RU2810880C2 - Age authentication and verification for aerosol supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to electronic aerosol delivery devices. A system for control of charging of an aerosol delivery device based on age verification contains an age verification system made with the possibility of user’s age verification. The aerosol delivery device contains a battery, and it is made with the possibility of supply of aerosol to the user. A charging accessory is made with the possibility of provision of charging of the battery of the aerosol delivery device, when the charging accessory is unlocked, and non-provision of charging of the battery of the aerosol delivery device, when the charging accessory is locked. The charging accessory is unlocked in response to user authentication, using the age verification system. The charging accessory for the aerosol delivery device contains a power supply interface made with the possibility of reception of power from a power supply source and connection to the aerosol delivery device for supply of power to the aerosol delivery device. An authentication circuit is made with the possibility of reception of user’s age verification. Power is not primarily supplied to the aerosol delivery device without primary age verification with proof of age. Power is not sequentially supplied to the aerosol delivery device without authentication containing user’s personality verification without the requirement for proof of age. A method for operation of a charging accessory with a device with an age limit is claimed.

EFFECT: prevention of battery charging in case of the absence of authentication containing user’s personality verification.

24 cl, 23 dwg

Description

[0001] The application claims priority to U.S. Application Serial Number 16/415460, filed May 17, 2019, entitled "AUTHENTICATION AND AGE VERIFICATION FOR AN AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICE", which claims priority to provisional application number 62/828222 in United States, filed April 2, 2019, entitled "AUTHENTICATION AND AGE VERIFICATION FOR AN AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICE", the entire description of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an accessory such as a charger for an Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems ("ENDS") device, including aerosol delivery devices such as smoking articles that produce an aerosol. The charging accessory provides a user authentication function that includes age verification.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0003] Many devices have been proposed over the years as improvements or alternatives to smoking products that require combustion of tobacco for use. Some exemplary alternatives include devices that burn solid or liquid fuel to transfer heat to the tobacco or that use a chemical reaction to provide such a heat source. Additional examples of alternatives use electrical energy to heat tobacco and/or other aerosol-generating substrate materials, such as those described in US Pat. No. 9,078,473 to Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Typically, a device that uses electrical energy to heat tobacco or other substances may be referred to as an electronic nicotine delivery system ("ENDS") device.

[0004] Many of these devices have purportedly been designed to provide the sensations associated with smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, but without delivering the significant amounts of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products that result from burning tobacco. To this end, numerous alternative smoking products, flavor generators and medicinal inhalers have been proposed that use electrical energy to vaporize or heat volatile material or attempt to evoke the sensation of smoking a cigarette, cigar or pipe without significantly burning the tobacco. See, for example, various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heat sources set forth in the prior art described in US Patent No. 8881737 to Collett et al., US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0255702 to Griffith Jr et al., US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0000638 to Sebastian et al., US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0096781 to Sears et al., US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0096782 to Ampolini et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0059780 to Davis et al., and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/222615 to Watson et al., filed July 28, 2016, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. See also, for example, the various implementations of products and heating configurations described in the “Background of the Art” sections of US Pat. Nos. 5,388,594 to Counts et al. and 8,079,371 to Robinson et al., which are incorporated by reference.

[0005] The smoking products described above may be subject to certain restrictions, including age restrictions. In some countries, the use of products is restricted depending on the age of the user. An improved age verification process is needed to confirm compliance with restrictions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present disclosure relates to an accessory such as a charger for an electronic nicotine delivery system ("ENDS") device, which may include aerosol delivery devices such as smoking articles that produce an aerosol. ENDS or aerosol delivery devices require some form of electricity to operate and may include a battery to store the charge. A charging accessory may be used to provide operating power or battery charging for these devices. The charging accessory also provides an authentication function that includes age verification. Such devices may be restricted based on age or other factors that require some form of authentication, verification and/or identification to satisfy the restriction. In one example, an accessory may provide or connect to an age verification system to verify the age of a user. The accessory can be used with any age-restricted device. Although applicable to any ENDS device, the examples described below may focus on aerosol delivery devices configured to generate an aerosol, which may be referred to as e-cigarettes, non-heating cigarettes (or devices), or non-heating devices. without burning. The present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following exemplary implementations.

[0007] In one implementation, the system includes an age verification system configured to verify the age of a user. The system further includes an aerosol delivery device with a battery that supplies the aerosol to the user. The charging accessory is configured to charge the battery of the aerosol delivery device when the charging accessory is unlocked. The charging accessory is unlocked when the user is authenticated using the age verification system. In one implementation, the user is authenticated using a charging accessory communicating with an age verification system. In one implementation, the charging accessory further includes authentication circuitry configured to communicate with an age verification system. In one implementation, the charging accessory connects the power source to the aerosol delivery device to charge the battery. In one implementation, the system includes a host device coupled to a charging accessory, and the host device communicates with an age verification system over a network. In addition, the host device can be a power source. In one implementation, the system includes a network through which the age verification system is connected to a host device.

[0008] In one implementation, a charging accessory for an aerosol delivery device includes a power interface that is configured to receive power from a power source and coupled to the aerosol delivery device to supply power to the aerosol delivery device. The charging accessory may include an authentication circuit that is configured to receive verification of a user's age such that power is not supplied to the aerosol delivery device without age verification.

[0009] In one implementation, the authentication circuit includes a switch configured to connect current for power through a power interface between the power source and the aerosol delivery device after age verification. The switch does not supply current for power through the power interface when age verification is not performed.

[0010] In one implementation, age verification includes authentication, which involves communicating with an age verification system over a network. In one implementation, authentication is required for each power cycle and refers to verifying the user's age. In one implementation, the initial age verification operation is performed using an identity document such that the authentication that occurs for each power cycle verifies that the user is the user from the initial age verification operation.

[0011] In one implementation, age verification includes an initial age verification for a user and includes subsequent authentications of that user. In one implementation, the initial age verification includes an association of the user with an age such that subsequent authentications include requests to authenticate the association with the user. In one implementation, the initial age verification occurs around the time of purchase, and subsequent authentications occur during use. In one implementation, the charging accessory includes a biometric sensor for subsequent authentication, and the biometric sensor includes facial recognition or fingerprint analysis. In one implementation, facial recognition or fingerprint analysis for subsequent authentications is compared with data stored when initially verifying the user's age.

[0012] In one implementation, the charging accessory includes a charging cable or charging case.

[0013] In one implementation, the power supply comprises a host device. In one implementation, a host device is configured to communicate with an age verification system over a network regarding age verification. In one implementation, age verification is transmitted from the age verification system to the host device via electrical or data pulses.

[0014] In one implementation, the aerosol delivery device includes a battery for heating a liquid to form an aerosol, and power is supplied from the charging accessory to the aerosol delivery device to charge the battery.

[0015] One implementation is a method of operating a charging accessory with an age-restricted device. The method includes obtaining confirmation of the user's age. When age verification is confirmed, the current is connected to the age-restricted device. When age verification is not authenticated, current is prevented from flowing to the age-restricted device when the charging accessory is connected to the age-restricted device. In one implementation, the method includes communicating over a network with an age verification system to obtain confirmation of the user's age. Age verification may include information about whether the user has a verified age.

[0016] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, whether such features or elements are combined explicitly or otherwise set forth in the specific embodiment described herein. This disclosure is intended to be read as a whole, so that any individual features or elements of the disclosure in any of its aspects and embodiments are to be considered combinable unless the context of the disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

[0017] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that this summary is provided merely for the purpose of summarizing some exemplary implementations in order to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the exemplary implementations described above are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. Other exemplary implementations, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example the principles of certain exemplary implementations described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Having thus described aspects of the disclosure in the foregoing general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device comprising a cartridge and a control element that are coupled to each other, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a partially cut away view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1, in which the cartridge and the control element are separated from each other in accordance with the example implementation;

[0021] FIG. 3 and 4 illustrate a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device comprising a control element and an aerosol source element that are respectively connected to and separated from each other, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] In FIG. 5 and 6 respectively show a front view and a sectional view of the aerosol delivery device shown in FIG. 3 and 4, according to an exemplary implementation;

[0023] FIG. 7 and 8 illustrate, respectively, a side view and a partial sectional view of an aerosol delivery device including a cartridge coupled to a control element, according to exemplary implementations;

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery device according to various exemplary implementations of the present disclosure; And

[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a circuit diagram of a signal conditioning circuit according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 11a and fig. 11b illustrate exemplary system diagrams, where FIG. 11a illustrates a portion of the power flow, and FIG. 11b - verification fragment.

[0027] In FIG. Figure 12 shows an example of charging accessories.

[0028] In FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a charging accessory.

[0029] In FIG. 14 is an embodiment showing the connection of a charging accessory to a device and an age verification system.

[0030] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of an age verification system connected over a network.

[0031] In FIG. 16 shows an alternative embodiment of an age verification system connected to a host over a network.

[0032] In FIG. Figure 17a shows verification examples from the age verification system.

[0033] In FIG. 17b shows examples of authentication from an age verification system.

[0034] In FIG. Figure 18 shows an example of data exchange between the charging accessory and the device.

[0035] In FIG. Figure 19 shows the connection between the charging accessory and the device.

[0036] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an age verification process.

[0037] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative embodiment of the age verification process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] The present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to exemplary implementations thereof. These exemplary implementations are described so that this disclosure is exhaustive and complete and fully conveys the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein; rather, these implementations are provided in order for this disclosure to satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification and the accompanying claims, the singular forms include plural entities unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, while reference may be made herein to quantitative measures, values, geometric relationships, and the like, unless otherwise indicated, any one or more, if not all, of these may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptable variations , which may occur, for example, due to technical tolerances, etc.

[0039] As described below, the present disclosure relates to an accessory, such as a charger, that connects to an electronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS”) device, which may include aerosol delivery devices. ENDS is one example of such a device, which may be subject to a limitation such as age. Other examples include devices for the delivery of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), herbal, medicinal and/or other active ingredients. Thus, it will be appreciated that although an ENDS device, such as an aerosol delivery device, is used as an example of the application of various embodiments throughout, it is intended that this example is not limiting so that the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be used with devices other than ENDS devices that include aerosol delivery devices that may be used to deliver other medicinal and/or active ingredients to the user.

[0040] ENDS or aerosol delivery devices require some form of electricity to operate and may include a battery to store the charge. The charging accessory can provide charging for operation or for charging a battery. In addition, the accessory may provide functionality for authentication, which may be based on age verification, since such devices may be restricted based on age or other factors that require some form of authentication, verification and/or identification. The accessory may provide or connect to an age verification system to verify the age of the user. This may apply to any age-restricted device or substance, including nicotine, cigarettes, alcohol, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), CBD oil, cannabis/marijuana, botanicals, drugs and/or other restricted products according to the age. In fig. 1-10 show examples of an age-restricted device, but the charging accessory may be applicable to devices other than an aerosol delivery device. Likewise, while age is one example of a limitation that is verified by a charging accessory, there may be other types of limitations for a device that is verified by a charging accessory. Examples of chargers or charging accessories that can be used in combination with various embodiments are further described in US Patent Publication No. 2019/0089180 to Rajesh Sur; publication of US patent No. 2015/0224268 in the name of Henry et al.; US patent No. 10206431 in the name of Sur et al.; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0041] Aerosol delivery devices are one example of devices that may be limited and require verification from the charging accessory. Aerosol delivery devices are further described with reference to FIGS. 1-10. They may be configured to form an aerosol (respirable) from an aerosol precursor composition (sometimes called a respirable carrier). The aerosol precursor composition may include one or more of a solid tobacco material, a semi-solid tobacco material, or a liquid aerosol precursor composition. In some embodiments, aerosol delivery devices may be configured to heat and generate an aerosol from a liquid aerosol precursor composition (eg, a liquid aerosol precursor composition). Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol precursor composition may contain one or more of the substances mentioned above, including, but not limited to, botanicals, medicinal substances, alcohol, glycerin, and may include nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), or other active ingredients. Such aerosol delivery devices may include so-called electronic cigarettes. In other implementations, aerosol delivery devices may include non-combustion heating devices. In other implementations, aerosol delivery devices may include heat-free and combustion-free devices.

[0042] A liquid aerosol precursor composition, also referred to as a vapor precursor composition or “e-liquid,” is particularly useful for electronic cigarettes and non-heating, non-combustion devices. The liquid aerosol precursor composition may contain a variety of components, including, for example, polyhydric alcohol (eg, glycerin, propylene glycol, or a mixture thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract, and/or flavorings. In some examples, the aerosol precursor composition contains glycerin and nicotine. In other examples, the composition may additionally or alternatively include alcohol, other botanicals, other medicinal substances, or may include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) or other active ingredients or some combination thereof.

