MXPA95005094A

MXPA95005094A - Tubular heater to be used in an articulopara fumar electr

Info

Publication number: MXPA95005094A
Application number: MXPA/A/1995/005094A
Authority: MX
Inventors: L Collins Alfred; T Higgins Charles; R Hajaligol Mohammad; C Deevi Seetharama; H Hayes Patrick; J Keen Billy Jr; Herman Robert V Gansert Herbert; C Laroy Bernard; Clinton Lilly A Jr
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products Inc
Priority date: 1994-04-08
Filing date: 1995-04-06
Publication date: 1998-11-16

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heater for use in a smoking article having a power source for heating a cylindrical cigar, the heater comprising: a cylindrical tube, the tube which is comprised of an electrically conductive material, the tube provided with a plurality of spaces therethrough to define (a) a plurality of electrically conductive sheets defining a container for receiving an inserted cylindrical cigar and (b) a common electrically conductive end container held within the smoking article, extending the sheets from the end hub, an electrical insulator deposited in at least one of the plurality of electrically conductive sheets, an electrical resistance heating element deposited in the insulator, a first end of the heating element electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of electrically conductive sheets, a second end of the heating element and a portion of the heating element between the first and second electrically isolated ends from said at least one electrically conductive sheet by means of said insulator, wherein the end cube is in electrical contact with the electric power source and the second end of the heating element is in electrical contact with the electric power source wherein a resistance heating circuit is formed to heat the electric resistance heating element, which in turn heats the inserted cigarette

Description

TUBULAR HEATER TO BE USED IN AN ARTICLE TO SMOKE ELECTRIC Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to heaters for use in an electric smoking article, and more particularly, to a tubular heater for use in an electric smoking article.

Discussion of the Related Technique Conventional smoking devices previously known, deliver flavor and aroma to the user as a result of the combustion of tobacco. A mass of combustible material, primarily tobacco, is oxidized as the result of applied heat, with the typical combustion temperatures of a conventional cigarette being greater than 800 ° C during smoking. The heat is directed through an adjacent mass of tobacco when sucked at the mouth end. During this heating, an inefficient oxidation of the combustible material takes place, and produces different products of distillation and pyrolysis. Since these products are directed through the body of the smoking device to the user's mouth, they are cooled and condensed to form an aerosol or vapor that gives the consumer the taste and aroma associated with smoking. Conventional cigarettes have different perceived drawbacks associated with them. Among them is the production of smoke from the sidestream during the burning of the cigarette between smokes, which may be objectionable for some non-smokers. Also, once lit, they must be completely consumed or discarded. It is possible to relight a conventional cigarette, but it is usually an unattractive prospect for subjective reasons (taste, smell), for a perceptive smoker. The above alternatives for more conventional cigarettes include those in which the combustible material itself does not directly impart the flavors to the aerosol - inhaled by the smoker. In these smoking articles, a fuel heating element typically of a carbonaceous nature is burned, to heat the air as it is directed over the heating element and through an area containing heat-activated elements that release an aerosol. flavored Although this type of smoking device produces little or no sidestream smoke, it still generates combustion products, and once ignited, it is not adapted to be inhaled in a future use in the conventional sense. Both in the more conventional smoking devices and those heated by a carbon element described above, combustion takes place during its use. This process naturally gives rise to many by-products, since the burned material decomposes and interacts with the surrounding atmosphere. Patents of the United States of North America Numbers 5,093,894; 5,225,498; 5,060,671 and 5,095,921, commonly assigned, describe different heating elements and electrical resistance flavor generating articles, which significantly reduce sidestream smoke, while allowing the smoker to selectively suspend and restart smoking. However, the cigarette articles described in these patents are not very durable and may be collapsed, torn, or broken by extensive or heavy handling. In certain circumstances, these prior cigarette articles may be crushed when inserted into electric lighters. Once they smoke, they are still weaker, and can tear or break when removed from the lighter. - International Patent Application Number WO 94/06314, discloses an electric smoking system that includes a novel electric cigarette lighter and a novel cigarette which is adapted to cooperate with the cigarette lighter. The preferred embodiment of the lighter includes a plurality of metal sinusoidal heaters arranged in a configuration that slidably receives a portion of tobacco rod from the cigarette. The preferred embodiment of the cigarette of WO 94/06314 preferably comprises a tubular carrier loaded with tobacco, overwrapped cigarette paper around the tubular carrier, a configuration of flow filter plugs traversed at a nozzle end of the carrier, and a filter plug at the opposite (distal) end of the carrier, which preferably limits the flow of air axially through the cigarette. The cigarette and the lighter are configured in such a way that when the cigarette is inserted in the lighter, and when the individual heaters are activated for each puff, there is a localized burning at points around the cigarette in the locality where each heater is placed. I was leaning against the cigarette. Once all the heating elements have been activated, these charred points are closely spaced from one another, and enclose a central portion of the portion of the cigarette carrier. Depending on the maximum temperatures and the total energies delivered to the heaters, the charred spots manifest more than mere discolorations of the cigarette paper. In most applications, scorching will create at least minute breaks in the cigarette paper and in the underlying carrier material, whose breaks tend to mechanically weaken the cigarette. In order for the cigarette to be able to be removed from the cigarette lighter, the charred spots must slide at least partially through the heaters. In severe circumstances, such as when the cigarette is wet or 5. crushed or twisted, the cigarette may be liable to break or leave pieces on its removal from the lighter. Parts left in the cigarette lighter fixture can interfere-with the proper operation of the lighter and / or deliver a bad taste to the next cigarette smoke. If the cigarette breaks in two while it is being removed, the smoker may face not only the frustration of the failed cigarette product, but also the prospect of releasing debris from a clogged lighter before he can enjoy another cigarette. .

The preferred embodiment of the WO cigarette 94/06314 is essentially a hollow tube between the filter plugs at the end of the cigarette nozzle and the plug at the distal end. It is believed that this construction elevates delivery to the smoker to provide sufficient space in the Wherein the aerosol can be released from the carrier with minimal impact and condensation of the aerosol on nearby surfaces. They have advanced several propositions that reduce in a significant way the sidestream smoke while allowing the smoker to stop smoking the article for a desired period, and I ask to resume smoking. For example, Patents of the United States of North America Numbers 5,093,894; 5,225,498; 5,060,671, and 5,095,921, commonly assigned, describe different heating elements and flavor generating articles. WO 94/06314 discloses an electric smoking article having heaters that are operated upon detecting an aspiration, by means of control and logic circuitry. The heaters are preferably a relatively thin serpentine structure for transferring adequate amounts of heat to the cigarette, and are light in weight. Although these devices and heaters overcome the problems observed, and achieve the stated objectives, many embodiments are plagued by the formation of a significant amount of condensation formed as the tobacco flavor medium is heated to form vapors. These vapors can cause problems as they condense on the different relatively colder electrical contacts and the associated logic and control circuitry. In addition, the condensation may have an influence on the subjective flavor of the cigarette tobacco medium. Although we do not wish to be bound by theory, it is believed that condensation is the result of the flow pattern and the pressure gradient of the ambient air sucked through the articulation and the current designs of the heater assemblies. The heating of the tobacco flavor medium releases vapors which are then cooled to result in condensation on the surfaces of the relatively colder components. Condensation can cause shorts and other undesired malfunctions. In addition, the proposed heaters are subject to mechanical weakening and possible failures due to the stresses induced when inserting and removing the cylindrical tobacco medium, and also when adjusting or playing with the inserted cigarette. Also, articles for electric smoking employ electric resistance heaters that have required relatively complex electrical connections that can be altered by the insertion and removal of the cigarette. In accordance with the present invention, a heater is provided for use in a smoking article having a source of electrical energy for heating the tobacco flavor medium, the heater comprising: - a substrate of electrically conductive material; an electrical insulator deposited on at least one position of the substrate- and "an electric resistance heating element deposited on the electrical insulator, a first end of the heating element being electrically connected to the electrically conductive substrate, wherein a second end of the heating element and a portion of the heating element between the first and second ends of the heating element, are electrically isolated from the electrically conductive substrate by the insulator, wherein the substrate and the second end of the heating element are adapted to connect electrically with the source of electrical energy, wherein a heating circuit is formed to heat the heating element, which in turn heats the tobacco flavor medium.The invention also provides a heater for use in a smoking article having a source of energy. electric to heat a cigarette cylindrical illo, the heater comprising: a cylindrical tube, of an electrically conductive material, and provided with a plurality of gaps therethrough to define: (a) a plurality of electrically conductive sheets defining a receptacle for receiving an inserted cylindrical cigarette, and (b) a somm, electrically conductive end cube, inside the smoking article, the sheets extending from the end hub; an electrical insulator deposited on when at least one of the plurality of electrically conductive sheets; an electrical resistance heating element deposited on the insulator, a first heating element end being electrically connected to the at least one of the plurality of electrically conductive sheets, and the second end of the heating element and a portion of the heating element between the first and 5 second ends are electrically isolated from the at least one electrically conductive sheet, by means of the insulator; wherein the end cube is adapted to be in electrical contact with the source of electrical energy, and the second end of the heating element is adapted to be in electrical contact with the source of electrical energy, where a circuit is formed. resistive heating to heat the electric resistance heater element, which in turn 'heats the inserted cigarette. The invention further provides a method for forming a heater for use in an electric smoking article, for heating a cylindrical cigarette, the method comprising the steps of: providing an electrically conductive material; twenty . forming: (a.) a plurality of sheets from the electrically conductive material, having gaps therebetween, and (b) a common end section, • the sheets extending from the common end section; - forming an electric separator on at least one of the plurality of electrically conductive sheets; or forming an electric resistance heater on the formed electrical insulator, such. so that a first end of the heater is in electrical contact with the at least one electrically conductive sheet; "forming an electrical contact on a second end of the heater formed, - and forming the plurality of sheet and common section in a cylindrical receptacle to receive an unfilled cigarette - A heater incorporating the present invention has the advantage of generating from a tobacco medium without sustained combustion The embodiments of the present invention may have the advantage that they reduce the creation of indented sidestream smoke, and the additional advantage of allowing the smoker to euepender and resume use. These can be obtained while reducing the condensation of the aerosol or smoke inside the smoking article A preferred embodiment of the present invention can have the advantage of providing a desired number of puffs, and can be directly modified to change the number y. / or the duration of smoking provided without sacrificing the subjective qualities of tobacco. The embodiments of the present invention may have the advantage of providing a heating element for a smoking article, which is mechanically suitable for insertion and removal from a cigarette, which simplifies the connections of an electric resistance heater with a "power source". associated; and that it provides a heater that is more economical to manufacture. Preferably, these advantages are achieved in an easy and direct way. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cylindrical tube of a mechanically strong and flexible electric conductor lt, such as a metal, is provided and has a plurality of spaced apart regions. An electrically insulating layer, such as a ceramic, is applied on the external surface, except for an exposed portion. Then the electrical resistance materials are applied to the regions are isolated, and electrically connected at one end to the underlying electrical conductor region, to form heating elements. This electrical conductive region is connected to the negative terminal of a power source. The other end of all heaters is adapted to connect with the source terminal of the source. In accordance with the foregoing, an electric resistance heating circuit is formed wherein the tube serves as a common one for all heating elements. The tubular heater may comprise an exposed end hub with a plurality of sheets extending from the core. Each sheet may have an individual heater pooled on the limb. In an alternative way, each third sheet may have a heater deposited thereon. The leaves that do not have a heater work as barriers to minimize escaping out of the generated vapors. Eetae barrier sheets also work as heat sinks for heaters of adjacent sheets. The embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a partially exposed perspective view of a smoking article employing a heater incorporating the present invention. Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a cigarette used in conjunction with an embodiment of the present invention. , Figure 3 is a view in "transvereal cut side of a heater acceeorio incorporating the present invention. Figure 4 is an exposed side view of a tubular heater incorporating the present invention. Figure 5 is an exposed side view of a heater sheet having a metal substrate. Figure 6A is a perspective view of double cubes having a plurality of alternating barrier and heater sheets extending therebetween. Figure 6B is a modality similar to that of the Figure 6A, except that the gaps between the sheets are configured as an elongated U. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6A, having heater elements deposited on each defined sheet. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a heater having a single support cube. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a tubular heater having spiral voids. Figure 10 is an exposed side view of a tubular heater having heating elements on the inner faces of the heater sheets. Figure 11 is a perspective view of a configuration of heater sheets before being rolled up. - Figure 12 is a perspective view of a tubular heater having a common leaf. Figure 13 is a top view of a configuration of heater sheets before being bent. Figure 14 is a perspective view of another configuration of a tubular heater.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODALITY Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a smoking system 21 incorporating the present invention is generally seen. The smoking system 21 includes a cylindrical aerosol generating tube or cigarette 23, and a reusable lighter 25. The cigarette 23 is adapted to be inserted into, and removed from, a hole 27 in the front end 29 of the lighter 25. The system to smoke 21 is used in a manner very similar to that of a conventional cigarette. The cigarette 23 is discarded after one or more smoking cycles.

