VAPING AND SMOKING DEVICE AND CAPSULES

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus relating to smoking devices, and particularly apparatus and methods relating to vaping and heat-not-burn smoking devices.

BACKGROUND

Heat-not-burn smoking devices (also known as “smokeless” devices) are devices that heat a smoking material that contains active agents (e.g., a plant material, such as tobacco and/or a cannabinoid-containing plant material (such as marijuana), or a non-plant material) without burning the smoking material. The user sucks in vaporized active agents that are generated. Such devices have become popular in recent years, and in particular some users who previously smoked traditional cigarettes have switched to using such products.

An electronic cigarette (also known as a “vaping device”) is an electronic device that generates vapors from a liquid material that typically contains one or more active agents, such as nicotine. The vapors are inhaled by a user, with the process commonly being referred to as “vaping.”

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with some applications of the present invention, a capsule is configured to be inserted in a smoking device. Typically, the capsule is a disposable capsule that is configured to be used during a single smoking session, whereas the smoking device is configured to be reusable. The capsule typically has the general structure (e.g., shape and size) of a traditional cigarette. Many users and manufacturers of such capsule and smoking devices have a preference for single-use capsules having the general structure of a traditional cigarette, due to (a) habitual preferences of the users, (b) habitual preferences of the manufacturers, (c) production lines of the manufacturers being best-equipped to manufacture such capsules relative to capsules that differ from traditional cigarettes, (d) single-use capsules being more hygienic than capsules that are designed for repeated use, and/or (e) additional reasons.

Typically, the capsule includes a first portion that contains a smoking material (that contains active agents) and a heating element. The smoking material is typically a plant material, such as tobacco and/or a cannabinoid-containing plant material (such as marijuana). For some applications, the smoking material is a non-plant material that contains active agents. The smoking device is configured to heat the smoking material, such as to generate vapors containing active agents within the smoking material in a heat-not-burn manner. The user typically sucks the generated vapors out of a second portion of the capsule that functions as a mouthpiece.

As described hereinabove in the Background, heat-not-burn smoking devices (also known as “smokeless” devices) are devices that heat a smoking material without burning (i.e., pyrolyzing) the smoking material. The user sucks in vaporized active agents that are generated. An important element in heat-not-burn smoking devices is the time that it takes to heat the smoking material and the uniformity of the heating. The time that it takes to heat up the smoking material is defined by the following equation:

t=Q*d/(K*A*ΔT) [Equation 1]

- where
- t is the time taken to heat the smoking material,
- Q is the quantity of heat transferred to the smoking material,
- d is the distance from the location at which the heat is generated to the smoking material that is being heated,
- K is the constant that defines the heat conduction of the smoking material (which is relatively low for smoking materials as they are relatively non-conductive), and any other material between the heating element and the smoking material,
- A is the area of contact between the heating element and the smoking material, and
- T is temperature change that is applied at the heating element.

There are several challenges to heating up smoking material in a heat-not-burn process, including the following:

- low heat conduction of the smoking material (i.e., a low value of K in Equation 1);
- a limited temperature to which the heating element can be heated in order to avoid pyrolysis (i.e., burning) of the smoking material (i.e., a low value of ΔT in Equation 1);
- many designs of heating-elements-capsule combinations providing a relatively small area of contact between the heating elements and the smoking material (i.e., a low value of A in Equation 1), particularly if the capsule is designed to have the general shape of a traditional cigarette;
- in order to provide the appearance and feel of a traditional cigarette, there may be a heat-insulating material (e.g., paper) between the heating element and the smoking material (thereby further decreasing K in Equation 1), for example, if heating is applied by a heating element that is disposed within the smoking device outside the capsule;
- the distance from the heating element to the smoking material that is located toward the radial center of the capsule is relatively large (i.e., a high value of d in Equation 1).

In accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus and methods are provided that (a) provide a relatively large area of contact between the heating element and the smoking material (i.e., A in Equation 1), and (b) provide a relatively small distance between the heating element and the smoking material even at the radial center of the capsule (i.e., d in Equation 1), while (c) providing the user with a capsule having the same general structure as a traditional cigarette.

Typically, the heating element is built-in to the capsule, such that it is in direct contact with smoking material. For some applications, at least some of the heating element is embedded within the smoking material, as described in further detail hereinbelow. For some applications, the heating element comprises a metal material (such as metallic foil, e.g., stainless steel foil, nickel-titanium foil, titanium foil, copper foil, aluminum foil, steel foil), which is typically disposed within the capsule and/or is typically in direct contact with the smoking material, and that is heated via electrical resistive heating, as described in further detail hereinbelow. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element comprises one or more magnetically-heated materials that are susceptible to being heated by a magnetic field (such as, magnetic materials and/or ferromagnetic materials), which are typically disposed within the capsule and/or are typically in direct contact with smoking material and that are heated via magnetic induction, as described in further detail hereinbelow.

Typically, the capsule is an elongate capsule. For some applications, the capsule has a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm (e.g., between 50 mm and 90 mm). For some applications, the capsule has the same general structure as a traditional cigarette, but differs from the general structure of a cigarette in that the capsule is provided to the user with at least a portion of the capsule having a shape that is flattened relative to a traditional cigarette (e.g., such that it has an elliptical, rectangular, pill-shaped, or racetrack-shaped cross-sectional shape). Typically, by being flattened, the smoking material that is disposed toward the radial center of the capsule is disposed closer to the heating element than if the capsule had a circular cross section with a similar cross-sectional area, as described in further detail hereinbelow. Alternatively, the capsule is provided to the user with a circular cross-section shape, typically having a diameter of between 4 mm and 12 mm (e.g., between 5 and 8.5 mm). Typically, for such applications, although the capsule is provided to the user with the capsule having a circular cross-sectional shape, at least a portion of the capsule is flattened upon being inserted into the smoking device (e.g., such that it has an elliptical, rectangular, pill-shaped, or racetrack-shaped cross-sectional shape), such that the smoking material that was disposed toward the radial center of the capsule is disposed closer to the heating element than it would have been before being flattened, as described in further detail hereinbelow.

For some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes that are configured (a) to heat a heating element that is disposed within the capsule via electrical resistive heating, and (b) to apply mechanical pressure to the capsule in order to flatten all or part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

For some applications, a capsule is provided for use with a liquid material that is configured to be vaporized by the above-described smoking device (or a different smoking device). For some applications, the liquid material includes vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, nicotine, nicotine salt and/or additional taste and/or scent materials. Typically, for such applications, the capsule is a “vaping” capsule and the smoking device acts as a “vaping device.” Nevertheless, the device is referred to herein as a smoking device, since it is typically also used with a capsule that is used for smoking (typically in a heat-not-burn manner).

For some applications, the liquid material is held within a reservoir that comprises an absorbent material with the liquid material absorbed therein. Typically, the absorbent material is solid and/or flexible, is capable of withstanding the high temperatures that might develop during the vaporization process, and is safe for human inhalation. For example, the absorbent material may include cotton, hemp, wool, plastic material, cellulose material, paper, woven or non-woven fabrics, threads, etc. (In other instances of an “absorbent material” being described in the present disclosure, the term “absorbent material” should be interpreted as including any one of the aforementioned types of material or a combination thereof.) For some such applications, a layer of material extends from reservoir around the circumference of the capsule. For some applications, the layer of material is made of a similar absorbent material to the absorbent material disposed within the reservoir. Typically, the layer of material has a thickness of more than 0.1 mm (e.g., more than 0.2 mm), and/or less than 3 mm (e.g., less than 1 mm), for example between 0.1 mm and 3 mm, or between 0.2 mm and 1 mm. The layer of material is typically configured such that the liquid material flows from the reservoir along the layer of material via capillary forces. For some applications, metallic foil is disposed around the outside of the layer of material. The metallic foil is typically heated via the electrodes (via resistive heating), in a generally similar manner to that described hereinabove. Typically, the metallic foil thereby heats and vaporizes the liquid material within the layer of material.