[0043] Certain liquid aerosol precursor compositions that can be used in combination with various implementations may include one or more acids, such as levulinic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, benzoic acid, fumaric acid, combinations thereof, and things like that. Incorporation of an acid(s) into liquid aerosol precursor compositions, including nicotine, can provide a protonated liquid aerosol precursor composition including nicotine in salt form. Typical types of liquid aerosol precursor components and compositions are set forth and characterized in US Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al.; US patent No. 9254002 in the name of Chong et al.; and US Patent Application Publications No. 2013/0008457 to Zheng et al., 2015/0020823 to Lipowicz et al., and 2015/0020830 to Koller; as well as the publication of PCT patent application No. WO 2014/182736 to Bowen et al.; and US Pat. No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other aerosol precursors that may be used include aerosol precursors that have been included in any of a number of exemplary products noted above. Also desirable are so-called "smoke juices" for e-cigarettes, which are supplied by Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC. Another example of aerosol precursor compositions is sold under the brand names BLACK NOTE, COSMIC FOG, THE MILKMAN E-LIQUID, FIVE PAWNS, THE VAPOR CHEF, VAPE WILD, BOOSTED, STEAM FACTORY, MECH SAUCE, CASEY JONES MAINLINE RESERVE, MIT, DR CRIMMY'S V -LIQUID, SMILEY E LIQUID, BEANTOWN VAPOR, CUTTWOOD, CYCLOPS VAPOR, SICBOY, GOOD LIFE VAPOR, TELEOS, PINUP VAPORS, SPACE JAM, MT BAKER VAPOR and JIMMY THE JUICE MAN. Implementations of effervescent materials can be used with an aerosol precursor and are described by way of example in US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0055494 to Hunt et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the use of effervescent materials is described, for example, in US patent No. 4639368 to Niazi et al.; US patent No. 5178878 in the name of Wehling et al.; US patent No. 5223264 in the name of Wehling et al.; US patent No. 6974590 in the name of Pather et al.; US patent No. 7381667 in the name of Bergquist et al.; US patent No. 8424541 in the name of Crawford et al.; US patent No. 8627828 in the name of Strickland et al.; and US Patent No. 9307787 to Sun et al.; as well as US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0018539 to Brinkley et al. and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 97/06786 to Johnson et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] Exemplary types of supports, reservoirs or other components for supporting an aerosol precursor are described in US Pat. No. 8,528,569 to Newton; publication of US patent application No. 2014/0261487 to Chapman et al.; publication of patent application No. 2015/0059780 in the name of Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0216232 to Bless et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, various absorbent materials, as well as the configuration and operation of these absorbent materials in certain types of electronic cigarettes, are set forth in US Pat. No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0045] In other embodiments, aerosol delivery devices may comprise non-heating and non-combustion devices configured to heat a solid aerosol precursor composition (e.g., an extruded tobacco rod) or a semi-solid aerosol precursor composition (e.g., a tobacco paste containing glycerin). The aerosol precursor composition may include tobacco pellets, tobacco pieces, tobacco strips, reconstituted tobacco material, or combinations thereof, and/or a mixture of finely ground tobacco, tobacco extract, spray-dried tobacco extract, or other tobacco form mixed with optional inorganic materials (such as calcium carbonate), optional flavoring agents, and aerosol-forming materials to form a substantially solid or moldable (eg, extrudable) substrate. Exemplary types of solid and semi-solid aerosol precursor compositions and formulations are disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,424,538 to Thomas et al.; US patent No. 8464726 in the name of Sebastian et al.; publication of US patent application No. 2015/0083150 to Conner et al.; publication of US patent application No. 2015/0157052 to Ademe et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0000188 to Nordskog et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other representative types of solid, semi-solid and aerosol precursor compositions include those contained in NEOSTIKS™ consumable aerosol source elements for British American Tobacco's GLO™ product and in HEETS™ consumable aerosol source elements for Philip Morris' IQOS™ product International, Inc.

[0046] In various embodiments, the inhalable substance may specifically be a tobacco component or a tobacco-derived material (ie, a material naturally found in tobacco, which may be isolated directly from tobacco or produced synthetically). For example, the aerosol precursor composition may contain tobacco extracts or fractions thereof combined with an inert substrate. The aerosol precursor composition may further include unburned tobacco or a composition comprising unburned tobacco that, when heated to a temperature below its combustion temperature, releases an inhalable substance. In some embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition may contain tobacco condensates or fractions thereof (i.e., condensed components of tobacco combustion smoke that leave behind flavorings and possibly nicotine).

[0047] Tobacco materials used herein may vary and may include, for example, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, oriental or Maryland tobacco, dark tobacco, dark burnt tobacco and Rustica tobaccos, as well as other rare or special tobaccos or mixtures thereof. Tobacco materials may also include so-called "mixed" forms and processed forms, such as processed tobacco stems (e.g., cut-rolled or cut-puffed stems), expanded tobacco (e.g., puffed tobacco, such as expanded dry tobacco ice (DIET), preferably in the form of cut filler), reconstituted tobaccos (for example, reconstituted tobaccos produced using paper or cast sheet processes). Various representative tobacco types, processed tobacco types, and tobacco blend types are set forth in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,836,224 to Lawson et al., 4,924,888 to Perfetti et al., 5,056,537 to Brown et al., 5,159,942 to Brinkley et al., 5220930 to Gentry, 5360023 to Blakley et al., 6701936 to Shafer et al., 7011096 to Li et al., 7017585 to Li et al. and 7025066 to Lawson et al.; in US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0255965 to Perfetti et al.; publication of US Patent Application No. WO 02/37990 to Bereman; and Bombick et al., Fund Appl Toxicol., 39, p. 11-17 (1997), which are incorporated herein by reference. Additional examples of tobacco compositions that may be useful in a smoking device, including those in accordance with the present disclosure, are disclosed in US Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0048] In addition, the aerosol precursor composition may comprise an inert substrate containing an inhalable agent or a precursor thereof integrated into or otherwise applied to it. For example, a liquid containing an inhalable agent may be applied to, absorbed onto, or adsorbed into an inert substrate such that upon application of heat, the inhalable agent is released in a form that can be extracted from the article of the present invention by applying positive or negative pressure. In some aspects, the aerosol precursor composition may include a mixture of rich and flavorful tobaccos in the form of cut filler. In another aspect, the aerosol precursor composition may comprise reconstituted tobacco material, such as that described in US Pat. No. 4,807,809 to Pryor et al.; US patent No. 4889143 in the name of Pryor et al.; and US Pat. No. 5,025,814 to Raker, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. For further information regarding a suitable aerosol precursor composition, see US Patent Application Serial Number 15/916834 to Sur et al., filed March 9, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0049] Regardless of the type of aerosol precursor composition, aerosol delivery devices may include an aerosol generation component configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol precursor composition. For example, in the case of an electronic cigarette or non-combustion heating device, the aerosol producing component may be or include a heating element. For a non-heating, non-combustion device, in some examples the aerosol generation component may be or include a vibrating piezoelectric or piezomagnetic grid.

[0050] One example of a suitable heating element is an induction heater. Such heaters often contain an induction transmitter and an induction receiver. The induction transmitter may include a coil configured to produce an oscillating magnetic field (eg, a magnetic field that changes periodically over time) when alternating current is passed through it. The induction receiver may be at least partially located or received within the induction transmitter and may include a conductive material (eg, ferromagnetic material or aluminum coated material). By passing alternating current through an induction transmitter, eddy currents can be generated in the induction receiver by induction. Eddy currents flowing through the resistance of the material defining the induction receiver can heat it through Joule heating (i.e., the Joule effect). The induction receiver, which may be a nebulizer, can be heated wirelessly to generate an aerosol from the aerosol precursor composition located adjacent to the induction receiver. Various implementations of an induction heater aerosol delivery device are described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0127722 to Davis et al.; publication of US patent application No. 2017/0202266 to Sur et al.; US patent application serial number 15/352153 to Sur et al., filed November 15, 2016; US patent application serial number 15/799365 to Sebastian et al., filed October 31, 2017; and US Patent Application Serial No. 15/836086 to Sur, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] In other implementations, including those described more specifically herein, the heating element is a conductive heater, such as in the case of a resistive electric heater. These heaters can be configured to produce heat when electrical current is passed through them. In various implementations, the conductive heater can be made in various forms, such as foil, foam, disks, coils, fibers, wires, films, yarns, strips, tapes or cylinders. Such heaters often contain metallic material and are configured to generate heat as a result of electrical resistance associated with the passage of electrical current through it. Such resistive heaters may be positioned adjacent to the aerosol precursor composition and heat it to form an aerosol. A variety of conductive substrates that can be used with the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0255702 to Griffith et al., cited above.

[0052] In some implementations, aerosol delivery devices may include a control element and a cartridge in the case of so-called electronic cigarettes or non-heated, non-combustion devices, or a control element and an aerosol source element in the case of non-heated, non-combusted devices. In the case of electronic cigarettes or non-combustion heating devices, the control element may be reusable, while the cartridge/aerosol source element may be configured for a limited number of uses and/or configured for single use. Various mechanisms may connect the aerosol source cartridge/element to the control element to provide threaded engagement, press fit engagement, interference fit, slide fit, magnetic engagement, and the like.

[0053] The control element and cartridge/aerosol source element may include separate respective housings or external elements that may be formed from any of a number of different materials. The housing may be made of any suitable structurally sound material. In some examples, the housing may be made of a metal or alloy, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or the like. Other suitable materials include various plastics (eg, polycarbonate), metal over plastic, ceramics, and the like.

[0054] The aerosol cartridge/source element may include an aerosol precursor composition. To generate an aerosol from the aerosol precursor composition, an aerosol generating component (e.g., a heating element, piezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh) may be positioned in contact with or adjacent to the aerosol precursor composition, e.g., across the housing and cartridge or within a control element in which it may the aerosol source element be located. The control element may include a power source that may be rechargeable or replaceable, and thus the control element can be reused with multiple aerosol source cartridges/elements. Recharging may be accomplished using a charging accessory, as further described with reference to FIG. 11-21.

[0055] The control element may also include means for activating the aerosol delivery device, such as a button, a touch surface, or the like. for manual control of the device. Additionally or alternatively, the control element may include a flow sensor to detect when a user tightens the aerosol source cartridge/element to thereby activate the aerosol delivery device.

[0056] In various embodiments, the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure may have a variety of general shapes, including, but not limited to, a general shape that may be defined as a substantially rod-shaped, substantially tubular, or substantially cylindrical shape. In the implementations shown and described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the aerosol delivery device has a substantially circular cross-section; however, other cross-sectional shapes (eg, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, etc.) are also covered by the present disclosure. Such language, which describes the physical form of the product, may also be applied to its individual components, including the control element and the cartridge/aerosol source element. In other implementations, the control element may take another form of a portable device, such as a small box.

[0057] In more specific implementations, one or both of the control element and the cartridge/aerosol source element may be referred to as disposable or reusable. For example, the control element may have a power source such as a replaceable battery or rechargeable battery, SSB, thin film SSB, rechargeable supercapacitor, lithium-ion or hybrid lithium-ion supercapacitor, and the like. One example of a power source is the TKI-1550 rechargeable lithium-ion battery manufactured by the German company Tadiran Batteries GmbH. In another embodiment, a useful power source may be a N50-AAA CADNICA nickel-cadmium cell manufactured by Sanyo Electric Company, Ltd, Japan. In other implementations, multiple such batteries, for example each 1.2 V, may be connected in series. In some implementations, the power supply is configured to provide an output voltage. The power source may drive an aerosol generating component that is capable of producing an aerosol from the aerosol precursor composition. The power source may be coupled to any type of charging technology, such as a charging accessory, as further discussed below.

