KR20230047167A - Systems Including Nonflammable Aerosol Delivery Devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A system is provided that includes a non-flammable aerosol delivery device (100) for use with a consumable (400), the system including one or more controls and an identifier reader configured to read an identifier associated with the one or more consumables. and one or more control units are configured to record the number of reads of the identifier and perform an action in response to the recorded number of reads reaching a predetermined value. The device may include a power source and a heating assembly, and the control may prevent the heating assembly from being energized until a reading of the identifier has been recorded and/or in response to the number of readings written reaching a predetermined value. may be A package 300 for consumables includes an electromagnetically queryable data store 310, such as an RFID tag that identifies the package and contains data regarding the number of consumables contained within the package.

Description

Systems Including Nonflammable Aerosol Delivery Devices

The present disclosure relates to a system comprising a non-combustible aerosol delivery device; a nonflammable aerosol supply device; package; and a control method of a nonflammable aerosol supply device.

Product packages may be provided with an electromagnetically interrogatable data store, such as an RFID tag, which may contain information relating to the product package. An RFID reader can be used to interrogate an RFID tag by sending a radio frequency signal received at an antenna or inductive coil within the tag. The RFID tag then returns a signal to the RFID reader containing information relating to the product package.

According to some embodiments described in this disclosure, in a first aspect there is provided a system comprising a nonflammable aerosol delivery device for use with a consumable, the system comprising: one or more controls; and an identifier reading unit configured to read an identifier associated with the one or more consumables, wherein the one or more control units are configured to record the number of readings of the identifier and perform an action in response to the recorded number of readings reaching a predetermined value. .

According to some embodiments described in this disclosure, in a second aspect there is provided a package for consumables for use with a nonflammable aerosol delivery device, the package including an electromagnetically queryable data store storing an identifier. The identifier identifies the package and includes data about the number of consumables included in the package.

According to some embodiments described in this disclosure, in a third aspect there is provided a control method of a nonflammable aerosol delivery device for use with a consumable, the control method comprising: performing readings of an identifier associated with one or more consumables; doing; recording the number of readings; and performing an action in response to the number of reads reaching a predetermined value.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
1 is a perspective view of a system comprising a non-flammable aerosol delivery device, together with a package of consumables;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing configurations of the nonflammable aerosol supply device and package shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the incombustible aerosol supplying device shown in Fig. 2;
Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a user terminal for use in the system shown in Figure 1;
5 is a perspective view of a non-flammable aerosol supply device;
Fig. 6 illustrates the device of Fig. 5 with the outer cover removed;
Fig. 7 is a side view, partially in cross section, of the device of Fig. 5;
Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the device of Fig. 5 with the outer cover omitted;
Fig. 9a is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the device of Fig. 5;
Fig. 9B is an exemplary close-up view of an area of the device of Fig. 9A; and
10 is a flow chart showing a control method of a nonflammable aerosol supply device for use with consumables.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol delivery system is such that an aerosol-generating material that is a component of the aerosol delivery system (or components thereof) does not burn or burn to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user. system that does not

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a motorized non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not a requirement. Be careful.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials in which one or a plurality of the aerosol-generating materials may be heated. Each of the aerosol generating materials may be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel, for example, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. Solid aerosol generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables comprising an aerosol generating material and configured for use with non-flammable aerosol supply devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout this disclosure. Consumables may be provided as a package.

In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a non-flammable aerosol supply device thereof, may include a power source and a control. The power source may be, for example, a power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the heating power source includes a carbon substrate that may be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to a heat transfer material near the heating power source or to an aerosol generating material.

In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include an area for containing consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device includes an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouse. piece, and/or an aerosol modifier.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Where appropriate, a material may include one or more active ingredients, one or more fragrances, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.

An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from an aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to apply thermal energy to the aerosol generating material to release one or more volatile substances 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 such that the aerosol generating material is subjected to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

An aerosol generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. The aerosol generating material may be in solid, liquid or gel form which may or may not contain, for example, active substances and/or flavorants. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may include an “amorphous solid,” which may instead be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (ie, non-fibrous). In some embodiments, an amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that may have some fluid, such as a liquid, inside it. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may comprise, for example, from about 50 wt %, 60 wt % or 70 wt % amorphous solids to about 90 wt %, 95 wt % or 100 wt % amorphous solids.

The aerosol generating material may include one or more active substances and/or fragrances, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

An aerosol-former material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material is glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate , ethyl laurate, diethyl subrate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate One or more of them may be included.

The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

The material may be on or in the support to form the substrate. The support may be or include, for example, paper, card, paperboard, corrugated board, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded in a material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

An aerosol modifier is a substance typically located downstream of an aerosol-generating region configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by altering the taste, flavor, acidity or other properties of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided to an aerosol modifier releasing component operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

Aerosol modifiers may be, for example, additives or adsorbents. Aerosol modifiers may include, for example, one or more of flavors, colorants, water, and carbon adsorbents. Aerosol modifiers may be, for example, solids, liquids, or gels. Aerosol modifiers may be in powder, thread or granular form. The aerosol modifier may be free of filtering material.

The susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration using a variable magnetic field such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material so that penetration with a variable magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that penetration with a variable magnetic field causes magnetic hysteretic heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a variable magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator in this disclosure.

Induction heating is a process in which an electrically conductive object is heated by penetrating the object with a variable magnetic field. The process is explained by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may include an electromagnet and a device for passing a variable current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are properly positioned relative to each other such that the resulting variable magnetic field produced by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are created within the object. Objects have resistance to the flow of currents. Therefore, when these eddy currents are created in an object, the flow of eddy currents against the electrical resistance of the object causes the object to heat up. This process is called Joule, Ohmic, or resistive heating. An object that can be inductively heated is known as a susceptor.

In one embodiment, the susceptor is in the form of a closed circuit. It has been found that when the susceptor is in the form of a closed circuit, the magnetic coupling between the susceptor and the active electromagnet is enhanced, which results in greater or improved Joule heating.

Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process in which an object made of magnetic material is heated by penetrating the object with a variable magnetic field. The magnetic material may be considered to include many atomic scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates this material, the magnetic dipoles align with the field. Therefore, when a variable magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet for example, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the applied variable magnetic field. This reorientation of the magnetic dipoles causes heat to be generated in the magnetic material.

If an object is both electrically conductive and magnetic, penetrating the object with a variable magnetic field can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Moreover, the use of magnetic materials can intensify the magnetic field, which can intensify Joule heating.

In each of the above processes, as heat is generated within the object itself and not from an external heat source by thermal conduction, in particular through the selection of suitable object materials and geometries and suitable variable magnetic field magnitudes and orientations for the objects, in the object. A rapid rise in temperature and a more uniform heat distribution can be achieved. Moreover, since induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection to be provided between the source of the variable magnetic field and the object, design freedom and control over the heating profile may be greater and costs may be lower.

Articles, e.g. rod-shaped articles, are often named according to product length: "regular" (usually in the range of 68 to 75 mm, e.g., about 68 mm to about 72 mm), "regular" "short" or "mini" (68 mm or less), "king size" (usually 75 to 91 mm, e.g., in the range of about 79 mm to about 88 mm), "long" or "super king" (usually 91 to 91 mm) 105 mm, eg, in the range of about 94 mm to about 101 mm) and "ultra king" (usually in the range of about 110 mm to about 121 mm).

They are also named according to the product circumference: "normal" (approx. 23-25 mm), "wide" (greater than 25 mm), "slim" (approx. 22-23 mm), "demi-slim" -slim" (about 19-22 mm), "super-slim" (about 16-19 mm), and "micro-slim" (less than about 16 mm).

Thus, an article in a king size, super-slim format would have a length of about 83 mm and a circumference of about 17 mm, for example.

Each format may be produced with mouthpieces of different lengths. The mouthpiece length will be between about 30 mm and 50 mm. The tipping paper connects the mouthpiece to the aerosol generating material and will usually have a length greater than the mouthpiece, eg 3 mm to 10 mm longer, so the tipping paper connects the mouthpiece to the wand, For example in the form of a film of substrate material, covering the mouthpiece and overlapping the aerosol generating material.

The articles described in this disclosure and their aerosol generating materials and mouthpieces may be made in any of the above formats, but are not limited thereto.

The terms 'upstream' and 'downstream' as used in this disclosure are relative terms defined in relation to the direction of a mainstream aerosol entering through an article or device in use.

The filamentary tow material described in this disclosure may include cellulose acetate fiber tow. Filament tow is polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(1-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) ), starch based materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers or combinations thereof. The filament tow may be plasticized with a suitable plasticizer for the tow, such as triacetin, which is a cellulose acetate tow, or the tow may not be plasticized. The tow may have any suitable specification, such as fibers having a 'Y' shaped, 'X' shaped or 'O' shaped cross section. The fibers of the tow may have filament denier values of 2.5 to 15 denier per filament, such as 8.0 to 11.0 denier per filament, and total denier values of 5,000 to 50,000, such as 10,000 to 40,000. The cross section of the fibers may have an isperimetric ratio L2/A of 25 or less, preferably 20 or less, more preferably 15 or less, where L is the perimeter of the cross section and A is the area of the cross section. These fibers have a relatively low surface area for a given denier value per filament, which improves delivery of the aerosol to the consumer.

As used in this disclosure, the term “tobacco material” refers to any material that includes tobacco or its derivatives or substitutes. “Tobacco material” may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may include one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fibers, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stems, tobacco lamina, reconstituted tobacco and/or tobacco extract.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes an active substance.

An active substance as used in this disclosure may be a physiologically active substance that is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. Active substances may be selected from, for example, nutraceuticals, nootropics and psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or may be obtained synthetically. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, thein, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco or other botanicals.

In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

As noted in this disclosure, an active substance may include or be derived from one or more botanical materials or ingredients, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used in this disclosure, the term "vegetable material" means extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, bark. It includes any material derived from plants including but not limited to shells and the like. Alternatively, the material may contain active compounds naturally present in vegetable materials obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, and the like. Exemplary botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice. , liquorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, anise seed (anise), basil, bay leaves, Cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, turmeric, turmeric ( turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm ), lemon basil, chives, carbi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any of these is any combination. Mint is derived from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata cv. Mentha piperita citrata c.v.), Mentha piperita cultivar, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha puregium, Mentha spicata cultivar and Mentha It may also be selected from Suaveolens.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanical materials or ingredients, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plant is tobacco.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanical materials or ingredients, derivatives or extracts thereof and the plant is eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp ( hemp).

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanical materials or ingredients, derivatives or extracts thereof and the plant is selected from rooibos and fennel.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes a flavoring agent.

As used in this disclosure, the terms "flavoring" and "flavoring agent" may, where permitted by local regulations, be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory sensation in a product intended for adult consumers. means the materials in They are naturally occurring flavoring materials, plant materials, extracts of plant materials, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, liquorice, hydrangea, Eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha tea, menthol, Japanese mint, anise seed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spice, Asian spice, Herbs, Wantgreen, 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, Drambuoy, Bourbon, Scotch, Whisky, Gin, Tequila, Rum, Spearmint, Peppermint, Lavender, Aloe Vera, Cardamom, Celery, Cascarilla, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Geranium, Catcha khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cinnamon, caraway, cognac, jasmine, Ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, Flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay, mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, Mint, lobules, turmeric, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, carbi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphen), Flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, 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 mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

In some embodiments, the flavoring includes menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavoring components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavoring ingredients extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the fragrance includes fragrance ingredients extracted from cannabis.

In some embodiments, a flavoring agent is a sensory material (usually chemically induced and intended to achieve somatic sensations perceived by stimulation of the 5th cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of smell or taste nerves). sensates, which may contain agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable refrigerant may be, but is not limited to, eucolyptol WS-3.

In the drawings described in this disclosure, like reference numbers are used to illustrate equivalent features, articles or components.

1 shows a system that includes a non-flammable aerosol delivery device, along with a package of consumables provided for use with the system. Broadly stated, the non-combustible aerosol-dispensing device 100 is a replaceable article containing an aerosol-generating medium, such as the present disclosure, for generating an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of the device 100. It may also be used to heat one of the consumables 400 described in. Device 100 and consumable 400 together form a non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

As shown in FIG. 1 , package 300 includes an electromagnetically queryable data store 310 . The electromagnetically queryable data store 310 stores data relating to consumables 400 and/or packages 300 . Such data is referred to as an identifier in this disclosure. In this example, electromagnetically queryable data store 310 stores data identifying packages. The identifier stored in the electromagnetically queryable data storage 310 may be read by an identifier reader, such as an identifier reader of the device 100 . This operation will be explained in more detail below. In some examples, the identifier also includes data regarding the number of consumables included in the package as manufactured.

The electromagnetically queryable data store 310 may be located outside of the package 300 or between layers of packaging, such as between an outer packaging layer and an inner packaging layer. Alternatively, the electromagnetically queryable data store 310 may be located inside the interior space defined by the innermost packaging layer. When inserted into the interior space, the electromagnetically interrogable data store 310 may be placed on an item such as a card or film. These additional items may be designed to fit within the package 300, for example via an interference fit within the packaging walls.

In this example, the electromagnetically queryable data store 310 is an RFID tag. RFID tags generally have an integrated circuit (IC) chip connected to an antenna or inductive coil. The IC chip includes non-volatile memory that stores codes. An RFID reader (eg, an RFID reader as described in this disclosure) may be used to interrogate a tag by transmitting a radio frequency signal received at an antenna or inductive coil. The RFID tag then returns a signal to the RFID reader containing the stored code. An RFID tag may be arranged to operate according to Near Field Communication (NFC) standards. NFC communication may conform to any suitable standard (such as ECMA-340 and ISO/IEC 18092).

The RFID tag 310 may be arranged to be readable only within a maximum distance within the RFID tag 310 . In this example, the maximum distance is about 20 cm. In some examples, the maximum distance may be about 10 cm, about 5 cm, about 4 cm or about 3 cm.

In other examples, the electromagnetically queryable data store 310 may be a bar code, such as a 2D bar code or 3D bar code.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing configurations of the package of the nonflammable aerosol supply device and consumables shown in FIG. 1;

The device 100 includes a control unit 110 and an identifier reading unit 120 . The control unit 110 is configured to control the operation of the device 100 to provide the functions described in this disclosure. In particular, the control unit 110 is configured to control the identifier reading unit 120 to read an identifier stored in the electromagnetically queryable data storage 310 on the package 300 . The identifier reader 120 may be configured to read the identifier using wireless communication (eg, radio frequency communication). The identifier reader 120 may be omitted in some examples.

In this example, identifier reader 120 is an RFID tag reader, and electromagnetically interrogable data store 310 of package 300 is an RFID tag. Identifier reader 120 is configured to read an RFID tag according to conventional techniques when a user brings device 100 into proximity with package 300 .

In other examples, the identifier reader may be a device such as a camera or bar code reader configured to scan a code such as a bar code or QR code on package 300 .

The controller 110 is configured to record the number of reads of the identifier and perform an action based on the recorded number of reads. The control unit may record the number of reads in a memory within the device, for example a memory described below with respect to FIG. 3 . This allows the device to associate the number of reads of an identifier with the number of consumables used from a given package, without the need for RFID tags to be placed on each consumable. This reduces manufacturing costs.

The control unit 110 is configured to perform an action in response to the recorded number of readings of the identifier reaching a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be a value stored in a memory in the device 100 .

In this example, the controller 110 determines the initial number of consumables 400 included in the package 300 based on data received from the initial reading of the identifier stored in the electromagnetically queryable data storage 310 (i.e., , the number of consumables included in the package at the time of purchase). The controller 110 sets the initial number of consumables 400 included in the package 300 as a predetermined value. For example, the controller 110 may determine that the initial number of consumables included in the package is 20, and sets the number '20' as a predetermined value.

The controller 110 records the number of readings of the identifier (including initial reading). When control unit 110 determines that the number of readings of the identifier has reached a predetermined value, control unit 110 may determine that all of the consumables 400 initially present in package 300 are currently used. In other words, the controller 110 may determine that the number of consumables remaining in the packaging 300 is zero.

In some examples, the predetermined value may be a value stored in memory of device 100 when the device is manufactured. For example, device 100 may be configured for use with consumables provided in a standard number, eg, twenty, within a package. The number of these consumables may be set as a predetermined value during manufacture of device 100 .

In some examples, identifier reading unit 120 is configured to read a plurality of identifiers, each of which is associated with a corresponding consumable type. For example, one identifier may be associated with a package of "standard" consumables, while another identifier may be associated with a package of flavorful consumables. In these examples, the controller 110 is configured to record the number of reads of each of the identifiers and perform an action in response to any of the recorded reads reaching a predetermined value. In some examples, each identifier may have its own corresponding predetermined value.

In some examples, control unit 110 is configured not to take into account some of the reads of the identifier. In other words, control unit 110 may be configured to ignore some of the reads of the identifier. Controller 110 may also be configured not to take into account any readings performed within a predetermined time interval after a previous reading. For example, the control may disregard a reading performed two minutes after the previous reading. The predetermined time interval may be set as any suitable time value, for example 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes or 30 minutes.

This arrangement may, for example, bring the device 100 close to the package 300 to select a new consumable 400 and then place the device 100 in the package (without selecting the new consumable 400). 300), it allows the controller 110 to ignore readings of an identifier that may not correspond to the usage of the new consumable. Ignoring these readings allows control 110 to better determine the number of consumables used from a given package.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the incombustible aerosol supplying device shown in Fig. 2;

As shown in FIG. 3, the device 100, in addition to the control unit 110 and the identifier reading unit 120 shown in FIG. 2, a memory 111, a control element 112, a sensor 115, a power supply ( 118), heating assembly 130 and feedback element 140. Some of these features may be omitted in some examples.

The memory 111 is connected to the controller 110 and can be accessed by the controller 110 . The memory 111 may also be a non-volatile memory. In this example, memory 111 is a flash memory device. The memory 111 stores operation information of the device 100 , such as commands executable by the processor 110 to control the device 100 . In particular, the memory 111 may store a predetermined value associated with the number of readings of the identifier.

In some examples, device 100 includes control element 112 . Control element 112 is operable by a user to send a command signal to control unit 110 . A control element may be, for example, a button or a switch. Controller 110 may record the reading of the identifier in response to receiving a command signal from control element 112 . This allows the user to confirm that a new consumable from package 300 has been inserted into device 100 .

In some examples, device 100 includes sensor 115 . Sensor 115 is configured to detect engagement of a consumable with device 100 . In some examples, the consumable is inserted into the device and thereby engaged with the device.

In this example, sensor 115 is an optical sensor that detects consumables as they engage device 100 . In other examples, sensor 115 may be a switch that is triggered upon engagement of the consumable with the device.

The sensor 115 may generate a command signal in response to detecting engagement of the consumable with the device 100, and the controller 110 may record the reading of the identifier in response to receiving the command signal from the sensor 115. can do. This allows the device to dynamically determine that a new consumable from package 300 has engaged the device 100 .

Power source 118 may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. In this example, power source 118 is a rechargeable battery.

A power source 118 is electrically connected to the heating assembly 130 to supply power when required and under control of the controller 110 to heat the aerosol generating material of a consumable that is engaged with the device 100.

In some examples, controller 110 controls power source 118 to prevent power source 118 from energizing heating assembly 130 until a reading of the identifier has been recorded. In other words, if the controller 110 does not record the reading of the identifier, the heating assembly 130 is not activated. This reduces the chance of a user unintentionally activating the heating assembly.

In some examples, when control 110 determines that the number of reads of the identifier has reached a predetermined value stored in memory 111 , control 110 causes power source 118 to energize heating assembly 130 . Controls the power source 118 to prevent

Feedback element 140 is electrically coupled to power supply 118 and controlled by controller 110 . Controller 110 is configured to control feedback element 140 to provide feedback to the user in response to recording the reading of the identifier. Feedback element 140 may be omitted in some examples.

In some examples, feedback element 140 is a light source capable of producing visible light (eg, a light-emitting diode (LED) device). In this example, feedback element 140 is an LED device capable of emitting multiple colors of visible light (eg, green light and red light). In other examples, feedback element 140 may be another form of feedback element, such as an audio output device (eg, speaker), or a haptic feedback device.

The controller 110 may be configured to operate in a first mode when the number of reads written is less than a predetermined value and control the feedback element 140 to operate in a second mode when the number of reads written is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The feedback element may provide different forms of feedback in the first mode and the second mode, thereby providing an indication to the user that all of the consumables 400 that were initially included in the packaging 300 are now used.

In this example, controller 110 causes light emitting diode device 140 to emit light of a first color (eg, green) in response to writing an initial reading of the identifier and in response to writing subsequent readings. configured to control the light emitting diode device 140 to operate in a first mode in which When the control unit 110 determines that the number of readings of the identifier has reached a predetermined value stored in the memory 111, the control unit 110 responds to the light emitting diode device recording the reading of the identifier so that the control unit 110 has a color different from the first color. The light emitting diode device 140 may be controlled to operate in a second mode of emitting light of two colors (eg, red). This provides a visual indication to the user that all of the consumables 400 that were initially contained within the packaging 300 are now used.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed configuration of a user terminal for use in the system shown in FIG. 1 . In this example, the user terminal is a mobile phone.

The user terminal 200 includes a controller 210 , a memory 211 , a control element 212 , a power supply 218 and a feedback element 240 . In this example, the user terminal 200 also includes an identifier reading unit 220 . In examples where the user terminal 200 includes an identifier reader, the identifier reader 120 may be omitted from the nonflammable aerosol supply device 100 . In examples where the incombustible aerosol supply device 100 includes an identifier reader, the identifier reader 220 may be omitted from the user terminal 200 .

The controller 210 is configured to control the operation of the user terminal 200 . The controller 210 is configured to perform functions similar to those of the controller 110 of the device 100 . In particular, the control unit 210 is configured to control the identifier reading unit 220 to read an identifier stored in the electromagnetically queryable data storage 310 on the package 300 . The identifier reader 220 may be configured to read the identifier using wireless communication (eg, radio frequency communication).

In this example, the identifier reader 220 is an RFID tag reader and is configured to read the RFID tag 310 according to conventional techniques when a user brings the terminal 200 close to the package 300 .

In other examples, the identifier reader of the terminal 200 may be a device such as a camera or bar code reader configured to scan a code such as a bar code or a QR code on the package 300 .

The control unit 210 is configured to record the number of readings of the identifier in a manner similar to the control unit 110 of the device 100 described above. The controller 210 may record the number of reads in the memory 211 .

In this example, if the controller 210 determines that the number of recorded reads of the identifier has reached a predetermined value, the controller 210 can transmit this information to the device 100 . This may be accomplished using wireless communication (eg, Bluetooth communication). Upon receiving this information, control 110 of device 100 may then perform a predetermined action, such as any of the predetermined actions described above.

In other examples, controller 210 may record the number of reads of the identifier and may transmit this information to device 100 . The control unit 110 of the device can then determine whether the number of readings of the recorded identifier has reached a predetermined value and can perform an action accordingly.

The control element 212 is operable by a user to send a command signal to the control unit 210 . The control element 212 may be, for example, a button or a touch screen. Controller 210 may record the reading of the identifier in response to receiving a command signal from control element 112 .

Power source 218 may be any rechargeable battery commonly used in the art of mobile phones.

Feedback element 240 is electrically coupled to power supply 218 and controlled by controller 210 . Controller 210 is configured to control feedback element 240 to provide feedback to the user in response to recording the reading of the identifier. Feedback element 240 may be omitted in some examples.

In this example, the feedback element 240 is a touch screen. In other examples, feedback element 240 may be a light source (eg, an LED device such as the LED device described above with respect to device 100), an audio output device (eg, a speaker), or a haptic feedback device.

The display screen may provide a visual indication that the reading of the identifier is being recorded. For example, the display screen may display a notification when a reading of the identifier is recorded. When the controller 210 determines that the number of readings of the identifier has reached a predetermined value stored in the memory 211, the controller 210 determines that all of the consumables 400 that were initially included in the packaging 300 are now used. It is also possible to control the display screen to display a notification notifying the user of this.

5 shows a perspective view of the non-combustible aerosol supply device 100 described above.

Device 100 includes a housing 102 (in the form of an outer cover) that encloses and houses the various components of device 100 . The device 100 has an opening 104 at one end through which an article 400 may be inserted for heating by the heating assembly. In use, article 400 may be wholly or partially inserted into a heating assembly where it may be heated by one or more components of the heater assembly. When article 400 is inserted into device 100, the minimum distance between one or more components of the heater assembly and the tubular element of article 400 is in the range of 3 mm to 10 mm, such as 3 mm, 4 mm , 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm.

The device 100 of this example includes a first end member that includes a lid 108 that is movable relative to the first end member 106 to close the opening 104 when the article 400 is not in place. (end member) 106. 5, lid 108 is shown in an open configuration, but lid 108 may be moved into a closed configuration. For example, the user may slide lead 108 in the direction of arrow "B".

In this example, device 100 includes a user operable control element 112 in the form of a button. Button 112 causes device 100 to operate when pressed. For example, a user may turn on device 100 by pressing button 112 .

Different operations of the control element 112 may be required to turn on the device and record the reading of the identifier. For example, a single press of button 112 may turn device 100 on, and a double press may cause device 100 to record a reading of the identifier.

Device 100 may also include an electrical component, such as a socket/port 114 that may receive a cable for charging a battery of device 100 . For example, socket 114 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port.

FIG. 6 depicts the device 100 of FIG. 5 with the outer cover 102 removed and the article 400 absent. Device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 101 .

As shown in FIG. 6 , a first end member 106 is arranged at one end of device 100 and a second end member 116 is arranged at an opposite end of device 100 . The first and second end members 106 , 116 together at least partially define the end surfaces of the device 100 . For example, a bottom surface of second end member 116 at least partially defines a bottom surface of device 100 . The edges of the outer sheath 102 may also define a portion of the end surfaces. In this example, lid 108 also defines a portion of the top surface of device 100 .

The end of the device closest to opening 104 may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) of device 100 because, in use, it is closest to the user's blade. In use, a user inserts the article 400 into the opening 104, operates the user-operable control element 112 to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating material in the article 400, and causes the device 100 to The generated aerosol is withdrawn. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a flow path towards the proximal end of the device 100 .

The other end of device 100 that is further away from opening 104 may be known as the distal end of device 100 because, in use, it is the end that is furthest away from the user's mouth. As the user withdraws the aerosol generated from the device 100 , the aerosol flows away from the distal end of the device 100 .

Device 100 further includes a battery 118 described above. In this example, the battery is connected to a central support 119 that holds the battery 118 in place.

Device 100 further includes at least one electronics module 109 . The electronics module 109 may include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB 109 may support the controller 110 and/or memory 111 described above. PCB 109 may also include one or more electrical tracks that electrically connect together the various electronic components of device 100 . For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to PCB 109 so that power can be distributed through device 100 . Socket 114 may also be electrically connected to the battery via electrical tracks.

In the exemplary device 100, the heating assembly 130 is an induction heating assembly and includes various components that heat the aerosol-generating material of the article 400 through an induction heating process. Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conductive object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may include an inductive element, eg, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a variable current, such as an alternating current, through the inductive element. A variable current in an inductive element creates a variable magnetic field. A variable magnetic field penetrates a properly positioned susceptor relative to the inductive element and creates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has an electrical resistance to eddy currents, so the flow of eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat is released by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e., as a result of the alignment of the magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material with the varying magnetic field. It may also be created by varying orientation of the magnetic dipoles. In induction heating, compared to heating, for example by conduction, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing rapid heating. Moreover, no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, allowing for improved degrees of freedom in construction and application.

The induction heating assembly 130 of the exemplary device 100 includes a susceptor arrangement 132 (referred to herein as a “susceptor”), a first inductor coil 134 and a second inductor coil 134. do. The first and second inductor coils 134 and 136 are made of an electrically conductive material. In this example, the first and second inductor coils 134, 136 are made of Litz wire/cable wound in a spiral manner providing helical inductor coils 134, 136. Litz wire includes a plurality of individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wires are designed to reduce skin effect losses in the conductor. In the exemplary device 100, the first and second inductor coils 134, 136 are made of copper Litz wire having a rectangular cross section. In other examples the Litz wire may have other shaped cross-sections, such as circular.

The first inductor coil 134 is configured to generate a first variable magnetic field for heating a first section of the susceptor 132 and the second inductor coil 136 is configured to heat a second section of the susceptor 132. configured to generate a second variable magnetic field for In this example, the first inductor coil 134 is adjacent to the second inductor coil 136 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 101 of the device 100 (in other words, the first and second inductor coils ( 134 and 136) do not overlap). The susceptor arrangement 132 may include a single susceptor or two or more separate susceptors. Adjacent ends 134a and 136a of first and second inductor coils 134 and 136 may be connected to PCB 109 .

It will be appreciated that the first and second inductor coils 134 and 136 may, in some examples, have at least one characteristic different from each other. For example, the first inductor coil 134 may have at least one characteristic different from that of the second inductor coil 136 . More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil 134 may have a different inductance value than the second inductor coil 136 . 6, the first and second inductor coils 134, 136 are of different lengths so that the first inductor coil 134 is wound on a smaller section of the susceptor 132 than the second inductor coil 136. do. Thus, the first inductor coil 134 may include a different number of turns than the second inductor coil 136 (assuming the spacing between the individual turns is substantially equal). In another example, the first inductor coil 134 may be made of a different material than the second inductor coil 136 . In some examples, first and second inductor coils 134 and 136 may be substantially identical.

In this example, the first inductor coil 134 and the second inductor coil 136 are wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the inductor coils are active at different times. For example, initially, first inductor coil 134 may be acted upon to heat a first section/portion of article 400, and at a later time, second inductor coil 136 may serve to heat article 400. may be acted upon to heat a second section/portion of the Winding the coils in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in the inactive coil when used in conjunction with certain types of control circuitry. In FIG. 6 , the first inductor coil 134 is a right-hand helix and the second inductor coil 136 is a left-hand helix. However, in other embodiments, the inductor coils 134 and 136 may be wound in the same direction, or the first inductor coil 134 may be a left helix and the second inductor coil 136 may be a right hand helix. there is.

The susceptor 132 in this example is hollow and thus defines a receptacle in which the aerosol generating material is received. For example, article 400 can be inserted into susceptor 132 . The susceptor 132 in this example is tubular with a circular cross section.

Susceptor 132 may be made from one or more materials. Preferably the susceptor 132 comprises carbon steel with a coating of nickel or cobalt.

In some examples, susceptor 132 may include at least two materials that can be heated at two different frequencies for selective aerosolization of the at least two materials. For example, a first section of susceptor 132 (which is heated by first inductor coil 134) may comprise a first material, which is heated by second inductor coil 136. The second section of 132 may include a different second material. In another example, the first section may include first and second materials, and the first and second materials may be heated differently under the action of the first inductor coil 134 . The first and second materials may be adjacent along an axis defined by susceptor 132 or may form different layers within susceptor 132 . Similarly, the second section may include third and fourth materials, where the third and fourth materials may be differentially heated under the action of the second inductor coil 136 . The third and fourth materials may be adjacent along an axis defined by susceptor 132 or may form different layers within susceptor 132 . For example, the third material may be the same as the first material, and the fourth material may be the same as the second material. Alternatively, each of the materials may be different. The susceptor may include, for example, carbon steel or aluminum.

The device 100 of FIG. 6 further includes an insulating member 138 that may be generally tubular and may at least partially surround the susceptor 132 . The insulating member 138 may be fabricated from any insulating material, such as, for example, plastic. In this particular example, the insulating member is fabricated from polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Insulation member 138 may help isolate various components of device 100 from heat generated in susceptor 132 .

The insulating member 138 may also fully or partially support the first and second inductor coils 134 and 136 . For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , first and second inductor coils 134 and 136 are positioned around and in contact with a radially outer surface of insulating member 138 . In some examples, the insulating member 138 does not contact the first and second inductor coils 134 and 136 . For example, a small gap may exist between the outer surface of the insulating member 138 and the inner surface of the first and second inductor coils 134 and 136 .

In a particular example, susceptor 132 , insulating member 138 , and first and second inductor coils 134 , 136 are coaxial about a central longitudinal axis of susceptor 132 .

7 shows a side view, partially in cross section, of device 100 . An outer cover 102 is present in this example. The rectangular cross-sectional shape of the first and second inductor coils 134 and 136 is more clearly visible.

Device 100 further includes a support 166 that engages one end of susceptor 132 to hold susceptor 132 in place. Support 166 is connected to second end member 116 .

The device may also include a second printed circuit board 113 associated within the control element 112 .

Device 100 further includes a second lid/cap 150 and a spring 152 arranged towards the distal end of device 100 . Spring 152 allows second lid 150 to be opened to provide access to susceptor 132 . A user may open the second lid 150 to clean the susceptor 132 and/or the support 166 .

The device 100 further includes an expansion chamber 164 extending away from the proximal end of the susceptor 132 towards the opening 104 of the device. Positioned at least partially within the expansion chamber 164 is a retaining clip 176 that engages and retains the article 400 when received within the device 100 . Expansion chamber 164 is connected to end member 106 .

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the device 100 of FIG. 7 with the outer cover 102 omitted.

9A depicts a cross-section of a portion of device 100 of FIG. 7 . Figure 9b depicts a close-up of the area of Figure 9a. 9A and 9B show an article 400 received within a susceptor 132 of device 100 .

The article 400 is dimensioned such that the outer surface of the article 400 abuts the inner surface of the susceptor 132 . This ensures that heating is most efficient. The article 400 of this example includes an aerosol generating material 400a. The aerosol generating material 400a is positioned within the susceptor 132 . Article 400 may also include other components such as filters, packaging materials, and/or cooling structures.

9B shows that the outer surface of the susceptor 132 is spaced from the inner surface of the inductor coils 134, 136 by a distance D1, measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 133 of the susceptor 132. do. In one specific example, the distance D1 is between about 3 mm and 4 mm, between about 3 and 3.5 mm, or about 3.25 mm.

9B shows that the outer surface of the insulating member 138 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the inductor coils 134 and 136 by a distance D2, measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 133 of the susceptor 132. do. In one specific example, the distance D2 is about 0.05 mm. In another example, the distance D2 is substantially zero, so that the inductor coils 134 and 136 are touching and touching the insulating member 138 .

In one example, the susceptor 132 has a wall thickness D3 of about 0.025 mm to 1 mm, or about 0.05 mm.

In one example, the susceptor 132 has a length of about 40 mm to 60 mm, about 40 mm to 45 mm, or about 44.5 mm.

In one example, the insulating member 138 has a wall thickness D4 of about 0.25 mm to 2 mm, 0.25 mm to 1 mm, or about 0.5 mm.

In use, the article 400 described in this disclosure may be inserted into a non-flammable aerosol delivery device, such as device 400 with reference to FIGS. 1-9 . At least a portion of the mouthpiece of the article 400 protrudes from the non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100 and can be placed into the mouth of a user. An aerosol is created by heating the aerosol-generating material of the article 400 using the device 100 . The aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating material is delivered through the mouthpiece of the article 400 to the user's mouth.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing a control method of a nonflammable aerosol supplying device.

The method includes performing reads of an identifier associated with one or more consumable items (S101); Recording the number of reads of the identifier (S102); and performing an action in response to the recorded read count reaching a predetermined value (S103).

In some examples, all of the steps of the control method may be performed by a non-flammable aerosol supply device. In some examples, some of the steps of the control method may be performed by a user terminal such as a mobile phone, and some steps may be performed by a non-flammable aerosol dispensing device.

In some examples, the identifier is associated with a package of consumables.

The various embodiments described herein are presented solely as an aid in teaching and understanding the claimed features. These examples are provided only as a representative sample of examples, and are not inclusive and/or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not limited to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations equivalent thereto. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention suitably include, consist of, or consist of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, instrumentalities, etc., other than those described herein. may be done in nature. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed that may be claimed in the future.

Claims (21)

A system comprising a non-flammable aerosol delivery device for use with a consumable, comprising:
one or more control units; and
An identifier reading unit configured to read an identifier associated with one or more consumables.
Including,
wherein the one or more control units are configured to record a number of reads of the identifier and perform an action in response to the recorded number of reads reaching a predetermined value.
system. According to claim 1,
The one or more control units are configured to record the reading of the identifier in response to receiving a command signal.
system According to claim 2,
Further comprising a user operable control element, the control element being configured to generate a control signal.
system. According to claim 2,
The device includes a sensor configured to detect engagement of a consumable with the device and to generate the command signal in response to detecting engagement of the consumable.
system. According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein the one or more control units are configured to determine the number of consumables included in the package based on data received from the initial reading of the identifier.
system. According to claim 5,
The one or more control units are configured to set the determined number of consumables as the predetermined value.
system. According to any one of claims 1 to 6,
the identifier reading unit is configured to read a plurality of identifiers, each of the identifiers being associated with a corresponding type of consumable;
Wherein the one or more control units are configured to record the number of readings of each of the identifiers and perform the action in response to any of the recorded number of readings reaching the predetermined value.
system. According to any one of claims 1 to 7,
wherein the one or more controls are configured to not record any readings performed within a predetermined time interval after a previous reading.
system, According to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The device includes a power source and a heating assembly coupled to the power source.
system. According to claim 9,
wherein the one or more controls are configured to prevent the power source from energizing the heating assembly until a reading of the identifier is recorded.
system. According to claim 9 or 10,
wherein the one or more controls are configured to prevent the power source from energizing the heating assembly in response to the number of reads recorded reaching the predetermined value.
system. According to any one of claims 1 to 11,
contains a feedback element;
wherein the one or more controls are configured to control the feedback element to provide feedback to a user in response to recording the reading of the identifier.
system. According to claim 12,
wherein the one or more controls are configured to control the feedback element to operate in a first mode when the number of reads written is less than the predetermined value and to operate in a second mode when the number of reads written is greater than or equal to the predetermined value.
system. According to claim 12 or 13,
The feedback element comprises a light source,
system. According to any one of claims 1 to 14,
Wherein the identifier reading unit is configured to read the identifier using wireless communication.
system. According to any one of claims 1 to 15,
The device includes the one or more control units and the identifier reading unit,
system. According to any one of claims 1 to 15,
The system includes a user terminal and a plurality of control units, the device includes one control unit among the plurality of control units and the user terminal includes another control unit among the plurality of control units,
system. 18. The method of claim 17,
The device includes the identifier reading unit or the user terminal includes the identifier reading unit,
system. A package for consumables for use with a nonflammable aerosol delivery device,
an electromagnetically queryable data store that stores an identifier, the identifier identifying the package and containing data relating to the number of consumables contained within the package;
package. According to claim 19,
wherein the electromagnetically queryable data store is an RFID tag;
package. A method of controlling a non-flammable aerosol supply device for use with consumables, comprising:
performing reads of an identifier associated with one or more consumables;
recording the number of reads; and
performing an action in response to the number of reads reaching a predetermined value.
system.

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