Abstract: A sealed modular trim supplemental side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) module assembly includes a SABIC and a vehicle trim assembly encapsulating the SABIC. The SABIC is sealed within the vehicle trim assembly and provided as a complete compact module configured for subsequent attachment to a vehicle roll bar.

Abstract: A cigarette density profile measurement system which utilizes a hopper system for storing a large number of cigarette rods whose density is to be measured which hopper system is used to feed one cigarette rod at a time to a fixed cigarette holder which incorporates a beta gauge system which sequentially irradiates a slice of the cigarette rod with beta particles for measurement of the mass of tobacco contained in that slice of the cigarette rod. By measuring the number of beta particles which pass through each slice of the cigarette rod, the cigarette density profile measurement system is able to determine the density of the tobacco contained in the cigarette rod being measured. A programmed microcomputer is utilized to control the cigarette density profile measurement system and is also provided with additional software for analyzing the density data.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for automatically inspecting cigarette rods for spots and stains are disclosed in which a hopper assembly apparatus is utilized to present cigarette samples one at a time to a CCD camera which takes an image of a 36 degree slice of the surface of the outer wrapper of the cigarette. The image is digitized, analyzed and stored. The cigarette is then rotated through 360 degrees and an image of each 36 degree segment of its outer surface is obtained, analyzed and the data stored. The system then selects another cigarette and repeats the inspection and evaluation process.

Abstract: The system includes a linear array of mutually spaced weighing devices. Each weighing device has a weighing platform having an article-receiving seat and a sloping cam surface for directing articles onto such seat. During each weighing operation, a group of articles to be weighed are moved in unison with each other to successive different locations longitudinally of the array of weighing devices. In each of the locations a plurality but less than all of the articles are weighed substantially simultaneously by associated underlying ones of the weighing devices. Articles weighed at each location are separated from each other by other articles that are not weighed at such location. An article support member supports the articles for movement longitudinally of the array of weighing devices, and also for limited vertical movement relative to the support member.

Abstract: The system includes a first computer for communicating with automatic guided vehicles on a guided vehicle loop and storing information related to vehicle position. A second computer determines vehicle destinations. The first computer and the second computer maintain separate databases. Information in the data of the first computer relating to vehicle position is copied into the database of the second computer to assist in making vehicle destination determinations and the vehicle destination information stored in the database of the second computer is copied into the first computer. The invention also includes a unique fast and slow polling routine to insure that data transfer to the vehicles requiring it most is achieved in any polling cycle.