For some applications, the vaping capsule including a housing that houses a reservoir of absorbent material that has the liquid material absorbed therein, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Typically, the housing is an electrical insulator and is impermeable to the liquid material. Further typically, the housing defines one or more lateral windows. The absorbent material is configured such that the liquid material flows to the lateral windows via capillary forces. Typically, at the lateral windows the liquid material within the absorbent material is exposed to the metallic foil of the capsule, and the liquid material is thereby vaporized. Typically, the metallic foil contacts the electrodes at locations that are remote from each of the one or more lateral windows.

For some applications, a vaping capsule including a housing that houses a reservoir of the liquid material. Typically, the housing is an electrical insulator and is impermeable to the liquid material. Further typically, the housing defines one or more lateral windows. For some applications, an absorbent material is disposed within the reservoir with the absorbent material extending from the reservoir to the one or more lateral windows, the absorbent material being configured to transport the liquid material from the reservoir to the one or more lateral windows via capillary forces. Typically, at the lateral windows the liquid material within the absorbent material is exposed to a metallic foil of the capsule, and the liquid material is thereby vaporized. Typically, the metallic foil contacts the electrodes at locations that are remote from each of the one or more lateral windows. Typically, the absorbent material is shaped such as to enhance capillary flow of the liquid material toward the lateral windows, in accordance with some applications of the present invention.

In accordance with respective applications, the vaping capsule is rigid or is flexible. For some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened, for example, using the techniques described hereinabove. For example, the capsule may be flattened in order to enhance electrical contact between the electrodes and the metallic foil, by applying mechanical pressure to the capsule using the electrodes. For some applications, the capsule is flattened in order to generate a desired heating profile and/or a desired airflow profile. For some applications, the smoking device includes a non-contact temperature sensor (such as an infrared temperature sensor). For some such applications, the portion of the capsule at which the sensor is configured to sense the temperature (i.e., a portion of the capsule that is configured to be adjacent to the temperature sensor) is flattened such as to facilitate the temperature sensing (typically by creating a flat surface upon which to perform the temperature sensing). For some applications, the capsule is flattened in order to increase capillary flow through an absorbent material disposed within the capsule. It is noted that the aforementioned techniques associated with flattening a capsule are typically applicable to any one of the embodiments of capsules described herein.

There is therefore provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus for use with a smoking device, the apparatus including:

- a capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents; and
  - one or more heating elements disposed within the capsule, the one or more heating elements being configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material, by the one or more heating elements being heated by the smoking device,
  - at least a portion of the capsule being configured to be flattened by the smoking device prior to the one or more heating elements being heated by the smoking device.

In some applications, the capsule has a circular cross-sectional shape and is configured to be flattened to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, the capsule includes a collapse-prevention element disposed along a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material, the collapse-prevention element being configured to prevent the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, the capsule includes two or more cylindrical collapse-prevention elements disposed at respective ends of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material, the cylindrical collapse-prevention elements being configured to prevent the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, the one or more heating elements include one or more magnetically-heated materials that are susceptible to being heated by a magnetic field.

In some applications, the portion of the capsule is configured to be inserted into a coil that has a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, the portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened while the portion of the capsule is disposed within a coil.

In some applications, the one or more heating elements include a metallic foil that is configured to be heated via resistive heating.

In some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes that are configured to drive an electrical current through the metallic foil, and the capsule is configured to be flattened by the two or more electrodes.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

In some applications, the capsule includes an elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

In some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened such as to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 2:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened such as to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 3:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened such as to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 4:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened such as to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 6:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus for use with a smoking device, the apparatus including:

- an elongate capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents; and
  - one or more heating elements disposed within the capsule, the one or more heating elements being configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material, by the one or more heating elements being heated by the smoking device,
  - at least when the one or more heating elements are being heated by the smoking device, the elongate capsule being configured such as to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 2:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, the elongate capsule is manufactured such as to define the cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 2:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, the elongate capsule includes a collapse-prevention element disposed along a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material, the collapse-prevention element being configured to prevent the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, the elongate capsule includes two or more cylindrical collapse-prevention elements disposed at respective ends of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material, the collapse-prevention elements being configured to prevent the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, the one or more heating elements include one or more magnetically-heated materials that are susceptible to being heated by a magnetic field.

In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

In some applications, the elongate capsule is manufactured such as to define a cylindrical shape and at least a portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened by the smoking device such as to define the cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 2:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape, prior to the one or more heating elements being heated by the smoking device.

In some applications, the one or more heating elements include one or more magnetically-heated materials that are susceptible to being heated by a magnetic field.

In some applications, the portion of the capsule is configured to be inserted into a coil that has a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, the portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened while the portion of the capsule is disposed within a coil.

In some applications, the one or more heating elements include a metallic foil that is configured to be heated via resistive heating.

In some applications, at least when the one or more heating elements are being heated by the smoking device, the elongate capsule is configured such as to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 3:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, at least when the one or more heating elements are being heated by the smoking device, the elongate capsule is configured such as to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 4:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, at least when the one or more heating elements are being heated by the smoking device, the elongate capsule is configured such as to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 6:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, the one or more heating elements include a metallic foil that is configured to be heated via resistive heating. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus for use with a smoking device, the apparatus including:

- a capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents;
  - one or more heating elements disposed within the capsule, the one or more heating elements being configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material, by the one or more heating elements being heated by the smoking device; and
  - a collapse-prevention element disposed along an axis of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material, the collapse-prevention element being configured to prevent the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material is configured to be flattened by the smoking device and the collapse-prevention element is configured to prevent the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material is flattened by the smoking device.

In some applications, the capsule includes two or more cylindrical collapse-prevention elements disposed at respective ends of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material, the collapse-prevention elements being configured to prevent the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, the collapse-prevention element is configured to facilitate adequate airflow through the capsule by preventing the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, the one or more heating elements include one or more magnetically-heated materials that are susceptible to being heated by a magnetic field.

In some applications, the capsule is manufactured such as to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 2:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes, and the one or more heating elements include a metallic foil that is configured to be heated via resistive heating via the two or more electrodes.

In some applications, the collapse-prevention element is configured to facilitate electrical contact between the two or more electrodes and the metallic foil by preventing the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

In some applications, the one or more heating elements include one or more magnetically-heated materials that are susceptible to being heated by a magnetic field.

In some applications, the portion of the capsule that is configured to be flattened by the smoking device is configured to be inserted into a coil that has a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, the portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened by the smoking device is configured to be flattened while the portion of the capsule is disposed within a coil.

In some applications, the one or more heating elements include a metallic foil that is configured to be heated via resistive heating.

In some applications, the collapse-prevention element is shaped as at least one rod that extends axially along a longitudinal axis of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material. In some applications, the rod has a diameter of between 0.5 mm and 5 mm. In some applications, the rod extends along only part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material. In some applications, the collapse-prevention element is shaped as two or more rods. In some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes that are configured to drive an electrical current into the capsule, and at locations at which the electrodes are configured to come into contact with the capsule, the rod includes radially-protruding portions having a greater diameter than at other locations along the rod.

In some applications, the capsule includes a mouthpiece, and the tube is configured to collect vaporized active agents generated by the heating of the smoking material and direct the vapors toward the mouthpiece.

In some applications, the capsule includes an elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus for use with a smoking device, the apparatus including:

- a capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents;
  - one or more heating elements disposed within the capsule the one or more heating elements being configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material, by the one or more heating element being heated by the smoking device; and
  - two or more cylindrical collapse-prevention elements disposed at respective ends of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material, the collapse-prevention elements being configured to prevent the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material is configured to be flattened by the smoking device and the cylindrical collapse-prevention elements are configured to prevent the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material is flattened by the smoking device.

