., using a mechanism substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 28 ). For some applications, one or more sensors and electrodes are configured to move axially relative to the capsule together (e.g., using a mechanism substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 28). Note that in all such applications, the electrodes and / or sensors are configured to move actively relative to the capsule, which is a separate function from the function of the capsule to move relative to the electrodes and / or sensors (such that the electrodes and / or sensors move passively relative to the capsule), e.g., during insertion of the capsule.

[0409] 29A and 29B, which are schematic illustrations of a smoking device 200 including a mechanism 230 configured to bring an electrode 30 and / or a mechanical element 214 into pressure contact with the capsule 20 in accordance with some applications of the present invention. For some applications, the mechanism is configured to bring the electrode 30 into pressure contact with the capsule 20 to enhance electrical contact between the electrode and the heating element of the capsule. Alternatively or additionally, the mechanism 230 is configured to bring the mechanical element 214 into pressure contact with the capsule 20 to flatten a portion of the capsule. As noted above, for some applications, the electrode functions as the mechanical element.

[0410] 29C and 29D, which are schematic diagrams of a smoking device 200 including a mechanism 230 configured to bring the electrode 30 and / or mechanical element 214 into pressurized contact with the capsule 20 in accordance with some applications of the present invention. For some applications, the mechanism is configured to bring the electrode 30 into pressurized contact with the capsule 20 to enhance electrical contact between the electrode and the heating element of the capsule. Alternatively or additionally, the mechanism 230 is configured to bring the mechanical element 214 into pressurized contact with the capsule 20 to flatten a portion of the capsule. As noted above, for some applications, the electrode functions as the mechanical element. For some applications, the mechanism 230 includes one or more compression springs 232 configured to generate a counterforce in response to compression. In some such applications, the smoking device 200 includes a button 234 coupled to a gear track 236. (For some applications, button 234 is the same as button 204 (as shown in FIG. 1C). Alternatively, buttons 234 and 204 are separate buttons.) Typically, the smoking device is configured so that insertion of capsule 20 requires pressing button 234 (as shown by arrow 235 in FIG. 29C). More typically, pressing the button causes compression of a compression spring, such that upon release of the button, the compression spring brings the electrodes into pressurized contact with the capsule (i.e., the configuration shown in FIG. 29D). Note that the compression spring is not visible in FIG. 29D.

[0411] Typically, a smoking device includes a control component 233 (e.g., a control chip and / or control microprocessor) and a power source 237 (e.g., one or more batteries), both of which are shown in Figures 29C and 29D. For some applications, the one or more batteries are rechargeable, and the smoking device includes a charging port for charging the one or more batteries.

[0412] 30A and 30B, which are schematic diagrams of a coil 240 of a smoking device 200 configured to be flattened by a mechanical element 214 according to some applications of the present invention. As described above, for some applications, the smoking device 200 includes a coil configured to generate an electromagnetic field. The coil is configured to heat one or more magnetic heating materials (i.e., materials susceptible to heating by a magnetic field (e.g., magnetic and / or ferromagnetic materials)) within the capsule via magnetic induction. Typically, a control component of the smoking device drives an electric current through the coil to generate the magnetic field. According to some applications, the magnetic heating material is configured as a magnetic heating rod 42 (shown in FIG. 7A) disposed along the length of the capsule, a magnetic heating strip 44 (shown in FIG. 7B) disposed along the length of the capsule, a magnetic heating tube 46 (shown in FIG. 7C) disposed along the length of the capsule, and / or a plurality of magnetic heating particles 48 (e.g., balls or beads) dispersed within the smoking material (shown in FIG. 7D). Alternatively or additionally, the magnetic heating material is disposed around the smoking material (e.g., beneath a paper cover) in a manner similar to that described with reference to the metal foil heated via electrical resistance heating.

[0413] In some such applications, the coil 240 has a circular cross-section, and the coil, along with the capsule portion, is flattened by the mechanical element 214 after the capsule portion is placed within the coil, as shown in Figures 30A-B. The circular cross-section of the coil typically facilitates easy insertion of the capsule into the coil, while the flattened configuration of the capsule (and coil) facilitates heating of the smokable material during heating. For some applications, the flattened configuration of the capsule during heating of the smokable material facilitates heating of the smokable material by reducing the distance between the magnetically heated particles and the smokable material, as described above. For some applications, the flattened configuration of the coil facilitates heating of the smokable material by reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the coil, thereby increasing the magnetic flux density through the coil relative to a coil with a larger cross-section at a similar current.

[0414] For some applications, the coil 240 is integrated into a sleeve or tube within the smoking device 200. Alternatively or additionally, the coil includes an inner lining and / or an outer lining (e.g., a polyimide inner coating and / or outer coating).

