Apparatus for generating aerosols from aerosolizable media, articles of aerosolizable media, and methods of operating aerosol generating apparatus

Abstract

To provide an apparatus 100 for generating aerosol from an aerosolisable medium.SOLUTION: The apparatus includes: a housing 104; a chamber 112 for receiving an article 102, a sensor 122, and a cover system 128. The article includes an aerosolisable medium and a detectable element provided in association with the article. The sensor is configured to sense the detectable element when an article is received within the chamber. The cover system can be configured in at least a first configuration to substantially cover the sensor, and a second configuration, in which a field of view of the sensor is substantially unobstructed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium, an article of an aerosolizable medium, a system including the apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium and the article of an aerosolizable medium, and a method of operating the apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium.

[0002] Articles such as cigarettes, cigars, and the like burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are so-called "heat-not-burn" products, also known as tobacco heating products or tobacco heating devices, which release compounds by heating materials rather than burning them. Overview

[0003] In a first example, an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a chamber for receiving an article, the article comprising an aerosolizable medium and a detectable element provided in association with the article, a sensor configured to sense the detectable element when the article is received within the chamber, and a cover system. The cover system can be configured in at least a first arrangement that substantially covers the sensor and a second arrangement in which the field of view of the sensor is substantially unobstructed.

[0004] In a second example, an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a chamber for receiving an article, the article comprising an aerosolizable medium and optically detectable indicia provided in association with the article, an optical sensor configured to detect the indicia when the article is received within the chamber, and a cover system. The cover system can be configured in at least a first arrangement that substantially covers the optical sensor and a second arrangement in which the field of view of the optical sensor is substantially unobstructed.

[0005] In a third example, an aerosol delivery system is provided that includes a device, an aerosolizable medium, and an article that includes an optically detectable indicia.

[0006] In a fourth example, a method of operating an aerosol generating device having an optical sensor is provided, the method including the steps of monitoring the presence or absence of an article for use with the aerosol generating device, the article comprising an aerosolizable medium and an indicia, detecting the indicia on the article with the optical sensor, operating the aerosol generating device based on the detected indicia, and closing a cover system after detecting the indicia on the article.

[0007] In a fifth example, there is provided an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium. The apparatus comprises a chamber for receiving an article, the article comprising an aerosolizable medium and indicia, and an optical sensor arrangement for reading the indicia. A surface of the optical sensor arrangement is arranged, in use, to contact the article received in the chamber.

[0008] In a sixth example, an article is provided that includes an aerosolizable medium and indicia, where at least a portion of an exterior surface of the article is compressible and configured to contact an optical sensor arrangement of an apparatus for generating an aerosol from the aerosolizable medium upon insertion of the article into the apparatus, the apparatus configured to receive the article and aerosolize the aerosolizable medium of the article.

[0009] In a seventh example, a method of cleaning an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber for receiving an article comprising the aerosolizable medium and an optical sensor arrangement. The method includes inserting the article comprising the aerosolizable medium into the chamber and, during at least a portion of the inserting step, wiping a surface of the optical sensor arrangement with a surface of the article.

[0010] In an eighth example, an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber for receiving an article, the article comprising an aerosolizable medium and indicia, the chamber defining a longitudinal axis, and a sensor for reading the indicia received in the chamber in use. The sensor is spaced from the chamber in a direction that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis to define a gap between the sensor and the article received in the chamber in use.

[0011] In a ninth example, an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a chamber for receiving an article, the article comprising an aerosolizable medium and a detectable element provided in association with the article, a sensor configured to sense the detectable element when the article is received within the chamber, and a replaceable cover. The replaceable cover is disposed over the sensor and does not substantially affect operation of the sensor.

[0012] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus for heating an article comprising an aerosolizable medium. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a top view of an example of an apparatus for heating an article comprising an aerosolizable medium. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the example of the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of an example of an article comprising an aerosolizable medium. [Diagram 5] 1A-1C are cross-sectional views of examples of chambers, articles, and sensor configurations. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for determining a parameter associated with an aerosolizable media article for use with the example of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a chamber, article, and sensor arrangement. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method for cleaning an apparatus for generating aerosol from an aerosolizable media article for use with the example of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a chamber, article, and sensor arrangement. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a side view of an example of an article comprising an aerosolizable medium. [Figure 11] 1A-1C are cross-sectional views of examples of chambers, articles, and sensor configurations. Detailed Description

[0014] As used herein, the term "aerosolizable medium" includes a material that, when heated, provides volatile components, typically in the form of an aerosol. An "aerosolizable medium" includes any tobacco-containing material, and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. An "aerosolizable medium" may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. An "aerosolizable medium" may take the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. An "aerosolizable medium" may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials.

