US20190230992A1 - Aerosol provision system and method - Google Patents

Aerosol provision system and method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20190230992A1
US20190230992A1 US16/341,178 US201716341178A US2019230992A1 US 20190230992 A1 US20190230992 A1 US 20190230992A1 US 201716341178 A US201716341178 A US 201716341178A US 2019230992 A1 US2019230992 A1 US 2019230992A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
receptacle
payload
aerosol generator
aerosol
base
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
US16/341,178
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kevin David Blick
Alfred Vincent Spencer
Julie Jenson BENNETT
Kelly REES
Connor BRUTON
Richard Hepworth
Anna Azzopardi
Lisa HARVEY
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Original Assignee
British American Tobacco Investments Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB1617244.7A external-priority patent/GB201617244D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB1617245.4A external-priority patent/GB201617245D0/en
Application filed by British American Tobacco Investments Ltd filed Critical British American Tobacco Investments Ltd
Publication of US20190230992A1 publication Critical patent/US20190230992A1/en
Assigned to Nicoventures Trading Limited reassignment Nicoventures Trading Limited ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
Assigned to BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED reassignment BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HEPWORTH, RICHARD, Azzopardi, Anna, BLICK, KEVIN DAVID, SPENCER, Alfred Vincent
Assigned to BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED reassignment BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BRUTON, Connor, REES, Kelly
Assigned to BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED reassignment BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BENNETT, Julie Jenson, PRECIPICE DESIGN LIMITED
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A24F47/008—
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F1/00—Tobacco pipes
    • A24F1/02—Tobacco pipes with arrangements for cleaning or cooling the smoke
    • A24F1/04—Tobacco pipes with arrangements for cleaning or cooling the smoke with smoke chamber or slobber traps
    • A24F1/12—Tobacco pipes with arrangements for cleaning or cooling the smoke with smoke chamber or slobber traps outside the pipe
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
    • A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/51—Arrangement of sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F7/00—Mouthpieces for pipes; Mouthpieces for cigar or cigarette holders
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
    • A61M11/005—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes using ultrasonics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
    • A61M11/04—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised
    • A61M11/041—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters
    • A61M11/042—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters electrical
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0065—Inhalators with dosage or measuring devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0086—Inhalation chambers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/06—Inhaling appliances shaped like cigars, cigarettes or pipes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
    • A61M15/0013—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof with inhalation check valves
    • A61M15/0016—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof with inhalation check valves located downstream of the dispenser, i.e. traversed by the product
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
    • A61M15/0021—Mouthpieces therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/02—Inhalators with activated or ionised fluids, e.g. electrohydrodynamic [EHD] or electrostatic devices; Ozone-inhalators with radioactive tagged particles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M21/00—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
    • A61M2021/0005—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus
    • A61M2021/0044—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus by the sight sense
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/07—General characteristics of the apparatus having air pumping means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/07—General characteristics of the apparatus having air pumping means
    • A61M2205/071—General characteristics of the apparatus having air pumping means hand operated
    • A61M2205/075—Bulb type
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/13—General characteristics of the apparatus with means for the detection of operative contact with patient, e.g. lip sensor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/14—Detection of the presence or absence of a tube, a connector or a container in an apparatus
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/18—General characteristics of the apparatus with alarm
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33—Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/3306—Optical measuring means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33—Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/332—Force measuring means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/58—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
    • A61M2205/587—Lighting arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/59—Aesthetic features, e.g. distraction means to prevent fears of child patients
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/82—Internal energy supply devices
    • A61M2205/8206—Internal energy supply devices battery-operated
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/82—Internal energy supply devices
    • A61M2205/8262—Internal energy supply devices connectable to external power source, e.g. connecting to automobile battery through the cigarette lighter
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2209/00—Ancillary equipment
    • A61M2209/08—Supports for equipment
    • A61M2209/084—Supporting bases, stands for equipment

