RU2833166C1 - Aerosol delivery control system with safety label - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to devices for electronic nicotine delivery systems, which include aerosol delivery devices, such as smoking articles which create an aerosol. Aerosol delivery control system comprises an age verification system configured to verify the age of the user, an aerosol delivery device that provides the aerosol to the user, and a safety label attached to the control element of the aerosol delivery device and configured to prevent use of the aerosol delivery device until the safety label is unlocked and removed from the aerosol delivery device. Safety label is unlocked based on verification from the age verification system.

EFFECT: device or product is protected from unauthorized use.

25 cl, 21 dwg

Description

Field of technology

The present disclosure relates to a security tag or security mechanism for ensuring the security of use of a device. The device may be an electronic nicotine delivery system ("ENDS") device, including aerosol delivery devices such as smoking articles that generate aerosol. Use may be protected by a security tag for user authentication, including age verification.

State of the art

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

Many of these devices have been purportedly designed to provide the sensations associated with smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, but without delivering significant quantities of the products of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis that result from burning tobacco. To this end, numerous alternative smoking products, aroma generators, and medicinal inhalers have been proposed that use electrical energy to vaporize or heat a volatile material or attempt to produce the sensations of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe without burning tobacco to any significant degree. See, for example, the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and heat sources set forth in the prior art described in U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0255702 to Griffith Jr et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0000638 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0096781 to Sears et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0096782 to Ampolini et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0059780 to Davis et al., and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/222,615 to Watson et al., filed July 28, 2016, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. See also, for example, the various implementations of products and heating configurations described in the Background of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,388,594 to Counts et al. and 8,079,371 to Robinson et al., which are incorporated herein by reference.

The smoking products described above may be subject to certain restrictions, including identity verification and/or age restrictions. Improved process is necessary to ensure that the device is protected from unauthorized use.

The essence of the invention

The present disclosure relates to a security tag that prevents unauthorized use of a device or product. The device may include an electronic nicotine delivery system ("ENDS") device, which may include aerosol delivery devices, such as smoking articles that generate an aerosol. The tag may prevent use until authorized. In other words, the device is locked and cannot be used until properly unlocked. The locking mechanism is referred to as a security tag, although the term "tag" is not intended to limit the shape or form factor of the locking mechanism in any way, as the disclosure contemplates a "security tag" taking a variety of shapes or forms depending on the form factor and features of the device to be unlocked. A security tag may also be referred to as a security mechanism or a locking mechanism and is intended to encompass securing the device. Attempts at unauthorized use may result in the device being unusable. In particular, removing the security label of some embodiments without proper authorization may result in the device being non-functional or even damaged. Authorization may include identity verification or age verification.

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

Brief description of the drawings

Having thus described the aspects of the disclosure in the above general conditions, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device comprising a cartridge and a control element that are connected to each other, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 is a partially cutaway view of the aerosol delivery device of Fig. 1, in which the cartridge and control element are separated from each other in accordance with an embodiment;

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

Fig. 5 and 6 show, respectively, a front view and a sectional view of the aerosol delivery device shown in Fig. 3 and 4, according to an exemplary embodiment;

Fig. 7 and 8 illustrate, respectively, a side view and a partially sectioned view of an aerosol delivery device including a cartridge coupled to a control element, according to exemplary implementations;

Fig. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery device according to various exemplary implementations of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 10 illustrates a circuit diagram of a signal conversion circuit according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 is an example of a security label on a device.

Fig. 12 is another example of a security label on a device.

Fig. 13 illustrates examples of communication.

Fig. 14 illustrates examples in which a device may be disabled due to unauthorized removal of a security label.

Fig. 15 illustrates embodiments of how an audio signal can be transmitted using an audio detector.

Fig. 16 illustrates embodiments of how an optical/visual signal can be transmitted using an optical detector.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a security label process according to one embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a security label process according to another embodiment.

Fig. 19 illustrates a diagram of a system for age verification using a security tag.

Fig. 20 illustrates another embodiment of an age verification system connected via a network to a host.

Fig. 21 illustrates verification examples from the age verification system.

Detailed description of the invention

The present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof. These exemplary embodiments are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure satisfies applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, although reference may be made herein to quantities, values, geometric relationships, and the like, unless otherwise indicated, any one or more, if not all, of these may be absolute or approximate to account for reasonable variations that may occur, for example, due to engineering tolerances, and the like.

As described further herein, the present disclosure relates to a security tag, which is a security mechanism that prevents use of or access to an individual device or product without proper authentication. In one embodiment, authentication may include identifying the user as the purchaser of the device or product, or may verify the age of the user when the device or product has an age restriction. In one embodiment, the device may be an electronic nicotine delivery system ("ENDS") device, which may include aerosol delivery devices. ENDS is one example of such a device or product that may be associated with a restriction, such as an age restriction. Other examples include devices for delivering tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), botanicals, medicinal and/or other active ingredients. Thus, it will be appreciated that although an ENDS device, such as an aerosol delivery device, is used as an example of the application of various embodiments throughout, it is intended that this example is not limiting, so that the inventive concepts disclosed herein can be used with a variety of products and devices other than ENDS devices, including aerosol delivery devices that can be used to deliver other medicinal and/or active ingredients to the user or can include smokeless tobacco or other tobacco products. Figs. 1-10 illustrate examples of some devices that can be protected and/or authenticated using a security mark of various embodiments.

In another embodiment, the security label may be used to authenticate the purchaser of the product. The security label provides functionality for authentication, which may be based on age verification, since such devices may have restrictions based on age or other factors that require some form of authentication, verification and/or identification. Authentication of the user's identity may reduce tampering or other unwanted uses of the product. Although there may be many reasons for having a security label to restrict or control access, one example described below is for age verification to ensure that an underage user cannot use an age-restricted product. Although described in detail below, age verification is simply one example of the usefulness of a security label. The security label may prevent use and/or prohibit use until authentication is completed. Authentication is further described below and may include age verification, but may also include purchaser authentication, user authentication or product authentication.

A security tag may also be referred to as a security mechanism and includes various embodiments that prevent use or access to a device. In some embodiments, a security tag may prevent use or access without modifying the functionality of the device. In other words, the device is immutable and the security tag may act to prevent use. In addition, the security tag may disable the device if it is removed improperly. Although age verification is one reason for securing a device with a security tag, theft prevention, user authentication/identification, and/or product authentication may be provided by securing the device with a security tag.

Aerosol delivery devices are one example of a product or device that relies on a security label. Other devices or products may be used with a security label, including other age-restricted devices or products. As one example, various aerosol delivery devices are further described with respect to Figs. 1-10. They may be configured to form an aerosol (an inhalable substance) from an aerosol precursor composition (sometimes referred to as a carrier for the inhalable substance). The aerosol precursor composition may comprise one or more of a solid tobacco material, a semi-solid tobacco material, a liquid aerosol precursor composition, or a gel aerosol precursor composition. In some embodiments, aerosol delivery devices may be configured to heat and form an aerosol from a liquid aerosol precursor composition (e.g., a liquid aerosol precursor composition). Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol precursor composition may comprise one or more substances mentioned above, including, but not limited to, herbal substances, medicinal substances, alcohol, glycerin, and may include nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) or other active ingredients. Such aerosol delivery devices may include so-called electronic cigarettes. In other implementations, aerosol delivery devices may comprise heating devices without combustion. In other implementations, aerosol delivery devices may comprise heating and combustion devices without combustion.

An aerosol precursor liquid composition, also referred to as a vapor precursor composition or "e-liquid", is particularly useful for electronic cigarettes and heat-free, combustion-free devices. The aerosol precursor liquid composition may contain a variety of components, including, for example, a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, or a mixture thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract, and/or flavorings. In some examples, the aerosol precursor composition comprises glycerin and nicotine. In other examples, the composition may additionally or alternatively include alcohol, other botanicals, other medicinal substances, or may include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), or other active ingredients, or some combinations thereof.

