Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/30—Devices using two or more structurally separated inhalable precursors, e.g. using two liquid precursors in two cartridges
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/44—Wicks
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/60—Devices with integrated user interfaces
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F7/00—Mouthpieces for pipes; Mouthpieces for cigar or cigarette holders

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a control module for a modular aerosol generating device, a module for a modular aerosol generating device and a modular aerosol generating device.
• Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like bum tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke.
• Examples of such products are heating devices which release compounds by heating, but not burning, the material.
• the material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.
• e-cigarette devices typically contain a liquid which is heated to vaporise the liquid to produce an inhalable vapour or aerosol.
• the liquid may contain nicotine and/or flavourings and/or aerosol generating substances, such as glycerol.
• the known e-cigarette devices typically do not contain or use tobacco.
• hybrid devices typically contain separately a liquid and tobacco or other flavour material.
• the liquid is heated to vaporise the liquid to produce an inhalable vapour or aerosol which passes through the tobacco or other flavour material so that a flavour is imparted to the vapour or aerosol.
• a control module for a modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol wherein the control module is arranged so that a user can configure the aerosol generating device by selectively connecting to the control module different configurations of modules of a first module type and a second module type, wherein modules of the first module type contain an e-liquid for generating an aerosol and wherein modules of the second module type contain a material and comprise a heater that can be activated to heat the material, wherein the configurations comprise: a first single module configuration comprising a module of the first module type, a second single module configuration comprising a module of the second module type, and at least one multi module configuration comprising at least two modules selected from modules of the first and second module types connected together in a stacked arrangement.
• a control module for a modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol wherein the control module is arranged so that a user can configure the aerosol generating device by selectively connecting to the control module different configurations of modules of a first module type and a second module type, wherein modules of the first module type contain an e-liquid for generating a vapour and wherein modules of the second module type contain a material and comprise a heater that can be activated to heat the material, wherein the configurations comprise: at least one multi module configuration comprising at least two modules of the first module type connected together in a stacked arrangement or at least two modules of the second module type connected together in a stacked arrangement.
• a control module for a modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol wherein the control module is arranged so that a user can configure the aerosol generating device by selectively connecting to the control module different configurations of modules of a first module type and a second module type, wherein modules of the first module type contain an e-liquid for generating an aerosol and wherein modules of the second module type contain a material and comprise a heater that can be activated to heat the material, wherein the configurations comprise: at least a first multi module configuration comprising a module of the first module type and a module of the second module type connected together in a stacked arrangement and wherein when the modular aerosol generating device is configured in the first multi module configuration the control module is controllable to operate the modular aerosol generating device in a first mode in which the module of the first module type generates an aerosol from the e-liquid and the heater of the module of the second module type is in-active and in a second mode in which
• Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a modular aerosol provision device
• Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a module of a first module type
• Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a module of a second module type
• Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a control module
• Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a mouthpiece
• FIGS. 6a to 6e show schematic views of different configurations of modular aerosol provision device
• FIG. 7a illustrates schematic sectional plan and side views of two modules
• Figure 7b illustrates a schematic view of a configuration of a modular aerosol provision device including electrical connections
• Figures 8a to 8d illustrate schematic views of illustrations of a modular aerosol provision device
• Figures 9a to 9d illustrate schematic views of illustrations of another modular aerosol provision device.
• the aerosol provision device 100 is an inhalation device (i.e. a user uses it to inhale an aerosol provided by the device 100) and the device 100 is a hand-held device.
• the device 100 generates a vapour or an aerosol which passes from the device 100 into the mouth of a user when the user draws on the device 100.
• a vapour is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which means that for example the vapour can be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure without reducing the temperature.
• an aerosol is a colloid of fine solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or another gas.
• a colloid is a substance in which microscopically dispersed insoluble particles are suspended throughout another substance.
• aerosol should be taken as meaning an aerosol, a vapour or a combination of an aerosol and vapour.
• the device 100 comprises a control module 200, a first module of a first module type 300, a first module of a second module type 400 and a mouthpiece 500.
• the control module 200 is arranged so that a user can configure the aerosol generating device 100 by selectively connecting to the control module 200 different configurations of modules of the first module type and modules of the second module type.
