Non-Combustion Aerosol Delivery System

Abstract

A non-combustion aerosol delivery system (100) for filtering exhaled air is provided, comprising: a power source (110); a filter unit (120); an inhalation air flow path adapted to carry vapor generated by the aerosol delivery system (100) to a user upon inhalation; and an exhalation air flow path adapted to carry breath from the user to the filter unit upon exhalation into the aerosol delivery system (100), wherein the filter unit (120) includes at least one filter, the at least one filter comprising a material selected from glass fiber, polypropylene, and combinations thereof.

Description

Background of the disclosure

[0001] [Field] The present disclosure relates to a non-combustion aerosol delivery system and filter unit.

[0002] The "Background" description provided herein is intended to provide a general context for the present disclosure. The work of the presently cited inventors, to the extent described in this Background section, is not expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art to the present disclosure, as are aspects of the description that may not otherwise be admitted as prior art at the time of filing.

[0003] Non-combustion aerosol delivery systems are known, including systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). Some such systems include a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation, typically including an active ingredient such as nicotine, from which an aerosol is generated, for example by vaporization. Thus, an aerosol source for an aerosol delivery device may include an aerosol generating component, such as a heater having a heating element arranged to receive the source liquid from the reservoir, for example by wicking / capillary action. Other source materials, such as botanical substances or gels containing active ingredients and / or flavorings, may be heated as well to generate an aerosol. Thus, more generally, an e-cigarette may be considered to contain or receive a payload for heating and vaporization. Other systems may provide an aerosol from a substance that may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorings, one or more aerosol precursor materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0004] During or before the user inhales on the device, power is provided to the heating element to vaporize a portion of the aerosolizable material near the heating element to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. Such devices are typically provided with one or more air inlet holes located away from the mouth end of the system. When the user inhales on the mouthpiece connected to the mouth end of the system, air is drawn through the inlet holes and passes through the aerosol generating component. There is a flow path connecting the aerosol generating component and the opening at the mouthpiece, so that the air passing through the inhaled aerosol source continues to carry a portion of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating component along the flow path with the air to the mouthpiece opening. The air carrying the aerosol leaves the aerosol delivery device through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.

[0005] In conventional systems, the smoking process ends at this aerosol delivery stage.As of 2019, there were an estimated 3.6 million e-cigarette users in the UK alone (7.1% of the population).

[0006] Improvements to this smoking process are disclosed herein. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-combustion aerosol delivery system for filtering exhaled breath, comprising: A power source; A filter unit; an inhalation air flow path adapted to carry vapor generated by the aerosol delivery system to a user upon inhalation; an exhalation air flow path adapted to convey breath from a user to the filter unit upon exhalation into the aerosol delivery system; Equipped with A non-combustion aerosol delivery system is provided, wherein the filter unit includes at least one filter, the at least one filter including a material selected from fiberglass, polypropylene, and combinations thereof. The system disclosed herein allows the user to inhale aerosols and then exhale into the system. The exhaled air can be processed by the system through a filter unit. The exhaled air can be advantageously collected by the system disclosed herein. The filter unit can be configured to remove aerosol droplets from the vapor. In particular, filters made of glass fiber, polypropylene, and combinations thereof can be effective in collecting exhaled air. There should be a balance between the filtration (exhaled air collection) performed by the filter used in the system and the pressure drop experienced by the user during exhalation. The embodiments proposed herein provide a balanced system that collects exhaled air while at the same time providing a smooth inhalation and exhalation action for the user. When particles come into contact with the filter fibers, they are collected and do not reenter the vapor, thus making it an effective filter.

[0008] The controlled removal of droplets from the steam prevents the droplets from condensing on components within the system. In this manner, the controlled disposal of the steam reduces the likelihood that the steam will condense and cause damage to components within the system. In this manner, the lifespan of the system is prevented from being reduced by reducing wear from the steam condensing in undesirable places in the system.

[0009] The filter unit may include at least one filter comprising a material selected from glass fibers.

[0010] The filter unit may include at least a first filter comprising a material selected from glass fiber and a second filter that is a high-efficiency air (HEPA) filter.

[0011] The filter unit may include at least one filter comprising a material selected from polypropylene.

[0012] The filter unit may further comprise a separator for separating the aerosol droplets from the vapor. The separator is the preferred component for removing the aerosol droplets from the vapor, since it provides a moderate removal while at the same time having a moderate effect on the exhalation pressure for the user.

[0013] The aerosol delivery system may comprise an aerosol generating component, and determining to modify one or more operating parameters comprises determining to modify an operating parameter of the aerosol generating element.

[0014] The filter unit may include a vortex separator.

[0015] The filter unit may include a multiple flow channel separator.

[0016] The filter unit may further comprise a water filtration unit, which contains water through which the exhaled air can pass in order to filter the exhaled air. This advantageously improves the filtration of the exhaled air. This in turn reduces the effect on other filter parts in the system, thus increasing the overall service life of the system.