In some applications, the capsule further includes a rod-shaped collapse-prevention element disposed along a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material, the rod-shaped collapse-prevention element being configured to prevent the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, the capsule further includes a tube-shaped collapse-prevention element disposed along a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material, the tube-shaped collapse-prevention element being configured to prevent the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, the cylindrical collapse-prevention elements are configured to facilitate adequate airflow through the capsule by preventing the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, the one or more heating elements include one or more magnetically-heated materials that are susceptible to being heated by a magnetic field.

In some applications, the cylindrical collapse-prevention elements are configured to facilitate electrical contact between the two or more electrodes and the metallic foil by preventing the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

In some applications, the one or more heating elements include one or more magnetically-heated materials that are susceptible to being heated by a magnetic field.

In some applications, the portion of the capsule is configured to be inserted into a coil that has a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, the portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened while the portion of the capsule is disposed within a coil.

In some applications, the one or more heating elements include a metallic foil that is configured to be heated via resistive heating.

In some applications, the capsule includes an elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus for use with a smoking device, the apparatus including:

- an elongate capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents disposed along a portion of a length of the capsule;
  - two cylindrical elements disposed at respective ends of the portion of the length of the capsule that contains the smoking material, such that a predefined quantity of smoking material disposed between the two cylindrical elements;
  - one or more heating elements disposed within the capsule, the one or more heating elements being configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material, by the one or more heating elements being heated by the smoking device,
  - the predefined quantity of smoking material disposed between the two cylindrical elements is configured to provide a metered dose of the one or more active agents to a user.

In some applications, the one or more heating elements include a metallic foil that is configured to be heated via resistive heating.

In some applications, the one or more heating elements include one or more magnetically-heated materials that are susceptible to being heated by a magnetic field.

In some applications, the elongate capsule is manufactured such as to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 2:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, the two cylindrical elements are configured to prevent the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, at least part of the portion of the elongate capsule that contains the smoking material is configured to be flattened by the smoking device and the cylindrical elements are configured to prevent the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material is flattened by the smoking device.

In some applications, the elongate capsule further includes a rod-shaped collapse-prevention element disposed along a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material, the rod-shaped collapse-prevention element being configured to prevent the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, the elongate capsule further includes a tube-shaped collapse-prevention element disposed along a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material, the tube-shaped collapse-prevention element being configured to prevent the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, the cylindrical elements are configured to facilitate adequate airflow through the capsule by preventing the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material from collapsing when mechanical pressure is applied to the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

In some applications, at least a portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened by the smoking device prior to the one or more heating elements being heated by the smoking device.

In some applications, the capsule has a circular cross-sectional shape and is configured to be flattened to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, the one or more heating elements include one or more magnetically-heated materials that are susceptible to being heated by a magnetic field.

In some applications, the portion of the capsule is configured to be inserted into a coil that has a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, the portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened while the portion of the capsule is disposed within a coil.

In some applications, the one or more heating elements include a metallic foil that is configured to be heated via resistive heating. In some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes that are configured to drive an electrical current through the metallic foil, and the capsule is configured to be flattened by the two or more electrodes.

In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus for use with a smoking device including an infrared temperature sensor, the apparatus including:

- a capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents;
  - a metallic foil disposed around at least a portion of the smoking material, the metallic foil being configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material, by the metallic foil being heated by the smoking device via resistive heating; and
  - a coating disposed around at least a portion of the metallic foil at which the infrared temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the capsule, the coating having an emissivity value of at least 0.5.

In some applications, the coating has an emissivity value of at least 0.95.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus for use with a smoking device including an infrared temperature sensor, the apparatus including:

- a capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents;
  - a metallic foil disposed around at least a portion of the smoking material, the metallic foil being configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material, by the metallic foil being heated by the smoking device via resistive heating; and
  - at least a portion of the metallic foil at which the infrared temperature sensor the infrared temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the capsule the metallic foil being treated such as to have an emissivity value of at least 0.5.

In some applications, the portion of the metallic foil is treated such as to have an emissivity value of at least 0.95.

There is further provided in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus for use with a smoking device including an infrared temperature sensor, the apparatus including:

- a capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents;
  - one or more resistive elements, the resistive elements being configured to provide an electrical resistance profile to the capsule that provides identifying information regarding the capsule.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus for use with a smoking device that includes at least first and second electrodes, the apparatus including:

- an elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm, the elongate capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents; and
  - metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, the metallic foil being configured to be heated via resistive heating by the first electrode driving a current to the second electrode along a length of more than 5 mm in an axial direction along the metallic foil.

In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially in an axial direction along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper covering that covers the metallic foil, the paper covering defining openings via which the electrodes are configured to make electrical contact with the metallic foil.

In some applications, the metallic foil is shaped such that at least a portion of the metallic foil is embedded within the smoking material.

In some applications, the metallic foil includes a plurality of regions, each of the regions having a respective, different electrical resistance profile, such that upon a given current being driven through the metallic foil each of the regions heats to a respective, different temperature.

In some applications, the capsule further includes a collapse-prevention element configured to facilitate electrical contact between the electrodes and the metallic foil, by preventing the capsule from collapsing.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical-contact coating that coats the metallic foil at locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the capsule.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a first configuration at locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the metallic foil, and a second configuration along a region in which the metallic foil surrounds the smoking material that is between the locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the metallic foil.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines an inside of the metallic foil, the inner lining being configured to diffuse heat that is generated by the metallic foil.

In some applications, the smoking device includes one or more batteries, and an overall resistance to the current that is provided by the capsule is configured to substantially match an internal resistance of the one or more batteries of the smoking device.

In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper covering that covers the metallic foil, the paper covering being adhered to itself along a band of overlap such as to form a cylindrical shape, and an electrically insulating material is disposed along the band of overlap, to isolate an inner layer of the metallic foil from the electrodes.

In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper covering that covers the metallic foil, the paper covering being adhered to itself along a band of overlap, such as to form a cylindrical shape, and the metallic foil is treated along the band of overlap, in order to increase resistance of the metallic foil along the band of overlap.

In some applications, the capsule is shaped to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 2:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, at least a portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened by the smoking device prior to the one or more heating elements being heated by the smoking device. In some applications, the capsule has a circular cross-sectional shape and is configured to be flattened to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the capsule is configured to be flattened such as to define a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 2:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

- a capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents; and
  - metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, the metallic foil being configured to be heated via resistive heating by the electrodes driving a current into the metallic foil; and
  - a paper covering that covers the metallic foil, the paper covering defining openings via which the electrodes are configured to make electrical contact with the metallic foil.

In some applications, the metallic foil is shaped such that at least a portion of the metallic foil is embedded within the smoking material.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical-contact coating that coats the metallic foil at locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the capsule.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines an inside of the metallic foil, the inner lining being configured to diffuse heat that is generated by the metallic foil.

In some applications, the paper covering is adhered to itself along a band of overlap, such as to form a cylindrical shape, and an electrically insulating material is disposed along the band of overlap, to isolate an inner layer of the metallic foil from the electrodes. In some applications, the paper covering is adhered to itself along a band of overlap, such as to form a cylindrical shape, and the metallic foil is treated along the band of overlap, in order to increase resistance of the metallic foil along the band of overlap.

