Abstract: A ceramic vaporizer and atomizer system, method and computer program product, including a ceramic vaporizer case; and a ceramic atomizer removably coupled to the ceramic vaporizer case. The ceramic vaporizer case includes external cooling fins for heat dissipation. The ceramic atomizer includes a mouthpiece portion with external cooling fins for heat dissipation. The ceramic atomizer includes a chamber for housing a heating element and that is configured as an insulator for heat retention.

Abstract: An example aerosol delivery device includes a mouthpiece having an airflow outlet, and an airflow passage extending between an airflow inlet and the airflow outlet. The example aerosol delivery device further includes a housing configured to receive a cartridge that includes an aerosolizable substance and a vapor element configured to heat the aerosolizable substance, and an internal power source configured to provide electrical power. The example aerosol delivery device further includes a controller coupled to the internal power source to receive a portion of the electrical power and configured to, when the cartridge is installed at the housing, cause the vapor element of the cartridge to heat the aerosolizable substance to release an aerosol into the airflow passage during an inhalation through the airflow outlet, and a connector configured to receive power from an external source to recharge the internal power source.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a pipe for cooled smoke and containment are disclosed. In some embodiments, the pipe includes a body and a cover movable engaged to the body. The body includes a first end, a second end, and an axis extending between the first and second end. The body further includes a receptacle positioned closer to the first end than the second end. The cover includes an aperture. The aperture can be selectively aligned with the receptacle of the body. Optionally, the body includes one or more channels that direct smoke to travel along the axis of the body in opposite directions. Further optionally, the body includes one or more reservoirs that direct smoke to travel in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of smoking combustible material(s) including methods that may include: providing any of the smoking assemblies disclosed herein, and utilizing such smoking assemblies for smoking, wherein such smoking assemblies may each include, for example: a housing that may include an intake aperture and an exhaust aperture; a fan disposed inside the housing; and a valve coupled to the housing, inside the housing; moving air in the housing and out through the exhaust aperture, preferably utilizing the circular movement of the fan; and partially or fully inhibiting air flow from the intake aperture to the exhaust aperture, preferably using the valve, e.g., by partially closing and/or opening the fan.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to lockable and unlockable containers for electronic smoking articles, the containers including at least two concentric tubes, a locking mechanism retained therein, and an organizer configured to hold the articles.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery-operated ignition smoking pipe including a replaceable nichrome wire within an indentation on an inner perimeter of a bowl of the pipe body, a fuel reservoir directly below and adjacent the interior cavity of the bowl, an ignition switch on a stem of a pipe body to selectively activate one of the nichrome wire and an amount of fuel within the fuel reservoir to combust an ignitable smoking substance, such as tobacco, contained within the bowl, and a filter disposed between the stem and the bowl. The present device permits one-handed ignition to combust the smoking substance. The rechargeable battery-operated ignition smoking pipe also includes a micro USB outlet and wireless charging receptacles to permit the pipe to recharge without the hassle of changing batteries.

Abstract: An electronic aerosol-generating smoking device includes a main body having a heating region for heating aerosol-forming substrate. The main body includes a front housing defining a cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, and a heater in the main body and configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity. At least a portion of an internal surface of the main body is at least one of a hydrophobic and super-hydrophobic surface.

Abstract: A battery-operated ignition smoking pipe including a replaceable nichrome wire within an indentation on an inner perimeter of a bowl of the pipe body, a fuel reservoir directly below and adjacent the interior cavity of the bowl, an ignition switch on a stem of a pipe body to activate, in one embodiment, a nichrome wire and, and in another embodiment, an ignition wire for igniting an amount of fuel within a fuel reservoir to combust an ignitable smoking substance, such as tobacco, contained within the bowl, and a filter disposed between the stem and the bowl. The present device permits one-handed ignition to combust the smoking substance.

Abstract: A novel disposable cartridge for use in an electronic nicotine delivery system having an electric heater includes a reservoir containing a nicotine-containing liquid, a port in liquid communication with the reservoir, a liquid barrier disposed proximate the port to prevent undesired leakage of the nicotine-containing liquid from the reservoir, and a durable, elongate wick arranged and configured to be slideable in the port and to contact the nicotine-containing liquid in the reservoir.

