Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes an outer housing extending in a longitudinal direction, a liquid aerosol formulation, a heater operable to at least partially volatilize at least a portion of the liquid aerosol formulation and form an aerosol, a power supply operable to apply voltage across the heater, at least one light emitting diode, a charging button assembly including a conductive post operable to form a first external, electrical contact at an upstream end of the electronic smoking article, and a second external, electrical contact including a portion of an outer surface of the outer housing at the upstream end of the electronic smoking article. The first and second external, electrical contacts charge the power supply.

Abstract: A method of producing a multi-layer product that includes an extruded polymeric layer comprising an enhancer composition is disclosed. The disclosed product is produced by applying an enhancer composition (25) onto a transfer surface (22), such as that of a chill roll (12) on an extruder station (10), and then contacting the applied transfer surface against molten polymer (24) either before or during extrusion process of the molten polymer onto a substrate (20). The enhancer composition may impart functional and/or decorative properties to the treated substrate. When desired, the enhancer composition may be applied onto the transfer surface using an electrostatic spraying device.

Abstract: A packaging structure including a paperboard substrate having a first side and a second side, a tear resistant film positioned over the first side of the paperboard substrate, wherein the tear resistant film includes at least one of an oriented film and a cross-laminated polyolefin film, and a sealing layer positioned over the tear resistant film such that the tear resistant film is positioned between the paperboard substrate and the sealing layer, wherein the packaging structure has a tear resistance, as measured by the Elmendorf tear propagation test, of at least about 337 gm-force.

Abstract: A packaging structure including a paperboard substrate having a first side and a second side, a tear resistant film positioned over the first side of the paperboard substrate, wherein the tear resistant film includes at least one of an oriented film and a cross-laminated polyolefin film, and a sealing layer positioned over the tear resistant film such that the tear resistant film is positioned between the paperboard substrate and the sealing layer, wherein the packaging structure has a tear resistance, as measured by the Elmendorf tear propagation test, of at least about 337 gm-force.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flexible sheet structure having improved conformability yet remaining strong and robust. The structure is made up of a plurality of modules that allow relative rotation in both an axis parallel to the plane and perpendicular to the plane of the sheet when laid flat. This allows the density of the sheet to be locally or globally changed so that improved conformability around complex shapes is provided. There is also disclosed a means for locking and unlocking the modules of the sheet using a locking material in each connection that is activated by the external addition of energy (e.g. heat energy).

Abstract: The present invention relates to ground drainage apparatus comprising a ground anchor (13) and a length of conduit (10) providing a drainage channel for water. The length of conduit (10) is secured to the ground anchor (13) in such a way that when the ground anchor (13) is driven into the ground then the length of conduit (10) is dragged through a passage in the ground formed by the ground anchor (130 with the result that when the ground anchor is installed at a desired depth then the length of conduit (10) provides a drainage channel in the ground.

Abstract: A centrifuge (10) is provided with a cantilevered shaft (18) upon which the main drive rotor (26) is located. A bobbin (62) is attached to the planetary gear shaft (44), which is driven in planetary motion by the rotation of the rotor (26) and its toothed engagement with the shaft (18) of the cantilevered rotor. A flying lead section (72) extends from the bobbin (62) through an aperture in the cantilevered rotor (26). The arrangement provides a centrifuge structure which can handle higher rotational speeds while maintaining resolution. The flying lead section (72) provides a simple path for the inlet and outlet leads (84,86) which reduces dead volume and increases reliability. The bobbin (62) supports at least one coil (68). Rotor component (44) includes at least one bearing (50, 52).

Abstract: The present invention relates to ground drainage apparatus comprising a ground anchor (13) and a length of conduit (10) providing a drainage channel for water. The length of conduit (10) is secured to the ground anchor (13) in such a way that when the ground anchor (13) is driven into the ground then the length of conduit (10) is dragged through a passage in the ground formed by the ground anchor (130 with the result that when the ground anchor is installed at a desired depth then the length of conduit (10) provides a drainage channel in the ground.

Abstract: An optometric device includes a semi-rimless plastic two lens frame having two rim surfaces for mounting two lenses in the frame, each having a circumferential groove therearound. The lenses are mounted by the use of a rib projecting from the rim surfaces and integral therewith and configured to engage with a portion of the lens groove to axially fix the lens and by a line and winder which releasably engages the remaining portion of the groove of the lens to radially fix the lens.