EP4609737A1

EP4609737A1 - Aerosol delivery systems

Info

Publication number: EP4609737A1
Application number: EP24160198.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Howard ROTHWELL; David Bishop; Christopher Daniels; Andrews OHENE
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2024-02-28
Filing date: 2024-02-28
Publication date: 2025-09-03
Also published as: WO2025181460A1

Abstract

An aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material, the aerosol generator comprising a filament sealed in an envelope comprising an inert gas.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to nicotine delivery systems.

BACKGROUND

Aerosol delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain an aerosol generating material, such as a chamber of a source solid or liquid, which may contain an active substance and / or a flavour, from which an aerosol or vapour is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Thus, an aerosol delivery system will typically comprise an aerosol generation area containing an aerosol generator, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise or aerosolise a portion of precursor material to generate a vapour or aerosol in the aerosol generation area. As a user inhales on the device and electrical power is supplied to the vaporiser, air is drawn into the device through an inlet hole and along an inlet air channel connecting to the aerosol generation area, where the air mixes with vaporised precursor material to form a condensation aerosol. There is an outlet channel connecting the aerosol generation area to an outlet in the mouthpiece and the air drawn into the aerosol generation area as a user inhales on the mouthpiece continues along the outlet flow path to the mouthpiece outlet, carrying the aerosol with it, for inhalation by the user. Some electronic cigarettes may also include a flavour element in the air flow path through the device to impart additional flavours. Such devices may sometimes be referred to as hybrid devices, and the flavour element may, for example, include a portion of tobacco arranged in the air flow path between the aerosol generation area and the mouthpiece such that aerosol / condensation aerosol drawn through the device passes through the portion of tobacco before exiting the mouthpiece for user inhalation.
It is of interest to develop improved aerosol generators which offer advantages over existing aerosol generators such as improved lifespan and cleanability.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material, the aerosol generator comprising a filament sealed in an envelope comprising an inert gas.
In some examples, the aerosol generator comprises an incandescent lamp such as a halogen lamp.
In some examples, the aerosol delivery system comprises a carrier for delivering aerosol-generating material to the aerosol generator in use.
In some examples, the aerosol generating material or the carrier is in direct contact with the sealed envelope in use. In some examples, the aerosol generating material or the carrier is in direct contact with one or more side face(s) and/or one or more end face(s) of the sealed envelope.
In some examples, the aerosol delivery system comprises a reflector. In some examples, the reflector substantially encloses at least the sealed envelope, housing the filament. In some examples, in use, the reflector substantially encloses both the sealed envelope, housing the filament and aerosol generating material or the carrier. In some examples, the reflector comprises a reflective housing configured to receive the carrier and/or aerosol generating material.
In some examples, the aerosol delivery system comprises an air flow path between the carrier and the sealed envelope, for entraining vapour generated by the aerosol generator in use.
In some examples, the aerosol delivery system comprises a controller, a power supply and/or aerosol-generating material.
In some examples, the aerosol delivery system comprises a sensor configured to measure a light level, an irradiation level and/or a colour temperature.
In some examples, the aerosol delivery system comprises a photovoltaic cell configured to generate electricity from irradiation generated by the filament.
In some examples, the aerosol delivery system comprises a transparent or translucent window for transmitting light from the filament to a user.
In some examples, the aerosol delivery system is configured to receive a removable cartridge containing aerosol-generating material.
In some examples, the aerosol delivery system is or comprises a cartridge containing the aerosol generator and aerosol-generating material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-section view of an aerosol delivery system;
Figures 2-7 are schematic cross-section views of aerosol delivery systems in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure; and
Figure 8 is a plot of bulb temperature versus time for a set of 3 halogen bulbs in two different configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not described in detail in the interest of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatuses and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any suitable conventional techniques.
The claimed invention may generally provide a sub-assembly or sub-system suitable for use in an aerosol delivery system, or configured for use in an aerosol delivery system. The sub-system may generally form part of an aerosol delivery system and in particular may form part of the reusable device and/or the consumable cartridge of a two-part system. In general terms, the disclosure outlines an aerosol delivery subsystem / system comprising an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a filament sealed in an envelope comprising an inert gas.
The claimed invention beneficially provides a compact and longer-lasting aerosol generator that may more readily be provided in either part of a two-part system (comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable, consumable cartridge), or equally in a one-part system, particularly with a refillable reservoir of aerosol-generating material. Locating the aerosol generator in the reusable device part is beneficial to extend longevity and reduce material use. The aerosol generator may also be more readily cleanable and/or replaceable.
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view through an example aerosol delivery system 1 providing an introduction to two-part aerosol delivery systems, the components therein and their functionality.