Abstract: An e-vapor apparatus may include a pod assembly and a dispensing body configured to receive the pod assembly. A vaporizer may be disposed in the pod assembly and/or the dispensing body. The pod assembly may include a vapor precursor compartment, a device compartment, and a vapor channel extending from the device compartment and traversing the vapor precursor compartment. The pod assembly is a smart pod configured to receive, store, and transmit information that can be communicated with the dispensing body and/or another electronic device. The proximal portion of the dispensing body includes a vapor passage and a through-hole. The vapor passage may extend from an end surface of the proximal portion to a side wall of the through-hole. The through-hole is configured to receive the pod assembly such that the vapor channel of the pod assembly is aligned with the vapor passage of the dispensing body.

Abstract: An battery-operated ignition smoking pipe including a replaceable nichrome wire within an indentation on an inner perimeter of a bowl of the pipe body, a fuel reservoir directly below and adjacent the interior cavity of the bowl, an ignition switch on a stem of a pipe body to selectively activate one of the nichrome wire and an amount of fuel within the fuel reservoir to combust an ignitable smoking substance, such as tobacco, contained within the bowl, and a filter disposed between the stem and the bowl. The present device permits one-handed ignition to combust the smoking substance.

Abstract: A smoking pipe includes a stem and a bowl in which the stem includes a smoke chamber extending from a first end of the stem to a mouthpiece on a second end. The bowl is coupled to the stem and comprises a heating surface coupled to a power source lead. The smoke chamber provides an airway through the stem from the mouthpiece to an area proximate to the heating surface. In another aspect, a method includes forming a pipe comprising a stem and a bowl, and inserting a heating surface into the bowl. In a further aspect, a smoking apparatus includes a bowl insert comprising a plurality of holes and a power source lead configured to receive power from an external power source. A heating surface is coupled to the power source lead and placed on a lower portion of the bowl insert proximate to the plurality of holes.

Abstract: A hookah is disclosed wherein the stem connects internally to a bottle. A gauge positioned on the stem depicts an indication level with a crown portion of the hookah bottle. When the indication level has been reached, the stem connection point—which may or may not be visible—has been reached.

Abstract: A pipe that has a machined body that accepts a standard disposable type lighter. A mouthpiece fits in the bottom of the machined body. The mouthpiece has a tube that collects smoke from the bowl and also has a flared end so the smoker can extract the smoke. The end of the mouthpiece is also used to secure the lighter in place. Once assembled, the user fills the bowl of the pipe, pushes the lighter forward to ignite it and draws the flame into the bowl to light the pipe. Once lit, the user releases the lighter and can then smoke normally.

Abstract: A device for filtering contaminated air includes an air filter, an intake fan driven by an electric motor, a filter housing, to which the air filter can be fastened by means of a threaded connection, and a battery for driving the electric motor, wherein the intake fan has a guide blade and an impeller, and the intake fan is arranged in a chimney-shaped shell on the filter housing.

Abstract: An igniter for an incendiary briquette of a type suitable for smoking a smoking substance disposed in a bowl of a hookah is disclosed. The igniter includes a housing defining an interior and having a sidewall, a bottom wall, and a top opening providing access to the interior. An ignition source that produces a flame is disposed in the interior of the housing. The igniter includes a removable tray for supporting the incendiary briquette. The tray has at least one heat transfer hole therein and is sized to be removably supported by the housing at a location above the flame of the ignition source, wherein heat flows upwardly to cause a burning of the incendiary briquette. The tray is sized to seat above the bowl of the hookah so that the burning briquette is supported to cause a burning of the smoking substance.

Abstract: A smoking device having an integrated lighter, a bowl for holding an igniteable vegetable product, and a duct for drawing smoke like a pipe. The device consists of an ignition switch located on the side of the pipe in natural proximity to the thumb, a piezo-electric ignition system, a flammable gas delivery system, a bowl for holding smoking material, and an aperature for drawing the smoke emitted from the ignited vegetable product.

Abstract: A bi-directional multiple-layer pull-in cigar holder comprises a receiving body mounted on extension tubes which are adapted for adjusting the length of the holder, such that the cigar holder has an extension structure without affecting its appearance, improving the appearance integrity. In addition, with the arrangement of the big-area elastic retaining rings, a right resistance can be offered, improving the assembly convenience while reducing the assembly cost.