In some applications, the capsule includes an elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially in an axial direction along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the metallic foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by the first electrode driving a current to the second electrode along a length of more than 5 mm in an axial direction along the metallic foil. In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially in the axial direction along a length of the capsule. In some applications, the metallic foil is configured to be heated via resistive heating by the first electrode driving a current to the second electrode along a length of more than 15 mm in the axial direction along the metallic foil.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

- a capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents; and
  - metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, the metallic foil being configured to be heated via resistive heating by the electrodes driving a current into the metallic foil, the metallic foil being shaped such that at least a portion of the metallic foil is embedded within the smoking material.

In some applications, the metallic foil is folded such as to define ribs that are embedded within the smoking material.

In some applications, the metallic foil is shaped to define a flap that is embedded within the smoking material.

In some applications, the metallic foil is shaped to define a spiral that spirals through the smoking material.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical-contact coating that coats the metallic foil at locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the capsule.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines an inside of the metallic foil, the inner lining being configured to diffuse heat that is generated by the metallic foil.

In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper covering that covers the metallic foil, the paper covering being adhered to itself along a band of overlap, such as to form a cylindrical shape, and an electrically insulating material is disposed along the band of overlap, to isolate an inner layer of the metallic foil from the electrodes.

In some applications, the capsule includes an elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially in an axial direction along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

- a capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents; and
  - metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, the metallic foil being configured to be heated via resistive heating by the electrodes driving a current into the metallic foil, the metallic foil including a plurality of regions along its length, each of the regions having a respective, different electrical resistance profile, such that upon a given current being driven through the metallic foil each of the regions heats to a respective, different temperature.

In some applications, the metallic foil is shaped such that at least a portion of the metallic foil is embedded within the smoking material.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical-contact coating that coats the metallic foil at locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the capsule.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines an inside of the metallic foil, the inner lining being configured to diffuse heat that is generated by the metallic foil.

In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper covering that covers the metallic foil, the paper covering being adhered to itself along a band of overlap, such as to form a cylindrical shape, and an electrically insulating material is disposed along the band of overlap, to isolate an inner layer of the metallic foil from the electrodes.

In some applications, the capsule is configured for use with a smoking device that includes respective temperature sensors that are configured to detect temperatures of the respective regions along the metallic foil.

In some applications, the capsule includes an elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially in an axial direction along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

In some applications, each of the regions along the length of the metallic foil includes a respective, different material that is configured to be vaporized by heating of the metallic foil.

In some applications, the capsule is configured for use with a smoking device that is configured to receive an input from a user indicating a preferred mix of vapors of the user, and to heat the respective regions along the length of the metallic foil to respective, different temperatures responsively thereto.

- a capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents; and
  - metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, the metallic foil being configured to be heated via resistive heating by the electrodes driving a current into the metallic foil; and
  - a collapse-prevention element configured to facilitate electrical contact between the electrodes and the metallic foil, by preventing the capsule from collapsing.

In some applications, the metallic foil is shaped such that at least a portion of the metallic foil is embedded within the smoking material.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical-contact coating that coats the metallic foil at locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the capsule.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines an inside of the metallic foil, the inner lining being configured to diffuse heat that is generated by the metallic foil.

In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper covering that covers the metallic foil, the paper covering being adhered to itself along a band of overlap, such as to form a cylindrical shape, and an electrically insulating material is disposed along the band of overlap, to isolate an inner layer of the metallic foil from the electrodes.

In some applications, the collapse-prevention element is configured to diffuse one or more chemicals. In some applications, the collapse-prevention element includes a phase-change material that is configured to prevent the temperature of the smoking material from exceeding the phase-change temperature of the phase-change material. In some applications, the collapse-prevention element is configured to absorb chemicals that are generated by pyrolysis of the smoking material. In some applications, the collapse-prevention element includes two or more cylindrical collapse-prevention elements disposed at respective ends of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material.

In some applications, the capsule includes an elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially in an axial direction along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the collapse-prevention element is shaped as at least one tube that extends axially along a longitudinal axis of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material. In some applications, the tube contains one or more chemicals that are configured to be released from the tube during heating of the smoking material. In some applications, the capsule includes a mouthpiece, and the tube is configured to collect vaporized active agents generated by the heating of the smoking material and direct the vapors toward the mouthpiece.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

- a capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents; and
  - metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, the metallic foil being configured to be heated via resistive heating by the electrodes driving a current into the metallic foil, an overall resistance to the current that is provided by the capsule is configured to substantially match an internal resistance of the one or more batteries of the smoking device.

In some applications, the metallic foil is shaped such that at least a portion of the metallic foil is embedded within the smoking material.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical-contact coating that coats the metallic foil at locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the capsule.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines an inside of the metallic foil, the inner lining being configured to diffuse heat that is generated by the metallic foil.

In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper covering that covers the metallic foil, the paper covering being adhered to itself along a band of overlap, such as to form a cylindrical shape, and an electrically insulating material is disposed along the band of overlap, to isolate an inner layer of the metallic foil from the electrodes.

In some applications, the capsule includes an elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially in an axial direction along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

- a capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents; and
  - metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, the metallic foil being configured to be heated via resistive heating by the electrodes driving a current into the metallic foil; and
  - an electrical-contact coating that coats the metallic foil at locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the capsule.

In some applications, the electrical-contact coating coats an outside of the metallic foil. In some applications, the electrical-contact coating coats an inside of the metallic foil.

In some applications, the electrical-contact coating has a lower resistance than a resistance of the metallic foil. In some applications, the electrical-contact coating is configured to prevent generation of hotspots at the locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the capsule. In some applications, the electrical-contact coating includes a ring-shaped coating at each of the locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the capsule. In some applications, an edge of the electrical-contact coating is zigzagged at a side at which the coating contacts the metallic foil to thereby conduct electrical current to the metallic foil in a uniform manner.

In some applications, the metallic foil is shaped such that at least a portion of the metallic foil is embedded within the smoking material.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines an inside of the metallic foil, the inner lining being configured to diffuse heat that is generated by the metallic foil.

In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper covering that covers the metallic foil, the paper covering being adhered to itself along a band of overlap, such as to form a cylindrical shape, and an electrically insulating material is disposed along the band of overlap, to isolate an inner layer of the metallic foil from the electrodes.

In some applications, the capsule includes an elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially in an axial direction along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

- a capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents; and
  - metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, the metallic foil being configured to be heated via resistive heating by the electrodes driving a current into the metallic foil; and
  - the metallic foil having a first configuration at locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the metallic foil, and
  - the metallic foil having a second configuration along a region in which the metallic foil surrounds the smoking material that is between the locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the metallic foil.

In some applications, the first configuration of the metallic foil is thicker than the second configuration of the metallic foil.

In some applications, the metallic foil is shaped such that at least a portion of the metallic foil is embedded within the smoking material.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical-contact coating that coats the metallic foil at locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the capsule.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines an inside of the metallic foil, the inner lining being configured to diffuse heat that is generated by the metallic foil.

In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper covering that covers the metallic foil, the paper covering being adhered to itself along a band of overlap, such as to form a cylindrical shape, and an electrically insulating material is disposed along the band of overlap, to isolate an inner layer of the metallic foil from the electrodes.

In some applications, the capsule includes an elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially in an axial direction along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the first configuration of the metallic foil is configured to provide lower electrical resistance than the second configuration of the metallic foil. In some applications, the metallic foil is etched in the second configuration of the metallic foil. In some applications, the metallic foil defines openings therethrough in the second configuration of the metallic foil.

In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper covering that covers the metallic foil, and the paper covering covers the openings. In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper covering that covers the metallic foil, and the paper covering does not cover the openings.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

- a capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents; and
  - metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, the metallic foil being configured to be heated via resistive heating by the electrodes driving a current into the metallic foil; and
  - an inner lining that lines an inside of the metallic foil, the inner lining being configured to diffuse heat that is generated by the metallic foil.