[0017] The filter unit may include at least one deodorizing filter. Advantageously, the deodorizing filter allows removal of undesirable odors from the exhaled steam. This may therefore improve the user experience of the system. The at least one deodorizing filter may include at least one filter containing activated carbon. Activated carbon is a particularly effective deodorizing filter.

[0018] In one example, at least a portion of the inhalation air flow path and a portion of the exhalation air flow path are the same. This advantageously allows the system to be more compact and therefore can be provided in a more ergonomic configuration. This in turn improves the user experience of the system.

[0019] In one example, the inhalation and exhalation airflow paths are completely separate from each other. In this way, the system prevents any exhaled air from being re-inhaled in a subsequent puff. Each inhalation is a new inhalation and therefore does not suffer from unintended inclusion of materials. This in turn improves the user experience of the system.

[0020] In one example, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system further comprises a unit containing a vapor-forming material. The unit can be more easily removed and replaced in the system than the vapor-forming material alone. The user touches the unit and not the vapor-forming material, which is an easier and cleaner process. This in turn improves the user experience of the system.

[0021] In one example, the filter unit and the unit containing the vapor-forming material together form a single assembly that is removable from the non-combustion aerosol delivery system. Removal of the single assembly allows the system (both parts) to be more easily accessed. This, in turn, increases the ease of cleaning and repair of the system. Regular cleaning reduces the possibility of damage to the system caused by condensed matter within the system, thus extending the service life of the system.

[0022] In one example, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an e-cigarette.

[0023] In one example, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system.

[0024] In one example, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, where one or more of the aerosol-generating materials may be heated. The use of multiple aerosol-generating materials allows the system to provide a flexible, measured aerosol to the user. The greater discretion over the available options allows the user to adjust the generated aerosol to a tailored aerosol to their preferences. In this way, the user experience of the system is improved.

[0025] In a further aspect, a filter unit configured to engage a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, the filter unit comprising at least one filter, the at least one filter comprising a material selected from fiberglass, polypropylene, and combinations thereof; The non-combustion aerosol delivery system is for filtering exhaled breath; A power source; A filter unit; an inhalation air flow path adapted to carry vapor generated by the aerosol delivery system to a user upon inhalation; an exhalation air flow path adapted to convey breath from a user to the filter unit upon exhalation into the aerosol delivery system; Equipped with A filter unit is provided.

[0026] Further aspects are provided according to the claims.

[0027] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description of the present disclosure and the following detailed description are exemplary of the present disclosure but are not restrictive.

[0028] A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a graph of flow rate (mL / s) versus pressure (Pascals) over the service life of a currently available filter. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a graph of flow rate (mL / s) versus pressure (Pascals) for an exemplary filter over its life. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a graph of flow rate (mL / s) versus pressure (Pascals) for an exemplary filter over its life. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a graph of flow rate (mL / s) versus pressure (Pascals) for an exemplary filter over its life. Description of the embodiments

[0030] A non-combustion aerosol delivery system and a filter unit are disclosed. In the following description, a number of specific details are shown to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it is clear to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to be used to implement the embodiments of the present disclosure. Conversely, specific details known to those skilled in the art are omitted as necessary for clarity.

[0031] As mentioned above, the present disclosure relates to non-combustion aerosol delivery, which may include electronic aerosol delivery systems or vapor delivery devices, such as e-cigarettes or nebulizers. Throughout the following description, the term "e-cigarette" may be used, but this term may be used interchangeably with (electronic) aerosol / vapor delivery system. Similarly, the terms "vapor" and "aerosol" are referred to interchangeably herein.

[0032] In general, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device can be an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system, although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device is a tobacco heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosolizable materials to generate an aerosol, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosolizable materials can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and can contain or not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material can include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product. Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device generates a vapor or aerosol from one or more such aerosolizable materials.

[0033] Typically, an aerosol delivery system may comprise a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and an article for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device, however, it is contemplated that an article that itself comprises a means for powering an aerosol generating component may itself form a non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0034] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may include an active material, an aerosol-forming material, and optionally one or more functional materials. The active material may include nicotine (optionally included in tobacco or tobacco derivatives) or one or more other non-olfactory bioactive materials. A non-olfactory bioactive material is a material included in the aerosolizable material to achieve a physiological response other than olfaction. The aerosol-forming material may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. The one or more functional materials may include one or more of flavorings, carriers, pH adjusters, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0035] Referring now to the drawings, where like reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system 100 for filtering exhaled breath, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system 100 comprises a power source 110 and a filter unit 120. The system 100 has an inhalation air flow path, indicated by arrow A. The inhalation air flow path A is adapted to carry vapor (or aerosol) generated by the aerosol delivery system 100 to a user upon inhalation by the user. The system 100 has an exhalation air flow path, indicated by arrow B. The exhalation air flow path B is adapted to carry breath from a user to the filter unit 120 upon exhalation into the aerosol delivery system 100. The filter unit 120 includes at least one filter. The at least one filter includes a material selected from glass fiber, polypropylene, and combinations thereof.