[0415] Referring now to Figures 31A, 31B, 31C, and 31D, these are schematic diagrams of a coil 240 of a smoking device 200 pre-formed into a flattened configuration (i.e., so that it is in the flattened configuration even when no mechanical force is acting on the coil) according to some applications of the present invention. For some applications, a portion of the capsule is flattened as it is inserted into the coil. For example, the portion of the capsule may be flattened via a funnel 242 (shown in Figures 31A-B) and / or by a roller wheel 244 (shown in Figures 31C-D). As described with reference to Figures 30A-B, for some applications, the flattened configuration of the capsule during heating of the smoking material facilitates heating of the smoking material by reducing the distance between the magnetically heated particles and the smoking material. For some applications, the flattened configuration of the coil facilitates heating of the smoking material by reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the coil, thereby increasing the magnetic flux density through the coil relative to a coil with a larger cross-section at a similar current.

[0416] Referring now to Figures 32A and 32B, these are schematic diagrams of a coil 240 of a smoking device 200 according to some applications of the present invention. For some applications, a capsule is not inserted into the coil 240. For example, the axis of the coil may be perpendicular to the axis of the capsule and intersect with it (as shown in Figure 32A), or the axis of the coil may be perpendicular to the axis of the capsule and not intersect with it (as shown in Figure 32B). For some applications, as shown in Figure 32B, a material 250 having high magnetic permeability directs a magnetic field toward the capsule. For some applications, the material 250 is shaped to define a magnetic circuit, and the capsule is inserted into a gap within the circuit. In some such applications, the material 250 is configured to apply mechanical pressure to at least a portion of the capsule, thereby flattening the partial capsule, as shown in Figure 32B. For some applications, the flattened configuration of the capsule during heating of the smoking material facilitates heating of the smoking material by reducing the distance between the magnetically heated particles and the smoking material, as described above. For some applications, flattening the capsule reduces the gap in the magnetic circuit defined by material 250, thereby increasing the permeability of the magnetic circuit and increasing the magnetic flux through the capsule compared to a larger gap.

[0417] Reference is now made to Figure 33, which is a schematic diagram of a capsule 20 that is heated while the capsule is in an unflattened cylindrical shape, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. As noted above, while some applications of the present disclosure have been described as applying to capsules that are provided to a user in a flattened configuration and / or that are flattened by a smoking device, it should be noted that the scope of the present disclosure includes, mutatis mutandis, applying any one of the features of capsule 20 described herein to a cylindrical capsule that is configured to remain cylindrical when inserted into a smoking device. For example, any one of the features described with respect to capsule structure, capsule components, capsule coating, capsule inner lining, capsule identifying features, etc., is applicable, mutatis mutandis, to a cylindrical capsule that is configured to remain cylindrical when inserted into a smoking device.

[0418] Reference is now made to FIG. 34, which is a flowchart illustrating steps performed by the smoking device 200 in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Typically, users have different smoking preferences, and some users' preferences vary. Some users may wish to smoke a full capsule for a relatively short period of time, while others may only wish to take occasional puffs. For users who wish to smoke a full capsule for a relatively short period of time, it is typically more appropriate to heat the smoking material to the active agent's vaporization temperature for a predetermined period of time to allow for immediate and prolonged vaporization of the active agent. For users who wish to take only occasional puffs, it is typically more appropriate to heat the smoking material to the active agent's vaporization temperature only when the user actually wishes to take a puff from the capsule, so as to conserve the active agent while allowing for a delay between puffs. (Note that in some cases, prolonged heating versus intermittent heating may also affect the properties of the vapor emitted from the smoking material (e.g., taste, strength, amount of vapor, etc.), and different users may have different preferences.)

[0419] Thus, for some applications, the control component receives an instruction from a user indicating whether the user desires to smoke the active agent in a first mode or a second mode. Typically, the first mode is suitable for users who desire to smoke a full capsule for a relatively short period of time, while the second mode is suitable for users who desire occasional puffs. Typically, in response to receiving an instruction that the user desires to smoke the active agent in the first mode, the control component heats the smoking material to the vaporization temperature of one or more active agents for a predetermined period of time (e.g., a period of 60 seconds to 600 seconds). More typically, in response to receiving an instruction that the user desires to smoke the active agent in the second mode, the control component heats the smoking material to the vaporization temperature only while receiving active input from the user that the smoking material is desired to be heated. For some applications, the smoking device includes a heating button (e.g., button 204 shown in FIG. 1C ) configured to be pressed by a user. A short button press (i.e., for a duration less than a threshold duration (e.g., a threshold duration of 0 seconds to 2 seconds) by the user is interpreted by the control component to mean the user wishes to smoke in a first mode, and a long button press (i.e., exceeding the threshold duration) by the user is interpreted by the control component to mean the user wishes to smoke an active agent in a second mode. For some applications, the second mode turns off heating either immediately upon button release or after a short delay (e.g., a delay of 0 seconds to 5 seconds). For some applications, the smoking device is configured to allow the user to switch from the first mode to the second mode by a long button press (i.e., exceeding the threshold duration) and / or switch from the second mode to the first mode by a short button press (i.e., less than the threshold duration) during a smoking session.