In some applications, the inner lining includes polyimide. In some applications, the inner lining is configured to diffuse heat that is generated by the metallic foil across the smoking material, thereby preventing hotspots from being generated within the smoking material. In some applications, the inner lining is configured to provide mechanical strength to the capsule, such as to reduce a likelihood of the capsule tearing as a result of mechanical pressure being applied to the capsule. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to apply mechanical pressure to the capsule, and the inner lining is disposed at regions of the capsule that are configured to be compressed by the electrodes.

In some applications, the inner lining is configured to diffuse one or more chemicals. In some applications, the inner lining includes a phase-change material that is configured to prevent the temperature of the smoking material from exceeding the phase-change temperature of the phase-change material. In some applications, the inner lining is configured to absorb chemicals that are generated by pyrolysis of the smoking material.

In some applications, the metallic foil is shaped such that at least a portion of the metallic foil is embedded within the smoking material.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical-contact coating that coats the metallic foil at locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the capsule.

In some applications, the capsule further includes a paper covering that covers the metallic foil, the paper covering being adhered to itself along a band of overlap, such as to form a cylindrical shape, and an electrically insulating material is disposed along the band of overlap, to isolate an inner layer of the metallic foil from the electrodes.

In some applications, the capsule includes an elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially in an axial direction along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

- a capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents; and
  - metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, the metallic foil being configured to be heated via resistive heating by the electrodes driving a current into the metallic foil; and
  - a paper covering that covers the metallic foil,
  - the paper covering being adhered to itself along a band of overlap, such as to form a cylindrical shape, and
  - an electrically insulating material being disposed along the band of overlap, to isolate an inner layer of the metallic foil from the electrodes.

In some applications, the electrically insulating material includes an adhesive that is used to adhere the paper covering to itself along the band of overlap. In some applications, the electrically insulating material includes polyimide.

In some applications, the metallic foil is shaped such that at least a portion of the metallic foil is embedded within the smoking material.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical-contact coating that coats the metallic foil at locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the capsule.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines an inside of the metallic foil, the inner lining being configured to diffuse heat that is generated by the metallic foil.

In some applications, the paper covering defines openings via which the electrodes are configured to make electrical contact with the metallic foil.

In some applications, the paper covering is adhered to itself along a band of overlap, such as to form a cylindrical shape, and the metallic foil is treated along the band of overlap, in order to increase resistance of the metallic foil along the band of overlap.

In some applications, the capsule includes an elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially in an axial direction along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

- a capsule including:
  - a smoking material containing one or more active agents; and
  - metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, the metallic foil being configured to be heated via resistive heating by the electrodes driving a current into the metallic foil; and
  - a paper covering that covers the metallic foil,
  - the paper covering being adhered to itself along a band of overlap, such as to form a cylindrical shape, and
  - the metallic foil being treated along the band of overlap, in order to increase resistance of the metallic foil along the band of overlap.

In some applications, the metallic foil defines slits along the band of overlap, in order to increase resistance of the metallic foil along the band of overlap.

In some applications, the metallic foil is shaped such that at least a portion of the metallic foil is embedded within the smoking material.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical-contact coating that coats the metallic foil at locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the capsule.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines an inside of the metallic foil, the inner lining being configured to diffuse heat that is generated by the metallic foil.

In some applications, the paper covering defines openings via which the electrodes are configured to make electrical contact with the metallic foil.

In some applications, the capsule includes an elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially in an axial direction along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns. In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus for use with a cylindrically-shaped capsule that contains a smoking material containing one or more active agents, the apparatus including:

- a smoking device configured to:
  - receive the cylindrically-shaped capsule that contains the smoking material;
  - flatten at least part of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material; and
  - vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material while at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material is flattened.

In some applications, the smoking device includes roller wheels that are configured to flatten at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material upon the capsule being inserted into the smoking device. In some applications, the smoking device includes a funnel that is configured to flatten at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material upon the capsule being inserted into the smoking device. In some applications, the smoking device includes mechanical elements that are configured to flatten at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material by applying mechanical pressure to the capsule.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a control component configured to:

- receive an indication from a user indicating whether they wish to smoke the active agents in a first mode or a second mode;
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode, heat the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents for a predefined period of time; and
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the second mode, only heat the smoking material to the vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user that they wish for the smoking material to be heated.

In some applications, the control component is configured to preheat the smoking material to a temperature that is below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents, prior to receiving the indication from the user indicating whether they wish to smoke the active agents in the first mode or the second mode. In some applications, the control component is configured to preheat the smoking material to the temperature that is below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents automatically, in response to the capsule being inserted into the smoking device. In some applications, the control component is configured to preheat the smoking material to the temperature that is below the vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents, in response to an input from the user.

In some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes that are configured to heat the smoking material by generating resistive heating within the capsule by driving a current through a portion of the capsule. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to move axially along a length of the capsule. In some applications, the smoking device includes a mechanism configured to bring the electrodes into pressurized contact with the capsule, in order to enhance electrical contact between the electrodes and the capsule.

In some applications, the capsule includes an elongate capsule, and during the heating of the smoking material, the smoking device is configured to house the capsule such that airflow through the capsule is substantially along a length of the elongate capsule, and a first one of the electrodes is configured to drive a current toward a second one of the electrodes along a length of more than 5 mm in an axial direction along a length of the capsule. In some applications, the first one of the electrodes is configured to drive the current toward the second one of the electrodes along a length of more than 15 mm in the axial direction along the length of the capsule.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule that includes a metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, and the electrodes are configured to drive the current through the metallic foil. In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule that includes a metallic foil surrounding the smoking material and a paper covering that covers the metallic foil, and the electrodes are needle shaped and are configured to make electrical contact with the metallic foil by piercing through the paper covering.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a coil that is configured to heat the smoking material by generating a magnetic field such as to heat the capsule via magnetic induction. In some applications, the coil is configured to be flattened while at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material is disposed within the coil. In some applications, the coil is shaped to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape even before part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material is introduced to within the coil, and the smoking device is configured to flatten the part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material prior to the part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material being introduced to within the coil.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a cylindrically-shaped elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a cylindrically-shaped elongate capsule having a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to flatten the at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material such that the part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 2:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the smoking device is configured to flatten the at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material such that the part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 3:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the smoking device is configured to flatten the at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material such that the part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 4:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the smoking device is configured to flatten the at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material such that the part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 6:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape.

- a smoking device configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, the smoking device including:
  - a cylindrically-shaped insertion port configured to receive the cylindrically-shaped capsule that contains the smoking material; and
  - a non-cylindrical housing configured to house at least part of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material, while the smoking device heats the smoking material.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a control component configured to:

- receive an indication from a user indicating whether they wish to smoke the active agents in a first mode or a second mode;
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode, heat the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents for a predefined period of time; and
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the second mode, only heat the smoking material to the vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user that they wish for the smoking material to be heated.

In some applications, the non-cylindrical housing defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 2:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the non-cylindrical housing defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 3:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the non-cylindrical housing defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 4:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the non-cylindrical housing defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 6:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, the capsule includes an elongate capsule, during the heating of the smoking material, the smoking device is configured to house the capsule such that airflow through the capsule is substantially along a length of the elongate capsule, and a first one of the electrodes is configured to drive the current toward a second one of the electrodes along a length of more than 5 mm in an axial direction along a length of the capsule. In some applications, the first one of the electrodes is configured to drive the current toward the second one of the electrodes along a length of more than 15 mm in the axial direction along the length of the capsule.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule that includes a metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, and the electrodes are configured to drive the current through the metallic foil. In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule that includes a metallic foil surrounding the smoking material and a paper covering that covers the metallic foil and the electrodes are needle shaped and are configured to make electrical contact with the metallic foil by piercing through the paper covering.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus for use with a capsule that contains a smoking material containing one or more active agents, the apparatus including:

- a smoking device configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, the smoking device including:
  - two or more sensors, each of which is configured to detect a temperature of the capsule at the same location along a length of the capsule as each other.