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an aerosol provision system and method.
  • Aerosol provision (AP) systems such as e-cigarettes, non-combustion tobacco heating systems and other aerosol delivery systems, generally hold a payload/substrate that is either a reservoir of liquid which is to be vaporized, typically comprising nicotine (this is sometimes referred to as an “e-liquid”), or a reservoir of plant material or some other (ostensibly solid) plant derivative or material from which volatiles or other liquids or particulate solids may be liberated.
  • an electrical (e.g. resistive) heater is activated to vaporize a small amount of liquid or release volatiles, particulates etc., in effect producing an aerosol which is consequently inhaled by the user.
  • the liquid may comprise nicotine in a solvent, such as ethanol or water, together with glycerine or propylene glycol to aid aerosol formation, and may also include one or more additional flavors.
  • the plant material may comprise tobacco or a derivative. The skilled person will be aware of many different payload formulations that may be used in AP systems.
  • the present disclosure seeks to address or mitigate this problem.
  • an aerosol provision (AP) system is provided in accordance with claim 1 .
  • a hand-held receptacle adapted to house an aerosol generator is provided in accordance with claim 18 .
  • a method of aerosol provision is provided in accordance with claim 21 .
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an AP system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of representative lip shapes of a receptacle of an AP system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an AP system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are illustrative examples of an AP system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an AP system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an AP system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIGS. 7A-7D are schematic diagrams of valve arrangements for an opening in a receptacle of an AP system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a base of an AP system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an AP system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 10 is an illustrative example of an AP system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a variant of the AP system of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a method of aerosol provision in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • inhalation by the user is important to detect when to activate the system and to provide the airflow necessary to transport aerosolized payload to the user.
  • this requires that the aerosol provision system is held in the user's mouth sufficiently tightly that inhalation causes sufficient air to flow through the AP system.
  • an AP system is arranged in operation to generate its own airflow.
  • the illustrated AP system resembles a handheld drinking glass or tumbler such as a whiskey glass or tulip-shaped bowl, although the particular appearance or material is not essential; more generally the AP system comprises a receptacle ( 101 ) arranged to house an aerosol generator ( 130 ) and provide a partially enclosed central volume ( 112 ) within which the vapor may collect.
  • the receptacle may have a lip ( 114 ) that serves to decrease the radius of an upper opening ( 116 ) at the top of the receptacle.
  • the lip 114 may take the form of a tapering of the walls to form an egg-like shape as per lip 114 A, or may be substantially horizontal as per lip 114 B, or may point or curve downwards in the center as per lip 114 C and lip 114 in FIG. 1 . By pointing or curving downwards, the lip can cause vapor flowing up the inside of the receptacle walls to be diverted back into the central volume ( 112 ) of the receptacle.
  • the receptacle ( 101 ) is separable into two parts ( 110 , 120 ) to facilitate cleaning and also to provide access to the aerosol generator ( 130 ).
  • the lower part of the receptacle ( 120 ) comprises one or more air vents ( 122 ) to allow a flow of air into the lower part of the receptacle.
  • one or more air vents ( 132 ) in a lower part of the aerosol generator enable a flow of this air into the aerosol generator.
  • the aerosol generator in turn comprises a battery ( 142 ), and an airflow generator 144 (for example a so-called micro-blower such as a piezo blower, or alternatively a motorized fan or pump; alternatively a compressed air or gas source (e.g. CO 2 ) with an electrically actuated release may be used, but is not shown in the Figures).
  • a blower, pump or fan draws air in through the air vents and directs it to an atomizer ( 145 ) which includes the payload ( 148 ), e.g. a reservoir of liquid or solid material as described previously herein, and a heater ( 146 ).
  • the aerosol may be formed without using a heater, such as via the use of piezo-electric vibration, or other mechanical means. It is also possible to create aerosols via electro-static atomization, and the use of such in the present atomizer is explicitly contemplated. Hence the atomizer may employ any one or more of the above mechanisms to generate an aerosol, and references herein to a heater ( 146 ) incorporate these alternatives as applicable.
  • the atomizer ( 145 ) operates in a similar manner to conventional AP systems, and may generate vapor in any suitable manner.
  • the payload ( 148 ) in the atomizer may hold an e-liquid directly in liquid form, or may utilize some absorbing structure, such as a foam matrix or cotton material, etc, as a retainer for the liquid.
  • the liquid is then fed from the payload 148 to the heater ( 146 ) for atomization (e.g. by vaporization) to form an airborne payload.
  • the liquid may flow via capillary action from the payload ( 148 ) to the heater ( 146 ) via a wick (not shown in FIG. 1 ).
  • the air flow generated from the pump or air blower then combines with the airborne payload to form an aerosol, which then flows out of the atomizer.
  • the liquid may be provided in the form of plant material or some other (ostensibly solid) plant derivative or material, typically but not necessarily based on tobacco, or any suitable botanical.
  • the liquid can be considered as representing volatiles or particulates in the material which vaporize when the material is heated without combustion.
  • AP systems containing this type of material generally do not require a wick to transport the liquid to the heater, but rather provide a suitable arrangement of the heater in relation to the material to provide suitable heating.
  • the payload may be a gel or a combination such as a botanical product impregnated with a liquid, or a botanical product in a liquid or gel suspension.
  • the payload may be a botanical product, gel product and/or liquid product that are each separately vaporized within the device, potentially to varying degrees, with their respective vapors being combined and blended within the airflow.
  • the active ingredient or ingredients within the payload may be variously soporific, neutral or stimulating as desired.
  • an aerosol may be generated for example by heating (but not combusting) tobacco.
  • heating but not combusting
  • the aerosol may then flow through an optional covering ( 134 ). If necessary, flow guides ( 136 ) may be provided to ensure that the aerosol passes out of the aerosol generator rather than accumulating to any significant extent within the body of the aerosol generator itself.
  • the optional covering comprises vents to enable the aerosol vapor to pass into the central volume ( 112 ) of the AP system.
  • the optional covering will be removable to enable access to the payload ( 148 ), which may take the form of a removable cartridge that can be replaced or interchanged with different cartridges to provide different flavors or strengths of vapor. Again, such a cartridge may operate in a similar manner to cartridges in conventional AP systems.
  • the payload may be inaccessible to the user; for example the aerosol generator may be a sealed, disposable unit.
  • the aerosol generator also comprises a control unit (not shown in FIG. 1 ) and also optionally a sensor ( 150 ), discussed later herein.
  • the lower part ( 120 ′) of the receptacle ( 101 ′) and of the aerosol generator ( 130 ′) may not comprise air vents, and instead during operation air may be drawn through the upper opening ( 116 ) of the receptacle and through upper vents ( 132 ′) in a first region of the upper surface of the aerosol generator ( 130 ′) before being recirculated through one or more vents ( 134 ) in a second region of the upper surface of the aerosol generator.
  • air may be drawn through the upper opening ( 116 ) of the receptacle and through upper vents ( 132 ′) in a first region of the upper surface of the aerosol generator ( 130 ′) before being recirculated through one or more vents ( 134 ) in a second region of the upper surface of the aerosol generator.
  • air may be drawn in through a peripheral or circumferential set of vents or perforations ( 132 ′) in the upper surface of the aerosol generator, before passing the aerosol out through a central region ( 134 ), in a similar manner to the output of an aerosol in FIG. 1 .
  • the air may be drawn centrally down from the opening in the receptacle to a central region of the upper surface of the aerosol generator, before passing the aerosol out through peripheral or circumferential vents or perforations into the partially enclosed central region ( 112 ) near the inside walls of the receptacle.
  • This may advantageously cause an internal circulation of air within the central region of the receptacle that causes an even distribution of aerosolized payload within the receptacle.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B Exemplary illustrations of the AP system in operation and disassembled for cleaning/cartridge replacement are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively.
  • FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 provide a receptacle ( 101 , 101 ′) for an e-liquid aerosol generated by an aerosol generator within the receptacle, which in turn comprises an electrically powered air flow source such as an air blower operable to draw air into the receptacle (or in the case of compressed air release it into the receptacle) and through a atomizer that heats the liquid to generate a vapor; the vapor in turn mixes with the drawn air to form the aerosol which then flows out of the vapor generator and into the partially enclosed central volume of the receptacle.
  • an electrically powered air flow source such as an air blower operable to draw air into the receptacle (or in the case of compressed air release it into the receptacle) and through a atomizer that heats the liquid to generate a vapor; the vapor in turn mixes with the drawn air to form the aerosol which then flows out of the vapor generator and into the partially enclosed central volume of the receptacle.
  • the device can provide a contained bolus of aerosolized payload (such as vapor, volatiles, and/or particulates) that can be inhaled by a user when they pick up the receptacle and inhale the vapor through their mouth or nose near the upper opening ( 116 ) of the receptacle, thereby drawing the aerosol out of the receptacle to the user.
  • a contained bolus of aerosolized payload such as vapor, volatiles, and/or particulates
  • the user does not have to place the receptacle in their mouth, and furthermore the AP system is not dependent upon an inhalation by the user to generate a dose of aerosolized payload within the brief but variable period of time afforded by that action.