[0420] For some applications, the control component is configured to preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of one or more active agents before receiving an instruction from the user indicating whether the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode or the second mode. For example, the control component is configured to automatically preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of one or more active agents in response to inserting the capsule into the smoking device. Alternatively or additionally, the control component is configured to preheat the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of one or more active agents in response to input from the user (e.g., an initial press of button 204). For some applications, when operating in the second mode, the control component preheats the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of one or more active agents during the user's press of the button. Typically, preheating the smoking material to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of one or more active agents allows the smoking material to heat to the vaporization temperature more quickly and / or more uniformly than if the smoking material were not preheated. Typically, preheating is performed to a temperature below the vaporization temperature of the active agent, so as not to release the active agent. For some applications, the smoking device is configured to preheat the smoking material as described in this paragraph even if it is not configured to perform both the first and second heating modes.

[0421] Referring again to Figure 34, some of the steps described above are shown in a flowchart. For some applications, the smoking material is first preheated. In response to a button being pressed, heating is turned on. A long button press will continue heating as long as the button is still pressed, while a short button press will turn heating off after a predetermined delay of N seconds (e.g., a period of 60 seconds to 600 seconds).

[0422] In accordance with some applications of the present invention, the control component 233 of the smoking device 200 is configured to detect (a) whether the capsule 20 has been inserted into the device, (b) whether the capsule has been removed from the device, (c) whether there is a malfunction in the capsule, (d) whether there is a malfunction in the smoking device, and / or (e) whether there is a problem with the electrical connection between the electrode 30 and the capsule (e.g., due to dirt or a paper cover getting between the electrode and the metal foil). For some applications, the control component generates an output to a user indicating the detection of one or more of the foregoing occurrences.

[0423] For some applications, when the device is on, a test current is periodically driven through the electrodes, and the insertion and / or removal of a capsule from the smoking device is detected based on the response to the test current. Typically, when a capsule is not present, an incomplete circuit exists and current does not flow from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, whereas when a capsule is present, current flows from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, and the capsule provides a given resistance profile. For some applications, in response to detecting the insertion of a capsule, preheating of the capsule is initiated by the control component, for example, as described above. For some applications, in response to detecting the removal of a capsule, the control component overrides input from a user indicating that a heat cycle should be initiated (e.g., pressing button 204).

[0424] For some applications, the control component measures the resistance between the electrodes in response to the test current to verify that the resistance is within an acceptable range. (By way of example only, if the capsule is inserted and there are no faults, the capsule may be expected to provide a resistance of 0.3 to 0.5 ohms.) Alternatively or additionally, the control component measures the temperature rise of the smoking material in response to the test current. (By way of example only, if the capsule is inserted and there are no faults, a 10 ms pulse may be expected to raise the temperature of the plant material by approximately 2 to 8°C (e.g., approximately 5°C).) For some applications, in response to detecting that the resistance and / or temperature rise is not within a predetermined range, the control component determines that the capsule has been removed from the device, that there is a fault in the capsule, that there is a fault in the smoking device, and / or that there is a problem with the electrical connection between the electrodes and the capsule (e.g., due to dirt or a paper cover getting between the electrodes and the metal foil). For some applications, the control component measures the temperature change at multiple locations along the capsule and, in response, determines the cause of the fault. For example, if there is a hot spot in the contact between the electrode and the capsule, this may indicate a failure of the electrical contact between the electrode and the capsule (e.g., due to dirt or a paper cover getting between the electrode and the metal foil).

[0425] For some applications, device technology generally similar to that described above is applied mutatis mutandis to liquid materials configured to be vaporized by a smoking device. Some examples of capsules for use with such technology are shown in Figures 35A-55B.

[0426] 35A, 35B, and 35C, which are respective schematic diagrams of a capsule 150 for use with a liquid material 152 configured to be vaporized by a smoking device 200 (or a different smoking device) in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Typically, in such applications, the capsule is a "vaping" capsule, and the smoking device functions as a "vaping device." Accordingly, all examples of capsule 150 may be referred to herein as vaping capsules, and device 200 (or a different device designed solely for use with vaping capsules) may be referred to as a vaping device. Because device 200 is typically used with a capsule used for smoking (typically in a non-combustion heating manner), it is generally referred to herein as a smoking device.

[0427] As noted above, for some applications, the smoking device 200 (described above) is configured for use with both a capsule containing solid smoking material (such as plant material, e.g., tobacco, e.g., capsule 20 described above) and a capsule containing a liquid material configured to be vaporized (such as capsule 150). Typically, the smoking device heats the solid smoking material using a non-combustion heating method, as described above. For some applications, the capsule 150 is configured for use with a smoking device different from the capsule 20. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, for some applications, the features of the capsule 20 described above (including, but not limited to, the heating element structure, mouthpiece structure, coating, lining, mouthpiece, etc.) may be incorporated into the capsule 150, mutatis mutandis.