The lighter 25 preferably deses after a greater number of "smoke" cycles than the cigarette 23. The lighter 25 includes a housing 31, and has the portions. front and rear 33 and -35. Preferably, an energy source 37 is provided to supply energy to the heating elements for heating the cigarette 23, in the rear portion 35 of the lighter 25. The rear portion 35 is preferably adapted to open and close easily, such as with a screw or with instantaneous adjustment components, to facilitate the replacement of the power source 37. The front portion 33 preferably houses the heating elements and the circuitry in electrical communication with the power source 37 of the rear portion 35. The portion front 33 is preferably easily attached to the rear portion 35, such as with a duck tail joint, or by a socket adjustment. The housing 31 is preferably made of a hard, heat resistant material. Preferred materials include metal-based materials, or more preferably, polymer-based materials. The housing 31 is preferably adapted to fit comfortably in the hand of a smoker, and in a currently preferred embodiment, has overall dimensions of 10.7 centimeters by 3.8 centimeters by 1.5 centimeters. The power source 37 is sized to provide sufficient power for the heating elements that heat the cigarette 23. The power source 37 can preferably be replaced and recharged, and can include devices such as a capacitor, or more preferably, a battery . In a presently preferred embodiment, the power source is a replaceable, rechargeable battery, such as four nickel-cadmium battery cells connected in series with a total non-charged voltage of about 4.8 to 5.6 volts. The required characteristics of the energy source 37, however, are selected in view of the characteristics of other components of the smoking system 21, particularly the characteristics of the heating elements. United States Patent Number 5,144,962 describes various forms of energy sources useful in connection with the smoking system of the present invention, such as rechargeable battery sources and fast discharge capacitor power sources that are charged by batteries, and are incorporated herein by reference. A substantially cylindrical heating fixture 39 for heating the cigarette 23, and preferably, to hold the cigarette in place in relation to the lighter 25, and the electrical control circuitry 41 for delivering a predetermined amount of energy from the source of the cigarette. energy 37 to the heating elements (not shown in Figures 1 and 2) of the heating accessory, preferably arranged on the front 33 of the lighter. As described in more detail below, a terminal, generally circular end hub, 110, is fixed, for example, soldered, to be disposed inside the heater fitting 39, for example, the separator 49 is fixed, as shown in FIG. shown in Figure 3. If the heater has two end hubs, any hub can serve as the fixed terminal end. In the presently preferred embodiment, the heating fixture 39 includes a plurality of radially spaced heating elements 122, supported to extend from the hub, as seen in Figure 3 and described in further detail. further, which are individually energized by the power source 37 under the control of the circuitry 41 to heat a number of, for example, or ho, areas around the periphery of the inserted cigarette 23. Eight heating elements are preferred -122 to develop eight puffs as in a conventional cigarette, and eight heating elements also 5 lend themselves to electrical control with binary devices. A desired number of puffs can be generated, for example, any number between 5 and 16, preferably from 6 to 10 or 8 per inserted cigarette. As described below, the number of heaters may exceed the desired number of puffs / cigarette. The circuitry 41 is preferably activated by a powered sensor, by puff 45, as seen in Figure 1, which is sensitive either to the pressure drops that occur when a smoker sucks on the cigarette 23.