Some liquid aerosol precursor compositions that can be used in combination with various embodiments can include one or more acids, such as levulinic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, benzoic acid, fumaric acid, combinations thereof, and the like. Incorporation of acid(s) into liquid aerosol precursor compositions, including nicotine, can provide a protonated liquid aerosol precursor composition that includes nicotine in salt form. Typical types of liquid aerosol precursor components and compositions are set forth and characterized in U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al.; U.S. Patent No. 9,254,002 to Chong et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013/0008457 to Zheng et al., 2015/0020823 to Lipowicz et al., and 2015/0020830 to Koller; as well as PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2014/182736 to Bowen et al.; and U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other aerosol precursors that can be used include aerosol precursors that have been incorporated into any of a number of the exemplary products noted above. Also desirable are the so-called "smoke juices" for electronic cigarettes that are available from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC. Other examples of aerosol precursor formulations are sold under the brand names BLACK NOTE, COSMIC FOG, THE MILKMAN E-LIQUID, FIVE PAWNS, THE VAPOR CHEF, VAPE WILD, BOOSTED, STEAM FACTORY, MECH SAUCE, CASEY JONES MAINLINE RESERVE, MIT, DR CRIMMY'S V-LIQUID, SMILEY E LIQUID, BEANTOWN VAPOR, CUTTWOOD, CYCLOPS VAPOR, SICBOY, GOOD LIFE VAPOR, TELEOS, PINUP VAPORS, SPACE JAM, MT BAKER VAPOR, and JIMMY THE JUICE MAN. Embodiments of effervescent materials can be used with an aerosol precursor and are described by way of example in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0055494 to Hunt et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, the use of effervescent materials is described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,639,368 to Niazi et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,178,878 to Wehling et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,223,264 to Wehling et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,974,590 to Pather et al.; U.S. Patent No. 7,381,667 to Bergquist et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,424,541 to Crawford et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,627,828 to Strickland et al.; and U.S. Patent No. 9,307,787 to Sun et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0018539 to Brinkley et al. and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 97/06786 to Johnson et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Typical types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting an aerosol precursor are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0261487 to Chapman et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0216232 to Bless et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, various wicking materials, as well as the configuration and operation of these wicking materials in certain types of electronic cigarettes, are set forth in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

In other embodiments, aerosol delivery devices may comprise non-heating and non-combustion devices configured to heat a solid aerosol precursor composition (e.g., an extruded tobacco rod) or a semi-solid aerosol precursor composition (e.g., a tobacco paste containing glycerin). The aerosol precursor composition may include tobacco-containing pellets, tobacco pieces, tobacco strips, reconstituted tobacco material, or combinations thereof, and/or a mixture of finely divided tobacco, tobacco extract, spray-dried tobacco extract, or other tobacco form mixed with optional inorganic materials (such as calcium carbonate), optional flavorants, and aerosol-forming materials to form a substantially solid or moldable (e.g., extrudable) substrate. Exemplary types of solid and semi-solid aerosol precursor compositions and formulations are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,424,538 to Thomas et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,464,726 to Sebastian et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0083150 to Conner et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0157052 to Ademe et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0000188 to Nordskog et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other representative types of solid and semi-solid compositions and aerosol precursor compositions include those contained in the NEOSTIKS™ consumable aerosol source elements for the GLO™ product by British American Tobacco and in the HEETS™ consumable aerosol source elements for the IQOS™ product by Philip Morris International, Inc.

In various embodiments, the inhalable substance may in particular be a tobacco component or a material derived from tobacco (i.e., a material that is naturally present in tobacco, which may be isolated directly from tobacco or obtained synthetically). For example, the aerosol precursor composition may comprise tobacco extracts or fractions thereof combined with an inert substrate. The aerosol precursor composition may further comprise unburned tobacco or a composition comprising unburned tobacco that releases the inhalable substance when heated to a temperature below its combustion temperature. In some embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition may comprise tobacco condensates or fractions thereof (i.e., condensed components of smoke formed during combustion of tobacco, leaving flavorings and, possibly, nicotine).

The tobacco materials used in the present description may vary and may include, for example, flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Oriental or Maryland tobacco, dark tobacco, dark fired tobacco and Rustica tobaccos, as well as other rare or specialty tobaccos or blends thereof. The tobacco materials may also include so-called "blended" forms and processed forms, such as processed tobacco stems (e.g., cut twisted or cut-air stems), expanded tobacco (e.g., air-blown tobacco such as dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET), preferably in the form of cut filler), reconstituted tobaccos (e.g., reconstituted tobaccos produced using paper or cast sheet making processes). Various representative tobacco types, processed tobacco types, and tobacco blend types are set forth in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,836,224 to Lawson et al., 4,924,888 to Perfetti et al., 5,056,537 to Brown et al., 5,159,942 to Brinkley et al., 5,220,930 to Gentry, 5,360,023 to Blakley et al., 6,701,936 to Shafer et al., 7,011,096 to Li et al., 7,017,585 to Li et al., and 7,025,066 to Lawson et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0255965 to Perfetti et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. WO 02/37990 to Bereman; and Bombick et al., Fund Appl Toxicol., 39, pp. 11-17 (1997), which are incorporated herein by reference. Additional examples of tobacco compositions that may be useful in a smoking device, including according to the present disclosure, are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

Additionally, the aerosol precursor composition may comprise an inert substrate containing the inhalant or a precursor thereof integrated therein or otherwise supported thereon. For example, a liquid containing the inhalant may be supported on, absorbed onto, or adsorbed in the inert substrate such that upon application of heat, the inhalant is released in a form that can be ejected from the article of the present invention by applying positive or negative pressure. In some aspects, the aerosol precursor composition may comprise a blend of rich and flavorful tobaccos in the form of cut filler. In another aspect, the aerosol precursor composition may comprise a reconstituted tobacco material such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 4,807,809 to Pryor et al.; U.S. Patent No. 4,889,143 to Pryor et al.; and U.S. Patent No. 5,025,814 to Raker, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. For further information regarding a suitable aerosol precursor composition, see U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 15/916,834 to Sur et al., filed March 9, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Regardless of the type of aerosol precursor composition, aerosol delivery devices may include an aerosol generating component configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol precursor composition. For example, in the case of an electronic cigarette or a combustion-free heating device, the aerosol generating component may be or include a heating element. In other cases, devices may use aerosol generating components that generate an aerosol primarily by mechanical components, such as a vibrating piezoelectric component, a piezomagnetic mesh, and/or other mechanical aerosol generating components.

One example of a suitable heating element is an induction heater. Such heaters often include an induction transmitter and an induction receiver. The induction transmitter may include a coil configured to create an oscillating magnetic field (e.g., a magnetic field that periodically changes over time) when an alternating current is passed through it. The induction receiver may be at least partially located or received within the induction transmitter and may include a conductive material (e.g., a ferromagnetic material or an aluminum-coated material). By passing an alternating current through the induction transmitter, eddy currents may be generated in the induction receiver due to induction. The eddy currents flowing through the resistance of the material defining the induction receiver may heat it due to Joule heating (i.e., due to the Joule effect). An inductive receptacle, which may be an atomizer, may be heated wirelessly to generate an aerosol from an aerosol precursor composition located near the inductive receptacle. Various embodiments of an aerosol delivery device with an inductive heater are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0127722 to Davis et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0202266 to Sur et al.; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/352,153 to Sur et al., filed November 15, 2016; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/799,365 to Sebastian et al., filed October 31, 2017; and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/836,086 to Sur, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

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

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

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

The cartridge/aerosol source element may include an aerosol precursor composition. To generate an aerosol from the aerosol precursor composition, the aerosol generating component (e.g., a heating element, a piezoelectric/piezomagnetic grid) may be located in contact with or near the aerosol precursor composition, such as across the housing and cartridge or within a control element in which the aerosol source element may be located. The control element may include a power source that may be rechargeable or replaceable, and thus the control element may be reused with multiple cartridges/aerosol source elements. As described below, a charger may be used to provide power to the security tag in one embodiment.

The control element may also include means for activating the aerosol delivery device, such as a button, a touch surface, etc. for manually operating the device. Additionally or alternatively, the control element may include a flow sensor for detecting when the user draws on the cartridge/element of the aerosol source to thereby activate the aerosol delivery device.

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

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

Examples of power sources are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,484,155 to Peckerar et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0112191 to Sur et al., filed October 21, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other examples of a suitable power source are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0283855 to Hawes et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0014125 to Fernando et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0243410 to Nichols et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0313901 to Fernando et al., and U.S. Patent No. 9,439,454 to Fernando et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference. With respect to the flow sensor, typical current control components and other current control components including various microcontrollers, sensors, and switches for aerosol delivery devices are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S. Patents 4,922,901, 4,947,874, and 4,947,875, all to Brooks et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al.; U.S. Patent No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,205,622 to Pan; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 8,881,737 to Collet et al.; U.S. Patent No. 9,423,152 to Ampolini et al.; U.S. Patent No. 9,439,454 to Fernando et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0257445 to Henry et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Additional examples of components related to electronic aerosol delivery articles and disclosing materials or components that may be used in this article include U.S. Patent No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,249,586 to Morgan et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,666,977 to Higgins et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,053,176 to Adams et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,164,287 to White; U.S. Patent No. 6,196,218 to Voges; U.S. Patent No. 6,810,883 to Felter et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,854,461 to Nichols; U.S. Patent No. 7,832,410 to Hon; U.S. Patent No. 7,513,253 to Kobayashi; U.S. Patent No. 7,896,006 to Hamano; U.S. Patent No. 6,772,756 to Shayan; U.S. Patent Nos. 8,156,944 and 8,375,957 to Hon; U.S. Patent No. 8,794,231 to Thorens et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,851,083 to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Patent Nos. 8,915,254 and 8,925,555 to Monsees et al.; U.S. Patent No. 9,220,302 to DePiano et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0196518 and 2009/0188490 to Hon; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0024834 to Oglesby et al.; US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0307518 to Wang; US Patent Application Publication No. WO 2010/091593 to Hon; and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2013/089551 to Foo, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0099877 to Worm et al. describes capsules that can be included in aerosol delivery devices and keychain configurations for aerosol delivery devices and is incorporated herein by reference. Various materials disclosed in the above documents can be included in the present devices in various implementations, and all of the foregoing disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.

