Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The cartridge may include a base, a reservoir substrate, and an atomizer. The reservoir substrate may define a cavity therethrough. The atomizer may comprise a liquid transport element and a heating element extending at least partially about the liquid transport element. The atomizer may extend through the cavity through the reservoir substrate such that the heating element is positioned proximate an end of the reservoir substrate. Ends of the liquid transport element may extend to an opposing end of the reservoir substrate. A related method for assembling a cartridge for a smoking article is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to atomizers for an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The atomizer may include a liquid transport element and a wire extending along at least a portion of a longitudinal length thereof. The wire may define contact portions configured to engage heater terminals and a heating portion configured to produce heat. The heating portion may include a variable coil spacing. In other atomizers, the wire may extend at least partially through the liquid transport element proximate the contact portions. Related inputs, cartridges, aerosol production assemblies, and methods of forming atomizers are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. The cartridges may be assembled by transporting carriages between various substations at which parts are added to a base. In another assembly method, the base may be moved between a plurality of robots which direct the base downwardly into contact with components to couple the components therewith. An inspection system may inspect the cartridges at various stages of completion.

Abstract: A commercial transaction is associated with a current location of a wireless device having location services enabled at the time of the transaction. The current location is compared to an entry in a database of associated merchants accepting transactions to the locations that they handle such transactions. If a match in location is found, the transaction may be validated. If the wireless device registered as the device of the person believed to be conducting the transaction is not at an expected or acceptable location at the time of the transaction, then the transaction may be flagged for possible fraudulent activity. At the time of the transaction, a software location based services (LBS) trigger is initiated to request validation of the transaction based on the wireless device's current location.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices including a cartridge and a control body. The control body may include a coupler and the cartridge may include a base. The base may be configured to releasably engage the cartridge. Further the base and the coupler may include anti-rotation mechanisms configured to prevent rotation of the cartridge relative to the base when engaged with one another. The anti-rotation mechanisms may include alternating protrusions and recesses in some embodiments. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to atomizers for an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The atomizer may include a liquid transport element and a wire continuously extending along a longitudinal length thereof. The wire may define end portions, contact portions, and a heating portion. The wire may be continuously wound about the liquid transport element such that each of the portions of the wire defines coils. A related input, cartridge, and method of forming atomizers also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an input for production of atomizers and atomizers formed from a sheet of a material, and which may be employed in an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The input may include a carrier and heating elements coupled thereto. The heating elements may include first and second ends and interconnected alternating loops disposed therebetween. The heating elements may be oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the carrier, or perpendicular thereto. The heating elements may be coupled to a liquid transport element by bending the interconnected loops at least partially around the liquid transport element. The ends of the heating element may be coupled to heater terminals. A related method for forming atomizers is also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, test units, systems, assays and kits for qualitative and/or quantitative detection of microorganisms or microbes. Some aspects of the invention utilize a test strip comprising a test area and a self-calibrating control area that permits quantitative measurements to be obtained rapidly at the test site. The test strip is ready-to-use and does not require any preparation. The present systems and methods provide valuable tools for sensitive early detection of microbial contamination.

Abstract: A commercial transaction is associated with a current location of a wireless device having location services enabled at the time of the transaction. The current location is compared to an entry in a database of associated merchants accepting transactions to the locations that they handle such transactions. If a match in location is found, the transaction may be validated. If the wireless device registered as the device of the person believed to be conducting the transaction is not at an expected or acceptable location at the time of the transaction, then the transaction may be flagged for possible fraudulent activity. At the time of the transaction, a software location based services (LBS) trigger is initiated to request validation of the transaction based on the wireless device's current location.