  • the user's mouth may contact the receptacle during use, and it may be that the receptacle allows for the produced vapor to be “sipped” in a manner similar to the sipping of drink from a tumbler.
  • the AP system optionally comprises a sensor ( 150 ) to detect an interaction with the receptacle by a user.
  • the sensor may be a tilt switch, accelerometer or gyroscope to detect physical movement of the receptacle.
  • the sensor may be a photoresistor located on the base of the receptacle to electronically detect light when the receptacle is lifted up.
  • an electrically passive detector may be provided such as a photocell which generates electricity in response to the detection of light.
  • the electronics of the aerosol generator may be off until a small voltage from the photocell triggers activation of the device, for example by supplying a small voltage to the gate of a transistor connected to the power supply, thereby allowing detected light to reactivate the aerosol generator.
  • the sensor may be a physical switch in the base of the receptacle, such as a push switch that is in the off position when depressed; as a result the AP system would be off when the receptacle is placed on a surface, but would turn on when picked up.
  • Other sensor mechanisms will be apparent to the skilled person, such as capacitance detection, allowing detection of touch of the receptacle by a user.
  • the aerosol generator ( 130 , 130 ′) activates to generate aerosolized payload in the manner described previously, namely by activating the electrically powered microblower, fan, pump or pressurized air source ( 144 ) to draw or introduce air into the atomizer ( 145 ) where it mixes with airborne payload to form an aerosol that is introduced into the partially enclosed central space of the receptacle. After a predetermined time period that may be determined empirically to adequately fill the receptacle with aerosolized payload, the aerosol generator stops.
  • the receptacle ( 101 , 101 ′) fills with the bolus of aerosolized payload as the user picks the receptacle up to inhale from it.
  • the aerosol generator may produce aerosolized payload periodically. This may serve to ensure that a bolus of aerosolized payload is available within the receptacle in the case where either there is no sensor provided, or the sensor is unable to detect interaction with the user (for example, if the user is in an environment with low lighting, it is possible that a photoresistor, photodiode or photocell may not detect an adequate change in brightness when the AP system is picked up).
  • a periodic production of aerosolized payload will ensure an attractive cloud is visibly present within the receptacle, and may also remind the user either of the option to inhale the aerosolized payload, or at least that the device is on and may need to be switched off.
  • the periodicity of aerosolized payload production is controlled by a control unit (not shown) and may at least initially be predetermined.
  • the periodicity may also be set depending upon factors such as the size of the receptacle, the type of liquid in the reservoir, the ambient temperature, and how often the AP system detects that it is being picked up and used, if a sensor such as one of those described above is included.
  • the vapor generator may optionally also include one or more lights, such as for example a warm white LED. If positioned underneath the vents or perforations in the upper surface of the aerosol generator, the or each light can provide a pleasing tea-light or candle-like ambient lighting.
  • control unit may control the light so that it changes during the aerosolized payload generation period, for example by turning on, changing intensity (either brighter or dimmer), or changing color.
  • the light When the AP system is picked up, the light may stay on, or if it is equipped with a sensor such as one of those described above, optionally it may dim or turn off so as to not strongly illuminate the user's face from below while they inhale from the receptacle.
  • any light may change intensity or color during the aerosolized payload generation period as described above in relation to the periodic production of aerosolized payload, but then quickly thereafter dim or turn off as the receptacle is brought closer to the user's face; alternatively any light may dim or turn off when the receptacle is picked up, and not change in response to aerosolized payload being generated.
  • control unit may set a predetermined time period for aerosolized payload generation.
  • This time period may for example correspond to the period of time required by the blower/pump/fan to draw a certain volume of air into the receptacle, or for a compressed air source to release an equivalent volume of air, where that volume is for example a predetermined percentage of the volume of air in the upper part of the receptacle.
  • an amount of equivalent to 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100% of the volume of air may be predetermined, and the time period set accordingly.
  • the percentage of the volume of air may be selected to reduce the chances that a significant amount of aerosolized payload already in the partially enclosed central volume of the receptacle re-enters the aerosol generator.
  • the air in the region surrounding the periphery of the aerosol generator comprises a relatively low proportion of aerosolized payload, so that generating smaller puffs of aerosolized payload more regularly only introduces air from a small proportion of the receptacle near to the outer vents.
  • the precise proportion of air will depend upon the design of the receptacle and the upper surface of the aerosol generator.
  • the heater ( 146 ) can optionally be preheated prior to activation of airflow where this is beneficial to the atomization process, so that airborne payload starts be generated just as the airflow begins. This helps to provide a consistent and repeatable volume of aerosolized payload with each activation of the aerosol generator.
  • the rate of airflow may optionally be controlled by the control unit through electrical control of the blower/pump/fan or compressed air source; this can be used to control the size of aerosol particles that are formed as the airborne payload mixes with the air flow.
  • the air flow rate may vary for example depending upon the selection of e-liquid that is being vaporized. In this case, clearly the predetermined time period may vary as a function of the airflow rate to introduce the same overall intended volume of air.
  • the receptacle itself may be warmed, either by conduction using a heater in aerosol generator, or by use of resistive film on the receptacle, which may be powered by electrical contacts on the aerosol generator.
  • the warming of the receptacle may be provided to reduce the chance of aerosolized payload condensing on the inside walls of the receptacle.
  • this may be controlled by a thermistor or other temperature sensor.
  • a light (such as described above) may be used to indicate a low ambient temperature. Hence for example, the light may appear blue if a threshold temperature is detected where condensation within the receptacle is likely.
  • the airflow generator in response to the ambient threshold being below a threshold, the airflow generator may be activated without corresponding activation of the atomizer to stir air within the receptacle and remove condensation, or if it is already operating periodically, the frequency may be increased.
  • the battery ( 142 ) may be replaceable, and/or rechargeable.
  • the aerosol generator may have a charging port, or may be supplied with a corresponding charging dock onto which may be placed. Charging may be by induction, potentially enabling charging of the aerosol generator whilst it is still located in its operating position within the receptacle.
  • charging may be via contacts accessible on the outside of the aerosol generator that are brought into contact with pins or the like on the charging dock.
  • contacts accessible for charging purposes via such vents while the aerosol generator is still located in its operating position within the receptacle.
  • the AP system is self-contained during operation, even if a charging dock is provided.
  • the AP system does not contain a battery, thereby potentially reducing the size of the aerosol generator ( 130 ′′) and also reducing the weight of the AP system itself.
  • a base ( 200 ) is provided, which may optionally contain a battery ( 242 ), which in turn may be of greater capacity than might otherwise be provided within the aerosol generator due to weight/size considerations.
  • a battery 242
  • an external power supply maybe connected to the base to charge the battery and/or provide power together with or in lieu of the battery to the aerosol generator.
  • the base comprises an upper surface that provides a receiving space for the receptacle ( 101 , 101 ′). This may simply be a flat surface, or an indented or dished/concave region of corresponding shape to the receptacle.
  • the base can be connected to the aerosol generator to provide power directly, without any local power source being included within the aerosol generator.
  • the control unit may also be located in the base to control the supply of power for predetermined time periods, as described previously herein.
  • a temporary power source may be required to drive sufficient air and generate a sufficient heat to release one bolus of aerosolized payload into the receptacle.
  • An example temporary power source may be a suitably sized capacitor.
  • the control unit may still be in the base, and the capacitor discharges to drive the aerosol generator in response to being electrically decoupled from the base.
  • the control unit (or a secondary control unit) may be located in the aerosol generator to control power use.
  • control unit or secondary control unit may be located in the aerosol generator to control aerosol generation in a manner similar to that described previously in relation to FIGS. 1 and 3 .
  • the AP system ( 100 ′′) shown in FIG. 5 has the air flow arrangement shown in FIG. 1 , but of course equally it may have the air flow arrangement shown in FIG. 3 , or indeed any other suitable air flow arrangement, such as for example via the base and up through vents on the underside of the receptacle (not shown). In this case, it would leave the walls of the lower part of the receptacle continuous, potentially making the receptacle more comfortable to hold.
  • FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 are purely illustrative and non-limiting, and that any suitable arrangement may be considered, such as for example in the case of FIGS. 1 and 3 the battery being a separate unit located in the base of the receptacle and/or in the case of any of these three figures, the pump, fan or blower being located downstream of the atomizer and arranged to draw air through the atomizer rather than blow air through the atomizer.
  • the air flow generator ( 144 ) may be activated on its own (i.e. without a corresponding activation of the atomizer to generate aerosolized payload). This may be done to blow existing aerosolized payload held in the receptacle out through the opening ( 116 ). This may be done periodically to at least partially vacate the partially enclosed central region ( 112 ) in order to allow fresher aerosolized payload to be introduced into the receptacle.