The sensor operated by the smoking 45 is preferably arranged on the front 33 of the lighter 25, and communicates with a space inside the heating accessory 39 and near the cigarette 23 through a passage extending through a separator and a base of the heater accessory, and if desired, a tube smoking sensor (not shown). A smoked-operated sensor 45 suitable for use in the smoking system 21 is described in U.S. Patent Number 5,060,671, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, and is in the form of a silicon eensor 5 Model 163PC01D35 , manufactured by the MicroSwitch division of Honeywell, Inc., Freeport, Illinois, which activates an appropriate heating element of the heating elements 122 as a result of a change in pressure when a smoker hovers over the cigarette 23. The detection devices of flow, such as those using hot wire anemometry principles, have also successfully demonstrated that they are useful for activating an appropriate heating element of the heating elements 122 upon detection of a change in air flow. "Preferably, an indicator is provided. 51 on the exterior of the lighter 25, preferably on the front 33, to indicate the number of puffs remaining on a cigarette 23 inserted in the lighter. Indicator 51 preferably includes a seven segment liquid crystal display. In a presently preferred embodiment, the indicator 51 displays the digit "8" for use with an eight-smoke cigarette when a beam of light emitted by a light sensor 53, as seen in Figure 1, is reflected from the in front of a freshly inerted cigarette 23 and is detected by the light sensor. The light sensor 53 is preferably mounted in an aperture in the separator and the base of the heater accessory 39. The light sensor 53 provides a signal to the circuitry 41, which, in turn, provides an indicator to the indicator 51. For example, the display of the digit "8" in the indication 51, reflects that the eight preferred smokes provided on each cigarette 23 are available, that is, none of the heating elements 43 has been activated to heat the new cigarette. After the cigarette 23 is completely smoked, the indicator shows the digit 5"0" f When the cigarette 23 is removed from the cigarette lighter 25, the light sensor 53 does not detect the presence of a cigarette 23, and the indicator 51 is turned off The light sensor 53 is modulated in such a way that it does not constantly emit a beam of light and provides an unnecessary drain on the power source ls 37. A currently preferred light sensor 53, suitable for use with the smoking system 21, is a Type OPR5005 Light Sensor, manufactured by OPTEX Technology, Inc., 1215 West Crosby Road, Carroliton, Texas 75006 USA As one of the several possible alternatives to the use of light switch 53 mentioned above, a mechanical switch (not shown) can be provided to detect the presence or absence of a cigarette 23, and a reset button (not shown) can be provided to reset the circuitry 41 when insert a new cigarette in the lighter 25, for example, to make the indicator 51, display the digit "8", and so on. Power sources, circuitry, smoked-operated senectors, and indicators useful with the smoking system 21 of the present invention are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,060,671, and in WO 94 / 06314,, "both of which are incorporated by reference. The passage and the opening 50 in the separator and the base of the heating accessory are preferably sealed during smoking. Now, a cigarette 23 will be described currently Preferred for use with the smoking system 21, and is shown in greater detail in WO 94/06314, mentioned above, although the cigarette may be in any desired form capable of generating a tobacco-flavored response to be delivered to a smoker when the it is heated, cigarette by the heating elements 122. Referring to Figure 2, the cigarette 23 includes a tobacco fabric 57 formed of a carrier or chamber 59 that supports the tobacco flavor material 61, preferably including tobacco. Tobacco tissue 57 is wrapped around, and is supported by a cylindrical rear flow filter 63 at one end, and a first cylindrical free-flow filter 65 at an opposite end. The first free-flowing filter 65 is preferably an "open-tube" type filter having a longitudinal passageway 67 that extends through the center of the first free-flow filter, and therefore provides a low resistance to suction or free flow. If desired, a cigarette overwrap paper 69 is wrapped around the tobacco fabric 57. The types Useful paper as the wrap paper 69 includes a low basis weight paper, preferably a paper with a tobacco flavored coating, or a tobacco based paper to improve the tobacco flavor of a tobacco flavored response. It can be coated with an extract liquor 1 concentrated to its full strength or diluted on the overwrapping paper 69. The overwrapping paper 69 preferably has a minimum basis weight and gauge, while providing sufficient tensile strength for the machine processes. The currently preferred characteristics of a paper based on tobacco include a basis weight (with a relative humidity of 60 percent) of between 20 and 25 grams / square meter, a minimum permeability of 0 to 25 CORESTA (defined as the amount of air). , measured in cubic centimeters, which passes through a square centimeter of material, for example, a sheet of paper, in one minute, at a pressure drop of 1.0 kilopascals), a tensile strength > 2,000 grams / 27 millimeters width (1 inch / minute), a caliber of 1.3 to 1.5 thousandths, a CaCO3 content < 5 percent, and citrate, 0 percent. The materials for forming the envelope wrapper 69 preferably include > 75 percent leaf based on tobacco (Bright stem and mixed filler cured by flow or flow -aire that is not pure). Flax fiber can be added in quantities no greater than necessary to obtain adequate tensile strength. The overwrap paper 69 can also be conventional linen fiber paper of a basis weight of 15 to 20 grams / square meter, or this paper with an extract coating. Binder can be added in the form of citrus pectin in less than or equal to 1 percent. Glycerin can be added in amounts no greater than necessary to obtain paper stiffness similar to that of conventional cigarette paper. The cigarette 23 also preferably includes a cylindrical nozzle filter 71, which is preferably a conventional type RTD (Resistance to Aspiration) filter, and a second cylindrical free-flow filter 73. The nozzle filter and the second filter The free-flowing filter is affixed to each other by nozzle paper 75. The nozzle paper 75 extends extending through one end of the second free-flow filter 73, and attaches to the overwrap paper 69 to secure one end of the first flow filter. free 65 in its position adjacent to one end of the second free-flow filter 73. Co or the first free-flow filter 65, the second free-flow filter 73 is preferably formed with a longitudinal passage 77 extending through its center. The rear-flow filter 63 and the first free-flow filter 65 define, with the tobacco tissue 57, a cavity 79 inside the cigarette 23. It is preferred that the internal longitudinal-passage diameter 77 of the second free-flow filter 73 be larger than the internal diameter of the longitudinal passage 67 of the first free-flowing filter 65. The internal diameters currently preferred for the longitudinal passage 67 are between 1 and 4 millimeters, and for the longitudinal passage 77 they are between 2 and 6 millimeters. It has been observed that the different internal diameters of passages 67 and 77 facilitate the development of a desirable mixture or turbulence between the aerosol developed from the tobacco flavor material. ! _, heated and the air directed inwards from the outside of the cigarette 23 during the aspiration on the cigarette, resulting in a better taste response to tobacco, and facilitating the exposure of no more than one end of the nozzle filter 71 to the aerosol mixed. The flavor response to Tobacco developed by heating the taste material to tobacco 61 is understood to be primarily in a vapor phase in the cavity 79, and becomes a visible aerosol when mixed in passage 77. In addition to the first flow filter free 65 described above, which has a passage longitudinally, other configurations capable of generating the desired mixture of tobacco flavored response in vapor phase with introduced air, include those in which a first free-flowing filter is provided in the form of a filter having a multitude of small holes, that is, the first free-flowing filter may be in the shape of a honeycomb or of, a metal plate having multiple holes formed therein. The air preferably is directed towards the cigarette 23 predominantly through the tobacco tissue 57 and the overwrap paper 69, in a transverse or radial path, and not through the rear flow filter 63 in a longitudinal path. It is desirable to allow the flow of air through the rear flow filter 63 during a first puff of the cigarette, to lower the suction resistance. It is now understood that directing the air into the cigarette 23 longitudinally tends to result in the aerosol developed by heating the tobacco fabric with the heating elements 122 configured radially around the tobacco tissue, not being properly removed. of the cavity 79. Presently it is preferred to produce a flavored response to tobacco as a function almost entirely of the formation of tobacco tissue 57 and the energy level of the heating elements 122: In accordance with the foregoing, the portion of the flow of air through the cigarette resulting from the longitudinal flow through the rear flow filter 63, preferably is minimal during smoking, except during the first puff. Further, the backflow filter 63 preferably minimizes the flow of aerosol in a backward direction, away from the cavity 79, after heating the flavored material to tobacco 61, such that the potential for damage to the tobacco is minimized. the components of the lighter 25 by the aerosol that flows backwards from the cigarette 23. The carrier or chamber 59, which supports the tobacco flavored material, provides a separation between the heating elements 122 and the flavoring material, transfers the heat generated by the heating elements to the flavoring material, and maintains the cohesion of the cigarette after i-smoking. Preferred carriers 59 include the compounds of a non-spun carbon fiber mat, preferred because of its thermal stability. These carriers are described in greater detail in WO 94/06314 and in our United States Patent Application Serial Number 07 / 943,747, presented on September 11, 1992, which are incorporated by reference. Other carriers 59 include • low-mass and open-mesh metal meshes, or perforated metal sheets. For example, a mesh that has a mass in the scale from about 5 grams / square meter to about 15 grams / square meter, and having wire diameters in the range of about 0.038 millimeters (about 1.5 thousandths) to about 0.076 millimeters (about 3.0 thousandths). Other The shape of the mesh is formed of a sheet of 0.0064 millimeters (approximately 0.25 mils) thick (eg, aluminum) having perforations with diameters in the scale from about 0.3 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters, to reduce the mass of the sheet by approximately 30 percent to approximately 50 percent, respectively. Preferably, the perforation pattern is stepped or discontinuous (ie, not in a straight configuration) to reduce the lateral conduction of the heat away from the flavored material to tobacco 61.X v metal meshes and sheets are incorporated into a cigarette 23 in a variety of ways, including, for example, (1) emptying a tobacco flavored paste onto a web, and overlaying the mesh or sheet carrier onto the wet paste before to dry, and (2) laminate the mesh or sheet carrier on a tobacco-based base sheet or mat, with a suitable adhesive. A currently preferred tobacco farm 57 is formed using a papermaking type process. In this process, the tobacco strip is washed with water. The Soluble materials are used in a subsequent coating step. The remaining tobacco fiber (extracted) is used in the construction of a base mat. The carbon fibers are dispersed in water and sodium alginate is added. Any other hydrocolloid which does not interfere with the taste response to tobacco, which is soluble in water, and which has an adequate molecular weight to impart resistance to tobacco tissue 57, can be added in place of alginate or sodium. The dispersion is mixed with the pulp of extracted tobacco fibers, and with optional flavors. The resulting mixture is spread wet on a fourdrinier wire and the fabric is passed along the remainder of a traditional papermaking machine, to form a base fabric. The solvents removed by washing the tobacco strip are coated on one side of the base fabric, preferably by a standard reverse roll coater lü 'located after a drum or Yankee dryer. The proportion of tobacco / powder solvents or tobacco particles, preferably varies between a ratio of 1: 1 to 20: 1. The dough can also be emptied or extruded on the base mat. In an alternative way, the step coating occurs offline. During or after the coating step, the 'flavors that are conventional in the cigarette industry are added. Pectin or other hydrocolloid is added, preferably on a scale between 0.1 and 2.0 percent, to improve the possibility coating the pasta. Whichever type of carrier 59 is used, the tobacco flavored material 61 that is disposed on the inner surface of the carrier releases flavors when heated, and is able to adhere to the carrier surface. These materials include dry sheets, foams, gels, dry pastes, or dry spray-dried pastes, which preferably, but not necessarily, contain tobacco materials or tobacco derivatives, and which is discussed more fully in the United States with Serial Number 07 / 943,747 previously incorporated. Preferably a humectant, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, is added to the tobacco tissue 59 during processing, in amounts equal to 0.5 per cent to 10 percent humectant by weight of the fabric. The humectant facilitates the formation of a visible aerosol because it acts as an aerosol precursor. When a smoker exhales an aerosol containing the taste response to tobacco and the humectant, the humectant condenses in the atmosphere, and the condensed humectant provides the appearance of conventional cigarette smoke. The cigarette 23 is preferably of a substantially constant diameter along its length, and like conventional cigarettes, it is preferably between about 7.5 millimeters and 8.5 millimeters in diameter, such that a smoker has a "feeling on the mouth "similar" with the eietema to smoke 21 than with a conventional cigarette. In the currently preferred embodiment, the cigarette 23"is 58 millimeters long, in total, thus facilitating the use of conventional packing machines in the packaging of these cigarettes, the combined length of the filter of the nozzle 71 and the second free-flowing filter 73 is preferably 30 millimeters The nozzle paper 75 preferably extends 5 5 millimeters past the end of the second free-flow filter 73 and onto the tobacco fabric 57. The length of the tobacco fabric 57 it is preferably 28 millimeters Tobacco fabric 57 is supported at the opposite ends by the rear flow filter e3, which is preferably 7 millimeters in length, and the first free-flow filter 65, which is preferably 7 millimeters in length. The cavity 79 defined by the tobacco tissue 57, the subsequent flow filter 63, and the first free-flowing filter 65, is preferably 14 millimeters in length .. 