[0428] For some applications, the liquid ingredients include vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, nicotine, nicotine salts, and / or additional flavor and / or fragrance ingredients.

[0429] Each of Figures 35A-C shows a capsule positioned between electrodes 30. Figures 35A and 35C show respective cross-sectional views of the capsule, and Figure 35B shows a perspective view of the capsule with a portion of the coating peeled away for illustrative purposes. For some applications, the liquid material 152 is held within a reservoir 154 containing an absorbent material 155 within which the liquid material is absorbed. Typically, the absorbent material is solid and / or flexible, can withstand the high temperatures that may be generated during the vaporization process, and is safe for human inhalation. For example, the absorbent material may include cotton, linen, wool, plastic material, cellulose material, paper, woven or nonwoven fabric, yarn, etc. (In other examples of "absorbent material" described in this disclosure, the term "absorbent material" should be interpreted to include any one or combination of the aforementioned types of materials.) Typically, the reservoir defines an air inlet 156 therethrough to facilitate the inflow of air into the capsule. In some such applications, a layer of material 160 extends from the reservoir 154 around the periphery of the capsule. For some applications, the layer of material is made of an absorbent material similar to the absorbent material disposed in the reservoir. Typically, the layer of material has a thickness of more than 0.1 mm (e.g., more than 0.2 mm) and / or less than 3 mm (e.g., less than 1 mm), e.g., between 0.1 mm and 3 mm, or between 0.2 mm and 1 mm.

[0430] The layer of material is typically configured so that the liquid material flows from the reservoir along the layer of material via capillary forces. For some applications, a heating element 162 is disposed around the outside of the layer of material. Typically, the heating element 162 is a metal foil, which is typically similar to the metal foil 32 described above. Note that because the heating element 162 is typically a metal foil, the element 162 may also be referred to as the "metal foil 162" or "foil 162." The metal foil is typically heated via electrodes (via resistive heating) in a manner similar to that described herein above. Typically, the metal foil thereby heats and vaporizes the liquid material within the layer of material. Typically, the capsule includes a mouthpiece 164 (typically similar to the mouthpiece 90 described above). Typically, a user draws smoke from the capsule through the mouthpiece.

[0431] Typically, only the liquid material absorbed within the portion of layer of material 160 disposed beneath metal foil 162 is vaporized. Thus, at any given time, only a portion of the liquid material is vaporized, with the remainder of the liquid material remaining absorbed within reservoir 154 or within portions of layer of material 160 not disposed beneath metal foil 162. As liquid material vaporizes from within the portion of layer of material 160 disposed beneath metal foil 162, additional liquid material flows via capillary forces into the portion of layer of material 160 disposed beneath metal foil 162, thereby automatically replenishing the supply of liquid material to be vaporized.

[0432] Depending on the respective application, capsule 150 may be rigid or flexible. For some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened, for example, using the techniques described above. For example, the capsule may be flattened to enhance electrical contact between the electrodes and the metal foil by applying mechanical pressure to the capsule using the electrodes. For some applications, the capsule is flattened to generate a desired heating profile and / or a desired airflow profile. For some applications, the smoking device includes a non-contact temperature sensor (e.g., an infrared temperature sensor) as described above. In some such applications, the portion of the capsule where the sensor is configured to detect temperature (i.e., the portion of the capsule configured adjacent to the temperature sensor) is flattened to facilitate temperature detection (typically by creating a flat surface for performing temperature detection). For some applications, the capsule is flattened to increase capillary flow through an absorbent material (e.g., layer of material 160) disposed within the capsule. Note that the techniques described above related to flattening the capsule are typically applicable to any one of the embodiments of capsule 20 and / or capsule 150 described herein.

[0433] For some applications, the capsule and a smoking device configured for use with the capsule are configured to heat without flattening the capsule. For some applications, capsules 20 and 150 are configured for use with smoking device 200. For some applications, when capsule 20 (containing solid smoking material) is used with smoking device 200, the smoking device is configured to flatten the capsule, whereas when capsule 150 (containing liquid material) is used with smoking device 200, the smoking device is not configured to flatten the capsule. For some applications, the capsule type is identified (e.g., using the techniques described above) and a heating profile is applied based on the capsule's identity.

[0434] For some applications, the capsule defines an airway therethrough. Typically, the air inlet 156 and the mouthpiece 164 each comprise a portion of the airway. For some applications, the capsule defines an interior region 166 surrounded by the layer of material 160, the interior region comprising a portion of the airway. For some applications, vapor generated from the liquid material flows into the interior region 166 of the capsule. A combination of the vapor and air (which enters the interior region via the air inlet 156) flows from the interior region into the user's mouth via the mouthpiece. For some applications, the interior region is hollow. For some applications, one or more interior support components (typically non-porous and with low thermal conductivity, not shown) are used to mechanically couple the liquid flow layer to the metal foil and / or subsequently direct the heating location of the air flow toward the mouthpiece.

