RU2829121C1 - Method, device and system for making at least one component of aerosol-generating article - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to the tobacco industry, in particular to the production of aerosol-generating products. To implement the method of making at least one component of the aerosol-generating article, a marker is applied on at least one component of the aerosol-generating article. Amount of marker containing a component of the aerosol-generating article is detected. It is determined whether the detected amount of the marker is less than the first predetermined amount and the aerosol-generating component of the article is rejected when the detected amount of the marker is less than the first predetermined amount. Device for making at least one component of an aerosol-generating article containing a marker comprises a dispenser configured to apply a marker on at least one component of the aerosol-generating article. Sensor is configured to detect an amount of a marker which contains a component of the aerosol-generating article. Controller is configured to determine whether the detected amount of the marker is less than the first predetermined amount. Rejection system is configured to reject the aerosol-generating component of the article when the detected amount of the marker is less than the first preset amount. System for making at least one component of an aerosol-generating article comprises several process devices suitable for making at least one component of an aerosol-generating article. System includes a sensor suitable for detecting an amount of a marker which contains a component of an aerosol-generating article. Controller is designed to determine whether the amount of the marker which contains the manufactured component of the aerosol-generating article, is less than the first predetermined amount. Rejection system is configured to reject the manufactured component of the aerosol-generating article containing the amount of the marker less than the first predetermined amount.

EFFECT: high quality of manufactured articles and enabling determination of their authenticity.

19 cl, 8 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a component of an aerosol-generating device. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a component of an aerosol-generating article that contains a marker. The present invention also relates to a device for manufacturing a component of an aerosol-generating article that contains a marker. The present invention further relates to a set of parts that contains several process devices suitable for manufacturing a component of an aerosol-generating article.

Aerosol-generating products and other consumable parts are designed to be used with specific aerosol-generating products. For example, externally heated tobacco products include a holder and a tobacco stick designed to be inserted into the holder. Genuine compatible products are typically thoroughly tested to ensure the best performance and user experience. The use of non-genuine products may impair the performance and user experience. In addition, the use of a non-genuine part or component may cause problems such as damage to the holder device.

Document RU 2218063 C2 describes an optical system for checking a web of material containing stripes on a cigarette manufacturing machine or other similar system. The described system implements a method for detecting stripes having a non-standard width or distance between them. The method involves illuminating the surface of the web with radiation that creates reflections; detecting said reflections with a sensor and generating electrical signals representing said reflections. In addition, the method involves processing said electrical signals to establish the presence of stripes on the web with the receipt of output signals, analyzing said output signals to identify non-standard stripes and generating a peak value representing the peak values of the electrical signals. The method may involve generating a threshold signal (as a percentage of the peak value) and comparing said threshold signal with electrical signals to determine the presence of non-standard stripes on the web. The method for manufacturing cigarettes involves ejecting a cigarette formed by a section of material containing non-standard stripes. The invention makes it possible to detect non-standard sections of the web of material and reject cigarettes made from them.

It would be desirable to provide a method (or apparatus) for producing an aerosol generating component of an article that improves quality assurance.

According to the present invention, a method for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article (a component of an aerosol-generating article) that contains a marker is provided. The method includes a step of applying the marker to the component. The method also includes a step of detecting the amount of marker that the component contains. The method includes a step of determining whether the detected amount of marker is less than a first predetermined amount. The method includes a step of rejecting the component when the detected amount of marker is less than the first predetermined amount. The marker may be, for example, a gel, suspension, powder or foam. The marker may contain a uniquely coded material.

In this way, a marker is applied to the component, which acts as an internal feature of the component, which is used to identify the product. The component marker can be used to determine by recognition whether the component for the aerosol-generating article, and therefore the aerosol-generating article, is a genuine product. This can ensure suitable product characteristics and user experience. By having a first predetermined amount of the marker, the failure to meet which leads to the rejection of the component, it is ensured that all components containing a suitable amount of the marker for recognizing the component allow identifying genuine products. In particular, it is advantageous to have a method comprising a step of rejecting the component when the detected amount of the marker is less than the first predetermined amount, since the defective component is removed from the technological process before the end of the finished product. The rejection system also ensures that all manufactured consumables provided to consumers will contain the correct concentration of the marker, which can allow the aerosol-generating device to properly recognize this consumable part. Providing a detection and rejection system also reduces the amount of material wasted on the product.

In some embodiments, instead of detecting and quantifying the marker contained in the component, the method includes the step of detecting whether the marker is contained in the component. In some embodiments, the method includes the step of detecting whether the marker is contained in the component. In some embodiments, the method includes the step of detecting the presence of the marker. In some embodiments, the method includes the step of detecting the presence of the marker in the component. The method may further include the step of rejecting the component when the marker is not detected. This is advantageous because it ensures that all components are characterized by the presence of the marker for recognizing the component, which allows identifying genuine products.

In some embodiments, the step of determining whether the detected amount of marker is less than the first specified amount includes determining whether the detected amount of marker is less than a non-zero amount. In this way, the method detects not only the presence of the marker, but also whether the available amount of marker is insufficient, and thus identifies defective components. These components can then be rejected. The non-zero amount can be a threshold amount above which the component provides suitable product characteristics and user experience. By comparing the available amount of marker with the threshold amount in this way, it is possible to predict whether the correct components are available during manufacture.

For example, in a particular component (a component of an aerosol-generating article), the detected amount of marker may be 15 milligrams per square meter, and the first specified amount is 20 milligrams per square meter. Since the detected amount of marker is less than the first specified amount, it is determined that the component (a component of an aerosol-generating article) containing less than 20 milligrams of marker per square meter is defective, and therefore may not have suitable characteristics, and this component (a component of an aerosol-generating article) is rejected from the production line.

In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article (a component of an aerosol-generating article) that contains a marker includes a step of determining whether the amount of the marker that the component contains is greater than a second predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the method includes a step of rejecting the component when the detected amount of the marker that the component contains is greater than the second predetermined amount. Therefore, a range of amounts of the marker for rejecting the component is provided in this way. This ensures that the finished products contain an amount of the marker that is within an acceptable range. In this way, emissions of products that contain amounts of the marker outside the acceptable range are removed. This allows for providing a marker detection system that has greater accuracy and is better calibrated for recognizing genuine products.

For example, in a particular component, the detected amount of marker may be 450 milligrams per square meter, and the second specified amount is 400 milligrams per square meter. Since the detected amount is greater than the second specified amount, it is determined that the component with the amount of marker greater than 400 milligrams of marker per square meter is defective, and therefore may not have suitable characteristics, and this component is rejected from the production line. Detection of an amount of marker greater than the second specified amount may, for example, indicate that there is an excessively large amount of a particular component. In one particular embodiment, the presence of a certain amount of marker detected in the adhesive for tipping paper may indicate that an excessively large amount of adhesive for tipping paper has been applied. It is envisaged that instead of the adhesive for the tipping paper, the excess marker may also be detected in connection with the filter, wrapper, tipping paper, filter plug wrapper, current collector, mouthpiece filter, separation tube, tobacco element, flavor element, heat source, aerosol generating element, or a combination of one or more of these components.

In some embodiments, a method for producing a component for an aerosol-generating article that contains a marker includes a step of determining whether the amount of marker that the component contains is less than a first predetermined amount or greater than a second predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the method includes a step of rejecting the component when the detected amount of marker that the component contains is less than the first predetermined amount or greater than the second predetermined amount. Thus, a component that contains an amount of marker outside the range between the first predetermined amount and the second predetermined amount is rejected. This ensures that the finished products contain an amount of marker that is within an acceptable range. The first predetermined amount may be a threshold amount above which the component provides suitable product characteristics and user experience. The second predetermined amount may be a threshold amount below which the component provides suitable characteristics and user experience. By comparing the amount of marker available with the threshold amounts in this way, it is possible to ensure that the amount of marker available is within the acceptable range and the component that contains the marker provides suitable product characteristics and user experience. By comparing the amount of marker in stock with the acceptable range, it can be predicted whether the correct components are in stock during manufacturing.