15, When the cigarette 23 is inserted in the hole 27 of the first end 29 of the lighter 25, abuts or almost abuts an inner bottom surface-81 of the spacer 49 of the heater fitting in the hub 110 as seen in Figure 3, adjacent to the passageway 47 communicating with the driven sensor by the smoking 45 and the opening 55 for the light sensor 53. In this position, the cavity 79 of the cigarette 23 preferably is adjacent to the heating sheets 120 and substantially all that portion of the cigarette, including the second flow filter " free 73 and the nozzle filter 71, ee extends outwardly from the lighter 25. Parts of the heating sheets 120 are preferably inclined inwardly to facilitate holding the cigarette 23 in its position in relation to the lighter 25, and in such a way as to be in a ratio of thermal transfer with the tobacco tissue 57, either directly or through the overwrap paper 69. In accordance with the above, the cigarette 23 can preferably be compressed to facilitate allowing the heating sheets 120 to press on the sides of the cigarette. The remaining elements of the heating attachment 39 are identical to those described in WO 06314. The flow of air through the cigarette 23 is carried out in various ways. For example, in the embodiment of the cigarette 23 shown in Figure 2, the overwrap paper 69 and the tobacco fabric 57 are sufficiently air permeable to obtain a desired suction resistance, such that, when a smoker aspirates on a cigarette, - the air flows into the cavity 79 transversely or radially through the overwrapping paper and the tobacco tissue. As noted above, an air permeable rear flow filter 69 can be used to provide a longitudinal air flow to the cavity 79. If desired, the transvereal air flow to the cavity 79 is facilitated by providing a series of perforations. Radials (not shown) through the overwrapping paper 69 and tobacco tissue 57 in one or more regions adjacent to the cavity. It has been observed that these perforations improve the flavor response to tobacco and aerosol formation. Perforations having a density of about one hole per 1-2 millimeter square are provided, and an orifice diameter between 0.4 millimeters and 0.7 millimeters through tobacco tissue 57. This results in a preferred CORESTA porosity of between 100 and 100 millimeters. and 5.00 The overwrapping paper 69, after the perforation, preferably has a permeability between 100 and 1,000 CORESTA.Of course, to achieve the smoking characteristics, such as the resistance to aspiration, can use other drilling densities and associated hole diameters different from those described above. The transverse air flow to the cavity 79 is also facilitated by providing perforations (not shown) through both the overwrap paper 69 and the tobacco fabric 57. In the formation of a The cigarette 23 having these perforations, the overwrapping paper 69 and the tobacco fabric 57 are joined to each other, and then perforated together or perforated by the side and joined to each other, so that the perforations of each one is aligned or overlapped. The currently preferred heater modes are shown in Figures 3 to 14. These heaters provide improved mechanical strength for repeated insertions, adjustments, and removal of cigarettes 23, and significantly reduce the escape of 5 aerosols from a cigarette. heated, to decrease the exposure of the components sensitive to condensation. If provisions are not taken to control the condensation, the generated aerosols will tend to condense on the relatively cold surfaces, such as the bolts of ! < _. heater 99A and 99B, the heater hub 110, the outer jacket, - the electrical connections, the control and logic circuitry, etc., potentially degrading or disabling the smoking article. It has been discovered that the aerosols generated tend to flow radially inward, moving away from a heater driven. Generally speaking, there are preferably eight heating sheets -120 to provide eight puffs on a sequential ignition of the heating elements 122, thereby simulating the smoking count of a cigarette , and correspondingly, eight barrier sheets 220. In a specific manner, the heating sheets 120 and the barrier sheets 220 extend between the opposite end cubes 110 and 210, and interpose or interdigitate respectively to form a Cylindrical configuration of 5 alternate heating and barrier sheets. Preferably, a gap 130, 135 is defined between each adjacent heating sheet 120 and barrier sheet 220. As shown particularly in Figures 3 to 5, a metal substrate 300 is provided in the form of a cylindrical tube for the heater, and since the metal is more flexible, it has better load tolerances than a ceramic, and as discussed later, it is electrically conductive. The metal selected for the substrate 300 is mechanically strong to be configured as described below, and is a thermally stable metal or alloy. Examples of the suitable metals include alloys of NiCr alloy HaynesR 214 (described in greater detail below), and sheet of Inconel alloy 625. The metal tube, and consequently, the substrate 300, can be made from an alloy in the shape of a sheet, rod, or bar, for example, by stretching. Preferably, the metal tube is constructed of an alloy of nickel aluminide (Ni3Al). Alternatively, another alloy of nickel and iron, or an alloy of (iron aluminide (Fe 3 Al) could be used, as described below, the substrate 300 is manufactured in such a way as to be about 3 to 5. The metal casing is manufactured in such a way that it preferably has a generally tubular or cylindrical shape As best seen in Figure 4, a tube 350 having a generally circular open insertion end 360 is provided. it has a throat 365 which directs the cigarette inserted into the cylindrical receptacle CR coaxially defined, having a diameter that is less than that of the end 360. The insertion end 360 preferably has a diameter that is greater than that of the inserted cigarette 23 , to guide the cigarette towards the CR receptacle, and the CR receptacle has a diameter approximately equal to that of the cigarette 23 to ensure a comfortable fit for a good tr heat energy Given the acceptable fabrication tolerances for the cigarette 23, a gradually tapering area or throat 365 at the transition between the distal end and the CR receptacle may also serve to slightly compress the cigarette to increase thermal contact, the surrounding 300 substrate serving as an inner wall of the receptacle. The blades 120 are preferably tilted inward to increase the thermal contact with the cigarette by constricting the diameter of the receptacle cylindrical The opposite end of the tube defines the end hub 110 having any suitable diameter. As seen in Figure 4, the layers 300 are configured to define the round cube 210. Alternatively, the layers 300 could continue to turn outwardly as an extension 5 of the curvature of the throat 365. A separate cube is inserted. 210 in this opening turned outward. Alternatively or additionally, the layer 300 could similarly be formed with a separate cube 110 in electrical contact therewith to form a common. 5 • The ceramic layer 310 is deposited on the metal tube to electrically insulate an electric heater 122 subsequently applied from the metal tube substrate 300, except for a ring or hub 110 located at one end of the tube. The ceramic preferably has a relatively high dielectric constant. Any suitable electrical insulator can be employed, such as alumina, zirconia, mulita, lamb, spinel, fosterite, combinations thereof, and so on. Preferably, zirconia or another ceramic having a thermal coefficient of expansion is used which closely matches that of the underlying metal tube, to eliminate differences in expansion and contraction rates during heating and cooling, thus avoiding cracking and / or delamination during operation. The ceramic layer remains physically and chemically stable as the heating element heats up. A thickness of, for example, about 0.1 to 10 ilsimae, or about 0.56 millisees, or more preferably 1 to 3 mils, is preferred for the electrical insulator. Hollows 130 and 135 are provided through the substrate '300, and any overlapping layers, to thermally and electrically insulate the adjacent heating elements. The recesses 130 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube, and the recesses 135 may extend transversely. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, the recesses can spiral along the cylindrical tube. Any desired spiral can be used subject to the conditions that the respective holes are not intersized, and the areas - »• u limited by the voids are substantially equal to define 'roughly equal areas that make thermal contact with the inserted cigarette for heating requirements and for uniformly generated puffs. A helical hole path can be defined on a integral number of half turns, for example, 2, of the cylinder. Lo'e spiral holes offer the advantage of heating only a small segment of the glue line extending longitudinally of the cigarette. If gaps are used that extend longitudinally, or possibly a heated area will align with the glue, possibly generating subjectively undesirable flavors. A preferred manufacturing method will now be described. A cylindrical tube of the selected metal is formed having an appropriate length, and a wall thickness of about 1 to 10 thousandths, and preferably 3 to 5 thousandths, in the desired geometric shape. The mass of the tube decreases as the thickness decreases, resulting in a lighter unit, and decreasing the energy required to properly heat the heating sheets 120, and the inserted cigarette, which further reduces the weight of the unit, since that the source of energy, for example, batteries, can be smaller. Two embodiments are preferred, and they differ in the sequence of the application steps of the ceramic coating and the formation of the sheets. In, the first mode: (1) the tube is formed by, for example, stamping, or extrusion; (2) the ceramic layers and heaters are deposited; (3) the sheets are formed by, for example, laser cutting; and (4) the electrical conductors and the heater are connected. These steps are described in more detail later. In the second embodiment: (1) the tube is formed by, for example, stamping or extrusion; (2) the sheets are formed by, for example, stamping, EDM, or laser cutting, - (3) the ceramic layer and the heating layers are deposited; and (4) the heater and the electrical conductors are connected. The second modality allows the formation of the sheets by means of etching, which eliminates the unwanted burrs caused by the laser cutting. This stamping is possible because the ceramic layer is not applied yet. In the first embodiment, the heating sheets 120 can be formed by cutting through the ceramic layer and the underlying metal substrate by, for example, laser cutting. Alternatively, a sheet of metal is stamped to form sheets before stamping a round sheet to form the tube or to wrap a sheet in a tube, and to perform the shared steps (3) and. (4), previous. Alternatively, to a thin pipe that has, for example, walls of 3 to 5 thousandths of thickness, a suitable initial diameter is provided. The tube is cut into the desired sections to subsequently form substrates, then, conventional suction techniques are performed to form the desired geometry and size of the substrate and the cubes. Subsequent steps are performed as described to form the heating sheets. As is known, appropriate masks are applied before performing each of the heater and ceramic deposit steps to define the application areas. The manufacture of the steps defined herein can be carried out in any desired order to achieve manufacturing speeds, material savings, and so on. For example, a heater deposited on a 3 mil thick tube, as shown in Figure 4, was constructed as described, and boosted with approximately 22 to 23 Joules of energy. The heating sheet reached temperatures between approximately 800 and 900 ° C. For example, the tube is preferably stamped or constricted to define an outwardly turned distal end 360 and hub 110, and a narrower waist section that ultimately defines the cylindrical receptacle CR. The slots are formed through the tube to define thermally and electrically insulating voids 130/135. These grooves are preferably formed from the transition area between the insert end hub 210 and the middle section defining the CR receptacle for cube 110, and define leaves. The recesses should extend for a short distance beyond the applied ceramic layer 310 in the hub 210 and also a short inward distance of the common hub 110 beyond the finally applied heater. This distance should not be long enough to weaken - in a significant way cubes, for example,. it is enough of approximately 0.5 millimeters. The slots can be cut alternatively by turning the tube in relation to a laser. The longitudinally extending grooves are cut by relatively moving the laser and the tube with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube. Spiral slots are cut by rotating the tube in relation to the laser, and moving. the laser in relation to the longitudinal axis of the tube. In addition, to avoid the glue line of the cigarette as discussed above, the spiral grooves formed by rotation, possibly facilitate in-line fabrication if the tube is also rotated and moved relative to a fixed laser. 'Next, the. electrically insulating ceramic layer 310 to the tube, except for the terminal end 110, to allow the conductors to be applied. As noted earlier in the first embodiment, this application may be prior to the formation of the sheets. More specifically, a layer of approximately 0.1 to 10 thousandths, and preferably 1 to 3 thousandths, of a ceramic such as zirconia, and particularly zirconia partially stabilized with about 20 percent, and more preferably, is sprayed thermally. 80 percent of yttria, by plasma coating, if the surface is adequately strong, on the tube that is preferably rotated during this deposit. Preferably, the tube is rotated a number of times during the coating, to apply an appropriate coating. In addition, if present, the substrate portion 300 of the end hub 210 is also not sprayed to provide a contact area for the heating element 122. Preferably, the surface roughness of the metal layer 300 is increased to provide better adhesion, with the ceramic layer deposited. The surface of a suitably coarse layer 300 is first roughened by an appropriate technique, such as sandblasting, and then a bond coat is applied. The bond coating is a thin layer, for example, from 0.1 to 5 thousandths, and preferably from 0.5 to 1.0 thousandths., of a metallic coating such as FeCrAlY, NiCrAlY, NiCr, NiAl or Ni3Al and provides a good bonding interface between the rough metal layer 300 and the subsequently applied ceramic layer 310. In an alternative way, other deposit techniques are used in addition to thermal spray, and more particularly spray-flakes. For example, physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, thick film technology with dielectric paste screen printing and sintering, a gel technique in solution where applies a gel in solution and then heated to form a solid, and chemical deposit followed by heating. A chemical type of bond for the bond strength is preferred. This chemical bond is achieved by heating the layer ceramic, or the ceramic precursor, with the metal substrate, at a relatively high temperature. In an alternative way, the metal substrate is heated to a high temperature to form an oxide layer on the surface, which functions in a manner similar to the ceramic layer. Next, the heating element 122 is deposited. Any suitable metal or alloy, with or without intermetallic / ceramic additives, can be used in a powder form if required by the deposition technique. More specifically, a layer of approximately 0.1 to 5 thousandths of an electrical resistance material such as a NiCr alloy, a Ni3Al alloy, a NiAl alloy, an Fe3Al alloy, or an FeCrAlY alloy is deposited by any of the electrical resistance materials. known thermal spray, such as plasma coating or HVOF (High Speed Oxy Fuel). The resistivity of the resistive material can be adjusted with the addition of suitable ceramics, or by adjusting the level of oxidation of the metal during the plasma spray HVOF. Thin-film techniques, for example, CVD or PVD, may be employed if the surface roughness of the ceramic layer, comprised of relatively large ceramic particles, compared with the heating material, is smoothed by, for example, diamond-grinding, up to a surface roughness between 135 and 160 micro-inches of Ra, with an average of 145 micro-inches of Ra. With this technique, a thinner metal layer is reguired, resulting in a desired lower mass heater. However, the process is slower. Any metal, such as platinum, can be used. The heaters can be deposited as the ceramic coated tube is turned.