[0036] System 100 is configured to pass breath from a user through filter unit 120. Filter unit 120 is positioned to collect vapor that passes through system 100 in breath exhaled by the user. In this manner, a user may optionally exhale through system 100 if they wish not to exhale vapor. This may be particularly advantageous in areas in close proximity to others or in areas where vapor production is not permitted or discouraged.

[0037] Thus, a user can use the system 100 to capture exhaled breath and not produce noticeable exhaled breath.

[0038] Thus, the filter unit 120 is configured to effectively collect vapor from the user's breath. This can be through the use of a filter in the filter unit 120 that includes a material selected from glass fibers. In another example, the filter unit 120 may additionally or alternatively have a filter that is a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters can be formed from non-woven glass filament fiber sheets, cellulose "paper" sheets, or plastic fibers. These can be formed to be high surface area filters by using corrugations and tortuous paths. HEPA filters can be made from either microglass fibers or polymers, or a mixture of both (a combination can be used to make the filter stronger when pleated). It has been found that polymers have some effect on the electrostatic attraction of particles.

[0039] In other examples, the filter unit 120 may additionally or alternatively include a filter comprising a material selected from polypropylene.

[0040] Each of these filters has been shown to be particularly advantageous in retaining vapor. Tests were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the filters in terms of life (number of puffs), pressure, etc.

[0041] Thus, system 100 can remove vapor from the user's breath, which is exhaled through exhalation flow path B. Additionally, system 100 can remove vapor from the exhaled breath, for example, by use of a separator that separates aerosol droplets from the vapor. In a particular example, filter unit 120 includes a vortex separator that removes aerosol droplets from the vapor. This can be advantageously combined with materials for filtering in filter unit 120 to more efficiently remove vapor from the exhaled air stream.

[0042] In one example, the system 100 can further include a multiple flow path separator. The multiple flow path separator can be part of the filter unit 120 or can be separate from the filter unit 120. The multiple flow path separator can deflect or redirect the exhaled air in the system 100. In one example, the multiple flow path separator extends the flow path along which the exhaled air flow travels, allowing for further separation of aerosol droplets from vapor. This, in turn, allows for a more efficient system 100 to receive and process the exhaled air flow. Reducing the pressure drop across the system 100 when the user exhales is beneficial for a user experience with less flow restriction. In this way, the user experience is improved as the above elements perform the functions of the system 100 with reduced pressure drop.

[0043] In one example, the filter unit 120 further includes a water filtration unit. The water filtration unit can include water that can be passed through to filter the exhaled breath. Water filtration works by passing the vapor bubbles through a liquid, in this case water, that impinges on the vapor bubbles. This technique is particularly effective because the vapor bubbles have a large water-vapor surface area for interaction, although other liquids may be used. This technique may also be used in conjunction with other collections of vapor from the user's breath.

[0044] In one example, the filter unit 120 may include at least one odor filter.

[0045] In one example, the filter unit 120 may include at least one deodorizing filter that includes activated carbon. The activated carbon allows for the absorption of volatile compounds that may be present in the exhaled air. The removal and absorption of these volatile compounds has the particular advantage of preventing the volatile compounds from affecting other components of the system 100. A further advantage relates to the pressure drop experienced by the activated carbon, which is similar to the type of aerosolizable material that may be used with the present system 100 to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. Thus, the user may experience little or no pressure drop when exhaling. This, in turn, thus further improves the user experience of the system 100. The activated carbon may be provided in a block or the like, with a number of holes in the block to allow the passage of the exhaled air.

[0046] In one example, a portion of the inhalation air flow path and a portion of the exhalation air flow path are the same. Using the same path for the inhalation and exhalation air flow paths allows the option of using a single outlet for system 100. In this manner, the number of components in system 100 is reduced, thereby increasing the overall lifespan of system 100. Similarly, the shared parts may allow for a more compact construction of system 100, resulting in an improved user experience with system 100.

[0047] In the example shown in Figure 2, a system 200 is shown with a power source 210 and a filter unit 220. An inhalation air flow path A and an exhalation air flow path B are shown. Both enter path P1, which then branches at P2. Inhalation air flow path A enters path P1 at branch P2A. Exhalation air flow path B leaves path P1 at branch P2B. Thus, the two air flow paths A, B share portion P1 of paths P1, P2.

[0048] Although not shown, P1 may connect path P2 to an outlet or mouthpiece of system 200. P2 may branch along inhalation path P2A to a heater and aerosolizable material arrangement where vapor is generated for inhalation. P2 may branch along exhalation path P2B to a filter, separator, vortex separator, multi-channel separator, water filtration unit, or the like, or a combination of such elements, to remove vapor from the user's exhaled breath.

[0049] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the system 300 is shown with a power source 310 and a filter unit 320. The configuration is similar to that of the system 200 shown in Fig. 2. In Fig. 3, the portion P1 of the path P1, P2 is divided into two portions P1A, P1B. An additional element extending between the paths P1A, P2B ensures that the inhalation air flow path A and the exhalation air flow path B are completely separate from each other. This ensures that the breath from the user cannot condense on the surfaces of the path through which the inhaled vapor travels. This therefore improves the overall lifespan of the system 300 and also improves the user experience of the system 300.