• a module of the first module type 300 comprises a housing 302 that contains a liquid container 306 for containing e-cig liquid 308.
• the liquid container 306 is provided generally centrally of the module of the first module type 300.
• the liquid container 306 is cylindrical in shape, but may have a different shape, such as conical, cylindrical, etc.
• the liquid container 306 is annular and defines a cylindrical channel 307 running through the length of the liquid container 306.
• the cylindrical channel 307 comprises an inlet 310 at one end of the module and an outlet 312 at the other end of the module.
• the liquid container 306 may be formed of rigid, watertight and airtight materials, such as metal, suitable plastics, etc.
• the module of the first module type 300 is provided with an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the e-cig liquid.
• the aerosol generator comprises a heater 314 and a wick 316 in thermal contact with the heater 314.
• the heater 314 and the wick 316 are provided as a single unit, sometimes known as an“atomiser”.
• the aerosol generator comprises a piezo-electric arrangement as is generally known in the art.
• a mesh may be attached, either directly or indirectly, to a piezo-electric arrangement, which in use causes the mesh to vibrate in response to an applied control current/voltage.
• the liquid is located under the mesh and as the mesh vibrates the liquid is pushed through the mesh to form an aerosol.
• the wick 316 is in fluidic contact with the liquid 308.
• the wick 316 is generally absorbent and acts to draw in liquid 308 from the liquid container 306 by capillary action.
• the wick 316 is preferably non- woven and may be for example a cotton or wool material or the like, or a synthetic material, including for example polyester, nylon, viscose, polypropylene or the like, or a ceramic material.
• the module of the first module type 300 further comprises a first connection interface 318 at the inlet 310 and a second connection interface 320 at the outlet 312.
• the first connection interface 318 is for releasably connecting the module of the first module type 300 to a control module 200 if the module of the first module type 300 is the first module (i.e. the module closest to the control module 200) in a stack of modules connected to the control module 200 or if the module of the first module type 300 is the only module connected to the control module 200.
• the first connection interface 318 is also for releasably connecting the module of the first module type 300 to an immediately preceding module in a stack of modules connected to the control module 200 if the module of the first module type 300 is not the first module in the stack.
• the first connection interface 318 both mechanically and electrically connects the module of the first module type 300 to the control module 200 or to a preceding module in a stack of modules connected to the control module 200, as the case may be.
• the second connection interface 320 is for releasably connecting the module of the first module type 300 to a subsequent module in a stack of modules connected to the control module 200 if the module of the first module type 300 is not the final module in the stack or is for releasably connecting the module of the first module type 300 to a mouthpiece 500 if the module of the first module type 300 is the only module connected to the control module 200 or is the final module in a stack of modules connected to the control module 200.
• the second connection interface 320 both mechanically and electrically connects the module of the first module type 300 to a subsequent module in a stack of modules connected to the control module 200 if the module of the first module type 300 is not the final module in the stack.
• the module of the second module type 400 comprises a housing 402 that comprises a cylindrical channel 403 running through the length of the housing 400.
• the cylindrical channel 403 comprises an inlet 404 at one end of the module and an outlet 406 at the other end of the module.
• the channel 403 is for receiving a material 408 which is a non e-liquid material.
• the material 408 is a loose material that is contained within the channel 403.
• the housing 402 may comprise an inlet screen 410 for preventing material 408 from passing out of the inlet 404 and an outlet screen 412 for preventing material from passing out of the outlet 406.
• the outlet screen 412 may be removeable to allow a user to replenish material 408 within the channel 403. Both the inlet screen 410 and the outlet screen 412 may be porous to allow aerosol to pass through.
• the material 408 may be held within its own container, for example an open-ended tube, which is itself within the channel 403.
• the tube may be formed of a suitable material, for example, a cellulose acetate wrapping.
• the module of the second module type 400 further comprises a heating arrangement 414 for heating the material 408.
• the heating arrangement 414 may be of any suitable type including a resistive heating arrangement, an inductive heating arrangement and a radiative heating arrangement.
• the material 408 typically comprises tobacco although some other botanical or flavourant agent may also be used.