The aerosol delivery system 1 comprises two main parts, namely a reusable part 2 and a replaceable / disposable consumable cartridge part 4. In normal use, the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 are releasably coupled together at an interface 6. When the cartridge part 4 is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge part 4, the cartridge part 4 may be removed from the reusable part 2 and a replacement cartridge part 4 attached to the reusable part 2 in its place. The interface 6 provides a structural, electrical and airflow path connection between the two parts 2, 4 and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, magnetic or bayonet fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings for establishing the electrical connection and airflow path between the two parts 2, 4 as appropriate. The specific manner by which the cartridge part 4 mechanically mounts to the reusable part 2 is not significant to the principles described herein, but for the sake of a concrete example is assumed here to comprise a magnetic coupling (not represented in figure 1). It will also be appreciated the interface 6 in some implementations may not support an electrical and / or airflow path connection between the respective parts 2, 4. For example, in some implementations an aerosol generator may be provided in the reusable part 2 rather than in the cartridge part 4, or the transfer of electrical power from the reusable part 2 to the cartridge part 4 may be wireless (e.g. based on electromagnetic induction), so that an electrical connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is not needed. Furthermore, in some implementations the airflow through the electronic cigarette might not go through the reusable part 2, so that an airflow path connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is not needed. In some instances, a portion of the airflow path may be defined at the interface between portions of the reusable part 2 and cartridge part 4 when these are coupled together for use.
The cartridge / consumable part 4 may, in certain embodiments, be broadly conventional. In figure 1, the cartridge part 4 comprises a cartridge housing 42 formed of a plastics material. The cartridge housing 42 supports other components of the cartridge part 4 and provides the mechanical interface 6 with the reusable part 2. The cartridge housing 42 is generally circularly symmetrical about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge part 4 couples to the reusable part 2. In this example, the cartridge part 4 has a length of around 4 cm and a diameter of around 1.5 cm. However, the specific geometry and the overall shapes and materials used may vary.
Within the cartridge housing 42 is a chamber or reservoir 44 that contains aerosol-generating material. In the example of figure 1, the reservoir 44 stores a supply of liquid aerosol generating material. In this example, the liquid reservoir 44 has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42 and an inner wall that defines an airflow path 52 through the cartridge part 4. The reservoir 44 is closed at each end with end walls to contain the aerosol generating material. The reservoir 44 may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example it may comprise a plastics material and be integrally moulded with the cartridge housing 42.
The cartridge / consumable part 4 further comprises an aerosol generator 48 located towards an end of the reservoir 44 opposite to a mouthpiece outlet 50. It will be appreciated that in a two-part system such as shown in figure 1, the aerosol generator 48 may be in either of the reusable part 2 or the cartridge part 4. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 48 (e.g. a heater, which may be in the form of a wick and coil arrangement as shown) may be comprised in the reusable part 2, and is brought into proximity with a portion of aerosol generating material in the cartridge part 4 when the cartridge part 4 is engaged with the reusable part 2. In such embodiments, the cartridge part 4 may comprise a portion of aerosol generating material, and an aerosol generator 48 comprising a heater is at least partially inserted into or at least partially surrounds the portion of aerosol generating material as the cartridge part 4 is engaged with the reusable part 2.
Although not shown in figure 1, embodiments of the invention relate to aerosol generators and aerosol delivery systems comprising a filament sealed in an envelope comprising an inert gas, akin to an incandescent lamp, as is described further later.
In the example of figure 1, a carrier in the form of a wick 46 in contact with the aerosol generator 48 extends transversely across the cartridge airflow path 52 with its ends extending into the reservoir 44 of the liquid aerosol generating material through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44. The openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 are sized to broadly match the dimensions of the wick 46 to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the liquid reservoir 44 into the cartridge airflow path without unduly compressing the wick 46, which may be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance.
The wick 46 and aerosol generator 48 are arranged in the cartridge airflow path 52 such that a region of the cartridge airflow path 52 around the wick 46 and heater 48 in effect defines a vaporisation region for the cartridge part 4. Aerosol generating material in the reservoir 44 infiltrates the wick 46 through the ends of the wick extending into the reservoir 44 and is drawn along the wick by surface tension / capillary action (i.e. wicking). The aerosol generator 48 in this example comprises an electrically resistive wire coiled around the wick 46. In figure 1, the heater 48 comprises a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire and the wick 46 comprises a glass fibre bundle, but the specific aerosol generator configuration is not significant to the principles described herein. In use, electrical power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 48 to vaporise an amount of aerosol generating material (aerosol generating material) drawn to the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 by the wick 46. Vaporised aerosol generating material may then become entrained in air drawn along the cartridge airflow path from the vaporisation region towards the mouthpiece outlet 50 for user inhalation.
As noted above, the rate at which aerosol generating material is vaporised by the aerosol generator 48 will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48. Thus electrical power can be applied to the aerosol generator 48 to selectively generate aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the cartridge part 4, and furthermore, the rate of aerosol generation can be changed by changing the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48, for example through pulse width and/or frequency modulation techniques.
The reusable part 2 comprises an outer housing 12 having with an opening that defines an air inlet 28 for the e-cigarette, a power source 26 (e.g. a battery) for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette, control circuitry / controller 22 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a first user input button 14, a second user input button 16, and a visual display 24.