In some particular embodiments, a method for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article that contains a marker includes a step of determining whether the amount of marker that the component contains is less than a first specified amount or greater than a second specified amount, wherein the first specified amount is a non-zero amount. Thus, the method detects not only the presence of the marker, but also the amount of the marker in the component, and rejects the component if the amount of the marker is outside the acceptable range.

For example, the first specified marker quantity may be 30 milligrams per square meter, and the second specified marker quantity may be 300 milligrams per square meter. If the measured marker quantity for a component is 200 milligrams per square meter, this value is compared to the acceptable range of values from 30 milligrams per square meter to 300 milligrams per square meter, and it is determined that the component provides suitable product characteristics. However, if the measured marker quantity for a component is outside this acceptable range, such as 15 milligrams per square meter or 380 milligrams per square meter, this value is compared to the acceptable range of values, and it is determined that the component does not provide suitable product characteristics. This component is rejected from the production line.

In some embodiments, the first predetermined amount of marker is a concentration of 5 milligrams of marker per square meter. In some embodiments, the first predetermined amount of marker is a concentration of 10 milligrams of marker per square meter. In some embodiments, the first predetermined amount of marker is a concentration of 20 milligrams of marker per square meter. In some embodiments, the first predetermined amount of marker is a concentration of 50 milligrams of marker per square meter. In some embodiments, the first predetermined amount of marker is a concentration of 100 milligrams of marker per square meter. In some embodiments, the second predetermined amount of marker is 500 milligrams of marker per square meter. In some embodiments, the second predetermined amount of marker is a concentration of 450 milligrams of marker per square meter. In some embodiments, the second predetermined amount of marker is a concentration of 400 milligrams of marker per square meter. In some embodiments, the second predetermined amount of marker is a concentration of 300 milligrams of marker per square meter. In some embodiments, the second predetermined amount of marker is a concentration of 250 milligrams of marker per square meter.

In some particular embodiments, a range is provided such that when the detected amount of the component marker is from 5 milligrams of marker per square meter to 500 milligrams of marker per square meter, the component is not rejected. In other words, in some particular embodiments, a range is provided such that when the detected amount of the component marker is less than 5 milligrams of marker per square meter or more than 500 milligrams of marker per square meter, the component is rejected.

In some particular embodiments, such a range is provided that when the detected amount of the component marker is from 10 milligrams of marker per square meter to 450 milligrams of marker per square meter, the component is not rejected. In other words, in some particular embodiments, such a range is provided that when the detected amount of the component marker is less than 10 milligrams of marker per square meter or more than 450 milligrams of marker per square meter, the component is rejected.

In some embodiments, a range is provided such that when the detected amount of the component marker is from 25 milligrams of marker per square meter to 200 milligrams of marker per square meter, the component is not rejected. In other words, in some particular embodiments, a range is provided such that when the detected amount of the component marker is less than 25 milligrams of marker per square meter or more than 450 milligrams of marker per square meter, the component is rejected.

The range from the first predetermined quantity to the second predetermined quantity may be any desired range. For example, the first predetermined quantity may be 20 milligrams of marker per square meter, and the second predetermined quantity may be 100 milligrams of marker per square meter. Other ranges from the first predetermined quantity of marker to the second predetermined quantity of marker are also possible.

In some embodiments, a method for producing a component includes the step of applying a marker to the component, wherein the component is a filter. Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, the marker is applied to other components. In some embodiments, the component is a wrapper. In some embodiments, the component is a tipping paper. In some embodiments, the component is an adhesive. In some embodiments, the component is a tipping paper adhesive. In some embodiments, the component is a filter plug wrapper. In other embodiments, the component is a combination of the above components. The component can be a current collector, a mouthpiece filter, a separator tube, a tobacco element, a flavoring element, a heat source, an aerosol generating element, or any combination thereof. Advantageously, the greater the number of components containing a marker applied thereto, the more feature markings can be for identifying the product.

In some embodiments, the method includes the step of applying a marker to the interface between the tobacco rod component and the filter component. When applying the marker to the interface between the tobacco rod component and the filter component, the marker is applied away from the ends. Thus, the marker is applied to the aerosol-generating article at the interface between the tobacco rod component and the filter component, rather than at the interface between two separate aerosol-generating articles, such as at the end of an adjacent aerosol-generating article. This is advantageous because it allows for distinguishing between separate aerosol-generating articles and for detecting quantities of marker for separate aerosol-generating articles. This allows for easier matching of quantities of marker with their corresponding aerosol-generating articles.

In some embodiments, the method includes the step of applying a marker to the inner surface of the tipping paper component. In some embodiments, the marker is applied to the outer surface of the tipping paper component. In some embodiments, the marker is applied to both the inner surface of the tipping paper component and the outer surface of the tipping paper component.

In particular embodiments, the method includes the step of applying a marker substantially around the circumference of the component. In some embodiments, the marker may be applied substantially around the circumference of the component (a component of an aerosol-generating article). In other embodiments, the marker is applied partially around the circumference of the component. In particular, the marker is advantageously applied at least substantially around the circumference of the component, since this allows the marker to be detected in all orientations of the components. For example, even if, during the process when the component is to be transferred to the roller, the surface facing the roller may not be exposed to the sensor or reader of the marker, the presence of a marker applied substantially around the circumference of the component allows the marker to be detected regardless of the fact that not all surfaces of the component are exposed to the sensors.

In some embodiments, the method includes a step of repeating the detection and determination steps. Advantageously, the detection and determination steps are repeated to provide more than one reading of the data. In some embodiments, the detection and determination steps are repeated with respect to one aerosol-generating article. Optionally, in particular embodiments, the method includes a step of repeating the rejection step. The method may include the steps of repeating the detection, determination, and rejection steps. Repeating the detection and determination steps is particularly advantageous because it provides increased reliability of the readings. Repeated readings may also be used to determine whether there are outliers in the data (e.g., anomalous or erroneous data). The detection and determination steps may be repeated, and an average marker amount is determined.

In some embodiments, the method includes the step of detecting the amount of marker that the component contains after the process step of applying and securing the tipping paper to another component.

In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of detecting the amount of marker and determining whether the detected amount of marker is less than a first predetermined amount, and these steps are repeated at different stages of the process. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of detecting the amount of marker and determining whether the detected amount of marker is greater than a second predetermined amount, and these steps are repeated at different stages of the process. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of detecting the amount of marker and determining whether the detected amount of marker is less than a first predetermined amount or greater than a second predetermined amount, and these steps are repeated at different stages of the process. In particular, it is advantageous to repeat the steps of detecting and determining, since the amount of marker may change as the component moves along the process line. Repeating these steps ensures that the characteristics of the product remain suitable. In addition, it can be determined that the correct components are available at different stages of the process.

In some embodiments, the marker may be present in the adhesive, and by detecting the amount of marker and rejecting components with too little or too much marker, where the amount of marker is not between the first specified amount of marker and the second specified amount of marker, components with too little or too much glue may be indicated, which may therefore be defective. Components with too little glue may not hold together sufficiently. Components with too much glue may have a different shape.