In some applications, the sensors are configured to be placed on respective sides of the capsule. In some applications, the sensors include infrared temperature sensors. In some applications, the sensors include thermocouple sensors. In some applications, the sensors include contact sensors that are configured to contact the smoking material. In some applications, the sensors are configured to move axially along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a control component configured to:

- receive an indication from a user indicating whether they wish to smoke the active agents in a first mode or a second mode;
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode, heat the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents for a predefined period of time; and
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the second mode, only heat the smoking material to the vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user that they wish for the smoking material to be heated.

In some applications, the apparatus further includes a control component configured to determine a temperature of the smoking material at the location along the length of the capsule based upon the temperatures detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine an average temperature of the smoking material at the location along the length of the capsule based upon the temperatures detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a maximum temperature of the smoking material at the location along the length of the capsule based upon the temperatures detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a minimum temperature of the smoking material at the location along the length of the capsule based upon the temperatures detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a temperature range of the smoking material at the location along the length of the capsule based upon the temperatures detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, based upon the temperatures detected by each of the sensors, the control component is configured to determine that the temperature detected by a first one of the sensors is indicative of a fault with the first one of the sensors, and, in response thereto, the control component is configured to determine the temperature of the smoking material based upon the temperature detect by a second one of the sensors.

In some applications, the control component is configured to control heating of the smoking material in response to the determined temperature of the smoking material. In some applications, the control component is configured to control heating of the smoking material such as to maintain the smoking material within a predefined temperature range.

In some applications, the smoking device includes:

- two or more electrodes that are configured to heat the smoking material by generating resistive heating within the capsule by driving a current through a portion of the capsule; and
- a control component that is configured to detect an amount of current that must be applied to the capsule in order to maintain the smoking material at a substantially constant temperature and to thereby detect that the user has puffed the smoking device.

In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a parameter of the puff. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a length of the puff. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a depth of the puff. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine an amount of one or more of the active agents that has been vaporized from the capsule by monitoring a number of puffs and parameters of the puffs that have been taken from the capsule.

- a smoking device configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, the smoking device including:
  - one or more sensors configured to detect temperature of the smoking material within the capsule and configured to be moveable axially along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the sensor includes an infrared temperature sensor. In some applications, the sensor includes a thermocouple sensor. In some applications, the sensor includes a contact sensor that is configured to contact the smoking material.

In some applications, the smoking device includes two or more electrodes that are configured to heat the smoking material by driving a current through the capsule, and the two or more electrodes are configured to configured to be moveable axially along the length of the capsule together with the one or more sensors. In some applications, the smoking device includes a motor and a rail and the motor is configured to move the one or more sensors axially along the length of the capsule by sliding the one or more sensors along the rail.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a control component configured to:

- receive an indication from a user indicating whether they wish to smoke the active agents in a first mode or a second mode;
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode, heat the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents for a predefined period of time; and
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the second mode, only heat the smoking material to the vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user that they wish for the smoking material to be heated.

In some applications, the sensor includes two or more sensors, each of which is configured to detect a temperature of the capsule at the same location along a length of the capsule as each other, at a given time. In some applications, the sensors are configured to be placed on respective sides of the capsule. In some applications, the apparatus further includes a control component configured to determine a temperature of the smoking material at the location along the length of the capsule based upon the temperatures detected by the sensors. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine an average temperature of the smoking material at the location along the length of the capsule based upon the temperatures detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a maximum temperature of the smoking material at the location along the length of the capsule based upon the temperatures detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a minimum temperature of the smoking material at the location along the length of the capsule based upon the temperatures detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, the control component is configured to determine a temperature range of the smoking material at the location along the length of the capsule based upon the temperatures detected by each of the sensors. In some applications, based upon the temperatures detected by each of the sensors the control component is configured to determine that the temperature detected by a first one of the sensors is indicative of a fault with the first one of the sensors, and, in response thereto, the control component is configured to determine the temperature of the smoking material based upon the temperature detect by a second one of the sensors.

In some applications, the apparatus further includes a control component configured to determine a temperature of the smoking material based upon the temperature detected by the sensor. In some applications, the control component is configured to control heating of the smoking material in response to the determined temperature of the smoking material. In some applications, the control component is configured to control heating of the smoking material such as to maintain the smoking material within a predefined temperature range.

In some applications, the smoking device includes:

- two or more electrodes that are configured to heat the smoking material by generating resistive heating within the capsule by driving a current through a portion of the capsule; and
- a control component that is configured to detect an amount of current that must be applied to the capsule in order to maintain the smoking material at a substantially constant temperature and to thereby detect that the user has puffed the smoking device.

- a smoking device configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, the smoking device including a control component configured to:
  - receive an indication from a user indicating whether they wish to smoke the active agents in a first mode or a second mode;
  - in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode, heat the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents for a predefined period of time; and
  - in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the second mode, heat the smoking material to the vaporization temperature only while receiving an active input from the user that they wish for the smoking material to be heated.

In some applications, the control component is configured, in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode, to heat the smoking material to the vaporization temperature for a predefined period of time that is between 60 seconds and 600 seconds.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a button configured to be pressed by a user, and the control component is configured such that:

- the user pressing the button for a duration that is less than a threshold duration, is interpreted by the control component that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the second mode; and
- the user pressing the button for a duration that is more than the threshold duration, is interpreted by the control component that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a button configured to be pressed by a user, and the control component is configured such that:

- the user pressing the button for a duration that is less than a threshold duration, is interpreted by the control component that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode; and
- the user pressing the button for a duration that is more than the threshold duration, is interpreted by the control component that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the second mode.

In some applications, the threshold duration is between 0 and 2 seconds.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured such that during a smoking session, the user can switch from the first mode to the second mode by pressing the button for more than the threshold duration.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured such that during a smoking session, the user can switch from the second mode to the first mode by pressing the button for less than the threshold duration.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to:

- flatten at least part of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material; and
- vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material while at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material is in a flattened configuration.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule that includes a metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, and the electrodes are configured to drive a current through the metallic foil. In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule that includes a metallic foil surrounding the smoking material and a paper covering that covers the metallic foil and the electrodes are needle shaped and are configured to make electrical contact with the metallic foil by piercing through the paper covering.

- a smoking device configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, the smoking device including:
  - roller wheels that are configured to change a shape of the capsule upon the capsule being inserted into the smoking device.

- a smoking device configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, the smoking device including:
  - a funnel that is configured to change a shape of the capsule upon the capsule being inserted into the smoking device.

- a smoking device configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, the smoking device including:
  - a control component configured to:
    - detect an amount of current that is required to maintain the smoking material at a given temperature;
    - thereby derive an indication of an amount of the one or more active agents that has been vaporized; and
    - terminate heating of the smoking material in response to detecting an indication that more than a given amount of the one or more of the active agents has been vaporized.

- a smoking device configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, the smoking device including:
  - an electrode configured to drive a current into the capsule at one or more locations on the capsule;
  - a sensor configured to detect an amount of resistance that is generated by the capsule at the one or more locations; and
  - a control component configured to derive identifying information regarding the capsule based on the amount of resistance that is generated by the capsule at the one or more locations.

- a smoking device configured to receive the capsule, the smoking device including:
  - two or more electrodes that are configured to:
    - change a shape of the capsule upon the capsule being inserted into the smoking device, by exerting mechanical pressure upon the capsule; and
    - vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, by driving a current through a portion of the capsule.