  • the receptacle may be done upon detection that the receptacle has been picked up (optionally after a small delay in the order of tenths of seconds, or after detection of the receptacle being tipped, as if being held towards a user's nose), in order to direct the aerosolized payload within the partially enclosed central region out through the opening ( 116 ). This further assists the user in inhaling the aerosolized payload without having to come into close contact with the receptacle, and without having to touch it with their lips or nose, or place part of it within their mouths.
  • the aerosol generator ( 230 ) is also incorporated into the base ( 200 ′).
  • the receptacle ( 301 ) may no longer need to be made of separable parts to provide access to an internally positioned aerosol generator.
  • the overall shape of the receptacle may remain the same as in previous embodiments, or may adopt alternate decorative designs that are no longer constrained by the need to incorporate the aerosol generator. However in general they will still comprise a partially enclosed central volume ( 312 ) and an upper opening ( 316 ) through which a user may inhale aerosolized payload.
  • the receptacle may comprise a lip ( 314 ) of any suitable design, as described previously herein.
  • the receptacle no longer needs air vents in the lower portion of the receptacle, allowing for the walls of the receptacle to be continuous. This may be more comfortable for a user to hold. Instead, where airflow is provided by a blower, pump or fan in the base, the air vents ( 222 ) are also located in the base to allow the air to be drawn in.
  • the receptacle ( 301 ) comprises a lower opening ( 318 ) through which aerosolized payload is introduced into the partially enclosed central volume.
  • the effective area of the lower opening will be smaller than that of the upper opening.
  • the diameter of the upper opening may be in the order of centimeters, whilst the diameter of the lower opening may be in the order of millimeters. More generally therefore the upper opening is larger than the lower opening.
  • the diameter of the upper opening may be one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten centimeters in diameter
  • the diameter of the lower opening may be one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten millimeters in diameter. It will be appreciated however that other diameters may be selected where appropriate.
  • the ratio of the diameters of the upper and lower openings may be 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1, 11:1, 12:1, 13:1, 14:1, 15:1, 20:1, 50:1, or 100:1, or any ratio in this range. It will be appreciated however that other ratios may be selected where appropriate.
  • aerosolized payload will be introduced into the partially enclosed central space via the lower opening as part of a generated airflow from the blower, pump, fan or pressurized air source of the aerosol generator 230 through a corresponding outlet of the base ( 218 ).
  • the aerosolized payload cannot easily escape from the lower opening whilst the receptacle ( 301 ) remains on the base ( 200 ′).
  • inertia may cause a small proportion of the air and hence also aerosolized payload within the partially enclosed central space to flow out of the lower opening.
  • the relatively small area of the opening can be selected to reduce this effect.
  • a one-way valve may be introduced into the lower opening so that the aerosolized payload can be introduced into the receptacle, but cannot exit via the lower opening.
  • a valve may be constructed for example from transparent plastic so as to maintain an overall appearance of the receptacle being made from glass, if this is the chosen material.
  • FIG. 7A illustrates the outlet ( 218 ) in the region between the atomizer 145 ′ and the lower opening 318 of FIG. 6 .
  • a pin or other protrusion 162
  • the biased flap returns to the closed position when no longer pushed by the pin or protrusion, and may for example be made from a transparent elastomeric or plastic material.
  • FIGS. 7B and 7C illustrate the same outlet region in both side and plan view to show a similar arrangement with an ‘X’ shaped elastomeric valve arranged to create a more even distribution of vents into the receptacle through the lower opening so that the aerosolized payload enters the receptacle in a more visually pleasing manner.
  • FIG. 7D illustrates an alternative valve for use in the outlet region, comprising (for example) a circular sheet of plastic, silicone or other elastomeric material, or any suitable material, that has had one or more slits cut across a portion of its width, so that the pin or protrusion can pass through the slit or confluence of slits when the receptacle is placed on the base.
  • a circular sheet of plastic, silicone or other elastomeric material, or any suitable material that has had one or more slits cut across a portion of its width, so that the pin or protrusion can pass through the slit or confluence of slits when the receptacle is placed on the base.
  • valve any suitable valve arrangement may be considered within the scope of the disclosure.
  • the absolute or relative size of the lower opening is not important with respect to allowing aerosolized payload to escape from the receptacle and so no specific size or particular ratio with respect to the upper opening need be considered, provided that an appropriate valve is in place.
  • the base ( 200 ′) may comprise a sensor ( 150 ′) substantially similar to that described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 3 .
  • the sensor detects when the receptacle is resting on the base and/or when the receptacle is removed from the base. Depending on the nature of the sensor, this may be located so as to be obscured by a suitable receptacle in the case of a light-sensitive sensor, or to be depressed by the receptacle, as in the case of push switch or touch sensitive sensor.
  • the pin or protrusion ( 162 ) illustrated in FIGS. 7A-C may serve a dual role of opening a valve in the receptacle and detecting that the receptacle is resting on the base, for example through placement of a pressure switch or push switch at the base of the pin or protrusion.
  • control unit in the base can detect when the receptacle is suitably in place to receive a bolus of aerosolized payload from the aerosol generator ( 145 ′) located in the base.
  • the base may comprise lighting, such as one or more warm white LEDs to provide a tea light or candle-like effect. Again, the lighting may vary when vapor is being generated in a manner similar to that described previously herein.
  • an alternative embodiment may take a form of a base ( 200 ′′) comprising a receptacle, receiver or socket ( 210 ) for receiving a typical e-cigarette device ( 400 ) or other suitable AP system that comprises its own battery ( 442 ), air intake vents ( 422 ), heater ( 446 ) and liquid reservoir ( 448 ).
  • the base still comprises a pump, fan or blower ( 144 ), and this is arranged to draw air through the e-cigarette in a manner similar to an inhalation by a user, powered by the base battery 242 or an external power source.
  • the e-cigarette responds to the generated air flow in a normal fashion, detecting a pressure drop due to airflow and activating its heater to create liquid vapor, which mixes with the airflow to create an aerosol. This is drawn through the pump, fan or blower and, if necessary, through a flow guide 136 to an opening in the base corresponding to the lower opening in the receptacle 300 .
  • the e-cigarette 400 and the pump, blower or fan 144 co-operate to function in a similar manner to the aerosol generator of preceding embodiments.
  • the control unit, battery ( 242 ), any sensors ( 150 ), any valve opening mechanism ( 162 ), and any lights referred to previously in relation to the base of FIG. 6 may be included in the base of FIG. 8 .
  • the control unit may provide periodic activations of the e-cigarette, and/or in response to the receptacle ( 301 ) being placed on the base ( 200 ′′).
  • a user can insert a compatible conventional e-cigarette into the base, thereby easily converting the e-cigarette into a multi-user, sociable device.
  • the user will typically have existing familiarity with the operation of the e-cigarette (or other suitable AP system, as appropriate) and can therefore easily perform functions such as changing liquid reservoirs and the like without having to re-familiarize themselves with a new piece of equipment.
  • other users can take turns to plug their own compatible AP system into the base, thereby enabling easy sharing of different vapors in a hygienic manner.
  • a multi-receptacle AP system 400 may be provided by adapting the base of FIG. 6 or FIG. 8 or any suitable equivalent to form a base ( 500 ) operable to provide vapor to more than one receptacle.
  • a base 500
  • two, three, four, five or six receptacles (or more) may be received by base having a tray with a corresponding number of placement spaces, where these spaces may typically comprise a recess corresponding in shape to a base part of the receptacles 301 .
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a base for two receptacles ( 301 A, 301 B).
  • the aerosol generator does not need to be located directly beneath either receptacle, and so the aerosol generator can be arranged for example to draw air in through the top of the base using the blower, pump or fan ( 144 ) to generate an airflow over the atomizer 145 , which in turn generates vapor to mix with the air flow to generate an aerosol in a similar manner to the previous embodiments.
  • the base 500 is operable to channel aerosolized payload to more than one receptacle along suitably formed airflow guides ( 536 ), or simply via some or all or a hollow portion of the base body.
  • control unit As in the embodiments of FIG. 8 and FIG. 6 , the control unit, battery ( 242 ), any sensors ( 150 ), any valve opening mechanism ( 162 ), and any lights referred to previously in relation to these figures may be included in the base of FIG. 9 .
  • the control unit may provide periodic activations of the aerosol generator, and/or in response to a receptacle ( 301 A,B) being placed on the base ( 500 ).
  • each placement space or ‘docking port’ may have its own sensor 150 to detect when a respective receptacle is placed on it.
  • the control unit may provide individual control of vapor into a receptacle, either by provision of an electronically controlled valve inside the base to limit vapor flow to the placement space (in conjunction with a pin or protrusion opening a valve of the receptacle as noted previously, or simply an opening 318 as noted previously), or by providing electronic control of the pin or protrusion itself to open a valve of the receptacle (for example, by use of a solenoid).
  • aerosolized payload may be allowed into a receptacle when it is placed on the docking port, and then cut-off either after a predetermined period corresponding to an expected time to adequately (re)fill the receptacle, or when the receptacle is removed.
  • FIG. 10 An exemplary illustration of the multi-receptacle AP system is provided by FIG. 10 .
  • the above embodiments propose the use of one or more receptacle each having a partially enclosed central space 112 in which to accumulate an aerosolized payload, in conjunction with an opening 116 from which a user may inhale the aerosolized payload. This allows a user to sample the payload without necessarily touching the receptacle to their lips.
  • FIG. 11 shows a variant of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 and described previously herein.