The outer housing 12 may be formed, for example, from a plastics or metallic material and in this example has a circular cross section generally conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge part 4 so as to provide a smooth transition between the two parts 2, 4 at the interface 6. In this example, the reusable part 2 has a length of around 8 cm so the overall length of the e-cigarette when the cartridge part 4 and the reusable part 2 are coupled together is around 12 cm.
The air inlet 28 connects to an airflow path 51 through the reusable part 2. The reusable part airflow path 51 in turn connects to the cartridge airflow path 52 across the interface 6 when the reusable part 2 and cartridge part 4 are connected together. Thus, when a user inhales on the mouthpiece opening 50, air is drawn in through the air inlet 28, along the reusable part airflow path 51, across the interface 6, through the aerosol generation area in the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 (where vaporised aerosol generating material becomes entrained in the air flow), along the cartridge airflow path 52, and out through the mouthpiece opening 50 for user inhalation.
The power source 26 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The power source 26 may be recharged through a charging connector in the reusable part housing 12, for example a USB connector.
Optionally, first and/or second user input buttons 14, 16 may be provided, which in this example are conventional mechanical buttons, for example comprising a spring mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact. In this regard, the input buttons may be considered input devices for detecting user input and the specific manner in which the buttons are implemented is not significant. The buttons may be assigned to functions such as switching the aerosol delivery system 1 on and off, and adjusting user settings such as a power to be supplied from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48.
A display 24 may be provided to give a user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the aerosol delivery system, for example current power setting information, remaining power source power, and so forth. The display may be implemented in various ways. In this example the display 24 comprises a conventional pixilated LCD screen that may be driven to display the desired information in accordance with conventional techniques. In other implementations, the display may comprise one or more discrete indicators, for example LEDs, that are arranged to display the desired information, for example through particular colours and / or flash sequences. More generally, the manner in which the display 24 is provided and information is displayed to a user using the display is not significant to the principles described herein. For example, some embodiments may not include a visual display and/or may include other means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system, for example using audio signalling, or may not include any means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system.
A controller 22 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 to provide functionality as described herein, as well as for providing conventional operating functions of the aerosol delivery system 1. The controller (processor circuitry) 22 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units / circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1. In this example the controller 22 comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in response to user input, user programming circuitry 20 for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input, as well as other functional units / circuitry associated functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as display driving circuitry and user input detection circuitry. The functionality of the controller 22 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and / or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) / circuitry / chip(s) / chipset(s).
The controller 22 may comprise an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or microcontroller, for controlling the aerosol delivery device. The microcontroller or ASIC may include a CPU or microprocessor. The operations of a CPU and other electronic components are generally controlled at least in part by software programs running on the CPU (or other component). Such software programs may be stored in non-volatile memory, such as ROM, which can be integrated into the microcontroller itself, or provided as a separate component. The CPU may access the ROM to load and execute individual software programs as and when required.
The reusable part 2 comprises an airflow sensor 30 which is electrically connected to the controller 22. In most embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 comprises a so-called "puff sensor", in that the airflow sensor 30 is used to detect when a user is puffing on the device. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 comprises a switch in an electrical path providing electrical power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48. In such embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 generally comprises a pressure sensor configured to close the switch when subjected to a particular range of pressures, enabling current to flow from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 once the pressure in the vicinity of the airflow sensor 30 drops below a threshold value. The threshold value can be set to a value determined by experimentation to correspond to a characteristic value associated with the initiation of a user puff. In other embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 is connected to the controller 22, and the controller distributes electrical power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in dependence of a signal received from the airflow sensor 30 by the controller 22. The specific manner in which the signal output from the airflow sensor 30 (which may comprise a measure of capacitance, resistance or other characteristic of the airflow sensor, made by the controller 22) is used by the controller 22 to control the supply of power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 can be carried out in accordance with any approach known to the skilled person.