[0058] Examples of power supplies are described in US Patent No. 9484155 to Peckerar et al.; and US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0112191 to Sur et al., filed October 21, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other examples of a suitable power supply are presented in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0283855 to Hawes et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0014125 to Fernando et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0243410 to Nichols, et al. al, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0313901 to Fernando et al., and U.S. Patent No. 9,439,454 to Fernando et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference. With respect to the flow sensor, typical current control components and other current control components including various microcontrollers, sensors and switches for aerosol delivery devices are described in US Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; US Patents 4,922,901, 4,947,874 and 4,947,875, all to Brooks et al.; US patent No. 5372148 in the name of McCafferty et al.; US patent No. 6040560 in the name of Fleischhauer et al.; US patent No. 7040314 in the name of Nguyen et al.; US patent No. 8205622 in the name of Pan; publication of US patent application No. 8881737 to Collet et al.; US patent No. 9423152 in the name of Ampolini et al.; US patent No. 9439454 in the name of Fernando et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0257445 to Henry et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0059] Additional examples of components related to electronic products for aerosol delivery and disclosing materials or components that may be used in this article include US Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; US Patent No. 5249586 to Morgan et al.; US Patent No. 5666977 to Higgins et al.; US Patent No. 6,053,176 to Adams et al.; US patent No. 6164287 in the name of White; US Patent No. 6196218 to Voges; US Patent No. 6,810,883 to Felter et al.; US Patent No. 6854461 to Nichols; US Patent No. 7832410 to Hon; US Patent No. 7513253 to Kobayashi; US Patent No. 7896006 to Hamano; US patent No. 6772756 in the name of Shayan; US patents No. 8156944 and 8375957 in the name of Hon; US Patent No. 8794231 to Thorens et al.; US Patent No. 8851083 to Oglesby et al.; US patents No. 8915254 and 8925555 to Monsees et al.; US Patent No. 9220302 to DePiano et al.; publication of US patent application No. 2006/0196518 and 2009/0188490 to Hon; publication of US patent application No. 2010/0024834 to Oglesby et al.; US Pat Application Publication No. 2010/0307518 to Wang; publication of US Patent Application No. WO 2010/091593 to Hon; and publication of PCT patent application No. WO 2013/089551 to Foo, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0099877 to Worm et al. describes capsules that can be included in aerosol delivery devices and keychain configurations for aerosol delivery devices and is incorporated herein. as a reference. A variety of materials disclosed in the foregoing documents may be included in the present devices in various implementations, and all of the foregoing descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

[0060] Still other features, controls or components that may be included in the aerosol delivery devices of the present invention are described in US Pat. No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al.; US patent No. 5934289 in the name of Watkins et al.; US patent No. 5954979 in the name of Counts et al.; US patent No. 6040560 in the name of Fleischhauer et al.; US patent No. 8365742 in the name of Hon; US patent No. 8402976 in the name of Fernando et al.; publication of US Patent Application No. 2005/0016550 to Katase; US patent No. 8689804 in the name of Fernando et al.; publication of US patent application No. 2013/0192623 to Tucker et al.; US patent No. 9427022 in the name of Leven et al.; publication of US patent application No. 2013/0180553 to Kim et al.; publication of US patent application No. 2014/0000638 to Sebastian et al.; publication of US patent application No. 2014/0261495 to Novak et al.; and US Pat. No. 9,220,302 to DePiano et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] In another aspect, the present disclosure may be directed to kits that provide a plurality of components, as described herein. For example, the kit may include a control element with one or more aerosol source cartridges or elements. The kit may further include a charging accessory, described below, along with one or more batteries, and a control element with one or more cartridges. The kit may further include a charging accessory, described below, and a control element with one or more cartridges. The kit may further include a charging accessory, described below, along with one or more batteries. In additional embodiments, the kit may comprise a plurality of cartridges. The kit may further include a plurality of cartridges and one or more batteries and/or a charging accessory, described below. In the above embodiments, the cartridges or control elements may be provided with a heating element that turns them on. The kits of the invention may further include a case (or other packaging, carrying or storage component) that houses one or more additional kit components. Alternatively, a charging accessory may be included in one of the kits. The case can be a reusable hard or soft container. Alternatively, the case may simply be a box or other packaging structure.

[0062] FIG. 1 and 2 illustrate implementations of an aerosol delivery device including a control element and a cartridge in the case of an electronic cigarette. In this regard, FIG. 1 and 2 show an aerosol delivery device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As indicated, the aerosol delivery device may include a control element 102 and a cartridge 104. The control element and cartridge may be permanently or removably aligned functionally. In this regard, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the aerosol delivery device in a coupled configuration, while FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away side view of the aerosol delivery device in a disconnected configuration. The aerosol delivery device may be, for example, substantially rod-shaped, substantially tubular, or substantially cylindrical in some embodiments when the control element and cartridge are in an assembled configuration.

[0063] The control element 102 and the cartridge 104 may be configured to engage each other through a variety of connections, such as a press fit (or interference fit), a threaded connection, a magnetic connection, and the like. As such, the control element may include a first engaging element (eg, a connector) that is adapted to engage a second engaging element (eg, a connector) on the cartridge. The first engaging element and the second engaging element may be double-sided. As an example, either the first engaging element or the second engaging element may be a male thread and the other a female thread. As a further example, either the first engaging element or the second engaging element may be a magnet, and the other may be a metal or matching magnet. In particular implementations, the engaging elements may be defined directly by existing control element and cartridge components. For example, the control element body may define a cavity at its end that is configured to receive at least a portion of a cartridge (eg, a storage reservoir or other shell-forming element of the cartridge). In particular, the cartridge storage reservoir may at least partially fit into the control element cavity while the cartridge mouthpiece remains open outside the control element cavity. The cartridge may be retained within the cavity defined by the control element body, for example, by an interference fit (e.g., by means of retainers and/or other elements that create interference engagement between the outer surface of the cartridge and the inner surface of the wall defining the control element cavity), by magnetic engagement (for example, through the use of magnets and/or magnetic metals located within the cavity of the control element and placed on the cartridge), or through other suitable technologies.

[0064] As seen in the cross-section shown in FIG. 2, each control element 102 and cartridge 104 includes a number of associated components. The components shown in FIG. 2 represent components that may be present in the control element and cartridge, and are not intended to limit the scope of the components covered by this disclosure. As shown, for example, the control element may consist of a housing 206 (sometimes referred to as a control element shell), which may include a control component 208 (e.g., processing circuitry, etc.), a flow sensor 210, a power supply 212 (e.g., battery, supercapacitor) and indicator 214 (eg, LED, quantum dot LED), and such components may be arranged in various ways. The power source may be rechargeable, and the control component may include a switch and processing circuitry coupled to the flow sensor and switch. The processing circuitry can be configured to prevent access (locking) of the device depending on the age verification status.

[0065] The cartridge 104 may be formed from a housing 216 (sometimes referred to as a cartridge shell) surrounding a reservoir 218 configured to hold the aerosol precursor composition and including a heating element 220 (an aerosol generating component). In various configurations, this structure may be called a vessel; and, accordingly, the terms “cartridge”, “vessel”, etc. may be used interchangeably to refer to a shell or other housing enclosing a reservoir for the aerosol precursor composition and including a heating element.

[0066] As shown, in some examples, the reservoir 218 may be in fluid communication with a liquid transfer element 222 adapted to absorb or otherwise transfer an aerosol precursor composition stored in the reservoir body to the heating element 220. In some examples, the valve may be located between the reservoir and the heating element and configured to control the amount of the aerosol precursor composition passing through or delivered from the reservoir to the heating element.

[0067] Various examples of materials configured to generate heat when electrical current is passed through them can be used to form the heating element 220. The heating element in these examples may be a resistive heating element such as a wire coil, microheater, or the like. Examples of materials from which the heating element can be made include kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, nickel, stainless steel, indium tin oxide, tungsten, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum alloyed molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si, Al)2), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, silver-palladium alloys, graphite and graphite-based materials (such as carbon-based foams and filaments), conductive inks, boron-doped silica, and ceramics (eg ceramics with positive or negative temperature coefficient). The heating element may be a resistive heating element or a heating element configured to generate heat by induction. The heating element may be coated with a thermally conductive ceramic such as aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, beryllium oxide, alumina, silicon nitride, or composites thereof. Exemplary implementations of heating elements used in aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure are further described below and may be included in devices such as those described herein.

[0068] The housing 216 may have an opening 224 (e.g., at the end of the mouthpiece) to allow the generated aerosol to exit the cartridge 104.

[0069] The cartridge 104 may also include one or more electronic components 226, which may include an integrated circuit, a memory component (e.g., EEPROM, flash memory), a sensor, or the like. The electronic components may be adapted to communicate with the control component 208 and/or an external device via wired or wireless means. Electronic components may be located anywhere on the cartridge or its base 228.

[0070] Although the control component 208 and the flow sensor 210 are shown separately, it will be understood that various electronic components, including the control component and the flow sensor, may be combined on a printed circuit board (eg, PCB) that supports and electrically connects the electronic components. In addition, the printed circuit board may be positioned horizontally relative to the illustration in FIG. 1, so that the printed circuit board can be longitudinally parallel to the central axis of the control element. In some examples, the airflow sensor may include its own circuit board or other base element to which it may be attached. In some examples, a flexible printed circuit board may be used. The flexible printed circuit board can take a variety of shapes, including substantially tubular shapes. In some examples, the flexible printed circuit board may be combined with, overlaid on, or form part or all of the heater substrate.

[0071] The control element 102 and the cartridge 104 may include components adapted to facilitate fluid interaction between them. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the control element may include a connector 230 having a cavity 232 therein. The cartridge base 228 may be adapted to engage the connector and may include a projection 234 configured to fit within the cavity. Such engagement may facilitate a stable connection between the control element and the cartridge, as well as establish an electrical connection between the power supply 212 and the control component 208 in the control element and the heating element 220 in the cartridge. In addition, the housing 206 may include an air intake 236, which may be a cutout in the housing where it connects to the connector, allowing ambient air to pass around the connector and into the housing, where it then passes through the connector cavity 232 and into the cartridge through the projection 234 .

[0072] A connector and base useful in accordance with the present disclosure are described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0261495 to Novak et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, connector 230 shown in FIG. 2 may define an outer periphery 238 configured to mate with an inner periphery 240 of the base 228. In one example, the inner periphery of the base may define a radius that is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the radius of the outer periphery of the connector. In addition, the connector may define one or more projections 242 on the outer periphery configured to engage one or more recesses 244 formed on the inner periphery of the base. However, various other examples of structures, shapes, and components may be used to connect the base to the connector. In some examples, the connection between the cartridge base 104 and the control element connector 102 may be substantially permanent, while in other examples the connection between them may be releasable so that, for example, the control element can be reused with one or more additional cartridges that may be disposable and/or reusable.

[0073] Reservoir 218 shown in FIG. 2 may be a container or a fibrous reservoir as described herein. For example, the reservoir may comprise one or more layers of nonwoven fibers substantially formed in the shape of a tube surrounding the interior of housing 216, in this example. The aerosol precursor composition may remain in the reservoir. Liquid components, for example, can be retained by sorption in a reservoir. The reservoir may be fluidly coupled to fluid transfer element 222. The fluid transfer element may transfer the aerosol precursor composition stored in the reservoir by capillary action—or through a micropump—to heating element 220, which in this example is a metal wire coil. Thus, the heating element is in a heating system with a liquid transfer element.

[0074] In some examples, a microfluidic chip may be incorporated into the reservoir 218, and the amount and/or weight of the aerosol precursor composition delivered from the reservoir may be controlled by a micropump, such as a pump based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Other exemplary implementations of reservoirs and transfer elements used in aerosol delivery devices in accordance with the present disclosure are further described herein, and such reservoirs and/or transfer elements may be included in devices such as those described herein. In particular, certain combinations of heating elements and transfer elements, as further described herein, may be included in devices such as those described herein.

[0075] In use, when the user draws on the aerosol delivery device 100, the air flow is detected by the flow sensor 210 and the heating element 220 is activated to vaporize the components of the aerosol precursor composition. Retraction of the mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery device causes ambient air to enter the air intake 236 and pass through the cavity 232 in the connector 230 and the central hole in the projection 234 of the base 228. At the cartridge 104, the drawn air combines with the generated vapor to form an aerosol. The aerosol is distilled, aspirated, or otherwise drawn away from the heating element and exits an opening 224 in the mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery device.

[0076] For further details regarding the implementation of an aerosol delivery device including a control element and a cartridge in the case of an electronic cigarette, see the above cited US patent application serial number 15/836086 to Sur; and US patent application serial number 15/916834 to Sur et al.; and US Patent Application Serial No. 15/916696 to Sur, filed March 9, 2018, which is also incorporated herein by reference.

[0077] In FIG. 3-6 show implementations of an aerosol delivery device including a control element and an aerosol source element in the case of a non-combustion heating device. More specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol delivery device 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol delivery device may include a control element 302 and an aerosol source element 304. In various implementations, the aerosol source element and the control element may be permanently or releasably functionally aligned. In this regard, FIG. 3 shows the aerosol delivery device in a coupled configuration, while FIG. 4 shows the aerosol delivery device in a decoupled configuration.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 4, in various implementations of the present disclosure, aerosol source element 304 may include a heated end 406 that is insertable into control element 302 and a mouth end 408 on which the user takes a puff to create an aerosol. In various implementations, at least the heated end portion may include an aerosol precursor composition 410.

[0079] In various implementations, the aerosol source element 304 or a portion thereof may be wrapped with an outer wrap material 412, which may be formed from any material suitable to provide additional structure and/or support to the aerosol source element. In various implementations, the outer wrap material may comprise a material that resists heat transfer, which may include paper or other fibrous material such as cellulosic material. The outer wrap material may also include at least one filler embedded or dispersed in the fibrous material. In various embodiments, the filler may be in the form of water-insoluble particles. In addition, the filler may include inorganic components. In various implementations, the outer wrap may be formed from multiple layers, such as an underlying bulk layer and a top layer, such as conventional cigarette wrapping paper. Such materials may include, for example, lightweight "rag fibers" such as flax, hemp, sisal, rice straw and/or esparto. The outer wrap may also include a material commonly used in a conventional cigarette filter element, such as cellulose acetate.

[0080] In addition, the excess length of the outer wrap on the aerosol source element mouthpiece 408 may simply separate the aerosol precursor composition 410 from the consumer's mouth or provide space to accommodate filter material, as described below, or to affect product draft or vapor flow characteristics. or aerosol leaving the device during pulling. Further discussion regarding overwrap material configurations that may be used with the present disclosure can be found in Worm et al., cited above, US Pat. No. 9,078,473.