[0050] As described above with respect to FIG. 2, paths P2A, P2B may subsequently merge into either a combination of aerosolizable material and a heater (P2A) or, with respect to path P2B, into a filter unit element, separator, etc. as described above.

[0051] Path P2B may be lengthened to increase the opportunity for exhaled vapor to condense before collection by filter unit 320. The longer path P2B, the greater the surface area the exhaled vapor has to condense over, and there is also another benefit to the exhaled vapor being more likely to have a higher temperature inside system 300 and therefore more time to cool down in the system. This in turn makes system 300 more effective at causing condensation of the exhaled vapor, since condensation is more likely to occur at lower temperatures.

[0052] In one example, the systems described herein include a unit or the like that includes a vapor-forming material or the like. Such a vapor-forming material may include a liquid or a solid. The vapor-forming material may include nicotine or the like. The material may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0053] The unit containing the vapor-forming material may be located in the system disclosed herein separately from the power source and the filter. In one example, the power source may be located at the distal end of the system. The unit containing the vapor-forming material may be located near and connected to the power source since it may use power to form vapor from the vapor-forming material, such as using power to generate vapor from heating the vapor-forming material. The filter unit may be at the proximal end of the system such that the vapor from the unit containing the vapor-forming material passes to a mouthpiece or outlet near the user for inhalation before the user exhales into the system. This arrangement may be particularly advantageous with respect to the configuration of airflow and electrical connections.

[0054] In one example, the filter unit and the unit containing the vapor-forming material together form a single assembly that is removable from the non-combustion aerosol delivery system. In such a configuration, manufacturers may be able to adjust the amount of vapor-forming material provided per filter unit and filter in the filter unit so that the amount of vapor-forming material is sufficient to provide an amount of vapor that is sufficient to saturate or otherwise exhaust the filter in most usage patterns. In this way, the service life of the vapor-forming material and the filter can be matched or balanced so that when the vapor-forming material is exhausted and the filter is also exhausted, the single assembly can be removed and replaced with a new single assembly. This improves the ease of use of the device and therefore the user experience of the system.

[0055] Relatedly, this may also allow for easier removal of portions of the system that may require more regular cleaning than the section of the system that includes the power source, for example. Because airflow does not have to pass through the power source, there is less chance of regular cleaning being required at the power source. By allowing cleaning of parts that require more regular cleaning, the overall life of the system may be extended.

[0056] Additionally, replacement filters etc. can be inserted into the unitary assembly as the filter unit ages with use. Again, this extends the overall life of the system and avoids having to discard the entire system after the filter unit is worn out. The vapor forming material can also be removed and replaced from the unitary assembly to extend the life of the system.

[0057] Alternatively, a single assembly may be used and discarded after use for replacement with another single assembly. This configuration avoids the need for the user to come into contact with the vapor-forming material, which can be unpleasant and difficult to handle. In this way, the user experience of the system is improved. Furthermore, discarding only a single assembly ensures that the power source portion of the system is not wasted. The power source, in any of the examples herein, may be rechargeable and therefore require charging without needing to be discarded.

[0058] The non-combustion aerosol delivery device may have a generally cylindrical shape extending along a longitudinal axis and may optionally include two main components: a control body (including a power source) and a cartomizer (including a filter unit). The cartomizer may include an internal chamber that houses a reservoir of payload, such as a liquid containing nicotine, a vaporizer (such as a heater), and a mouthpiece. References to "nicotine" herein are merely exemplary and should be understood to be replaced with any suitable active ingredient. References to "liquid" as the payload herein are merely exemplary and should be understood to be replaced with any suitable payload, such as botanical matter (e.g., tobacco that is heated rather than burned), or a gel containing an active ingredient and / or flavoring. The reservoir may include a foam matrix or any other structure that holds the liquid until such time as it is needed to be delivered to the vaporizer. In the case of liquid / flowable payloads, the aerosol generating component is for vaporizing the liquid, and the cartomizer may further include a wick or similar means for transferring a small amount of liquid from the reservoir to a vaporization location in the aerosol generating component or adjacent to the aerosol generating component. In this disclosure, a heater is used as a specific example of an aerosol generating component. However, it should be understood that other forms of aerosol generating components (e.g., those that utilize ultrasound) may also be used, and that the type of aerosol generating component used may depend on the type of payload to be vaporized.

[0059] The power source may include a rechargeable cell or battery for powering the non-combustion aerosol delivery system. The power source may also include a circuit board for overall control of the non-combustion aerosol delivery system. In one example, the aerosol generating component vaporizes a liquid upon receiving power from the battery, which may be controlled by the circuit board, and the vapor is then inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece. In some specific embodiments, the main body is further provided with a manual activation device, such as a button, switch, or touch sensor located on the outside of the main body.

[0060] The control body and the cartomizer can be detachable from each other, but are coupled together when the system is in use by a connector to provide mechanical and electrical connection between the control body and the cartomizer. The electrical connector of the control body 20 used to connect to the cartomizer can also function as a socket to connect a charging device (not shown) when the control body is detached from the cartomizer. The other end of the charging device can be plugged into a USB socket to recharge the battery in the control body of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device, which can be an e-cigarette. In other embodiments, a cable may be provided for direct connection between the electrical connector of the control body and the USB socket.