[0435] Reference is now made to FIGS. 36A and 36B, which are schematic illustrations of respective views of a capsule 150 for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, according to some applications of the present invention. The capsule includes a layer of absorbent material 160 having a layer of absorbent material defining holes 167 therethrough. Each of FIGS. 36A-B shows the capsule positioned between electrodes 30. FIG. 36A shows a cross-sectional view of the capsule, and FIG. 36B shows a perspective view of the capsule with a portion of the covering layer peeled away for illustrative purposes. The capsule 150 in FIGS. 36A-B is substantially similar to that shown in FIGS. 35A-C, except that the layer of material defines holes therethrough. For some applications, the holes are configured to create hot spots for vaporizing the liquid at the hot spots. Alternatively or additionally, the holes are configured to provide a low (or zero) resistance path for the generated vapor to an interior region 166. For some applications, the holes have a diameter of more than 0.7 mm (eg, more than 1 mm) and / or less than 3 mm (eg, less than 2 mm), for example, between 0.7 mm and 3 mm, or between 1 mm and 2 mm.

[0436] Typically, only the liquid material disposed at the hot spot is vaporized. Thus, at any given time, only a portion of the liquid material is vaporized, with the remainder of the liquid material remaining absorbed within the layer of absorbent material 160. As liquid material is vaporized from the hot spot, additional liquid material flows to the hot spot via capillary forces, thereby automatically replenishing the supply of liquid material to be vaporized.

[0437] Reference is now made to Figures 37A and 37B, which are schematic illustrations of respective views of a capsule 150 for use with a liquid material 152 configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, wherein the liquid material is absorbed within an absorbent material 155 in a reservoir 154 such that only a portion of the reservoir is heated. Each of Figures 37A-B shows the capsule positioned between electrodes 30. Figure 37A shows a cross-sectional view of the capsule, and Figure 37B shows a perspective view of the capsule with a portion of the coating peeled away for illustrative purposes. For some applications, the reservoir 154 is positioned along the region of the capsule where the metal foil will be disposed. In some such applications, the capsule includes a stopper or filter 171 at the end of the capsule opposite the mouthpiece 164, the stopper or filter defining an air inlet 173 therethrough. Typically, the absorbent material in the reservoir has a thickness of more than 0.1 mm (eg more than 0.2 mm) and / or less than 3 mm (eg less than 1 mm), for example between 0.1 mm and 3 mm, or between 0.2 mm and 1 mm.

[0438] For some applications, the electrode 30 is configured to contact the metal foil 162 at a first set of locations 170, and the metal foil is configured to contact the absorbent material in the reservoir at a second set of regions 172. Typically, the absorbent material in the reservoir is directly heated only in the regions 172 where the metal foil contacts the reservoir. For some applications, in the regions 172, the absorbent material in the reservoir defines holes therethrough, thereby limiting the contact area between the metal foil and the absorbent material. For some applications, each region of the metal foil has its own properties, coating, and / or inner lining, e.g., as described above with respect to the capsule 20. For some applications, localized heating (e.g., by heating in selected regions and / or by heating the absorbent material to define holes therethrough, thereby limiting the contact area between the metal foil and the absorbent material) is used to limit the evaporation rate to enable multiple small, rapidly generated puffs without heating all of the liquid material to the vaporization temperature.

[0439] Typically, only the liquid material absorbed within region 172 is vaporized. Thus, at any given time, only a portion of the liquid material is vaporized, with the remainder of the liquid material remaining absorbed within reservoir 154. As liquid material is vaporized from within region 172, additional liquid material flows into region 172 via capillary forces, thereby automatically replenishing the supply of liquid material to be vaporized.

[0440] Referring now to FIGS. 38A and 38B, these are schematic illustrations of respective views of a capsule 150 for use with a liquid material 152 configured to be vaporized by a smoking device. The capsule includes a reservoir 154 of liquid material absorbed within an absorbent material 155, which defines an airflow channel 174 along its periphery, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Each of FIGS. 38A-B shows the capsule positioned between electrodes 30. FIG. 38A shows a cross-sectional view of the capsule, and FIG. 38B shows a perspective view of the capsule with a portion of the coating peeled away for illustrative purposes. Typically, the periphery of the reservoir does not contact the metal foil at the circumferential location where the absorbent material defines the airflow channel. In this manner, for some applications, heat transfer to the reservoir is limited by localizing vaporization to the contact area between the heated portion of the metal foil and the absorbent material into which the liquid material is absorbed. Typically, as the liquid material vaporizes, additional liquid material flows via capillary forces to the area of ​​reservoir 154 that is in contact with the metal foil, thereby automatically replenishing the supply of vaporizing liquid material.