Two preferred embodiments of the heating sheet will now be described, which may be an individual separate heater rather than a plurality of arranged heaters. In the first embodiment, the substrate 300 is a nickel aluminide (Ni3Al); the ceramic layer 310 is zirconia (ZnO), preferably partially stabilized with yttria, preferably with approximately 8 percent yttria, and the heating element 122 is Ni, 3Al or NiAl thermally sprayed. In the second embodiment, the substrate 300 is an iron aluminide (Fe3Al); the ceramic layer 310 is zirconia, preferably partially stabilized with yttria, preferably with approximately 8 percent yttria; and the heating element 122 is Fe3Al thermally sprayed. If desired, alternative embodiments may employ the material of the heating element of one embodiment with the substrate material of another embodiment. The preferred embodiment will now be described in greater detail with respect to the first embodiment employing nickel aluminiide. This description is also applicable to the second embodiment employing iron aluminide. Preferably, aluminum is between about 16 and 50 percent, compared with less than 1 percent in many commercial alloys. The substrate 300 can be a preformed Ni3Al tube, a machined Ni3Al tube, or a Ni3Al sheet.

The substrate 300 can also be made by thermally spraying one, Ni3Al layer previously alloyed onto carbon rods, or tubes. Aluminum can also be used as a support for the substrate layer 300. The substrate 300 5 can also be made by feeding Ni and Al powders in an appropriate ratio to form Ni3Al. When the powders are fed through the plasma of a thermal spray gun, the powders will react to release a significant amount of heat. The alloy will take place when it falls, on the surface the resulting strip. The alloying effect can be improved by the use of mechanical powders alloyed with Ni and Al. . A subsequent heat treatment will result in Ni3Al and an excellent bond with the subsequently applied insulating layer 310. The insulator 310 can be. any electrical insulator that is electrically and thermally stable, and that adheres to the substrate 300. The poor coupling of the thermal expansion between the insulator 310 and both the substrate 300 and the heater layer 122, must be taken in consideration. Any suitable ceramic such as alumina can be used. It has been found that zirconia is extremely adherent in thermal barrier coatings, and has been applied to different geometries, especially zirconia partially stabilized with about 8 percent yttria.

Since a high resistance is a desired property for electric heating with portable batteries, thermal spray is preferred to provide a resistive heater layer 122. It can be sprayed using a variety of thermal spray techniques. A previously alloyed Ni3Al, a mechanically alloyed Ni ^ l, or a Ni and Al powder may be used in the proper proportion. A preheating step is required if mechanically alloyed Ni3Al or Ni and Al powders are used for spray applications.

! «.. The temperature and time for the previous heating will depend on the parameters of the thermal spray gun, and can be adjusted to be in the range of 600 ° C to 1,000 ° C. Particle sizes and size distributions are important to form Ni3Al if not used Ni3Al previously alloyed. For the purposes of a resistor, a NiAl composition can be used. Several elements can be used as additions to the Ni3Al alloys. B and Si are the main additions to the alloy for the heater layer 122. It is believed that B improves the limiting strength grain, and is most effective when the Ni3Al is rich in nickel, for example, Al < 24 percent. Si is not added to Ni3Al alloys in large quantities, since the addition of Si beyond a maximum of 3 percent by weight, will form nickel silicides, and on oxidation will lead to SiOx.

The addition of Mo improves resistance to low and high temperatures. The zirconium assists to improve the resistance to the formation of oxide slats during the thermal cycle. Also, Hf can be added to improve the resistance at high temperature. The preferred Ni3Al alloy for use as the substrate 300 and the resistive heater 122, is designated IC-50, and is reported to comprise approximately 77.92 percent Ni, 21.73 percent A; 0.34 percent of Zr, and 0.01 percent of B, in "Processing, of Intermetallic Aluminides," V. Sikka, Intermetallic Metallurgy and Processing Intermetallic Compounds, ed. Stoioff et al., Van Nestrand Reinhold, N ^ Y., 1994, Table 4. Various elements can be added to iron aluminide. Possible additions include Nb, Cu, Ta, Zr, Ti, Mn, Si, Mo and Ni. If any alloy is required to melt, an argon gas shell is preferably used. The electrical conductors can be brazed to the resistive heater 122 or to the substrate 300, as described, using a YAG laser, or C02 laser. Brazing can be done with brass alloys of Ag-Cu or Ni-Cu. Brazing is a preferred method of welding for these purposes, since the thickness of the resistor is less than 5 miléeimae (0.005") or 125 micrae.A flux can be used to moisten the surface and clean the oxides. Brass alloys available at Lucae-Milhaput of Wisconsin, at Indium Corporation of America Ag-Cu alloys have optimum liquid and solid temperatures for laser brazing of a heater without penetrating through the 'layers, since the total thickness of the heater 122, and the insulator 310, the substrate 300, is in the range of 10 to 15 thousandths. The present invention provides a multilayer heater on N. Ni3Al as a substrate, and as a heater separated by an insulator, zirconia. The concept is generic and can be applied in different thicknesses to different geometries.The Ni3Al easily forms an adherent alumina layer on the surface. it will prevent other oxidation, and will eliminate the formation of oxide slats thus improving the life time of the material cycle. As seen in Figures 4 and 5, one end of the deposited heater 122 is in intimate electrical contact with the underlying metal substrate 300 in a portion 125, and the remainder of the heating element 122 is superimposed on the ceramic insulating layer 310. The plasma coating of each element of resistive heating 122 to metal surface 300, provides strong contact. In accordance with the above, an electric common is formed by the end hub 110 and the electrically conductive metal substrates 300 of each heating sheet 120, which are connected with one end, for example, the distal end, of each heating element. respective. The hub 110, which serves as a common, is electrically connected to the power source by means of pin 99B, as shown in Figure 3. Finally a material 128 having a high electrical conductivity, for example, is sprayed. nickel, nickel, copper, or aluminum alloys, on the heating element 120, and then the conductors, for example, the anode 99A are fixed for example, by welding or brazing, to the opposite end, for example, the proximal end, of the heating element near the hub 110. The material 128 can be integrally formed with the conductors, or it can be welded, and preferably welded with silver thereto instead of the connection bolts 99A discussed below.