  • the embodiment is substantially the same as before, except for the modifications described herein below.
  • the opening lip 114 may optionally be omitted.
  • An (optionally removable) cap 116 A is placed over the open top of the receptacle 110 A, and comprises a resealable top valve 116 B, which may be similar to valve 164 of FIG. 7A , valve 168 of FIG. 7D or any suitable valve arrangement.
  • the cap itself may comprise an annular seal (not shown) that forms a substantially airtight seal between the cap and the receptacle.
  • the cap may also comprise an adjustable vent (not shown) that may be opened and closed, to allow easy airflow into or out of the receptacle if required.
  • This cap and valve reduce the rate at which aerosolized payload can escape from the receptacle. This may be desirable so that the user does not feel the need to rush to inhale the contents before they escape, and also potentially to avoid waste if a proportion of the payload escapes before use.
  • the user then inhales from the receptacle through a straw 118 that is pushed through the top valve 116 B.
  • the straw is made of glass or hard transparent plastic, though this is not essential. More generally the straw is rigid and robust when compared, for example, to a conventional drinking straw, but a drinking straw or other disposable straw is envisaged to be within the scope of the disclosure.
  • the straw mitigates a potential problem with the open topped version of the receptacle; where the user is inhaling the aerosolized payload at the top of the receptacle first, this means that as air enters the top of the receptacle to replace the inhaled payload, it serves to dilute the payload being drawn up by the user; the result is that it is necessary to inhale a much larger volume of air than that originally within the receptacle itself in order to inhale the aerosolized payload in the receptacle. Similarly, successive ‘sips’ at the open topped receptacle can appear to be successively diluted if the payload is not topped up in between.
  • the straw allows the user to inhale the aerosolized payload from the bottom of the receptacle first. Consequently, air drawn into the top of the receptacle either through the valve or the optional vent during inhalation has a much smaller impact on the concentration of payload near the bottom of the straw. As a result, the user can draw up a significant proportion of the payload without it being diluted, and without needing to inhale additional quantities of air.
  • the straw will have a similar diameter to a cigarette or e-cigarette mouthpiece, for example in the order of 4 mm-10 mm. It will be appreciated that optionally the diameter of the straw may approximate the diameter of a conventional cigarette and hence may be in the order of 8 mm to 6 mm in diameter. In either case, as a result the user may expect a similar draw resistance (airflow resistance) to that experienced with a conventional cigarette or e-cigarette. Consequently, an optional flow limiter 119 may be fitted to one end of the straw.
  • the limiter may comprise narrow channels, wadding or baffles to reduce the effective cross sectional area of the straw, thereby providing a similar flow resistance to a conventional cigarette or e-cigarette.
  • an end of the straw may have a lip or constriction in a similar manner to a pipette that similarly acts as a flow limiter.
  • an aerosol provision (AP) system ( 100 , 100 ′, 100 ′′, 300 ), comprises an aerosol generator ( 130 , 130 ′, 130 ′′, 230 ) operable to generate aerosolized payload of vapor, volatiles and/or particulates as appropriate; and a receptacle ( 101 , 101 ′, 301 ) forming a partially enclosed central space ( 112 , 312 ) for holding at least a portion of said generated aerosolized payload, wherein the aerosol generator comprises an airflow generator ( 144 ) (such as a blower, pump, fan or compressed air/gas source); and the receptacle comprises a first opening ( 116 , 316 ) from which a user may inhale the aerosolized payload, in one embodiment without needing to touch the receptacle with their lips (e.g. without needing to hold the device in their mouth and inhale to generate and/or receive the vapor).
  • the aerosol generator comprises an airflow generator ( 144 )
  • the aerosol generator ( 130 , 130 ′, 130 ′′) is positioned inside the receptacle (for example as per FIGS. 1, 3, 4A, 4B and 5 ).
  • the receptacle may consequently be formed of several parts in order to provide access to the aerosol generator, for example to replace a consumable payload cartridge or the like, and/or to charge or replace a battery.
  • a lower part of the receptacle comprises one or more air vents ( 122 ) arranged to allow air to flow into one or more intake vents ( 132 ) of the aerosol generator.
  • An alternative instance would place intake(s) ( 134 ) on an upper surface of the aerosol generator open to the air via the first opening ( 116 , 316 ).
  • the first opening ( 116 , 316 ) comprises a lip ( 114 , 314 ) that curves down towards the partially enclosed central space. As noted previously, this can help to redirect vapor back into the partially enclosed central space that may otherwise escape from the first opening.
  • the aerosol generator comprises a heater ( 146 ) or equivalent and a payload ( 148 ), typically but not necessarily packaged together as an atomizer ( 145 ).
  • the payload may be in a liquid form or may occur naturally (or be impregnated) within a solid material as appropriate.
  • the AP system comprises a base ( 200 ) arranged to support the receptacle ( 100 ′′), wherein the base comprises a power source ( 242 ) arranged in operation to electrically couple to the aerosol generator while the base is supporting the receptacle.
  • the AP system comprises a base ( 200 ′) arranged to support the receptacle ( 301 ), wherein the base comprises the aerosol generator ( 230 ).
  • the receptacle may comprise a second opening at the base of the receptacle to allow aerosolized payload to enter the partially enclosed central space of the receptacle.
  • the AP comprises a control unit for controlling activation of the aerosol generator, wherein the control unit activates the aerosol generator in one or more selected from the following list of circumstances consisting of a predetermined period of time elapsing, the receptacle being picked up, and the receptacle being put down.
  • the AP system may comprise sensor ( 150 ) for detecting whether or not the receptacle has been picked up.
  • the AP comprises a control unit arranged to activate the airflow generator without a corresponding activation of the atomizer ( 145 ) of the aerosol generator ( 130 , 130 ′, 130 ′′, 230 ).
  • this allows the AP to disperse, eject, displace or otherwise cause some or all of the aerosolized payload to leave the receptacle ( 101 , 301 ) through the opening ( 116 , 316 ), or reduce condensation within the receptacle.
  • the receptacle ( 101 , 101 ′, 301 ) is sized to be held like a drinking glass in one hand.
  • a drinking glass in one hand.
  • it may be in the order of 5, 10, or 15 cm tall, and 3, 5, 7, or 10 cm wide, typically resembling a drinking glass, whiskey tumbler or tulip-shaped bowl, such as those shown for example in the Figures.
  • the receptacle ( 101 , 101 ′) comprises a first, upper part, and a re-attachable second, lower part. This allows for easy access to the aerosol generator.
  • a hand-held receptacle ( 101 ) adapted to house an aerosol generator ( 130 ), and comprises a first (e.g. upper) portion ( 110 ) comprising a first (e.g. upper) opening ( 116 ) through which a user may inhale an aerosol; and a second (e.g. lower) portion ( 120 ) comprising a second (e.g. lower) opening ( 122 ) arranged in operation to allow air to flow into the aerosol generator; in which the first and second portions of the receptacle are separably engaged in use to form a partially enclosed central volume ( 112 ) within which to collect a generated aerosol.
  • the first opening may have a lip that curves down towards the partially enclosed central space.
  • a method of aerosol provision comprising: in a first step s 111 , generating an airflow; in a second step s 112 , generating a vapor (or equally volatiles or particulates, which may collectively be referred to herein as vapor or airborne payload) to mix with the airflow and form an aerosolized payload; in a third step s 113 , providing a partially enclosed central space in a receptacle, into which the generated aerosolized payload is directed; and in a fourth steps 114 , holding at least a portion of said generated aerosolized payload in the partially enclosed central space of the receptacle for inhalation by a user, without needing to touch the receptacle with their lips.
  • the steps of generating an airflow and generating a vapor/airborne payload occur within the receptacle. In another instance of this summary embodiment, the steps of generating an airflow and generating a vapor/airborne payload occur within a base arranged to support the receptacle.
  • the base need not be restricted to a single aerosol generator supplying aerosolized payload to a plurality of receptacles, but instead two or more aerosol generators may be provided.
  • different aerosol generators may be loaded with different liquid reservoirs and hence provide different flavors, strengths or other variations of aerosolized payload.
  • an aerosol generator may be adapted to accommodate a carousel holding two or more payload reservoirs, for example in a carousel for a rotatable selection or a magazine for linear selection; the carousel or magazine can be rotated/shifted to position a particular reservoir in the path of the aerosol generator in order to create a particular flavor of aerosol.
  • the comparatively large size of the base makes accommodation of such a carousel or magazine easy, and a simple mechanical interface to move the carousel or magazine can be provided through the housing of the base (or equally controls for a motorized movement). It will be appreciated that this approach could also be employed where the aerosol generator is incorporated within the receptacle as per FIG. 1 or 11 .
  • the cool or hot air, or the aerosolized payload may pass through or over a flavored substance so that the flavored substance imparts some of its flavor to the aerosolized payload.
  • the flavor insert could for example be positioned in the base of the receptacle where the aerosolized payload enters, or within a straw being used to inhale the vapor (potentially also acting as an airflow restrictor to create a draw resistance similar to a traditional cigarette), or more generally at some point on the air flow path, and in one embodiment between the location where the aerosol is formed and the user's mouth.
  • an alternative insert may take the form of an air permeable capsule that fits within the midpoint of the receptacle (for example where the receptacle comes in two parts, the capsule may fit between those two parts in interlocking manner) so that the aerosolized payload must pass through the capsule before being inhaled.
  • Another alternative may be a cylindrical plug that attaches to the lid of the receptacle, and through which the aerosolized payload is inhaled via the straw.
  • a further alternative may be to provide a single use or limited use receptacle with a gel, oil or other flavored substance coated or otherwise adhered to at least part of the inside surface of the receptacle or to specific structures such as fins, grilles or other shapes for example having a relatively large surface area that are included near the base of the receptacle in the flow path the aerosol as it is introduced into the receptacle.