[0441] For some applications, techniques and configurations substantially similar to those described with reference to the reservoir with respect to Figures 37A-38B are applied to the layer of absorbent material 160 described with reference to Figures 35A-C. For example, the layer of material may be heated only in selected areas, or the layer of material may be shaped to define an airway flow path around the outside or inside of the layer of material.

[0442] Reference is now made to FIGS. 39A and 39B, which are schematic illustrations of respective views of a capsule 150 for use with a liquid material 152 configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, the capsule including a layer 160 of absorbent material, the layer having a non-uniform thickness, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Each of FIGS. 39A-B shows a capsule disposed between electrodes 30. FIGS. 39A and 39B show cross-sectional views of respective embodiments of a layer of material having a non-uniform thickness. The capsule 150 is generally similar to that shown in FIGS. 37A-B, except for the following differences: For some applications, a reservoir 154 is disposed within the mouthpiece 164. In some such applications, the reservoir includes an absorbent material having the liquid material absorbed therein (not shown in FIGS. 39A-B). Alternatively or additionally, the reservoir includes an unabsorbed liquid material 152 contained within a solid housing 175, as shown. For some applications, the housing includes a stopper 176 to prevent the liquid material from leaking from the reservoir. Typically, the layer of material 160 extends from the reservoir along the portion of the device where the layer of material is heated, thereby heating and vaporizing the liquid material. For some applications, the thickness of the layer of material increases (typically gradually) in a direction away from the reservoir, as shown in FIG. 39A. For some applications, the thickness of the layer of material decreases (typically gradually) in a direction away from the reservoir, as shown in FIG. 39B. Typically, the thickness is varied to control capillary flow from the reservoir and / or to control heating of the layer of material where it contacts the metal foil. For some applications, the layer of material defines holes 167 therethrough, as described above.

[0443] For some applications, techniques and configurations substantially similar to those described with reference to layer of absorbent material 160 with respect to Figures 39A-39B are applied to the reservoir of absorbent material described with reference to Figures 37A-38B.

[0444] Referring now to FIGS. 40A and 40B, which are respective schematic diagrams of a capsule 150 for use with a liquid material configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, the capsule including a reservoir 154 disposed within a mouthpiece 164 of the capsule, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Each of FIGS. 40A-B shows the capsule disposed between electrodes 30. FIG. 40A shows a cross-sectional view of the capsule, and FIG. 40B shows a perspective view of the capsule. As described with reference to FIGS. 39A-B, for some applications, the reservoir includes a non-absorbable liquid material 152 contained within a solid housing 175, as shown. For some applications, the housing includes a stopper 176 to prevent the liquid material from leaking from the reservoir. Typically, a layer of material 160 extends from the reservoir along the portion of the device where the layer of material is heated, thereby heating and vaporizing the liquid material. For some applications, the mouthpiece passes through the reservoir, defining an airway 178 through which heated air and vapor are drawn from the capsule by the user. Typically, the relatively high temperature of the air and vapor passing through the airway heats the liquid (and air, if present) in the reservoir, thereby increasing the internal pressure within the reservoir, which in turn increases the flow of liquid from the reservoir along the layer of absorbent material. For some applications, the flow of vapor and air through the reservoir cools the air and vapor before they enter the user's mouth.

[0445] It should be noted that the scope of the present disclosure includes combining various features of the layer of absorbent material 160 and / or reservoir 154 described with reference to FIGS. 35A-40B. For example, the layer of absorbent material 160 may have holes therethrough, may be heated only at selected locations, may define airflow channels along its periphery, may have a non-uniform thickness, etc. Similarly, the reservoir 154 in any of the example capsules 150 described herein may contain liquid absorbed within the absorbent material 155 or unabsorbed and contained within the solid housing 175. Additionally, the reservoir may be located in different locations, such as within the mouthpiece (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 39A-40B), or from the mouthpiece toward the other end of the capsule (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 35A-36B), or within the portion of the capsule that is heated (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 37A-38B).

[0446] Reference is now made to FIGS. 41A, 41B, and 41C, which are schematic illustrations of respective views of a capsule 150 for use with a liquid material 152 configured to be vaporized by a smoking device. The capsule includes a capillary force delivery element 180 configured to deliver the liquid material from a reservoir 154 to a heating element 182 via capillary forces, according to some applications of the present invention. Each of FIGS. 41A-C shows the capsule positioned between electrodes 30. FIG. 41A shows a cross-sectional view of the capsule, and FIGS. 41B-C show respective perspective views of the capsule with a portion of the coating peeled away for illustrative purposes. Depending on the respective application, the capillary force delivery element 180 may be an absorbent material (e.g., as described above), a capillary tube, and / or an absorbent material disposed within a tube. Typically, the capillary force delivery element 180 is configured to transport the liquid material by capillary means, pressure equilibrium, or any other applicable method of delivering a steady flow of liquid material to replace already vaporized liquid material. Capillary force delivery element 180 extends from the reservoir to the heating element. For some applications, heating element 182 includes an absorbent material that extends radially from the location where capillary force delivery element 180 delivers the liquid material to the metal foil. Thus, when delivered to the heating element by capillary force delivery element 180, the liquid material flows radially outward toward the metal foil, where it is heated and vaporized. For some applications, the heating element defines a groove 183 on its outer periphery. Typically, the groove is configured to facilitate axial airflow through the heating element, and the airflow typically captures the vaporized liquid material as it flows through the heating element.