[0061] The non-combustion aerosol delivery device is provided with one or more holes for air inlet. These holes lead to an air passage through the electronic aerosol supply device to the mouthpiece. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece, air is drawn into this air passage through one or more air inlet holes appropriately arranged on the outside of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device. When the heater is activated to vaporize the nicotine from the cartridge, the air flow passes through the generated vapor and combines with the vapor, and this combination of air flow and generated vapor then exits the mouthpiece to be inhaled by the user. Except for one-time use devices, the cartomizer can be removed from the control body and disposed of (and replaced with another cartomizer if necessary) when the liquid supply is exhausted.

[0062] In some cases, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device may include a means for controlling the airflow conditions in the system. The portion of the airflow path that provides fluid communication between the mouthpiece and one or more air inlet holes in the device may be provided with features that are movable to change the airflow characteristics in the non-combustion aerosol delivery device by changing the geometry of the airflow path (e.g., the topology of the walls that bound the airflow passage). For example, movable features (such as valves, baffles, or inlets) may allow for the modification of operating parameters such as the resistance to draw of the system, the degree of turbulence in the airflow path, the direction of airflow near the aerosol generating component, and the condensation path distance between the aerosol generating component and the mouthpiece.

[0063] In some examples, the resistance to draw of the device can be altered by providing a means for selectively opening and closing one or more air inlets configured to allow air to enter an air passage contained within the device. In some examples, an element can be provided that changes the direction of airflow into and out of the system. In this manner, the flow paths of the inhalation air flow path A and the exhalation air flow path B can be controlled. For example, a slider configured to be moved (e.g., rotated about an axis or displaced along an axis) to various positions may be provided on the outer housing of the system. The slider may be mechanically or electrically connected to cause a resulting change in paths A, B, such as by movement of a baffle or valve, etc.

[0064] In some examples, the slider is actuated by an electromechanical actuator, such as a linear or rotary actuator, and the actuator position may be controlled by a control circuit to adjust the position of the components that control the configuration of the air flow paths A, B. Other features controlled by the control circuit in a similar manner may be included in the device to modify the airflow through the device. For example, one or more movable baffles, or mechanical apertures, or one or more air inlets may be positioned in the air passage of the system near the aerosol generation component or, for example, the mouthpiece. These features may be moved to various positions to adjust the way the incoming airflow exits the aerosol generation component or enters / exits the mouthpiece of the system.

[0065] For example, one or more baffles can be moved to direct airflow to portion P1 of a path through the system 200 (during inhalation) and to portion P2B of a path through the system 200 (during exhalation).

[0066] It should be understood that the non-combustion aerosol delivery device shown in Figures 1-3 is shown by way of example, and various other implementations may be employed. For example, in some embodiments, the cartomizer may be provided as two separable components: a cartridge including a liquid reservoir and a mouthpiece (which may be replaced when the liquid from the reservoir is depleted), and an aerosol generating component including a heater (which is retained as a whole). As another example, a charging means may connect to an additional or alternative power source, such as an in-vehicle cigarette lighter.

[0067] As used herein, non-combustion aerosol delivery systems or non-combustion aerosol delivery systems are systems that release compounds from an aerosol-forming material without combusting the aerosol-forming material, such as e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-forming materials.

[0068] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one in which the aerosol-generating materials that are constituents of the aerosol delivery system (or components thereof) are not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0069] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0070] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system may be an e-cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery (END) system, although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0071] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system, one example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0072] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0073] Typically, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and a consumable for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0074] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include an aerosol generating material and are configured for use with a non-combustion aerosol delivery device. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

[0075] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system, e.g., the non-combustion aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, a power source or a heat generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be excited to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or a heat transfer material proximate the heat generating power source.

[0076] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include a consumable receiving area, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0077] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices may include aerosol generating materials, aerosol generating material storage areas, aerosol generating material transfer components, aerosol generators, aerosol generating areas, housings, wrappers, filters, mouthpieces, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0078] Above, a system is disclosed that uses a filter unit to collect exhaled air. The filter unit includes a filter, and the filter can be selected to collect exhaled air most effectively. Effective collection of exhaled air by a filter means that the filter unit does not need to include a large filter, thus allowing a more compact structure of the system. In this way, the system can be designed more freely, and therefore a design that is adapted to ergonomic design can be selected. In this way, the user experience of the system can be improved.

[0079] Next, results with specific filter materials are presented: Filters may be advantageously formed from glass fibre, including glass microfibres, and / or polypropylene.

[0080] The filters can be provided in any shape that corresponds to the shape of the system or airway in which the filter is placed. In this sense, the filters can have any shape. In a particular example, the filters are circular with a size defined by a diameter and a thickness. In a particular example, the filters can have a diameter of about 25 mm to about 50 mm and a thickness of about 0.02 mm to about 0.8 mm.