[0081] In various embodiments, there may be other components between the aerosol precursor composition 410 and the mouthpiece 408 of the aerosol source element 304, which mouthpiece may include a filter 414, which may, for example, be made of cellulose acetate or polypropylene material. The filter may additionally or alternatively comprise threads of tobacco material, as described in US Pat. No. 5,025,814 to Raker et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In various implementations, the filter may increase the structural integrity of the aerosol source element mouthpiece and/or provide filtering capacity, if desired, and/or provide drag resistance. In some embodiments, one or any combination of the following may be located between the aerosol precursor composition and the mouthpiece: an air gap; phase change materials for cooling air; aroma-releasing medium; ion exchange fibers capable of selective chemical adsorption; airgel particles as a filter medium; and other suitable materials.

[0082] Various implementations of the present disclosure utilize one or more conductive heating elements to heat the aerosol precursor composition 410 of the aerosol source element 304. In various implementations, the heating element can be made in various forms, for example, in the form of foil, foam, mesh, hollow sphere, hemisphere, disks, spirals, fibers, wires, films, yarns, strips, tapes or cylinders. Such heating elements often contain metallic material and are configured to generate heat as a result of electrical resistance associated with the passage of electrical current through them. Such resistive heating elements may be located in direct contact with or in close proximity to the aerosol source element and, in particular, the aerosol precursor composition of the aerosol source element. The heating element may be located in the control element and/or in the aerosol source element. In various embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition may include components (ie, thermally conductive constituents) that are embedded in or are otherwise part of a substrate piece that can serve or facilitate the function of a heating assembly. Some examples of various heating elements and elements are described in US Patent No. 9078473 to Worm et al.

[0083] Some non-limiting examples of various heating element configurations include configurations in which the heating element is located adjacent the aerosol source element 304. For example, in some examples, at least a portion of a heating element may surround at least a portion of an aerosol source element. In other examples, one or more heating elements may be located adjacent the outside of the aerosol source element when inserted into the control element 302. In other examples, at least a portion of the heating element may penetrate at least a portion of the aerosol source element (such as, for example, one or more projections and/or needles that penetrate the aerosol source element) when the aerosol source element is inserted into the control element. In some cases, the aerosol precursor composition may include a structure in contact with or a plurality of beads or particles embedded in or otherwise forming a part of the aerosol precursor composition that can serve or facilitate the function of the heating element.

[0084] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of an aerosol delivery device 300 according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, and FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 5. In particular, the control element 302 of the illustrated implementation may include a housing 516 that includes an opening 518 formed at its engaging end, a flow sensor 520 (e.g., a puff sensor or pressure switch), a control component 522 (e.g., a processing circuit, and etc.), a power source 524 (eg, a battery, a supercapacitor), and an end cap that includes an indicator 526 (eg, an LED). The power source may be rechargeable, and the control component may include a switch and processing circuitry coupled to the flow sensor and switch. The processing circuitry may be configured to prevent operation of the switch if age verification fails, as further discussed below.

[0085] In one implementation, indicator 526 may include one or more LEDs, quantum dot LEDs, or the like. The indicator may be coupled to control component 522 and illuminate, for example, when a user pulls on aerosol source element 304 while attached to control element 302 as detected by flow sensor 520.

[0086] The control element 302 of the illustrated implementation includes one or more heating assemblies 528 (individually or collectively referred to as a heating assembly) configured to heat the aerosol precursor composition 410 of the aerosol source element 304. Although the heating assembly may take different forms in various implementations of the present disclosure, in the specific implementation depicted in FIG. 5 and 6, the heating assembly includes an outer cylinder 530 and a heating element 532 (aerosol generation component), which in this implementation includes a plurality of heater pins that extend from the receiving base 534 (in various configurations, the heating assembly, or more specifically, the heater pins may be referred to as heater). In the illustrated embodiment, the outer cylinder includes a double-walled vacuum tube constructed of stainless steel for maintaining the heat generated by the heater pins within the outer cylinder, and more specifically, maintaining the heat generated by the heater pins in the aerosol precursor composition. In various implementations, the heater contacts may be made of one or more conductive materials including, but not limited to, copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, or any combination thereof.

[0087] As illustrated, the heating assembly 528 may extend adjacent the engaging end of the housing 516 and may be configured to substantially surround a portion of the heating end 406 of the aerosol source element 304 that includes the aerosol precursor composition 410. Thus, the heating assembly may have a generally tubular configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 5 and 6, a heating element 532 (e.g., a plurality of heater pins) is surrounded by an outer cylinder 530 to create a receiving chamber 536. Thus, in various implementations, the outer cylinder may comprise non-conductive insulating material and/or structure including, but not limited to, insulating polymer (such as plastic or cellulose), glass, rubber, ceramic, porcelain, double-walled vacuum construction, or any combination thereof.

[0088] In some embodiments, one or more portions or components of the heating assembly 528 may be combined, packaged, and/or formulated integrally with (eg, enclosed within) the aerosol precursor composition 410. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition may be formed from a material as described above and may include one or more conductive materials mixed therewith. In some of these implementations, the contacts may be coupled directly to the aerosol precursor composition such that when the aerosol source element is inserted into the receiving chamber of the control element, the contacts establish an electrical connection to the electrical power source. Alternatively, the contacts may be integral with the electrical power source and extend into the receiving chamber such that when the aerosol source element is inserted into the receiving chamber of the control element, the contacts are electrically coupled to the aerosol precursor composition. Due to the presence of conductive material in the aerosol precursor composition, the application of energy from an electrical energy source to the aerosol precursor composition allows electrical current to flow and thereby generate heat from the conductive material. Thus, in some embodiments, the heating element may be described as an integral part of the aerosol precursor composition. As a non-limiting example, graphite or other suitable conductive material may be mixed, embedded or otherwise present directly on or within the material forming the aerosol precursor composition to make the heating element integral with the environment.

[0089] As noted above, in the illustrated implementation, the outer cylinder 530 may also serve to facilitate correct positioning of the aerosol source element 304 when the aerosol source element is inserted into the housing 516. In various implementations, the outer cylinder of the heating assembly 528 may be in contact with the inner surface of the housing to ensure alignment of the heating unit relative to the housing. Thus, as a result of the fixed connection between the heating unit, the longitudinal axis of the heating unit can extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. Specifically, a support cylinder may extend from housing opening 518 to receiving base 534 to create receiving chamber 536.

[0090] The heated end 406 of the aerosol source element 304 is sized and shaped for insertion into the control element 302. In various implementations, the control element receiving chamber 536 may be characterized as being defined by a wall with an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface defines the internal volume of the receiving chamber . For example, in the illustrated implementations, the outer cylinder 530 defines an internal surface defining the internal volume of the receiving chamber. In the illustrated implementation, the inner diameter of the outer cylinder may be slightly larger than or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the corresponding aerosol source element (eg, to create a sliding fit), such that the outer cylinder is configured to guide the aerosol source element into the correct position (e.g., lateral position) with respect to to the control element. Thus, the largest outer diameter (or other dimension depending on the particular cross-sectional shape of the implementations) of the aerosol source element may be smaller than the inner diameter (or other dimension) on the inner surface of the wall of the open end of the receiving chamber in the control element. In some implementations, the difference in the respective diameters may be small enough such that the aerosol source element fits tightly into the receiving chamber and frictional forces prevent the aerosol source element from moving without the application of force. Alternatively, the difference may be sufficient to allow the aerosol source element to slide into or out of the receiving chamber without requiring undue force.

[0091] In the illustrated implementation, control element 302 is configured such that when aerosol source element 304 is inserted into the control element, heating element 532 (e.g., heater pins) is located approximately at the radial center of at least a portion of the aerosol precursor composition 410 being heated end 406 of the aerosol source element. Thus, when used in combination with a solid or semi-solid aerosol precursor composition, the heater rods may be in direct contact with the aerosol precursor composition. In other implementations, for example, when used in combination with an extruded aerosol precursor composition that defines a tubular structure, the heater rods may be located within a cavity defined by the interior surface of the extruded tubular structure and will not contact the interior surface of the extruded tubular structure.

[0092] During use, the user initiates heating of the heating assembly 528 and, in particular, the heating element 532, which is adjacent to the aerosol precursor composition 410 (or a specific layer thereof). Heating the aerosol precursor composition releases the respirable agent within the aerosol source element 304 to produce the respirable agent. When the consumer inhales through the aerosol source element mouthpiece 408, air is drawn into the aerosol source element through an air intake 538, such as holes or slots in the control element 302. The combination of the drawn air and the released inhalant is inhaled by the consumer as the drawn materials exit the aerosol source element mouthpiece. In some implementations, to initiate heating, the consumer may manually operate a button or similar component that causes the heating element of the heating assembly to receive electrical energy from a battery or other energy source. Electricity may be supplied for a predetermined period of time or may be controlled manually.

[0093] In some implementations, there is substantially no flow of electrical energy between puffs at the device 300 (although the flow of power may continue to maintain a base temperature higher than the ambient temperature - for example, a temperature that promotes rapid heating to the active heating temperature). However, in the illustrated implementation, heating is initiated by the user's tightening action through the use of one or more sensors, such as flow sensor 520. As soon as the puff is stopped, the heating will stop or decrease. When the user has taken a sufficient number of puffs to release a sufficient amount of inhalable substance (eg, an amount sufficient to correspond to typical smoking), the aerosol source element 304 can be removed from the control element 302 and discarded. Some implementations may use additional sensing elements, such as capacitive sensing elements and other sensors, as discussed in US Patent Application No. 15/707,461 to Phillips et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0094] In various implementations, the aerosol source element 304 may be formed from any material suitable to form and maintain an appropriate conformation, such as a tubular shape, and to hold the aerosol precursor composition 410 therein. In some implementations, the aerosol source element may be formed from a single wall or, in other implementations, from multiple walls and may be formed from a material (natural or synthetic) that is heat resistant so as to maintain its structural integrity - e.g., not deteriorate - at least at least at a temperature which is the heating temperature provided by the electric heating element, as further discussed herein. Although some implementations may use a heat-resistant polymer, in other implementations the aerosol source element may be formed from paper, such as paper, which is essentially straw-shaped. As further discussed herein, the aerosol source element may have one or more layers associated therewith that act to substantially prevent the movement of vapor through it. In one embodiment, a layer of aluminum foil may be layered on one surface of the aerosol source element. Ceramic materials can also be used. In additional embodiments, an insulating material may be used to avoid unnecessary heat transfer from the aerosol precursor composition. Additional examples of the types of components and materials that may be used to provide the functions described above, or used as alternatives to the materials and components described above, include those set forth in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/00186757 to Crooks et al., 2010/00186757 to Crooks et al., and 2011/0041861 to Sebastian et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0095] In the illustrated implementation, control element 302 includes a control component 522 that controls various functions of the aerosol delivery device 300, including supplying power to the electrical heating element 532. For example, the control component may include processing circuitry (which may be connected to additional components, as further described herein), which is connected by electrically conductive wires (not shown) to power supply 524. In various implementations, the processing circuitry may control when and how the heating assembly 528, and in particular the heater contact pins, receive electrical energy to heat the aerosol precursor composition 410 to release the inhalable agent for inhalation by the consumer. In some implementations, such control may be activated by flow sensor 520, as described in more detail above.

[0096] As seen in FIG. 5 and 6, the heating assembly 528 of the illustrated embodiment includes an outer cylinder 530 and a heating element 532 (e.g., a plurality of heater pins) that extend from a receiving base 534. In some embodiments, such as those in which the aerosol precursor composition 410 comprises a tubular structure, the heater rods may be configured to extend into a cavity defined by the inner surface of the aerosol precursor composition. In other implementations, such as the illustrated implementation, in which the aerosol precursor composition contains a solid or semi-solid material, a plurality of heater rods are configured to penetrate the aerosol precursor composition contained in the heated end 406 of the aerosol source element 304 when the aerosol source element is inserted into the control element 302. In such implementations, one or more components of the heating assembly, including the heater rods and/or the receiving base, may be made of a non-stick or non-stick material, such as arbitrary aluminum, copper, stainless steel, carbon steel and ceramic materials . In other implementations, one or more components of the heating assembly, including the heater projections and/or the receiving base, may include a non-stick coating, including, for example, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating such as Teflon®, or other coatings, such as a non-stick enamel coating, or a ceramic coating such as Greblon® or Thermolon™, or a ceramic coating such as Greblon® or Thermolon™.