In the example shown in figure 1, the airflow sensor 30 is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 31, but this is not essential. The airflow sensor 30 may comprise any sensor which is configured to determine a characteristic of airflow in an airflow path 51 disposed between air inlet 28 and mouthpiece opening 50, for example a pressure sensor or transducer (for example a membrane or solid-state pressure sensor), a combined temperature and pressure sensor, or a microphone (for example an electret-type microphone), which is sensitive to changes in air pressure, including acoustical signals. The airflow sensor 30 is situated within a sensor cavity or chamber 32, which comprises the interior space defined by one or more chamber walls 34. The sensor cavity 32 comprises a region internal to one or more chamber walls 34 in which an airflow sensor 30 can be fully or partially situated. In some embodiments, the PCB 31 comprises one of the chamber walls of a sensor housing comprising the sensor chamber / cavity 32.
A deformable membrane is disposed across an opening communicating between the sensor cavity 32 containing the sensor 30, and a portion of the airflow path disposed between air inlet 28 and mouthpiece opening 50. The deformable membrane covers the opening, and is attached to one or more of the chamber walls according to approaches described further herein.
As described further herein, the aerosol delivery system 1 comprises communication circuitry configured to enable a connection to be established with one or more further electronic devices (for example, a storage / charging case, and / or a refill / charging dock) to enable data transfer between the aerosol delivery system 1 and further electronic device(s). In some embodiments, the communication circuitry is integrated into controller 22, and in others it is implemented separately. For example, the communication circuitry may comprise a separate module to the controller 22 which, while connected to controller 22, provides dedicated data transfer functionality for the aerosol delivery device. In some embodiments, the communication circuitry is configured to support communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and one or more further electronic devices over a wireless interface. The communication circuitry may be configured to support wireless communications between the aerosol delivery system 1 and other electronic devices such as a case, a dock, a computing device such as a smartphone or PC, a base station supporting cellular communications, a relay node providing an onward connection to a base station, a wearable device, or any other portable or fixed device which supports wireless communications.
The controller 22, other components within the system 1 and other devices/systems may comprise one or more processors and data processing steps may be performed on any of these processors or on a remote processor, the data communicated by wire or wirelessly.
Wireless communications between the aerosol delivery system 1 and a further electronic device may be configured according to data transfer protocols such as Bluetooth^®, ZigBee, WiFi^®, Wifi Direct, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, RFID, or generally any other wireless, and/or wired, network protocol or interface. The communication circuitry may comprise any suitable interface for wired data connection, such as USB-C, micro-USB or Thunderbolt interfaces, and may comprise pin or contact pad arrangements configured to engage cooperating pins or contact pads on a dock, case, cable, or other external device which can be connected to the aerosol delivery system 1.
As outlined above, embodiments of the invention relate to aerosol generators and aerosol delivery systems comprising a filament sealed in an envelope comprising an inert gas and optionally a halogen gas. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator comprises an incandescent lamp such as a halogen lamp.
As background, an incandescent lamp generally comprises terminals 48a for supplying power through a lamp base 48b to a filament 48c, e.g., comprising tungsten, housed in a sealed (e.g. glass) envelope or enclosure 48d which is filled with inert gas. In the case of a halogen lamp, the gases in the sealed envelope 48d include a small amount of a halogen gas, such as iodine or bromine. The envelope 48d protects the tungsten filament 48c and contains the halogen-cycle reaction which occurs in use, redepositing evaporated tungsten back onto the filament 48c, increasing its longevity and minimising impact on the clarity of the envelope 48d. In embodiments, other filament materials may be used.
The aerosol generator 48 is configured to generate vapour/aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, which may typically be in the form of a solid or a liquid, for inhalation by a user. In some examples, liquid aerosol-generating material is delivered to the aerosol generator 48 (optionally from a reservoir supply) via a carrier 46, such as a wick, which may be a standard cotton wick. In other examples, the carrier 46 comprises a mesh, which is easier to clean than a cotton wick, can be suitably sized to generate a desired aerosol particle size and may be replaceable.
In some examples, aerosol-generating material or the carrier 46 containing/delivering aerosol-generating material is in direct contact with the sealed envelope 48d or more generally the aerosol generator or lamp (e.g. the lamp base 48b) in use, whilst in other examples they are not in direct contact. More specifically, aerosol generating material or the carrier 46 may be in direct contact with the sealed envelope 48d or the aerosol generator / lamp on one or more side face(s) and/or one or more end face(s). In particular, the contact may be proximal to the sealed envelope 48d, e.g. aligned with the filament 48c, to maximise heat transfer, aided by conduction. However, in other examples, the aerosol-generating material or the carrier 46 may be spaced from the sealed envelope 48d or the aerosol generator / lamp, avoiding direct conduction, to reduce the risk of burning the aerosol generating material or the carrier 46 and/or the risk of contaminating the surface of the sealed envelope 48d, which might harm its integrity over time (e.g. depending on the materials used) and thus reduce cleaning frequency. Nevertheless, an aerosol generator 48 comprising a sealed envelope 48d enclosing the filament 48c is more readily cleanable than existing aerosol generators.
In some examples, the system 1 comprises a reflector 45. The reflector 45 may substantially encase or enclose: at least the sealed envelope 48d, housing the filament 48c, i.e. the irradiating portion; or both the sealed envelope 48d and aerosol generating material or the carrier 46 (which contains aerosol generating material). The reflector 45 itself may take any form, e.g. comprise a reflective material, surface or coating. Examples of suitable materials include metals such as aluminium, silver and gold, and may comprise a foil, painted or polished surface. In some examples, the reflector 45 comprises a reflective housing configured to receive the carrier 46 and/or aerosol generating material. The reflector 45 may beneficially focus the generated irradiation onto the aerosol-generating material to reduce the time to aerosol generation, reducing wasted energy.