In other embodiments, a marker may be present in the wrapping paper, and by detecting the amount of the marker, it may be indicated where too little or too much wrapping paper has been used to wrap the component. Too little wrapping paper may cause the component to disintegrate prematurely. Too much wrapping paper may result in a component that is thicker and harder to handle.

In addition, according to the present invention, a device is provided for producing a component of an aerosol-generating article that contains a marker. The device comprises a dispenser configured to apply the marker to the component. The device also comprises a sensor configured to detect the amount of marker that the component contains. The device comprises a controller for determining whether the detected amount of marker is less than the first specified amount. The device further comprises a rejection system configured to reject the component when the detected amount of marker is less than the first specified amount.

The device thus applies a marker to the component, which acts as an internal feature of the component, which is used to identify the product. The component marker is used to determine by recognition whether the component for the aerosol-generating article, and therefore the aerosol-generating article, is a genuine product. A sensor of the device detects the amount of marker that the component contains, the controller compares the detected amount of marker with the first predetermined amount of marker, and if there is no match, the component is rejected by the rejection system. This device ensures that all components contain a suitable amount of marker for recognizing the component, which allows identifying genuine products. In particular, it is advantageous to have a device containing a rejection system that rejects the component when the detected amount of marker is less than the first predetermined amount, since the rejected component is removed from the process before the end of the finished product. This reduces the amount of materials unproductively spent on a product that will be rejected later.

In some particular embodiments, the device comprises a controller configured to determine whether the detected quantity of marker is less than a first predetermined quantity, wherein the first predetermined quantity is a non-zero quantity. Therefore, the device not only determines whether the marker is present, but also whether there is an insufficient quantity of the present marker and thus identifies defective components. These components can then be rejected. The non-zero quantity can be a threshold quantity above which the component provides suitable product characteristics and user experience. By having a controller that thus determines that the detected quantity of marker is less than the first predetermined non-zero quantity, this non-zero quantity is used as a threshold quantity above which it can be determined that the component provides suitable product characteristics and user experience. By thus comparing the quantity of the present marker with the threshold quantity, it is possible to predict whether the correct components are present during manufacture. If the available marker quantity is determined to be below the first specified marker quantity, the component is determined to be defective and is rejected from the production line.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine whether the amount of marker that the component contains is less than the first predetermined amount or greater than the second predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the device comprises a rejection system that rejects the component when the detected amount of marker that the component contains is less than the first predetermined amount or greater than the second predetermined amount. Thus, when the component contains an amount of marker outside the range between the first predetermined amount and the second predetermined amount, this component is rejected. This ensures that the finished products contain an amount of marker that is within the acceptable range.

In some particular embodiments, the controller is configured to determine whether the amount of marker that the component contains is less than a first specified amount or greater than a second specified amount, wherein the first specified amount is a non-zero amount. In this way, the device detects not only the presence of the marker, but also the amount of the marker in the component, and rejects the component if the amount of the marker is outside the permissible range.

In some preferred embodiments, the device comprises several sensors, each sensor being capable of detecting the amount of marker. When several sensors are present, each of which is capable of detecting the amount of marker, the amount of marker can still be detected if, for example, one of the sensors is inoperative. Another reason why this arrangement is advantageous is that the sensors are arranged in different areas and are thus capable of detecting the amount of marker at different times or at different locations of the component. For example, the sensors can be used to determine the amount of marker at different points in the process. The sensors can, additionally or alternatively, be mounted in certain positions such that they are directed at different parts of the component.

In some embodiments, the device comprises at least a sensor mounted in a specific position on the process line after the tipping paper component has been applied and secured to another component.

In some embodiments, the device comprises at least one sensor installed in a certain position on the process line after wrapping the component. The wrapped component may be, for example, a filter component.

In particular embodiments, the device comprises at least one sensor installed in a certain position on the process line after the component is manufactured. The manufactured component may be an aerosol-forming substrate, such as, for example, a component in the form of a tobacco plug.

In some embodiments, the device comprises several sensors, each of which is installed in a certain position at different stages of the technological process. In some particular embodiments, the sensors detect the amount of the marker. In some embodiments, the amount of the marker is measured by the sensors at different stages of the technological process, and the controller determines whether the detected amount of the marker is less than a first predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the amount of the marker is measured by the sensors at different stages of the technological process, and the controller determines whether the detected amount of the marker is greater than a second predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the amount of the marker is measured by the sensors at different stages of the technological process, and the controller determines whether the detected amount of the marker is less than the first predetermined amount or greater than the second predetermined amount. By having several sensors, each of which is installed in a certain position at different stages of the technological process, it can be ensured that the characteristics of the product remain suitable. If it is determined that the characteristics of the product are not suitable, the rejection system of the device can reject the component. In addition, it can be determined that the correct components are in place at different stages of the process.

In particular embodiments, the sensor comprises an emitter and a reader. In some embodiments, the emitter emits a signal and the reader reads the signal reflected from the marker. Having a sensor that includes both an emitter and a reader reduces the number of sensors required in the system.

In some embodiments, the sensor does not include an emitter, but reads signals directly from the marker.

In some embodiments, the signal comprises a spectroscopic signal. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the signal comprises a light signal, a phosphorescent signal, an electromagnetic signal, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a glue dispenser for dispensing glue. In some embodiments, the glue dispenser comprises a roller for applying glue. In some embodiments, the roller for applying glue comprises grooves.

In some particular embodiments, the dispenser further comprises a mask configured to protect unwanted areas from being reached by the marker after dispensing. For example, the mask may protect perforations in the aerosol-generating article from being reached and thus filled by the marker after dispensing. This is particularly advantageous since the perforations will not be blocked.

In addition, according to the present invention, a set of parts is provided. The set of parts according to the present invention comprises several process devices suitable for manufacturing a component of an aerosol-generating article. The set of parts according to the present invention also comprises at least one sensor suitable for detecting the amount of marker that the manufactured component contains. The set of parts according to the present invention comprises a controller for determining whether the amount of marker that the component contains is less than a first predetermined amount. The set of parts according to the present invention further comprises a rejection system that is configured to reject a component that contains an amount of marker less than the first predetermined amount.

In the context of this document, the term "adhesive" is used to describe a substance used to adhere or bond to the surface of a component or material.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol-generating article" is used to describe an article that is capable of generating or releasing an aerosol.

In the context of this document, the term "quantity" is used to describe the amount of a material, component, or object. The term "quantity" may be used to describe quantity, mass, extent, or size in a quantitative manner.

In the context of this document, the term "apply" is used to describe the process of feeding or dispensing a material to another material, such as onto or into a material.

In the context of this document, the term "component" is used to describe an element of a larger whole. For example, "component" is used to describe a part of an aerosol-generating article. "Component" may also refer to more than one part of an aerosol-generating article.

In the context of this document, the term "concentration" is used to describe the amount of a substance per unit area or volume. For example, "concentration" is used to quantify the amount or density of a substance in a component.

In the context of this document, the term "detect" is used to describe the process of identifying the presence of a substance.

In the context of this document, the term "dispenser" is used to describe a device or means capable of dispensing or applying a substance to a material, such as to the surface of the material or into the material.

In the context of this document, the term "emitter" is used to describe a device that emits a signal.

In the context of this document, the term "defective", as in the expression "defective component", is used to describe any component that does not have the required properties. In the context of this document, the term "interface" is used to describe an overlapping portion or boundary between two components. "Interface" may also be used to describe an additional component that connects two components to each other. For example, the tipping paper of an aerosol-generating article may form an interface between a filter component and an aerosol-generating substrate.

In the context of this document, the term "predetermined" is used to describe a parameter that is set in advance. For example, a predetermined marker quantity is set before the marker quantity detection step.