Abstract: A bi-directional multiple-layer extension cigar holder comprises a receiving body mounted on extension tubes which are adapted for adjusting the length of the holder for holding different lengths of cigars. The cigar holder can be combined with a lighter, enhancing the use convenience. In addition, elastic retaining rings in the cigar holder which are used to avoid disengagement are big-area C-shaped plates, such that the assembly convenience can be enhanced, synchronously enhancing the effect of preventing the disengagement of the extension tubes.

Abstract: A gas lighter with safety mechanism comprising an inner frame mounted on top of a fuel reservoir and provided with a valve for releasing fuel contained in the fuel reservoir; an outer frame mounted on top of the inner frame and having two supports each of which is provided with a L-shaped supporting hole including a vertical section and a horizontal section; a lever sandwiched between the two supports and pivotable with respect to the outer frame to actuate the valve; a flint disposed between the two supports; a friction wheel rotatably sleeved on a shaft between the two supports, the shaft are movably supported in the supporting holes, the friction wheel is separate from the flint when the shaft is moved to the vertical sections while contacts the flint to enable to generate sparks by rotating the friction wheel when the shaft is moved to the horizontal sections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hand worn smoking device comprising a glove having a burning reservoir for containing substance to be smoked, a reservoir closing feature, a smoke transport pathway, and an oral interface wherein the burning reservoir is connected to the oral interface via the smoke transport pathway allowing the burning reservoir to be in smoke communication with the oral interface during use. The present invention also includes a method of smoking the substance to be smoked using this device.

Abstract: A self-lighting smoking device comprising an elongated smoke canal, where the elongated smoke canal includes a mouthpiece; a bowl at an opposite end of the elongated smoke canal from the mouthpiece, where the bowl includes an inner cavity to receive a smoking product; a lighter attached to the elongated smoke canal of the pipe, where the lighter is positioned by the bowl; and an actuator attached to the lighter, where the actuator ignites a flame to light the smoking product within the inner cavity of the bowl.

Abstract: A pipe lighter includes a lighter apparatus coupling with an inhaler apparatus. The inhaler apparatus includes a crucible unit coupled with the housing sidewall of the lighter housing and a tubular inhaling guider extended from the crucible unit, wherein the crucible unit has a substance chamber positioned adjacent to a flame opening of the lighter apparatus for retaining a smoking substance in the substance chamber, and a burner unit which is sized to fittingly and complimentarily engaging with the crucible unit to cover and evenly distribute the heat inside the substance chamber, thereby the smoking is evenly burnt which is then guided to flow towards the tubular inhaling guider. The pipe lighter is compact in size which substantively the same size as a disposable lighter, and is convenience to carry and use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a smoking accessory which includes one or more of a lighter for lighting a smokable substance, a grater for breaking apart the smokable substance in to smaller pieces, a smoking device for smoking the substance, and a container for depositing an amount of the smokable substance and holding it therein until needed.

Abstract: A smoking pipe comprising an elongated body with a removable chassis located therein. Located on the chassis is a lighter with an activation switch and flame opening located on one end. The lighter is positioned in the chassis so that the lighter's flame opening is located adjacent to the upper bowl on the bowl assembly also mounted on the chassis. Formed over the upper bowl are air openings which allow heated hot gas to enter the bowl and vaporize or burn material placed therein Rotatably mounted on the lower neck on the bowl assembly is a ratchet. Attached to the ratchet is an elongated mouthpiece. The ratchet which includes a cam surface with a hook formed thereon that engages the distal end of a pawl. The proximal end of the pawl sits in a receiving cavity form a moveable head also mounted on the chassis that selectively presses against the activation switch on the lighter.