[0097] Additionally, although the illustrated implementation has multiple heater rods 532 that are substantially evenly distributed around the receiving base 534, it should be noted that other implementations may use any number of heater rods, including just one, with any other suitable spatial configuration. Additionally, the length of the heater rods may vary in different implementations. For example, in some implementations, the heater rods may have slight protrusions, while in other implementations, the heater rods may protrude over any portion of the length of the receiving chamber 536, including up to about 25%, about 50%, up to about 75%, and about up to the full length of the receiving chamber. In still other implementations, heating assembly 528 may take other configurations. Examples of other heater configurations that may be adapted for use in the present invention in accordance with the above discussion can be found in US Pat. Nos. 5,060,671 to Counts et al., 5,093,894 to Deevi et al., 5,224,498 to Deevi et al. , 5228460 to Sprinkel Jr, et al., 5322075 to Deevi et al., 5353813 to Deevi et al., 5468936 to Deevi et al., 5498850 to Das, 5659656 to Das, 5498855 to Deevi et al., 5530225 to the name Hajaligol, 5665262 to Hajaligol et al., 5565262 to Hajaligol et al. and US patent No. 5591368 to Fleischhauer et al., which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0098] In various implementations, the control element 302 may include an air intake 538 (e.g., one or more holes or slits) to allow ambient air to enter the interior of the receiving chamber 536. Thus, in some implementations, the receiving base 534 may also include an air intake . Thus, in some implementations, when a consumer puffs on the mouthpiece of the aerosol source element 304, air may be drawn through the control element air intake and the receiving base into the receiving chamber, pass into the aerosol source element, and be drawn through the aerosol precursor composition 410 of the aerosol source element for inhalation by the consumer. In some embodiments, the drawn air carries the inhaled material through the optional filter 414 and exits the opening at the mouthpiece end 408 of the aerosol source element. When the heating element 532 is located within the aerosol precursor composition, the heater rods can be activated to heat the aerosol precursor composition and cause the release of a respirable agent through the aerosol source element.

[0099] As described above with reference to FIG. 5 and 6, in particular, various implementations of the present disclosure utilize a conductive heater to heat the aerosol precursor composition 410. As also noted above, various other implementations utilize an induction heater to heat the aerosol precursor composition. In some of these implementations, heating assembly 528 may be configured as an induction heater that includes a transformer with an induction transmitter and an induction receiver. In implementations in which the heating assembly is configured as an induction heater, the outer cylinder 530 may be configured as an induction transmitter and the heating element 532 (eg, a plurality of heater rods) that extends from the receiving base 534 may be configured as an induction receiver. In various implementations, one or both of the induction transmitter and induction receiver may be located in the control element 302 and/or in the aerosol source element 304.

[00100] In various implementations, the outer cylinder 530 and heating element 532 as the induction transmitter and induction receiver may be made of one or more conductive materials, and in additional implementations, the induction receiver may be made of a ferromagnetic material, including, but not limited to these, cobalt, iron, nickel and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the foil material is made of a conductive material and the heater rods are made of a ferromagnetic material. In various implementations, the receiving base may be made of non-conductive and/or insulating material.

[00101] The outer cylinder 530 as an induction transmitter may include a layering using a foil material that surrounds the support cylinder. In some implementations, the foil material may include an electrical track printed thereon, such as, for example, one or more electrical tracks, which in some implementations may form a helical coil pattern when the foil material is positioned around the heating element 532 as an induction receiver. Each of the foil material and the support cylinder may have a tubular configuration. The support cylinder may be configured to support the foil material such that the foil material does not contact and thus short circuit the heater rods. Thus, the support cylinder may contain a non-conductive material that may be substantially transparent to the oscillating magnetic field created by the foil material. In various embodiments, the foil material may be embedded in or otherwise attached to the support cylinder. In the illustrated embodiment, the foil engages the outer surface of the support cylinder; however, in other implementations, the foil material may be located on the inner surface of the support cylinder or completely embedded in the support cylinder.

[00102] The foil material of the outer cylinder 530 may be configured to produce an oscillating magnetic field (eg, a magnetic field that changes periodically over time) when an alternating current is passed through it. The heater rods of the heating element 532 may be at least partially located or received within the outer cylinder and include conductive material. By passing alternating current through the foil material, eddy currents may be generated at the heater contacts by induction. Eddy currents flowing through the resistance of the material defining the heater rods can heat it through Joule heating (i.e., the Joule effect). The heater rods may be heated wirelessly to generate an aerosol from the aerosol precursor composition 410 located adjacent to the heater rods.

[00103] Other implementations of the aerosol delivery device, control element and aerosol source element are described in the above-cited US patent application serial number 15/916834 to Sur et al.; US patent application serial number 15/916696 to Sur; and US patent application serial number 15/836086 in the name of Sur.

[00104] FIG. 7 and 8 illustrate implementations of an aerosol delivery device including a control element and a cartridge in the case of a non-heating and non-combustion device. In this regard, FIG. 7 is a side view of an aerosol delivery device 700 including a control element 702 and a cartridge 704, according to various example implementations of the present disclosure. In particular, in FIG. 7 shows the control element and the cartridge connected to each other. The control element and the cartridge may be functionally aligned and removable.

[00105] In FIG. 8 more specifically illustrates an aerosol delivery device 700 in accordance with certain exemplary implementations. As seen in the cross-sectional view illustrated herein, again the aerosol delivery device may include a control element 702 and a cartridge 704, each of which includes a number of respective components. The components shown in FIG. 8 represent components that may be present in the control element and cartridge and are not intended to limit the scope of the components covered by the present disclosure. As shown, for example, the control element may be formed from a control element housing or shell 806, which may include a control component 808 (e.g., processing circuitry, etc.), an input device 810, a power supply 812, and an indicator 814 (e.g. , LED, quantum dot LED), and such components can be arranged in various ways. Here, a specific example of a suitable control component includes the PIC16(L)F1713/6 microcontrollers from Microchip Technology Inc, which are described in Microchip Technology, Inc, AN2265, Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer Reference Design (2016), which is incorporated by reference.

[00106] The cartridge 704 may be formed from a housing, sometimes referred to as a cartridge shell 816, including a reservoir 818 configured to hold the aerosol precursor composition, and including a nozzle 820 having a piezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh (aerosol generating component). Similar to the one described above, in various configurations this structure may be referred to as a vessel.

[00107] Reservoir 818 shown in FIG. 8 may be a container or a fibrous reservoir as described herein. The reservoir may be in fluid exchange with the nozzle 820 to transfer the aerosol precursor composition stored in the reservoir body to the nozzle. The cartridge shell 816 may have an opening 822 (e.g., at the end) to allow the generated aerosol to exit the cartridge 704.

[00108] In some examples, a transfer element may be located between reservoir 818 and nozzle 820 and configured to control the amount of aerosol precursor composition passed or delivered from the reservoir to the nozzle. In some examples, a microfluidic chip may be incorporated into the cartridge 704, and the amount and/or weight of the aerosol precursor composition delivered from the reservoir may be controlled by one or more microfluidic components. One example of a microfluidic component is a micropump 824, for example, based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Examples of suitable micropumps include micropump model MDP2205 and others from thinXXS Microtechnology AG, micropumps model mp5 and mp6 and others from Bartels Mikrotechnik GmbH and piezoelectric micropumps from Takasago Fluidic Systems.

[00109] As also shown, in some examples, a microfilter 826 may be positioned between the micropump 824 and the nozzle 820 to filter the aerosol precursor composition supplied to the nozzle. Like a micropump, a microfilter is a microfluidic component. Examples of suitable microfilters include flow-through microfilters manufactured using lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology.

[00110] In use, when input device 810 detects user input to activate the aerosol delivery device, the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic grid is activated to vibrate and thereby draw the aerosol precursor composition through the grid. This produces droplets of the aerosol precursor composition, which combine with air to form an aerosol. The aerosol is whipped, aspirated, or otherwise drawn away from the mesh and exits an opening 822 in the mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery device.

[00111] The aerosol delivery device 700 may include an input device 810, such as a switch, sensor, or detector, to control the application of electrical power (energy) to the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh nozzle 820 when aerosol production is desired (e.g., when drawing in time of use). Thus, for example, a nature or method is provided to turn off the power to the grid when the aerosol delivery device is not operated during use, and to turn on the power to actuate or trigger the generation and distribution of an aerosol from the nozzle during tightening. Additional representative types of sensing or detection mechanisms, their structure and configuration, their components and general methods of their operation are described above and in US Pat. No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr., US Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al. PCT patent No. WO 2010/003480 to Flick, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[00112] For additional information regarding the above and other implementations of an aerosol delivery device in the case of a heat-free, non-combustion device, see U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 15/651548 to Sur, filed July 17, 2017, which is incorporated herein document at the link.

[00113] As described above, an aerosol delivery device in exemplary implementations may include various electronic components in the context of an electronic cigarette, a heating-non-combustion device, or a heating-non-burning device, or even in the case of a device that includes functionality one or more of an electronic cigarette, a non-heating device, or a non-heating and non-combustion device. Fig. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery device 900, which may be or include the functionality of any one or more aerosol delivery devices 100, 300, 700 according to various exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[00114] As shown in FIG. 9, aerosol delivery device 900 includes a control element 902 with a power source 904 and a control component 906 that may match or include the functionality of corresponding components from the control element 102, 302, 702, power source 212, 524, 812, and control component 208, 522, 808. The aerosol delivery device also includes an aerosol generating component 916, which may correspond to or include the functions of a heating element 220, 532 or a piezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh nozzle 820. Control element 902 may include a component an aerosol generation 916 or terminals 918 configured to connect the aerosol generation component to the control element.

[00115] In some implementations, control element 902 includes a sensor 908 configured to measure air flow. Sensor 908 may correspond to or include functions of flow sensor 210, 520, or input device 810. In these implementations, control component 906 includes a switch 910 connected to and between power supply 904 and aerosol generation component 916. The control component also includes processing circuitry 912 associated with the sensor and switch. The switch may be a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) switch. The sensor can be connected to the inter-integrated circuit (I2C), Vcc and/or processing circuit ground.

[00116] In some implementations, processing circuitry 912 is configured to verify the age of a user and to output a signal (as indicated by arrow 922) to cause switch 910 to switchably connect and disconnect the output voltage from power supply 904 to aerosol generation component 916 to power the aerosol generation component. during the period of aerosol formation. In some implementations, the processing circuitry is configured to output a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. The duty cycle of the PWM signal can be adjusted so that the switch switchably connects and disconnects the output voltage to the aerosol generation component. An age verification and authentication process can be used to determine when a connection has been established. If the user is not verified or authenticated, the switch may be disabled to prevent voltage from being applied to the aerosol generation component. Alternatively, if the switch is in the disabled state, then if the user is not verified or authenticated, the switch will remain in the disabled state. Likewise, when the user is verified or authenticated, the switch can establish a connection so that current can flow from the charging accessory to the device. In other words, when the user is verified or authenticated, an output voltage is allowed to be applied to the aerosol generation component.

[00117] The aerosol generation component 916 may be controlled in a variety of different ways, including by power supplied to the aerosol generation component during the aerosol generation time period. In some implementations, at a periodic frequency during the aerosol generation time period, processing circuitry 912 is configured to determine a sampling window of measurements of the instantaneous actual power supplied to the aerosol generation component. Each measurement of the measurement sample window can be defined as the product of the voltage through and the current through the aerosol generation component. The processing circuitry for such implementations may be further configured to calculate a running average of the power provided to the aerosol generation component based on the sampling window of instantaneous actual power measurements. In such implementations, the processing circuitry may be further configured to compare the running average power to a power set point and output a signal to cause the switch to respectively turn off and on the output voltage in each case in which the running average power is respectively above or below the power set point. In one example, the processing circuit 912 may determine the actual voltage and current (I) through the aerosol generation component 916. The processing circuit can read specific voltage and current values from the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) inputs of the processing circuit and determine the instantaneous "actual" power (I*V) sent to the aerosol generation component. In some cases, such an "instantaneous" power measurement can be added to a sampling window or a moving value window (i.e., other instantaneous power measurements), and the moving average power of the sampling window can then be calculated, for example according to the equation Pavg= Psample+Pavg 1/WindowSize. In some aspects, for example, the window size may be from about 20 to 256 samples.

[00118] In some examples, processing circuit 912 may then compare the calculated running average power to a target power value. The power setpoint may be a selected power setpoint associated with the power supply 904 (e.g., a power level or output current from the power supply controlled by processing circuit 912, or other control component associated therewith and located in electrical communication between the power supply and the component 916 aerosol formation).

