Abstract: A magnetic coupling system that includes a first housing disposed about an end of a first conduit. The first housing includes an axially-extending annular flange. A first annular magnetic element, coupled to the first housing and concentric with the annular flange, has a first plurality of magnetic polarities disbursed thereabout. A second housing, disposed about an end of a second conduit, includes an axially-extending annular channel for engagement with the annular flange. A second annular magnetic element is coupled to the second housing and is concentric with the annular channel. An air gap is disposed between the first annular magnetic element and the second annular magnetic element when the annular flange is engaged in the annular channel. The second annular magnetic element has a second plurality of magnetic polarities disbursed thereabout.

Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet, a heater arranged relative to the flow passage for heating the flow passage, a source of material to be volatilized in communication with the inlet of the flow passage, a valve to open and close communication between the source of material and the inlet of the flow passage, and a pressurization arrangement for causing material in the source of material to be introduced into the flow passage when the valve is in an open position. The aerosol generator further includes a source of power for operating the heater and the valve, and a control device for controlling supply of power from the source of power to the heater and the valve. A metering device in an inhaler includes a pressurized source of medicated fluid and a metering chamber configured to deliver a predetermined volume of fluid to a heated flow passage in the inhaler.

Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet, a heater arranged relative to the flow passage for heating the flow passage, a source of material to be volatilized in communication with the inlet of the flow passage, a valve to open and close communication between the source of material and the inlet of the flow passage, and a pressurization arrangement for causing material in the source of material to be introduced into the flow passage when the valve is in an open position. The aerosol generator further includes a source of power for operating the heater and the valve, and a control device for controlling supply of power from the source of power to the heater and the valve. A metering device in an inhaler includes a pressurized source of medicated fluid and a metering chamber configured to deliver a predetermined volume of fluid to a heated flow passage in the inhaler.

Abstract: A mounting system for operably and compactly storing one or more electrical devices includes an elongated shaft structure having a component mounting portion and a support mounting portion, the component portion having a plurality of apertures disposed therein, with the apertures being disposed in a predetermined array that is configured to universally receive mounting implements from respective electronic devices to thereby secure the electronic devices to the mounting bracket in a substantially horizontally stacked configuration.

Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet, a heater arranged relative to the flow passage for heating the flow passage, a source of material to be volatilized in communication with the inlet of the flow passage, a valve to open and close communication between the source of material and the inlet of the flow passage, and a pressurization arrangement for causing material in the source of material to be introduced into the flow passage when the valve is in an open position. The aerosol generator further includes a source of power for operating the heater and the valve, and a control device for controlling supply of power from the source of power to the heater and the valve.

Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet, a heater arranged relative to the flow passage for heating the flow passage, a source of material to be volatilized in communication with the inlet of the flow passage, a valve to open and close communication between the source of material and the inlet of the flow passage, and a pressurization arrangement for causing material in the source of material to be introduced into the flow passage when the valve is in an open position. The aerosol generator further includes a source of power for operating the heater and the valve, and a control device for controlling supply of power from the source of power to the heater and the valve. A metering device in an inhaler includes a pressurized source of medicated fluid and a metering chamber configured to deliver a predetermined volume of fluid to a heated flow passage in the inhaler.

Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a tube having a first and a second end, a heater arranged relative to the tube for heating the tube, a source of material to be volatilized, the second end of the tube being in communication with the source of material, a valve operatively located between the source of material and the tube, the valve being openable and closeable to open and close communication between the source of material and the first end of the tube, and a pressurization arrangement for causing material in the source of material to be introduced into the tube from the source of material when the valve is in an open position. The aerosol generator further includes a source of power for operating the heater and the valve, and a control device for controlling supply of power from the source of power to the heater and the valve. A method of making and a method of using an aerosol generator are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ejection system is provided which has a mechanism such as a plunger which is positioned to eject at least a portion of a cigarette from the lighter cavity upon actuation by a smoker. The plunger is also positionable to occlude the lighter opening to protect the lighter cavity from dust, moisture, etc. The plunger is shaped, located and arranged to apply a force on the cigarette end inserted into the lighter. Further, an icon based indicator informs the smoker of the status of a cigarette inserted into the lighter.