  • a further alternative may be to provide a single use or limited use straw with a gel, oil or other flavored substance coated on at least part of the internal surface of the straw.
  • flavored substance itself could be a tobacco plug, for example loose leaf tobacco contained in a porous container, which imparts a tobacco flavor to the aerosol. More generally the flavored substance could be in any form, such as a single body such as a gel or tobacco plug, or smaller, loose parts such as loose leaf tobacco freely movable within an air-permeable container.
  • flavor inserts may be mounted in a carousel so that the different flavors can be easily introduced into the air/aerosol flow path. It will similarly be appreciated that different flavor insert could be provided by using different straws either comprising an air/aerosol permeable plug or an inner coating, as discussed above.
  • an aerosol generator can supply a plurality of receptacles via appropriate ducting and a respective outlet ( 218 ) at the docking port of the receptacle.
  • a plurality of aerosol generators can be housed within the base, each supplying a respective outlet ( 218 A).
  • a base may comprise a plurality of aerosol generators, each of which is operably coupled to appropriate ducting to supply aerosolized payload to a plurality of receptacles.
  • aerosol generators may remain separate (for example, as mentioned previously herein two aerosol generators may respectively and separately supply two docking ports of a four-receptacle system), but alternatively they may be arranged to both supply one or more receptacles via a docking port, for example through multiple outlets ( 218 , 218 A).
  • the mixing of aerosols may occur prior to flowing into a single outlet (for example, having an inverted ‘Y’ outlet receiving two aerosol flows, with a valve on at least one of the flows to control its introduction into a mix).
  • a first aerosol generator may supply a cherry flavored vapor to a receptacle via a first outlet in a docking port, whilst a second aerosol generator may supply a strawberry vapor to the same receptacle via a second outlet in the same docking port, thereby providing a mix of flavors.
  • actuation of an outlet may be selective, so that the user may select between strawberry or cherry or both. Selection may be via a mechanical restriction of the airflow or operation/disabling of a release valve, or by pressing the appropriate button related to allowing electrical actuation of one or both release valves. It will also be appreciated that in addition to simply variants of flavor, different types of payload could be mixed in this way; for example, an aerosol generated by heating tobacco (without combustion) could be blended with an aerosol generated by vaporizing an e-liquid or a similar liquid or gel.
  • the base unit may readily accommodate multiple aerosol generators in this manner, it will be appreciated that in much the same way as was noted for the multiple flavors discussed previously herein, in principle this approach could also be employed within the receptacle as per FIG. 1 or 11 , if the aerosol generators were of a sufficiently small size to allow the accommodation of two or more. Hence difference flavors and/or aerosols generated from different payload types (e.g. heated tobacco and a liquor) could be supplied in parallel by aerosol generators within a receptacle.
  • payload types e.g. heated tobacco and a liquor
  • the cap may comprise an integral nozzle, spout or similar mouthpiece which the user places within their mouth to inhale the aerosolized payload found within the receptacle.
  • the receptacle may thus have a similar mode of operation to a so-called non-spill cup or ‘sippy cup’.
  • the cap or lid may be removable or integral to the receptacle (for example in the case of single use or limited use receptacles).
  • the mouthpiece can be formed as a protrusion within the surface of the cap or lid.
  • the open top of the receptacle could narrow to a sufficiently small radius that the tip of the receptacle itself can be placed within the user's mouth and acts as a nozzle directly.
  • the radius may be in the range 2 cm down to 1 mm, such as in the range 1.5 cm down to 2 mm, or for example in the range 1 cm down to 3 mm, or for example in the range 9 mm down to 4 mm, and or for example in the range 8 mm to 6 mm.
  • the receptacle is referred to as being glass or plastic. It will be appreciated that the receptacle could use a deformable plastic (such as Polyethelene Terephthalate) with sufficiently thin walls to be a squeezable container. Subsequently the user may squeeze the receptacle to force or squirt the aerosolized payload into their mouth, either through an upper opening in the receptacle, or through a straw or nozzle depending on the embodiment. It will be appreciated that in this case the receptacle will comprise a valve at the lower opening, for example such as one of the valves shown in FIGS. 7A-D , which prevents or limits aerosolized payload from escaping through the lower opening of the receptacle when it is being squeezed.
  • a valve at the lower opening for example such as one of the valves shown in FIGS. 7A-D , which prevents or limits aerosolized payload from escaping through the lower opening of the receptacle when it is being squeeze
  • the receptacle could be made from an elastomeric material such as rubber or latex so that it is inflatable like a balloon.
  • the balloon may have only a single opening and be placed over an outlet of the base, thereby being inflated with aerosolized payload to an extent determined by the output pressure of the airflow generator and the length of time during which aerosol is applied to the inflatable receptacle.
  • the user may then remove the receptacle and either squeeze it or let it naturally deflate in order to force the aerosolized payload into their mouth.
  • the receptacle may resemble receptacles discussed previously herein in relation to the base as illustrated for example in FIGS.
  • the upper opening or straw may have a removable cap that serves to allow a build-up of pressure within the receptacle until the cap is removed/released, enabling the elastomeric material to deflate and force vapor into the user's mouth.
  • a base supplies a receptacle that comprises a plurality of inhalation vents (e.g. upper openings, nozzles and/or top valves for straws ( 116 B)).
  • a receptacle that comprises a plurality of inhalation vents (e.g. upper openings, nozzles and/or top valves for straws ( 116 B)).
  • the receptacle may be a glass or plastic dome or bell that can be placed over the top of the base.
  • the base may be arranged to accommodate the dome (for example having an annular ring of silicone, and/or a circumferential trench, to receive the dome with a substantially airtight fit).
  • the base may be arranged specifically to supply a dome, or may be similar to the base units described previously. In this latter case the dome may be used conventionally for individual hand held receptacles as described previously herein, and also in a mode where one or more of the outlets in the base is activated to supply vapor within the dome. This may be done using an electrical activation of an outlet, or by a mechanical linkage to an outlet, such as an extension of one or more pressure plates described previously herein to a position where the dome rests on the base.
  • An equivalent variant for the receptacle of FIGS. 1 and 11 is to enlarge the receptacle, for example to form a spherical or ovoid bowl with a diameter between 10 and 30 cm, or for example between 15 and 25 cm, or for example approximately 20 cm.
  • the precise shape of the bowl as not essential and can be selected for aesthetic reasons.
  • the aerosol generator resides within the bowl as described previously herein and supplies vapor.
  • any suitable combinations from these variant embodiments and previously described embodiments may be envisaged within the scope of the flavor.
  • multiple flavors may be supplied to a hydra receptacle, or different flavor inserts may be used at respective inhalation points on a hydra receptacle.
  • the receptacle of FIG. 1 or 11 may use a nozzle instead of an opening or a valve for a straw, and some or all of the receptacle may be squeezable.
  • Other combinations will be apparent to the skilled person.
  • An aerosol provision (AP) system comprising:
  • one or more receptacles each forming a respective partially enclosed central space
  • a base adapted to support the or each receptacle, the or each receptacle being removable from the base;
  • an airflow generator operable to draw air through an aerosol generator
  • the or each receptacle comprises a first opening from which a user may inhale the aerosolized payload, without needing to touch the receptacle with their lips.
  • an aerosol generator operable to generate said aerosolized payload.
  • control unit arranged to activate the airflow generator without a corresponding activation of an atomizer of the aerosol generator.
  • a receiver arranged to receive a separate AP system comprising an aerosol generator, the separate AP system being operable to generate aerosolized payload in response to air being drawn through the separate AP system by the airflow generator of the base.
  • Clause 7 An AP system according to clause 6, in which the second lower opening is restricted by an inlet valve to prevent aerosolized payload from flowing out of the second lower opening when the receptacle is removed from the base.
  • Clause 8 An AP system according to clause 7, in which the base comprises one or more valve actuators each operable to open a corresponding respective inlet valve of a receptacle when it is supported by the base.
  • the base comprises a control unit
  • valve actuator selectively opens the respective inlet valve in response to a signal from the control unit.
  • a hand-held receptacle for holding aerosolized payload comprising:
  • the first upper opening is larger than the second lower opening.
  • Clause 14 The hand-held receptacle of clause 12 or clause 13, in which the upper opening has a lip that curves down towards the partially enclosed central space.
  • a base unit for an aerosol provision system comprising:
  • an airflow generator operable to draw air through an aerosol generator
  • an aerosol generator operable to generate said aerosolized payload.
  • Clause 17 A base unit according to clause 16, in which in use the airflow generator draws air in though a region of the upper surface of the base and through the aerosol generator.
  • a method of aerosol provision comprising:
  • Clause 21 A method according to clause 20, wherein the base comprises an aerosol generator operable to generate said aerosolized payload.
  • Clause 22 A method according to clause 21, comprising:
  • Clause 23 A method according to clause 20, comprising:
  • a separate AP system comprising an aerosol generator, the separate AP system being operable to generate aerosolized payload in response to air being drawn through the separate AP system by the airflow generator of the base.
  • Clause 24 A method according to any one of clauses 20 to 22, in which the or each receptacle comprises a second, lower opening having an area smaller than the first opening, the method comprising:
  • Clause 25 A method according to clause aim 23 , comprising:
  • Clause 26 A method according to clause 24, comprising:

