Abstract: A thermal measurement system includes a thermocouple configured to couple to a location of a heating element of an electronic smoking article. The thermocouple is structured to measure a surface temperature of the location. A thermocouple data module is operatively connected to the thermocouple and is structured to receive data of the surface temperature from the thermocouple. A pneumatic system is configured to connect to an end of the electronic smoking article and draw an air flow through the electronic smoking article. The pneumatic system includes a solenoid valve having an open state that causes air to flow through the electronic smoking article. The solenoid valve has a closed state that prevents air flow through the electronic smoking article. An infrared camera is disposed over the viewing window. The infrared camera is configured to measure a wire temperature of a heating element wire of the electronic smoking article.

Abstract: A helmet mounted protective shroud apparatus for use with respirators includes a shroud mating component adapted to surround a respirator and a shroud component connected to the shroud mating component. The shroud component includes a fabric component having an edge, a plurality of connection mechanisms connected to the fabric component, and a flap component configured to cover a top of the fabric component, wherein the shroud component is adapted to cover a helmet and surround a wearer's head and neck. The present invention allows a chemical-biological protective hood/shroud assembly to be integrated for use with a helmet and respirator.

Abstract: A thermal measurement system includes a thermocouple configured to couple to a location of a heating element of an electronic smoking article. The thermocouple is structured to measure a surface temperature of the location. A thermocouple data module is operatively connected to the thermocouple and is structured to receive data of the surface temperature from the thermocouple. A pneumatic system is configured to connect to an end of the electronic smoking article and draw an air flow through the electronic smoking article. The pneumatic system includes a solenoid valve having an open state that causes air to flow through the electronic smoking article. The solenoid valve has a closed state that prevents air flow through the electronic smoking article. An infrared camera is disposed over the viewing window. The infrared camera is configured to measure a wire temperature of a heating element wire of the electronic smoking article.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, fully integrated water purification device which includes a receptacle modified to accommodate a filtration assembly for purifying water, and to store water following purification. The receptacle provides separate openings for water intake, and water outflow. The filtration assembly includes a pump and a multistage filter cartridge. Pump action draws water into the water purification device and forces the water through the multistage filter and into the receptacle. Purified water may be stored in the receptacle until consumption.

Abstract: A urine specimen container is disclosed which includes multiple urine holding chambers and further includes a cap to be secured to the container that enables extraction of a portion of the urine specimen from one chamber within the container without contaminating the urine specimen contained in an adjacent chamber of the same container.

Abstract: Apparatus for taking smear samples of the surface of objects for sampling radiation or chemical contamination levels. Both wiping area and pressure are controlled giving reliable, repeatable samples. A carriage provided with sampling strips is slideably mounted within a frame. Constant force springs pull the carriage across a known distance upon its release while a pressure roller on the carriage presses the sample strip to the area to be sampled. The sample strip is wound on a take-up reel as each sample is taken. The device is intended for remote or hazardous environments and may be operated manually or by robotics.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for the ultrasonic detection and evaluation of flaws in annular test objects including an arrangement of ultrasonic transducers that are rotated about the outer surface of the test object and provide an ultrasonic indication fo flaws in the object, and for electronically collecting, storing, and analyzing the flaw data gathered by the ultrasonic transducers, to further provide a predetermined objective indicia of acceptablility concerning the structural integrity of the test object.

Abstract: A composite assembly knurling tool for forming uniformly-spaced horizontal serrations continuous across the surface of a metal flake producing drum is disclosed. The knurling tool comprises an alternating array of spacer and forming discs substantially conforming to the contour of the metal flake producing drum.