In the context of this document, the term "rejection" is used to describe the process of rejecting a component. The term is also used to describe the process of preventing a component from passing downstream in a process.

In the context of this document, the term "rod" is used to describe a component, segment, or element characterized by a generally cylindrical cross-section for use in an aerosol-generating article. An aerosol-generating article may comprise several different rods, such as a filter rod. The cylindrical cross-section may, for example, be a circular cross-section or an oval cross-section.

In the context of this document, the term "sensor" is used to describe a device that is used to measure some physical property of the environment. For example, a sensor may be a device that is used in a manufacturing process to measure a physical property of a component of an aerosol-generating product for the purpose of identifying that component.

In the context of this document, the term "marker" is used to describe a marker that is used to identify a component.

In the context of this document, the term "threshold" is used to describe a limit or boundary of the amount of marker that determines the acceptability of a component containing the marker. For example, below a threshold of 20 milligrams per square meter of marker present in a component, a determination is made that the component is not acceptable. Components containing less than 20 milligrams per square meter of marker may be rejected as defective.

In the context of this document, the term "undesirable region" is used to describe a portion or region of a component where the presence of a marker is undesirable.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example Ex1. A method for producing a component for an aerosol-generating article that contains a marker, wherein the method includes a step of applying the marker to the component. The method includes a step of detecting the amount of marker that the component contains. The method also includes a step of determining whether the detected amount of marker is less than a first specified amount. The method includes a step of rejecting the component when the detected amount of marker is less than the first specified amount.

Example Ex2. A method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article or a component thereof according to example Ex1, further comprising a step of determining whether the amount of marker on or in the component is greater than a second predetermined amount. The method further comprises a step of rejecting the component when the detected amount of marker on or in the component is greater than the second predetermined amount.

Example Ex3. A method for producing a component according to example Ex1 or example Ex2, wherein the first specified amount of marker is a concentration of 5 milligrams of marker per square meter.

Example Ex4. A method for producing a component according to any of the previous examples, further comprising the step of applying a marker to the component, wherein the component is: a filter, a wrapper, a tipping paper, an adhesive, an adhesive for a tipping paper, a filter plug wrapper, or any combination of the previously mentioned components.

Example Ex5. A method for producing a component according to example Ex4, wherein the component is: a current collector, a mouthpiece filter, a separating tube, a tobacco element, a flavoring element, a heat source, an aerosol generating element, or any combination of the previously mentioned components.

Example Ex6. A method for producing a component according to any of the previous examples, further comprising the step of: applying a marker to the interface between the tobacco rod component and the filter component.

Example Ex7. A method for manufacturing a component according to any of the previous examples, further comprising the step of: applying a marker to the inner surface of the rim component.

Example Ex8. A method for manufacturing a component according to any of the previous examples, further comprising the step of: applying a marker substantially around the circumference of the component.

Example Ex9. A method for manufacturing a component according to any of the previous examples, further comprising the step of: repeating the detection and determination steps, and, if applicable, the rejection step.

Example Ex10. A method for producing a component according to any of the previous examples, further comprising the step of: detecting the amount of marker that the component contains, after the process step of applying the component in the form of tipping paper to another component and fixing it thereto.

Example Ex11. A device for producing a component for an aerosol-generating article that contains a marker, wherein the device contains a dispenser configured to apply the marker to the component. The device also contains a sensor configured to detect the amount of marker that the component contains. The device contains a controller for determining whether the detected amount of marker is less than a first specified amount. The device further contains a rejection system configured to reject the component when the detected amount of marker is less than the first specified amount.

Example Ex12. A device according to example Ex11, comprising several sensors, wherein each sensor is configured to detect the quantity of a marker.

Example Ex13. A device according to example Ex11 or example Ex12, further comprising at least one sensor installed in a certain position on the process line after the component in the form of tipping paper has been applied to another component and secured thereto.

Example Ex14. A device according to any of the examples Ex11-Ex13, further comprising at least one sensor installed in a certain position on the process line after wrapping the component.

Example Ex15. A device according to any of the examples Ex11-Ex14, further comprising at least one sensor installed in a certain position on the process line after the production of the component in the form of a tobacco plug.

Example Ex16. A device according to any of the examples Ex11-Ex15, wherein the sensor comprises an emitter and a reader, wherein the emitter emits a signal and the reader reads the signal reflected from the marker.

Example Ex17. A device according to any of the examples Ex11-Ex16, further comprising a glue dispenser for dispensing glue.

Example Ex18. A device according to example Ex17, wherein the glue dispenser comprises a roller for applying glue.

Example Ex19. A device according to example Ex18, wherein the adhesive application roller comprises grooves.

Example Ex20. A device according to any of the examples Ex11-Ex19, in which the dispenser additionally comprises a mask configured to protect unwanted areas from being reached by the marker after dispensing.

Example Ex21. A set of parts comprising several process devices suitable for manufacturing a component of an aerosol-generating article. The set of parts also comprises at least one sensor suitable for detecting the amount of marker that the manufactured component contains. The set of parts comprises a controller for determining whether the amount of marker that the component contains is less than a first specified amount. The set of parts further comprises a rejection system configured to reject a component that contains an amount of marker less than the first specified amount.

Reference will now be made to the drawings, which illustrate one or more embodiments described in the present invention. However, it will be understood that other embodiments not illustrated in the drawings are within the scope of the present invention. The same numerals used in the figures refer to the same components, steps, etc. However, it will be understood that the use of a numeral to designate a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same numeral. In addition, the use of different numerals to designate components in different figures is not intended to indicate that components of different numerals may not be the same as components of different numerals or similar. The figures are provided for purposes of illustration and not limitation. The schematic representations shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Fig. 1 shows a partial schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article.

Fig. 2 shows a partial schematic side cross-sectional view and a partial sectional view of an aerosol generating article.

Fig. 3 shows a partial schematic side cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating article.

Fig. 4 shows a partial schematic side cross-sectional view and a partial sectional view of an aerosol generating article.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a device for producing an aerosol-generating component of an article.

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of a device for producing an aerosol generating component of an article.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a device for producing an aerosol-generating component of an article.

Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a further exemplary embodiment for producing an aerosol generating article component.

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol generating article 101. The aerosol generating article 101 has a near end 102 and a far end 104. The aerosol generating article 101 comprises an aerosol forming substrate 106 , which is located at the far end 104. The aerosol generating article 101 comprises means for heating the aerosol forming substrate 106 to an aerosol forming temperature. For heating the aerosol forming substrate 106 , the aerosol generating article 101 is provided with a heating element, which is at least partially adjacent or located in close proximity to the aerosol forming substrate 106 and surrounds it. The heating element can be inserted into the aerosol forming substrate 106 .

At the near end 102 , the aerosol-generating article 101 is provided with a filter 108. The aerosol-forming substrate 106 is heated and forms an aerosol. When negative pressure is applied to the near end 102 of the aerosol-generating article 101 , the aerosol is drawn through the filter 108 at the near end 102.

The aerosol generating article 101 comprises a hollow acetate tube 112 mounted in a certain position between the filter 108 and the aerosol generating substrate 106. The hollow acetate tube 112 is arranged in coaxial alignment with the filter 108 and the aerosol generating substrate 106. The filter 108 , the hollow acetate tube 112 and the aerosol generating substrate 106 are collected in a tipping paper 110. In this example, the tipping paper 110 is located over the filter 108 at the near end 102 of the aerosol generating article 101. The tipping paper 110 completely covers the hollow acetate tube 112 . The tipping paper 110 partially covers the aerosol-forming substrate 106 at the end opposite the distal end 104 of the aerosol-generating article 101. In some examples, the filter 108 is wrapped in a filter plug wrapper. In some examples, the hollow acetate tube 112 is wrapped in a hollow acetate tube plug wrapper. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate 106 can be wrapped in an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrapper. In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the aerosol-generating article 101 is provided with one or more of: a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, a separating tube, a tobacco element, a flavoring element, a heat source, and an aerosol-generating element. The aerosol-generating article 101 can be provided with any combination thereof.