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
US16/341,178 2016-10-11 2017-10-05 Aerosol provision system and method Pending US20190230992A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1617244.7A GB201617244D0 (en) 2016-10-11 2016-10-11 Aerosol provision system and method
GBGB1617245.4A GB201617245D0 (en) 2016-10-11 2016-10-11 Aerosol provision system and method
GB1617244.7 2016-10-11
GB1617245.4 2016-10-11
GBGB1705204.4A GB201705204D0 (en) 2016-10-11 2017-03-31 Aerosol provision system and method
GB1705204.4 2017-03-31
PCT/GB2017/053017 WO2018069676A1 (en) 2016-10-11 2017-10-05 Aerosol provision system and method

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20190230992A1 true US20190230992A1 (en) 2019-08-01

Family

ID=61905220

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US16/341,174 Active 2039-11-23 US11559081B2 (en) 2016-10-11 2017-10-05 Aerosol provision system having a base for supporting one or more receptacles
US16/341,178 Pending US20190230992A1 (en) 2016-10-11 2017-10-05 Aerosol provision system and method

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US16/341,174 Active 2039-11-23 US11559081B2 (en) 2016-10-11 2017-10-05 Aerosol provision system having a base for supporting one or more receptacles

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (2) US11559081B2 (de)
EP (2) EP3525606B8 (de)
CN (2) CN109803548A (de)
RU (2) RU2019110647A (de)
WO (2) WO2018069675A1 (de)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20190070368A1 (en) * 2017-09-04 2019-03-07 Delta Electronics, Inc. Nebulizer and method for operating the same
US20200078541A1 (en) * 2018-09-10 2020-03-12 Airganics, LLC. Aerosolizer docking station and individual aerosolization pod for interchangeable use therein
US20210008305A1 (en) * 2018-03-09 2021-01-14 Health Research, Inc. Induction spacer for inhaler
US11172707B1 (en) * 2020-07-23 2021-11-16 Claude Harper Smoking assemblies and methods of smoking
US11559081B2 (en) 2016-10-11 2023-01-24 Nicoventures Trading Limited Aerosol provision system having a base for supporting one or more receptacles
EP4000472A4 (de) * 2019-07-19 2023-08-30 Japan Tobacco Inc. Aromaspender
US11789476B2 (en) * 2021-01-18 2023-10-17 Altria Client Services Llc Heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol-generating devices including intra-draw heater control, and methods of controlling a heater

Families Citing this family (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB201707050D0 (en) 2017-05-03 2017-06-14 British American Tobacco Investments Ltd Data communication
GB201722278D0 (en) * 2017-12-29 2018-02-14 British American Tobacco Investments Ltd Device identification and method
GB201722241D0 (en) 2017-12-29 2018-02-14 British American Tobacco Investments Ltd Data capture across devices
EP3801082B1 (de) * 2018-05-25 2022-12-21 Philip Morris Products S.A. Geformte kartusche und herstellungsverfahren der kartusche
US11864587B2 (en) 2018-06-15 2024-01-09 Valley Product Concepts, LLC Capsules for use in personal vaporizers
JP2021530268A (ja) * 2018-06-26 2021-11-11 オメガ ライフ サイエンス リミテッド エアロゾル発生装置
US20200035118A1 (en) 2018-07-27 2020-01-30 Joseph Pandolfino Methods and products to facilitate smokers switching to a tobacco heating product or e-cigarettes
US10897925B2 (en) 2018-07-27 2021-01-26 Joseph Pandolfino Articles and formulations for smoking products and vaporizers
GB201818721D0 (en) * 2018-11-16 2019-01-02 Nicoventures Trading Ltd Aerosol provision system
US11805812B1 (en) * 2019-02-05 2023-11-07 Peter Michael Nekos Nicotine cessation device and method of using same
EP3692837A1 (de) * 2019-02-07 2020-08-12 Nerudia Limited Geschmackverabreichungsartikel, rauchersatzgerät und rauchersatzvorrichtung
WO2020174624A1 (ja) * 2019-02-27 2020-09-03 日本たばこ産業株式会社 吸引装置、吸引装置の制御装置、情報処理方法及びプログラム
KR102253047B1 (ko) * 2019-05-08 2021-05-17 주식회사 케이티앤지 에어로졸 생성 장치 및 에어로졸 생성 시스템
CN211153797U (zh) * 2019-09-26 2020-08-04 昆山联滔电子有限公司 一种电子烟
BR112023000677A2 (pt) * 2020-07-14 2023-04-25 Stamford Devices Ltd Aparelho e método de administração de vacinas
KR102548517B1 (ko) * 2020-08-11 2023-06-27 주식회사 케이티앤지 에어로졸 생성 장치
CN112691620A (zh) * 2020-12-16 2021-04-23 重庆金辉旅业有限公司 一种氯化钠气溶胶发生装置及发生方法
FR3119743B3 (fr) * 2021-02-16 2023-03-10 Nestle Sa Paille en papier ayant des proprietes organoleptiques ameliorees
CN113841935A (zh) * 2021-09-29 2021-12-28 深圳市吉迩科技有限公司 一种气溶胶生成装置及气溶胶生成系统
CN113907443A (zh) * 2021-09-30 2022-01-11 南方科技大学 一种静电喷雾装置、电子烟及电子烟雾化方法

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110049266A1 (en) * 2009-08-25 2011-03-03 Joergensen Carsten Aromatic nebulizing diffuser
US20140102463A1 (en) * 2012-10-17 2014-04-17 Jason S. Jones Personal vapor device having disguised appearance
US20170258139A1 (en) * 2016-03-11 2017-09-14 Altria Client Services Llc E-vaping device cartridge holder

