Abstract: The invention relates to a shisha device comprising: a cavity configured for receiving a capsule comprising aerosol-forming substrate; and a trough in fluid communication with the cavity.

Abstract: A shisha device comprises (i) a vessel having an interior volume configured to contain a liquid; and (ii) a receptacle configured to receive a cartridge including an aerosol-forming substrate. The shisha device comprises a heating element configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is received in the receptacle. The shisha device has a receptacle inlet in communication with, and upstream of, the receptacle and has a receptacle outlet in communication with, and downstream of, the receptacle. The shisha device comprises a conduit in communication with the receptacle outlet and extending into the vessel via the vessel inlet. The shisha comprises an air inlet channel in communication with an ambient environment and the receptacle inlet. The air inlet channel extends along an exterior of the conduit.

Abstract: A piercing system for use in aerosol-generating devices may be used to form one or more openings in a shisha cartridge. The piercing system includes a piercing assembly and stem pipe. The stem pipe may be incorporated as part of an aerosol-generating device. The piercing assembly comprises a body with a through opening. The opening may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe. The piercing assembly comprises a plurality of piercing elements at its upstream end. The piercing elements are configured for piercing a cartridge. The piercing assembly may be operated by placing a cartridge onto the piercing assembly and pressing down on the cartridge.

Abstract: A shisha device configured to pierce a cartridge comprising aerosol-forming substrate. The shisha device is configured to prevent piercing of the cartridge until the cartridge is inserted into a receptacle of the device. Piercing of the cartridge may require a step separate from insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle of the shisha device. That is, the shisha device may be configured such that insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle of the device, without more, does not cause the cartridge to be pierced.

Abstract: A piercing system includes a cap mountable on an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device includes an aerosol-generating element with a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge housing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cap may be engageable with the body. The cap has a frame comprising a cavity arranged for receiving the cartridge. The cap includes a piercing element disposed within the cavity and configured to pierce a wall of the cartridge. The cap may be movable, relative to the body, between a first position and a second position, where in the second position, the piercing element is engaged with the cartridge to pierce the cartridge.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating device includes an aerosol-generating element comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level; a conduit for conveying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel; and a cap engageable with the body. The cap includes a frame comprising a cavity and having a center axis, wherein the cavity is arranged for receiving the cartridge; and a grip member configured to releasably grip the cartridge received in the receptacle. The cartridge may be released from the grip member using a release mechanism. The release mechanism may be part of a cartridge disposal system.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a body with a side wall and at least one lid arranged to cover a top or a bottom, or both. The cartridge comprises a cavity inside the body configured for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The lid includes an inner layer facing the cavity and an outer layer facing an outside of the body. The inner layer comprises a weakened region. When the outer layer is removed, the weakened region of the inner layer forms an aperture. The cavity is in fluid communication with an outside of the cartridge body via the formed aperture. The aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco. The cartridge may be a shisha cartridge and the aerosol-forming substrate may be a shisha substrate, such as hookah tobacco.