[00119] In some examples, (1) if P _ave (the actual power determined in the aerosol generation component 916) is below a selected power set point (average power), the switch 910 is turned on to allow current to flow from the power supply 904 to the generation component aerosol; (2) if P _ave is higher than the selected power set point, the switch is turned off to prevent current from flowing from the power supply to the aerosol generation component; and (3) steps 1 and 2 are repeated until the aerosol generation time period expires or ceases. Specifically, during the aerosol generation time period, determining and calculating the actual power in the aerosol generation component, comparing the actual power with the preselected power set point, and ON/OFF decisions for the switch for adjusting the preselected power set point can be performed substantially continuously by the processing circuit 912 at a periodic frequency, for example about 20 to 50 times per second, to ensure a more stable and accurate average power directed and transmitted to the aerosol generation component. Various examples of switch control based on the actual power determined on the aerosol generating component (P _ave ) are described in US Pat. No. 9,423,152 to Ampolini et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[00120] Although not shown, processing circuit 912 and/or signal conditioning circuit 914 may be coupled to or receive a signal from the charging accessory for authentication or verification. If the verification or authentication signal is received and is correct, then the processing circuit 912 may turn on the switch 910 to enable operation of the aerosol delivery device. Alternatively or in addition, if the verification signal is not received or is incorrect, then the processing circuit 912 may disable the switch 910 to prevent the aerosol delivery device 900 from operating. Exemplary communication between the charging accessory and control element 902 is further illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 14 and 18. The charging accessory may be coupled to control element 902 and, in particular, to processing circuit 912 and/or signal conditioning circuit 914 to control switch 910. In other words, the charging accessory provides authentication or verification (eg, minimum age) from name of the aerosol delivery device 900, and the control element 902 (via switch 910) can prevent use. In an alternative embodiment, sensor 908 may be associated with a charging accessory. US Patent No. 7,293,565 to Griffen et al. discloses various charging systems for use with smoking devices; U.S. Patent No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al. discloses computer interface means for smoking devices to facilitate charging and allow computer control of the device; and US Pat. No. 8,689,804 to Fernando et al., discloses identification systems for smoking devices; all of the foregoing descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

[00121] In some implementations, control component 906 further includes signal conditioning circuitry 914 coupled to sensor 908 and processing circuitry 912. The signal conditioning circuitry of such implementations may be configured to control the operation of switch 910. The signal conditioning circuitry will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 10.

[00122] FIG. 10 illustrates a circuit diagram of a signal conditioning circuit 1000, which may correspond to a signal conditioning circuit 914, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. As shown, in some implementations, the signal conditioning circuit 1000 includes a signal conditioning chip 1001 and a bidirectional voltage level converter 1002. One example of a suitable signal conditioning IC is the ZAP 3456 from Zap-Tech Corporation. And one example of a suitable bidirectional voltage level converter is the Model NVT 2003 bidirectional voltage level converter from NXP Semiconductors.

[00123] In one example, as shown in FIG. 10, the signal conversion chip 1001 may be connected to the bidirectional voltage level converter 1002, and the bidirectional voltage level converter may be connected to the 5V input and ground of the processing circuit 912. Note that the values (eg voltage, resistance and capacitance) shown in FIG. 10 are intended to illustrate an example only and, unless otherwise indicated, the values should not be construed as limiting in this disclosure.

[00124] In FIG. 11a and fig. 11b shows exemplary system diagrams with accessory 1104. FIG. 11a illustrates a system power flow fragment 1110, and FIG. 11b illustrates verification fragment 1112. Accessory 1104 may be referred to as a charging accessory or charging accessory and connects to device 1106. Device 1106 may be any electronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS”) device including an aerosol delivery device as described above. Accessory 1104 may be coupled to power supply 1108 to supply power to device 1106, as shown in FIG. 11a. The power source 1108 can be any power delivery mechanism, such as a power outlet, or other device that provides power, such as a computer, laptop, mobile device, phone, tablet, or wireless power source.

[00125] FIG. 11b illustrates verification 1112 by which accessory 1104 communicates with age verification system 1102 to verify the age of a user, which may also be used to periodically authenticate device 1106. As described, age verification system 1102 may not only verify age (for example, for a product with a age), but may also provide authentication or identification of the user (for example, for actual purchase or to prevent theft). The authentication described below may rely on age verification being performed first and then being referenced for subsequent authentication. However, there may be other verification mechanisms besides age. For example, in some embodiments, user identification may be performed instead of age verification. The age verification system 1102 is further described with reference to FIG. 17.

[00126] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of charging accessories 1104, which can be any type of charging technology. Examples of suitable chargers include chargers that simply supply constant or pulsed direct current (DC) power to the power source, fast chargers that add control circuitry, three-stage chargers, induction-powered chargers, smart chargers, chargers motion powered devices, pulse chargers, solar chargers, USB chargers and the like. The charger may include a wireless charger that does not require contact for charging and that charges over a distance and has a range similar to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, in one example, and transmits power through the air. Examples of wireless chargers include those that use technologies available from POWERCAST, OSSIA and ENERGUS. Device 1106 may include any of a number of different terminals, electrical connectors, and the like. for connection to charging accessory 1104 and, in some examples, for connection to other peripheral devices for communication.

[00127] A charging cable 1206 may connect the device 1106 to a power source 1108 . Charging cable 1206 may include authentication circuitry, as further discussed below with reference to FIG. 13. Charging cable 1206 may include one or more connectors that are configured to provide power to and/or communicate with device 1106. Examples of connectors include direct current (DC) connectors such as barrel connectors, cigarette lighter connectors, and USB connectors. , including connectors specified in USB 1.x (e.g. Type A, Type B), USB 2.0 and its updates and additions (e.g. Mini A, Mini B, Mini AB, Micro A, Micro B, Micro AB) and USB 3.x (e.g. Type A, Type B, Micro B, Micro AB, Type C), future versions of USB, proprietary connectors such as the Apple Lightning connector and the like. The control element 902 of the device 1106 may be directly connected to the power supply 1108 (with built-in charging accessory 1104), or both may be connected via a charging cable 1206 that has suitable connectors. With respect to the charging cable 1206, the control element of the device 1106 may have the same or a different type of connectors, and the charging cable 1206 has a corresponding type of connector.

[00128] The charging accessory 1104 may be a charging case 1208, which may also be referred to as a carrying case. The charging case 1208 may include its own power source or battery (such as battery 1312 in FIG. 13, discussed below) for charging the device 1106. In some embodiments, the charging case 1208 can hold and/or charge multiple devices 1106 simultaneously. The 1208 charging case itself can be connected to a separate power source or charging technology to charge its battery. The charging case 1208 may include a stand, docking station, cup, or the like. More specifically, for example, control element 902 of device 1106 may be configured to operate a cradle that includes a USB connector for connection to a power source (eg, power source 1108). In another example, control element 902 of device 1106 may be configured to fit into and engage a cup that includes a USB connector for connection to a power source. In these and similar examples, the USB connector may be connected directly to the power source, or the USB connector may be connected to the power source through a suitable power adapter.

[00129] The charging accessory 1104 may be an adapter 1210, which may be referred to as a power adapter. In some examples, charging accessory 1104 includes power adapter 1210 and any suitable charging circuit (eg, the authentication circuit in FIG. 13). In other examples, the charger includes a power adapter and the device (eg, device 1106) is equipped with charging circuitry. In these other examples, the charging accessory 1104 may simply be referred to as the power adapter 1210. The adapter can be a wall power supply that plugs into an outlet in the wall and that is specifically connected to the charging cable that is used to supply current to the device. The wall power supply may be universal, so that the charging cable includes the necessary age verification functions, or this function may be located in the wall power supply, and the charging cable is universal. Alternatively, the functionality can be divided between the wall power supply and the cable.

[00130] Charging accessory 1104 may be wireless 1212. An example wireless charging accessory 1212 includes a wireless pad that may rely on inductive charging to wirelessly charge device 1106. For inductively powered charging, device 1106 may be equipped with inductive wireless charging technology and include includes an inductive receiver for connecting to a wireless charger, a charging pad, etc., which includes an inductive transmitter and uses inductive wireless charging (including, for example, wireless charging in accordance with the Qi wireless charging standard of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC)). The charging accessory 1104 may be a wireless radio frequency (RF) charger rather than a pad. An example of an inductive wireless charging system is described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0112196 to Sur et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additionally, in some implementations of an electronic cigarette, the cartridge may comprise a disposable cartridge, as disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,910,639 to Chang et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. An alternative example of a wireless charging accessory 1212 is a wireless unit, which may have a greater range than a wireless pad and can provide charging in any direction within a certain proximity.

[00131] The charging accessory 1104 may be or may include a biometric sensor 1214. The user's biometric data may be detected and used to verify or authenticate the user, as described with respect to FIG. 17a-17b. Examples of biometrics include fingerprints, facial recognition, iris/eye recognition, blood, or DNA. In one example, biometric sensor 1214 may be used to periodically re-authenticate a user whose age has already been verified. For example, for each new cartridge, a user may be required to apply their fingerprint to the biometric sensor 1214 for authentication and to ensure that another user is not using an already age-verified device. The frequency of re-authentication may vary and may be dependent on time, number of puffs, charging status (e.g., each charge cycle), and/or other conditions. Exemplary authentication examples including biometric data are further discussed with reference to FIG. 17b.

[00132] In FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a charging accessory 1104. The charging accessory 1104 may include circuitry, such as an authentication circuit 1302, that operates to perform authentication, or may also be used for initial age verification. The authentication circuit 1302 may include a processor 1304, a memory 1306, and a switch 1308.

[00133] The processor 1304 in the authentication circuit 1302 may be on one or more chips and may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or other type of processing device. Processor 1304 may be one or more general purpose processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other currently known or later developed data analysis and processing devices. . Processor 1304 may operate in conjunction with a program, such as manually generated (ie, programmed) code.

[00134] Processor 1304 may be coupled to memory 1306, or memory 1306 may be a separate component. Memory 1306 may include, but is not limited to, computer-readable storage media, such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media, including random access memory, read only memory, programmable read only memory, electrically programmable read only memory, electrically erasable read only memory, flash memory. , magnetic tape or disk, optical media and the like. Memory 1306 may include RAM for processor 1304. Alternatively, memory 1306 may be separate from processor 1304, such as processor cache, system memory, or other memory. Memory 1306 may be an external storage device or a database for storing recorded applications or user data. Examples include a hard disk drive, compact disc (“CD”), digital video disc (“DVD”), memory card, memory stick, floppy disk, universal serial bus (“USB”) storage device, or any other device designed to for storing applications or user data. Memory 1306 is designed to store instructions executed by processor 1304.

[00135] The functions, actions, or tasks illustrated in the drawings or described herein may be performed by a programmed processor executing instructions stored in memory 1306. In particular, operation of the age verification system 1102 may be performed by processor 1304 based on instructions from memory 1306. Functions, actions or tasks are independent of a particular type of instruction set, storage medium, processor, or processing strategy, and may be performed by software, hardware, integrated circuits, firmware, microcode, and the like, operating alone or in combination. Likewise, processing strategies may include multiprocessing, multitasking, parallel processing, and the like.

[00136] The processor 1304 may be configured to execute software including instructions for verifying the age of a user or for subsequent authentication operations for the age verification system 1102. In particular, if processor 1304 cannot verify the user's age, then switch 1308 may be activated to prevent power from being supplied to power interface 1310. Power interface 1310 may be powered by a power source (e.g., power supply 1108) and/or may power an internal battery 1312. In some embodiments, charging accessory 1104 may not have a battery, such as when charging accessory 1104 is charging cable 1206. In others In embodiments such as the charging case 1208, the charging accessory 1104 may charge from its internal battery 1312. The battery 1312 may include any internal energy storage component and may be powered by a wall outlet, a USB flash drive, a manual power source, a rechargeable battery, or any other power source. Once charged to a sufficient level, charging accessory 1104 may not require separate power to unlock (e.g., age verification) and charge device 1106.

[00137] Power interface 1310 may also operate to charge device 1106, as shown in FIG. 14. Power interface 1310 is configured to interact with both device 1106 and a power source (eg, battery 1312 and/or power supply 1108). Power interface 1310 may be controlled by switch 1308 such that power flow is allowed if authentication or age verification passes. Alternatively, power supply may be stopped if authentication or age verification fails. In particular, the power interface 1310 will not provide electricity to the device 1106 because the switch is turned off. Although switch 1308 is shown as part of authentication circuit 1302, in alternative embodiments it may be a separate component or part of power interface 1310.

[00138] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment showing the connection of charging accessory 1104 to device 1106 and age verification system 1102. Device 1106 may include a battery 1420, which may be a control element described above (eg, 902 in FIG. 9, 302 in FIG. 3-6, or 102 in FIG. 1-2). The device may further include a cartridge 1422, which may be a cartridge described above (e.g., 104 in FIGS. 1-2, 304 in FIGS. 3-6, 704 in FIGS. 7-8, or aerosol generation component 916 in FIGS. 9). In fig. 14 shows that the power interface 1310 charges the battery 1420 of the device 1106. The power interface 1310 allows electricity to be supplied to the battery 1420 if authentication is successful. Alternatively, if authentication fails, then power interface 1310 may prevent electricity from being supplied to battery 1420. Authentication may be the process of verifying a user's identity after that user has already verified their age. Accordingly, if the user does not confirm his age, the authentication process will fail. The age verification process may occur less frequently (for example, when purchasing a device) than the authentication process (for example, with each use or based on puffs or puff time). In an alternative embodiment, there may be a communication mechanism from the charging accessory 1104 that prevents the device 1106 from operating in ways other than simply preventing the battery 1420 from being overcharged, such as by preventing the cartridge 1422 from receiving the electricity needed to heat up. In other words, the connection between charging accessory 1104 may provide a mechanism to lock device 1106 if the device is not authenticated and the user's age is not verified.