• the material 408 has been ground or otherwise treated so that it is in the form of particles, for example, powder, granules, grains, fibres, pellets or the like so as to increase the active surface area of the material in order to maximise the amount of flavour impartable by the material 408.
• the material 408 is a gel.
• the module of the second module type 400 further comprises a first connection interface 418 at the inlet 404 and a second connection interface 420 at the outlet 406.
• the first connection interface 418 is for releasably connecting the module of the second module type 400 to a control module 200 if the module of the second module type 400 is the first module in a stack of modules connected to the control module 200 or if the module of the second module type 400 is the only module connected to the control module 200.
• the first connection interface 418 is also for releasably connecting the module of the second module type 400 to an immediately preceding module in a stack of modules connected to the control module if the module of the second module type 400 is not the module in the stack that is directly connected to the control module 200.
• the first connection interface 418 mechanically and electrically connects the module of the second module type 400 to the control module 200 or to a preceding module in a stack of modules connected to the control module 200, as the case may be.
• the second connection interface 420 is for releasably connecting the module of the second module type 400 to a subsequent module in a stack of modules connected to the control module 200 if the module of the second module type 400 is not the final module in the stack or is for releasably connecting the module of the second module type 400 to the mouthpiece 500 if the module of the second module type 400 is the only module connected to the control module 200 or is the final module in a stack of modules connected to the control module 200.
• the second connection interface 420 mechanically and electrically connects the module of the second module type 400 to a subsequent module in a stack of modules connected to the control module 200 if the module of the second module type 400 is not the final module in the stack.
• the control module 200 comprises a power source 202, for example, a battery for powering various components of the aerosol provision device 100.
• the battery 202 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.
• a control circuitry 204 is also provided for controlling the operation of various components of the device 100, as will be discussed further below.
• the control module 200 further comprises a connection interface 206 for releasably connecting the control module 200 to a module of the first module type 300 or to a module of the second module type 400.
• the mouthpiece 500 comprises a body 502 for being received in the mouth of a user.
• the body 502 comprises a channel 504 that runs along the length of the mouthpiece 500 from a mouthpiece inlet 506 to a mouthpiece outlet 508.
• the inlet end 506 of the mouthpiece 500 is for connecting to the outlet end of a module of the first module type 300 or to the outlet end of a module of the second module type 400.
• FIG. 6a to 6e there is schematically illustrated six different configurations of the device 100.
• the device 100 is arranged in a first single module configuration.
• just one and no further module or dummy module is connected to the control module 200.
• the device comprises the control module 200, a single module, in this configuration a module of the first type 300, connected to the control module 200, and a mouthpiece 500 connected to the module of the first module type 300.
• the module of the first module type 300 is electrically connected to the battery 202 in the control module 200 via the control circuitry to enable the heater 314 in the module of the first module type 300 to be powered.
• liquid 308 drawn in from the liquid container 306 by the wick 316 is heated by the heater 314 so as to generate an aerosol.
• the liquid 308 may be heated to a temperature of between around 100 - 300°C or more particularly around l50°C to 250°C.
• the liquid 308 may, or may not, comprise nicotine.
• air is drawn through an air inlet (not shown) in the control module 200 that is in fluid communication with the channel 307 of the module of the first module type 300.
• the liquid 308 is volatised or vaporised by the heater 314 into the air from the air inlet (not shown) thereby to produce a flow of an aerosol.
• the flow of aerosol is drawn through the channel 307 and through the channel 504, which in this example are aligned, and out from the device 100 for inhalation by a user.
• the device 100 functions as an E-cig device.
• the device 100 comprises the control module 200, a single module, in this configuration a module of the second module type 400, connected to the control module 200, and a mouthpiece 500 connected to the module of the second module type 400.
• the module of the second module type 400 is electrically connected to the battery 202 in the control module 200 via the control circuitry to enable the heater arrangement 414 in the module of the second module type 400 to be powered.
• the heater arrangement 414 is powered (which may be instigated for example by the user operating a button (not shown) of the control module 200 or by a puff detector (not shown) of the overall device 100, as is known per se) the material 408 which may comprise tobacco is heated (but not burnt) by the heater 314 so as to generate an aerosol.