[0015] The present disclosure relates to devices that heat an aerosolizable medium to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable medium, typically without burning or combusting the aerosolizable medium, to form an aerosol that can be inhaled. Such devices are sometimes described as "non-combustion heating" devices, or "tobacco heating products", or "tobacco heating devices", or the like. Similarly, there are also so-called e-cigarette devices, which typically vaporize an aerosolizable medium in liquid form that may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosolizable medium may take the form of, or be provided as part of, a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device. One or more aerosol generating elements for volatilizing the aerosolizable medium may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device, or may be provided as part of a consumable item that is discarded and replaced after use. In one example, the one or more aerosol generating elements may be in the form of a heater configuration. FIG 1 shows an example of an apparatus 100 for generating an aerosolizable medium. The apparatus 100 may be an aerosol delivery device. Generally, the apparatus 100 can be used to heat a replaceable article 102 with an aerosolizable medium to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of the apparatus 100. FIG 2 shows a top view of the example of the apparatus 100 shown in FIG 1.

[0016] The device 100 comprises a housing 104. The housing 104 has an opening 106 at one end through which the article 102 can be inserted into a heating chamber (not shown). In use, the article 102 can be fully or partially inserted into the chamber. The heating chamber can be heated by one or more heating elements (not shown). The device 100 may also comprise a lid or cap 108 to cover the opening 106 when the article 102 is not in place. In Figures 1 and 2, the cap 108 is shown in an open position, however, the cap 108 can be moved, for example, by sliding it to a closed position. The device 100 may include a user-operable control element 110, such as a button or switch that is pressed to operate the device 100.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an example of the device 100 as shown in FIG. 1. The device 100 has a receiving portion or heating chamber 112 configured to receive the article 102 to be heated. In one example, the heating chamber 112 is generally in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube into which the article 102 with aerosolizable medium is inserted for heating during use. However, different configurations for the heating chamber 112 are possible. In the example of FIG. 3, the article 102 with aerosolizable medium is inserted into the heating chamber 112. The article 102 in this example is an elongated cylindrical rod, but the article 102 may take any suitable shape. In this example, an end of the article 102 protrudes from the device 100 through an opening 106 in the housing 104 so that a user can inhale aerosols through the article 102 during use. The end of the article 102 that protrudes from the device 100 may include a filter material. In another example, the article 102 is received entirely within the heating chamber 112 so as not to protrude from the device 100. In such a case, the user can inhale the aerosol directly through the opening 106 or through a mouthpiece that can be connected to the housing 102 around the opening 106 .

[0018] The apparatus 100 comprises one or more aerosol generating elements. In one example, the aerosol generating elements are in the form of a heater configuration 120 configured to heat the article 102 disposed within the chamber 112. In one example, the heater configuration 120 comprises a resistive heating element that increases in temperature when an electric current is passed through it. In another example, the heater configuration 120 may comprise a susceptor material that is heated by induction heating. In an example of a heater configuration 120 comprising a susceptor material, the apparatus 100 also comprises one or more inductive elements that generate a varying magnetic field penetrating the heater configuration 120. The heater configuration may be disposed inside or outside the heating chamber 112. In one example, the heater configuration may comprise a thin film heater wrapped around the exterior surface of the heating chamber 112. For example, the heater configuration 120 may be formed as a single heater or may be formed from multiple heaters aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 112. The heating chamber 112 may be annular or tubular, or may be at least partially annular or partially tubular about its circumference. In one particular example, the heating chamber 112 is defined by a stainless steel support tube. The heating chamber 112 is dimensioned such that, in use, substantially the entire aerosolizable medium of the article 102 is disposed within the heating chamber 112 so that the entire aerosolizable medium can be heated. In another example, the heater configuration 120 may include a susceptor disposed on or within the article 102, where the susceptor material is heatable by the varying magnetic field generated by the apparatus 100. The heating chamber 112 may be configured to allow selected portions of the aerosolizable medium to be heated independently, for example, sequentially (over time) or together (simultaneously), as desired.

[0019] In some examples, the device 100 includes an electronics compartment 114 that houses an electrical control circuit or controller 116 and / or a power source 118, such as a battery. In other examples, a dedicated electronics compartment may not be provided, and the controller 116 and power source 118 are located entirely within the device 100. The electrical control circuit or controller 116 may include a microprocessor arrangement configured and arranged to control the heating of the aerosolizable medium, as discussed further below. The device 100 includes a sensor arrangement 122 configured to sense a marker arrangement or indicia 126 indicative of a parameter associated with the article 102, as discussed further below.

[0020] In some examples, the controller 116 is configured to receive one or more inputs / signals from the sensor arrangement 122. The controller 116 can also receive signals from the control element 110 and activate the heater arrangement 120 in response to the received signals and the received inputs. The electronic elements in the device 100 can be electrically connected by one or more connection elements 124, shown with dashed lines.