Highly conductive material 128. it makes the underlying area less residential and allows drivers to be added more easily as described. The tube is already cut to have the single metal hub 110 at one end as shown in Figure 8, or preferably to provide an additional hub at the opposite end 210 as shown in FIG. 6A-7. Since metal is used as the pattern, the heater sheets 120 can be tilted inward, preferably before adding the layer 310 and any wrapping, towards the inserted cigarette, to improve the propagation of heat, i.e. the contact thermal, between these elements, without risking fractures associated with ceramic sheets. In addition, the formed sheet, and the deposited heater, have a curvature like a section of the tube, further increasing contact with an inserted cylindrical cigarette. The sheets can be, for example, 1.5 millimeters wide. In one embodiment shown in Figures 6A and 6B, each third ceramic coated area or leaf 120 limited on opposite sides by a recess 135 of the tube, has a heating element 122 deposited thereon. Accordingly, alternating sheets 220 are formed which interdigitate between the areas of alternating heating sheets 120. These sheets 220 function as barriers to prevent the escape of vapor from the heated cigarette, which could cause potentially harmful condensation. In this embodiment, double hollows are provided, eg, sixteen, than the desired number of puffs, e.g., eight, to define an adequate and equal number of heating sheets and unheated barrier sheets. It may be desired to change the number of puffs, and consequently, the number of heaters 122, reached when a cigarette is inserted in a cylindrical receptacle CR. This desired number is achieved by forming a desired number of heating sheets 120 and associated barrier sheets 220. This can be achieved by cutting the tube into sheets of equal or unequal size. As described, the voids 130, 135 are defined between each adjacent heater sheet 120- and barrier sheet 220. These voids are formed by lightly cutting or shaving One or both sets of barrier sheets or heaters. The recesses 130, 135 are sized to be sufficiently large or wide, to prevent heat loss during the pulse from a heated heating sheet to the adjacent barrier sheets, and sufficiently small or narrow to prevent significant amounts of vapor from escaping from the receptacle cylindrical. For example, in many applications a gap of about 5 to 15 thousandths or less, and preferably about 3 to 4 thousandths, is appropriate. In one embodiment shown in Figures 6A and 6B, each third ceramic coated area or leaf 120 limited on the opposite sides by a recess 135 of the tube, has a heating element 122 deposited thereon. In accordance with the foregoing, alternate sheets 220 are formed which interdigitate between the areas of alternating heating sheets 120. These sheets 220 function as barriers to prevent the escape of vapors from the heated cigarette, which could cause potentially harmful condensation. In this embodiment, twice as many holes are provided, eg, 'sixteen', as the desired number of puffs, for example eight, to define an adequate and equal number of heating sheets and unheated barrier sheets. It may be desired to change the number of puffs and consequently, the number of heaters 122, achieved when a cigarette is inserted in a cylindrical receptacle CR. This desired number is achieved by forming a desired number of heater sheets 120 and associated barrier sheets 220. This can be achieved by cutting the tube into sheets of equal or unequal size. "As described, the recesses 130, 135 are defined between each adjacent heating sheet 120 and barrier sheet 220. "These recesses are formed by lightly cutting or shaving one or both sets of the barrier sheets or heaters.The recesses 130, 135, are dimensioned. and sufficiently large or broad enough to prevent heat loss during the drive from a heated heating sheet to the adjacent barrier sheets, and sufficiently small or narrow to prevent significant amounts of vapor from escaping from the cylindrical receptacle. A gap of about 5 to 15 thousandths or less, and preferably about 3 to 4 thousandths, is appropriate.After a heating element 122 is driven, there is a previously determined minimum time before a subsequent smoking is allowed. this predetermined or longer smoking interval, the two barrier sheets 220 adjacent to the heating sheet re 120, also act as heat sinks to prevent heat from propagating to other heating sheets 5 120 or to unheated or previously heated portions of the inserted cigarette 23. Premature heating of a portion of the cigarette could result in a generation of undesired and / or partial aerosol, or a heat-induced degradation of the portion of the cigarette before the desired heating. Subsequent reheating of a previously heated portion may result in undesirable flavors evolving. To achieve this heat sinking function, the barrier sheets preferably include a layer of thermally non-conductive material,15 say, a thermal insulator, such as a ceramic. Examples of suitable ceramics include alumina, zirconia, a mixture of alumina and zirconia, mulita, etc., as is the case with heating sheets. Whether. you want a longer smoke than you is obtained by a single heater pulse and its associated heating sheet, then • the control logic is configured. to ignite another heater or additional heaters immediately after boosting the initial heater, or during a final portion of the initial boost, to heat another segment of the cigarette. The additional heater may be a successive radially heater or other heater. The heating sheets must be sized to obtain the desired total number of puffs of a desired duration. In another embodiment, where the final heater is shown in Figure 8, a tube comprises a single hub 110 having a plurality of, for example, 8 as shown, sheets with respective recesses 130 therebetween. Alternate sheets are deposited with the heating elements 122 as ÍC described above, to define the heating sheets 120, while the other interposed sheets define the barrier sheets 220. As shown in Figure 7, all the areas limited by holes can function as heating sheets. 120. In one embodiment, each ceramic coated portion of the leaves has a heating element 122 deposited thereon, and the number of heating sheets 120 corresponds to the number of desired smokes, e.g., eight. In another embodiment, each portion coated with ceramic has a "heater element 122, and the number of heater sheets formed 120 is twice the number of puffs, for example, there are sixteen heater portions for an eight-puff cigarette.This configuration allows having different ignition sequences than the normal successive ignition. from approximately 2 seconds, and preferably the sequence of radially sequential ignition for a mode wherein the number of heating elements 122 corresponds to the smoking count. For example, the logic circuit may dictate that two circumferentially opposed heating elements 122, ie, heating elements separated by 180 ° -on the tube, are simultaneously ignited to co-heat a suitable amount of the cigarette to generate a puff. In an alternative way, a first firing sequence of each third heater element 122 for a cigarette is followed by a second firing sequence of the interleaved heater elements 122 for the next cigarette. Alternatively, this first ignition sequence can be repeated for a previously determined life cycle of numerous cigarettes, and then the second ignition sequence is initiated. Any combination of heating sheets and, if desired, barrier sheets can be used. The number of heating sheets may be less than, equal to, or greater than the number of cigarettes of a single cigarette used. For example, you can use a nine-leaf system for a six-smoke cigarette, where a different set of six heaters is lit for each subsequent cigarette, and the remaining set of tree heaters is not lit. The use of metal as the substrate allows the metal substrate 300 of each of the heater sheets 120 to serve as the conductive path, e.g., the negative connection, for the heater element 122. More specifically, a end of the heating element is electrically connected, for example, by plasma spray to the underlying metal substrate in the portion 125. Preferably, this end of the heater is closer to the open insertion end 360 than the other end of the heater, since This heater connection does not involve electrical conductors that could be damaged by the insertion and removal of the cigarette. The metal hub 110 is provided with a negative charge from the power source 37, to serve as the common for all heating elements. More specifically, the hub 110 is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power source 37 by means of a bolt 99B connected, and preferably welded, thereto, as shown in Figure 3. In turn, the bolt 99B is connected to the power source 37 by means of the bolt 104B. A conductive path is provided from the other end of each heating element 122 to the power source by, for example, an electrical conductor, such as a pin 99A welded or bent to the area 128 of the heating elements 122. The pin 99A is connected electrically with the positive terminal of the power source 37 by means of the pin 104A. The area 128 is comprised of any suitable material, such as nickel aluminum, or appropriate 50/50 alloys of nickel and aluminum, copper, etc., having good adhesion and lower melting points than the metal layer 300. The present invention also minimizes potentially harmful thermally induced stresses. The heating element is deposited in a substantially uniform manner over a ceramic support, thereby eliminating the stresses, which are presented by the interconnections of the separate portions of a heating element and / or by the separate interconnections between the heating element. and the ceramics. As discussed, it is preferred to deposit the heating elements 12 on the outer surface of the heating sheet 120, ie, the surface of the sheet opposite the surface that contacts, or is in close proximity to, the thermal cigarette. inserted 23, to simplify manufacturing. Also, by depositing the heating elements 122 on this external surface, a relatively robust support is formed for the heating elements, and the heating elements prevent direct forced interaction with the cigarette during insertion, any interim adjustments, and removal by the smoker. This convenient mechanical configuration requires the heating element 122 to heat the underlying ceramic layer 310 and the metal equettage 300 which contacts the inserted cigarette, to transfer heat primarily by means of conduction to. inserted cigarette, and secondarily by means of convection and radiation if a comfortable interface between the driven '120 heating sheet and the inserted cigarette is not maintained. Preferably, the heating element Í22 is dimensioned and thermally designed for. heating most of the underlying heating sheet 120 to finally heat a segment (eg, inserted cigarette having a sufficient size, eg, 18 square millimeters, to generate an acceptable smoking for the smoker.) Heat transfer from the heating element 122 even the cigarette 23 should not suffer significant inefficiencies, since the heater supplies a pulse of heat energy through relatively thin layers 300 and 310. The heating element 122 itself, depending on the material selected and the deposition technique, is between approximately 1 and 2 thousandths of thickness The heating element can be the aforementioned MCrAlY alloy, FeCrAlY, Nichrome® (brand alloys from 54 to 80 percent nickel, from 10 to 20 percent chromium, from 7 to 27 percent of iron, 0 to 11 percent of copper, 0 to 5 percent of manganese, 0.3 to 4.6 percent of silicon, and some vece l 1 percent of molybdenum, and 0.25 percent of titanium; it is stated that Nichrome I contains 60 percent nickel, 25 percent iron, 11 percent chromium, and 2 percent manganese, - Nichrome 11, contains 75 percent nickel, 22 percent iron percent, 11 percent chromium, and 2 percent manganese; and Nichrome III is a heat-resistant alloy containing 85 percent nickel and 15 percent chromium), or aluminides. Also, a ceramic layer having a relatively low thermal conductivity will not conduct significant amounts of heat to its associated cube. A metal layer, although having a thermal conductivity higher than that of ceramics, will also not conduct significantly, for example, more than between about 5 and 10 percent, due to the short pulse time and the small cross-section. It has been found that a primary or radial air flow in relation to the inert cigarette results in a more desirable generation of smoke than a primarily longitudinal flow. Gaps 130 and 135 provide trajectory for the air to be brought into contact with the inserted cigarettes. Additional air passages are provided to optimize the flow of tranevereal air by perforating ejections of the heating sheet and / or perforation of the barrier sheets. Preferably, the perforation is achieved by a laser after applying the ceramic coating 310 and the heater coating 122, or by a mechanical perforator before application. To avoid forming patterns and perforating the heating sheet before depositing the heating elements, or perforating the heating sheets after depositing, the barrier sheet can be perfomed only if an adequate air flow is achieved in conjunction with the voids. As described above, the holes 130, 135 are provided to prevent heating of the adjacent sheets and to maximize the containment of steam. In addition, these recesses allow the thermal expansion and contraction of the heating sheets 120 and the barrier sheets 220. In the above-discussed embodiments, which employ a single cube (Figure 8), the recesses 130, 135 are defined between the longitudinal sides of the adjacent sheets to compensate for the changes in latitude induced by the temperature, the change in length being allowed, since the ends of the leaves opposite the single cube are free. hollows 130. and 135 are defined by an elongate rectangular wave to provide gaps between the longitudinal sides of the adjacent sheets and - between the rounded or square free leaf ends and the opposite cube 210. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6A, in wherein the recesses 130 extend only along the longitudinal sides of the heating sheets 120 and adjacent interdigitated barrier sheets 220, eetas ee rounded at both ends by the respective hubs 110 and 120. The hub 110 is not coated with a ceramic coating 310, that is, the metal substrate 300 is exposed, such that the hub 110 functions as a common for the heating elements 122. The hub 110 defines the insert opening '360, which is not turned' outward in this mode. Figure 6B shows a similar embodiment, except that the holes 135 define a U-shape. The barrier sheets 220 are each integrally formed in both of the hubs 110 and 210, and the heating sheets 120 extend from the hub 110. This shape of the recess wherein one end of the blade is free in relation to the oppositely located hub, permits thermal expansion and shrinkage of the heater blades 120 in the longitudinal direction, thereby reducing the hold. In Figure 8, a further embodiment does not have a hub 210 defining the insertion opening 360. The insertion opening 360 is defined by the free ends of the heating sheets 120 and the barrier sheets 220 extending longitudinally in the same direction from the hub 110. The free leaf ends allow the leaves to expand to relieve excessive unwanted inward tilt of the leaves, resulting from thermal expansion. The excess of inclination inwards decreases the internal diameter of the cylindrical receptacle CR, increasing in this way the potentially harmful forces needed to inert and remove the cigarette. Also, the free blade ends conveniently reduce the required insertion forces, since the free ends are cantilevered in relation to the hub. In addition, as shown in this embodiment, the widths of the heating and barrier sheets do not need to be the same. The heating sheet 120 is preferably approximately 1.5 millimeters wide in any mode. There will be discussed an alternative embodiment with reference to Figure 10, wherein the heaters 122 are deposited on the inner side of the heating sheet 120, ie, on the surface defining the cylindrical receptacle CR, in such a way that the heaters 122 they make direct contact or are in close proximity to the inserted cigarette. As seen, a ceramic layer 310 is located inside the metal layer 300 of the sheet 120, and a heater 122 is located on the ceramic layer 310. The electrical interconnectors are as described above. Any of the described embodiments can employ this heater placement. A method for constructing this configuration would involve forming the sheets, applying ceramic layers and heaters in any order discussed above on a sheet of metal, and then rolling and welding the closed form, to form a tube with the heaters 122 located on the side internal of the sheet 120 that faces towards the inserted cigarette. More specifically, this manufacturing technique includes embossing an appropriate sheet metal to form a plurality of sheets 120, 22Q (and barrier sheets 220 are used) that extend perpendicularly from a connecting section CS in a shaped configuration. of comb, as shown in Figure il. This configuration is masked, and an insulating ceramic layer is applied to the unmasked sheets, and if desired, to the CS connection section. Next, the configuration is again masked, and a rewarming heating element 122 is applied, for example, by mesh printing, to the selected sheets. Then connect wires. The heater configuration is then wound up, such that the connection section CS forms a common electric cube 110 as described. When the connection section CS is wound in the direction A, a cylindrical heater configuration is formed, where the heaters 122 face directly with the inserted cigarette, as shown in Figure 10, or when they are wound in the direction B , a cylindrical heater configuration is formed, where the heaters face away from the cigarette, i.e., the metal substrate 300 faces directly towards the cigarette, as shown in other Figures, for example in Figure 12. Of a Alternatively, the cylindrical configuration of the heaters can be formed by stamping a pattern P, as shown in Figure 13, from an appropriate sheet of conductive material. The pattern P comprises a central hub 410 having a plurality of spaced arms 420 extending radially outwardly therefrom, to form a configuration in the form of spokes. The arms 420 are coated with an insulating layer and a resistive heater as described above. In one embodiment, the hub 410 serves as a common, with each of the resistive heaters respectively electrically connected to an associated arm 420, preferably at the end of the heater 122 furthest from the hub 410. A respective positive contact is provided for each heater, preferably at the end of the heater 122 closest to the hub 410, such that all connections, that is, positive heater connections and common hub 410, are located nearby. Next, the arms 420 are bent so that they are perpendicular to the plane of the hub to define a cylindrical receptacle. Depending on the direction of the bend, either of the heaters 122 * or the arm 420 will face directly towards the inserted cigarette. In any of the foregoing embodiments, a common blade 320, as shown in Figures, 11 and 12, may be employed to electrically connect the common hub 110 to the power supply by means of the bolt 99B. The common sheet 320 extends from the hub 110 in the same direction as the other sheets, and is not coated with ceramic or resin heater during manufacture, ie, the common sheet 120 is masked to comprise the substrate 300. Of a Alternatively, the common sheet is coated with a ceramic 310 to electrically insulate the common sheet from the surrounding components. Accordingly, the negative common contact for all heaters 122 is formed at the end of the common leaf 320 opposite the common hub 110. In a similar manner, the respective positive connectors for each heater 122 are formed at the end of the heater. the heater sheets 120 opposite the hub 110, such that the electrical connections are at the end of the heater configuration opposite the common hub 110. Accordingly, if desired, the common hub 110 may serve to define the end of the heater. insertion 360 for the cigarette, and the sheets 120, 320 can be supported at an opposite end by, for example, the separator 49. In either modality, the negative connection for each heater can be made individually by, for example , a suitable negative contact deposited on one end of the heater opposite the respective positive contacts 12b. In accordance with the above, in this mode, the leaves, and the hub would not need to drive electrically. Also, in any of the embodiments, a single heater may comprise a sheet or other structure having the laminated configuration as described, with an appropriate negative connection for heating the tobacco in the form of a cigarette as described, a more conventional cigarette , a tobacco fabric of the smoking article described in the commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 105,346, filed August 10, 1993, which is incorporated herein by reference, or any another format Referring to Figure 14, another embodiment is shown in which the sheets 120 comprise an additional integral segment 120A, for example, the sheets of Figure 11 or the arms of Figure 13 may extend, for example, approximately twice as much. the length of the previous examples. A positive connection is provided for each heater by applying an electrically insulating ceramic layer with, for example, the layer extending 310 on the substrate segment 120A, as described, and then applying a contact material 128A which makes electrical contact with one end of the resistive heater 122 on the ceramic coated segment 120A.

