Abstract: Apparatus for testing an electronic smoking (e-smoking) device includes an electronic circuit for electronically activating an e-smoking device and causing the e-smoking device to generate a plurality of puffs by converting a wicking fluid therein into a plurality of puffs without a need for a human to physically contact the e-smoking device during puff generation, and a wireless controller for controlling the electronic circuit. The electronic circuit is configured for activating the e-smoking device to generate the plurality of puffs based on wireless signals received at the wireless controller. The apparatus is further configured for measuring a characteristic of the e-smoking device, which may include a rate of conversion of the wicking fluid to vapor as a function of time for the plurality of puffs.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing an electronic smoking (e-smoking) device includes an electronic circuit for electronically activating an e-smoking device to convert a wicking fluid therein into a plurality of puffs, and a wireless controller for controlling the electronic circuit. The electronic circuit is configured for activating the e-smoking device based on wireless signals received at the wireless controller. The apparatus is further configured for measuring a characteristic of the e-smoking device, wherein, optionally, the characteristic is a rate of conversion of the wicking fluid to vapor as a function of time for the plurality of puffs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of recovering essence from a mash. The method includes providing a mash which includes essence, treating the mash to produce a vapor stream and a mash stream, where the vapor stream includes the essence, and condensing the vapor stream which includes the essence under conditions effective to recover the essence. The present invention further relates to an essence recovery system.

Abstract: An above-ground gravity return hose retractor, which is particularly useful in service stations for supplying air and water, encloses the hoses and the retraction mechanism within a cabinet. A block and tackle pulley arrangement, including a vertically movable pulley sheave supported by the hose, is located within the cabinet. The movable pulley sheave has a non-linear, variable weight attached to it in the form of an elongated chain having a first segment of small, relatively lightweight links attached through a limit spring to the sheave. These lightweight links then are attached to an additional segment of chain having intermediate weight links, with the lowermost portion of the chain comprising larger, heavier links. The final link in the chain is attached to the bottom of the cabinet. The full length of the chain is reached just prior to the final extension of the hose. The limit spring then provides a significant increase in resistance to further withdrawal of the hose when the chain is fully extended.