[0021] The power source 118 may be a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium ion batteries, nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and / or alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled to one or more heaters to provide power when needed and to heat the aerosolizable medium under the control of the controller 116 without burning the aerosolizable medium. Locating the power source 118 side-by-side with the heater arrangement 120 means that a physically larger power source 118 can be used without making the device 100 overall too long. As will be appreciated, a physically larger power source 118 generally has a larger capacity (i.e., total electrical energy that can be provided, often measured in ampere-hours or the like) and therefore may provide a longer battery life for the device 100.

[0022] It may be desirable for the device 100 to be able to identify or recognize the particular article 102 introduced into the device 100 without further input from the user. For example, the device 100, including, among other things, the heating control provided by the controller 116, is often optimized for a particular configuration of the articles 102. Examples include control based on one or more of size, shape, particular smoking material, etc. It may be undesirable for the device 100 to be used with aerosol media or articles 102 having different characteristics.

[0023] Furthermore, if the device 100 can identify or recognize the particular item 102 or at least the general type of item 102 that has been introduced to the device 100, this can help eliminate, or at least reduce, counterfeit or other non-genuine items 102 from being used with the device 100.

[0024] In one example, the sensor arrangement 122 in the form of an optical sensor is configured to detect indicia 126 indicative of a parameter associated with the article 102. A problem with using an optical sensor to read the indicia 126 on the article 102 is that particles from the aerosol may deposit on the surface of the optical sensor, thus impairing the ability of the optical sensor to read or detect the indicia 126. In other cases, other components such as non-aerosolized particles or condensation from the article 102 may also deposit on the sensor. It is therefore advantageous to eliminate or reduce the amount of deposition on the surface of the optical sensor, or alternatively provide a means to remove any deposition on the surface of the optical sensor. The term "optical" includes any optical detection system, including those that operate using visible light, infrared (IR), and ultraviolet (UV).

[0025] In some examples, the sensor arrangement may include a first sensor (not shown) and a second sensor (not shown). The first sensor may be a detection sensor configured to detect the presence of the article 102 in the chamber 112, for example, by monitoring the presence or absence of a reference marker 125 on the article 102. The second sensor is configured to detect an indicia 126 indicative of a parameter associated with the article 102. In some examples, the first sensor and the second sensor are spaced apart from each other at approximately the same distance as the reference marker 125 and the indicia 126b. By spaced apart from each other at approximately the same distance as the reference marker 125 and the indicia 126, authenticity can be further confirmed.

[0026] The sensor arrangement 122 can provide one or more inputs to the controller 116 based on the sensed indicia 126. The controller 116 can determine a parameter of the article 102, such as whether the article 102 is an authentic product, based on the received one or more inputs. The controller 116 can activate the heating arrangement 120 in response to the determined parameter of the article 102. Thus, the device 100 includes a means for detecting whether the article 102 is an authentic product, and can therefore modify the operation of the device 100, for example, by not providing power to the heater arrangement 120, if a non-authentic product is detected. Preventing use of the device 100 when a non-authentic product is inserted into the device 100 reduces the likelihood that a consumer will have a bad experience due to the use of an unauthorized consumable product.

[0027] In some examples, the controller 116 may determine a parameter of the article 102 based on one or more inputs received from the sensor arrangement 122 and adjust the heat profile provided by the heater arrangement 120 based on the determined parameter. The heater arrangement 120 of the device 100 may be configured (e.g., by the controller 116 controlling the supply of power) to provide a first heating profile if the indicia on the article 102 has a first characteristic, and the heater arrangement 120 is configured to provide a second heating profile if the indicia has a second characteristic that is different from the first characteristic. For example, the device 100 may determine whether the consumable is a solid or non-solid consumable and adjust the heating profile accordingly. In other examples, the device 100 may be able to distinguish between different blends of tobacco on the article 102 and adjust the heating profile accordingly to provide an optimal heating profile for the particular blend of tobacco inserted into the device 100.

[0028] 4 is a schematic longitudinal side view of an example of an article 102 comprising an aerosolizable medium for use with device 100. In some examples, article 102 also comprises a filter arrangement (not shown) in addition to the aerosolizable medium.

[0029] The article 102 also includes indicia 126 configured to be detected by the sensor arrangement 122 in the form of an optical sensor of the device 100. The indicia may be comprised of a marker element and represent coded information indicative of a parameter of the article 102. As described above, the parameter may indicate the manufacturer of the article 102 so that the article 102 can be verified as authentic. In another example, the parameter may indicate the type of aerosolizable medium of the article 102, such as whether the aerosolizable medium is in solid, liquid, or gel form. The parameter may also indicate the type of aerosolizable medium, such as whether the aerosolizable medium includes Burley or Virginia tobacco. In another example, the parameter may indicate a heating profile to be used to heat the article 102. The parameter may indicate other characteristics of the article 102. By providing the indicia 126, the device 100 can provide a tailored experience to the user based on the identity of the article 102.