In some applications, the electrodes are configured to move axially along a length of the capsule. In some applications, the smoking device includes a mechanism configured to bring the electrodes into pressurized contact with the capsule, in order to enhance electrical contact between the electrodes and the capsule.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a control component configured to:

- receive an indication from a user indicating whether they wish to smoke the active agents in a first mode or a second mode;
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode, heat the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents for a predefined period of time; and
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the second mode, only heat the smoking material to the vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user that they wish for the smoking material to be heated.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule that includes a metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, and the electrodes are configured to drive a current through the metallic foil. In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule that includes a metallic foil surrounding the smoking material and a paper covering that covers the metallic foil and the electrodes are needle shaped and are configured to make electrical contact with the metallic foil by piercing through the paper covering.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive an elongate capsule, during the heating of the smoking material, the smoking device is configured to house the capsule such that airflow through the capsule is substantially along a length of the elongate capsule, and a first one of the electrodes is configured to drive a current toward a second one of the electrodes along a length of more than 5 mm in an axial direction along a length of the capsule. In some applications, the first one of the electrodes is configured to drive the current toward the second one of the electrodes along a length of more than 15 mm in the axial direction along the length of the capsule.

In some applications, the electrodes are configured to flatten at least a part of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material such that the part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 2:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to flatten at least a part of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material such that the part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 3:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to flatten at least a part of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material such that the part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 4:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to flatten at least a part of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material such that the part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 6:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape.

- a smoking device configured to receive the capsule, the smoking device including:
  - two or more electrodes that are configured to:
    - vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, by driving a current into a portion of the capsule; and
    - move axially along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a cylindrically-shaped capsule, and the smoking device includes a cylindrically-shaped insertion port configured to receive the cylindrically-shaped capsule and a non-cylindrical housing configured to house at least part of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material, while the smoking material is heated.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a mechanism configured to bring the electrodes into pressurized contact with the capsule, in order to enhance electrical contact between the electrodes and the capsule.

In some applications, the smoking device includes one or more sensors configured to detect temperature of the smoking material within the capsule, and the one or more sensors are configured to configured to be moveable axially along the length of the capsule together with the two or more electrodes.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a motor and a rail and the motor is configured to move the two or more electrodes axially along the length of the capsule by sliding the two or more electrodes along the rail.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a control component configured to:

- receive an indication from a user indicating whether they wish to smoke the active agents in a first mode or a second mode;
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode, heat the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents for a predefined period of time; and
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the second mode, only heat the smoking material to the vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user that they wish for the smoking material to be heated.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule that includes a metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, and the electrodes are configured to drive a current through the metallic foil. In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule that includes a metallic foil surrounding the smoking material and a paper covering that covers the metallic foil and the electrodes are needle shaped and are configured to make electrical contact with the metallic foil by piercing through the paper covering.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive an elongate capsule, during the heating of the smoking material, the smoking device is configured to house the capsule such that airflow through the capsule is substantially along a length of the elongate capsule, and a first one of the electrodes is configured to drive the current toward a second one of the electrodes along a length of more than 5 mm in an axial direction along a length of the capsule. In some applications, the first one of the electrodes is configured to drive the current toward the second one of the electrodes along a length of more than 15 mm in the axial direction along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the electrodes are configured to change a shape of the capsule upon the capsule being inserted into the smoking device, by exerting mechanical pressure upon the capsule. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to flatten at least a part of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material such that the part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 2:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to flatten at least a part of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material such that the part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 3:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to flatten at least a part of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material such that the part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 4:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the electrodes are configured to flatten at least a part of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material such that the part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material defines a cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 6:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to flatten at least part of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material. In some applications, the smoking device includes roller wheels that are configured to flatten at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material upon the capsule being inserted into the smoking device. In some applications, the smoking device includes a funnel that is configured to flatten at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material upon the capsule being inserted into the smoking device. In some applications, the smoking device includes mechanical elements that are configured to flatten at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material by applying mechanical pressure to the capsule.

- a smoking device configured to receive the capsule, the smoking device including:
  - two or more electrodes that are configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, by driving a current into the metallic foil; and
  - a mechanism configured to bring the electrodes into pressurized contact with the capsule, in order to enhance electrical contact between the electrodes and the metallic foil of the capsule.

In some applications, the electrodes are configured to move axially along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a control component configured to:

- receive an indication from a user indicating whether they wish to smoke the active agents in a first mode or a second mode;
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode, heat the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents for a predefined period of time; and
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the second mode, only heat the smoking material to the vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user that they wish for the smoking material to be heated.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule that includes a metallic foil surrounding the smoking material, and the electrodes are configured to drive a current through the metallic foil. In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule that includes a metallic foil surrounding the smoking material and a paper covering that covers the metallic foil and the electrodes are needle shaped and are configured to make electrical contact with the metallic foil by piercing through the paper covering.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive an elongate capsule, during the heating of the smoking material, the smoking device is configured to house the capsule such that airflow through the capsule is substantially along a length of the elongate capsule, and a first one of the electrodes is configured to drive the current toward a second one of the electrodes along a length of more than 5 mm in an axial direction along a length of the capsule. In some applications, the first one of the electrodes is configured to drive the current toward the second one of the electrodes along a length of more than 15 mm in the axial direction along the length of the capsule.

In some applications, the smoking device includes mechanical elements that are configured to flatten at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material by applying mechanical pressure to the capsule. In some applications, the mechanism configured to bring the electrodes into pressurized contact with the capsule includes one or more compression springs that are configured to generate a counterforce in response to being compressed.

In some applications:

- the smoking device includes a button that is coupled to a gear track; and
- the smoking device is configured such that:
  - insertion of the capsule requires the button to be pressed, and
  - pressing of the button causes compression of the compression springs, such that upon release of the button, the compression springs bring the electrodes into pressurized contact with the capsule.

- a smoking device configured to receive the capsule, the smoking device including:
  - two or more electrodes that are configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, by driving a current into the metallic foil,
  - the two or more electrodes being needle shaped and being configured to make electrical contact with the metallic foil by piercing through the paper covering.

In some applications, the electrodes are configured to move axially along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a control component configured to:

- receive an indication from a user indicating whether they wish to smoke the active agents in a first mode or a second mode;
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode, heat the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents for a predefined period of time; and
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the second mode, only heat the smoking material to the vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user that they wish for the smoking material to be heated.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive an elongate capsule, during the heating of the smoking material, the smoking device is configured to house the capsule such that airflow through the capsule is substantially along a length of the elongate capsule, and a first one of the electrodes is configured to drive the current toward a second one of the electrodes along a length of more than 5 mm in an axial direction along a length of the capsule. In some applications, the first one of the electrodes is configured to drive the current toward the second one of the electrodes along a length of more than 15 mm in the axial direction along the length of the capsule.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus for use with an elongate capsule that contains a smoking material containing one or more active agents, the smoking material being covered with a metallic foil, the apparatus including:

- a smoking device including:
  - a receptacle configured to house the elongate capsule such that airflow through the capsule is substantially along a length of the elongate capsule;
  - first and second electrodes that are configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, by the first electrode driving a current toward the second electrode along a length of the metallic foil of more than 5 mm in an axial direction along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the first and second electrodes are configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, by the first electrode driving the current toward the second electrode along a length of the metallic foil of more than 15 mm in the axial direction along the length of the capsule.