• air is drawn through an air inlet (not shown) in the control module 200 that is in fluid communication with the channel 403 in the module of the second module type 400.
• the material 408 is volatised or vaporised by the heater arrangement 415 into the air from the air inlet (not shown) thereby to produce a flow of an aerosol.
• the flow of aerosol is drawn through the channel 403 and through the channel 504, which in this example are aligned, and out from the device 100 for inhalation by a user.
• the device 100 functions as a Tobacco Heating Product device.
• the device 100 comprises the control module 200 and two further modules, namely, a module of the first module type 300 connected to the control module 200 and a module of the second module type 400 connected to the module of the first module type 300.
• a mouthpiece 500 is connected to the module of the second module type 400.
• the device 100 is operable in a number of different user selectable modes which may be, for example, selected by a user using a control input (not shown) on the device 100.
• a control input not shown
• the heater 314 in the module of the first module type 300 is powered (which again may be instigated for example by the user suitably operating the control input of the control module 200 or by a puff detector (not shown) of the overall device 100, as is known per se), liquid 308 drawn in from the liquid container 306 by the wick 316 is heated by the heater 314 so as to generate an aerosol.
• the flow of aerosol is drawn through the channel 307 and into the channel 403 of the module of the second module type 400, which is fluid communication with and preferably aligned with the channel 307 in the module of the first module type 300.
• the flow of aerosol picks up (entrains) flavour (and/or other constituents) from the material 408 as the aerosol flows through the material 408.
• One or more constituents of the material 408 is thereby mixed with the aerosol flow which passes out of the mouthpiece 500 thereby enhancing the sensory experience of a user.
• the heating arrangement 414 of the module of the second module type 400 is in-active and so the material 408 is not heated.
• a second mode which is a variation of the first mode, the heating arrangement 414 of the module of the second module type 400 is activated so that the material 408 is heated or hot when the when the aerosol flow generated from the e-liquid of the module of the first module type 300 passes through the material 408.
• the heater 314 of the module of the first module type 300 is not active so that there is no flow of aerosol generated from the e-liquid in the module of the first module type 300.
• the heater arrangement 414 of the module of the second module type 400 is powered so that the material 408 is heated (but not burnt) by the heater arrangement 414 so as to generate an aerosol flow that is inhaled by the user.
• the module of the second module type 400 is connected directly to the control module 200 and the module of the first module type 300 is connected to the module of the second module type 400.
• the device 100 comprises the control module 200 and two further modules, namely, a first module of the first module type 300a connected to the control module 200 and a second module of the first module type 300b connected to the first module of the first module type 300a.
• a mouthpiece 500 is connected to the second module of the first module type 300b.
• the e-liquids contained in the first module of the first module type 300a the second module of the first module type 300b may be identical or different in some way. For example, if different, the e-liquids may comprise different flavours.
• the device 100 is again operable in a number of different user selectable modes each of which may be selected, for example, by a user using the controller input means (not shown).
• the heater of the first module of the first module type 300a and/or the heater of the second module of the first module type 300b may be activated in response to a user using the controller input means (not shown) or by a puff detector so that the following described functionality is provided.
• a first mode there is at least one time period during which the heater of the first module of the first module type 300a and the heater of the second module of the first module type 300b are both on at the same time. Accordingly, in this time period both the first module of the first module type 300a and the second module of the first module type 300b both generate an aerosol flow from their respective e-liquids which flows mix together in the channel of the second module of the first module type 300b before passing through the mouthpiece 500 into the mouth of a user.
• this first mode if the e-liquids of the modules comprise different flavours then these flavours will be mixed together when the respective aerosol flows of the modules mix which may enhance a user’s experience.
• the intensity of this flavour perceived by a user will be increased as a result of respective aerosol flows of the modules mixing.
• the e-liquids of the modules both comprise nicotine, then the nicotine concentration inhaled by a user will be higher as a result of the respective aerosol flows of the modules mixing.
• the heater of the first module of the first module type 300a is on but the heater of the second module of the first module type 300b is off. Accordingly, in this second mode, only the first module generates an aerosol flow which passes through device 100 and out of the mouthpiece 500 into the mouth of a user when a user draws on the mouthpiece 500.