[0030] In some examples, the article 102 also includes a reference marker 125. The reference marker 125 can be configured to be sensed by a second sensor in the form of a detection sensor to indicate the presence of the article 102. The reference marker 125 can be comprised of one or more marker elements, as described below.

[0031] The indicia 126 may comprise optical characteristics, for example, in FIG. 4, the indicia 126 is in the form of a number of lines on the outside of the article 102. In FIG. 4, the lines are shown to be of uniform width, but in other examples, the width of the lines may vary. In the example of FIG. 4, the indicia 126 indicates coded parameters associated with the article 102. When the indicia 126 is read, it may be compared to a look-up table (LUT) that contains a correspondence between data associated with the indicia (e.g., the binary sequence indicated by the indicia) and a heating profile or other operation associated with the device. Furthermore, the data associated with the indicia may be coded according to a secret key common to all aerosol delivery devices from a particular manufacturer / origin, and the device is configured to decode the coded data and then look for the decoded data in the LUT.

[0032] In the example of a cylindrical article 102, one or more marker elements, such as a line, may extend partially around the circumference or circumference of the article 102, or entirely around the circumference of the article 102. In some examples, the sensor arrangement 122 configured to detect the indicia 126 may be located at a specific location within the device 100. For example, the sensor arrangement 122 may be located adjacent to one side of the chamber 112 and may have a limited detection range. Providing a marker element that extends entirely around the circumference of the article 102 facilitates detection of the indicia 126 by the sensor arrangement 122 regardless of the particular orientation of the article 102 within the device 100.

[0033] The indicia 126 may be formed in a number of different ways and from a number of different materials depending on the particular sensor configuration 122 of the device 100 intended for use with the article 102. The indicia 126 may comprise optical features such as lines, gaps or notches, surface roughness, and / or reflective materials. The indicia 126 may comprise optical features such as a bar code or QR code. In one example, the indicia 126 comprises fluorescent features.

[0034] In one example, the reference marker 125 includes a conductive feature and the first sensor is in the form of a capacitive second sensor configured to detect a change in capacitance or resistance when the article 102 is inserted into the device 100. Providing a non-optical sensor configuration in addition to the optical sensor 122 can be more robust as compared to the optical sensor as it is not affected by buildup on the optical sensor or degradation of the optical sensor over the life of the device 100. The non-optical sensor may be in the form of an RF sensor or a Hall effect sensor having a permanent magnet or electromagnet and a Hall effect sensor.

[0035] 5 is a cross-sectional view of example devices, articles, and sensors. A cover system 128 is disposed between the sensor 122 and the chamber 112. The cover system 128 can be configured in at least a first arrangement to substantially cover the sensor 122 and a second arrangement in which the field of view of the sensor 122 is substantially unobstructed.

[0036] In one example, the cover system 128 is configured such that the sensor 122 can detect the marker 126 on the article 102 when the cover 128 is open, i.e., in the second position, but cannot detect the marker 126 on the article 102 when the cover system 128 is closed, i.e., in the first position. In another example, rather than opening or closing, the cover system 128 is moved to the second position outside the field of view of the sensor 122. The cover system 128 may include any suitable mechanism for moving or opening the cover, such as a pivoting, sliding, spring and latch, or squeeze mechanism.

[0037] In one example, the sensor arrangement 122 includes a second sensor to monitor the presence or absence of the article 102 in the chamber 112. The second sensor may be configured to detect a reference marker 125 on the article 102 or to directly detect the article 102. In some examples, the second sensor may be in the form of a pressure sensor or a switch configured to detect when the article 102 is inserted into the chamber 112.

[0038] In some implementations, in response to the second sensor determining that the article 102 is in the chamber 112, the cover system 128 can move to the second configuration. The detection sensor can operate by monitoring the presence or absence of the article 102 or the reference marker 125 on the article 102. In one example, the detection sensor discontinuously monitors the presence or absence of the reference marker 125 or the article 102. Discontinuously monitoring the presence or absence of the reference marker 125 is more efficient than continuously monitoring the presence or absence of the reference marker 126a because it does not require a constant power source. In other examples, the cover system 128 can move to the second configuration in response to an input from a user. In a further example, the cover system can be initially in the second configuration, for example, when a user first applies power to the device.