Abstract: A safety flint lighter is provided that an adult is allowed to easily make an ignition with a single action without allowing a child to easily lean how to ignite a flame. A safety flint lighter has an ignition device using a flint and a sparking file wheel and structured not permitting a child to ignite a flame. An axial hole, rotatably supporting a rotary shaft of a sparking file wheel, is in a form permitting the rotary shaft, at an axis thereof, to directly move between a first position the rotary shaft is normally hold and distant from a tank body, a second position established closer to the tank body than the first position and on an axis of a flint and a third position established oppositely to a nozzle with respect to a straight line connecting between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a smoking appliance which can heat a filter medium for eliminating particulate phase components in tobacco smoke to a desired temperature precisely as well as can ensure safety for the smoker. According to the present invention, there is provided a smoking appliance including a holder having a through hole serving as a smoke passage, which detachably holds a filter medium in a middle of the smoke passage, a heater attached to the holder at a location upstream to the filter medium, a heat insulator attached to the holder at a location upstream to the heater, and a metal plate which covers surfaces of the heater facing the filter medium and the smoke passage.

Abstract: The covert pipe apparatus for facilitating smoking tobacco is disclosed. The pipe apparatus includes a tubular element having a first end and a second end and a hollow semi-cylindrical element for holding tobacco during smoking, wherein the hollow semi-cylindrical element fits securely within the tubular element and includes perforations in its surface. The pipe apparatus further includes a first torus located on a first end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element, wherein a flame ingresses into the first torus during smoking and a second torus located on a second end of the hollow semi-cylindrical element, wherein smoke from burning tobacco egresses from the second torus during smoking. The pipe apparatus also includes a functional element, such as a pen, pencil, laser pointer, or flashlight, for coupling to the first end of the tubular element, when the pipe apparatus is not in use for smoking.

Abstract: A pipe lighter includes a lighter apparatus coupling with an inhaler apparatus. The inhaler apparatus includes a crucible unit coupled with the housing sidewall of the lighter housing and a tubular inhaling guider extended from the crucible unit, wherein the crucible unit has a substance chamber positioned adjacent to a flame opening of the lighter apparatus for retaining a smoking substance in the substance chamber, such that the lighter apparatus is actuated to produce a flame for a combustion of the smoking substance to be smoked and for an inhalation of smoked through the inhaling guider.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reconfigurable smoking pipe and a method of using the same for single handed operation. The reconfigurable smoking pipe comprises a base unit, a lighter holder, a bowl, a smoke chamber, a carburetor, a mouthpiece, and a plug. The base unit comprises multiple ports. The lighter holder is attached to the base unit. Each of the bowl, the smoke chamber, the carburetor, and the plug are detachably attached to any one of the ports of the base unit. A mouthpiece is detachably attached to anterior end of the smoke chamber. A user assembles the reconfigurable smoking pipe and inserts a lighter into the lighter holder. The user holds the reconfigurable smoking pipe in a smoking position using a single hand by gripping the inserted lighter and lights a smoking substance held in the bowl by operating the gripped lighter using the single hand.

Abstract: A pipe comprises a combustion chamber with vents, the combustion chamber able to receive a cigarette; an inhalation path for drawing smoke from the combustion chamber through the bowl vents during inhalation; an exhalation filter; and an exhalation path for channeling exhaled smoke through the exhalation filter during exhalation.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a smoking device that users a laser diode to light a smokable material that is stored within the smoking device. The smoking device is preferably a portable device that allows for insertion of a smokable material, and which ignites the smokable material using a battery-powered laser diode. The smoking device includes a coupling interface that requires all housing components to be secured prior to activation of the laser diode, thereby preventing the surrounding environment from exposure to laser beams and laser radiation.

Abstract: A pipe lighter includes a lighter apparatus coupling with an inhaler apparatus. The inhaler apparatus includes a crucible unit coupled with the housing sidewall of the lighter housing and a tubular inhaling guider extended from the crucible unit, wherein the crucible unit has a substance chamber positioned adjacent to a flame opening of the lighter apparatus for retaining a smoking substance in the substance chamber, and a burner unit which is sized to fittingly and complimentarily engaging with the crucible unit to cover and evenly distribute the heat inside the substance chamber, thereby the smoking is evenly burnt which is then guided to flow towards the tubular inhaling guider. The pipe lighter is compact in size which substantively the same size as a disposable lighter, and is convenience to carry and use.

Abstract: A lighter for a smoking article is provided, which includes a body having a distal body portion and a proximal body portion; an ignition element disposed in the distal portion; a smoking article engagement structure disposed in the proximal body portion; a part of the proximal body portion that is configured for exerting a vacuum upon a smoking article retained by the smoking article engagement structure; and an exhaust port in fluid communication with the part of the proximal body portion that is configured for exerting a vacuum.