[0081] The filters may have different pore sizes selected to balance the filtration provided to the exhaled breath against the pressure differential experienced by the user during exhalation. In a particular example, the pore size may be from about 0.2 μm to about 30 μm.

[0082] The filter may have different masses according to diameter, thickness and material, hi a particular example, the filter may have a mass of about 0.01 g to about 0.35 g.

[0083] In particular examples, the filter may be formed in whole or in part from:

[0084] A glass microfiber filter having a diameter of 25 mm, a pore size of 1.2 μm, and a mass of 0.025 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.238 mm. Such filters are available from Whatman Corporation.

[0085] A glass microfiber filter having a diameter of 25 mm, a pore size of 1.0 μm, and a mass of 0.065 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.553 mm. Such filters are available from Whatman Corporation.

[0086] A glass microfiber filter having a diameter of 25 mm, a pore size of 0.7 μm, and a mass of 0.039 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.376 mm. Such filters are available from Whatman Corporation.

[0087] A polypropylene filter from a large air conditioning unit, 25mm diameter, pore rating F8, mass 0.060g per 25mm circle of 0.804mm thickness cut from the larger piece of filter. Such filters are available from RS Pro.

[0088] A glass microfiber filter having a diameter of 47 mm, a pore size of 0.3 μm, and a mass of 0.047 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.308 mm. Such filters are available from Whatman Corporation.

[0089] A glass microfiber filter having a diameter of 25 mm, a pore size of 1.6 μm, and a mass of 0.025 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.250 mm. Such filters are available from Whatman Corporation.

[0090] A polypropylene filter from a large air conditioning unit, 25mm diameter, pore rating F6 / M5, mass 0.049g per 25mm circle of 0.587mm thickness cut from the larger piece of filter. Such filters are available from RS Pro.

[0091] A glass microfiber filter having a diameter of 25 mm, a pore size of 2.7 μm, and a mass of 0.062 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.541 mm. Such filters are available from Whatman Corporation.

[0092] A glass fibre membrane filter with a diameter of 25 mm, a pore size of 29 μm and a mass of 0.305 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.036 mm. Such a filter is available from Saint-Gobain.

[0093] A glass fibre membrane filter with a diameter of 25 mm, a pore size of 30 μm and a mass of 0.347 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.034 mm. Such a filter is available from Saint-Gobain.

[0094] A glass fibre cut filter measuring 60x90mm, with a pore size of 3μm and a mass of 0.259g per 25mm circle of 0.035mm thickness. Such filters are available from Whatman.

[0095] As mentioned above, the pressure drop across the selected filter is a relevant consideration when trying to balance the filtration provided by the filter in the filter unit with the user experience when exhaling. If the pressure during exhalation is too great, the user may be in a position not to exhale into the system, which should be avoided. Below are test results that were generated by investigating the pressures for unused filter materials:

[0096] Example 1 (prior art) A commercial system available from Philter Labs was tested over a range of flow rates from 14.18 mL / s to 1635 mL / s and a range of pressures from 59.26 Pa to 21910 Pa. It was found that for a flow rate of 18.3 mL / s, a pressure drop of 67.98 Pa was observed, whereas for a flow rate of 390 mL / s, a pressure drop of 1946 Pa was observed. Example 2 The filters were prepared from glass microfiber filters with a diameter of 25 mm, a pore size of 1.2 μm, and a mass of 0.025 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.238 mm.

[0097] The pressure drop was tested over a series of flow rates from 12.15 mL / s to 1218 mL / s and a series of pressures from 161.2 Pa to 21120 Pa, and then retested over a series of flow rates from 6.862 mL / s to 1058 mL / s and a series of pressures from 254.6 Pa to 33180 Pa. The results showed that for a flow rate of 18.3 mL / s, a pressure drop of 572 Pa was observed, whereas for a flow rate of 82.5 mL / s, a pressure drop of 2382 Pa was observed. This filter provided high effectiveness in collecting exhaled air, but provided a somewhat higher pressure drop.

[0098] Example 3 The filters were prepared from glass microfiber filters with a diameter of 25 mm, a pore size of 1.0 μm, and a mass of 0.065 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.553 mm.

[0099] The pressure drop was tested over a series of flow rates from 13.4 mL / s to 1229 mL / s and a series of pressures from 139.1 Pa to 35130 Pa, and then retested over a series of flow rates from 8.221 mL / s to 802.5 mL / s and a series of pressures from 405.5 Pa to 33680 Pa. The results showed that for a flow rate of 18.3 mL / s, a pressure drop of 804.5 Pa was observed, whereas for a flow rate of 82.5 mL / s, a pressure drop of 3316 Pa was observed. This filter provided high effectiveness in collecting exhaled air, but provided a fairly high pressure drop.

[0100] Example 4 The filters were prepared from glass microfiber filters with a diameter of 25 mm, a pore size of 0.7 μm, and a mass of 0.039 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.376 mm.

[0101] The pressure drop was tested over a range of flow rates from 4.743 mL / s to 538 mL / s and a range of pressures from 419.3 Pa to 33880 Pa. The results showed that for a flow rate of 18.3 mL / s, a pressure drop of 1233 Pa was observed, whereas for a flow rate of 82.5 mL / s, a pressure drop of 5242 Pa was observed. This filter provided high effectiveness in collecting exhaled air, but provided a high pressure drop.

[0102] Example 5 The filters were prepared from polypropylene filters from a large air conditioning unit, with a diameter of 25 mm, pore rating of F8, and a mass of 0.060 g per 25 mm circle of 0.804 mm thickness cut from the larger part of the filter.

[0103] The pressure drop was tested over a range of flow rates from 12.7 mL / s to 1638 mL / s and a range of pressures from 28.76 Pa to 19780 Pa. The results showed that for a flow rate of 18.3 mL / s, a pressure drop of 39.0 Pa was observed, whereas for a flow rate of 82.5 mL / s, a pressure drop of 169.8 Pa was observed. This filter provided high effectiveness in collecting exhaled air, but provided a low pressure drop.

[0104] Example 6 The filters were prepared from glass microfiber filters with a diameter of 47 mm, a pore size of 0.3 μm, and a mass of 0.047 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.308 mm.

[0105] The pressure drop was tested over a series of flow rates from 13.14 mL / s to 1476 mL / s and a series of pressures from 261.5 Pa to 35050 Pa, and then retested over a series of flow rates from 6.163 mL / s to 1227 mL / s and a series of pressures from 215 Pa to 34450 Pa. The results showed that for a flow rate of 18.3 mL / s, a pressure drop of 503.4 Pa was observed, while for a flow rate of 82.5 mL / s, a pressure drop of 2009 Pa was observed. This filter provided high effectiveness in collecting exhaled air and provided a rather moderate pressure drop.

[0106] Example 7 The filters were prepared from glass microfiber filters with a diameter of 25 mm, a pore size of 1.6 μm, and a mass of 0.025 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.250 mm.

[0107] Pressure drops were tested over a range of flow rates from 5.494 mL / s to 1463 mL / s and a range of pressures from 186.8 Pa to 34140 Pa. For a flow rate of 18.3 mL / s, a pressure drop of 385.4 Pa was observed, whereas for a flow rate of 82.5 mL / s, a pressure drop of 1437 Pa was observed. This filter provided high effectiveness in collecting exhaled air and provided a fairly modest pressure drop.

[0108] Example 8 The filters were prepared from polypropylene filters from a large air conditioning unit, with a diameter of 25 mm, pore rating of F6 / M5, and a mass of 0.049 g per 25 mm circle of 0.587 mm thickness cut from the larger section of the filter.

[0109] The pressure drop was tested over a range of flow rates from 11.38 mL / s to 1666 mL / s and a range of pressures from 53.86 Pa to 18850 Pa. The results showed that for a flow rate of 18.3 mL / s, a pressure drop of 61.25 Pa was observed, whereas for a flow rate of 82.5 mL / s, a pressure drop of 140.2 Pa was observed. This filter provided high effectiveness in collecting exhaled air, but provided a low pressure drop.

[0110] Example 9 The filters were prepared from glass microfiber filters with a diameter of 25 mm, a pore size of 2.7 μm, and a mass of 0.062 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.541 mm.

[0111] Pressure drops were tested over a range of flow rates from 9.979 mL / s to 1621 mL / s and a range of pressures from 162.6 Pa to 30690 Pa. For a flow rate of 18.3 mL / s, a pressure drop of 246.2 Pa was observed, whereas for a flow rate of 82.5 mL / s, a pressure drop of 924.9 Pa was observed. This filter provided high effectiveness in collecting exhaled air and provided a moderate pressure drop.

[0112] Example 10 It was prepared from a glass fiber cut filter with a size of 60×90 mm, a pore size of 3 μm, and a mass of 0.259 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.035 mm.

[0113] The pressure drop was tested over a range of flow rates from 8.474 mL / s to 1313 mL / s and a range of pressures from 196.4 Pa to 25860 Pa. The results showed that for a flow rate of 18.3 mL / s, a pressure drop of 334.8 Pa was observed, whereas for a flow rate of 82.5 mL / s, a pressure drop of 1257 Pa was observed.

[0114] The selection of filter material should take into account the pressure drop across the filter as shown above. Furthermore, the selection of filter material should take into account the pressure drop over the life of the filter. In fact, it is not useful for a filter to only be effective and have a favorable pressure drop over the first part of the life of the filter. Therefore, experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the filter over many puffs. The results are then shown in FIG. 4. These are discussed according to the following specific examples. In particular, the smoking life of a filter can be any number of puffs, but more typically can be up to 40, 50, 60 or 70 puffs. Therefore, more puffs are not expected for the filter and the performance of the filter when matched to this life.

[0115] Example 11 (prior art) In Figure 4, a graph 400 of flow rate (mL / s) versus pressure (Pascals) on the x-axis is shown for a filter in a commercial system available from Philter Labs (Example 1). Line 410 represents a filter at 0 puff life, i.e., an unused filter. Lines 420, 430, 440 represent the performance of the same filter over 20, 40, and 90 puff life, respectively. It can be seen that the filter performance deteriorates significantly over its life. The 90 puff line 440 in particular shows that the pressure increase required to obtain an increase in flow rate is such that the filter has poor performance near the end of the period.

[0116] Example 12 FIG. 5 shows a graph 500 of pressure (Pascals) on the x-axis versus flow rate (mL / s) for a filter made from a glass microfiber filter having a diameter of 47 mm, a pore size of 0.3 μm, and a mass of 0.047 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.308 mm.

[0117] Line 510 represents a filter at 0 puff life, i.e., an unused filter. Lines 520, 530, 540 represent the performance of the same filter over 25, 50 and 75 puff life, respectively. It can be seen that the filter changes significantly in performance over its life. Line 540D shows the performance of a 75 puff filter that was subsequently dried. This line shows that improved filter performance can be obtained by drying.

[0118] The improved performance after drying can be explained because, in use, the filter has a puff through the filter and condensate forms on the filter. Due to the small pore size of the filter, the condensate blocks the filter pores. The condensate is a mixture of glycerol, propylene glycol and water, so drying removes at least the water and potentially both the glycerol and propylene glycol. Drying occurred after 75 puffs and took place over a period of approximately 3 days.

[0119] It can be seen that the sample in FIG. 5 has worse performance than the sample in FIG.

[0120] Example 13 FIG. 6 shows a graph 600 of pressure (Pascals) on the x-axis versus flow rate (mL / s) for a filter made from a glass microfiber filter having a diameter of 25 mm, a pore size of 2.7 μm, and a mass of 0.062 g per 25 mm circle with a thickness of 0.541 mm.

[0121] Line 610 represents a filter at 0 puff service life, i.e., an unused filter. Lines 620, 630, 640, 650, 660 represent the performance of the same filter over service lives of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 puffs, respectively. In particular, it can be seen that the filter does not significantly degrade in performance over its service life. Although the lines show some degradation in performance, this filter performs significantly better over its service life performance than the filters shown in Figures 4 and 5. This indicates an improvement in performance, especially with respect to consistency of performance.

[0122] Example 14 FIG. 6 shows a graph 600 of pressure (Pascals) on the x-axis against flow rate (mL / s) for a filter formed from a polypropylene filter from a large air conditioning unit, with a diameter of 25 mm, a pore rating of F8, and a mass of 0.060 g per 25 mm circle cut from a larger section of the filter with a thickness of 0.804 mm.

[0123] Line 710 represents a filter at 0 puff service life, i.e., an unused filter. Lines 720, 730, 740, and 750 represent the performance of the same filter over a service life of 10, 20, 50, and 100 puffs, respectively. In particular, it can be seen that the filter does not significantly degrade in performance over its service life. Although the lines show some degradation in performance, this filter performs significantly better over its service life performance than the filters shown in Figures 4 and 5. This shows an improvement in performance, especially with respect to pressure drop.

[0124] In fact, the degradation in filter performance between 100 puffs (performance shown by line 750) and 200 puffs (performance shown by line 770) is quite slight. As such, this filter performs particularly well for currently available systems shown in FIG.

[0125] The above description discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. Accordingly, the contents of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the present disclosure and claims. The present disclosure, including any readily identifiable variations of the teachings herein, in part defines the scope of the claim terms.

Claims

1. 1. A non-combustion aerosol delivery system for filtering exhaled breath, comprising: A power source; A filter unit; a unit containing a steam forming material; an inhalation air flow path adapted to carry vapor generated by the aerosol delivery system to a user upon inhalation; an exhalation air flow path adapted to convey breath from a user to the filter unit upon exhalation into the aerosol delivery system; Equipped with the filter unit comprises at least one filter, the at least one filter comprising a material selected from fiberglass, polypropylene, and combinations thereof; A non-combustion aerosol delivery system, wherein the filter unit and the unit containing the vapor forming material together form a unitary assembly that is removable from the non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

2. 10. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the filter unit includes at least one filter comprising a material selected from glass fibers.

3. 3. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system of claim 2, wherein the filter unit includes at least a first filter comprising a material selected from glass fiber and a second filter that is a high efficiency particulate air filter.

4. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filter unit comprises at least one filter comprising a material selected from polypropylene.

5. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the filter unit further comprises a separator for separating aerosol droplets from vapor.

6. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the filter unit further comprises a vortex separator.

7. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the filter unit further comprises a multiple flow channel separator.

8. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the filter unit further comprises a water filtration unit containing water through which exhaled air can pass to filter the exhaled air.

9. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the filter unit includes at least one deodorizing filter.

10. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the filter unit comprises at least one filter comprising activated carbon.

11. 11. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the inhalation air flow path and a portion of the exhalation air flow path are the same.

12. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the inhalation air flow path and the exhalation air flow path are completely separate from each other.

13. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 12, which is an electronic cigarette.

14. 14. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 13, which is an aerosol-generating material heating system.

15. 15. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a combination of aerosol-forming materials is used to generate the aerosol, and one or more of the aerosol-forming materials can be heated.

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