[00139] The age verification system 1102 provides an indication of whether a user is of the appropriate age to use a particular product, such as an Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems ("ENDS") device including an aerosol delivery device, both of which are examples of device 1106. At least some of the components or features of the age verification system 1102 may be part of the charging accessory 1104 or be connected locally to the charging accessory 1104, as shown in FIG. 11a, 11b, and 14. For example, processing and determinations from age verification system 1102 may be performed locally after accessing a remote database. In an alternative embodiment, the age verification system 1102 may be located remotely and accessible over a network, as described with reference to FIG. 15-16.

[00140] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of an age verification system 1502 connected via network 1503. Although FIG. 11b shows that the charging accessory 1104 has been connected to the age verification system 1102 for authentication, FIG. 15 shows an embodiment in which age verification system 1502 (which may be the same or different from age verification system 1102) is coupled to charging accessory 1504 (which may be the same as or different from charging accessory 1104) via network 1503.

[00141] The present disclosure provides a computer-readable medium that includes instructions or receives and executes instructions in response to a propagated signal such that a network-connected device can transmit voice, video, audio, images, or any other data over the network. Charging accessory 1504 or age verification system 1502 may provide instructions over a network through one or more communication ports. The communication port can be created in software or can be a physical connection in the hardware. The connection to the network can be a physical connection, such as a wired Ethernet connection, or can be established wirelessly, as described below. Likewise, connections to other components may be physical connections or may be established wirelessly. In addition to charging accessory 1504, device 1106 and/or host 1605 (discussed below in relation to FIG. 16) may communicate through a network including, but not limited to, network 1503. For example, authentication circuitry 1302 may include network functions for pairing with the 1102 or 1502 age verification system. These components may include communication ports configured to connect to a network, such as the 1503 network.

[00142] A network (e.g., network 1503) may connect devices so that data can be exchanged, for example, between charging accessory 1504 and age verification system 1502, including between other wireless devices connected, for example, via a wireless network. As described, a cluster of machines storing data for analysis may be connected through one or more networks, such as network 1503. The network may also include a mass storage device, such as a network attached storage (NAS), storage area network (SAN) or, for example, other forms of computer or machine-readable media. The network may include the Internet, one or more local area networks (LANs), one or more wide area networks (WANs), wired connections, wireless connections, or any combination thereof. Likewise, subnetworks, for example, which may use different architectures or may be consistent or compatible with different protocols, may interact within the larger network. In one example, Blockchain technology can be used online to distribute data across the network. Exemplary functionality of the Blockchain network is described in U.S. Patent Application No. _________, entitled "DECENTRALIZED IDENTITY STORAGE FOR TOBACCO PRODUCTS" (Docket 16004-56), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/838272, filed April 24, 2019, entitled “DECENTRALIZED IDENTITY STORAGE FOR TOBACCO PRODUCTS,” the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference. For example, different types of devices may be available to provide interoperability for different architectures or protocols. As one illustrative example, a router may provide connectivity between separate and independent local area networks. The communication line or channel may include, for example, analog telephone lines such as twisted pair wire, coaxial cable, full or partial digital lines including T1, T2, T3 or T4 lines, integrated services digital networks (ISDN) ), digital subscriber lines (DSL), wireless communications links including satellite links, or other communications links or channels such as those known to those skilled in the art. In addition, the computing device or other associated electronic devices may be remotely connected to the network, such as through a telephone line or communications link.

[00143] The wireless network may connect devices such as charging accessory 1504 (and/or host 1605 in FIG. 16) and age verification system 1502. Network 1503 may include a wireless network and may use stand-alone ad hoc networks, mesh networks, wireless LAN (WLAN), wide area network (WWAN), wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), cellular networks, or the like. A wireless network may further include a system of terminals, gateways, routers, and the like, connected by wireless radio links, etc., that can move freely, randomly, or be randomly organized so that the topology of the network can change, sometimes even rapidly. The wireless network may additionally use a variety of network access technologies, including Long Term Evolution (LTE), WLAN, wireless router (WR) mesh network, or 2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation cellular technologies (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G or future iterations), etc. The network may provide radio frequency or wireless communications using one or more network access technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE) ), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n, Zigbee, Z Wave, IEEE 802.16 (e.g. WiMax) and/or other WWANs /WMAN technologies, etc., including future iterations of any of the above technologies. The wireless network may include virtually any type of wireless communication mechanism by which signals can be transmitted between devices, such as charging accessory 1504 (and/or host 1605 in FIG. 16) and age verification system 1502, between or within the network, or things like that. In some embodiments, the communication protocols listed above may be used to communicate between the charging accessory 1504 and the host 1605, and then the host 1605 communicates with the age verification system 1502 through the same or different communication protocols.

[00144] Signal packets transmitted through a network, such as network 1503 or a network of participating digital communications networks, may be compatible with or compliant with one or more protocols. Signaling formats or protocols used may include, for example, TCP/IP, UDP, DECnet, NetBEUI, IPX, Appletalk, and the like. Internet Protocol (IP) versions may include IPv4 or IPv6. The Internet refers to a decentralized global network of networks. The Internet includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks, or long-haul public networks that, for example, allow signal packets to be transmitted between LANs. Signal packets can be sent between network nodes, for example with one or more sites using a local network address. The signaling packet may, for example, be transmitted over the Internet from a user's site through an access node connected to the Internet. Likewise, a signal packet may be routed through network nodes to a target site associated with the network, such as a network access node. A signaling packet transmitted over the Internet may, for example, be routed through a path of gateways, servers, etc., which may route the signaling packet according to the target address and the availability of a network path to the target address. This burst signaling may be applicable to data transmission between the charging accessory 1104 and the device 1106 described with reference to FIG. 18, or may be applicable to communication between charging accessory 1504 (and/or host 1605 in FIG. 16) and age verification system 1502.

[00145] In FIG. 16 shows an alternative embodiment of an age verification system 1502 connected to a host 1605 over a network 1503. The host 1605 can be any computing device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Charging accessory 1504 may communicate with host 1605, which may provide the ability to unlock charging accessory 1504 if age verification is satisfied. For example, charging accessory 1504 may be a cable that connects host 1605 to device 1106. In some embodiments, host 1605 may act as or be a power source 1108. In other words, there may not be a separate power source 1108 because the host 1605 may charge the device 1106 through the charging accessory 1504. Specifically, the device 1106 may be charged when the charging accessory 1504 connects the device 1106 to the host 1605. In other embodiments, the host 1605 may provide the charging accessory 1504 has functionality to communicate over a network 1503 with an age verification system 1502 . Although not shown, the connection of the charging accessory 1504 to the host 1605 may be over a network such as the network 1503 described above. Host 1605 may already be configured to communicate over a network such as network 1503, so charging accessory 1504 may not need the same level of communication functionality since the host provides that capability. In some embodiments, host 1605 and/or charging accessory 1504, after communicating with age verification system 1502, may prevent use of device 1106 or prevent further charging of device 1106.

[00146] Although not shown, device 1106 may be able to directly connect to a network, such as network 1503. In such a case, accessory 1504 would not require a host to connect to the network, or device 1106 may be considered a host. In particular, device 1106 may include a network interface (examples described above) and communicate via network 1503 with age verification system 1502. In one example, the network interface may be WPAN (eg Bluetooth), in which case there may still be a host, or the network interface may be WLAN. As an alternative example, both charging accessory 1504 and device 1106 may be Bluetooth enabled for data communications, but device 1106 may also have a WLAN for network communications.

[00147] The age verification system 1102, 1502 may include a database that tracks users along with age. It may be encrypted and/or use anonymous identifiers (such as numbers, letters, or any alphanumeric identifier) for each user. Fig. 17a describes how initial age verification can occur (eg, using identity document 1706), and this can be stored in a database so that all future age verification requests from that user are confirmed. In particular, once the user's age is initially verified as verified in the age verification system database, future verifications (i.e., "authentications") may simply be calls to this database to unlock the device 1106. In other words, the user first performs a verification age, and then subsequent use may require authentication without completing the full initial age verification requirements. The frequency with which device 1106 must be unlocked or authenticated may vary. Likewise, the time at which a user needs to re-verify their age may vary. For example, each time a cartridge is replaced, the user may need to re-verify or re-authenticate. In some embodiments, re-authentication may be required after a certain number of puffs from device 106 or may be time-based (eg, once per hour, day, week, month, etc.). An online database can track authentication requests and set restrictions for each user. This can prevent possible fraud when one user unlocks the devices of other minors. This will also prevent unlocked (i.e. verified and authenticated) charging accessories from being redistributed. Reasonable limits on the number of devices, chargers and/or authentications can prevent this potential fraud. For example, the limit could be no more than ten charging accessories in a six-month period. As noted above, the unlock that allows a use can be either an unlock of the device 1106 or an unlock of the charging accessory 1104 and may include first verifying the user's age and then authenticating that user for each use. Unlocking the charging accessory 1104 allows the user to charge a limited number of devices.

[00148] In FIG. 17a shows verification examples 1701 from age verification system 1102. As already mentioned, age verification is the process of confirming the age of the user. Age verification system 1102 provides functionality for verifying the age of a user. Age verification can be user-specific, so that verification applies to multiple devices used by that user, but may still require authentication on a per-device basis. In some embodiments, an age verification process may be required for each device in addition to subsequent authentications. Verification examples 1701 are examples of mechanisms for verifying a user's age. As an initial age verification, the age verification system 1102 may require some identification document 1706 to establish the user's age. For example, a driver's license or passport can be downloaded to determine the user's age. The image from this document can be used to verify future age through facial recognition 1708 using this image. Facial recognition technology can analyze two images to confirm an identity match, reject an identity verification, or flag a verification to request additional identifying information. In alternative embodiments, the verification step may include audio input from the user, such as saying a number, sequence, or code to verify the activity. Facial recognition may also be used for the authentication process, as described below with reference to FIG. 17b. Another verification example 1701 includes a support phone call 1707 in which a user can verify an identity by providing or confirming user information. In one embodiment, support service 1707 may be used to confirm information provided in identification document 1706.

[00149] FIG. 17b illustrates authentication examples 1702 from age verification system 1102. The age verification system 1102 provides an indication of whether the user/device should be authenticated. As described above, age verification system 1102 may perform age verification in addition to this authentication. Authentication examples 1702 are examples of mechanisms to either unlock a device or allow charging of that device when the user is authenticated. Authentication may simply involve determining the user's identity and confirming that the user's age has previously been verified. Facial recognition technology 1709 may analyze two images to either confirm an identity match, reject the identity authentication, or flag the authentication to request additional identification information. This authentication may involve comparing that image to a live image of themselves (“selfie”) or video that the user takes with their mobile device or webcam. This can prevent fraud by simply showing someone's photo. In particular, it reduces the likelihood of a paper photo being used to fool facial recognition software (such as holding a driver's license close to a webcam). A user-uploaded selfie image can also be checked for activity by recording a short video to ensure the frames are changing. In alternative embodiments, the authentication step may include audio input from the user, such as saying a number, sequence, or code to verify activity.

[00150] Other examples of authentication 1702 include fingerprints 1710 . Charging accessory 1104 may include some form of fingerprint reader to verify a user after confirming that user's age. In one embodiment, host 1605 in FIG. 16 may obtain a fingerprint that is used to either unlock charging accessory 1504 or unlock device 1106 as part of the authentication process. In addition to facial recognition 1709 and fingerprints 1710, there may be other biometrics 1712 that are used to verify the user, such as DNA, blood, or other biological indicators. Biometric data 1712 may not only be used as part of the authentication process, it may also be used for the age verification process and may be another example 1701 of verification. In addition, the support service verification example 1707 can also be used as an authentication example 1702, in which a user can authenticate a device by calling support and providing identifying information (e.g., name, date of birth, social security number, phone number, email address , address and/or password, such as mother's maiden name).

[00151] As a further example, pin codes 1714 may be used to authenticate a user. The pin code may include a password associated with the user and used to unlock charging accessory 1504 and/or unlock device 1106. The pin code may be used to unlock charging capabilities of the product, even if the product is not connected to the network. The pin code may include a button that requires a specific code to be entered, or may include various sensors to detect unique interactions. For example, the pin code may further include a puff code in which a puff pattern is used for authentication and measured by a pressure sensor. Additional examples of pin codes may include the codes described with reference to FIG. 18.

[00152] In FIG. 18 shows an example of communication between charging accessory 1104 and device 1106. In one example, pin codes 1714 may include electrical pulses 1802 that are transmitted between charging accessory 1104 and device 1106. When age verification fails, charging accessory 1104 may be in locked state and will not charge any devices. In one embodiment, accessory 1104 may communicate with device 1106.