Still other features, controls, or components that may be included in the aerosol delivery devices of the present invention are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,934,289 to Watkins et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,365,742 to Hon; U.S. Patent No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0016550 to Katase; U.S. Patent No. 8,689,804 to Fernando et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0192623 to Tucker et al.; U.S. Patent No. 9,427,022 to Leven et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0180553 to Kim et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0000638 to Sebastian et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0261495 to Novak et al.; and U.S. Patent No. 9,220,302 to DePiano et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may be directed to kits that provide a plurality of components as described herein. For example, a kit may comprise a control element with one or more cartridges or aerosol source elements. The kit may include a security label for an individual component of the kit, such as a security label with the control element. In alternative embodiments, the kit may have its own security label, or there may be a plurality of kit components that include security labels. The kit may further include a charging accessory, together with one or more batteries, and a control element with one or more cartridges. The kit may further include a charging accessory and a control element with one or more cartridges and/or with one or more batteries. The kit may further comprise a plurality of cartridges and one or more batteries and/or a charging accessory. In the above embodiments, the cartridges or control elements may be provided with a heating element that includes them. The kits of the invention may further include a housing (or other packaging, carrying or storage component) that houses one or more additional components of the kit. The housing may be a reusable hard or soft container and/or may simply be a box or other packaging structure. Alternatively, the case may be or may include a security label.

Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate embodiments of an aerosol delivery device that includes a control element and a cartridge, in the case of an electronic cigarette. In this regard, Fig. 1 and 2 show an aerosol delivery device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As indicated, the aerosol delivery device may include a control element 102 and a cartridge 104. The control element and the cartridge may be permanently or removably aligned in a functional relationship. In this regard, Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the aerosol delivery device in a connected configuration, while Fig. 2 shows a side view with a partial cutaway of the aerosol delivery device in a disconnected configuration. The aerosol delivery device may be, for example, substantially rod-shaped, substantially tubular, or substantially cylindrical in some embodiments when the control element and cartridge are in an assembled configuration.

The control element 102 and the cartridge 104 may be configured to engage with each other by means of a plurality of connections, such as a press fit (or interference fit) connection, a threaded connection, a magnetic connection, and the like. As such, the control element may include a first engaging element (e.g., a connector) that is adapted to engage a second engaging element (e.g., a connector) on the cartridge. The first engaging element and the second engaging element may be double-sided. As an example, either the first engaging element or the second engaging element may be an external thread, and the other may be an internal thread. As a further example, either the first engaging element or the second engaging element may be a magnet, and the other may be a metal or matching magnet. In specific implementations, the engaging elements may be defined directly by existing components of the control element and the cartridge. For example, the control element housing may define a cavity at its end, which is configured to receive at least a portion of a cartridge (for example, a storage reservoir or another shell-forming element of the cartridge). In particular, the storage reservoir of the cartridge may at least partially enter the cavity of the control element, while the mouthpiece of the cartridge remains open outside the cavity of the control element. The cartridge may be retained inside the cavity formed by the control element housing, for example, by means of an interference fit (for example, by means of locks and/or other elements that create an interference engagement between the outer surface of the cartridge and the inner surface of the wall forming the cavity of the control element), by means of magnetic engagement (for example, by means of magnets and/or magnetic metals located inside the cavity of the control element and placed on the cartridge), or by means of other suitable technologies.

As can be seen in the section shown in Fig. 2, each control element 102 and cartridge 104 include a number of corresponding components. The components shown in Fig. 2 are components that may be present in the control element and cartridge and are not intended to limit the scope of components covered by the present disclosure. As shown, for example, the control element may consist of a housing 206 (sometimes referred to as a control element shell), which may include a control component 208 (e.g., a processing circuit, etc.), a flow sensor 210, a power source 212 (e.g., a battery, a supercapacitor) and an indicator 214 (e.g., an LED, a quantum dot LED), and such components may be arranged in various ways. The power source may be rechargeable, and the control component may include a switch and a processing circuit connected to the flow sensor and the switch.

The cartridge 104 may be formed from a housing 216 (sometimes referred to as a cartridge shell) enclosing a reservoir 218 configured to hold an aerosol precursor composition and including a heating element 220 (an aerosol formation component). In various configurations, this structure may be referred to as a container; and, accordingly, the terms "cartridge," "container," and the like may be used interchangeably to refer to a shell or other housing enclosing a reservoir for an aerosol precursor composition and including a heating element.

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

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

The housing 216 may have an opening 224 (for example, at the end of the mouthpiece) to allow the generated aerosol to exit the cartridge 104.

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

Although the control component 208 and the flow sensor 210 are shown separately, it is understood that various electronic components, including the control component and the flow sensor, can be combined on a printed circuit board (e.g., PCB), which supports and electrically connects the electronic components. In addition, the printed circuit board can be positioned horizontally with respect to the illustration in Fig. 1, so that the printed circuit board can be longitudinally parallel to the central axis of the control element. In some examples, the air flow sensor can include its own printed circuit board or other base element to which it can be attached. In some examples, a flexible printed circuit board can be used. The flexible printed circuit board can have a variety of shapes, including substantially tubular shapes. In some examples, the flexible printed circuit board can be combined with the heater substrate, superimposed on it, or form part or all of the heater substrate.

The control element 102 and the cartridge 104 may include components adapted to facilitate interaction by means of a fluid medium between them. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the control element may include a connector 230 having a cavity 232 therein. The base 228 of the cartridge may be adapted to engage with the connector and may include a projection 234 adapted to be received inside the cavity. Such engagement may facilitate a stable connection between the control element and the cartridge, and also establish an electrical connection between the power source 212 and the control component 208 in the control element and the heating element 220 in the cartridge. In addition, the housing 206 may include an air inlet 236, which may be a cutout in the housing where it connects to the connector, which allows ambient air to pass around the connector and into the housing, where it then passes through the cavity 232 of the connector and into the cartridge through the projection 234.

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

The reservoir 218 shown in Fig. 2 may be a container or a fibrous reservoir as described herein. For example, the reservoir may comprise one or more layers of nonwoven fibers substantially formed in the form of a tube enclosing the interior of the housing 216, in this example. The aerosol precursor composition may remain in the reservoir. Liquid components, for example, may be sorptionally retained by the reservoir. The reservoir may be fluidly connected to a liquid transfer element 222. The liquid transfer element may transfer the aerosol precursor composition stored in the reservoir by capillary action - or via a micropump - to the heating element 220, which in this example is a coil of metal wire. Thus, the heating element is in a heating system with the liquid transfer element.

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

In use, when the user draws on the aerosol delivery device 100, the air flow is detected by the flow sensor 210, and the heating element 220 is activated to vaporize the components of the aerosol precursor composition. Drawing on the mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery device causes the surrounding air to enter the air inlet 236 and pass through the cavity 232 in the connector 230 and the central opening in the projection 234 of the base 228. In the cartridge 104, the drawn air combines with the formed vapor to form an aerosol. The aerosol is distilled, sucked or otherwise removed from the heating element and exits from the opening 224 in the mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery device.

For further details regarding the implementation of an aerosol delivery device including a control element and a cartridge in the case of an electronic cigarette, see the above-cited U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/836,086 to Sur; and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/916,834 to Sur et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/916,696 to Sur, filed March 9, 2018, which is also incorporated herein by reference.

Fig. 3-6 illustrate embodiments of an aerosol delivery device that includes a control element and an aerosol source element in the case of a heating device without combustion. More particularly, Fig. 3 illustrates an aerosol delivery device 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol delivery device may include a control element 302 and an aerosol source element 304. In various embodiments, the aerosol source element and the control element may be permanently or detachably aligned in a functional relationship. In this regard, Fig. 3 illustrates the aerosol delivery device in a connected configuration, while Fig. 4 illustrates the aerosol delivery device in a disconnected configuration.

As shown in Fig. 4, in various implementations of the present disclosure, the aerosol source element 304 may comprise a heated end 406 that is configured to be inserted into the control element 302, and a mouth end 408 on which the user draws to create an aerosol. In various implementations, at least a portion of the heated end may include an aerosol precursor composition 410.

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

In addition, the excess length of the outer wrap on the mouthpiece 408 of the aerosol source element may simply separate the aerosol precursor composition 410 from the consumer's mouth or provide space for placement of a filter material, as described below, or to affect the draw on the article or the flow characteristics of the vapor or aerosol leaving the device during draw. Further discussion regarding the configurations of outer wrap materials that may be used with the present disclosure can be found in the above-cited U.S. Patent No. 9,078,473 to Worm et al.

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

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more conductive heating elements are used to heat the aerosol precursor composition 410 of the aerosol source element 304. In various embodiments, the heating element may be made in various shapes, such as a foil, foam, mesh, hollow sphere, hemisphere, disks, spirals, fibers, wire, films, yarn, strips, tapes or cylinders. Such heating elements often comprise a metallic material and are configured to generate heat as a result of electrical resistance associated with the passage of electrical current through them. Such resistive heating elements may be located in direct contact with or in close proximity to the aerosol source element and, in particular, the aerosol precursor composition of the aerosol source element. The heating element may be located in the control element and/or in the aerosol source element. In various embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition may include components (i.e., thermally conductive constituents) that are embedded in or otherwise part of a portion of the substrate that may serve or facilitate the function of the heating unit. Some examples of various heating elements and components are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,078,473 to Worm et al.