In some examples, the system 1 comprises an air flow path between the carrier 46 and the sealed envelope 48d, for entraining vapour generated by the aerosol generator 48 in use. In some examples, the system 1 comprises a sensor configured to indicate a temperature of the aerosol generator 48. The temperature of the aerosol generator 48 may be determined and/or controlled by a controller 22. In some examples, the sensor is configured to measure a light level, an irradiation level and/or a colour temperature of the filament 48c.
In some examples, the system 1 comprises a controller 22, which may be responsive to sensor and/or user input. In some examples, the controller 22 may be configured to receive an input from a sensor anticipating and/or indicating a user inhaling on the system 1 and control power supply to the aerosol generator 48 in response to the input. In some examples, the controller 22 may be configured to receive a user input and control power supply to the aerosol generator 48 in response to the input.
In some examples, the system 1 comprises a photovoltaic cell configured to generate electricity from irradiation generated by the filament 48c, which may beneficially be used to recharge the power supply 26 in use. In some examples, the system 1 comprises a transparent or translucent window for transmitting light from the filament 48c to a user, beneficially indicating that the aerosol generator 48 is active.
Figures 2-5 illustrate an aerosol delivery system 1 comprising an aerosol generator 48 for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol generator 48 comprises terminals 48a for supplying power through a (rectangular) lamp base 48b to a filament 48c which is sealed and enclosed in an oval glass envelope 48d filled with inert gas.
Figures 2-5 illustrate different location arrangements for aerosol-generating material / the carrier 46 (used in some examples to contain aerosol-generating material), with respect to the aerosol generator 48, more specifically with respect to the filament 48c. The aerosol generator subcomponents are not detailed for clarity in figures 3-5. Although a carrier 46 for retaining aerosol-generating material is illustrated in figures 2-5, the carrier 46 is not essential.
In figure 2, the carrier 46 is in direct contact with the sealed envelope 48d, on a single side face of the envelope 48d relative to its axial ends, along the side surface of the envelope 48d proximal to the filament 48c itself, which generates heat and light. In figure 2, the carrier 46 is shown on a single side face/surface of the sealed envelope 48d, generally following the contour thereof, but not extending around the end face of the sealed envelope 48d. Since the carrier 46 retains aerosol-generating material, this provides close proximity between the material and the filament 48c, to maximise vapour generation efficiency. As outlined above, optionally, the carrier 46 may be omitted to provide direct contact with aerosol-generating material, which may e.g. be a solid or gel deposited on the sealed envelope 48d.
Figure 3 shows the same arrangement as figure 2, but additionally comprising a conical (here frustoconical) reflector 45 that surrounds the sealed envelope 48d, spaced therefrom, extending over the full axial length of the envelope 48d as well as part of the base 48b, to maximise reflection of the generated irradiation from the filament 48c onto the carrier 46. In contrast to halogen spotlight fittings with a conical reflector comprising an open widest end (to provide a diffuse light beam), the reflector 45 may substantially enclose at least the sealed envelope 48d, housing the filament 48c. As shown in figure 3, the reflector 45 may optionally additionally enclose the carrier 46 and/or aerosol-generating material, to reflect generated irradiation onto the carrier 46. However, whilst the reflector 45 may substantially enclose the carrier 46 and/or aerosol-generating material, a vapour/aerosol flow path (e.g. an opening such as an aperture, slit or permeable surface) is be provided to allow generated vapour/aerosol to leave the enclosure and be inhaled by a user.
Figure 4 shows a bulbous foil wrap reflector 45 that extends from the base 48b and substantially encloses the sealed envelope 48d, following the contour of the envelope 48d and extending over/surrounding the entire envelope 48d to maximise reflection of the generated irradiation. In the example of figure 4, rather than the carrier 46 being in direct contact with the aerosol generator 48 as in figures 2-3, the reflector 45 is in direct contact with the aerosol generator 48 - the reflector 45 surrounds and encloses the sealed envelope 48d, and the carrier 46 is in direct contact with the reflector 45.
Although the aerosol-generating material and/or carrier 46 is not shown extending around the full perimeter, circumference and/or outer surface of the sealed envelope 48d in figure 4 (unlike the reflector 45) these configurations are envisaged as non-illustrated variants. Additionally, in further examples, the aerosol-generating material and/or the carrier 46 may be in direct contact with the aerosol generator 48 underneath the reflector 45 (as in figure 3), i.e. the reflector 45 may enclose at least part of the aerosol generator 48 (such as the sealed envelope 48d), as well as the aerosol-generating material and/or the carrier 46. The figure 4 examples and variants described provide more compact and efficient arrangements than those of figure 3. In particular, providing a reflector 45 that substantially encloses the sealed envelope 48d is notably beneficial compared to the arrangements of figures 2 and 3 - significantly reducing the warm-up time for the aerosol generator, which reduces the time-to-aerosol. The performance of a foil-wrap reflector compared to an open bulb is illustrated in figure 8, discussed below.
Figure 5 shows a substantially annular (rectangular in cross-section) reflector 45 that substantially encloses the sealed envelope 48d of the aerosol generator 48, extending over/surrounding the entire axial length of the envelope around its circumference, to maximise reflection of the generated irradiation onto the carrier 46, which is located at an open axial end of the envelope 48d. The open end of the envelope 48d allows generated vapour to travel downstream to a mouthpiece for inhalation by a user. In figure 5, the carrier 46 is in direct contact with the axial end face of the sealed envelope 48d, and extends between the axial ends of the reflector 45. This arrangement is particularly compact in width, easy to assemble and provides a simple vapour/aerosol flow path.