• a user may therefore select this second mode if, for example, the user wishes to experience the particular sensory experience associated with the e-liquid in the first module of the first module type 300a taken alone.
• the heater of the second module of the first module type 300b is on but the heater of the first module of the first module type 300a is off. Accordingly, in this third mode, only the second module generates an aerosol flow which passes through the device 100 and out of the mouthpiece 500 into the mouth of a user when a user draws on the mouthpiece 500.
• a user may therefore select this third mode if, for example, the user wishes to experience the particular sensory experience associated with the e-liquid in the second module of the first module type 300b taken alone.
• the device 100 comprises the control module 200 and two further modules, namely, a first module of the second module type 400a connected to the control module 200 and a second module of the second module type 400b connected to the first module of the second module type 400a.
• a mouthpiece 500 is connected to the second module of the second module type 400b.
• the materials contained in the first module of the second module type 400a and the second module of the second module type 300b may be identical or different in some way.
• one of the materials may comprise a tobacco product whilst the other materials does not comprise tobacco but comprises a different flavour material.
• the device 100 is again operable in a number of different user selectable modes each of which may be selected, for example, by a user using the controller input means (not shown).
• the heating arrangement of the first module of the second module type 400a and/or the heating arrangement of the second module of the second module type 400b may be activated in response to a user using the controller input means (not shown) or by a puff detector so that the following described functionality is provided.
• a first mode there is at least one time period during which the heater of the first module of the second module type 400a and the heater of the second module of the second module type 400b are both on at the same time.
• both the first module of the second module type 400a and the second module of the second module type 400b both generate an aerosol flow from their respective materials and the flow from the first module of the second module type 400a passes through the material in the second module of the second module type 400b before the flows mix together in the channel of the second module of the second module type 400b before passing through the mouthpiece 500 into the mouth of a user.
• a second mode of operation the heater of the first module of the second module type 400a is on but the heater of the second module of the second module type 400b is off. Accordingly, in this second mode, only the first module generates an aerosol flow which passes through the material in the second module and then out of the mouthpiece 500 into the mouth of a user when a user draws on the mouthpiece 500. In this mode, material from the second module becomes entrained in the aerosol flow generated by the first module and may alter the flavour or other property of the flow.
• a third mode of operation the heater of the second module of the second module type 400b is on but the heater of the first module of the second module type 400a is off. Accordingly, in this third mode, only the second module generates an aerosol flow which passes through the device 100 and out of the mouthpiece 500 into the mouth of a user when a user draws on the mouthpiece 500. In this mode the first module is effectively idle.
• FIG. 7a schematically illustrates sectional plan and side views of two modules (Module 1, Module 2) to show how the modules may be electrically connected when arranged in a stack.
• Module 1 and Module 2 may be a module of the first module type or a module of the second module type.
• Figure 7a illustrates a (exploded) sectional side view of Module 1 and Module 2 arranged in a stack.
• Module 1 is connected to a control module (not illustrated) and Module 2 is connected to Module 1.
• a mouthpiece is connected to Module 2.
• Figure 7a illustrates sectional plan view illustrating electrical contacts at the inlet end connection interface (BASE) of Module 1 and at the outlet end connection interface (TOP) of Module 2. It will be appreciated that the inlet end connection interfaces of Module 1 and Module 2 have the same
• Each module (Module 1 and Module 2) comprises an annular electrical contact (Pl) at its inlet end connection interface arranged in the plane of the inlet and an elongate electrical contact (P2) that extends through the module, for example through the centre of the module, from the outlet end connection interface to the inlet end connection interface.
• the annular electrical contact (Pl) is a planar strip.
• the electrical contact (Pl) need not be annular but may be shaped differently, for example, rectangular or square shaped.
• each module (Module 1 and Module 2) provides a ground connection (-).
• the control module (not shown in Figure 7a) comprises the connection interface 206 that comprises a first electrical contact for electrically connecting to the annular electrical contact (Pl) of the Module that is connected to the control module, a second electrical contact for connecting to the elongate electrical contact (P2) and a third electrical contact that is connected to ground.