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

Fig. 5 illustrates a front view of an aerosol delivery device 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the aerosol delivery device of Fig. 5. In particular, the control element 302 of the illustrated embodiment may comprise a housing 516 that includes an opening 518 formed at its engaging end, a flow sensor 520 (e.g., a puff sensor or a pressure switch), a control component 522 (e.g., a processing circuit, etc.), a power source 524 (e.g., a battery, a supercapacitor), and an end cap that includes an indicator 526 (e.g., an LED). The power source may be rechargeable, and the control component may include a switch and a processing circuit connected to the flow sensor and the switch.

In one implementation, indicator 526 may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes, quantum dot-based light-emitting diodes, etc. The indicator may be associated with control component 522 and light up, for example, when the user pulls aerosol source element 304 when it is attached to control element 302, as detected by flow sensor 520.

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

As illustrated, the heating unit 528 can extend near the engaging end of the housing 516 and can be configured to substantially surround a portion of the heated end 406 of the aerosol source element 304 that includes the aerosol precursor composition 410. Thus, the heating unit can have a generally tubular configuration. As illustrated in Fig. 5 and 6, the heating element 532 (for example, a plurality of heater pins) is surrounded by an outer cylinder 530 to create a receiving chamber 536. Thus, in various implementations, the outer cylinder can comprise a non-conductive insulating material and/or a structure including, among other things, an insulating polymer (for example, plastic or cellulose), glass, rubber, ceramic, porcelain, a double-walled vacuum structure, or any combinations thereof.

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

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

The heated end 406 of the aerosol source element 304 has a size and shape for insertion into the control element 302. In various implementations, the receiving chamber 536 of the control element can be characterized as defined by a wall with an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface defines an inner volume of the receiving chamber. For example, in the illustrated implementations, the outer cylinder 530 defines an inner surface defining an inner volume of the receiving chamber. In the illustrated implementation, the inner diameter of the outer cylinder can be slightly larger than or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the corresponding aerosol source element (e.g., to create a sliding fit), so that the outer cylinder is configured to direct the aerosol source element to the correct position (e.g., a lateral position) with respect to the control element. Thus, the largest outer diameter (or other dimension depending on the specific cross-sectional shape of the implementations) of the aerosol source element can be smaller than the inner diameter (or other dimension) on the inner surface of the wall of the open end of the receiving chamber in the control element. In some implementations, the difference in the respective diameters may be small enough that the aerosol source element fits snugly into the receiving chamber, and friction forces prevent the aerosol source element from moving without the application of force. On the other hand, the difference may be sufficient to allow the aerosol source element to slide into or out of the receiving chamber without requiring excessive force.

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

During use, the consumer initiates heating of the heating unit 528 and, in particular, the heating element 532, which is located near the aerosol precursor composition 410 (or a specific layer thereof). Heating of the aerosol precursor composition releases an inhalable substance within the aerosol source element 304 to obtain an inhalable substance. When the consumer inhales through the mouthpiece 408 of the aerosol source element, air is drawn into the aerosol source element through the air inlet 538, such as holes or slots in the control element 302. The combination of the drawn air and the released inhalable substance is inhaled by the consumer when the drawn materials exit the mouthpiece of the aerosol source element. In some implementations, to initiate heating, the consumer can manually operate a button or similar component that causes the heating element of the heating unit to receive electrical energy from a battery or other energy source. Electricity can be supplied for a predetermined period of time or can be controlled manually.

In some implementations, the flow of electrical energy does not substantially occur between puffs on the device 300 (although the flow of energy may continue to maintain a base temperature higher than the ambient temperature - for example, a temperature that promotes rapid heating to an active heating temperature). However, in the depicted implementation, heating is initiated by the action of a puff by the consumer through the use of one or more sensors, such as the flow sensor 520. Once the puff is discontinued, the heating ceases or decreases. When the consumer has taken a sufficient number of puffs to release a sufficient amount of the inhalable substance (for example, an amount sufficient to correspond to a typical smoking), the aerosol source element 304 can be removed from the control element 302 and discarded. In some implementations, additional sensing elements can be used, such as capacitive sensing elements and other sensors, as discussed in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 15/707,461 to Phillips et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

In various implementations, the aerosol source element 304 may be formed from any material suitable for forming and maintaining a suitable structure, such as a tubular shape, and for holding the aerosol precursor composition 410 therein. In some implementations, the aerosol source element may be formed from a single wall or, in other implementations, from a plurality of walls and may be formed from a material (natural or synthetic) that is heat-resistant so as to maintain its structural integrity - for example, not to deteriorate - at least at a temperature that is a heating temperature provided by an electric heating element, as further discussed herein. Although in some implementations a heat-resistant polymer may be used, in other implementations the aerosol source element may be formed from paper, such as paper that is substantially in the shape of a straw. As further discussed herein, the aerosol source element may have one or more layers associated therewith that act substantially to prevent vapor movement therethrough. In one embodiment, a layer of aluminum foil may be laminated onto one surface of the aerosol source element. Ceramic materials may also be used. In further embodiments, an insulating material may be used to avoid unnecessarily removing heat from the aerosol precursor composition. Additional examples of the types of components and materials that may be used to provide the functions described above, or used as an alternative to the materials and components described above, may include those of the types disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2010/00186757 to Crooks et al., 2010/00186757 to Crooks et al., and 2011/0041861 to Sebastian et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

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

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

In addition, although in the illustrated embodiment there are several heater rods 532 that are substantially uniformly distributed around the receiving base 534, it should be noted that in other embodiments any number of heater rods may be used, including only one, with any other suitable spatial configuration. In addition, in various embodiments, the length of the heater rods may vary. For example, in some embodiments, the heater rods may have small protrusions, while in other embodiments, the heater rods may protrude at any portion of the length of the receiving chamber 536, including up to about 25%, up to about 50%, up to about 75% and up to about the full length of the receiving chamber. In still other embodiments, the heating assembly 528 may adopt other configurations. Examples of other heater configurations that may be adapted for use in the present invention in accordance with the above discussion can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,060,671 to Counts et al., 5,093,894 to Deevi et al., 5,224,498 to Deevi et al., 5,228,460 to Sprinkel Jr., et al., 5,322,075 to Deevi et al., 5,353,813 to Deevi et al., 5,468,936 to Deevi et al., 5,498,850 to Das, 5,659,656 to Das, 5,498,855 to Deevi et al., 5,530,225 to Hajaligol, 5,665,262 to Hajaligol et al., 5,565,262 to Hajaligol et al., and U.S. Patent No. 5,591,368 to Fleischhauer et al., which are incorporated herein by reference.

In various implementations, the control element 302 may include an air inlet 538 (for example, one or more holes or slots) to provide access of ambient air into the receiving chamber 536. Thus, in some implementations, the receiving base 534 may also include an air inlet. Thus, in some implementations, when the consumer draws on the mouthpiece of the aerosol source element 304, air may be drawn through the air inlet of the control element and the receiving base into the receiving chamber, pass into the aerosol source element and be drawn through the aerosol precursor composition 410 of the aerosol source element for inhalation by the consumer. In some implementations, the drawn air carries the inhalable substance through an additional filter 414 and exits from the opening at the end 408 of the mouthpiece of the aerosol source element. When the heating element 532 is located within the aerosol precursor composition, the heater rods may be activated to heat the aerosol precursor composition and cause the release of the inhalable substance through the aerosol source element.

As described above with reference to Fig. 5 and 6, in particular, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, a conductive heater is used to heat the aerosol precursor composition 410. As also indicated above, in various other embodiments, an induction heater is used to heat the aerosol precursor composition. In some of these embodiments, the heating assembly 528 can be configured as an induction heater that comprises a transformer with an induction transmitter and an induction receiver. In embodiments in which the heating assembly is configured as an induction heater, the outer cylinder 530 can be configured as an induction transmitter, and the heating element 532 (for example, a plurality of heater rods), which extends from the receiving base 534, can be configured as an induction receiver. In various embodiments, one or both of the induction transmitter and the induction receiver can be located in the control element 302 and/or in the aerosol source element 304.

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

The outer cylinder 530 as an inductive transmitter may include a layering using a foil material that surrounds the support cylinder. In some implementations, the foil material may include an electrical path printed thereon, such as, for example, one or more electrical paths that in some implementations may form a spiral pattern of a coil when the foil material is arranged around the heating element 532 as an inductive receiver. Each of the foil material and the support cylinder may have a tubular configuration. The support cylinder may be configured to support the foil material in such a way that the foil material does not come into contact and, thus, does not short-circuit with the rods of the heater. Thus, the support cylinder may comprise a non-conductive material that may be substantially transparent to the oscillating magnetic field generated by the foil material. In various implementations, the foil material may be immersed in the support cylinder or otherwise attached to it. In the illustrated embodiment, the foil engages with the outer surface of the support cylinder; however, in other implementations, the foil material may be located on the inner surface of the support cylinder or completely embedded within the support cylinder.