Figure 6 illustrates a complete two-part aerosol delivery system 1 comprising a resuable part 2 comprising a controller 22 and a power supply 26 removably connected to a replaceable cartridge part 4. The replaceable cartridge part 4 comprises two air inlets 28, a reflector 45, an aerosol generator 48, a carrier 46, an annular reservoir 44 of aerosol generating material and a mouthpiece. In figure 6, the n-shaped carrier 46 surrounds the sealed envelope 48d housing the filament 48c, the carrier 46 extending around the full circumference of the envelope 48d, to maximise contact surface area between the irradiating sealed envelope 48d portion of the aerosol generator 48 and the aerosol-generating material in the carrier 46. The annular reservoir 44 supplies the carrier 46 with liquid aerosol-generating material through an opening. In this example, there is a flow pathway 53 between the sealed envelope 48d and the carrier 46 to allow incoming air from the air inlets 28 to entrain the vapour generated by the aerosol generator 48 and provide aerosol to the user for inhalation at the mouthpiece. In other examples, an opening may instead or additionally be provided e.g. in the carrier 46 and/or the reflector 45. In this example, the reflector 45 is in the form of a reflective annular housing 45 which circumscribes the base 48b of the aerosol generator as well as surrounding both the carrier 46 and the sealed envelope 48d along their axial extent (i.e. extending axially between the carrier 46 and the reservoir 44), to maximise reflection onto the carrier 46.
Figure 7 illustrates a further complete two-part aerosol delivery system 1. The system 1 of figure 7 is substantially the same as that of figure 6, except where noted - in particular where the subcomponents in the two parts 2, 4 differ. In figure 7, the system comprises a resuable part 2 comprising a controller 22, a power supply 26, two air inlets 28, a reflective housing 45 and the aerosol generator 48. The reusable part 2 is removably connected to a cartridge part 4 comprising a reservoir 44 of aerosol generating material and a mouthpiece. Locating the aerosol generator 48 in the resuable part 2 promotes longevity of the system 1, whilst the cartridge 4 may comprise the aerosol-generating material (optionally with a reservoir 44 and/or a carrier 46) and the mouthpiece, which should typically be changed regularly to maintain hygiene. In figure 7, the reflective housing 45 does not extend axially between the carrier 46 and the reservoir 44 - instead, the walls of the reservoir 44 are reflective to aid reflection of irradiation back onto the carrier 46. In other examples, any internal walls suitably may be reflective.
In yet further examples, the system 1 is not a two-part system 1 and the reservoir 44 is refillable, to maximise longevity of the system 1 as a whole. Optionally, the mouthpiece may still be replaceable, to maintain hygiene.
In some examples, a controller 22 is configured to control power supply to the aerosol generator 48. The controller 22 may be configured to adjust power supply dependent on an operating temperature of the aerosol generator 48, the aerosol generating material and/or carrier 46 in use and their arrangement (e.g. in direct contact or otherwise). The system 1 may comprise a sensor for indicating the temperature of the aerosol generator 48, such as a thermocouple or other temperature sensor, or a sensor from which the controller 22 can determine/derive a temperature, e.g. based on resistance or configured to measure a light level (e.g. brightness in lumens using a photo diode), an irradiation level (e.g. W/m² using a PV cell) and/or a colour temperature (e.g. in K), which may indicate the filament 48c temperature more reliably and/or further from the aerosol generation region, increasing the options for sensor location within the system 1. A thermal model may be used to correlate the light/irradiation level or colour temperature of the filament 48c with the temperature of the aerosol generator 48 or aerosol-generating material. Beneficially, a PV cell may be used to both measure the irradiation level to determine / control operating temperature and to re-charge the power supply 26.
Depending on the power rating of the filament / bulb in use (which might generally be 5-50 W), the system 1 may take a short period of time to heat up to operating temperature sufficient to generate aerosol. Since the time-to-aerosol from inhalation is generally an important metric for a user, the system 1 may have an automatic pre-heat mode based on user behaviour and/or an environmental parameter.
For example, the system 1 may comprise a controller 22 configured to receive an input from a sensor anticipating and/or indicating a user inhaling on the system 1 and control power supply to the aerosol generator 48 in response to the input. For example, anticipation of a puff may involve detecting a single or a sequence of movements using an accelerometer or gyroscope; and/or a detecting a single or multiple touches from a user using a capacitive sensor; and/or detecting one or a sequence of changes in light level or temperature. These interactions with the system 1 by a user may give advance notice that the system 1 is about to be used and the controller 22 may be configured to automatically commence preheating in response, in contrast to e.g. a puff sensor indicating a user is starting a puff and activating the aerosol generator 48.
Alternatively, the system 1 may comprise a manual pre-heat mode, e.g. comprising a user input, such as a pre-heat button, and the controller 22 may be configured to control power supply to the aerosol generator 48 in response to the input. The pre-heat mode might operate at a different (e.g. higher) power level than a standard aerosol-generating mode, to minimise pre-heat time. During a puffing session, when the system 1 is already at operating temperature, the puff anticipation or pre-heat features might not be required, so could be disabled.
Figure 8 is a plot of bulb temperature (°C) versus time (s) for a set of 3 halogen bulbs comprising 10W, 20W and 35W power ratings in two configurations: i) open/naked bulb with no carrier; and ii) bulb wrapped with a foil reflector, i.e. as shown in figure 4, but without a carrier 46. As shown in figure 8, the foil-wrapped bulbs achieve higher temperatures significantly more quickly than open/naked bulb configurations, readily exceeding suitable operating temperatures for generating vapour in the region of 200-250°C within a few seconds.
The various embodiments described herein are presented to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. Any functions of a processor (e.g. controller) may be shared between processors on the various devices/systems in the wider system and/or a remote server. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.
Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. Protection may also be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.
As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes:

combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material);
non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and
aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

According to the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.
According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B 12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B 12.
As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes. As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.
Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v.,Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v.,Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.
In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.
In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.
Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.
The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.
A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.
A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.
An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system / device and electronic aerosol delivery system / device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.
Aerosol delivery systems often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable/consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol generating material and the vaporiser (which may collectively be called a 'cartomizer') and the reusable device part will comprise the power supply (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems/devices.
It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.
Throughout the disclosure, the terms 'substantially', 'approximately' and 'about' should be considered to mean within +/- 10% unless indicated otherwise.

Index to reference numerals

1: aerosol delivery system
2: reusable part
4: cartridge part
6: interface between reusable part and cartridge part
12: reusable part housing
14, 16: user input buttons
20: user programming circuitry
22: controller
24: display
26: power source
28: air inlet
30: airflow sensor
31: printed circuit board (PCB)
32: sensor cavity or chamber
34: chamber wall
42: cartridge housing
44: chamber or reservoir
45: reflector
46: carrier
48: aerosol generator
48a: aerosol generator terminal
48b: aerosol generator base
48c: aerosol generator filament
48d: aerosol generator sealed envelope
50: mouthpiece outlet
51: airflow path through reusable part
52: airflow path through cartridge
53: airflow path between carrier and aerosol generator

Particular features

Particular features are set out below and are contemplated in any and all permutations and combinations with any one or more features disclosed here or elsewhere in the application.

