Abstract: A dryer for a smoking device includes a heating element adapted to fit within a cigarette receiving portion of the smoking device, the heating element projecting from a base portion of the dryer. The base portion of the dryer has an interface surface on which the smoking device rests when the heating element is positioned within the cigarette receiving portion of the smoking device. At least one air passageway is provided in the base portion of the dryer to communicate between the cigarette receiving portion and surrounding ambient air when the smoking device rests on the interface surface.

Abstract: A cleaning unit used to clean condensates formed during use of a component of a smoking system. The component can be a heating fixture having a cigarette receiving section and a plurality of longitudinally extending circumferentially spaced apart heating elements located within a can which accumulates the condensates. During a cleaning operation, the heating fixture is fitted within a cavity in the cleaning unit such that the cigarette receiving end of the heating fixture engages an O-ring and the terminal base portion abuts against an indented stop in an interior sidewall of a removable portion of the housing. The cleaning unit includes a water inlet connected to a source of pressurized water such as a faucet and a spray member extends into the cigarette receiving section to spray jets of water against the interior of the can.

Abstract: An induction heating source is provided for use with an electrical smoking article. The induction heating source provides an alternating electromagnetic field which inductively heats a susceptor in thermal proximity with tobacco flavor medium to generate aerosols. A plurality of induction heaters are employed and/or the tobacco flavor medium is translated with respect to the induction heater or susceptor. The tobacco flavor medium can form an intimate structure with the susceptor and can take the form of a cylindrical cigarette or a web.

Abstract: Thermal indicators for non-combustion smoking articles which chemically react when heated to provide visual indications of temperature changes are disclosed. The indicators comprise organic acids, sugars, or amines combined with sugars. The indicators are printed in a variety of patterns along the length of the smoking articles to show temperature changes and to indicate whether the smoking article is finished and should be discarded.

Abstract: A device which is convertible between a motorcycle trailer, a motorcycle sidecar and a snowmobile trailer. The device is provided with brakes when used in conjunction with a motorcycle.

Abstract: A system and related methods for passively detecting range and/or elevation of a signal emitting target by employing an X-beam antenna system which has a fixed angle .theta. between planes of receipt and which rotates those planes of receipt at a rate of sweep .gamma.. A first correlator is employed to measure the time delay .DELTA.T.sub.1 between receipt of a signal directly from a target in the first plane of the X-beam and receipt of a signal from the target in that first plane but reflected from a remote surface. A second correlator is employed to measure the time delay .DELTA.T.sub.2 between receipt of a signal from the target in the first plane and subsequent receipt of a signal from that target in the second plane as the first and second planes rotate. Receiver altitude R.sub.H is measured by conventional means and thereafter target range and/or elevation is calculated in response to .theta., .gamma., .DELTA.T.sub.1, .DELTA.T.sub.2 and R.sub.H.

Abstract: A flare release system in which a plurality of flares are sequentially lahed from a submerged float. Launching apparatus for each flare comprises a compressed gas cylinder which is ruptured by a firing pin propelled by an electrically initiated squib. Compressed gas escaping from the cylinder powers an ejection piston to force a flare from the submerged float. An electric circuit distributes firing pulses to each flare launching mechanism according to a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: An actuation mine simulator system which enables realistic training experce in mine sweeping operations without the danger accompanying use of live mines. The actuation mine simulator is preprogrammed to respond at predetermined time intervals to actuation by large objects such as ships. The mine simulator includes buoyant flares for signaling actuation, a tethered float having a signal beacon for facilitating recovery, and an underwater acoustic transmitter for locating the simulator at the conclusion of training exercises.

Abstract: A two axis, three gimbal tracker for use with a missile or the like. The cker utilizes a lens barrel which has unlimited angular freedom in one axis, and more than 50.degree. of angular freedom in the other axis, and is mounted to the side of the carrying vehicle.