The foil material of the outer cylinder 530 can be configured to create an oscillating magnetic field (for example, a magnetic field that periodically changes over time) when an alternating current passes through it. The heater rods of the heating element 532 can be at least partially located or received inside the outer cylinder and include a conductive material. By passing an alternating current through the foil material, eddy currents can be generated in the heater contact contacts due to induction. The eddy currents flowing through the resistance of the material defining the heater rods can heat it due to Joule heating (i.e., due to the Joule effect). The heater rods can be heated wirelessly to form an aerosol from the aerosol precursor composition 410 located near the heater rods.

Other embodiments of the aerosol delivery device, control element, and aerosol source element are described in the above-cited U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/916,834 to Sur et al.; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/916,696 to Sur; and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/836,086 to Sur.

Fig. 7 and 8 illustrate embodiments of an aerosol delivery device that includes a control element and a cartridge, in the case of a non-heating and non-combustion device. In this regard, Fig. 7 shows a side view of an aerosol delivery device 700 that includes a control element 702 and a cartridge 704, according to various example embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, Fig. 7 shows a control element and a cartridge connected to each other. The control element and the cartridge can be detachably aligned in an operative respect.

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

The cartridge 704 may be formed from a housing, sometimes referred to as a cartridge shell 816, which includes a reservoir 818 configured to hold an aerosol precursor composition and includes a nozzle 820 having a piezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh (aerosol formation component). Similar to the above, in various configurations this structure may be referred to as a container.

The reservoir 818 shown in Fig. 8 may be a container or a fibrous reservoir as described herein. The reservoir may be in fluid communication with the nozzle 820 to transfer the aerosol precursor composition stored in the reservoir body to the nozzle. The cartridge shell 816 may have an opening 822 (e.g., at the end) for the exit of the formed aerosol from the cartridge 704.

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

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

In use, when the input device 810 detects a user input to activate the aerosol delivery device, the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh is activated to vibrate and thereby draw the aerosol precursor composition through the mesh. This forms droplets of the aerosol precursor composition, which combine with air to form an aerosol. The aerosol is whipped, sucked or otherwise diverted from the mesh and exits from the opening 822 in the mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery device.

The aerosol delivery device 700 may include an input device 810, such as a switch, sensor or detector, for controlling the supply of electrical power to the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic grid of the nozzle 820, when the formation of an aerosol is desired (for example, when drawing during use). Thus, for example, a nature or method is provided for turning off the power supply to the grid when the aerosol delivery device is not activated during use, and for turning on the power to activate or start the formation and distribution of an aerosol from the nozzle during drawing. Additional representative types of sensing or detection mechanisms, their structure and configuration, their components, and general methods of operation are described above and in U.S. Patent No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr., U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2010/003480 to Flick, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

For more information regarding the above and other embodiments of the aerosol delivery device in the case of a heat-free, combustion-free device, see U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/651,548 to Sur, filed July 17, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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

As shown in Fig. 9, the aerosol delivery device 900 includes a control element 902 with a power source 904 and a control component 906 that can correspond to or include the functionality of the corresponding components of the control element 102, 302, 702, the power source 212, 524, 812 and the control component 208, 522, 808. The aerosol delivery device also includes an aerosol generation component 916 that can correspond to or include the functionality of the heating element 220, 532 or the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic grid of the nozzle 820. The control element 902 can include the aerosol generation component 916 or terminals 918 configured to connect the aerosol generation component to the control element.

In some implementations, the control element 902 includes a sensor 908 configured to measure the air flow. The sensor 908 may correspond to or include the functions of the flow sensor 210, 520 or the input device 810. In these implementations, the control component 906 includes a switch 910 connected to the power source 904 and the aerosol generation component 916 and between them. The control component also includes a processing circuit 912 associated with the sensor and the switch. The switch may be a switch based on a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). The sensor may be connected to an inter-integrated circuit (I2C), Vcc and/or ground of the processing circuit. The processing circuit 912 is configured to verify the age of the user and to output a signal (as shown by arrow 922) to cause the switch 910 to toggle between connecting and disconnecting the output voltage from the power source 904 to the aerosol generation component 916 to power the aerosol generation component during a period of time of aerosol generation. In some implementations, the processing circuit is configured to output a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. The duty cycle of the PWM signal can be adjusted so that the switch toggle between connecting and disconnecting the output voltage to the aerosol generation component.

The aerosol generation component 916 can be controlled in a plurality of different ways, including by means of power supplied to the aerosol generation component during the aerosol generation time period. In some implementations, with a periodic frequency during the aerosol generation time period, the processing circuit 912 is configured to determine a sampling window of measurements of the instantaneous actual power supplied to the aerosol generation component. Each measurement of the sampling window of measurements can be defined as a product of the voltage across and the current through the aerosol generation component. The processing circuit of such implementations can be further configured to calculate a moving average power supplied to the aerosol generation component based on the sampling window of the instantaneous actual power measurements. In such implementations, the processing circuit can be further configured to compare the moving average power with a predetermined power value and to output a signal to cause the switch to respectively disconnect and connect the output voltage in each case in which the moving average power is respectively above or below the predetermined power value.

In one example, the processing circuit 912 may determine the actual voltage and current (I) through the aerosol generation component 916. The processing circuit may read the determined voltage and current values from the inputs of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) of the processing circuit and determine the instantaneous "actual" power (I * V) directed to the aerosol generation component. In some cases, such an "instantaneous" power measurement may be added to a sample window or a moving window of values (i.e., to other instantaneous power measurements), and then a moving average power of the sample window may be calculated, for example, in accordance with the equation Pavg = Psample + Pavg 1 / WindowSize. In some aspects, for example, the window size may be from about 20 to 256 samples.

In some examples, the processing circuit 912 may then compare the calculated moving average power with a set power value. The set power value may be a selected set power value associated with the power source 904 (for example, a power level or an output current from the power source regulated by the processing circuit 912, or another regulating component associated with it and located in electrical communication between the power source and the aerosol generation component 916).

In some examples, (1) if P _ave (the actual power determined in aerosol generation component 916) is below a selected power setpoint (average power), switch 910 is turned on to allow current to flow from power source 904 to the aerosol generation component; (2) if P _ave is above the selected power setpoint, switch is turned off to prevent current from flowing from the power source to the aerosol generation component; and (3) steps 1 and 2 are repeated until the aerosol generation time period expires or ceases. In particular, during the aerosol generation time period, the determination and calculation of the actual power in the aerosol generation component, the comparison of the actual power with the preselected power setpoint, and the ON/OFF decisions for the switch for adjusting the preselected power setpoint may be substantially continuously performed by the processing circuit 912 at a periodic frequency, such as about 20 to 50 times per second, to ensure a more stable and accurate average power directed and transmitted to the aerosol generation component. Various examples of controlling the switch based on the actual power determined at the aerosol generation component (P _ave ) are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,423,152 to Ampolini et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

In some implementations, the control component 906 further includes a signal conditioning circuit 914 coupled to the sensor 908 and the processing circuit 912. The signal conditioning circuit of such implementations can be configured to control the operation of the switch 910. The signal conditioning circuit will be described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 10.

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

In one example, as shown in Fig. 10, the signal conditioning chip 1001 can be connected to a bidirectional voltage level converter 1002, and the bidirectional voltage level converter can be connected to the 5 V input and the ground of the processing circuit 912. Note that the values (e.g., voltage, resistance, and capacitance) shown in Fig. 10 are intended to illustrate the example only, and unless otherwise indicated, the values should not be considered as limiting in the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 is an exemplary security label 1104 on device 1102. Device 1102 may be any electronic nicotine delivery system ("ENDS") device, including an aerosol delivery device, as described above. In alternative embodiments, security label 1104 may be applied to devices other than ENDS devices. In Fig. 11, security label 1104 is shown attached to a control element of device 1102 (such as control element 102). Security label 1104 may prevent control element 102 from connecting to cartridge 104 without modifying the device or the control element. In other words, security label 1104 prevents cartridge from connecting to device 1102. Device 1102 cannot operate without connecting to cartridge. Security tag 1104 may be considered a lock on device 1102 that requires unlocking (via authentication) in order to use device 1102.

In an alternative embodiment, the security mark 1104 can be applied to the opposite end of the device 1102 in order to prevent charging of the device 1102. The opposite end can include a port or other contact point for connecting a cord or contact pins for contact with a power source for powering the device 1102. The security mark 1104 at this end of the device prevents operation by preventing charging of the device. It will be understood that in embodiments in which the charging contact point is in a position different from the far end of the device, that the security mark 1104 can be placed in such a different position. For example, with regard to the wireless contact point on the side of the device, the security mark can be placed in the wireless contact point in order to prevent operation until it is rightfully removed.

Fig. 12 is another example of a security label 1204 on a device 1202. The example security label 1104 of Fig. 11 may be located on one end of the device 1102, while the security label 1204 of Fig. 12 is located on top of the entire device 1202. The security label 1204 may cover or disable both the cartridge end 1204a and/or the charging end 1204b of the device 1202. The cartridge end 1204a may be connected to the cartridge, which is prevented by the security label 1204, while the charging end 1204b may be connected to a power source, which is prevented by the security label 1204. As with the embodiment of Fig. 11, the operation of the device 1202 is prevented by the security tag 1204, and unauthorized attempts to remove the security tag 1204 will damage the device 1202 and make it inoperative. After authentication (for example, age verification), the security tag 1204 can be removed without damaging the device 1202 or making it inoperative. As in FIG. 11, the security tag 1204 can be applied to the device 1202 without changing or redesigning any aspect of the device 1202. In particular, the actual charging or operation is not changed by attaching and removing the security tag 1204, even if charging and/or operation can be temporarily prevented by the presence of the security tag 1204.

