Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for testing a water rocket and a method for use thereof, comprising a load cell assembly, a launcher assembly, a rocket assembly, and a base piston, all situated within a housing. Air and/or water pressurizes the rocket assembly and the launcher assembly, which is released to cause the rocket to exert a propelling force on the rocket. The load cell is adapted to capture and record the thrust of the water rocket. The housing is adapted to retain the released water within the housing. The base piston is adapted to move the launcher assembly out of the way of the releasing water and air, whereby the launcher assembly does not impede the exit of the water or air that could result in inaccurate data.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for testing a water rocket and a method for use thereof, the apparatus comprising a housing, a load cell assembly, a launcher assembly, a rocket assembly, and a base piston. The load cell assembly, the launcher assembly, the rocket assembly, and base piston all situated within the housing. A hose running from the exterior of the housing to the launcher assembly and/or the rocket assembly, whereby water or air may be supplied to the launcher assembly or the rocket assembly. The supply of air and/or water pressurizes the rocket assembly and the launcher assembly, which may then be released to cause the rocket to exert a force in a direction opposite to the direction of the release of water and air. The load cell is adapted to capture and record the thrust of the water rocket. The housing is adapted to retain the released water within the housing.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for preparing urushiol from plants including, for example, poison ivy or poison oak. The methods include extraction of plant material using a primary organic solvent more polar than ethanol, followed by a solvent extraction using substantially immiscible solvents having substantially different polarities, such as hexane and acetonitrile. The method can include further purification, such as by fractionation of solvent-extracted materials using a thiazole-derivatized silica gel chromatography medium. The extracts thus generated can exhibit greater purity, higher concentration, and greater stability than extracts made using previously-known methods. The extracts can be particularly suitable for use in immunotherapeutic methods, such as desensitizing individuals who normally develop allergic contact dermatitis attributable to poison ivy or poison oak.