In some applications, the electrodes are configured to move axially along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive a capsule that includes the metallic foil surrounding the smoking material and a paper covering that covers the metallic foil, and the electrodes are needle shaped and are configured to make electrical contact with the metallic foil by piercing through the paper covering.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a control component configured to:

- receive an indication from a user indicating whether they wish to smoke the active agents in a first mode or a second mode;
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode, heat the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents for a predefined period of time; and
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the second mode, only heat the smoking material to the vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user that they wish for the smoking material to be heated.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive an elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. In some applications, the smoking device is configured to receive an elongate capsule having a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

- a smoking device including:
  - one or more mechanical elements configured to flatten at least a portion of the capsule;
  - a coil receive at least the portion the capsule, when the portion of the capsule is in a flattened configuration; and
  - a power source configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material via magnetic induction, by driving a current into the coil.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a control component configured to:

- receive an indication from a user indicating whether they wish to smoke the active agents in a first mode or a second mode;
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode, heat the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents for a predefined period of time; and
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the second mode, only heat the smoking material to the vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user that they wish for the smoking material to be heated.

In some applications, the coil has a non-circular cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 2:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the coil has a non-circular cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 3:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the coil has a non-circular cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 4:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape. In some applications, the coil has a non-circular cross-sectional shape having a ratio of more than 6:1 between a long side of the cross-sectional shape and a short side of the cross-sectional shape.

- a smoking device including:
  - a coil configured to receive at least part of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material;
  - a mechanical element configured to flatten at least a portion the coil while the portion of the capsule is disposed within the coil, such as to flatten the portion of the capsule; and
  - a power source configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material via magnetic induction, by driving a current into the coil while the portion of the coil and the portion of the capsule are in flattened configurations.

In some applications, the smoking device includes roller wheels that are configured to flatten the portion the coil while the portion of the capsule is disposed within the coil.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a control component configured to:

- receive an indication from a user indicating whether they wish to smoke the active agents in a first mode or a second mode;
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode, heat the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents for a predefined period of time; and
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the second mode, only heat the smoking material to the vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user that they wish for the smoking material to be heated.

- a smoking device including:
  - a coil having a non-circular cross-sectional shape and configured to receive at least a portion the capsule; and
  - a power source configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material via magnetic induction, by driving a current into the coil,
  - a magnetic flux density generated within the coil being greater than that generated by a coil having a similar perimeter and a circular shape.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a control component configured to:

- receive an indication from a user indicating whether they wish to smoke the active agents in a first mode or a second mode;
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode, heat the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents for a predefined period of time; and
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the second mode, only heat the smoking material to the vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user that they wish for the smoking material to be heated.

In some applications, the smoking device includes one or more mechanical elements configured to flatten at least part of a portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material. In some applications, the smoking device includes roller wheels that are configured to flatten at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material upon the capsule being inserted into the smoking device. In some applications, the smoking device includes a funnel that is configured to flatten at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material upon the capsule being inserted into the smoking device.

- a smoking device including:
  - a material configured to form a magnetic circuit and defining a gap within the circuit, the gap being sized such as to receive a portion of the capsule;
  - a coil disposed around a portion of the magnetic circuit; and
  - a power source configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material via magnetic induction, by driving a current into the coil while portion of the capsule is disposed within the gap.

In some applications, the smoking device includes a control component configured to:

- receive an indication from a user indicating whether they wish to smoke the active agents in a first mode or a second mode;
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the first mode, heat the smoking material to a vaporization temperature of the one or more active agents for a predefined period of time; and
- in response to receiving an indication that the user wishes to smoke the active agents in the second mode, only heat the smoking material to the vaporization temperature while receiving an active input from the user that they wish for the smoking material to be heated.

In some applications, the smoking device is configured to flatten the portion of the capsule, and the gap is sized such as to receive the portion of the capsule when the portion of the capsule is in a flattened configuration.

In some applications, magnetic permeability of the circuit is increased by virtue of the gap being sized such as to receive the portion of the capsule when the portion of the capsule is in a flattened configuration relative to if the gap were sized such as to receive the capsule in a non-flattened configuration.

In some applications, the smoking device includes roller wheels that are configured to flatten at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material upon the capsule being inserted into the smoking device. In some applications, the smoking device includes a funnel that is configured to flatten at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material upon the capsule being inserted into the smoking device. In some applications, the smoking device includes one or more mechanical elements that are configured to flatten at least part of the portion of the capsule that contains the smoking material upon the capsule being inserted into the smoking device.

- a smoking device configured to receive the capsule, the smoking device including:
  - two or more electrodes that are configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, by driving a current into the metallic foil; and
  - a control component configured to periodically drive a test current through the electrodes and detect insertion and/or removal of the capsule from the smoking device based upon a response to the test current.

- a smoking device configured to receive the capsule, the smoking device including:
  - two or more electrodes that are configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, by driving a current into the metallic foil; and
  - a control component configured to:
    - drive a test current through the electrodes;
    - measure resistance between the electrodes in response to the test current; and
    - detect a fault within the capsule, the smoking device, and/or an electrical contact between the electrodes and the capsule in response thereto.

- a smoking device configured to receive the capsule, the smoking device including:
  - two or more electrodes that are configured to vaporize one or more of the active agents from within the smoking material by heating the smoking material, by driving a current into the metallic foil; and
  - a control component configured to:
    - drive a test current through the electrodes;
    - measure a change in temperature of a portion of the capsule in response to the test current; and
    - detect a fault within the capsule, the smoking device, and/or an electrical contact between the electrodes and the capsule in response thereto.

- a capsule including:
  - an absorbent material having a liquid material containing one or more active agents absorbed therein;
  - a housing disposed around the absorbent material, the housing being an electrical insulator, and the housing defining one or more lateral windows; and
  - metallic foil surrounding the housing, the metallic foil being configured to be heated via resistive heating by the first electrode driving a current to the second electrode through the metallic foil, such as to vaporize liquid material within the absorbent material that is disposed at the one or more lateral windows.

In some applications, the housing is impermeable to the liquid material, apart from at the one or more lateral windows.

In some applications, the housing is partially permeable to the liquid material, apart from at the one or more lateral windows.

In some applications, the capsule is configured such that the metallic foil contacts the first and second electrodes at locations that are remote from each of the one or more lateral windows.

In some applications, the capsule is configured such that airflow through the capsule is substantially in an axial direction along a length of the capsule.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an electrical-contact coating that coats the metallic foil at locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the capsule.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a first configuration at locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the metallic foil, and a second configuration along a region in which the metallic foil contact the layer of absorbent material that is between the locations at which the electrodes are configured to contact the metallic foil.

In some applications, the capsule further includes an inner lining that lines an inside of the metallic foil, the inner lining being configured to diffuse heat that is generated by the metallic foil.

In some applications, at least a portion of the capsule is configured to be flattened by the smoking device prior to the metallic foil being heated by the smoking device.

In some applications, the capsule has a circular cross-sectional shape and is configured to be flattened to define a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

In some applications, the absorbent material is configured such that the liquid material flows toward the one or more lateral windows via capillary flow.

In some applications, the absorbent material is configured such that the flattening of the portion of the capsule increases capillary flow of the liquid material through the absorbent material.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 1 micron and 20 microns.

In some applications, the metallic foil has a thickness of between 3 microns and 10 microns.

In some applications, the capsule includes an elongate capsule having a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm.

In some applications, the elongate capsule has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm.

- a capsule including:
  - a reservoir containing a liquid material containing one or more active agents absorbed therein;
  - a housing disposed around the absorbent material, the housing being an electrical insulator, and the housing defining one or more lateral windows;
  - an absorbent material extending from the reservoir to the one or more lateral windows, the absorbent material being configured to transport the liquid material from the reservoir to the one or more lateral windows via capillary forces; and
  - metallic foil surrounding the housing, the metallic foil being configured to be heated via resistive heating by the first electrode driving a current to the second electrode through the metallic foil, such as to vaporize liquid material within the absorbent material that is disposed at the one or more lateral windows.