With reference to Fig. 2 , an aerosol generating article 201 is shown. The aerosol generating article 201 is essentially the same as the aerosol generating article 101 shown in Fig. 1. The aerosol generating article 201 is provided with a tipping paper 210 located over the filter 208 at the near end 202 , over the hollow acetate tube 212 and partially over the aerosol forming substrate 206. Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the tipping paper 210 from one end at the near end 202 of the aerosol generating article 201 to the opposite end, which partially covers the aerosol forming substrate 206. The inner surface of the tipping paper 210 is provided with a coating of adhesive 220 . The adhesive 220 is provided for attaching the tipping paper 210 to the rod of the aerosol-generating article 201. In this example, the adhesive 220 is the adhesive element 220. The adhesive 220 is applied to the inner surface of the tipping paper 210. The adhesive 220 contains a marker. The marker has a concentration of 150 milligrams per square meter. It is envisaged that the marker can have any concentration from 5 milligrams per square meter to 500 milligrams per square meter. In this particular example, the adhesive 220 is sprayed onto the inner surface of the tipping paper 210. In this example, the marker is mixed with the adhesive 220 before applying the adhesive 220 to the inner surface of the tipping paper. In some examples, the adhesive 220 is applied using a roller, such as a roller containing grooves. Alternatively, the adhesive 220 can be applied using printing.

Thus, the inner surface of the tipping paper 210 is provided with an adhesive 220 containing a marker. It is also envisaged that in some examples, the inner surface of the tipping paper 210 is provided with a marker directly applied using a spray nozzle, or by printing, or using a roller. The tipping paper 210 is provided with an adhesive seam 214 at the location where the tipping paper 210 overlaps with the aerosol-forming substrate 206. The tipping paper 210 is also provided with a reinforced adhesive seam 216 at the location where the tipping paper 210 overlaps with the aerosol-forming substrate 206. The adhesive seam 214 and the reinforced adhesive seam 216 are provided to facilitate the attachment of the tipping paper 210 to the aerosol-forming substrate 206 . In some examples, an adhesive seam 214 is provided. In other examples, a reinforced adhesive seam 216 is provided. In other examples, both an adhesive seam 214 and a reinforced adhesive seam 216 are provided to secure the tipping paper 210 to the aerosol-generating substrate 206. In the example shown in Fig. 2 , the tipping paper 210 is provided with an adhesive-free zone 218 . The adhesive-free zone 218 is an area 218 in which the adhesive 220 is absent. It is needed, for example, so that the adhesive 220 does not block the perforations in the aerosol-generating article 201. In some examples, the adhesive-free zone 218 contains substantially less adhesive 220 compared to the adhesive on the inner surface of the tipping paper 210 .

Fig. 3 shows an aerosol generating article 301. The aerosol generating article 301 has a near end 302 and a far end 304. The aerosol generating article 301 comprises an aerosol forming substrate 306 which is located at the far end 304. The aerosol generating article 301 is provided with a heat source 324 configured to heat the aerosol forming substrate 306 to an aerosol forming temperature. The aerosol generating article 301 is also provided with a heat conducting element 326 located around and in direct contact with the heating element 324 , and a portion of the aerosol forming substrate 306 is located near the far end 304 of the aerosol generating article 301 . In this example, the heat-conducting element 326 is a stainless steel tube 326 , however, it is envisaged that the heat-conducting element 326 may be any suitable heat-conducting material.

The near end 302 of the aerosol generating article 301 is provided with a filter 308. The aerosol generating substrate 306 is heated by the heating element 324 by conduction. It transfers thermal energy to the aerosol generating substrate 306 to produce an aerosol. The aerosol is drawn through the filter 308 at the near end 302 by applying a negative pressure to the near end 302 of the aerosol generating article 301 .

The aerosol generating article 301 is provided with a hollow acetate tube 312 installed in a certain position between the filter 308 and the aerosol forming substrate 306. The hollow acetate tube 312 is arranged in coaxial alignment with the filter 308 and the aerosol forming substrate 306. The filter 308 , the hollow acetate tube 312 and the aerosol forming substrate 306 are collected in a tipping paper 310. The tipping paper 310 is arranged so that it covers the filter 308 , covers the hollow acetate tube 312 and partially covers the aerosol forming substrate 306 . The inner surface of the tipping paper 310 is provided with a coating of adhesive 320 for fastening to the rod of the aerosol-generating article 301. As can be seen in Fig. 3 , the adhesive 320 is applied in two different areas on the circumference of the aerosol-generating article 301 , which are separated from each other along the length of the aerosol-generating article 301 . The areas of application of the adhesive 320 are separated by an adhesive-free zone 318 . In the adhesive-free zone 318 , there is no adhesive 320 . This is necessary, for example, so that the adhesive 320 does not block the perforations in the aerosol-generating article 301 . In some examples, the adhesive-free zone 318 contains substantially less adhesive 320 than the areas of application of adhesive 320 . The adhesive 320 contains a marker. More specifically, the inner surface of the tipping paper 310 is provided with an adhesive 320 containing a marker.

In other embodiments, the marker may be provided, instead of or in addition, to other components of the aerosol generating device 301 . For example, the marker may be applied to the components of the aerosol generating device 301 by spraying, by printing or by rolling. The marker may be applied to any of the following or a combination thereof: the wrapper, the adhesive 320 , the adhesive for the tipping paper, the wrapper of the filter plug and the wrapper of the aerosol forming substrate plug. It is further envisaged that the marker may be applied to any of the following or a combination thereof: the current collector, the filter of the mouthpiece, the separating tube, the tobacco element, the flavoring element, the heat source 324 and the aerosol generating element. Alternatively or additionally, the marker can be introduced into the raw material that is used to manufacture, for example, any or a combination of the following: wrapper, adhesive 320 , adhesive for tipping paper, filter plug wrapper, aerosol-forming substrate plug wrapper, susceptor, mouthpiece filter, separation tube, tobacco element, flavoring element, heat source 324 and aerosol-generating element. The raw material can form components of the aerosol-generating article 301 . The markers are uniquely coded materials or chemical compositions that are virtually impossible to copy. The markers can be used to identify the origin of such a product, such as, for example, the aerosol-generating article 301 .

For illustrative purposes, the region designated by reference numeral 322 indicates a marker detection zone 322 located at the junction between the aerosol-forming substrate 306 and the hollow acetate tube 312 . The marker detection zone 322 can be located in any part of the aerosol-generating article 301 that contains the marker. For example, the marker detection zone 322 can be at a location that contains a component that contains the marker, such as any or a combination of the following: adhesive 320 , tipping paper adhesive, filter plug wrapper, aerosol-forming substrate plug wrapper, susceptor, mouthpiece filter, separation tube, tobacco element, flavoring element, heat source 324 and aerosol-generating element. It is assumed that more than one marker detection zone 322 may be provided on the aerosol generating article 301 .

The device is provided with a corresponding detection system. The device will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 5-8 . The device is provided with a sensor detecting the amount of marker that contains the component. In this particular example, the sensor of the device detects the amount of marker that is contained in the marker detection zone 322. And although in this example the marker detection zone 322 is in a certain position on the connection between the aerosol-forming substrate 306 and the hollow acetate tube 312 , it is envisaged that the marker detection zone 322 can be located at any place on the aerosol-generating article 301 that contains the marker.