[0039] The cover system 128 may be configured to return to the first configuration after a predetermined time after opening. For example, the cover system 128 may close after a sufficient time for the indicia 126 to be detected by the sensor 122. In some examples, the cover system 128 is configured to move to the first configuration two seconds after moving to the second configuration, but it should be understood that the two seconds is merely an example and the time interval may be longer or shorter than two seconds depending on the application at hand. The time interval may also be set according to detecting a user input, such as a button press, that may power the aerosol generating element of the device (and thus initiate aerosol generation), as opposed to reading the indicia. By closing the cover system 128 after a predetermined time, the sensor 122 may have sufficient time to detect the indicia 126, but with less chance of aerosol particulates or other components accumulating on the surface of the sensor 122. It should be understood that in some embodiments, this time interval may be selected based on the aerosol generation response of the device, and in particular, this time interval may be shorter than the aerosol generation response of the device. In other words, if the device begins to generate aerosol 4 seconds after power is applied to the aerosol generating element (e.g., heater), the cover system 128 may be set to close no later than 4 seconds after power is initially applied. In other examples, the cover system 128 is configured to return to the first configuration after the sensor 122 reads the indicia 126.

[0040] In one example, the apparatus 100 is further configured to determine a characteristic, such as a temperature, of the chamber 112 and / or the article 102 and operate the cover system 128 based on the determined characteristic. The determined characteristic may be one or more of temperature, humidity, and air composition. The determined characteristic of the chamber 112 and / or the article 102 may indicate that aerosol generation has reached a predetermined level. Thus, when aerosol generation has reached a predetermined level, the apparatus 100 may be configured to close the cover system 128.

[0041] In one example, when the determined temperature of the chamber 112 and / or the article 102 is equal to or greater than a first threshold temperature (which may be predetermined), the apparatus 100 is configured to return the cover system 128 from the second position to the first position. In one example, the apparatus 100 is configured to allow the cover system 128 to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration when the determined temperature of the chamber 112 and / or the article 102 is at or below a second threshold temperature. The second threshold temperature may be predetermined and may be equal to or different from the first threshold temperature.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows an example of a flow diagram of a method for operating an aerosol generating device having an optical sensor. In block 700, the device 100 monitors for the presence or absence of an article for use with the aerosol generating device, where the article comprises an aerosolizable medium 102 and indicia 126 indicative of a parameter of the article 102. In block 702, the device detects the presence of the article 102 during monitoring. If the cover system 128 is initially provided in a first closed configuration, in block 704, the device moves the cover system 128 in response to the detection to expose the optical sensor (i.e., after the cover system 128 is moved to a second open configuration), and then proceeds to block S706. If the cover system 128 is initially provided in a second open configuration, the method proceeds to block 706. In block 706, the optical sensor 122 detects the indicia 126 on the article 102. In block 708, the device operates based on the detected indicia 126. Thereafter, in block S710, the cover system 128 transitions (or returns) to the first closed configuration. As noted above, this may be based on a predetermined amount of time after the indicia 126 is read, or may be based on sensing another parameter, such as temperature.

[0043] In some examples, the cover system 128 is closed after the indicia 126 on the article 102 is detected. In some examples, the controller 116 controls the operation of one or more heaters 120 based on parameters of the article. For example, if the controller determines that a counterfeit item has been inserted into the device 100, the heaters are not activated. Alternatively, the controller 116 may determine the type of aerosolizable media in the article, such as a solid, liquid, or gel, and adjust the heating profile accordingly.

[0044] FIG. 7 shows an alternative example of a chamber 212, an article 202, and a sensor arrangement 222 in the form of an optical sensor of an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium. In this example, the sensor 222 is configured to contact the article 202 with the aerosolizable medium and the indicia 226 received in the chamber 212 during use. When the article 202 is inserted into the chamber 212, it slides past the surface of the sensor arrangement 222 during insertion, so that any residue or deposits on the surface of the sensor are at least partially removed by the consumable. In one example, the sensor arrangement 222 is extendable, so that the sensor arrangement 222 can move from a position where it slides against the surface of the sensor 222 when the article 202 is inserted to a position where it is away from the article 202. For example, the sensor arrangement can be retracted to provide a wider field of view for detecting the indicia 226. Any suitable mechanism may be provided for retracting the sensor arrangement 222.

[0045] In one example, the article 202 comprises an aerosolizable medium and indicia 226. At least a portion of the exterior surface of the article 202 is compressible and configured to contact an optical sensor arrangement 222 of an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium when the article 202 is inserted into the apparatus. Compressible materials include, by way of example, silicone or elastomers, which may more effectively wipe material from the surface of the optical sensor arrangement.

[0046] 8 shows an example flow diagram of a method for cleaning an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium, where the apparatus comprises a chamber 212 for receiving an article 202 comprising an aerosolizable medium and an optical sensor arrangement 222. At block 800, the article 202 comprising an aerosolizable medium is inserted into the chamber 212. At 802, the method includes wiping a surface of the optical sensor arrangement 222 with a surface of the article 202 during at least a portion of the insertion.

[0047] 9 shows an alternative example of a chamber 312 of an apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium, an article 302, and a sensor arrangement 322 in the form of an optical sensor. In this example, the chamber 312 defines a longitudinal axis 330. The sensor arrangement 322 is configured to read indicia 326 on the article 302 received within the chamber 312 in use.