1. An aerosol generator for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material in an aerosol delivery system comprising a power supply and aerosol-generating material, the aerosol generator comprising a filament sealed in an envelope comprising an inert gas and optionally a halogen gas.
2. An aerosol delivery system (or aerosol delivery means) comprising an aerosol generator (or aerosol generating means) for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material, the aerosol generator comprising a filament sealed in an envelope comprising an inert gas.
3. In some examples, the aerosol generator comprises an incandescent lamp.
4. In some examples, the aerosol generator comprises a halogen lamp.
5. In some examples, the system comprising a carrier for delivering aerosol-generating material to the aerosol generator in use.
6. In some examples, aerosol generating material or the carrier is in direct contact with the sealed envelope in use.
7. In some examples, aerosol generating material or the carrier is not in direct contact with the sealed envelope in use.
8. In some examples, aerosol generating material or the carrier is in direct contact with one or more side face(s) and/or one or more end face(s) of the sealed envelope.
9. In some examples, the carrier comprises a wick and/or a mesh.
10. In some examples, the system comprising a reflector.
11. In some examples, the reflector substantially encloses at least the sealed envelope, housing the filament.
12. In some examples, in use, the reflector substantially encloses both the sealed envelope, housing the filament and aerosol generating material or the carrier.
13. In some examples, the reflector comprises a reflective material, surface or coating.
14. In some examples, the reflector comprises a reflective housing configured to receive the carrier and/or aerosol generating material.
15. In some examples, the system comprising an air flow path between the carrier and the sealed envelope, for entraining vapour generated by the aerosol generator in use.
16. In some examples, the system comprising a controller, a power supply and/or aerosol-generating material.
17. In some examples, the controller is configured to determine and/or control an operating temperature of the aerosol generator in use.
18. In some examples, the system comprising a sensor configured to indicate a temperature of the aerosol generator.
19. In some examples, the sensor is configured to measure a light level, an irradiation level and/or a colour temperature.
20. In some examples, the controller is configured to:
1. a. receive an input from a sensor anticipating and/or indicating a user inhaling on the system; and
2. b. control power supply to the aerosol generator in response to the input.
21. In some examples, the controller is configured to:
1. a. receive a user input; and
2. b. control power supply to the aerosol generator in response to the input.
22. In some examples, the system comprising a photovoltaic cell configured to generate electricity from irradiation generated by the filament.
23. In some examples, the system comprising a transparent or translucent window for transmitting light from the filament to a user.
24. In some examples:
1. a. the aerosol delivery system is configured to receive a removable cartridge containing aerosol-generating material; or
2. b. the aerosol delivery system is or comprises a cartridge containing the aerosol generator and aerosol-generating material.

All of the features and examples disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the disclosure are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The disclosure is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The disclosure extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

An aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material, the aerosol generator comprising a filament sealed in an envelope comprising an inert gas.
The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generator comprises an incandescent lamp such as a halogen lamp.
The aerosol delivery system of any preceding claim, comprising a carrier for delivering aerosol-generating material to the aerosol generator in use.
The aerosol delivery system of any preceding claim, wherein aerosol generating material or the carrier is in direct contact with the sealed envelope in use.
The aerosol delivery system of claim 4, wherein aerosol generating material or the carrier is in direct contact with one or more side face(s) and/or one or more end face(s) of the sealed envelope.
The aerosol delivery system of any preceding claim, comprising a reflector.
The aerosol delivery system of claim 6, wherein the reflector substantially encloses at least the sealed envelope, housing the filament.
The aerosol delivery system of claim 6 or 7, wherein, in use, the reflector substantially encloses both the sealed envelope, housing the filament and aerosol generating material or the carrier.
The aerosol delivery system of any of claims 6-8, wherein the reflector comprises a reflective housing configured to receive the carrier and/or aerosol generating material.
The aerosol delivery system of any of claims 3-9, comprising an air flow path between the carrier and the sealed envelope, for entraining vapour generated by the aerosol generator in use.
The aerosol delivery system of any preceding claim, comprising a controller, a power supply and/or aerosol-generating material.
The aerosol delivery system of any preceding claim, comprising a sensor configured to measure a light level, an irradiation level and/or a colour temperature.
The aerosol delivery system of any preceding claim, comprising a photovoltaic cell configured to generate electricity from irradiation generated by the filament.
The aerosol delivery system of any preceding claim, comprising a transparent or translucent window for transmitting light from the filament to a user.
The aerosol delivery system of any preceding claim, wherein:
a. the aerosol delivery system is configured to receive a removable cartridge containing aerosol-generating material; or

b. the aerosol delivery system is or comprises a cartridge containing the aerosol generator and aerosol-generating material.