Alternatively, a wire or connection path, electrically isolated from the leaf segment 120A, is used instead of the contact material 128A. The hub 110 and the heating sheets 120, and if desired, the barrier sheets 220, are configured as described with reference to Figures 11 and 13. The sheet segment 120A is bent approximately 180 ° such that one end 120E opposite the connection with the heater 120, is in proximity with the common hub 110, and makes electrical contact with a respective pin 99A, to function as the positive contact, sure that all the electrical connections are located towards the hub 110. The fold area between the section 120A and the section of the sheet 120 that supports the heater element 122 may have a narrower width than the reete of the sheet. Eeta folded sheet can eervir to form flexibly around an inserted cigarette, expand slightly during insertion to receive the cigarette, and then contract comfortably around the cigarette. The different embodiments of the present invention are all designed to allow the delivery of an effective amount of tobacco flavored response to the smoker, under normal conditions of use. In a particular way, it is currently understood that it is desirable to deliver between 5 and 13 milligrams, preferably between 7 and 10 milligrams of aeroeol to a smoker for eight fumadae, each smoked being a 35 milliliter smoke that "lasts for 2 seconds" It has been found that, in order to achieve this delivery, the heating elements 122 must be capable of transporting a temperature between about 200 ° C and about 900 ° C when they are in a thermal transfer relationship with the cigarette 23. In addition. , the heating sheets 120 should preferably consume between about 5 and about 40 Joules of energy, more preferably between about 10 Joules and about 25 Joules, and still more preferably about 20 Joules.The lower energy requirements are enjoyed by the heating sheets 120 that lean inward toward the cigarette 23 to improve the transference ratio The heating elements 122 having the desired characteristics preferably have an active surface area of between about 3 square millimeters and about 25 square millimeters, and preferably have a strength between about 0.5 O and about 3.0 O. more preferably, the heating elements 122 should have a resistance of between about 0.8 O and about 2.1 O. Of course, the resistance of the heater is also dictated by the particular power source 37 that is used to provide the necessary electrical energy for heating the heating elements 122. For example, the resistors of the above heating elements correspond to the modes in which the energy is supplied by 4 nickel-cadmium battery cells connected in series, with a total voltage of the uncharged power source from about 4.8 to 5.8 volts. In the alternative, if 6 or 8 of these batteries connected in series are used, the heating elements 122 should preferably have a resistance of between about 3 O and about 5 O, or between about 5 O and about 7 O, respectively. The materials from which the heating elements 122 are made are preferably selected to ensure reliable repeated uses of at least 1,800 on / off cycles without failure. The heater attachment 39 can preferably be disposed of separately from the igniter 25, including the power source 37 and the circuitry, which is preferably discarded after 3,600 cycles, or more. The materials of the heating element and other metal components are also selected based on their resistance to oxidation and their general lack of reactivities to ensure that they do not oxidize or otherwise react with the cigarette 23 at any temperature they are likely to encounter. If desired, the heating elements 122 and other metal components are encapsulated in an inert heat conducting material, such as a suitable ceramic material, to further prevent oxidation and reaction. Based on these criteria, the materials for the electric heating element include added semiconductors, (e.g., silicon), carbon, graphite, stainless steel, tantalum, metal ceramic matrices, and metal alloys, such as, for example, alloys containing iron. Suitable metal-ceramic matrices include silicon-aluminum carbide and silicon-titanium carbide. Oxidation-resistant intermetallic compounds, such as nickel aluminides and iron aluminides, are also suitable. However, more preferably electric heating elements .122 and other metallic components are made. a heat-resistant alloy exhibiting a combination of high mechanical strength and resistance to surface degradation at high temperatures. The heating sheet 120 can be formed in the serpentine configuration described in WO 94/06314. Preferably, the heating elements 122 are made of a material exhibiting high strength and surface stability at temperatures up to about 80 percent. of its melting points. These alloys include those commonly referred to as superalloys, and are generally based on nickel, iron, or cobalt. For example, alloys of primarily iron or nickel with aluminum and yttrium are suitable. Preferably, the alloy of the heating elements 122 includes aluminum, to further improve the operation of the heating element; for example, by providing resistance to oxidation. Preferably, both the heating elements 122 and the metal substrate 300 of the cubes, and of the sheets, are of any Ni3Al or FeaAl alloy. The alloy described in the pending United States Patent Application, commonly assigned, with Serial Number, filed on December 29, 1994 (Case Number PM 1767), it can also be used. Those skilled in the art can see that many modifications, substitutions, and improvements can be made, without regard to the spirit and scope of the present invention as descr and defined herein and in the following claims.

Claims

1. A heater for use in a smoking article having a source of electrical energy for heating a tobacco-flavored medium, omitting this > heater: a substrate of electrically conductive material; an electrical insulator deposited on at least one position of the substrate; and an electrical resistance heating element deposited on the electrical insulator, a first end of the heating element being electrically connected to the electrically conductive substrate, wherein a second end of the heating element and a portion of the heating element between the first and second ends of the element The heater is electrically isolated from the electrically conductive substrate by the insulator, wherein the substrate and the second end of the heating element are adapted to be electrically connected to the electric power source, where a resistive heating circuit is formed to heat the heating element. heating, which in turn heats the tobacco flavor medium.

2. A heater for use in a smoking article having a source of electric power for heating a cylindrical cigarette, the heater comprising:. a cylindrical tube, of an electrically conductive material, and provided with a plurality of gaps therethrough to define: (a) a plurality of electrically conductive sheets defining a receptacle for receiving an inserted cylindrical cigarette, and (b) a bucket common end, electrically conductive, inside the smoking article, the sheets extending, from the end hub; an electrical insulator deposited on at least one of the plurality of electrically conductive sheets, - an electrical resistance heating element deposited on the insulator, a first end of heating element being electrically connected to the at least one of the plurality of electrically conductive sheets, and the second end of the heating element and a portion of the heating element between the first and second ends are electrically isolated from the at least one electrically conductive sheet, by means of the insulator; wherein the end cube is adapted to be in electrical contact with the source of electrical energy, and the second end of the heating element is adapted to be in electrical contact with the source of electrical energy, where a recirculating heating circuit is formed to heat the electric heating element e.lement, which in turn heats the inserted cigarette.

3. A heater according to claim 2, characterized in that the electric heater is deposited on an external surface of the tube opposite a tube surface facing the inserted cigarette.

A heater according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the at least one sheet, the deposited insulator, and the associated heating element, have respective coefficients of thermal expansion to compensate for thermal expansion when the element is heated Heater.

5. A heater according to claim 2, 3, or 4, characterized in that the recesses extend longitudinally with. with respect to the tube to define a plurality of sheets that extend longitudinally.

6. A heater according to claim 2, 3, or 4, characterized in that the recesses are spiral. A heater as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the gaps are dimensioned to minimize heat loss from a heated heating element and the associated sheet to an adjacent sheet. 8. A heater as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the gaps are dimensioned to minimize the escape of vapors generated by the heated cigarette. 9. A heater in accordance with claim as claimed in any of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the tube comprises an inlet for inserting the cigarette, and a relatively narrow section to provide intimate contact with the inserted cigarette. A heater according to claim 9, characterized in that the inlet has a slightly larger diameter than the inserted cigarette. A heater according to claim 9 or claim 10, characterized in that the tube further comprises a throat section between the inlet and the narrow section, the throat section having a diameter that decreases gradually from the inlet end to the narrow section. .12. A heater as claimed in claim 9, 10, or 11, characterized in that the blades are tilted inwardly to define the narrow section 13. A heater in accordance with the claim of any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the inlet is located at one end of the tube opposite the common end hub, and is defined by the free ends of the sheets 14. A heater according to claim as claimed in any of claims 9 to 13, characterized because additionally it comprises another end cube located at an opposite end of the tube from the common end hub, the other end cube defining the entry for inserting the cigarette: a heater in accordance with the claim in any of the claims 2 to 8, characterized in that it additionally comprises another end hub located at an opposite end of the tube from the common end hub. according to claim as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the recesses extend between the leaves and the other end hub. 17. A heater according to claim 1, or claimed in any of claims 2 to 16, characterized in that additionally comprises a positive electrical contact electrically connected to the second, end of the heating element. 18. A heater according to claim 2 in any of claims 2 to 17, characterized in that it additionally comprises at least two electrical insulators deposited respectively on at least two of the plurality of sheets, and an associated heating element deposited on each of the insulators, such that a first end of each associated heating element is electrically connected to the associated sheet, wherein the common end cube serves as an electrical common for the associated heating elements, and a second end of each associated heating element. it is adapted to connect electrically respectively to the electric power source. 19. A heater according to claim 18, characterized in that the isolators and the associated heating elements are deposited on each third sheet. 20. A heater according to claim 18, characterized in that the insulators are deposited on each of the plurality of sheets, and an associated heating element is deposited on each third sheet. 21. A heater as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that the plurality of sheets having an associated heating element is related to a predetermined number of desired puffs of the inserted cigarette.

22. A heater according to claim 18, characterized in that the number of sheets having an associated heating element is equal to the previously determined number of puffs. 23. A heater according to claim 18, characterized in that the number of sheets having an associated heating element is equal to twice a predetermined number of desired puffs of the inserted cigarette. . 24. A heater according to claim 18, characterized in that two blades having an associated heater element are heated in a resistive manner simultaneously. 25. A heater according to claim as claimed in any of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that the electric isolators are deposited on an external surface of the tube opposite a tube surface facing the inserted cigarette. 26. A heater as claimed in any of claims 2 to 2.5, characterized in that perforations are located through at least one of the blades 27. A heater in accordance with the claim in any of the claims. 2 to 17, characterized in that the electrical insulator is deposited on an inner surface of the tube, in such a way that the heating element faces towards the inserted cigarette 28. A heater in accordance with that claimed in any of the preceding claims. , characterized in that the electrically conductive material of the cylindrical tube is selected from the group consisting of iron aluminides and nickel aluminides, and the heating element comprises an electrically resistive material selected from the group consisting of iron aluminides and aluminides of nickel 29. A heater in accordance with the claim in any of the anti- Examples, characterized in that the electrically conductive tube or substrate ", comprises an iron aluminide, wherein the electrically resistive heating element comprises an iron aluminide, and wherein the electrical insulator is selected from the group consisting of alumina, zirconia, mulita, and mixtures of alumina and zirconia. 30. A heater as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulator comprises zirconia partially stabilized with yttria. 31. A heater as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the electrically conductive substrate or tube and the resistive heating element comprises approximately 77.92 per cent Ni, approximately 21.73 per cent Al, approximately 0.34.per cent of Zr, and approximately 0.01percent of B. 32. A heater as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrically conductive tube or substrate comprises an aluminide of. nickel having a modifier selected from the group consisting of Zr and B. 33. A heater according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating element comprises a nickel aluminide having a modifier selected from of the group consisting of Zr and B.- 34. A heater according to claim 18, characterized in that the cylindrical tube further comprises a common sheet of electrically conductive material extending from the common end hub, adapting the common leaf to be in electrical contact with the source of electrical energy. 35. A heater according to claim 18, characterized in that the common hub defines an inlet for inserting the cigarette, wherein the first end of the heating element is proximal relative to the common hub, and the second end of the element Heater is distal in relation to the common hub. i 36. A heater in accordance with the claimed

5 in claim 13, characterized in that the first end of the heating element is distal relative to the common hub, and the second end of the heating element is proximal relative to the common hub. 37. A method for forming a heater for lt, used in an electric smoking article for heating a cylindrical cigarette, the method comprising the steps of: providing an electrically conductive material; forming: (a) a plurality of sheets from the electrically conductive material, having gaps therebetween, and (b) a common end section, the sheets extending from the common end section; forming an electrical insulator on at least one of the plurality of electrically conductive sheets; 20 forming an electrical resistance heater on the formed electrical insulator, such that a first end of the heater is in electrical contact with the at least one electrically conductive sheet, - forming an electrical contact on a second end of the formed heater, - and forming the plurality of sheets and the common section in a cylindrical receptacle for receiving an inserted cigarette. 38. A method according to claim 37, characterized in that the steps of forming an electrical insulator and a resistive heater are performed by thermally masking and spraying the respective patterns of the insulator and the resistive heater. 39. A method according to claim 37 or 38, characterized in that the step of forming the plurality of sheets comprises laser cutting a tube of electrically conductive material to form the plurality of sheets. 40. A method according to claim 37, 38, or 39, characterized in that it additionally comprises forming the plurality of sheets before the step of forming an electrical insulator on the tube. 41. A method according to claim 37, 38, 39, or 40, characterized in that the step of providing comprises embossing a sheet of electrically conductive material in a tube. 42. A method according to claim 37, wherein the step forming the sheet comprises forming sheets that extend parallel with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tube. 43. A method according to claim claimed in any of claims 37 to 41, characterized in that the forming step of the sheet comprises forming sheets that are spirals in relation to a longitudinal axis of a tube of electrically conductive material. 44. A method according to claim 43, characterized in that the spiral sheets are formed by rotating the tube while * moving a cutter longitudinally in relation to the rotating tube. 45. A method according to claim claimed in any of claims 37. to 44, characterized in that it additionally comprises rotating a tube of electrically conductive material during the step of forming an electrical insulator. 46. The method according to claim 45, characterized in that it further comprises rotating the tube between each step to form an electrically resistive heater. A 47. A method according to claim claimed in any of claims 37 to 46, characterized in that additionally comprises stamping a sheet of electrically conductive material to form a common section and a plurality of sheets extending perpendicularly from the common section in a shared direction, and roll up the common section to form a cube with the plurality of sheets extending therefrom to define the receptacle for receiving the cylindrical cigarette. 48. A method according to claim claimed in any of claims 37 to 46, characterized in that additionally comprises stamping a sheet of electrically conductive material to form a central hub and a plurality of sheets that extend radially from the same, and fold the sheets in the same direction to define the- receptacle to insert the * cylindrical cigarette. . 49. A method according to claim 48, characterized in that additionally comprises folding a section of each of the sheets approximately 180 ° towards the common hub formed, wherein the first end of the heater is formed proximal to the common hub, and further comprising forming an electrical connection from the second end of the heater along the second folded end of the sheet to the common hub.