• connection interface 206 that comprises a first electrical contact for electrically connecting to the annular electrical contact (Pl) of the Module that is connected to the control module, a second electrical contact for connecting to the elongate electrical contact (P2) and a third electrical contact that is connected to ground.
• the inlet end and outlet end connection interfaces may also comprises one or more complimentary mechanical connectors (MC) for making a mechanical connection.
• MC complimentary mechanical connectors
• Module 1 is connected to the control module 200 and receives power via the connections Pl and P2. Module 1 recognises that both power connections are active and uses Pl.
• Module 2 is connected to Module 1 and recognises that power is available on its connection P2, that power being supplied via Module l’s P2 connection.
• each Module will use either P 1 if it is connected to the control module or P2 if it is connected to the control module 200 or another Module as summarised in the table below:
• the control circuitry 204 of the control module 200 is arranged to be able to identify what configuration of modules is connected to the control module 200 in order to ensure that the correct heating control parameters (e.g. wattage, temperature, time etc) are applied in respect of each module.
• the control module 200 makes electrical measurements to determine the configuration of modules connected it.
• modules of the first module type may have a first electrical resistance associated with them (for example 0.8ohm) and modules of the second module type may have a second different electrical resistance associated with them (for example l.2ohm).
• the control circuitry 204 may make one or more resistance measurements to identify what module or combination of modules is connected to it.
• each module type may be provided with a transmitter, for example, a RF transmitter that transmits an identity signal that identifies the module.
• the control circuitry 204 of the control module 200 may comprises a receiver for receiving the identity signals.
• FIGs 8a to 8d there are schematic illustrations of a device 100' (Fig 8a) comprising a control unit 200', a stack of two modules (Module A and
• Module B (Fig 8b) each of which may be either a module of the first module type or a module of the second module type as described above and a mouthpiece 500'.
• the device 100' may be configured in any of the configurations of the device 100 described above and functions substantially in the same way as described above. Components identical or similar to components previously described having been given the same reference numeral with a ' .
• each module (Module 1 and Module 2) comprises a first annular electrical contact connector (RG) and a second annular electrical contact connector (P2') arranged at a top outlet end of the module.
• the first annular electrical contact connector (P G ) and the second annular electrical contact connector (P2' ) are concentric and the second annular electrical contact connector (P2') lies within the first annular electrical contact connector (RG).
• Each module further comprises a pair of connectors (P3 ') (P4'), for examples, finger sprung connectors at its base end, a first electrical path Lf between the first annular electrical contact (RG) and a first one of the connectors (P3'), and a second electrical path L2' between the second annular electrical contact (P2') and a second one of the connectors (P4').
• P3 ' connectors
• P4' finger sprung connectors at its base end
• the connectors enable a module to be connected either to the top end of another module in a stack or to the control module 200'.
• the first connector makes an electrical connection with the first annular electrical contact connector (RG) of the earlier module and the second connector makes an electrical connection with the second annular electrical contact connector (P2') of the earlier module.
• RG first annular electrical contact connector
• P2' second annular electrical contact connector
• the first connector and the second connector each makes a separate electrical connection with the control circuitry 204'to enable power to be applied separately from the power supply 202'to the first annular electrical contact (RG) and the second annular electrical contact (P2') of that module via the electrical pathways. These connections enable power to be supplied from the power supply 202' in the control module 200' to Module 1 and Module 2.
• Module 1 is connected to the control module 200' and receives power via the connections RG and P2'. Module 1 recognises that both power connections are active and uses RG. Module 2 is connected to Module 1 and recognises that power is available on its connection P2', the power being supplied via Module l’s P2' connection. In short, each Module will use either P G if it is connected to the control module 200' or P2' if it is connected to another Module.
• Figures 8a and 8d further illustrates an air inlet 210 in the control model 200' that is in fluid communication with the channels (Flow Channel) in the Modules and the mouthpiece 500'.
• FIGs 9a to 9d there are schematic illustrations of another device 100 ” (Fig 9a) comprising a control unit 200 ” , a stack of two modules (Module 1” and Module 2”) (Fig 9b) each of which may be either a module of the first module type or a module of the second module type as described above and a mouthpiece 500 ” .