Abstract: An integrated smoking device that provides a bowl for holding smoking material, an ignition source, and a mechanism for delivering ignitable fuel near the smoking material. A user control may trigger both flow and ignition of fuel. The device may include a cover for storing smoking material in the bowl when not in use. The device may be adapted for easy storage of the device in a shirt or pants pocket.

Abstract: A smoking device, such as a water pipe or a bong, having an integrated laser diode ignition source. The laser diode ignition source provides a long-lasting life span, and does not require the smoker to use a fuel-based lighter that is not recyclable and requires continuous refilling of the fuel cartridge. Furthermore, the laser diode ignition source does not leave any undesirable aftertaste to the organic material. The ignition source is located within a housing, protected from the environment and wind. The ignition source applies a high intensity laser beam to ignite organic material, such as smokable substances, locating within a bowl adjacent to the ignition source.

Abstract: A smoking pipe comprising an elongated body with a removable chassis located therein. Located on the chassis is a lighter with an activation switch and flame opening located on one end. The lighter is positioned in the chassis so that the lighter's flame opening is located adjacent to the upper bowl on the bowl assembly also mounted on the chassis. Formed over the upper bowl are air openings which allow heated hot gas to enter the bowl and vaporize or burn material placed therein Rotatably mounted on the lower neck on the bowl assembly is a ratchet. Attached to the ratchet is an elongated mouthpiece. The ratchet which includes a cam surface with a hook formed thereon that engages the distal end of a pawl. The proximal end of the pawl sits in a receiving cavity form a moveable head also mounted on the chassis that selectively presses against the activation switch on the lighter.

Abstract: A smoking device having an integrated lighter, a bowl for holding tobacco, and a duct for drawing smoke like a pipe. The device consists of a ignition switch located on the side of the pipe in natural proximity to the thumb, a piezo-electric ignition system, a flammable gas delivery system, a bowl for holding smoking material, and an aperature for drawing tobacco.

Abstract: A smoking pipe comprising an elongated body with a bowl cavity formed on one end in which a bowl assembly is disposed. Located inside the elongated body is a gas lighter with an activation switch and flame opening located on one end. The lighter is positioned in the elongated body so that the flame opening is located adjacent to the upper bowl on the bowl assembly and its activation switch is near the lower neck section. Formed over the bowl are air openings which allow outside air to enter the bowl. Pivotally attached to the neck section on the bowl assembly is an elongated mouthpiece. The mouthpiece includes a wide head and a narrow arm component with a longitudinally aligned conduit formed therein that communicates with an air passageway formed on the bow assembly. A cam surface is formed on the head which presses against a plunger arm when the mouthpiece is rotated to a perpendicularly aligned position on the elongated body.

Abstract: A self-light smoking tool includes a portable inhaler tube having an inhaling end, an opposed lighter-adapter end, and a treatment chamber for receiving a smoking element therein. A lighter includes a flame producing portion detachably coupling with the lighter-adapter end of the inhaler tube. The inhaler tube further includes a plurality of ventilating slots spacedly formed at a surrounding wall at a position closed to the lighter-adapter end. Therefore, the self-light smoking tool is extremely portable and has its own lighter such that the user is able to always carry a self-lighting smoking tool with him for smoking purpose.

Abstract: The present invention presents a smoking cylinder which includes a lighter chamber having a top opening which communicates with an interior surface for accommodating a cigarette lighter. A cigarette chamber is connected, typically with a spacer, to the lighter chamber. The cigarette chamber includes an interior surface for storing a single cigarette. A top cap which mates with a top surface of the cigarette chamber allows for insertion and removal of a cigarette. A bottom cleanout cap which mates with a bottom surface of the cigarette chamber allows for easy cleaning of the cigarette chamber.

Abstract: A power operated smoking device that includes a an igniting portion, wherein the igniting portion includes igniting means for igniting tobacco and pipe retaining means substantially surrounding the igniting means. The smoking device also includes a power supply means electronically connected to the igniting means and switch means electronically connected between the igniting means and the power supply means, whereby the switch means is selectively operated to provide power to the igniting means. The smoking device also includes and, a pipe removeably disposed in the igniting portion, wherein the pipe includes a tobacco retaining portion to receive tobacco therein and a mouth piece portion.