[0447] 42A, 42B, and 42C, which are schematic diagrams of respective views of a capsule 150 for use with a liquid material 152 configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element 180 configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element 184 via capillary force from a reservoir 154, according to some applications of the present invention. Each of FIGS. 42A-C shows the capsule positioned between electrodes 30. FIGS. 42A-C show cross-sectional views of respective embodiments of the internal heating element. Depending on the respective application, the capillary force delivery element 180 may be an absorbent material (e.g., as described above), a capillary tube, and / or an absorbent material disposed within a tube. The capillary force delivery element 180 extends from the reservoir to the internal heating element and delivers the liquid material from the reservoir to the internal heating element via capillary force. As mentioned above, typically, capillary force delivery element 180 is configured to transport liquid material by capillary means, pressure equilibrium, or any other applicable method of delivering a steady flow of liquid material to replace already vaporized liquid material.

[0448] For applications such as those shown in Figures 42A-C, an internal heating element heats the liquid material from within the capsule (instead of, or in addition to, a metal foil that directly heats the liquid material). Referring to Figure 42B, for some applications, the internal heating element is a coil (e.g., a small coil). Referring to Figure 42C, for some applications, the internal heating element is shaped as a strip or rod. Alternatively or additionally, the internal heating element is shaped as a mesh or in a different shape.

[0449] For some applications, the capsule includes a metal foil 162, and the internal heating element is connected to the electrode via the metal foil (although the foil itself is typically not used to directly heat the liquid material in such embodiments). For some applications, the internal heating element (also referred to herein as an "atomizer") is heated via resistive heating (e.g., using the techniques described herein). In some such applications, the internal heating element is a resistive element (i.e., an element including an electrically resistive material (e.g., the internal heating element includes a metal body)) and receives current from the electrode 30 of the smoking device. Alternatively or additionally, the internal heating element is connected to the electrode via an internal wire. For some applications, the internal heating element is connected to the electrode using the techniques described below with reference to Figures 43A-D or 44A-D. Typically, the capsule is designed to allow the generated vapor to flow to the user.

[0450] For some applications, the internal heating element includes an electrical resistance element (typically having intermediate electrical resistance and the ability to withstand high temperatures), such as a metal coil, metal wire, metal mesh, metal foil, surface-mount resistor, or any other electrical resistance element. Examples include iron-nickel alloy, tungsten, iron-chromium-aluminum alloy, nickel-chromium, stainless steel, nickel, and / or titanium. Typically, the heating element is configured to be stable in air at elevated temperatures. In some cases, techniques are applied to mitigate the risk of an insulating layer forming on the heating element as a result of heating. For example, iron-chromium-aluminum alloys form a protective layer of aluminum oxide (an electrical insulator) when heated, so such techniques may be used when iron-chromium-aluminum alloys are used for the heating element. In some such applications, the electrical connections are configured to dissipate heat to cool the electrical contacts to a temperature below that at which an insulating layer may form. For some applications, to prevent the heating element from continuing to heat after all of the vaporized liquid has finished vaporizing, the heating element is configured to self-fuse by overheating and melting in the absence of liquid material to cool the heating element (due to the vaporized liquid material).

[0451] For some applications, the internal heating element includes one or more magnetically heated materials (such as magnetic and / or ferromagnetic materials) that are susceptible to heating by a magnetic field, e.g., via a coil disposed within the smoking device, as described above. Typically, the inductively heated internal heating element is disposed within the capsule so as to be in only partial contact with the liquid material to be vaporized in order to concentrate the heating and control the amount of vapor produced. Typically, the internal heating element is thermally coupled to at least a portion of the liquid material to be vaporized.

[0452] Reference is now made to FIGS. 43A, 43B, 43C, and 43D, which are schematic illustrations of respective views of a capsule 150 for use with a liquid material 152 configured to be vaporized by a smoking device, the capsule including a capillary force delivery element 180 configured to deliver the liquid material to an internal heating element 184, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Each of FIGS. 43A-D shows the capsule positioned between electrodes 30. FIGS. 43A and 43B show respective cross-sectional views of the capsule, while FIGS. 43C-D show respective perspective views of the capsule, with FIG. 43C showing some portions as transparent for illustrative purposes. For some applications, the capsule includes a reservoir 154, which includes a housing 185 in which the liquid material is contained (either in an unabsorbed form and / or absorbed into an absorbent material). Typically, stopper 171 (described above) and stopper 186 seal the liquid material within the reservoir. The capillary force delivery element 180 delivers the liquid material to the internal heating element 184, as described with reference to Figures 42A-C. Typically, the capillary force delivery element 180 is configured to transport the liquid material by capillary means, pressure equilibrium, or any other applicable method of delivering a steady flow of liquid material to replace already vaporized liquid material.