• the device 100 may be configured in any of the configurations of the device 100 described above and functions substantially in the same way as described above.
• the device 100' may be configured in any of the configurations of the device 100 described above and functions substantially in the same way as described above. Components identical or similar to components previously described having been given the same reference numeral with a” .
• each module is generally rectangular in cross- section and each housing comprises a step 612 at one side at the outlet end of the module and a corresponding recess 614 at the one side of the inlet end of the module.
• the modules may be connected together in a stack with the step 612 of a lower module (Module 1 ” ) fitting in the recess of a higher module (Module
• each module (Module 1" and Module 2 ” ) comprises a first electrical contact connector (R '), a second electrical contact connector (P2") and a ground electrical contact (PG) arranged in a line on the step 612 at the outlet end of the module.
• Each module further comprises a set of three connectors, for examples, a set of three finger sprung connectors at its inlet end, a first electrical path ( ' L l " ) between the first electrical contact (RG') and a first one of the connectors, a second electrical path (L2") between the second electrical contact (P2") and a second one of the connectors, and a third electrical path (L3) between the ground electrical contact (P3 ' ' ' ) and a third one of the connectors
• the connectors enable a module to be connected either to the top end of another module in a stack or to the control module 200''.
• the first connector makes an electrical connection with the first electrical contact connector (Pl") of the earlier module
• the second connector makes an electrical connection with the second electrical contact connector (P2") of the earlier module
• the third connector makes an electrical connection with the third electrical contact connector (RG") of the earlier module.
• the first connector and the second connector each makes a separate electrical connection with the control circuitry 204" to enable power to be applied separately to the first electrical contact (Pl") and the second electrical contact (P2") of that module via the electrical pathways (Ll", L2"). These connections enable power to be supplied from the power supply
• Module 1 is connected to the control module 200' ' and receives power via the connections Pl" and P2". Module 1 recognises that both power connections are active and uses RG'. Module 2 is connected to Module 1 and recognises that power is available on its connection P2", the power being supplied via Module l’s P2 ” connection. In short, each Module will use either P G ' if it is connected to the control module 200' 'or P2" if it is connected to another Module.
• the material 408 is described as being a flavour material that may modify a flavour of a aerosol generated from an e- liquid when the aerosol flows through the body of material or which may be heated to generate its own flow of aerosol this is not essential and instead (or in addition) the material 408 may be for modifying a property of the e-liquid aerosol other than (or in addition) to flavour.
• the material 408 may modify one or more other organoleptic properties of the e-cig aerosol (e.g. modifying the feel or smell or look of the aerosol to the user).
• the material may be a material that modifies the PH of the e- liquid aerosol by either lowering or raising the PH (e.g. modifying the acidity or the basicity of the e-liquid aerosol).
• the material 408 may modify (e.g. reduce) the amount of aldehydes in the aerosol.
• the material 408 may be a material that modifies different combinations of two or more of these or indeed other properties of the e-liquid aerosol.
• the electrical connections may be used to pass data back from the modules to the control module.
• the terms “flavour” and “flavourant” may refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. They may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, 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, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Menth
• They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, solid, or powder.
• a liquid, oil, or other such fluid flavourant may be impregnated in a porous solid material so as to impart flavour and/or other properties to that porous solid material.
• the liquid or oil is a constituent of the material in which it is impregnated.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
• Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
• Control Of Resistance Heating (AREA)
• Central Heating Systems (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

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• 2018
  • 2018-07-24 GB GBGB1812060.0A patent/GB201812060D0/en not_active Ceased
• 2019
  • 2019-07-24 CA CA3211605A patent/CA3211605A1/en active Pending
  • 2019-07-24 EP EP19755529.5A patent/EP3826494A2/en active Pending
  • 2019-07-24 US US17/250,456 patent/US20240206550A1/en active Pending
  • 2019-07-24 CA CA3106423A patent/CA3106423C/en active Active
  • 2019-07-24 JP JP2021502874A patent/JP7264573B2/ja active Active
  • 2019-07-24 KR KR1020217004728A patent/KR102652299B1/ko active IP Right Grant
  • 2019-07-24 WO PCT/EP2019/069940 patent/WO2020020955A2/en unknown

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