The security tag 1104/1204 may be removed after proper authentication, such as age verification, discussed below with respect to Figs. 19-21. After proper removal, the device 1102/1202 operates as if the security tag 1104/1204 was not applied. Not only may the security tag 1104/1204 prevent the device 1102/1202 from operating, but attempts to improperly remove the security tag 1104/1204 (e.g., without proper authentication) may render the device 1102/1202 inoperative. In other words, improper removal of the security tag 1104/1204 may disable the device 1102/1202, as described below with respect to Fig. 14. Correct authentication that can unlock the security tag 1104/1204 can occur through the messages described below with respect to Fig. 13.

The security label 1104/1204 may be applied to the cartridge (e.g., cartridge 104) instead of or in addition to the device 1102/1202. The security label 1104/1204 may prevent the cartridges from being used until they are properly authenticated. This may provide additional protection or may be unnecessary if the device 1102/1202 (e.g., control element 102) already has a security label.

Fig. 13 illustrates examples 1301 of communication. In order to unlock or authenticate the security tag, there is some form of communication with the security tag to initiate the unlocking. There may be many different ways in which the security tag can be unlocked, and Fig. 13 is provided as an exemplary illustration of some examples of communication mechanisms for unlocking the security tag. The authentication process may include a network communication process. For example, the age verification process described below may include online age verification based on information provided by the user. In response to the online authentication, the user will have a message for the security tag to legally remove the security tag without disabling the device.

Each security tag may include a unique serial number that may act as an unlock code. The unique serial number may also be used as input or output of a mathematical function, hash, or serial number encoding that is used to unlock the security tag. The serial numbers on the security tag may be unique. The serial numbers may include any combination of one or more types of characters that can be used to form a plurality of unique serial numbers, including, for example, numbers, letters, symbols, some combination thereof (e.g., alphanumeric strings), or the like. There may also be serial numbers on cartridges or consumables. Such serial numbers may be registered as described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 16/415,444, entitled "AGE VERIFICATION WITH REGISTERED CARTRIDGES FOR AN AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICE," filed May 17, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Some forms of communication with a security tag may require a power source to communicate with the security tag. In one embodiment, a charging cable or charging mechanism for the device may also be connected to the security tag to provide sufficient power for communication.

One example of communication 1301 includes Bluetooth communication 1302 with a security tag. The security tag may include Bluetooth communication functionality (for example, a Bluetooth transceiver) with a computing device, such as a smartphone.

Another example 1301 of communication includes bar codes 1304. Bar codes 1304 can be a scannable mark/code. In one embodiment, security mark 1304 can include scanning functionality for scanning a bar code. Exemplary bar codes can include any type of scannable identifier, such as a universal product code (UPC), a data matrix code and/or a quick response (QR) code. The code can include any one-dimensional (1D) codes, two-dimensional (2D) codes, three-dimensional (3D) codes or other types of codes. A user can perform an authentication process and receive a bar code on his computing device (for example, a smartphone), and the security tag scans the bar code. For the purposes of this example, the scannable mark/code can be a QR code, and the user can have an application or program on a mobile phone that receives a scanned QR code or a serial number of the security tag.

Another example of communication 1301 includes radio frequency identification (RFID) 1306. The security tag can communicate via RFID. For example, the security tag can receive an unlock command via RFID. Exemplary data exchanges and authentication using RFID are described in US Patent No. 10,015,987 to Henry et al., and US Patent Publication No. 2017/0020191 to Lamb et al., each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Another example of communication 1301 includes near-field communication (NFC) 1308. The security tag may communicate via NFC. For example, the security tag may receive an unlock command via NFC. Exemplary messages and authentication using NFC are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,864,947 to Sur et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Another example of communication 1301 includes an audio signal 1310. Fig. 15 illustrates embodiments 1502 of how the audio signal 1310 can be transmitted using an audio detector. The audio signal 1310 can be detected by the security tag using a pressure sensor 1507 and/or a microphone 1508. Examples of audio detectors 1502 are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/441,903, entitled "Functional Control and Age Verification of Electronic Devices through Speaker Communication," filed June 14, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, in which the devices are a puff-activated aerosol delivery device, the pressure sensor 1507 may include an existing pressure sensor in the device (for example, sensor 908), which can be used to measure changes in pressure, for example, when the user takes a puff or inhales on the device, which activates the device (for example, turns on the heater). There may be a separate pressure sensor that measures the inhalation to activate the device, or there may be only one pressure sensor that activates the device by inhalation and is used to detect the audio signal. The security tag may have its own sensor or may use a sensor from the device.

The audio signal 1310 may be called an authentication tone and may be a low-frequency pressure wave. In one embodiment, the wave may be at the lower end of the functionality for the main speaker of the phone, which is used in most smartphones or cell phones. In one example, the frequency may be about 10-20 Hz so that the pressure sensor 1507 detects a tone with a reduced signal-to-noise ratio. There may be many different embodiments of the pressure sensor 1507 that can detect the audio signal 1310. One example is an isolated differential pressure sensor that provides the ability to compare changes in the surrounding pressure (due to pressure or sound waves) with a standard reference pressure. An isolated differential pressure sensor can detect sound waves emitted from the speaker. Alternatively, the pressure sensor 1507 may be a non-isolated differential pressure sensor that includes a flow sensor that compares the pressure generated by a fluid flow passing through two openings of different diameters. A non-isolated differential pressure sensor may need to be positioned to better detect sound waves.

In another embodiment, the audio signal 1310 can be detected by means of the microphone 1508. The microphone 1508 can be adapted to perceive a wider range of tones (for example, inaudible in addition to audible), tones that can be emitted by the speaker of the cell phone, but it will be an additional component. In particular, the audible tones can have a frequency range that is audible for people, while the tones can additionally include a wider range that includes inaudible tones. The microphone 1508 can be used to detect puffs and activate the heater, or there can be an auxiliary microphone only for detecting the audio signal 1310 or the authentication tone. In this embodiment, the frequency can be at the upper end of the functionality of a smartphone, cell phone, tablet or other conventional speakers, for example, in the range of 20-25 kHz. Such a frequency will be inaudible to the user or buyer of the device, while still being detectable by the microphone 1508. The microphone 1508 can detect tones based on the limit of its functionality, which includes any audible frequencies in the range between about 20 Hz and 20 kHz. There can be many different embodiments of the microphone 1508 that can detect the audio signal 1310. One example is a MEMS electret microphone that uses a PTFE-based film diaphragm. This example can have a suitable size with durability. In other examples, other electret microphones can be used. In addition, there are other microphones in the family of condenser microphones. Other examples include a crystal or piezo microphone. These examples can detect noise or vibrations through solid objects and can be placed inside close to the outer shell of the device, which can eliminate the need for a diaphragm, channel or hole to allow sound waves to travel inside the device.

Referring back to Fig. 13, another example of communication 1301 includes an optical signal 1312. Fig. 16 illustrates embodiments of how the optical/visual signal 1312 can be transmitted using an optical detector. The optical signal 1312 may also be referred to as a visual signal or a light signal. Examples of visual/optical detectors 1602 are further described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 16/441,937, entitled "Functional Control and Age Verification of Electronic Devices through Visual Communication," filed June 14, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The security tag may include functionality for receiving an optical signal 1312 that can unlock the device after authentication/verification. Fig. 16 shows exemplary detectors for the optical signal 1312 and includes a light sensor 1607, a photodiode 1608, a reader 1609 and/or an infrared detector 1610. The light sensor 1607 may include any light-dependent resistive elements. These sensors may change resistance due to the presence or absence of light. This may require current to flow through the resistive element when the optical signal 1312 (i.e., the authentication light sequence) is transmitted. The photodiode 1608 may include sensors that create a small current when exposed to a light source. It may act as a switch and may have a fast response time.

A reader 1609, such as a camera, a barcode reader, or another detector, can be used for the optical signal 1312. In one example, a user can capture an image of a unique serial number or code (e.g., a barcode) associated with a separate security tag. In alternative examples, the reader 1609 can be a magnetic stripe reader, a chip reader (e.g., similar to a credit card reader), a wired connection, or a wireless connection.

The optical signal 1312 may include an infrared (IR) signal detected by the IR sensor 1610 in one embodiment. In some embodiments, there may be a combination of the visible light spectrum and IR, which may rely on different optical detectors (for example, the light sensor 1607 and IR 1610), or a single sensor can measure both. Having a combination of optical types can provide a larger set of code combinations for the optical signal 1312. The user may be able to see the visible light spectrum, while the IR may not be detectable, which can also improve security by preventing the recreation of the optical signal. With respect to the IR or invisible signal, the user can be provided with an indication (for example, a pulse of the visible spectrum) or confirmation that the optical signal 1312 is transmitted to unlock the device.