Family Cites Families (34)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4133318A (en) 1977-06-20 1979-01-09 Ronald Gross Water pipe
RU2131750C1 (ru) 1997-11-21 1999-06-20 Фролов Владимир Федорович Дыхательный тренажер
DE19803376C1 (de) * 1998-01-29 1999-10-14 Markus Storz Inhalator zur Erzeugung von aroma- und/oder wirkstoffhaltigen Dämpfen aus Pflanzenmaterial und/oder Flüssigkeiten
US6234167B1 (en) 1998-10-14 2001-05-22 Chrysalis Technologies, Incorporated Aerosol generator and methods of making and using an aerosol generator
US6708572B2 (en) 2000-12-22 2004-03-23 General Electric Company Portal trace detection systems for detection of imbedded particles
JP2005503238A (ja) 2001-09-12 2005-02-03 ノートン　ヘルスケアー　リミテッド 呼吸促進超音波噴霧器および専用ユニット服用アンプル
JP3619176B2 (ja) 2001-09-14 2005-02-09 オムロンヘルスケア株式会社 エアロゾル粒子分別装置及び吸入器
AU2003270321B2 (en) 2002-09-06 2008-04-03 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol generating devices and methods for generating aerosols having controlled particle sizes
WO2004022242A1 (en) 2002-09-06 2004-03-18 Chrysalis Technologies Incorporated Aerosol generating device and method of use thereof
US20080029107A1 (en) * 2006-08-03 2008-02-07 Bruce Alan Ruff Smoke conditioning and filtration system and method therefor
AU2008202850A1 (en) 2007-06-29 2009-01-15 Bird Healthcare Pty Ltd Inhalation device
US8490629B1 (en) * 2009-08-31 2013-07-23 Incredibowl Industries, Llc Therapeutic smoking device
US7963460B2 (en) * 2009-09-02 2011-06-21 Ming Jen Hsiao Detachable aromatic nebulizing diffuser
AT508244B1 (de) 2010-03-10 2010-12-15 Helmut Dr Buchberger Inhalatorkomponente
US20110308521A1 (en) 2010-06-22 2011-12-22 Mark Kofford Vaporizer
US9149586B2 (en) 2011-02-07 2015-10-06 Seibo Ping-Cheng SHEN Herbal vaporization apparatus and method
WO2013063119A2 (en) * 2011-10-24 2013-05-02 Aerodesigns, Inc. Dispensing aerosols
US20140130812A1 (en) 2012-11-14 2014-05-15 Adam Lee Kling Thermoelectric Water Cooling Tower
US10034988B2 (en) 2012-11-28 2018-07-31 Fontem Holdings I B.V. Methods and devices for compound delivery
EP2953712A4 (de) 2013-02-11 2016-07-27 Enrico Bouchard Vergasungsvorrichtung, vergasungsbausatz und verfahren zur vergasung und konzentration einer vergasbaren verbindung
RU130798U1 (ru) 2013-02-19 2013-08-10 Ринат Валиханович Бикмулин Электронная кальянная чаша
US20160081394A1 (en) 2013-05-10 2016-03-24 Loec, Inc. Flavor vortex device
WO2015042412A1 (en) 2013-09-20 2015-03-26 E-Nicotine Technology. Inc. Devices and methods for modifying delivery devices
CN106535673B (zh) 2013-10-29 2020-09-04 吸烟观察者公司 戒烟装置
US20150305409A1 (en) 2013-11-12 2015-10-29 VMR Products, LLC Vaporizer
EP3099363A4 (de) 2014-01-31 2018-03-28 Cannakorp, Inc. Verfahren und vorrichtung zur erzeugung von kräuterdampf
FR3018463B1 (fr) * 2014-03-13 2019-04-19 Vdlv Appareil pour gouter des e-liquides a inhaler en cigarette electronique (fragrances et saveurs)
GB201419455D0 (en) * 2014-10-28 2014-12-17 Linde Ag A gas fed atomiser
CN205512358U (zh) 2016-02-29 2016-08-31 深圳市瑞莱克斯科技有限公司 水过滤式电子烟
US10231486B2 (en) 2016-03-10 2019-03-19 Pax Labs, Inc. Vaporization device having integrated games
GB2550540B (en) 2016-03-24 2021-09-29 Nicoventures Trading Ltd Vapour provision device
CN105962421B (zh) 2016-07-01 2018-12-25 林光榕 采用超声波雾化单元的电子烟雾化器
US20180056015A1 (en) * 2016-08-30 2018-03-01 Max Shwadchuck Dual vaporizer
EP3525606B8 (de) 2016-10-11 2021-03-03 Nicoventures Trading Limited Aerosolbereitstellungssystem und -verfahren

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110049266A1 (en) * 2009-08-25 2011-03-03 Joergensen Carsten Aromatic nebulizing diffuser
US20140102463A1 (en) * 2012-10-17 2014-04-17 Jason S. Jones Personal vapor device having disguised appearance
US20170258139A1 (en) * 2016-03-11 2017-09-14 Altria Client Services Llc E-vaping device cartridge holder

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11559081B2 (en) 2016-10-11 2023-01-24 Nicoventures Trading Limited Aerosol provision system having a base for supporting one or more receptacles
US20190070368A1 (en) * 2017-09-04 2019-03-07 Delta Electronics, Inc. Nebulizer and method for operating the same
US20210008305A1 (en) * 2018-03-09 2021-01-14 Health Research, Inc. Induction spacer for inhaler
US20200078541A1 (en) * 2018-09-10 2020-03-12 Airganics, LLC. Aerosolizer docking station and individual aerosolization pod for interchangeable use therein
EP4000472A4 (de) * 2019-07-19 2023-08-30 Japan Tobacco Inc. Aromaspender
US11172707B1 (en) * 2020-07-23 2021-11-16 Claude Harper Smoking assemblies and methods of smoking
US11789476B2 (en) * 2021-01-18 2023-10-17 Altria Client Services Llc Heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol-generating devices including intra-draw heater control, and methods of controlling a heater

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US11559081B2 (en) 2023-01-24
EP3525605A1 (de) 2019-08-21
RU2019110647A (ru) 2020-10-12
EP3525606A1 (de) 2019-08-21
CN109714987A (zh) 2019-05-03
RU2711673C1 (ru) 2020-01-21
US20200178607A1 (en) 2020-06-11
CN109803548A (zh) 2019-05-24
EP3525606B1 (de) 2020-12-16
WO2018069675A1 (en) 2018-04-19
WO2018069676A1 (en) 2018-04-19
EP3525606B8 (de) 2021-03-03
RU2019110647A3 (de) 2020-10-12
EP3525605B1 (de) 2021-02-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3525605B1 (de) Aerosolbereitstellungssystem und -verfahren
KR102604007B1 (ko) 에어로졸 송달 장치 및 관련 방법
KR102657092B1 (ko) 음용 장치
JP7212405B2 (ja) 電子式ヴェポライザーシステム
ES2833012T3 (es) Dispositivo vaporizador de bolsillo
CN105163611B (zh) 具有蒸气增强设备的电子吸烟物件和相关联方法
JP6705001B2 (ja) 非燃焼型香味吸引器
US20160198771A1 (en) Multiple Chamber Vaporizer
CN108567166A (zh) 电子烟液分离机构以及带有电子烟液分离机构的电子烟
KR20180015622A (ko) 전기 에어로졸 발생 시스템
US20140209096A1 (en) Portable Inhaler
JP4661893B2 (ja) ミスト発生装置
KR20230044035A (ko) 전자-담배 개인 기화기
WO1997048293A1 (fr) Parfumeur d'ambiance
JP5081681B2 (ja) ミスト発生装置
US20230094447A1 (en) Portable Vaporizer Device with Multiple Cartridge Capability
US20200163375A1 (en) Beverage and vapor dispenser
CN107788580B (zh) 电子烟液流量控制机构和具有电子烟液流量控制机构的电子烟
JP2009232940A (ja) ミスト発生装置
KR102219437B1 (ko) 텀블러 결합형 가습기
KR20220110483A (ko) 카트리지 방출 시스템을 갖는 에어로졸 발생 장치
KR102679972B1 (ko) 에어로졸 송달 장치 및 관련 방법
JP3221000U (ja) 芳香容器
US20220079233A1 (en) Aerosol delivery device
CN205963164U (zh) 一种可散发香味的伞具

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: APPLICATION DISPATCHED FROM PREEXAM, NOT YET DOCKETED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

AS Assignment

Owner name: NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:055405/0253

Effective date: 20200305

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

AS Assignment

Owner name: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED, GREAT BRITAIN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:REES, KELLY;BRUTON, CONNOR;REEL/FRAME:061343/0619

Effective date: 20190617

Owner name: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:AZZOPARDI, ANNA;HEPWORTH, RICHARD;BLICK, KEVIN DAVID;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20161215 TO 20190901;REEL/FRAME:061343/0718

Owner name: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED, GREAT BRITAIN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BENNETT, JULIE JENSON;PRECIPICE DESIGN LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:061343/0591

Effective date: 20161010

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE AFTER FINAL ACTION FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: ADVISORY ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE AFTER FINAL ACTION FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: ADVISORY ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION