RU2809626C1 - Hookah system with heating block containing two electrodes - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol-generating products.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions is related to a hookah system, a hookah device, an aerosol-generating product for a hookah system. The hookah system contains an aerosol-generating product (90) and a hookah device (50). The aerosol-generating product (90) contains an aerosol-generating substrate (92). The hookah system further comprises a first electrode (15) and a second electrode (16). The hookah device (50) contains a liquid cavity (54) configured to accommodate a volume of liquid and having an outlet (60) of free space above the liquid level, a product cavity (14) configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate (92) and in fluid communication with the cavity (54) for liquid. The hookah device further comprises a generator circuit (10) configured to connect to the first electrode (15) and the second electrode (16). The generator circuit (10) is configured to supply a radio frequency (RF) alternating voltage to the first electrode (15) and the second electrode (16), wherein the RF voltage between the first electrode (15) and the second electrode (16) creates an alternating radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field between the first electrode (15) and the second electrode (16) for heating the aerosol-generating substrate (92) when the aerosol-generating article (90) is placed in the article cavity (14).

EFFECT: possibility of dielectric heating of the aerosol-generating substrate in the product cavity is provided.

16 cl, 10 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a hookah system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hookah system, a hookah device, and a hookah product for use with a hookah device.

Traditional hookah devices are sometimes referred to in the art as hookahs, hookahs, narghiles, or water pipes. Traditional hookah devices differ from other aerosol-generating devices in that volatile compounds released from the heated substrate in the hookah device are drawn through the liquid bulb before inhalation by the user. Traditional hookah devices may include one outlet or more than one outlet so that the device can be used by more than one user at a time.

Traditional hookah devices are typically used in combination with a hookah substrate, sometimes referred to in the art as hookah tobacco, tobacco molasses, or simply molasses. Traditional hookah substrates have a relatively high sugar content, in some cases up to approximately 50 percent, compared to the approximately 20 percent that may be contained in conventional combustible cigarettes.

Traditional hookah devices also use charcoal to heat or sometimes burn the hookah substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. The use of charcoal to heat the hookah substrate may result in complete or partial combustion of tobacco and other ingredients included in the hookah substrate.

Various types of electric hookah systems have been proposed. Electric hookah systems replace the charcoal-based heat source used in a traditional hookah device with an electrically powered heater. Essentially all of the proposed electric hookah systems heat the aerosol-forming substrate by one or more of the following: conducting heat from a heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate, radiating heat from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate, or drawing heated air through the aerosol-forming substrate. Typically, heating is accomplished by passing an electric current through an electrically resistive heating element, which results in Joule heating of the heating element. Induction heating systems have also been proposed in which Joule heating occurs through the action of eddy currents induced in a current-receiving heating element.

One problem with previously proposed electric hookah devices is that these devices may cause uneven heating of the aerosol-forming substrate. The portion of the aerosol-forming substrate that is closest to the heating element heats up faster or to higher temperatures compared to those portions of the aerosol-forming substrate that are further away from the heating element.

It would be desirable to be able to provide uniform heating to the aerosol-forming substrate in a manner that allows for greater design flexibility as well as the ability to control the heating.

The present invention provides a hookah system. The hookah system may comprise an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-generating substrate. The hookah system may include a first electrode. The hookah system may contain a second electrode. The hookah system may include a hookah device. The hookah device may include a liquid cavity configured to accommodate a volume of liquid and having an outlet opening of a free space above the liquid level. The hookah device may include a product cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming product and in fluid communication with said liquid cavity. The hookah device may include a oscillator circuit configured to connect to a first electrode and a second electrode. The generator circuit may be configured to apply a radio frequency (RF) alternating voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode to heat the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is positioned in the article cavity. The RF voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode enables an alternating radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field to be generated between the first electrode and the second electrode

As used herein, the term “radio frequency (RF) alternating voltage” refers to an alternating voltage that varies at a frequency within the radio frequency (RF) range.

In particular, the present invention provides a hookah system comprising an aerosol generating article and a hookah device. The aerosol-generating article contains an aerosol-forming substrate. The hookah system further comprises a first electrode and a second electrode. The hookah device contains a cavity for liquid, configured to accommodate a volume of liquid and having an outlet hole of free space above the liquid level. The hookah device further comprises a product cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate and in fluid communication with the liquid cavity. The hookah device further includes a generator circuit configured to connect to the first electrode and the second electrode. The oscillator circuit is configured to apply a radio frequency (RF) alternating voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode to heat the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the article cavity.

Such a hookah device is configured to provide dielectric heating of the aerosol-forming substrate in the product cavity when an RF voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode causes an alternating radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field to be generated between the first electrode and the second electrode. Dielectric heating can be uniform throughout the entire volume of the aerosol-forming substrate, without creating hot spots. In particular, dielectric heating reduces the likelihood of combustion of the substrate in contact with the first electrode and the second electrode, compared with a conventional heater in which heat is transferred to the substrate by conduction. The hookah device provides significant design flexibility in terms of the shape, volume and composition of the aerosol-forming substrate and, accordingly, the shape and volume of the product cavity.

The first electrode and the second electrode may have any suitable size, shape and configuration.

In some embodiments, the first electrode and the second electrode are located in or around the product cavity when the aerosol generating article is placed in the product cavity.

In some embodiments, the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to contact an aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the article cavity. Contact between the aerosol-generating article and the first and second electrodes allows for increased dielectric heating efficiency of the aerosol-generating substrate.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may include a wrapper or casing surrounding the aerosol-forming substrate, and the first and second electrodes may contact said wrapper or casing of the aerosol-generating article upon placement of the aerosol-generating article in the product cavity. By providing a wrap or casing around the aerosol-forming substrate, it is possible to eliminate the need to clean the first and second electrodes, as compared to conventional heating element designs in which residues of the aerosol-forming substrate can accumulate on the heating element.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is configured to contact an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article upon placement of the aerosol-generating article in the article cavity. In some preferred embodiments, both of the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to contact the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the article cavity.

In some preferred embodiments, a second electrode is positioned spaced from the first electrode to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate between the first electrode and the second electrode. In particular, the second electrode may be positioned at a distance from the first electrode to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate between the first electrode and the second electrode when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the article cavity. In these embodiments, the first electrode, the second electrode, and the aerosol-forming substrate can be considered to form a capacitor.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second electrodes may be substantially planar. A substantially planar electrode may have a substantially elliptical, circular, square, rectangular, or any other polygonal shape.

In some preferred embodiments, the first electrode is a substantially planar electrode and the second electrode is also a substantially planar electrode. In these embodiments, the second electrode may be positioned substantially parallel to the first electrode. In some preferred embodiments, the second electrode is located opposite the first electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode may be located on opposite sides of the product cavity. The second electrode may be located directly opposite the first electrode. In other words, the second electrode may face the first electrode. The second electrode may be located opposite and facing the first electrode. In some embodiments, the second electrode is located adjacent to or near the first electrode. If the second electrode is located adjacent to or near the first electrode, then the first electrode and the second electrode may be located opposite the third electrode at a distance from it, and the third electrode is electrically connected to ground.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second electrodes may be substantially tubular. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second electrodes may be substantially cylindrical. The electrode may be a substantially cylindrical tubular electrode.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second electrodes may be substantially elongated.

In some preferred embodiments, one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a substantially tubular electrode, and the other of the first electrode and the second electrode is located within the tubular electrode. In other words, the tubular electrode may substantially surround another cylindrical electrode. In some embodiments, the first electrode is a tubular electrode and the second electrode is located within the tubular first electrode. In some embodiments, the second electrode is a tubular electrode and the first electrode is located within the tubular second electrode. The tubular electrode contains an internal passage. An electrode located within the tubular electrode may be located in an internal passage of the tubular electrode. In these preferred embodiments, the first electrode and the second electrode may be arranged substantially coaxially.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is gas permeable to allow air to flow through the electrode. In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode may be made of a gas permeable material. In some embodiments, one or more slits are provided in at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. Said one or more slits may be of any shape, size, number and location to allow sufficient air to flow through the electrode. In some embodiments, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is made of a metal mesh.

The electrode may have any suitable surface area. Suitable electrode surface area can range from about 0.5 square centimeters (cm ² ) to about 100 square centimeters (cm ² ). For example, the surface area of the electrode may range from about 1 square centimeter to about 80 square centimeters (cm ² ). In some preferred embodiments, the electrode may have a surface area of approximately 20 square centimeters (cm ² ) or approximately 25 square centimeters (cm ² ).

The second electrode may be remote from the first electrode to any suitable distance. For example, the second electrode may be spaced from the first electrode by a distance of from about 0.1 millimeter to about 20 millimeters, from about 0.1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters, or from about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the hookah device includes a first electrode and a second electrode. In these embodiments, the first electrode and the second electrode may be located in or around a product cavity in the hookah device. The second electrode may be positioned spaced from the first electrode to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode may be positioned and configured to contact the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is placed in the article cavity. In some of these embodiments, the first electrode and the second electrode are located in substantially fixed positions so that the aerosol generating article can be introduced into a predetermined space between the first electrode and the second electrode. In some of these embodiments, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is movable relative to the other electrode to allow the aerosol-generating article to be introduced into the article cavity and the aerosol-generating article to be removed from the article cavity. In some of these embodiments, one of the first electrode and the second electrode may be configured to penetrate the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is placed in the article cavity.

In some of these embodiments, the electrode may be configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the electrode can be in the form of a pin or a blade. Preferably, the electrode configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate is elongated. In particular, if one of the first electrode and the second electrode is substantially surrounded by the other of the first electrode and the second electrode, then the electrode that is surrounded by the other electrode may be configured to penetrate the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is placed in the article cavity . An electrode configured to penetrate the aerosol-generating article may extend into the article cavity. In some of these embodiments, in which one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a cylindrical tubular electrode, the cylindrical tubular electrode may define a cavity surface for the product. In some of these embodiments, in which the first electrode and the second electrode are planar electrodes, the first electrode and the second electrode may define opposite sides of the product cavity.

In some embodiments, the hookah device includes one of a first electrode and a second electrode, and the aerosol generating article includes another of a first electrode and a second electrode. In these embodiments, the hookah device includes an electrical contact for electrically connecting an electrode of the aerosol generating article to the generator circuit when the aerosol generating article is placed in the article cavity. In these embodiments, the hookah device electrode may be located in or around the product cavity, and the electrical contact of the hookah device may also be located within or around the product cavity.

In these embodiments, the hookah device electrode may be any suitable type of electrode. For example, the electrode may be a flat electrode or a tubular electrode. In these embodiments, the electrode may be an elongated electrode. The electrode may be configured to contact an aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the article cavity. The electrode may be configured to contact an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article upon placement of the aerosol-generating article in the article cavity. The electrode may be configured to penetrate the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the article cavity.