In Fig. 4 an aerosol generating article 401 is shown. The aerosol generating article 401 is essentially the same as the aerosol generating article 201 in Fig. 2 and comprises a near end 402 and a far end 404. The aerosol generating article 401 is provided with a tipping paper 410 located over a filter 408 at the near end 402 , over a hollow acetate tube 412 and partially over an aerosol forming substrate 406. The inner surface of the tipping paper 410 is provided with a coating of adhesive 420 . The adhesive 420 is provided for attaching the tipping paper 410 to the rod of the aerosol generating article 401 . In this example, the adhesive 420 is a bonding element 420 . Adhesive 420 is applied to the inner surface of tipping paper 410 . Adhesive 420 contains a marker. The marker has a concentration of 150 milligrams per square meter. It is envisaged that the marker may have any concentration from 5 milligrams per square meter to 500 milligrams per square meter. In this particular example, adhesive 420 is sprayed onto the inner surface of tipping paper 410 .

The inner surface of the tipping paper 410 is provided with an adhesive 420 containing a marker. The tipping paper 410 is provided with an adhesive seam 414 at the location where the tipping paper 410 overlaps with the aerosol-forming substrate 406. The tipping paper 410 is provided with a reinforced adhesive seam 416 at the location where the tipping paper 410 overlaps with the aerosol-forming substrate 406. The adhesive seam 414 and the reinforced adhesive seam 416 are provided for attaching the tipping paper 410 to the aerosol-forming substrate 406. The tipping paper 410 is provided with an adhesive-free zone 418 . The adhesive-free zone 418 is an area 418 in which there is no adhesive 420 . It is needed, for example, so that the adhesive 420 does not block the perforations in the aerosol-generating article 401. In some examples, the adhesive-free zone 418 contains significantly less adhesive 420 compared to the adhesive on the inner surface of the tipping paper 410 .

The tipping paper 410 is provided with an additional adhesive seam 419 containing a marker. The adhesive seam 419 is sprayed on the tipping paper 410 to increase the marker concentration. The amount of marker can be increased. Increasing the concentration or amount of marker simplifies the detection of the marker. In this example, the additional adhesive seam 419 is sprayed using an adhesive nozzle. The additional adhesive seam 419 has a width of 4 millimeters. Alternatively or in addition, the marker can be introduced into the raw material that is processed to form any or a combination of the following: wrapper, adhesive 420 , adhesive for tipping paper, filter plug wrapper, aerosol-forming substrate plug wrapper, susceptor, mouthpiece filter, separator tube, tobacco element, flavoring element, heat source 424 and an aerosol generating element.

Fig. 5 shows an example of a device 500. The device 500 is used to detect the presence and amount of a marker in an adhesive. In this example, the device 500 is used to detect the presence and amount of a marker in an adhesive applied to a tipping paper 110 (not shown). The device 500 comprises a series of transport drums 550 , 552 , 554 , 556 configured to transport a component for an aerosol-generating article along them. In this example, the transport drums 550 , 552 , 554 , 556 are configured to transport the tipping paper 110 in the direction of another part of the technological process, where the tipping paper 110 is assembled with other components (not shown) in order to obtain an aerosol-generating article.

Device 500equipped with a guide roller566, which accepts tipping paper110from the conveyor drum554. Guide roller566guides the tipping paper110in the unifier560downstream towards the collection station (not shown) where the tipping paper110assembled with other components to form an aerosol-generating product. Between the guide roller556and the unifier560the sensor is located562, directed at the tipping paper110. Sensor562emits a measuring signal564, which is used to determine if the marker contains paper rims110, and determining the amount of marker available. In some examples, the sensor562detects the concentration of marker contained in the tipping paper110. In particular, the sensor562emits a signal564in the direction of the tipping paper110. In this particular example, the signal564represents spectroscopic signal. In this example, the marker has an identifiable spectroscopic signature. When the marker is exposed to the emitted signal564, it absorbs part of the emitted signal564and changes this spectroscopic signal. The signal is reflected and received by the sensor562The reflected signal is used for identification on the marker tipping paper.110and its quantity. It is envisaged that the signal564may be a light signal, a phosphorescent signal, an electromagnetic signal, or any suitable signal that can identify the marker. In one example, the sensor562emits a light signal564, which causes the marker to absorb a specific wavelength, such as 1000 nanometers, or a range of wavelengths, such as 930 nanometers to 1020 nanometers. The wavelengths of the reflected light signal are received by the sensor562, which detects the absorbed wavelength of light and identifies the marker by reading the missing wavelength(s). Sensor Emitter562may be a light-emitting diode. The sensor receiver may be a photodiode.562. Other wavelengths are also envisaged. In such cases, the transmitter and receiver of the sensor562are tuned to the absorption and emission properties of the marker. In the sensor or in front of the sensor562To increase its sensitivity, additional optical elements, such as a lens or filter, may be provided.

The device 500 is configured to reject the component if it contains a quantity of marker less than a specified quantity. The device 500 is provided with a control means (not shown) that determines whether the quantity of marker detected by the sensor 562 is lower than a first specified quantity. In some examples, the control means determines whether the quantity of marker detected by the sensor 562 is greater than a second specified quantity. The device 500 in this example is provided with a rejection system (not shown). The rejection system is configured to reject the component if it contains a quantity of marker less than the first specified quantity. The rejection system is also configured to reject the component if it contains a quantity of marker greater than the second specified quantity. In this particular example, the tipping paper 110 is rejected if it contains a marker having a concentration of less than 5 milligrams per square meter. The tipping paper 110 is rejected if it contains a marker having a concentration of more than 500 milligrams per square meter. In some examples, the rejection system is configured to reject the component if it contains a marker having a concentration or amount less than a first specified amount, for example 20 milligrams per square meter. The component is rejected not only when it does not contain a marker, but also when it does not contain a suitable amount of a marker. That is, if the component contains an amount of a marker below the threshold amount of a marker of 20 milligrams per square meter, then it is determined that the component is defective and does not provide suitable characteristics. The reason for this is, for example, the absence of some components. Similarly, in other examples, the rejection system is configured to reject the component if it contains a marker having a concentration or amount greater than a second specified amount, for example 550 milligrams per square meter. If the threshold amount is exceeded, it is determined that the component is defective and will not provide suitable characteristics. An excess amount of marker may indicate an excess of a certain component. For example, if a high concentration of marker is present in a component when marker is present in the adhesive, it may be determined that too much adhesive has been applied to the component.

After the sensor 562 detects the amount of marker, the controller compares the detected amount of marker with a predetermined amount of marker. In this particular example, the controller determines whether the amount of marker detected by the sensor 562 is within a range of 5 milligrams per square meter to 500 milligrams per square meter. If the detected amount of marker is within a range of 5 milligrams per square meter to 500 milligrams per square meter, a positive signal is sent. In this particular example, the range is from 5 milligrams per square meter to 500 milligrams per square meter, but it is envisaged that other ranges may also be applicable. For example, the range may be from 10 milligrams per square meter to 500 milligrams per square meter, or from 5 milligrams per square meter to 200 milligrams per square meter, or from 20 milligrams per square meter to 100 milligrams per square meter. A positive signal is interpreted as meaning that the tipping paper 110 contains a suitable amount of marker. However, if the detected amount of marker is outside the range from 5 milligrams per square meter to 500 milligrams per square meter, a negative signal is sent by the sensor 562. The negative signal indicates that the tipping paper 110 is subject to rejection. The portion in the form of tipping paper 110 corresponding to the negative signal is rejected and its further processing in the device 500 is prevented. The tipping paper 110 is removed from the device. A portion of the tipping paper 110 corresponding to a negative signal may be rejected. In some examples, the entire batch of tipping paper 110 is rejected. In some examples, when a negative signal is detected, the machinery is stopped and the operator takes a corrective action. The corrective action may consist, for example, of replacing the component source, replacing the adhesive reservoir, or checking how the machine applies the adhesive to the component or whether the machine applies the adhesive to the component evenly. In this example, the marker is applied and detected in the tipping paper 110, but it is envisaged that the marker may be applied and detected, for example, in any one or a combination of the following: adhesive, adhesive for the tipping paper, a wrapper of the filter plug, a wrapper of the aerosol-forming substrate plug, a susceptor, a filter of the mouthpiece, a separating tube, a tobacco element, a flavoring element, a heat source, and an aerosol-generating element.