Abstract: A smoking device having a self-contained ignition mechanism. The device is in the form of a smoking pipe having a stem and a bowl, a mouthpiece extends through the stem and is connected below the bottom of the bowl; contained substantially within the stem is an igniter and a fuel tank for generating a flame in response to an actuator located on the side of the stem. The igniter generates a torch-like flame which extends into the combustion chamber at a point above the mouth piece pipe at ignite combustible material placed in the bowl.

Abstract: An ignition system for a smoking machine is disclosed. The ignition system comprises an ignition head (12) for igniting one end of a smoking article which is held by a smoking machine, a sensor (18, 20) for detecting a distance between the end of the smoking article and the ignition head (12) in a direction parallel to the axis of the smoking article, and control means (21) for automatically adjusting ignition conditions in dependence on the detected distance. The sensor (18, 20) is arranged to detect the distance across a range of offset positions of the end of the smoking article in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the smoking article, which range is greater than the width of the end of the smoking article.

Abstract: An integrated smoking device that provides a bowl for holding smoking material, an ignition source, and a mechanism for delivering ignitable fuel near the smoking material. A user control may trigger both flow and ignition of fuel. The device may include a cover for storing smoking material in the bowl when not in use. The device may be adapted for easy storage of the device in a shirt or pants pocket.

Abstract: An electrical smoking system includes a lighter having a plurality of electrical heater elements and a system for electrically actuating the heater elements. The lighter is adapted to receive a cigarette with the heater elements at least partially superposing a portion of the cigarette. The lighter further includes an electromagnet arranged in proximity to magnetic portions of the heater elements, with the electromagnet being actuable to selectively repulse or attract the heater elements.

Abstract: The apparatus and method disclosed uses the energy, heat, and/or rays of a light source, such as the sun, to light a cigarette. An apparatus is provided comprising a housing, a reflecting device having an inner surface, the reflecting device connected to the housing, and a cigarette holder connected to the housing. A cigarette can be inserted into the cigarette holder such that light from a light source reflects off the inner surface of the reflecting device and is directed towards the cigarette, causing the cigarette to light. The reflecting device may be a dish. The dish may have a focal point at which light rays reflecting off of the inner surface of the dish intersect. The cigarette holder may hold a cigarette so that a first end of the cigarette which is to be lit, is located at the focal point of the dish. The housing may be comprised of a handle device by which the apparatus can be held.

Abstract: A non-combustible smoking article is provided in which a flavor generating medium, such as a commercially available cigarette, is heated with a fuel element including a liquid fuel therein to generate flavors or other components in vapor or aerosol form. A reusable fuel element is inserted in one end of a tubular member and a flavor generating medium, such as a cigarette, is positioned in the opposite end of the tubular member. Spacing between the fuel element and the cigarette is sufficient so that the cigarette is not lit but hot gases come into contact with tobacco or the like in the cigarette to vaporize the flavor components therein.

Abstract: A lighter integral with a smoking article includes a gas burner and a tube for receiving a smokable material, such as a cigarette. The gas burner generates a stable pre-mixed flame that is used to heat the material to be smoked. The smokable material may be separated from the heat source, such as a flame or a catalyst bed, by a barrier that allows heat to flow between the heat source and an interior portion of the tube. Various configurations of barriers are provided. Furthermore, an attachment is provided that allows for the conversion of a conventional lighter into a lighter that may be integrally combined with a smoking article.

Abstract: A non-burning cigarette holder is comprised of an upstream cylindrical section of a low heat conducting material and a downstream cylindrical section of a relatively high heat conducting material. The upstream cylindrical section has a first upstream chamber for receiving a fuel source and a second downstream chamber defining a fuel mixture chamber which is in flow communication with the first upstream chamber. The downstream cylindrical section is provided with a flame holder downstream of the chamber and a flame chamber is disposed between the flame holder and a cigarette receiving chamber adapted to receive a tobacco rod or a cigarette. The fuel source may be an ethanol-water mixture disposed within the upstream cylindrical section or the fuel source may be attached to the upstream end of the upstream cylindrical section.