Referring back to Fig. 13, another example 1301 of communication includes physical buttons 1314. The authentication process can provide a code or a sequence of input data that must be entered into the security tag to unlock. The security tag can include physical buttons that must be pressed in a certain order to unlock the tag. The buttons can be numbers, letters or any other symbols. The authentication process provides an indication of the correct buttons that must be entered into the security tag to unlock. In an alternative embodiment, the physical buttons can include a locking combination or other locking styles that require physical or manual input to unlock. For example, there can be a sequence of rotating mechanisms, such as those found in a locking combination, which can be used to enter an unlock code.

Another example of 1301 communication includes a key 1316. Instead of physical buttons, there may be a key that is entered or used on a security tag. The key may be electronic or may be a physical key that is used to unlock the device.

Fig. 14 illustrates examples 1401 in which a device can be disabled due to an improper removal of a security tag. Fig. 13 illustrates examples for transmitting an unlock of a security tag. Unlocking a security tag is also referred to as authentication and may include age verification, as described below. If the security tag is not authenticated or unlocked, then the security tag removal techniques may disable or compromise the device, as illustrated by examples 1401. In some embodiments, the user may be given the opportunity to make a number of attempts to unlock the security tag before the security tag disables the device. In one embodiment, a single improper attempt to unlock the security tag, while in other embodiments, the user may be given the opportunity to try to unlock the security tag multiple times.

One example 1401 for disabling the device includes pulling the connection pins 1402. In one embodiment, the security tag is located on the connection port for receiving the cartridge. Attempts to remove the security tag without unlocking result in various connection pins being bent, broken or removed. In one example, there are power pins (for example, spring pins) in the device for transmitting power, and one or more of these pins are connected to the security tag until the security tag is unlocked. The connection pins 1402 can also include pins for receiving a charge (for example, on the end opposite the end for receiving the cartridge). An attempt to remove the security tag damages the pins, which prevents the device from being charged.

Another example 1402 for disabling the device includes depositing a substance 1404 on or inside the device. The substance 1404 can cover any of the connections to prevent proper connection. The substance 1404 can be a caustic substance that destroys the components of the device, but is not harmful to humans. Another example of a substance would be jelly or e-liquid that covers connections or destroys other components to prevent operation. Another example can include a non-conductive paint or other non-conductive coating that can be applied to one or more power contacts to prevent current flow (for example, from the control element 102 to the cartridge 104).

Another example 1402 for disabling the device includes blocking the air flow 1406. The security tag may include a part or component that blocks the air flow and/or the transmission of pressure differential data (for example, a channel that allows fluid communication between the pressure sensor and the air flow channel of the device in order to prevent the pressure sensor from detecting a pressure differential, which may otherwise result in activating the device in some embodiments) in the device. Removing the security tag without unblocking may leave the part or component blocking the air flow. Alternatively, the air channel may be destroyed by an attempt to remove the security tag. In another embodiment, the substance 1404 may be released to block the air flow 1406.

Another example 1402 for disabling the device includes causing a short circuit 1408 of the system. Unauthorized removal can result in a short circuit of the system. The short circuit 1408 of the system can be detected by the main controller, which can then disable operation due to the presence of a short circuit of the system. A substance can be added that results in a short circuit or a physical adjustment in the components that can result in a short circuit. Another example 1402 for disabling the device includes causing an obstruction 1410. The obstruction 1410 can include an obstruction to the air passage or can include an obstruction to the transfer of liquid in the device. In another example, the mouthpiece or other components can be pinched or covered when the security label is unauthorizedly removed.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the process of a security tag according to one embodiment. In block 1702, a purchase of a device is made. In block 1704, the device includes a security tag with a serial number AB123. The serial number may be unique to the security tag, and authorized removal of the security tag requires the serial number. In block 1706, the security tag is connected to a power cable, or a power source is provided. As discussed above, there are several mechanisms for communicating with the security tag that may require power. In block 1708, the user may go online for the authorization process. In block 1710, the user's age is verified. The age verification process of various embodiments is discussed further below with respect to Fig. 19-21 and is further described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 16/415,460, entitled "AUTHENTICATION AND AGE VERIFICATION FOR AN AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICE," filed May 17, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The age verification process may include visiting a website and providing a serial number of the security tag and identification information (e.g., a phone number) in block 1712. As a result, a code or other form of message (e.g., message 1301) may be provided to the user in block 1714. The provided message may then be used in block 1716 to communicate with the security tag. When the security tag receives the correct message, the security tag may be unlocked and deleted in block 1718. If the message for the security tag is not correct, or if the user attempts to delete the security tag without authentication or unlocking, then the device is disabled, as shown in block 1720. In some embodiments, the security tag may be reusable. For example, a retail point of sale may have a kiosk or an employee who can perform age verification using the methods described below. Based on this verification, the security label can be removed and stored at the point of retail sale where it can be applied to other products.

Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the process of a security tag according to another embodiment. Fig. 18 is similar to the embodiment of Fig. 17 except that the security tag in Fig. 18 covers the entire device or both ends, while the security tag in Fig. 17 is only on one end of the device. In block 1802, a purchase of the device is made. In block 1804, the device includes a security tag with a serial number AB123. The serial number may be unique to the security tag, and authorized removal of the security tag requires the serial number. In block 1806, the security tag is connected to a power cable, or a power source is provided. As discussed above, there are several mechanisms for communicating with the security tag that may require power. In block 1808, the user may go online for the authorization process. In block 1810, the user's age is verified. The age verification process is discussed further below with respect to Figs. The age verification process may include visiting a website and providing a serial number of the security tag and identification information (e.g., a phone number) in block 1812. As a result, a code or other form of message (e.g., message 1301) may be provided to the user in block 1814. The provided message may then be used in block 1816 to communicate with the security tag. When the security tag receives the correct message, the security tag may be unlocked and deleted in block 1818. If the message for the security tag is not correct, or if the user attempts to delete the security tag without authentication or unlocking, then the device is disabled, as shown in block 1820. In some embodiments, the user may be given a limited number of attempts to communicate with the security tag, and the device is disabled only after a threshold number of unsuccessful attempts is reached. In other embodiments, the plurality of attempts may be within a given period of time, so that other attempts at a later time are not counted towards the threshold number of attempts.

Fig. 19 illustrates a diagram of a system for verifying age using a security tag 1904. The security tag 1904 may be referred to as a security mechanism and protects the device 1906 to prevent use using verification. The device 1906 may be any device of an electronic nicotine delivery system ("ENDS"), including an aerosol delivery device, as described above. Verification occurs through an age verification system 1902. Unlocking the security tag 1904 may require verification from the age verification system 1902, which can verify the age of the user. As described, the age verification system 1902 may not only verify age (e.g., for an age-restricted product), but may also provide authentication or identification of the user (e.g., for an actual purchase or to prevent theft). There may be other verification mechanisms, not just for age. For example, in some embodiments, user identification may be performed instead of age verification.

Fig. 20 illustrates another embodiment of an age verification system 1902 connected via a network 2003 to a host 2005. Fig. 20 illustrates an embodiment in which the age verification system 1902 is connected to a security tag 2004 (which may be the same or different from the security tag 1904) via a network 2003 through a host device 2005. The security tag 2004 may be powered by a power source 2008, which may also provide power to the host 2005 or the device 2006. The power source 2008 may be any power supply mechanism, such as a network outlet, or another device that provides power, such as a computer, a laptop, a mobile device, a phone, a tablet, or a wireless power source.

The host 2005 may be any computing device, such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer. The security tag 2004 may receive a message from the host 2005 that may provide the ability to unlock the security tag 2004 if the age verification is satisfied. In some embodiments, the host 1605 may act as or be the power source 2008. In other words, there may not be a separate power source 2008, since the host 2005 of some example embodiments may provide power to the security tag 2004.

The present disclosure involves a computer-readable medium that includes instructions or receives and executes instructions in response to a distributed signal, so that a device connected to a network can transmit voice, video, audio, images or any other data over the network. Age verification system 1902 can provide instructions over the network through one or more communication ports. A communication port can be created in software or can be a physical connection on hardware. The connection to the network can be a physical connection, such as a wired Ethernet connection, or can be established wirelessly, as described below. Similarly, connections to other components can be physical connections or can be established wirelessly. In addition to age verification system 1902, device 1906/2006 and/or host 2005 can communicate over a network, including, but not limited to, network 2003.

A network (e.g., network 2003) can connect devices so that messages can be exchanged, for example, between the communication tag 2004 and the age verification system 1902, as well as between other wireless devices connected via a wireless network, for example. As described, a group of machines storing data to be analyzed can be connected via one or more networks, such as network 2003. The network can also include a mass storage device, such as a network-attached storage (NAS), a storage area network (SAN), or other forms of computer or machine-readable media, for example. The network can include the Internet, one or more local area networks (LAN), one or more wide area networks (WAN), wired connections, wireless connections, or any combination thereof. Likewise, subnetworks, for example, which can use different architectures or can be consistent or compatible with different protocols, can interact in a larger network. In one example, Blockchain technology may be used in a network to distribute data across the network. Exemplary functionality of a Blockchain network is described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 16/415,477, entitled "DECENTRALIZED IDENTITY STORAGE FOR TOBACCO PRODUCTS," filed May 17, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, various types of devices may be available to provide interoperability for different architectures or protocols. As one illustrative example, a router may provide communications between separate and independent local area networks. The communication line or channel may include, for example, analog telephone lines, such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, full or partial digital lines, including T1, T2, T3 or T4 type lines, integrated services digital networks (ISDN), digital subscriber lines (DSL), wireless communication lines, including satellite communication lines, or other communication lines or channels, such as may be known to those skilled in the art. In addition, the computing device or other related electronic devices may be remotely connected to the network, such as through a telephone line or communication line, for example.