Some examples also provide that the device500is used to detect the presence of a marker in the glue. That is, the sensor562detects if tipping paper contains glue110. Sensor562radiates in the direction of the tipping paper110signal564in the form of a spectroscopic signal. The marker has an identifiable spectroscopic feature. If the marker is present, it is exposed to the signal564, emitted from the sensor562. The marker absorbs part of the emitted signal.564, and thus the spectroscopic signal changes. When the signal564reflected and received by the sensor562, sensor562determines that the tipping paper110contains a marker (i.e. that the marker is present). Depending on whether the marker is detected, the device is configured to either reject or retain the component. In this particular example, the tipping paper110reject if the sensor562does not detect the marker. In some examples, if the sensor562does not detect the marker, reject the entire component containing the tipping paper110. By rejecting the tipping paper110or the entire component is prevented from further processing of that part in the device500. In one example, the device500used to detect the presence of marker in the glue applied to the tipping paper110(not shown). In other examples, the marker may be applied to and detected on any or a combination of: the adhesive, the tipping paper adhesive, the filter cap wrapper, the aerosol-forming substrate cap wrapper, the susceptor, the mouthpiece filter, the separator tube, the tobacco element, the flavor element, the heat source, and the aerosol-generating element.

Fig. 6 shows a device 600 that includes several transport rollers 650 , 652 , 654 , 656 used to transport an aerosol-generating article (not shown) along them. The device 600 detects the presence and amount of a marker applied to the aerosol-generating article. In particular, in this example, the device 600 is used to detect the presence and amount of a marker in a filter of an aerosol-generating article. In other examples, it is envisaged that the marker is included in any or a combination of the following: a wrapper, an adhesive, an adhesive for a tipping paper, a wrapper of a filter plug or a wrapper of a plug of an aerosol-forming substrate, a susceptor, a separating tube, a tobacco element, a flavoring element, a heat source and an aerosol-generating element. The transport rollers 650 , 652 , 654 , 656 are provided with a surface with grooves, which is designed with the possibility of accommodating an article generating an aerosol. The device 600 is provided with a first sensor 662 , directed at the roller 650. The device 600 is provided with a second sensor 672 downstream of the first sensor 662. The second sensor 672 is directed at the roller 652 .

The first sensor 662 emits a first measuring signal 664 in the direction of the filter component on the drum 650 , which is used to determine whether the marker contains the filter component and to determine the amount of marker present. When the marker in the filter is exposed to the emitted signal 664 , it absorbs a portion of the emitted signal 664 and changes this spectroscopic signal. The signal is reflected and received by the first sensor 662. The reflected signal is used to identify the marker in the filter and its amount. The second sensor 672 emits a second measuring signal 674 in the direction of the filter component on the drum 652 , which is used to determine whether the marker contains the filter component and to determine the amount of marker present. When the marker in the filter is exposed to the emitted signal 674 , it absorbs a portion of the emitted signal 674 and changes this spectroscopic signal. The signal is reflected and received by the second sensor 672 . In some examples, the sensors 662 , 672 are arranged with an angular offset relative to one another. In some examples, another number of sensors 662 , 672 are provided, directed at any of the transport rollers 650 , 652 , 654 , 656 provided in the device 600 . A sensor may be required after most or all of the process steps in which the marker is present, and it is required to determine whether the marker is present in the required quantities, or concentrations. In this way, defective components can be rejected. In particular, it is advantageous to have additional sensors for important or expensive process steps, where defective components will cause longer downtime or be characterized by high associated costs.

Device 600provided with a control means (not shown) which determines whether the amount of marker detected by either or both sensors is662,672, below the first specified quantity. In some examples, the control determines whether the quantity of marker detected by either or both sensors is662,672, greater than a second specified quantity. In other examples, the control determines the average quantity of marker detected between sensors662,672, and compares this average quantity with a given quantity. Device 600in this example, is provided with a rejection system (not shown). The rejection system is configured to reject an aerosol-generating article if the filter contains an amount of marker less than a first specified amount. The rejection system is configured to reject an aerosol-generating article if the filter contains an amount of marker greater than a second specified amount. Each sensor662,672detects the amount of marker in the same way as the sensor562in the example above. However, since two sensors are provided662,672, each sensor662,672may operate separately to simultaneously detect marker quantities at different locations on a single aerosol-generating product. In some examples, each sensor662,672may operate to simultaneously detect the amount of marker in relation to different aerosol-generating articles. In some examples, additional sensors may be located at different stages of the process to ensure that the amount of marker present in a component remains within an acceptable range as the component moves along the process line. This ensures that the product characteristics remain acceptable.

Fig. 7 shows a part of the device 700 , comprising a drum 752. The drum 752 has a central axis 753 , about which the drum 752 rotates. The drum 752 has several grooves, arranged along the circumference, in which the aerosol-generating articles 101 are placed. The aerosol-generating articles 101 are provided with a hollow acetate tube (not shown). The hollow acetate tube is formed from a raw material mixed with a marker. Thus, the hollow acetate tube of the aerosol-generating article 101 contains a marker. As the drum 752 rotates about the axis 753, the aerosol-generating articles 101 are transported along a trajectory along the circumference of the drum 752 . The first sensor 762 is configured to emit a first signal 764 in the direction of the aerosol-generating articles 101 as they are transported on the drum 752. The second sensor 772 is located downstream of the first sensor 762. The second sensor 772 is configured to emit several second signals 774 in the direction of the aerosol-generating articles 101 at a location downstream of the first signal 764. When the aerosol-generating article 101 is transported on the drum 752 , the aerosol-generating article 101 passes the first sensor 764 for measurement, and then passes the second sensor 772 for measurement.

The first sensor 762 emits a first signal 764 in the direction of the aerosol-generating article 101 on the drum 752 . The first sensor 762 determines whether the aerosol-generating article 101 contains a marker and, if it does, determines the amount of the marker. When the marker in the hollow acetate tube of the aerosol-generating article 101 is exposed to the emitted first signal 764 , the marker absorbs part of the signal 764 and changes this spectroscopic signal. The signal is reflected and received by the first sensor 762 . The reflected signal is used to identify the marker and its amount in the aerosol-generating article 101 . The second sensor 772 emits several second signals 774 in the direction of the aerosol-generating articles 101 on the drum 752 in order to determine whether the aerosol-generating article 101 contains a marker and to determine the amount of marker present. When the marker in the hollow acetate tube of the aerosol-generating article 101 is exposed to the emitted second signal 774 , the marker absorbs a portion of the emitted signal 774 and changes this spectroscopic signal. The signal is reflected and received by the second sensor 772 . In this particular example, the second sensor 772 is configured to emit three signals 774 . Providing several signals 774 emitted by one sensor 772 makes it possible to perform detection with respect to the aerosol-generating articles 101 at high speeds. For example, the second sensor 772 is configured to detect the amount of marker contained in the aerosol-generating articles 101 at a maximum rate of 10,000 articles per minute or approximately 6 milliseconds per article. In some examples, an average signal is supplied between several signals 774 of the second sensor 772 .