[0048] In this example, the optical sensor 322 is spaced from the chamber 312 such that, in use, a gap is defined between the optical sensor 322 and the article 302 received in the chamber 312. The optical sensor 322 is spaced from the chamber 312 in a direction that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis 330 of the chamber 312. For example, the optical sensor 322 may be radially offset from the chamber 312. The optical sensor 322 is positioned such that it can detect an indicia 326 disposed on the side of the article 302. The optical sensor 332 may be provided in a hollow element or recess connected to or integral with the chamber 312. For example, the optical sensor 322 may be disposed in a hollow tube. The hollow tube may have a length and diameter selected such that the path for the aerosol to travel to the sensor configuration 322 is greater than a specified resistance level. For example, a smaller diameter tube and a longer length of the tube generally reduces the likelihood of aerosol particles traveling along the tube and depositing on the sensor configuration 322. Additionally, in some applications, the diameter of the tube may be set according to the field of view of the tube and / or the length of the tube may be set based on the focal length of the sensor 322. By way of example only, the length of the hollow tube may be between 0.5 cm and 1.5 cm, with 1 cm being more preferred.

[0049] In other examples, the hollow tube may have a polygonal cross section. In other examples, the hollow tube may not define a straight line. For example, the tube may be composed of multiple sections, each section having a longitudinal axis, and the longitudinal axes of two adjacent sections are offset from each other. For example, in one embodiment, a first section of the hollow tube may have a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 312, and a second section of the tube may have a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first section of the tube (i.e., the longitudinal axis of the second section may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 312). The optical sensor 322 may be located at the end of the second section of the tube. A mirror or other reflective surface may be provided at the intersection of the first and second sections of the hollow tube to provide an optical path from the sensor 322 to the chamber 312 (and thus to the surface of the article).

[0050] The optical sensor 322 may be spaced from the chamber housing 312 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 330 of the chamber 312. In one example, a cover system (not shown in FIG. 9 ) may be disposed between the optical sensor 322 and the chamber 312.

[0051] In one example, the device may be configured to provide an airflow in the direction from the sensor 322 to the chamber 312. The airflow may be provided by a user exhaling / inhaling into the space between the sensor 322 and the chamber 312. In another example, a pumped / pressurized source of air may provide the air source through which the air can flow. Providing the airflow blows "clean" air over the surface of the sensor 322, preventing aerosols from entering the channel from the chamber 312.

[0052] The indicia indicative of a parameter of the article includes marker elements configured to be sensed by the sensor arrangement to enable a parameter associated with the article to be determined by the controller. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the indicia comprises four marker elements in the form of lines. The marker elements are spaced apart from one another at different intervals. As will be explained in more detail below, the configuration of the marker elements is indicative of the parameter of the article. For example, the configuration of the marker elements may indicate that an article intended for use with the device is genuine, or may indicate a heating profile to be used with the article. The sensor arrangement is configured to provide an input indicative of the parameter of the article to the controller.

[0053] When a second sensor in the form of a capacitive or resistive sensor is used to detect the presence of a conductive reference marker, the reference marker may be provided inside and / or outside the article. The reference marker may be literally "marked" on the article, such as by printing. Alternatively, the reference marker may be provided in or on the article by other techniques, such as being integrally formed with the article during manufacture. The capacitive or resistive sensor may be configured to monitor the presence or absence of the reference mark on the article in the first low power mode. The reference marker may be, for example, a metallic component, such as aluminum, or a conductive ink, or a ferrous or non-ferrous coating. The ink may be, for example, printed on the tipping paper of the article using rotogravure printing, screen printing, inkjet printing, or any other suitable process.

[0054] Generally, capacitive sensing as used herein works by effectively detecting the change in capacitance when an article is placed in the device 100. Indeed, in one embodiment, the capacitance can be measured. If the capacitance meets one or more criteria, the article may be determined to be suitable for use with the device and can then proceed to detect the indicia. Alternatively, if the capacitance does not meet one or more criteria, the article is determined to be unsuitable for use with the device and the device may not function to heat the aerosolizable medium and / or may issue some warning message to the user. Generally, capacitive sensing can work by providing the device with (at least) one electrode that effectively provides one "plate" of a capacitor, and the other "plate" of the capacitor is provided by a reference marker of said device. When an article is inserted into the device, the capacitance formed by the combination of the device's electrode and the article can be measured and then compared to one or more criteria to determine whether the device can proceed to heat the article. Alternatively, the device may comprise (at least) two electrodes that, in effect, provide a pair of "plates" of a capacitor. When an item is inserted into the device, it is inserted between the two electrodes. As a result, the capacitance formed between the two electrodes of the device changes. This capacitance formed by the two electrodes of the device can be measured, and the measurement can be compared to one or more criteria to determine whether the device 100 can then proceed to detect the indicia.

[0055] The controller 116 may be provided with pre-programmed information, such as a look-up table, that includes details of various possible configurations of the indicia and which parameters are associated with each configuration, and thus the controller 116 may determine the parameters associated with the article.

[0056] The controller 116 may be configured to only heat recognized articles and not operate with unrecognized articles. The device may be configured to provide some indication to the user that an article is not recognized. This indication may be visual (e.g., a warning light that may flash or may be lit continuously for a period of time), and / or audible (e.g., a warning "beep" sound, etc.), and / or tactile (e.g., vibration). Alternatively or additionally, the device may be configured to, for example, follow a first heating pattern when it recognizes a first type of article, and a second, different heating pattern when it recognizes a second type of article (and may provide additional heating patterns for other types of articles). The heating patterns may differ in a number of ways, for example, in the rate of delivery of heat to the aerosolizable medium, the timing of various heating cycles, which portion(s) of the aerosolizable medium are heated first, etc. This allows the same device to be used with different basic types of articles with minimal interaction required from the user.

[0057] 10 is a schematic longitudinal side view of another example of an article 402 comprising an aerosolizable medium for use with the device 100. Similar to the article 102 shown in FIG. 4, the article 402 comprises indicia 426 in the form of an optical line. In this example, the line does not extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis as shown in the example of the article 102 in FIG. 4, but rather extends substantially along the longitudinal axis of the article 402. In some examples, the article may also include a reference marker 425.

[0058] 10, the indicia 426 indicative of a parameter of the article 402 includes four marker elements in the form of lines with different spacing between the lines. In one example, the spacing of the marker elements may be to create, for example, a defined beginning of the marker elements and a defined end of the marker elements. Because the article 402 may be inserted into the device 100 in any orientation, the article 402 needs to be rotated or partially rotated for all of the marker elements and read by the sensor arrangement to determine the spacing of the marker elements.

[0059] In some examples, the article may have a position feature that allows the consumable to be inserted into the device in a defined orientation. For example, the article may include a protrusion or cutout feature that corresponds to the shape of the opening 106 of the device. Thus, in some implementations, the article can only be inserted into the device in a single orientation. In examples of articles that are subsequently rotated, the starting position is known and therefore it is not necessary to rotate the article at least 360 degrees. In other examples, the article may have a predefined finger hold or orientation for alignment or feeding into the device (which ensures that the consumable is inserted in a predefined manner).

[0060] In some examples, the sensor arrangement may be located at a specific location within the device. For example, the sensor arrangement may be located within the chamber and may have a limited detection range. Similarly, the indicia may be located at a specific location on or within the article and may occupy a specific area or volume of the article. To ensure that the indicia is detected when the user inserts the article into the receptacle, it is desirable for the device 100 to be able to limit the orientation of the article to a single orientation when the article is engaged with the chamber. This can ensure that the indicia is properly aligned with the sensor arrangement so that the indicia can be detected.

[0061] 11 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the device, article, and sensor. The replaceable cover 529 is disposed between the sensor 522 and the chamber 512. The replaceable cover 529 does not substantially affect the signal detected by the sensor 522. For example, if the sensor 522 is an optical sensor, the replaceable cover can be substantially transparent to the wavelength of light used by the optical sensor. During use, some dirt and / or condensation will form on the replaceable cover 529 but not on the sensor. The replaceable cover can then be replaced with a new one or removed and cleaned and put back on so that any accumulated dirt or condensation will have less of an effect on the sensor.

[0062] 11, the replaceable cover 529 covers an opening in front of the deployed sensor 522. For example, the replaceable cover may be slid into a recess defining a groove to hold the replaceable cover in place within the device. Other configurations may also be used, such as a replaceable sleeve that surrounds the entire chamber 512, or a replaceable cover that extends over a portion or the entire length of the chamber 512.

[0063] The replaceable cover may be formed from any suitable material that does not interfere with the operation of the sensor 522. Because the cover may be exposed to relatively high temperatures within the chamber 512, the material may have a suitably high melting point so that the cover does not melt during use. In some examples, the melting point of the cover is greater than 200° C., greater than 250° C., or greater than 300° C. For example, the cover may be formed from Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or glass.

[0064] The article may include one or more flavorings. As used herein, the terms "flavoring" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that can be used (where permitted by local regulations) to produce a desired taste or odor in products for adult consumers. These materials include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, linseed ... orchid, sage, fennel, pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mint), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators, or sensory receptor site stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives (e.g., charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners). They may be imitation, synthetic, or natural materials, or mixtures thereof. They may contain natural or nature-identical aroma chemicals. They may be in any suitable form, such as oil, liquid, powder, or gel.

[0065] Although the above examples have been discussed with respect to optical sensors and indicia detectable by optical sensors, other examples may apply other types of sensors. For example, acoustic or sonic sensors, contact switches, and RF sensors may also be used to sense detectable elements provided in association with the article. These sensors may also be susceptible to dirt and / or condensation build-up during use. The above examples may be equally applicable to systems, devices, articles, and methods using these sensors other than optical sensors.

[0066] The above-described embodiments should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention are also contemplated. It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, or in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or in any combination of any other of the embodiments. Moreover, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. a chamber for receiving an article, the article comprising an aerosolizable medium and indicia, the chamber defining a longitudinal axis; an opening through which the article is inserted into the chamber; an optical sensor for reading the indicia of the article received in the chamber in use, the article having a position feature corresponding to the shape of the opening of the device, whereby the position feature enables the article to be inserted through the opening into the chamber of the device in a defined orientation; and An apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium, wherein the opening is configured such that the determined orientation is a determined orientation of rotation about the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the article is configured to be inserted into the device in only a single orientation.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the indicia comprises an optical feature.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the optical feature comprises a notch.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 or 4, wherein the optical feature comprises a gap.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the optical feature comprises a line.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the optical features include surface roughness.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the optical feature comprises a reflective material.

9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indicia indicate a parameter associated with the article.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the parameters indicate one or more of a manufacturer of the article, a type of aerosolizable media of the article, and a class of the article.

11. 11. Apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the parameters indicate a heating profile to be used to heat the article.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a controller for controlling the heating of the aerosolizable medium.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the controller is configured to receive one or more inputs.

14. 14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, wherein the controller is configured to determine a parameter of the article based on one or more received inputs.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the controller is configured to activate a heater arrangement in response to the determined parameters.

16. 16. An apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the thermal profile provided by the heater arrangement based on the determined parameters.

17. 17. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a heater arrangement is configured to provide a first heating profile if the indicia on the article has a first characteristic, and wherein the heater arrangement is configured to provide a second heating profile if the indicia has a second characteristic different from the first characteristic.

18. the optical sensor is a first sensor, The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the apparatus comprises a second sensor.

19. 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the second sensor is configured to monitor the presence or absence of the item.

20. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the second sensor is configured to directly detect the item.

21. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the second sensor is configured to detect a reference marker on the article.

22. 22. Apparatus according to claim 19 or any one of claims 20 and 21 when dependent on claim 19, wherein the first sensor is configured to read the indicia following detection of the presence or absence of the article by the second sensor.

23. Apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the second sensor is not an optical sensor.

24. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the second sensor is in the form of a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, an RF sensor, a Hall effect sensor and a permanent magnet, or a Hall effect sensor and an electromagnet.

25. 25. The device of any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the second sensor is in the form of a capacitive or resistive sensor, the second sensor being configured to detect a change in capacitance or resistance when the item is inserted into the device.

26. 26. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is configured to follow a first heating pattern when it recognises an article of a first type and to follow a second, different heating pattern when it recognises an article of a second type.

27. 27. The device of claim 26, wherein the heating patterns differ in one or more of the rate of heat delivery to the aerosolizable medium, the timing of the heating patterns, and which portion(s) of the aerosolizable medium are heated first.

28. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the indicia, when read, are compared to a look-up table containing correspondences between data associated with the indicia and actions associated with the article.

29. 30. The device of claim 28, wherein the operation is a heating profile associated with the device.

30. 30. The device of claim 28 or 29, wherein the indicia is coded according to a secret key common to all aerosol delivery devices from a particular manufacturer and / or origin, and the device is configured to decode the coded data before looking up the decoded data in the look-up table.

31. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is configured to indicate to a user that the item is not recognised.

32. 32. The device of claim 31, wherein the indication is visual and / or auditory and / or tactile.

33. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 32, An article, an aerosolizable medium, and mark An article comprising: An aerosol delivery system comprising:

34. an aerosolizable medium; Mark and An article comprising: The article has a positional feature corresponding to the shape of an opening of a device for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable medium, whereby the positional feature enables the article to be inserted through the opening into a chamber of the device in a defined orientation, the defined orientation being a defined rotational orientation about the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

35. 35. The article of claim 34, wherein the indicia comprises an optical feature.

36. 36. The article of claim 35, wherein the optical feature comprises a notch.

37. 37. The article of claim 35 or 36, wherein the optical feature comprises a gap.

38. The article of any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the optical feature comprises a line.

39. The article of any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the optical features comprise surface roughness.

40. The article of any one of claims 35 to 39, wherein the optical features comprise a reflective material.

41. The article of any one of claims 34 to 40, wherein the indicia indicate a parameter associated with the article.

42. 42. The article of claim 41, wherein the parameters indicate one or more of a manufacturer of the article, a type of aerosolizable media of the article, and a type of the article.

43. 43. The article of claim 41 or 42, wherein the parameters indicate a heating profile to be used to heat the article.

44. The article of any one of claims 34 to 43, comprising a reference marker.

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