[00153] Data communication establishment 1804 between device 1106 and charging accessory 1104 may be proprietary and use a connection via data contacts. Instead of sending current pulses through the charging contacts (i.e., electrical pulses 1802), in some embodiments, a data packet is sent from device 1106 to charging accessory 1104 before the charger allows current to flow. Even if the charging accessory 1104 is unlocked in some embodiments, current will not flow into the device 1106 unless the charging accessory 1104 receives the proper data packet. The data packet may be any number of encryption technologies, including, for example, 128-bit encryption, 192-bit encryption, or 256-bit encryption. In some embodiments, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) technologies may be used. Additionally, this encryption key can be dynamic, where the code changes after a specified period of time. The random number generators on the 1106 and the charger can be synchronized so that they always have the same key codes.

[00154] The data exchange 1804 may include instructions to unlock the device 1106 from the charging accessory 1104. This data exchange may be wired or wireless and use the communication protocols described above, including, but not limited to, Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, Z wave or any other wireless communication protocol. Charging accessory 1104 includes a receiver chip built into the housing that can receive and/or send data. The charging accessory 1104 may communicate with a host (eg, a mobile phone) that obtains confirmation that the user is of the appropriate age from an online age verification system. The host can then transmit data to the charging accessory 1104 via a wireless connection. Charging accessory 1104 may be connected to the wall or charged to a sufficient level, as described in alternative embodiments, so that the wireless chip receives power for communication. When charging accessory 1104 receives correct data or code from the host, it closes a switch (such as 910 or 1308) on its internal circuit board, allowing current to flow from the power supply to device 1106. If the data code is incorrect or no code is received, then the switch remains open, preventing charging from the charging accessory 1104.

[00155] Communication may also be accomplished through electrical pulses 1802 or may include some combination of electrical pulses and data/code. In particular, the electrical pulses 1802 may utilize electronics inherent in the device 1106 and the charging accessory 1104. In particular, the current pattern from the charging accessory 1104 to the device 1106 may be unique, such as a square wave, sine wave, triangle wave, or other on/off pulse pattern. . The device 1106 may look for a specific pattern before allowing current to flow from the power source through the unlocked charging accessory 1104 into the battery of the device 1106. In one embodiment, the electrical pulses 1802 may be similar to Morse code communication between the charger 1104 and the device 1106.

[00156] The connection shown in FIG. 18 is designed to prevent anyone from charging device 1106 simply by applying the correct voltage to the charging pins. If the device does not see the correct authentication code (for example, 15 fast pulses, 5 long pulses, 3 fast pulses, or a unique wave), it will determine that the power is coming from a malicious or unverified source and will not allow charging. One advantage of using electrical pulses 1802 for communication instead of transmitting data 1804 is the simplicity that the charger is already capable of providing charge and there is no need for additional functionality (e.g. communication ports, processor, etc.) that might be required to data transmission. Although not shown, communication from accessory 1104 may also be a power on/off command, with the power off command being intended to lock the device when age is not verified.

[00157] FIG. 19 illustrates the connection between charging accessory 1104 and device 1106. Charging accessory 1104 may be proprietary in that it only allows charging of certain devices 1106. In particular, charging accessory 1104 may have a connector geometry 1902 that connects to a corresponding device geometry connector 1904 1106. Geometric connectors may include geometric features that interfere with the introduction of a prohibited shape or geometry. For example, a square charger will not allow you to plug in a round device and complete the connection. In other embodiments, there may be a shutter mechanism that blocks access to the complete connection. The shutter mechanism can be similar to childproof electrical outlets in which there are springs inside the outlet and both must be compressed for the shutters to open. Both outlet springs are compressed simultaneously to open the doors. Similar mechanisms may be used for a proprietary connection between charging accessory 1104 and device 1106.

[00158] There may be other examples of geometric connectors that define the connection between charging accessory 1104 and device 1106. In one embodiment, device 1106 may have a geometric pin or rod that aligns with a mechanical button on charging accessory 1104 such that when the device 1106 is inserted into the charging accessory 1104, the button mechanically removes the insulating flaps covering the charging connectors. In another embodiment, instead of a geometry pin or rod, there may be a series of geometry pins. In yet another embodiment, the geometric pin may be shaped like a key that can be connected to a receiving port in charging accessory 1104 that is unlocked only if the correct shaped key is used. This may associate device 1106 with a specific charging accessory 1104, or alternatively, all devices may have the same keys and chargers may have the same ports. In another embodiment, the device 1106 may have a magnetic component that retracts the insulating flaps when the device 1106 is inserted into the charging accessory 1104. In another embodiment, there may be a "twist and lock" feature in which the device 1106 may be round with a geometric pin, perpendicular to the circle. The pin slides down the groove and must rotate when the device is connected to the charger to remove the insulating flaps. Instead of insulating flaps, the charging posts in charging accessory 1104 may be retracted into the device (eg, 3-4 millimeters). The above embodiments may include moving charging racks to a device/charger interface to establish a connection. In another embodiment, there may be an electric motor that moves the posts into place after the connection between the device and the charger has occurred and is confirmed.

[00159] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an age verification process. At step 2002, the user purchases a device (eg, device 1106). Device 1106 may include a battery with limited charge. The supplied battery may only last one or more puffs. Accordingly, device 1106 operates until charging is required, or until verification is required, as in block 2004. Limited charge upon purchase will limit use until verification. The device may also limit the number of puffs a user can take, or limit the cumulative duration of a puff (e.g., X seconds of puff) before an unlocked charger is attached, using puff counting software. In other words, the heater is only allowed to turn on for a limited amount of time (eg, a total of X seconds before device 1106 turns off, or a total of X seconds between puffs before device 1106 turns off). After the user drains the battery through vaping, the 2006 unit will require age verification. As described above, age verification through age verification system 1102 may be accomplished through an online connection to a computing device (e.g., smartphone, laptop, tablet, etc.) through which the user verifies his or her identity and age. In one embodiment, the smartphone may have an application (or “app”) that provides a connection to the age verification system 1102 . The application may include the ability to provide a document (such as a driver's license, passport, social security number, etc.) by photographing, copying, or uploading. In other embodiments, an application may include the functionality of age verification system 1102 locally so that the application can verify age without requiring another network system. In other embodiments, charging accessory 1104 may have functionality to verify a user's age from online age verification system 1102. In an alternative embodiment, there may be a help desk that the user calls to verify their age.

[00160] The initial age verification (step 2006) may be stored in the age verification system 1102, either online or locally using an application. As discussed above, each user can be stored in a database that keeps track of age, which can be referenced for future authentications, as in the 2008 phase. Authentication may be called age re-verification and may not involve the same process as the initial age verification . Initial age verification may require certain proof of age, while subsequent authentication may only require identity verification and then confirmation that the identity is the correct age using age verification system 1102. As described, each future authentication may be required periodically (hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, etc.), may be required based on usage (every 100 puffs), may be required every time the user replaces a cartridge, or may be required every time. when the user charges the device 1106. At step 2010, the charging accessory 1104 may be connected to the device 1106 to charge the device after authentication. The device 1106 continues to charge at step 2012 and may be used until another charge is required at step 2014. If charging is required from step 2012, the charger may need to re-authenticate at step 2008 each time a charge is required. Although not shown, the user may need to periodically re-verify the user's age (as in step 2006). For example, initial age verification may last one year or another period of time.

[00161] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative age verification process. At step 2102, the user purchases a device (eg, device 1106). In one embodiment, the device may be sold as locked and require verification and authentication to be unlocked. At step 2104, the purchasing process may include the ability for the user to verify their age, which is then provided to the age verification system 1102. At the point of sale, the user may be required to verify his or her age. For example, an in-store purchase may require the merchant to view a user's identification information and then enter that information online for storage in the age verification system 1102 . Alternatively, the user may be required to register the purchase online or in an app at the time of purchase. In one embodiment, during the purchase there may be a kiosk or other mechanism through which the user can interact to ensure a consistent check-in process between different retailers. The kiosk may be provided and operated by the owner/operator of the age verification system. For example, it could be built into existing VERIPHONE payment kiosks or be a stand-alone kiosk provided to retailers. The registration process may include providing proof of age. This age verification process may occur during each purchase. In alternative embodiments, the initial age verification may occur once and the user may create a profile (online or via an application) that can be associated with all future purchases that are used for authentication. The device 1106 may operate until charging is required or until authentication is required at step 2106, which is similar to step 2006. Once authentication is completed at step 2108, the charging accessory 1104 can be connected to the device 1106 for charging, as described with reference to FIG. . 20. Cartridges or consumables may be registered as described in U.S. Patent Application ___________, (Document 16004-51), filed concurrently and entitled "AGE VERIFICATION WITH REGISTERED CARTRIDGES FOR AN AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICE", the full disclosure of which is included herein via link.

[00162] The foregoing description of use of the article(s) may be applied to the various exemplary implementations described herein with minor modifications that may be apparent to one skilled in the art in light of additional disclosure provided herein. The above description of use, however, is not intended to limit the use of the product, but is provided to satisfy all necessary disclosure requirements of this disclosure. Any of the elements shown in the article(s) shown in FIG. 1-21, or as otherwise described above, may be included in an aerosol delivery device in accordance with the present disclosure.

[00163] Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains, taking into account the advantages of the ideas presented in the previous descriptions and related drawings. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific implementations disclosed, and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the preceding descriptions and associated drawings describe exemplary implementations in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that various combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative implementations without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those expressly described above are also contemplated, as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for limitation purposes.

Claims (34)

1. A system for controlling the charging of an aerosol delivery device based on age verification, comprising: an age verification system configured to verify the age of a user; wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a battery and is configured to deliver an aerosol to a user; And a charging accessory configured to charge the battery of the aerosol delivery device when the charging accessory is unlocked, and not charge the battery of the aerosol delivery device when the charging accessory is locked, wherein the charging accessory is unlocked in response to authentication of the user by the age verification system. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the user is authenticated to unlock the charging accessory by the charging accessory, which communicates with the age verification system, by verifying the user's identity without requiring proof of the user's age; wherein the age verification system has previously obtained proof of the user's age in connection with the user verification process. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the charging accessory further comprises an authentication circuit configured to communicate with the age verification system. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the charging accessory connects the power source to the aerosol delivery device to charge the battery. 5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a host device coupled to the charging accessory, wherein the host device communicates with the age verification system over a network, wherein the host device further comprises a power source. 6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a network through which the age verification system is connected to the host device. 7. A charging accessory for an aerosol delivery device, comprising: a power interface that is configured to receive power from the power source and connect to the aerosol delivery device to supply power to the aerosol delivery device; And an authentication circuit that is configured to receive verification of the user's age, wherein power is not initially supplied to the aerosol delivery device without first verifying the age with proof of age, wherein power is subsequently not supplied to the aerosol delivery device without authentication, which includes verifying the identity of the user without proof of age requirements. 8. The charging accessory according to claim 7, wherein the authentication circuit comprises a switch configured to connect current for power through a power interface between the power source and the aerosol delivery device after age verification, wherein the switch does not additionally connect current for power through the power interface , when age verification is not performed. 9. The charging accessory of claim 7, wherein the age verification includes authentication, which includes communicating with the age verification system over a network. 10. The charging accessory of claim 9, wherein authentication is required for each power cycle and refers to verification of the user's age. 11. The charging accessory according to claim 9, wherein the initial age verification operation is performed using the identification document, so that the authentication that occurs for each power cycle confirms that the user is the user from the initial age verification operation. 12. The charging accessory of claim 7, wherein the age verification includes an initial verification of the age of a user and includes subsequent authentications of that user. 13. The charging accessory of claim 12, wherein the initial age verification comprises an association of the user with an age such that subsequent authentications comprise requests to authenticate the association with the user. 14. The charging accessory of claim 13, wherein the initial age verification occurs at the time of purchase and subsequent authentications occur during use. 15. The charging accessory of claim 12, wherein the charging accessory comprises a biometric sensor for subsequent authentications, wherein the biometric sensor comprises facial recognition or fingerprint analysis. 16. The charging accessory of claim 12, wherein facial recognition or fingerprint analysis for subsequent authentications is compared with data stored when initially verifying the user's age. 17. The charging accessory according to claim 7, wherein the charging accessory comprises a charging cable or a charging case. 18. The charging accessory of claim 7, wherein the power source comprises a host device. 19. The charging accessory of claim 18, wherein the host device is configured to communicate with the age verification system over a network regarding age verification. 20. The charging accessory of claim 18, wherein the host device is configured to communicate with the charging accessory via electrical or data pulses. 21. The charging accessory of claim 7, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a battery for heating a liquid to form an aerosol, further power being supplied from the charging accessory to the aerosol delivery device to charge the battery. 22. A method for operating a charging accessory with an age-restricted device, comprising the steps of: accept initial verification of the user's age by providing proof of age; connecting current to an age-restricted device where the user is subsequently authenticated by verifying the user's identity without requiring proof of age; And when the age verification is not authenticated, prevent current from being supplied to the age-restricted device when the charging accessory is connected to the age-restricted device. 23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of: communicate via the network with the age verification system to obtain confirmation of the user's age. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the age verification contains information about whether the user has a verified age.

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