After the sensors 762 , 772 detect the amount of marker contained in the aerosol generating articles 101 , the controller compares the detected amount of marker with a predetermined amount of marker in substantially the same manner as described with reference to Fig. 6. However, in this example, the controller determines whether the average amount detected by the sensors 762 , 772 is within the range of marker amounts corresponding to a positive signal.

Fig. 8 shows a part of the device 800 , comprising a first drum 850 and a second drum 852. The first drum 850 has a first central axis 851 , around which the first drum 850 rotates. The second drum 852 has a second central axis 853 , around which the second drum 852 rotates. The second drum 852 comprises several projections 882 , raised above the surface of the second drum 852. The projections 882 are spaced around the circumference of the second drum 852. The projections 882 are configured to engage with the aerosol-generating article 101 so as to transport the aerosol-generating article 101 along a trajectory along the circumference of the second drum 852 . At the point where the aerosol-generating article 101 passes between the first drum 850 and the second drum 852 and through them, the first drum 850 engages with the aerosol-generating article 101. Due to this, the aerosol-generating article 101 rotates around its own axis in the direction indicated by the arrow 103 .

Sensor862is provided in a location that allows the sensor to be directed862on the product101, an aerosol-generating device located between the first drum850and the second drum852. When the product101, generating aerosol, rotates around its axis, sensor862emits a signal864in the direction of the product101, generating an aerosol as the product rotates101. This ensures that the product can be exposed101, generating an aerosol, under the influence of the sensor862in more than one position. Provides visibility around the circumference of the product101, generating aerosol. Sensor862determines whether the marker contains an aerosol-generating product and determines the concentration of the marker present. When the marker is in the product101, generating an aerosol, absorbs the emitted signal864, this spectroscopic signal changes. The signal is reflected back and received by the second sensor862The reflected signal is used to identify the marker in the product.101, generating an aerosol, and determining the amount of marker present. The signal is then compared with a predetermined marker concentration in essentially the same manner as described with reference toFig. 6.

All scientific and technical terms used in this document have the meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided in this document are intended to facilitate the understanding of certain terms frequently used in this document.

In the context of this description and the appended claims, the singular forms include embodiments with plural references, unless the content clearly indicates otherwise.

In the context of this description and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its meaning, including "alternatively or in addition", unless the content clearly indicates otherwise.

In the context of this document, the expressions "have", "having", "include", "including", "contain", "containing" or the like are used in their broad sense and generally mean "including, but not limited to". It will be understood that the expressions "consisting essentially of", "consisting of", etc., are included in the category of "comprising", etc.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the present invention that may provide certain advantages under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the description of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present invention, including the claims.

Any direction mentioned in this document, such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", and other directions or orientations are described herein for clarity and conciseness and are not intended to limit the actual device or system. The devices and systems described in this document can be used in different directions and orientations.

The embodiments given as examples above are not limiting. Other embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described above will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims (37)

1. A method for manufacturing at least one component of an aerosol-generating article that contains a marker, wherein the method includes the steps of: - applying a marker to at least one component of the aerosol-generating product; - detecting the amount of marker that contains a component of an aerosol-generating product; - determining whether the detected amount of marker is less than a first specified amount; and - rejection of the aerosol-generating component of the product when the detected amount of marker is less than the first specified amount. 2. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that it additionally includes the following steps: - determining whether the detected amount of marker is greater than a second specified amount; and - rejection of the aerosol-generating component of the product when the detected amount of marker is greater than a second specified amount. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first specified amount of marker is a concentration of 5 milligrams of marker per square meter, or a concentration of 10 milligrams of marker per square meter, or a concentration of 20 milligrams of marker per square meter, or a concentration of 50 milligrams of marker per square meter, or a concentration of 100 milligrams of marker per square meter. 4. The method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the second specified amount of marker is a concentration of 250 milligrams of marker per square meter, or a concentration of 300 milligrams of marker per square meter, or a concentration of 400 milligrams of marker per square meter, or a concentration of 450 milligrams of marker per square meter, or a concentration of 500 milligrams of marker per square meter. 5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises the step of applying a marker to a component of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the component of the aerosol-generating article is: a filter, a wrapper, a tipping paper, an adhesive, an adhesive for a tipping paper, a filter plug wrapper, or any combination of the previously mentioned components of the aerosol-generating article. 6. A method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that it further includes the step of applying a marker to the interface between the tobacco rod component and the filter component. 7. A method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that it further includes the step of applying a marker to the inner surface of the component in the form of tipping paper. 8. A method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that it further includes the step of applying a marker around the circumference of the aerosol-generating component of the article. 9. A method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that it further includes the step of repeating the detection and determination steps, and also, if necessary, the rejection step. 10. A method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that it further comprises the step of detecting the amount of marker that contains a component of the aerosol-generating article, after the process step of applying the component in the form of tipping paper to another component of the aerosol-generating article and fixing it thereto. 11. A device for producing at least one component of an aerosol-generating article that contains a marker, wherein the device comprises: - a dispenser configured to apply a marker to at least one component of an aerosol-generating product; - a sensor configured to detect the amount of marker that contains a component of the aerosol-generating product; - a controller configured to determine whether the detected quantity of marker is less than a first predetermined quantity; and - a rejection system configured to reject a component of the aerosol-generating product when the detected amount of marker is less than a first specified amount. 12. The device according to item 11, characterized in that: - the controller is configured to determine whether the detected quantity of marker is greater than the second specified quantity; and - the rejection system is configured to reject a component of the product that generates an aerosol when the detected amount of marker is greater than a second specified amount. 13. The device according to item 11 or 12, characterized in that it contains several sensors, wherein each sensor is designed with the possibility of detecting the quantity of the marker. 14. A device according to any one of paragraphs 11-13, characterized in that it additionally contains at least one sensor installed in a certain position on the process line after applying a component in the form of tipping paper to another component of the aerosol-generating product and securing it thereto. 15. A device according to any one of paragraphs 11-14, characterized in that it additionally contains at least one sensor installed in a certain position on the process line after wrapping the component of the product generating the aerosol. 16. A device according to any one of paragraphs 11-15, characterized in that it additionally contains a glue dispenser for dispensing glue, wherein the glue dispenser contains a roller for applying glue, and wherein the roller for applying glue contains grooves. 17. A device according to any one of paragraphs 11-16, characterized in that the dispenser additionally contains a mask designed to protect unwanted areas from being reached by the marker after dispensing. 18. A system for producing at least one component of an aerosol-generating article, comprising: - several technological devices suitable for the production of at least one component of the aerosol-generating product; - at least one sensor suitable for detecting the amount of marker that the manufactured component of the aerosol-generating article contains; - a controller for determining whether the amount of marker that comprises the manufactured component of the aerosol-generating article is less than a first predetermined amount; and - a rejection system configured to reject a manufactured component of an aerosol-generating product containing an amount of marker less than a first specified amount. 19. A system for manufacturing at least one component of an aerosol-generating article according to claim 18, characterized in that: - the controller is designed to determine whether the quantity of marker that contains the manufactured component of the aerosol generating article is greater than a second specified quantity; and - the rejection system is designed with the possibility of rejecting a manufactured component of the product that generates an aerosol containing an amount of marker greater than a second specified amount.

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