The wireless network may connect devices such as the security tag 2004 (and/or the host 2005) and the age verification system 1902. The network 2003 may include a wireless network and may use autonomous ad hoc networks, mesh networks, wireless LAN (WLAN) networks, a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), cellular networks, or the like. The wireless network may further include a system of terminals, gateways, routers, etc., connected by wireless radio channels, etc., which may move freely, randomly, or be arbitrarily organized, so that the network topology may change, sometimes even quickly. A wireless network may additionally use a variety of network access technologies, including Long Term Evolution (LTE), WLAN, wireless router (WR) mesh network, or 2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, or future iterations) cellular technologies, etc. The network may provide radio frequency or wireless communications using one or more network access technologies such as global system for mobile communications (GSM), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), general packet radio service (GPRS), GSM enhanced data environment (EDGE), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n, Zigbee, Z Wave, IEEE 802.16 (e.g., WiMax) and/or other WWAN/WMAN technologies and the like, including future iterations of any of the aforementioned technologies. The wireless network may include virtually any type of wireless communication mechanism by which signals can be transmitted between devices, such as security tag 2004 (and/or host 2005), and age verification system 1902, between or within a network, or the like. In some embodiments, the communication protocols listed above may be used for communication between the security label 2004 and the host 2005, and the host 2005 then communicates with the age verification system 1902 using the same or other communication protocols.

Signal packets transmitted over a network, such as a 2003 network or a network of participating digital communication networks, may be compatible with or conform to one or more protocols. Signaling formats or protocols used may include, for example, TCP/IP, UDP, DECnet, NetBEUI, IPX, Appletalk, etc. Internet Protocol (IP) versions may include IPv4 or IPv6. The Internet refers to a decentralized global network of networks. The Internet includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks, or public long-distance networks that, for example, allow signal packets to be transmitted between LANs. Signal packets may be transmitted between network nodes, for example, with one or more sites using a local network address. A signal packet may, for example, be transmitted over the Internet from a user site via an access node connected to the Internet. Likewise, a signal packet may be directed through network nodes to a target site associated with the network, for example, via an access node to the network. A packet of signals transmitted over the Internet may, for example, be routed through a path of gateways, servers, etc., which may direct the packet of signals according to the target address and the availability of the network path to the target address. This transmission of a packet of signals may be applicable to the transmission of data between any of the components shown in Fig. 20.

The age verification system 1902 may include a database that tracks users along with their age. It may be encrypted and/or use anonymous identifiers (e.g., numbers, letters, or any alphanumeric identifiers) for each user. Fig. 21 describes how age verification may occur (e.g., using identification document 2106), and this may be stored in the database so that all future age verification requests from this user are confirmed. In particular, once the user's age is verified as confirmed in the age verification system database, future verifications (i.e., "authentications") may simply be calls to this database to unlock the device 1906.

Fig. 21 illustrates verification examples 2101 from age verification system 1902. As already stated, age verification is the process of confirming the age of a user. Age verification system 1902 provides functionality for verifying the age of a user. Age verification can be for each security tag, even when the user has multiple devices 1906, 2006. Verification examples 2101 are examples of mechanisms for verifying the age of a user. Age verification system 1902 can require some identification documentation 2106 to establish the age of the user. For example, a driver's license or passport can be uploaded to establish the age of the user. An image from this document can be used to verify the future age by facial recognition 2108 using this image. Face recognition technology 2108 can analyze the two images to confirm the identity match, reject the identity verification, or flag the verification to request additional identification information. This authentication may include comparing this image with a live self-image ("selfie") or video that the user takes with their mobile device or webcam. This may prevent fraud by simply showing someone else's photo. The self-image that the user uploads may also be verified for liveness by recording a short video to ensure that the frames are altered. In alternative embodiments, the authentication step may include audio input from the user, such as speaking a number, sequence, or code to verify activity.

In alternative embodiments, the verification step may include an audio input from the user, such as speaking a number, a sequence, or a code to verify the activity. Another example 2101 of verification includes a telephone call to a help desk 2107, in which the user can verify identity by providing or confirming user information (e.g., name, date of birth, social security number, telephone number, email, address, and/or password, such as mother's maiden name). In one embodiment, the help desk 2107 may be used to confirm information provided in the identification document 2106. Other examples 2101 of verification include fingerprints 2110, where a fingerprint reader is used to verify the user after the user's age has been verified. In one embodiment, the host 2005 of Fig. 20 may receive a fingerprint that is used to unlock the security tag 2004. In contrast to facial recognition 2109 and fingerprints 2110, there may be other biometric data 2112 that are used to verify the user, such as DNA, blood or other biological indicators. As an additional example, pin codes 2114 may be used to authenticate the user. The pin code may include a password that is associated with the user and is used to unlock the security tag 2004. The pin code may include a button in which a certain code must be entered, or may include various sensors for detecting a unique interaction. For example, the pin code may further include a puff code in which a puff pattern is used for verification and is measured by a pressure sensor.

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

Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forth herein will occur to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains, given the benefit of the teachings presented in the preceding descriptions and the associated drawings. It is therefore to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the particular implementations disclosed, and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the preceding descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary implementations in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it is to be appreciated that various combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative implementations without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, various combinations of elements and/or functions than those expressly described above are also contemplated, as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims (34)

1. An aerosol delivery control system comprising: an age verification system capable of verifying the user's age; an aerosol delivery device that delivers the aerosol to a user; and a security tag attached to the control element of the aerosol delivery device and configured to prevent use of the aerosol delivery device until the security tag is unlocked and removed from the aerosol delivery device, wherein the security tag is unlocked based on verification from the age verification system. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the security label is configured to disable the aerosol delivery device when the security label is removed without unlocking. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the disabling comprises at least one of interrupting the connecting pin to break the electrical connection, blocking air flow, covering the connecting pin, or causing a short circuit. 4. The system according to paragraph 2, wherein the shutdown is caused when the threshold number of attempts to remove the security label without unlocking is exceeded. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the security label is designed to be removable from the aerosol delivery device without damaging the aerosol delivery device. 6. The system according to paragraph 1, wherein the security label is unlocked based on the receipt of a verification message. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the message comprises at least one of a Bluetooth message, a near field communication (NFC) message, a radio frequency identification (RFID), a barcode, an audio signal, an optical signal, physical buttons, or a key. 8. A protected aerosol delivery device comprising: a cartridge that supplies the substance to be evaporated; a control element configured to be connected to the cartridge for evaporating the substance from the cartridge; and a security tag attached to the control element, wherein the security tag is configured to secure the control element and prevent use of the aerosol delivery device until the security tag is unlocked and removed from the control element. 9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8, wherein the security mark is configured to protect the connecting portion of the control element to prevent connection to the cartridge until the security mark is unlocked. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 9, wherein the control element is disabled when the security tag is removed without being unlocked. 11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 10, wherein the disabling comprises at least one of breaking the connecting pin to break the electrical connection, blocking air flow, covering the connecting pin, or causing a short circuit. 12. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 8, wherein the security mark is designed to be removable from the control element without damaging the aerosol delivery device. 13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8, wherein the security tag is unlocked based on receipt of a message. 14. The aerosol delivery device of claim 13, wherein the message is based on user verification. 15. The aerosol delivery device of claim 14, wherein the verification comprises verification of the age of the user. 16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 14, wherein the message comprises at least one of a Bluetooth message, a near field communication (NFC) message, a radio frequency identification (RFID), a barcode, an audio signal, an optical signal, physical buttons, or a key. 17. A protected aerosol delivery device comprising: a cartridge that supplies the substance to be evaporated; a control element configured to be connected to the cartridge for evaporating the substance from the cartridge; and a security label attached to the cartridge, wherein the security label is configured to secure the cartridge and prevent use of the aerosol delivery device until the security label is unlocked and removed from the cartridge. 18. The aerosol delivery device of claim 17, wherein the security mark is configured to protect the connecting portion of the cartridge to prevent connection to the control element until the security mark is unlocked. 19. The aerosol delivery device of claim 18, wherein the cartridge is disabled when the security label is removed without being unlocked. 20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 19, wherein the disabling comprises at least one of breaking the connecting pin to break the electrical connection, blocking air flow, covering the connecting pin, or causing a short circuit. 21. An aerosol delivery device according to claim 17, wherein the security label is designed to be removable from the cartridge without damaging the cartridge. 22. The aerosol delivery device of claim 17, wherein the security tag is unlocked based on receipt of a message. 23. The aerosol delivery device of claim 22, wherein the message is based on user verification. 24. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 23, wherein the verification comprises verification of the age of the user. 25. The aerosol delivery device of claim 24, wherein the message comprises at least one of a Bluetooth message, a near field communication (NFC) message, a radio frequency identification (RFID), a barcode, an audio signal, an optical signal, physical buttons, or a key.

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