In these embodiments, an electrical contact of the hookah device is configured to contact an electrical contact of an aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the article cavity. In these embodiments, the hookah device electrode is located remote from the electrical contact of the hookah device. The electrical contact of the hookah device may be of any suitable shape and size, and may be located at any suitable location to provide an electrical connection to the electrical contact of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is placed in the product cavity. For example, the electrical contact may be located on the side wall of the product cavity. The electrical contact of the hookah device may be a point contact, a ring contact, or a pin contact.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and the hookah device includes a first electrical contact for contacting the first electrode and a second electrical contact for contacting the second electrode when the aerosol generating article is disposed in the article cavity. The first electrical contact is configured to provide electrical connection to the first electrode of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the article cavity. The second electrical contact is configured to provide electrical connection to the second electrode of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is placed in the article cavity. The first electrical contact may be located at any suitable location to provide electrical connection to the first electrical contact of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is placed in the article cavity. The second electrical contact may be located at any suitable location to provide electrical connection to the second electrical contact of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is placed in the article cavity. For example, one or both of the first and second electrical contacts may be located on a side wall of the product cavity. The first and second electrical contacts of the hookah device may form a point contact, a ring contact, or a pin contact. In some embodiments, the second electrical contact is substantially identical to the first electrical contact. In some embodiments, the second electrical contact is different from the first electrical contact.

The hookah device includes a oscillator circuit that is configured to apply a radio frequency (RF) alternating voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode for heating the aerosol generating substrate when the aerosol generating article is placed in the article cavity.

The oscillator circuit may include a radio frequency (RF) signal generator. The RF signal generator may be any suitable type of generator. In some embodiments, the RF signal generator is a solid-state RF transistor. As an advantage, the solid-state RF transistor may be configured to generate and amplify an electromagnetic RF field. The use of a single transistor to both generate and amplify the electromagnetic RF field makes it possible to create a compact hookah device. The solid-state RF transistor may be, for example, an LDMOS transistor, a gallium arsenide FET, a silicon carbide Schottky gate FET, or a gallium nitride heterostructure FET.

In some embodiments, the oscillator circuit may further comprise a frequency synthesizer located between the RF signal generator on one side and the first electrode and second electrode on the other side.

In some embodiments, the oscillator circuit may further comprise a phase shift circuit located between the RF signal generator on one side and the first electrode and second electrode on the other side. If the oscillator circuit contains a phase shift circuit, then the phase shift circuit splits the RF energy received from the RF signal generator into two separate equal components that are different in phase from each other. Typically, a phase shift circuit supplies one of these components to the first electrode and the other component to the second electrode. The two substantially equal components of RF energy received from the RF signal generator are preferably 90 degrees or 180 degrees out of phase from each other. The two said substantially equal components may be out of phase from each other by any multiple of 90 degrees or 180 degrees. It should be borne in mind that the exact phase relationship between the two said components is not significant, and that instead the two said components are simply out of phase.

In some embodiments, the phase shift circuit is configured to divide RF energy from the RF signal generator into two substantially equal components, one of which is out of phase with the other, and each component is applied to a different electrode of said first electrode and second electrode. In some of these embodiments, the first electrode and the second electrode may be located opposite and facing each other. In some of these embodiments, the first electrode and the second electrode are located side by side at a distance from each other and face an opposing third electrode that is connected to ground. The space between the first and second electrodes and the third electrode may define a cavity for the product.

As used herein, the term “radio frequency (RF)” refers to a frequency between approximately 1 Hertz (Hz) and approximately 300 megahertz (MHz). Accordingly, as used herein, radio frequencies include microwave frequencies. Preferably, the electromagnetic RF field has a frequency of from about 1 Hertz (Hz) to about 300 megahertz (MHz). More preferably, the electromagnetic RF field has a frequency of from about 1 megahertz (MHz) to about 300 megahertz (MHz). In one embodiment, the electromagnetic RF field has a frequency of approximately 4 megahertz (MHz).

As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released as a result of heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate is typically part of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a hookah aerosol-forming substrate.

The hookah aerosol-forming substrate may sometimes be referred to in the art as hookah tobacco, tobacco molasses, or simply molasses. The hookah aerosol-forming substrate may have a relatively high sugar content compared to traditional combustible cigarettes or tobacco-based consumable products that are designed to heat without burning to simulate the sensation of smoking. A more detailed description of the aerosol-forming substrate will now be given.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article containing an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, the aerosol generating article may be a cartridge for a hookah device. The hookah device cartridge contains an aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the hookah device cartridge contains a hookah aerosol-forming substrate. The hookah device cartridge is configured to be placed in the hookah device and operable with the hookah device to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user drawing or puffing on the mouthpiece of the hookah device. The aerosol generating article may be disposable.

As used herein, the term “hookah device” refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The hookah device is separate from the aerosol-forming substrate. The hookah device is configured to be combined with an aerosol-forming substrate to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The hookah device is separate from the aerosol-generating product. The hookah device is configured to be combined with an aerosol-generating product to heat the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating product. Hookah devices differ from other aerosol-generating devices at least in that the volatile compounds released from the heated substrate are drawn through the liquid bulb of the hookah device before being inhaled by the user. Hookah devices may include more than one outlet so that the device can be used by more than one user at a time. The hookah device may include an air flow shaft, such as a vertical tube, to direct volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate into the liquid flask.

As used herein, the term “hookah system” refers to the combination of a hookah device with an aerosol-forming substrate or with an aerosol-generating article that contains an aerosol-forming substrate. In a hookah system, an aerosol-forming substrate or an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate and a hookah device interact to generate an aerosol.

A hookah device differs from other aerosol-generating devices in that the aerosol generated by the hookah device is drawn through a volume of liquid, usually water, before the aerosol is inhaled by the user. More specifically, when a user takes a puff on the hookah device, volatile compounds released from the heated aerosol-forming substrate are drawn through the airflow shaft of the hookah device into the liquid volume. Volatile compounds are drawn from the specified volume of liquid into the free space above the liquid level of the hookah device, where these volatile compounds form an aerosol. The aerosol present in the headspace is then drawn from said headspace through the headspace outlet for inhalation by the user. The volume of liquid, usually water, is intended to lower the temperature of the volatile compounds, and this can result in an increase in the water content of the aerosol formed in the headspace above the liquid level of the hookah device. This process imparts distinctive characteristics to the user's use of the hookah device and also imparts distinctive characteristics to the aerosol generated by the hookah device and inhaled by the user.

In some preferred embodiments, the hookah device includes an air flow shaft for transferring volatile compounds released from the heated aerosol-forming substrate from the product cavity to the liquid cavity. More specifically, the hookah device may include an air flow shaft configured to transfer vaporizable compounds released from the heated aerosol-forming substrate from the product cavity into a liquid volume located in the liquid cavity. Typically, the air flow shaft is configured to carry the aerosol from the product cavity to a location below the liquid fill level in the liquid cavity. The liquid fill level in the liquid cavity is the level to which the liquid cavity must be filled with liquid to allow the device to function optimally. The air flow shaft may have an opening in the fluid cavity located below the fluid fill level of the fluid cavity.

The hookah device contains an outlet of free space above the liquid level. The free space outlet above the liquid level is an outlet through which the aerosol can be drawn out of the liquid cavity. The free space above the liquid level outlet may be located above the liquid filling level of the liquid cavity. The space above the liquid level of the liquid cavity is called free space above the liquid level. The headspace above the liquid level in the liquid cavity is the space in which volatile compounds drawn from the product cavity through the liquid volume in the liquid cavity can condense to form an aerosol that is inhalable by the user. The free space above the liquid level in the liquid cavity is not designed to accommodate any volume of liquid contained in the liquid cavity. Accordingly, the free space above the liquid level may be located above the liquid filling level of the liquid cavity, which is the level to which the liquid cavity must be filled with liquid. The outlet of the free space above the liquid level may be designed in such a way as to allow the aerosol to be drawn in from the liquid cavity. The free space above the liquid level outlet may be in fluid communication with the free space above the liquid level.

The mouthpiece may be fluidly connected to an outlet of the free space above the liquid level. The mouthpiece may be configured to allow the user to puff on it and receive the aerosol generated by the hookah device. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece may be fixed to the outlet of the headspace above the liquid level. In other words, the mouthpiece may be attached to the headspace outlet such that the mouthpiece cannot be removed from the headspace outlet without damaging the mouthpiece and/or the headspace outlet. The mouthpiece can be configured to be detachably connected to the outlet of the free space above the liquid level. In other words, the mouthpiece may be configured to be attached to the outlet opening of the headspace and to be removable from the outlet opening of the headspace. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece may be interchangeable with a removable one-way air valve. Thus, by providing more than one outlet of free space above the liquid level, it is possible to adjust the number of mouthpieces according to the number of users during any given use session without negatively affecting the resistance to draw (RTD) of the device. The mouthpiece may include a hose connected to an outlet of the free space above the liquid level. The hose may be a flexible hose.

The mouthpiece may contain an activating element. The activation element may include a user-activated switch. The mouthpiece may include a puff sensor configured to detect a user taking a puff on the mouthpiece. The activation element may include both a user-activated switch and a tightening sensor. The activating element can be operatively connected to the control circuit of the hookah device. The activating element may be wirelessly coupled to the control circuitry of the hookah device. Actuation of the activation element may cause the heating element to be activated by the control circuitry of the hookah device instead of continuously supplying power to the heating element. Accordingly, the use of an activating element may serve to save energy compared to devices that do not use such elements to provide on-demand heating instead of constant heating.

The hookah device may include a plurality of outlets of free space above the liquid level. For example, a hookah device may contain two, three, four, five or six outlets of free space above the liquid level. By providing more than one outlet with free space above the liquid level, it is possible for more than one user to draw aerosol from the liquid cavity at the same time. In other words, by providing multiple outlets with free space above the liquid level, the hookah device can be used by multiple users at the same time.

The hookah device includes an article cavity configured to receive an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate.

The product cavity may include one or more walls defining the product cavity.

One of said one or more product cavity walls may comprise a first electrode. One of said one or more product cavity walls may comprise a second electrode. In some embodiments, at least a portion of one of the one or more walls may form a first electrode. In some embodiments, at least a portion of one of the one or more walls may form a second electrode. The wall of the product cavity may form a first electrode. The wall of the product cavity may form a second electrode. In some embodiments, the product cavity includes a first wall defining a first electrode and a second wall defining a second electrode. Opposite walls of the product cavity may define a first electrode and a second electrode.

At least a portion of one of the one or more walls may form an electrical contact for contacting an electrode of the aerosol generating article. In some embodiments, the product cavity includes a first wall containing a first electrical contact for contacting a first electrode of an aerosol generating article disposed in the product cavity, and said product cavity includes a second wall containing a second electrical contact for contacting a second electrode of an aerosol generating article. product placed in the product cavity. Opposite walls of the product cavity may include a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact.

It must also be possible to allow air to enter the product cavity. Accordingly, in some embodiments, at least a portion of one of the one or more walls may be made of a gas-permeable material. In some of these embodiments, one or more walls of the product cavity may be made of a gas-permeable material. In some embodiments, one or more slits are provided in said one or more walls to allow air to enter the product cavity. Said one or more slits may be of any suitable shape and size to allow air to enter the product cavity. For example, at least one of the one or more slits may be L-shaped, S-shaped, T-shaped, or I-shaped.

In some embodiments, a portion of one or more walls of the product cavity is made of a gas-permeable material or contains one or more slits, and another portion of one or more walls contains or forms one of the first and second electrodes.

The cavity for the product can have any suitable shape and size. In particular, the article cavity may have a shape and size that is complementary to the shape and size of the aerosol generating article. In other words, the article cavity may have the same shape and size as at least a portion of the aerosol generating article, or a similar shape and size. The product cavity may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating product in a tight fit. In other words, the walls of the product cavity may contact the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the product cavity.

The product cavity may have any suitable cross-section. For example, the product cavity may have a circular, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, or any other polygonal cross-sectional shape.

In some embodiments, the product cavity is substantially cuboidal.

In some embodiments, the product cavity is substantially cylindrical.

In some embodiments, the product cavity is substantially shaped like a truncated cone. In some embodiments, the width or diameter of one end of the product cavity is greater than the width or diameter of the other end of the product cavity. In other words, the product cavity may become narrower from one end to the other. By providing the article cavity with one end that is narrower than the other end, the aerosol-generating article can be held in the article cavity by gravity alone.

The product cavity may include an opening. The article cavity may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article including an aerosol-forming substrate through said opening. The product cavity may include an open end. The article cavity may be configured to receive an aerosol-forming article that contains an aerosol-forming substrate through the open end.

In some embodiments, the product cavity may include a movable cover. The movable lid may be configured to substantially close the open end of the product cavity. When the movable cover is positioned such that it substantially covers the open end of the product cavity, the movable cover provides the ability to substantially prevent the aerosol-forming article from being removed from the product cavity. The movable cover may be rotatable to close the open end of the product cavity. The movable cover may be slidably configured to close the open end of the product cavity. The movable cover may be removably coupled to the open end of the product cavity to essentially close the open end of the product cavity.

In embodiments containing a movable cover, the movable cover may comprise one of a first electrode and a second electrode. The movable cover may include a first electrode. The movable cover may contain a second electrode.

In embodiments containing a movable cover, the movable cover may include an electrical contact for electrically connecting to an electrode of an aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is positioned in the article cavity. The movable cover may include an electrical contact electrically coupled to the generator circuit. The movable cover may include an electrical contact electrically coupled to the generator circuit via a flex circuit.

In some embodiments, the product cavity may include two open ends. For example, the product cavity may include an open first end and an open second end located opposite the first end. As an advantage, by providing the product cavity with two open ends, it is possible to draw air through the product cavity between its open ends.

In some embodiments, the product cavity may include an open end and a closed end. The closed end allows the aerosol generating article to be retained in the article cavity.

In some embodiments, the product cavity is substantially shaped like a truncated cone with a first end that is narrower than a second end. In these embodiments, the first end of the product cavity may be open, and the second end of the product cavity may also be open. This allows air to be drawn through the product cavity from the first end to the second end. In these embodiments, the aerosol generating article, which is configured to be accommodated in the article cavity, may comprise a fluid-permeable first end outer surface and a fluid-permeable second end outer surface. The fluid-permeable first and second end outer surfaces of the aerosol generating article allow air to flow through the article cavity between the first end and the second end when the aerosol generating article is positioned in the article cavity.

The cavity for the product can have any suitable shape and size. The product cavity may have a length of from about 10 millimeters to about 100 millimeters, from about 20 millimeters to about 90 millimeters, or from about 25 millimeters to about 80 millimeters. In some preferred embodiments, the product cavity may have a length of about 33 millimeters, about 34 millimeters, about 35 millimeters, about 36 millimeters, about 37 millimeters, about 38 millimeters, 39 millimeters, about 40 millimeters, about 41 millimeters, or about 42 millimeters. The product cavity may have a width or diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 70 millimeters, from about 10 millimeters to about 60 millimeters, or from about 10 millimeters to about 50 millimeters. In some preferred embodiments, the product cavity may have a width or diameter of about 35 millimeters, about 36 millimeters, about 37 millimeters, about 38 millimeters, 39 millimeters, about 40 millimeters, about 41 millimeters, about 42 millimeters, about 43 millimeters, about 44 millimeters millimeter or approximately 45 millimeters.

As used herein, the term “length” refers to the maximum longitudinal dimension between the base or lower end and the upper end of a hookah device, a hookah device component, an aerosol generating article, or a component of an aerosol generating article. As used herein, the term “width” or “diameter” refers to the maximum lateral dimension of a hookah device, a component of a hookah device, an aerosol-generating article, or a component of an aerosol-generating article. For example, if the aerosol generating article is shaped like a truncated cone, then the width or diameter of the aerosol generating article is the width or diameter of the base of the truncated cone, which is the widest part of the aerosol generating article, at any point along the length of the aerosol generating article. The transverse dimension is a dimension measured in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal direction being the direction in which the longitudinal dimensions are measured. As used herein, the term "cross section" refers to a section taken along a transverse plane.

As used herein, the terms “top” and “bottom” refer to the relative positions of elements or parts of elements of a hookah device, a component of a hookah device, an aerosol generating product, or a component of an aerosol generating product.

The product cavity may be located in the heating block. The heating block may contain a cavity for the product. The heating block may include one or more of the following: a first electrode, a second electrode, and one or more electrical contacts for electrical connection to an electrode of an aerosol generating article housed in the article cavity. The heating block may further comprise one or more control circuits comprising a generator circuit and a power supply. The heating block may further comprise one or more electrical connectors for electrically connecting one or more electrical components, such as a control circuit and a power supply, to the heating block.

The heating block may include a housing having one or more outer walls made of a material impervious to the RF electromagnetic field. Preferably, all outer walls of the heating block are made of a material impervious to the electromagnetic RF field. However, it should be understood that the heating block may include a housing having one or more outer walls made of a material that is transparent to the electromagnetic RF field. In some embodiments, all of the outer walls of the heating block are made of a material that is impermeable to the RF electromagnetic field. The heating block may include an opening to allow the aerosol generating article to be inserted into the article cavity. The heating block may include a movable cover, such as a shield or door, that is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the aerosol generating article can be inserted into the product cavity, and in the closed position, the aerosol generating article can be substantially prevented or difficult to be removed from the article cavity. The movable cover may be movably attached, such as rotatable or slidable, to an outer wall of the heating block casing. The movable cover can be removably attached to the outer wall of the heating block casing.

The hookah device may include an air inlet. The air inlet allows ambient air to be drawn into the hookah device. The hookah device casing may include an air inlet. The air inlet allows ambient air to be drawn into the product cavity. In embodiments in which one or more ends of the product cavity are located on the outer surface of the hookah device, the product cavity may include an air inlet. In those embodiments in which the article cavity includes an open end for receiving an aerosol-generating article, the open end may define an air inlet.

A path for air flow is formed between the air inlet and the outlet of the free space above the liquid level. The air flow path may be through the product cavity. The air flow path may extend from the product cavity to the liquid cavity. The air flow path may extend from the product cavity through the air flow shaft into the liquid cavity at a location below the liquid-fill level of the liquid cavity. The air flow path may extend from a location below the liquid filling level of the liquid cavity, to a free space above the liquid level in the liquid cavity, and further to an outlet of the free space above the liquid level.

The air flow path may comprise one or more labyrinthine sections. Said one or more labyrinth portions may extend past one or more radiation shielding elements. In those embodiments in which the air flow path passes through a product cavity or through a generated electromagnetic RF field, the air flow path may include a labyrinth portion extending past one or more radiation shielding elements to prevent RF radiation from leaking through specified air inlet or air outlet. One or more fluid-permeable radiation shielding elements may be provided in the air flow path. For example, a metal mesh may be provided in the air flow path.

In some embodiments, the product cavity is configured such that the air flow path through the product cavity is aligned with the air flow shaft. In some embodiments, the product cavity is configured such that the path for air flow through the product cavity is aligned substantially perpendicular to one or both of the first electrode and the second electrode. In some embodiments, the product cavity is configured such that the path for air flow through the product cavity is substantially parallel to one or both of the first electrode and the second electrode.

It is possible to use a feedback control circuit. The hookah device may comprise a sensor located in the product cavity or adjacent to it and outputting a signal characterizing the temperature in the product cavity, and a controller connected to receive a signal from the sensor and to control a generator circuit depending on the signal from the sensor.

The sensor may include a temperature sensor that directly measures temperature. The sensor may include a sampling antenna or a plurality of sampling antennas configured to detect an electromagnetic field disturbance in the product cavity that is indicative of a temperature in the product cavity. The dielectric properties of the aerosol-forming substrate vary with temperature. The frequency and/or amplitude of the electromagnetic field may be adjusted by a controller based on a signal from a sensor to control heating provided by the device.

The sensor can detect both overheating and underheating. The frequency and amplitude of the electromagnetic field can be adjusted appropriately depending on whether overheating or underheating is detected. The control circuitry of the hookah device may be configured to adjust the frequency and/or amplitude of the electromagnetic field based on whether overheating or underheating is detected by the sensor.

The sensor can detect problems. If a problem is detected, the hookah device can be automatically turned off. In addition, the presence of improper materials in the product cavity can be detected. If improper material is detected in the product cavity, the hookah device can be automatically turned off. Likewise, if the sensor signal indicates that there is no aerosol-forming substrate in the product cavity, the device may be automatically turned off. To automatically turn off the hookah device, the control circuit of the hookah device may be configured to interrupt the power supply to the generator circuit.

It may be desirable to maintain the temperature within the product cavity within a predetermined temperature range. It may be desirable to maintain the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate below the temperature at which combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate occurs.

Due to the ability to regulate the degree of heating produced by the hookah device based on a feedback signal, the possibility of using different aerosol-forming substrates is also provided. It may be desirable to heat different aerosol-forming substrates to different temperatures. Accordingly, by providing a mechanism for temperature control, it is possible to achieve optimal conditions for different aerosol-forming substrates or different designs of aerosol-forming article.

The hookah device may include a puff detector configured to detect when a user takes a puff on the hookah device. As used herein, the term "puff" refers to the user's drawing on the hookah device to receive an aerosol. The puff detector may include a temperature sensor. The puff detector may include a pressure sensor. The puff detector may contain both a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor.

The hookah device may include a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to control the supply of power to the generator circuit. The control circuitry may comprise one or more of the following: a microprocessor, a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, and an application specific integrated chip (ASIC) or other electronic circuit capable of providing control. The control circuit may contain additional electronic components. For example, in some embodiments, the control circuit may include one or more of the following: sensors, switches, and display elements. The control circuit may include an RF power sensor. The control circuit may include a power amplifier.

In some embodiments, the hookah device is configured to connect to an external power source. For example, a hookah device can be configured to be connected to an electrical power source.

In some embodiments, the hookah device includes a power source. The power source may be a DC power supply. The power source may comprise a battery or other type of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power source may include a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. In some embodiments, the power supply is a rechargeable power supply. The hookah device may be configured to connect to an external power source to recharge the rechargeable power source.

The control circuit may be configured to regulate the power supplied to the generator circuit from the power supply.

The power supply can supply power ranging from about 0.5 watts to about 50 watts. In some embodiments, the power supply may supply power ranging from about 1 Watt to about 40 Watts, or from about 2 Watts to about 30 Watts.

The hookah device may contain a flask. The liquid cavity may be an internal volume of said flask. The flask may be configured to contain liquid. The flask can form a cavity for liquid. The flask may contain an outlet of free space above the liquid level. The flask can set the liquid filling level. For example, the flask may contain a liquid fill level marker. The liquid fill level marker is an indicator provided on the bulb to indicate the required level to which the liquid cavity should be filled with liquid. The free space outlet above the liquid level may be located above the liquid filling level. The free space outlet above the liquid level may be located above the liquid level marker. The flask may contain an optically transparent part. The optically transparent part allows the user to observe the contents contained in the flask. The flask can be made of any suitable material. For example, the flask may be made of glass or a hard plastic material. In some embodiments, the flask is designed to be detachable from the rest of the hookah assembly. In some embodiments, the flask is configured to be detachable from the aerosol generating portion of the hookah assembly. Advantageously, the removable flask allows the user to fill the liquid cavity with liquid, remove liquid from the liquid cavity, and clean the flask.

The user can fill the flask to the liquid level. Preferably, the liquid contains water. The liquid may comprise water with the addition of one or more coloring or flavoring agents. For example, plant and/or herbal infusions can be added to the water.

The flask can have any suitable shape and size. The fluid cavity may have any suitable shape and size. The free space above the liquid level can be of any suitable shape and size.

Typically, the hookah device of the present invention is designed to be placed on a flat surface rather than to be worn by the user. Thus, the hookah device of the present invention may have a specific operating orientation or a series of orientations with which the device must be oriented during use. Accordingly, as used herein, the terms “above” and “below” refer to the relative positions of the elements of the hookah device or hookah system when the hookah device or hookah system is held in an operating orientation.

In some embodiments, the product cavity is located above the liquid cavity. In these embodiments, the air flow shaft may extend from the product cavity to a location below the liquid-fill level of the liquid cavity. As an advantage, this allows the volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate to be delivered into the product cavity, and from the product cavity into the liquid volume in the liquid cavity, rather than into the free space above the liquid level above the liquid cavity. In these embodiments, the air flow shaft may extend from the aerosol cavity into the liquid cavity, through a free space above the liquid level in the liquid cavity above the liquid fill level, and further into the liquid volume below the liquid fill level. The air flow shaft may extend into the fluid cavity through the top side or upper end of the fluid cavity.

In some embodiments, the product cavity is located below the liquid cavity. In these embodiments, a one-way valve may be located between the product cavity and the liquid cavity. The one-way valve provides the ability to prevent liquid from flowing from the liquid cavity into the product cavity under the influence of gravity. In these embodiments, a one-way valve may be provided in an air flow shaft extending from the product cavity to the liquid cavity. In these embodiments, the air flow shaft may extend into the fluid cavity to a location below the fluid fill level. The air flow shaft may extend into the fluid cavity through a lower end of the fluid cavity.

The present invention also provides a hookah device.

In some embodiments, the hookah device includes a liquid cavity, a product cavity, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a oscillator circuit. The cavity for liquid is configured to accommodate a volume of liquid and contains an outlet hole of free space above the liquid level. The product cavity is configured to receive an aerosol-generating product and is in fluid communication with the liquid cavity. A first electrode and a second electrode are located in or around the product cavity, the second electrode being spaced from the first electrode to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating product between the first electrode and the second electrode when the aerosol-generating product is disposed in the product cavity. The generator circuit is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode and is configured to apply a radio frequency (RF) alternating voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode to heat the aerosol generating substrate when the aerosol generating article is placed in said cavity between the first electrode and the second electrode.

In some embodiments, the hookah device includes a liquid cavity, a product cavity, a first electrode, an electrical contact, and a generator circuit. The cavity for liquid is configured to accommodate a volume of liquid and contains an outlet hole of free space above the liquid level. The product cavity is configured to receive an aerosol-generating product and is in fluid communication with the liquid cavity. The first electrode may be located in or around the product cavity. An electrical contact may be located in the product cavity for electrical connection with the second electrode when the aerosol generating product containing the second electrode is placed in the product cavity. The generator circuit is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode and is configured to apply a radio frequency (RF) alternating voltage to the first electrode and the electrical contact. When an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate and a second electrode is placed in the article cavity, an alternating RF voltage applied to an electrical contact is applied to the second electrode and the aerosol-forming substrate is heated between the first electrode and the second electrode.

In some embodiments, the hookah device includes a liquid cavity, a product cavity, a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact, and a oscillator circuit. The cavity for liquid is configured to accommodate a volume of liquid and contains an outlet hole of free space above the liquid level. The product cavity is configured to receive an aerosol-generating product and is in fluid communication with the liquid cavity. The first electrical contact may be located in or around the product cavity and is configured to be electrically coupled to a first electrode of the aerosol generating article located in the product cavity. A second electrical contact may be located within or around the product cavity for electrical communication with a second electrode of the aerosol generating article housed in the product cavity. The oscillator circuit is connected to the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact and is configured to apply a radio frequency (RF) alternating voltage to the first electrode and the electrical contact. When placing an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-generating substrate, a first electrode, and a second electrode in the article cavity, an alternating RF voltage supplied to the first electrical contact is applied to the first electrode, an alternating RF voltage applied to the second electrical contact is applied onto the second electrode, and the aerosol-forming substrate is heated between the first electrode and the second electrode.

The present invention also provides an aerosol generating article for use with the hookah device described above.

The aerosol generating article may be any suitable type of aerosol generating article for use with a hookah device. An aerosol generating article that is specifically configured for use with a hookah device may be referred to as a hookah device cartridge.

The aerosol generating article may have any suitable shape and size. In particular, the aerosol generating article may have a shape and size that is complementary to the shape and size of the cavity for the hookah device article.

The aerosol generating article may have any suitable cross-section. For example, the aerosol generating article may have a circular, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, or any other polygonal cross-sectional shape.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article is substantially cylindrical.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article is substantially cuboidal.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article is substantially shaped like a truncated cone. In some embodiments, the width or diameter of the first end of the aerosol generating article is greater than the width or diameter of the second end of the aerosol generating article opposite the first end. In other words, the aerosol generating article may taper from a first end to a second end. By providing the aerosol-generating article with a second end narrower than the first end, it is possible to retain the aerosol-generating article in a complementary cavity to the article under the influence of gravity.

The aerosol generating article may have a length of from about 10 millimeters to about 100 millimeters, from about 20 millimeters to about 90 millimeters, or from about 25 millimeters to about 80 millimeters. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating article may have a length of about 33 millimeters, about 34 millimeters, about 35 millimeters, about 36 millimeters, about 37 millimeters, about 38 millimeters, 39 millimeters, about 40 millimeters, about 41 millimeters, or about 42 millimeters. The aerosol generating article may have a width or diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 70 millimeters, from about 10 millimeters to about 60 millimeters, or from about 10 millimeters to about 50 millimeters. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating article may have a width or diameter of about 35 millimeters, about 36 millimeters, about 37 millimeters, about 38 millimeters, 39 millimeters, about 40 millimeters, about 41 millimeters, about 42 millimeters, about 43 millimeters, about 44 millimeter or approximately 45 millimeters.

The aerosol generating article may comprise one or both of a first electrode and a second electrode. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article comprises one of a first electrode and a second electrode. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article includes a first electrode and a second electrode.

The electrode may form at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article. The electrode may form an outer surface of the aerosol generating article. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the electrode may contact the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the electrode may be embedded in the aerosol-forming substrate. In other words, at least the electrode portion may be substantially surrounded by an aerosol-forming substrate. If at least the electrode portion is embedded in the aerosol-generating substrate, the electrode portion is not surrounded by the aerosol-forming substrate so that the electrode is allowed to contact the electrical contact of the hookah device when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the article cavity.

If the aerosol generating article includes both of a first electrode and a second electrode on an outer surface of the aerosol generating article, then an electrically insulating element may be disposed on the outer surface of the aerosol generating article between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrical insulating element allows the first electrode and the second electrode to not come into electrical contact. In some of these embodiments, at least a portion of the first electrode may contact the aerosol-forming substrate. In some of these embodiments, at least a portion of the second electrode may contact the aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein, the term "electrically conductive" means: made of a material having a resistivity of 1×10 ^-4 ohms per meter or less. As used herein, the term "electrically insulating" means: made of a material having a resistivity of 1 x 10 ⁴ ohms per meter or more.

The aerosol-generating article contains an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be enclosed in a wrapper or container. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may be coated.

The wrapper may form a cavity for the substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be located in a substrate cavity within the wrapper.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the wrapper may contain electrically conductive material. In some embodiments, the entire wrapper may contain electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material may form one of the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrically conductive material may be formed from both the first electrode and the second electrode. If the wrapper includes a first portion made of electrically conductive material and defining the first electrode, and a second portion made of electrically conductive material and forming the second electrode, then the wrapper may also include a portion made of electrically insulating material located between the first portion and the second portion.

At least a portion of the wrapper may be made of a gas-permeable material to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating substrate and volatile components to escape from the aerosol-generating article. One or more slits may be provided in the wrapper to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating substrate and volatile compounds to escape from the aerosol-generating article.

In some embodiments, the portion of the wrapper made of electrically conductive material is gas permeable. In these embodiments, the electrically conductive portion of the wrapper may be made of metal mesh. In some embodiments, the portion of the wrapper made of electrically insulating material may be gas permeable.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be contained in a container. The container can form a cavity for the substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be located in a substrate cavity within the container.

In some embodiments, the container may contain electrically conductive material. In some embodiments, the container may contain electrically insulating material.

In some embodiments, the container may include one or more walls. At least one wall of the container may contain electrically conductive material. At least one wall of the container may contain electrically insulating material. Two opposing walls of the container may contain electrically conductive material. All walls of the container may contain electrically conductive material. If two opposing walls of the container contain electrically conductive material, then one or more walls of the container extending between said two opposing walls may contain electrically insulating material.

At least a portion of the container may be permeable to fluid. The fluid-permeable portion of the container allows volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate to escape from the aerosol-generating article.

The wall of the container containing the electrically insulating material may be permeable to fluid. The wall of the container containing the electrically conductive material may be permeable to fluid. For example, the fluid-permeable electrically conductive material may be a metal mesh. Accordingly, at least part of the container may be made of metal mesh. In some embodiments, the container may be made of metal mesh. In some embodiments, one or more slits are provided in the container to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating substrate and volatile compounds to exit the aerosol-generating article.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate is coated. As used herein, the term “coating” refers to a layer of material that covers and adheres to the aerosol-forming substrate. The coating may be applied to cover the surface of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate and have adhesion thereto, application by any suitable means known in the art, including, but not limited to, spraying, vapor deposition, dipping, transfer material (such as brushing or bonding), electrostatic deposition, or any combination of the above.

In some embodiments, the coating may comprise an electrically conductive material. In some embodiments, the coating may comprise electrically insulating material.

One or more areas of the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate may be exposed. In other words, one or more areas of the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate may not contain any coating. This allows volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate to escape from the aerosol-generating article.

In some embodiments, the coating may comprise a fluid-permeable material.

In some embodiments, one or more regions of the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate may be coated with a first coating, and one or more regions of the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate may be coated with a second coating.

One of the first coating and the second coating may contain electrically conductive material. One of the first coating and the second coating may contain electrically insulating material. One of the first coating and the second coating may contain an electrically conductive material, and the other of the first coating and the second coating may contain an electrically insulating material. Both of the first coating and the second coating may contain electrically conductive material such that the first coating forms the first electrode and the second coating forms the second electrode.

One of the first coating and the second coating may comprise a fluid permeable material. Both of the first coating and the second coating may contain a fluid permeable material. In some preferred embodiments, one of the first coating and the second coating contains an electrically conductive material, and the other of the first coating and the second coating contains a fluid-permeable electrically insulating material.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the wrapper or container containing the aerosol-forming substrate is coated. The coating may contain electrically conductive material.

The aerosol-forming substrate can be any suitable substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds when heated.

In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is present in the form of a suspension. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain molasses. As used herein, the term “molasses” refers to an aerosol-forming substrate composition containing a suspension having at least about 20 percent by weight sugar. For example, molasses may contain at least about 25 percent by weight sugar, such as at least about 35 percent by weight sugar. Typically, molasses will contain less than about 60 percent by weight sugar, such as less than about 50 percent by weight sugar.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a hookah substrate. As used herein, the term “hookah substrate” refers to an aerosol-forming substrate composition containing at least about 20 percent by weight sugar. Hookah substrate may contain molasses. The hookah substrate may contain a slurry having at least about 20 percent by weight sugar.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid or contain both solid and liquid components.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine salt matrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains tobacco. The tobacco-containing material preferably contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate when heated. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. Homogenized tobacco material can be obtained by agglomerating tobacco into particles. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-based material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain, for example, one or more of the following: powder, granules, beads, pieces, thin tubes, strips or sheets. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more of the following: grass leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco. The tobacco may be fire-cured tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least one aerosol-forming substance. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include compounds or mixtures of compounds that, when used, promote the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and that are substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the hookah device. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; polyhydric alcohol esters such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Particularly preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and, most preferably, glycerol. The aerosol generating agent may be propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain any suitable amount of an aerosol-forming substance. For example, the aerosol-forming agent content of the substrate may be 5 percent or greater than 5 percent on a dry weight basis, preferably greater than 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming agent content may be less than about 95 percent on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the aerosol-forming agent content is up to about 55 percent on a dry weight basis.

The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains nicotine and at least one aerosol-forming agent. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent is glycerol or a mixture of glycerin and one or more other suitable aerosol forming agents such as those listed above. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating agent is propylene glycol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients, such as flavoring agents. In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate contains one or more sugars in any suitable amount. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate contains invert sugar. Invert sugar is a mixture of glucose and fructose produced by splitting sucrose. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate contains from about 1 percent to about 40 percent by weight of sugar, such as invert sugar. In one example, one or more sugars may be mixed with a suitable carrier such as corn starch or maltodextrin.

In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate contains one or more substances to improve organoleptic properties. Suitable substances for improving organoleptic properties include flavoring agents and sensory agents such as cooling agents. Suitable flavors include natural or synthetic menthol, peppermint, spearmint, coffee, tea, spices (such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, or combinations thereof), cocoa, vanilla, fruit flavors, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, eugenol, agave , juniper, anethole, linalool and any combination thereof.

Any suitable amount of an aerosol-forming substrate, such as molasses or tobacco substrate, may be provided in the aerosol-generating article. In some preferred embodiments, from about 3 g to about 25 g of aerosol-forming substrate is provided in the aerosol generating article. The cartridge may contain at least 6 grams, at least 7 grams, at least 8 grams, or at least 9 grams of aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may contain up to 15 grams, up to 12 grams, up to 11 grams, or up to 10 grams of aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, from about 7 grams to about 13 grams of aerosol-forming substrate is provided in the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The term “thermostable” is used herein to mean a material that does not substantially decompose at temperatures to which the substrate is typically heated (eg, from about 150°C to about 300°C). The carrier may comprise a thin layer on which the substrate is applied on a first major surface and/or on a second major outer surface. The carrier may be made, for example, of paper or paper-like material, non-woven carbon fiber mat, lightweight open cell metal mesh, or perforated metal foil, or any other heat-stable polymer matrix. Alternatively, the carrier may be in the form of a powder, granules, beads, pieces, thin tubes, strips or sheets. The carrier may be a non-woven fabric or a bundle of fibers into which tobacco components are included. The nonwoven web or bundle of fibers may contain, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulose fibers or cellulose derivative fibers.

In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco, sugar, and an aerosol-forming agent. In these embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain from 10 percent to 40 percent by weight tobacco. In these embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain from 20 percent to 50 percent by weight sugar. In these embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain from 25 percent to 55 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming agent. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate contains from 20 percent to 30 percent by weight tobacco, from 30 percent to 40 percent by weight sugar, and from 35 percent to 45 percent by weight aerosol-forming agent. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise about 25 weight percent tobacco, about 35 weight percent sugar, and about 40 weight percent aerosol-forming agent. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise from about 15 percent to about 30 percent by weight tobacco, from about 15 percent to about 30 percent by weight sugar, and from about 45 percent to about 55 percent by weight aerosol-forming agent. In these preferred embodiments, the tobacco may be a fire-cured tobacco sheet. In these preferred embodiments, the sugar may be sucrose or invert sugar. In these preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating agent may be propylene glycol.

It should be noted that the features described with respect to a hookah device or aerosol generating article can be applied to a hookah system according to the present invention.

It should also be understood that individual combinations of the various features described above may be independently implemented, provided and used.

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

in Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a dielectric heating system;

in Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a feedback control system for a hookah system having a dielectric heating system according to embodiments of the present invention;

in Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a hookah system having a dielectric heating system;

in Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a hookah device heating unit and an aerosol generating article configured for use with the hookah device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

in Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of heating blocks in various embodiments of a hookah device according to embodiments of the present invention;

in Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of a hookah device heating unit and an aerosol generating article configured for use with the hookah device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

in Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of a hookah device heating unit and an aerosol generating article configured for use with a hookah device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

in Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of a hookah device heating unit and an aerosol generating article configured for use with the hookah device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

in Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of a hookah device heating unit and an aerosol generating article configured for use with the hookah device according to an embodiment of the present invention; And

in Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a hookah system having the heating block of FIG. 9.

In FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for heating using radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation; This type of heating is sometimes called dielectric heating. The system includes an oscillator circuit 10 containing a radio frequency (RF) signal generator 11 and a phase shift circuit 12 . The system further includes a first electrode 15 connected to the first output of the phase shift circuit 12, and a second electrode 16 connected to the second output of the phase shift circuit 12. The second electrode 16 is located at a distance from the first electrode 15 to form a product cavity 14 between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 16. The product cavity 14 is configured to receive an aerosol-generating product 18. The aerosol-generating product 18 to be heated is placed in the product cavity 14 and is exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 16. The polar molecules within the aerosol generating article 18 are aligned with the oscillating electromagnetic field, and thus they are mixed by the electromagnetic field as it oscillates. This causes the temperature of the aerosol-generating article 18 to increase. This type of heating has the advantage that it is uniform throughout the entire aerosol-generating article 18 (assuming the polar molecules are evenly distributed). It also has the advantage of reducing the likelihood of combustion of the substrate in contact with the first electrode and the second electrode, compared with a conventional heating element that transfers heat to the substrate by conduction.

In FIG. 2 illustrates a control circuit that may be used in any of the embodiments described with reference to FIG. 3-10. As described previously, the system includes a control circuit for the oscillator circuit. In the example of FIG. 2, the oscillator circuit 10 includes an RF signal generator 10 and a phase shift circuit 12 for splitting the signal from the RF signal generator 10 into two equal components 180 degrees out of phase with each other.

The first output of the generator circuit 10 extends to the first electrode 15. The second output 16 of the generator circuit 10 extends to the second electrode 16. The first electrode 15 and the second electrode 16 are located on opposite sides of the product cavity 14 at a distance from each other, so that the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 16 are not in electrical contact, thereby allowing the aerosol generating article 18 to be located in the space between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 16. The aerosol generating article 18 is located in the article cavity 14 in the space between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 16 .

More specifically, the phase shift circuit 12 includes a transformer having a primary winding 21, a first secondary winding 22, and a second secondary winding 23. The primary winding 21 is connected at one end to the output of the RF signal generator 11 and at the other end to ground. One end of the first secondary winding 22 is connected to the first electrode 15, and one end of the second secondary winding 23 is connected to the second electrode 16. The other ends of the first secondary winding 22 and the second secondary winding 23 are connected together, and the center tap is between the first secondary winding 22 and the second secondary winding 23 is connected to ground. When power is applied to the generator circuit 10, at any given time, the voltages at the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 16 will be substantially equal in magnitude but of opposite polarity (ie, they will be 180 degrees out of phase with each other).

The control circuit includes a microcontroller 26 that can regulate both the frequency and the output power of the RF signal generator 11. One or more sensors provide input signals to the microcontroller 26. The microcontroller 26 adjusts the frequency and/or output power of the RF signal generator 11 based on the input signals from the sensors. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a temperature sensor 28 is shown, configured to measure the temperature inside the product cavity 14. A sampling antenna 30 may be provided in the product cavity 14 as an alternative to or in addition to the temperature sensor 28. The sampling antenna 30 is configured as a receiver and can detect an electromagnetic field disturbance in the article cavity 14, which is an indicator of the energy absorption efficiency of the aerosol-forming substrate 20. An RF power sensor 32 is also provided for determining the output power of the RF signal generator 11.

Microcontroller 26 receives signals from RF power sensor 32, temperature sensor 28, and sampling antenna 30. These signals can be used to determine at least one of the following: whether the temperature is too low, whether the temperature is too high, whether there is a malfunction, and whether there is a lack of substrate, or the use of a substrate with improper dielectric properties, in the product cavity 14.

Based on the determination result obtained by the microcontroller 26, the frequency and power of the electromagnetic field generated by the solid-state RF transistor is adjusted or the electromagnetic field is turned off. Typically, the requirement is to provide a stable and stable volume of aerosol, which means maintaining the aerosol-forming substrate within a certain temperature range. However, the required target temperature may change over time as the composition of the aerosol-forming substrate and the temperature of the surrounding system changes. In addition, the dielectric properties of the aerosol-forming substrate vary with temperature, which may require adjusting the electromagnetic field as the temperature increases or decreases.

It should be understood that features described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments. The described embodiments provide the benefits of uniform, non-contact heating of the aerosol-forming substrate in a controlled manner to provide the specific desired properties of the aerosol.

In the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 3-10, the basic heating and control principles shown in FIG. 1 and 2.

In FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a hookah system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The hookah device 50 includes a flask 52 defining a cavity 54 for liquid. The flask 52 is configured to hold a volume of liquid in the liquid cavity 54 and is made of a solid optically transparent material such as glass. In this embodiment, the bulb 52 is substantially shaped like a truncated cone and, when in use, rests its wide end on a flat horizontal surface such as a table or shelf. The liquid cavity 54 is divided into two sections: a liquid section 56 for receiving a volume of liquid, and a free space 58 above the liquid level above the liquid section 56. The liquid fill level 60 is located at the boundary between the liquid section 56 and the free space 58 above the liquid level, with the liquid fill level 60 indicated on the flask 52 by a dotted line marked on the outer surface of the flask 52. On the side wall of the flask 52 above the liquid fill level 60 is provided outlet 62 free space above the liquid level. The headspace outlet 62 allows fluid to be drawn from the headspace 58 into the fluid cavity 54. A mouthpiece 64 is connected to the headspace outlet 62 via a flexible hose 66. The user may puff the mouthpiece 64 to draw fluid from the headspace 58 for inhalation.

The hookah device 50 further includes a heating block 70 containing a oscillator circuit according to the present invention. Examples of different heating blocks will be discussed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. The heating block 70 is located above the bulb 52 by means of an air flow shaft 72. In this embodiment, the heating block 70 is supported above the bulb 52 by an air flow shaft 72, however, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the heating block 70 may be supported above the bulb 52 by a hookah device casing or other suitable support. The air flow shaft 72 extends from the heating block 70 into the liquid cavity 54 of the flask 52. The air flow shaft 72 extends through the free space 58 above the liquid level and into the liquid section 56 to a location below the liquid fill level 60. The air flow shaft 72 includes an outlet 74 in the fluid section 56 of the fluid cavity 54 below the fluid fill level 60. This arrangement allows air to be drawn from the heating block 70 to the mouthpiece 64. Air may be drawn from the environment outside the device 50 into the heating block 70, through the heating block 70 and the air flow shaft 72 into the fluid volume in the fluid section 56 of the cavity 54 for liquid, then pass from the liquid volume into the free space 58 above the liquid level, then exit from the free space 58 above the liquid level through the free space outlet 62 and enter through the hose 66 into the mouthpiece 64.

In use, the user may puff on the mouthpiece 64 of the hookah device 50 to receive aerosol from the hookah device 50. More specifically, an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-generating substrate may be located in an article cavity within a heating block 70 of the hookah device 50. Heating block 70 may be actuated to heat the aerosol-forming substrate within the aerosol-generating article and release volatile compounds from the heated aerosol-forming substrate. When a user takes a puff on the mouthpiece 64 of the hookah device 50, the pressure within the hookah device 50 is reduced, causing volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate to be drawn from the heating block 70 into the air flow shaft 72. The volatile compounds flow from the air shaft 72 through the outlet 74 into the liquid volume located in the liquid section 56 of the liquid cavity 54. Volatile compounds are cooled in the liquid volume and released into the free space 58 above the liquid filling level 60. Volatile compounds in the headspace 58 condense to form an aerosol, which is drawn from the headspace through the headspace outlet 62 into the mouthpiece 64 for inhalation by the user.

In FIG. 4 shows schematic views of the heating block 70 of the hookah device 50 shown in FIG. 3, in combination with an aerosol generating article 90, which form a hookah system according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4a shows the heating block 70 and the aerosol generating article 90 before the aerosol generating article 90 is inserted into the article cavity 14 in the heating block 70. FIG. 4b shows an aerosol generating article 90 housed in an article cavity 14 in the heating block 70.

As shown in FIG. 4a, the heating block 70 includes an outer casing 71. The outer casing 71 defines a cylindrical tube that is open at one end to receive the aerosol generating article 90 and substantially closed at the opposite end. In this embodiment, the outer casing 71 is made of a material, such as aluminum, that is impervious to electromagnetic RF radiation. However, it should be understood that housing 71 need not be made of a material that is impervious to electromagnetic RF radiation, and in some embodiments, it may be made of a material that is substantially transparent to electromagnetic RF radiation, such as a ceramic material. or plastic material.

A movable cover 75 is installed over the open end of the outer casing 71 of the heating block 70 to substantially close the open end. In this position, the outer casing 71 and the cover 75 form a cavity of the heating block. The cover 75 includes an outer casing similar to the outer casing 71 of the heating block, made of the same RF electromagnetic field impervious material, and sized and shaped to align with and cooperate with the outer casing 71 to cover said open end. The cover 75 is pivotally connected to the outer casing 71 by a hinge and is rotatable between the open position shown in FIG. 4a, and the closed position shown in FIG. 4b. When the cover 75 is in the open position, the open end of the outer casing 71 is open to insert the aerosol generating article 90 into the cavity of the heating block and to remove the aerosol generating article 90 from the cavity of the heating block. When the cover 75 is in the closed position, the heating block cavity is surrounded by material impervious to the RF electromagnetic field, thereby preventing the RF electromagnetic field from propagating beyond the heating block cavity.

The side wall of the outer casing 71 includes an air inlet (shown in FIG. 4b) to allow ambient air to enter the cavity of the heating block.

The heating block 70 is located above the bulb 52 of the hookah device 50 on the air flow shaft 72. The air flow shaft 72 extends within the cavity of the heating block and is rigidly attached to the substantially closed end of the outer casing 71 of the heating block 70. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the heating block 70 may be removably attached to the air flow shaft 72 due to which allows the heating block 70 to be removed for cleaning or replacement if necessary. At the substantially closed end of the outer casing 71, an opening 73 is provided for fluid connection of the resonator cavity 80 to the air flow shaft 72.

Within the cavity of the heating block, a product cavity 14 is formed for receiving the aerosol-generating product 90. The product cavity 14 is formed by a first electrode 15, a second electrode 16 opposite the first electrode 15, and a side wall 76 extending between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 16. The product cavity 14 is configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article 90 and has a shape and size complementary to the shape and size of the aerosol generating article 90. The first electrode 15 and the second electrode 16 are substantially identical planar electrodes of a substantially circular shape. The first electrode 15 is attached to the inner surface of the cover 75 such that the first electrode 15 moves with the cover 75, and the second electrode 16 and the side wall 76 are supported in the cavity of the heating block by the air flow shaft 72. The second electrode 16 defines the base of the product cavity 14, the side wall 76 defines the side wall of the product cavity 14, and the first electrode 15 forms the top wall of the product cavity 14 when the lid 75 is in the closed position. The side wall 76 is made of an electrically insulating material, in this embodiment a ceramic material such as polyetheretherketone. Accordingly, the side wall 76 ensures that the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 16 do not come into electrical contact with each other.

The side wall 76 of the product cavity 14 is gas permeable and has slots formed therein to allow air to flow through the product cavity 14 from one side to the other, as shown in FIG. 4b. Accordingly, the heating block 70 is configured to allow air to be drawn into the heating block cavity through the air inlet, pass through slits in the side wall 76 of the product cavity 14 and through the product cavity 14, and exit the heating block cavity into the shaft 72 for air flow through hole 73.

The heating block 70 further includes a generator circuit 10. The generator circuit 10 is connected to a power supply (not shown) and a control circuit (not shown) of the hookah device, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the generator circuit 10. In this embodiment, In embodiments, the power source is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and the hookah device 50 includes a power connector that allows the hookah device 50 to be connected to an electrical power source to recharge the power supply. By equipping the hookah device 50 with a power source, such as a battery, the hookah device 50 can be made portable and can be used outdoors or in places where electrical power is not available.

The first electrode 15 is electrically connected to the generator circuit 10 using a flexible circuit. The second electrode 16 is also electrically connected to the generator circuit 10.

The aerosol-generating article 90 includes an aerosol-forming substrate 92. In this embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate 92 is a hookah substrate containing molasses and tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate 92 is enclosed within a wrapper 94 made of a gas-permeable electrical insulating material such as tipping paper. The aerosol generating article 90 has a substantially cylindrical shape similar to a hockey puck and complementary to the shape of the cavity 14 for the hookah device article 50.

As shown in FIG. 4b, when the aerosol generating article 90 is placed in the product cavity 14 in the heating block 70, the circular base of the aerosol generating article 90 contacts the second electrode 16 of the product cavity 14, and the sides of the aerosol generating article 90 contact the side wall 76 of the product cavity 14 . When the cover 75 is in the closed position, the round top side of the aerosol generating article 90 contacts the first electrode 15 of the article cavity 14. In this arrangement, the first electrode 15, the second electrode 16, and the aerosol-generating article 90 form a capacitor, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate 92 forms the dielectric material between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 16.

When a user takes a puff on the mouthpiece 64 of the hookah device 50, air is drawn into the hookah device 50 through the air inlet in the outer casing 71. The path for air flow through the aerosol generating article 92 and the heating block 70 is shown by arrows in FIG. 4b. Air is drawn into the heating block cavity through the air inlet in the outer casing 71 and is supplied from the heating block cavity to the aerosol generating article 90 through the side wall 76 of the article cavity 14. Air is drawn through the aerosol-forming substrate 92 back into the heating block cavity through the opposite portion of the side wall 76 of the product cavity 14 and exits the heating block cavity into the air flow shaft 72 through an opening 73 in the outer casing 71 of the heating block 70.

In use, power is supplied to the oscillator circuit 10 from a power source when the user activates the hookah device 50. In this embodiment, the hookah device is activated by the user by pressing an activation button (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the heating block 70. It should be understood that in others In embodiments, the hookah device may be activated in another manner, such as upon detection of a user taking a puff on the mouthpiece 64 via a puff sensor provided on the mouthpiece 64. When power is applied to the oscillator circuit 10, the oscillator circuit generates two substantially equal out-of-phase electromagnetic RF signals. signal with a frequency from 1 Hz to 300 MHz. One of these signals is supplied to the first electrode 15, and the other signal is supplied to the second electrode 16.

The electromagnetic RF signals applied to the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 16 create an alternating electromagnetic RF field in the product cavity 14, which results in dielectric heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 90, releasing volatile compounds. As described above, it is possible to control the temperature in the product cavity 14 using a feedback control mechanism. The temperature inside the product cavity 14 or another parameter indicative of the temperature inside the substrate cavity may be measured to provide a feedback signal to the control circuit of the hookah device 50. The control circuit is configured to adjust the frequency and/or amplitude of the electromagnetic RF field to maintain the temperature inside the cavity 14 for the product within the required temperature range.

When a user takes a puff on the mouthpiece 64 of the hookah device 50, volatile compounds released from the heated aerosol-forming substrate 92 are entrained into the air flow through the aerosol generating article 90, drawn out of the aerosol generating article 90 through the heating block 70, and into the air flow shaft 72. through opening 73. From airflow shaft 72, volatile compounds are drawn through hookah device 50 into and out of mouthpiece 66 as described above.

In FIG. 5 shows a heating block 70 and an aerosol generating article 90 for a hookah device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The heating block 70 shown in FIG. 5 is substantially similar to the heating block 70 shown in FIG. 4, and like reference numerals are used to designate like elements. In FIG. 5a shows the heating block 70 and the aerosol generating article 90 before the aerosol generating article 90 is inserted into the article cavity 14 in the heating block 70. FIG. 5b shows an aerosol generating article 90 housed in an article cavity 14 in the heating block 70.

The heating block 70 shown in FIG. 5 is different from the heating block 70 shown in FIG. 4 in that the heating block 70 shown in FIG. 5 does not include a first electrode 15 and a second electrode 16. Instead, in this embodiment, the aerosol generating article 90 includes a first electrode 15 and a second electrode 16, and the heating block 70 includes a first electrical contact 82 and a second electrical contact 84.

The first electrical contact 82 is attached to the inner surface of the housing 75 at a location similar to the location of the first electrical contact 15 in the embodiment of FIG. 4. The second electrical contact 84 is attached to a base 78 supported in the outer casing 71 at a location similar to the location of the second electrode 16 in the embodiment of FIG. 4. In these embodiments, the product cavity is formed only by the base 78 and does not include a side wall. The first electrical contact 82 and the second electrical contact 84 are substantially identical and comprise round metal sheets with a diameter significantly smaller than the diameter of the aerosol generating article 90. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are electrically coupled to the generator circuit 10.

In this embodiment, the aerosol generating article 90 has a cylindrical shape substantially similar to the shape of the aerosol generating article 90 in FIG. 4. However, in this embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate 92 is not wrapped in a wrapper and is instead contained within a container. The round bottom and top walls of the container are made of electrically conductive material, usually metal. The circular top wall defines the first electrode 15, and the circular bottom wall defines the second electrode 16. The side wall 98 extends between the periphery of the bottom wall and the periphery of the top wall and is made of an electrically insulating material such as a plastic material, which ensures that the bottom and top walls do not came into contact with an electrical contact. The side wall 98 is provided with a plurality of slits to allow air to flow into and out of the aerosol generating article 90.

As shown in FIG. 5b, when the aerosol generating article 90 is placed in the article cavity 14 and the cover 75 is rotated to the closed position, the first electrical contact 82 contacts the first electrode 15 and electrically connects the first electrode 15 to the generator circuit 10, and the second electrical contact 82 contacts the second electrode 15 and electrically connects the second electrode 15 to the generator circuit 10.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4b, in use, ambient air is drawn into the heating block 70 through the air inlet and enters the aerosol generating article 90 through slits in the side wall 98. Air is drawn out of the aerosol generating article 90 through the slits in the side wall 98 and enters the flow shaft 72 air, where the air passes into the flask of the hookah device.

In FIG. 6 shows a hookah heating unit 70 and an aerosol generating article 90 that form a hookah system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The heating unit 70 and the aerosol generating article 90 shown in FIG. 6 are substantially similar to the heating assembly 70 and aerosol generating article 90 shown in FIG. 4, and like reference numerals are used to designate like elements. In FIG. 6a shows the heating block 70 and the aerosol generating article 90 before the aerosol generating article 90 is inserted into the article cavity 14 in the heating block 70. FIG. 6b shows an aerosol generating article 90 housed in an article cavity 14 in the heating block 70.

The heating block 70 shown in FIG. 6 is different from the heating block 70 shown in FIG. 4 in that the first electrode 15 is an elongate cylindrical electrode and the second electrode 16 is an elongate tubular electrode that surrounds the first electrode 15.

The product cavity 14 is formed between the first electrode 15, the second electrode 16 and the base 78 and is an elongated annular cavity that is open at one end and substantially closed at the opposite end. The base 78 is made of an electrically insulating material, such as polyetheretherketone, and includes a plurality of slits to allow air to flow out of the product cavity 14. The base 78 is supported over the flared end of the air flow shaft 72 so that air flowing out of the product cavity 14 flows into the air flow shaft 72, as shown in FIG. 5b. In some embodiments, the flared end of the air flow shaft 72 is an integral part of the air flow shaft 72, however, in this embodiment, the flared end of the air flow shaft 72 is an integral part of the heating block 70 and is removable from the air shaft 72. air flow together with heating block 70.

The heating block 70 shown in FIG. 6 is also different from the heating block 70 shown in FIG. 4 in that the outer casing 71 does not include a cover, and instead the product cavity 14 includes a cover 80 that is hinged on the second electrode 16. The cover 80 is movable between the open position shown in FIG. 6a to allow the aerosol generating article to be inserted into the article cavity 14, and the closed position shown in FIG. 6b, for closing the open end of the product cavity 14. The cover 80 is similar to the base 78 in that it is made of an electrically insulating material, such as polyetheretherketone, and contains a plurality of slots to allow air to enter the product cavity 14 when the cover 80 is in the closed position. The cover 80 further includes an electrical contact 82 centrally located on the cover for contacting the first electrode 15 when the cover 80 is in the closed position to provide electrical connection of the first electrode 15 to the generator circuit 10. The electrical contact 82 is electrically connected to the generator circuit through a flexible scheme. The outer surface of the second electrode 16 is also electrically connected to the generator circuit 10.

In this embodiment, the aerosol generating article 90 has an elongated tubular shape that is complementary to the shape of the article cavity 14. Specifically, the aerosol-generating substrate 92 includes an internal passage 97 that is complementary in size and shape to the first electrode 15. When the aerosol-generating article 90 is placed in the product cavity 14, the inner surface of the inner passage 97 of the aerosol-generating article 90 contacts the outer surface of the first electrode. 15, and the outer surface of the aerosol generating article 90 is in contact with the inner surface of the second electrode 16.

In FIG. 7 shows a hookah heating unit 70 and an aerosol generating article 90 that form a hookah system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The heating unit 70 and the aerosol generating article 90 shown in FIG. 7 are substantially similar to the heating assembly 70 and aerosol generating article 90 shown in FIG. 6, and like reference numerals are used to designate like elements. In FIG. 7a shows the heating block 70 and the aerosol generating article 90 before the aerosol generating article 90 is inserted into the article cavity 14 in the heating block 70. FIG. 7b shows an aerosol generating article 90 housed in an article cavity 14 in the heating block 70.

The heating block 70 shown in FIG. 7 is different from the heating element 70 shown in FIG. 6 in that the heating block 70 shown in FIG. 7 does not include a second electrode 16, and instead includes a tubular sidewall 76 made of an electrically insulating material, such as polyetheretherketone, with an electrical contact 84 located on the inner surface of the side wall 76. The electrical contact 84 is a substantially point contact, electrically connected to the generator circuit 10.

The heating block 70 shown in FIG. 7 is different from the heating block 70 shown in FIG. 6 in that the heating block 70 shown in FIG. 7, Does not contain cover.

The aerosol generating article 90 shown in FIG. 7 is different from the aerosol generating article 90 shown in FIG. 6 in that the aerosol generating article 90 shown in FIG. 7 includes a second electrode 16 in the form of an electrically conductive wrap surrounding a cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol-generating substrate 92. In addition, the aerosol-generating article 90 of FIG. 7 does not contain an internal passage. Thus, the first electrode 15 is configured to penetrate the aerosol-generating substrate 92 when the aerosol-generating article 90 is placed in the article cavity 14.

When the aerosol generating article 90 is placed in the article cavity 14, the second electrode 16 contacts an electrical contact 84 on the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall 76 and electrically connects the second electrode 16 to the generator circuit 10.

In FIG. 8 shows a hookah heating unit 70 and an aerosol generating article 90 that form a hookah system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The heating unit 70 and the aerosol generating article 90 shown in FIG. 8 are substantially similar to the heating assembly 70 and aerosol generating article 90 shown in FIG. 7, and like reference numerals are used to denote like features. In FIG. 8a shows the heating block 70 and the aerosol generating article 90 before the aerosol generating article 90 is inserted into the article cavity 14 in the heating block 70. FIG. 8b shows an aerosol generating article 90 housed in an article cavity 14 in the heating block 70.

The heating block 70 shown in FIG. 8 is different from the heating block 70 shown in FIG. 7 in that the heating block 70 shown in FIG. 8 does not include a first electrode 15 or a second electrode 16, and instead includes a first electrical contact 82 and a second electrical contact 84. The first electrical contact 82 is centrally located on the base 78 and is substantially similar to the electrical contact 82 on the cover 80 in the embodiment implementation according to FIG. 6. The second electrical contact 84 is a ring contact surrounding the inner surface of the side wall 76.

The aerosol generating article 90 shown in FIG. 8 is different from the aerosol generating article 90 shown in FIG. 7 in that the aerosol generating article 90 of FIG. 7 includes a first electrode 15 and a second electrode 16. The first electrode 15 is an elongated cylindrical electrode extending centrally through the aerosol-forming substrate 92. The second electrode 16 is an electrically conductive wrap surrounding the cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 92.

When the aerosol-generating article 90 is placed in the product cavity 14, the end of the first electrode 15 of the aerosol-generating article 90 contacts the first electrical contact 82 on the base 78 of the product cavity 14, electrically connecting the first electrode 15 to the generator circuit 10 and the second aerosol-generating electrode 16 the product contacts a second electrical contact 84 on the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall 76, electrically connecting the second electrode 16 to the generator circuit 10.

In FIG. 9 and 10 show a hookah system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This hookah system is similar to the hookah system shown in FIG. 3, and like reference numerals are used to designate like elements.

The hookah device 50 includes a flask 52 defining a liquid cavity 54 that is divided into two sections, namely a liquid section 56 containing a volume of liquid, and a free space 58 above the liquid level above the liquid section. In this embodiment, flask 52 is substantially cylindrical. The liquid filling level 60 is defined by the boundary between the liquid filling section 56 and the free space 58 above the liquid level and is indicated by a dotted line 60 on the outer surface of the flask 52. In the side wall of the flask 62 above the liquid filling level, a free space outlet 52 is provided, configured with the ability to draw fluid from the fluid cavity in the free space 58 above the fluid level. A mouthpiece 64 is connected to the outlet 62 of the free space above the liquid level via a flexible hose 66.

The flask 52 is located on the heating unit 70, which in this embodiment is a cylindrical block with a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the flask 52. Accordingly, when the flask 52 and the heating block 70 are placed together for use, the hookah device 50 forms a substantially cylindrical block.

The heating block 70 is removably attached to the flask 52 via a screw thread (not shown) and is shown separately from the flask 52 in FIG. 9. Heating unit 70 is substantially similar to the heating unit shown in FIG. 6, and like reference numerals are used to designate like elements.

The heating block 70 includes an outer casing 71 made of a material impervious to electromagnetic RF radiation. The outer casing 71 defines a cylindrical tube that is substantially closed at one end and open at the other end.

Inside the outer casing 71, a product cavity 14 is formed between the tubular first electrode 15 and the cylindrical second electrode 16. The first tubular electrode 15 is a sheet electrode bent to form a cylindrical shape that defines a cylindrical inner passage. A cylindrical second electrode 16 extends within the internal passage of the first electrode 15 and is aligned coaxially with the first electrode 15 such that the product cavity 14 is substantially annular. The diameter of the inner passage of the first electrode 15 is substantially the same as the diameter of the aerosol generating article 90, so that the inner surface of the first electrode 15 contacts the outer surface of the aerosol generating article 90 when the aerosol generating article 90 is placed in the article cavity 14. The second electrode 16 is configured to penetrate the aerosol generating article 90 when the aerosol generating article 90 is placed in the article cavity 14. By penetrating the aerosol-generating article 90, the second electrode 16 contacts the aerosol-forming substrate 92 of the aerosol-generating article 90 when the aerosol-generating article 90 is placed in the article cavity 14.

The product cavity 14 is open at the same end as the open end of the outer casing 71 to allow the aerosol generating article 90 to be inserted into and removed from the product cavity 14 at that end. The opposite end of the product cavity 14 is substantially closed to properly accommodate the aerosol generating article 90 in the product cavity 14.

An air inlet 85 is provided in the outer casing 71, and an air passage is provided between the air inlet 85 and the substantially closed end of the product cavity 14. The substantially closed end of the product cavity 14 contains a plurality of slits that allow air to be drawn into the product cavity 14 from the air flow channel 86.

In the heating block 70, a generator circuit 10 is provided under the product cavity 14 and the air flow channel 86. The first electrode 15 and the second electrode 16 are electrically connected to the generator circuit 10 so that the generator circuit can supply an oscillating voltage to each of the first electrode 15 and second electrode 16. The outer surface of the first electrode 15 is electrically coupled to the generator circuit 10. The proximal end of the second electrode 16, extending beyond the substantially closed end of the product cavity 14 and through the air flow passage 86, is electrically coupled to the generator circuit 10.

The oscillator circuit 10 is coupled to a control circuit (not shown) and a lithium ion battery (not shown), which are located and configured to control the supply of power to the oscillator circuit 10 to control the alternating RF voltage generated by the oscillator circuit 10.

As shown in FIG. 10, an air flow shaft 72 extends from the bulb 52 into the product cavity 14 and fluidly connects the product cavity 14 to the liquid section 56 of the bulb 52. The air flow shaft 72 extends to a location in the liquid section 56 below level 60 filling with liquid. To prevent fluid from flowing from the liquid section 56 into the product cavity 14 through the gravity air flow shaft 72, a one-way valve (not shown) is located in the air flow shaft 72 at an opening 73 between the heating assembly 70 and the bulb 52. The one-way valve prevents fluid from flowing from flask 52 into heating block 70, and a minimum pressure must be reached before fluid can flow from heating block 70 into flask 52. The end of air flow shaft 72 into heating block 70 expands outward. for contacting the periphery of the open end of the product cavity 14. The flared end of the air flow shaft 72 may be made of an elastomeric material such as silicon such that the flared end of the air flow shaft 72 forms an airtight seal with the periphery of the open end of the product cavity 14.

In use, when the user takes a puff on the mouthpiece 64, ambient air is drawn into the hookah device 50 through the air inlet 85 and the air flow passage 86 and enters the product cavity 14. A puff sensor (not shown) provided in the product cavity 14 and connected to the control circuit and the battery detects the user taking a puff on the mouthpiece 64 when air flows into the product cavity 14. If the puff sensor detects that the user is puffing on the mouthpiece 64, the control circuit supplies power from the battery to the oscillator circuit 10, resulting in the application of a first alternating RF voltage to the first electrode 15 and the application of a second alternating RF voltage 180 out of phase. degrees relative to the first alternating RF voltage to the second electrode 16, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating article 90 in the article cavity 14. Volatile compounds are released from the heated aerosol-forming substrate. Air drawn into the product cavity 14 captures the released volatile compounds, after which the captured volatile compounds are drawn through the air flow shaft 72 and enter the liquid section 56 of the flask 52 through a one-way valve. Volatile compounds are cooled in the liquid volume in the liquid section 56 and are released from the liquid into the free space 58 above the liquid level, where they condense to form an aerosol. The aerosol is drawn from the headspace 58 through the headspace outlet 62 and through hose 66 into the mouthpiece 64 for inhalation by the user.

It should be understood that the embodiments described above are merely illustrative embodiments, and that various other embodiments of the present invention are also intended. For example, it should be understood that the heating block embodiments described above may be used with any suitable hookah device design, such as the devices shown in FIG. 3 and 10. For example, it should also be understood that the flasks, aerosol-forming articles, and other elements of the hookah systems of the present invention may have any other shapes and sizes as desired. For example, the liquid within the liquid sections of hookah devices is preferably water, but may be any other suitable liquid.

Claims (16)

1. A hookah system comprising an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-generating substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode, and a hookah device comprising a fluid cavity configured to accommodate a volume of liquid and having an outlet of a free space above the level of the liquid, the article cavity, configured to receive an aerosol-forming article and in fluid communication with said fluid cavity, and a generator circuit configured to connect to a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the generator circuit is configured to apply a radio frequency (RF) alternating voltage to the first electrode and a second electrode, wherein an RF voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode creates an alternating radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field between the first electrode and the second electrode to heat the aerosol generating substrate while placing the aerosol generating article in said article cavity. 2. The hookah system of claim 1, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to contact the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the article cavity. 3. Hookah system according to paragraphs. 1 or 2, wherein the second electrode is positioned spaced from the first electrode to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate between the first electrode and the second electrode. 4. Hookah system according to paragraphs. 1, 2 or 3, wherein the hookah device includes a first electrode and a second electrode located in or around the product cavity. 5. Hookah system according to paragraphs. 1, 2 or 3, wherein: the aerosol generating article comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein at least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate is located between the first electrode and the second electrode; the hookah device includes a first electrical contact for electrically connecting the first electrode to the generator circuit; and the hookah device includes a second electrical contact for electrically connecting the second electrode to the generator circuit. 6. Hookah system according to paragraphs. 1, 2 or 3, wherein: the hookah device comprises one of a first electrode and a second electrode; the aerosol generating article comprises another of a first electrode and a second electrode; and the hookah device further comprises an electrical contact for electrically connecting said other of the first electrode and the second electrode to the generator circuit. 7. Hookah system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, wherein one or more slits are provided in at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. 8. Hookah system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are substantially planar, the second electrode being located substantially parallel to the first electrode. 9. Hookah system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, wherein the first electrode is a tubular electrode and the second electrode is located inside the tubular first electrode. 10. A hookah device comprising a liquid cavity configured to accommodate a volume of liquid and having an outlet of a free space above the liquid level, a product cavity designed to receive an aerosol-generating product and in fluid communication with said liquid cavity, a first electrode and a second electrode located in or around said product cavity, and a generator circuit coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode and configured to apply a radio frequency (RF) alternating voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, the RF voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode creates an alternating radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field between the first electrode and the second electrode to heat the aerosol generating substrate while placing the aerosol generating article in the cavity between the first electrode and the second electrode. 11. A hookah device comprising a liquid cavity configured to accommodate a volume of liquid and having an outlet of free space above the liquid level, a product cavity designed to receive an aerosol-generating product and in fluid communication with said liquid cavity, a first electrode, located in or around the product cavity, an electrical contact located in or around the product cavity for electrical connection to the second electrode when placed in the product cavity of the aerosol generating article containing the second electrode, and a generator circuit coupled to the first electrode and the electrical contact and configured to apply radio frequency (RF) alternating voltage to said first electrode and electrical contact. 12. A hookah device comprising a liquid cavity configured to accommodate a volume of liquid and having an outlet of free space above the liquid level, a product cavity designed to receive an aerosol-generating product and in fluid communication with said liquid cavity, a first electrical contact , located in or around the product cavity and configured to be electrically connected to a first electrode located in the product cavity, a second electrical contact located in or around the product cavity and configured to be electrically connected to a second electrode located in the cavity for the product, and a generator circuit coupled to the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact and configured to apply a radio frequency (RF) alternating voltage to the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. 13. An aerosol-generating article for an electrically heated hookah system, comprising a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode to define a substrate cavity, and an aerosol-generating substrate disposed in said substrate cavity. 14. The aerosol generating article of claim 13, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are substantially planar and the second electrode is located substantially parallel to the first electrode. 15. The aerosol generating article according to claim 13, wherein the first electrode is a tubular electrode and the second electrode is located inside the first electrode. 16. An aerosol-generating product according to any one of paragraphs. 13-15, in which one or more slits are provided in at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode.

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