[0453] As described with reference to FIG. 42B, for some applications, the internal heating element is heated via res...

Claims

1. 1. A device for use with a first capsule type containing solid smoking material containing one or more active agents, and for use with a second capsule type containing liquid material containing one or more active agents, the device comprising: The smoking device includes: When the capsule of the first capsule type is inserted into the smoking device, heating the capsule of the first capsule type to vaporize one or more of the active agents contained within the solid smoking material; and When the capsule of the second capsule type is inserted into the smoking device, vaporizing at least a portion of the liquid vaping material by heating the capsule of the second capsule type. An apparatus configured to:

2. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the smoking device comprises a control component configured to detect whether a capsule of the first or second capsule type is currently disposed within the smoking device and to control heating of the capsule currently disposed within the smoking device accordingly.

3. When either the capsule of the first or second capsule type is placed in the smoking device, the smoking device receiving an indication from the user indicating whether the user desires to smoke the active agent in the first mode or the second mode; heating the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents for a predetermined period of time in response to receiving an indication that the user desires to smoke the active agent in the first mode; and In response to receiving an indication that the user desires to smoke the active agent in the second mode, heating the smoking material only to the vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user desiring that the smoking material be heated. The apparatus of claim 1 , comprising a control component configured to:

4. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when either the capsule of the first or second capsule type is placed within the smoking device, the smoking device is configured to flatten at least a portion of the capsule currently placed within the smoking device.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the smoking device is configured to flatten at least a portion of the capsule disposed within the smoking device such that the portion of the capsule defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape of greater than 2:

1.

6. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the smoking device comprises a mechanical element configured to apply mechanical pressure to the capsule, thereby flattening the portion of the capsule disposed within the smoking device.

7. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein when the capsule of the second capsule type is placed within the smoking device, the smoking device is configured to drive the liquid material toward a region within the capsule where the liquid material vaporizes by flattening the portion of the capsule.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the smoking device further comprises a temperature sensor and a control component configured to determine the temperature of the solid smoking material in the capsules of the first capsule type or the liquid material in the capsules of the second capsule type based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

9. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the control component is configured to control heating of the solid smoking material in the capsules of the first capsule type or the liquid material in the capsules of the second capsule type in response to a determined temperature of the solid smoking material in the capsules of the first capsule type or the liquid material in the capsules of the second capsule type.

10. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the control component is configured to control heating of the solid smoking material in the capsules of the first capsule type or the liquid material in the capsules of the second capsule type so as to maintain the solid smoking material in the capsules of the first capsule type or the liquid material in the capsules of the second capsule type within a predetermined temperature range.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the smoking device comprises two or more electrodes configured to heat the solid smoking material in the capsules of the first capsule type or the liquid material in the capsules of the second capsule type by generating resistive heating within the capsules by driving an electric current through portions of the capsules.

12. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the smoking device comprises a mechanism configured to bring the electrode into pressurized contact with a capsule currently disposed within the smoking device to enhance electrical contact between the electrode and the capsule.

13. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein each capsule of the first and second capsule types includes a metal foil surrounding the solid smoking material or the liquid material, respectively, and the electrodes are configured to drive the current through the metal foil of the capsule of the first capsule type and the capsule of the second capsule type.

14. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each capsule of the first and second capsule types is an elongated capsule, and during the heating of the solid smoking material in the capsule of the first capsule type or the liquid material in the capsule of the second capsule type, the smoking device is configured to accommodate the capsule of the first capsule type or the capsule of the second capsule type so that airflow through the capsule is substantially along the length of the capsule, and a first one of the electrodes is configured to drive an electric current toward a second one of the electrodes along a length greater than 5 mm in an axial direction along the length of the capsule.

15. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the first one of the electrodes is configured to drive the current toward the second one of the electrodes along a length of the capsule greater than 15 mm in the axial direction.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the smoking device comprises a coil configured to heat the solid smoking material in the capsules of the first capsule type or the liquid material in the capsules of the second capsule type by generating a magnetic field to heat the capsules via magnetic induction.

17. 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the coil is configured to be flattened while at least a portion of the portion of the capsule containing the smoking material is disposed within the coil.

18. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the coil is shaped to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape, and the smoking device is configured to flatten at least some portions of the capsules of each of the first and second capsule types before the portions of the capsules of each of the first and second capsule types are introduced into the coil.

19. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule of each of the first and second capsule types, the capsule being a cylindrical, elongated capsule having a length of 15 mm to 150 mm.

20. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the smoking device is configured to receive a cylindrically shaped, elongated capsule having a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

Images