Abstract: An inspection system and associated method are provided for inspecting a smoking article having a smokable rod and a filter element serially secured together by a tipping material circumscribing a longitudinal periphery of the filter element and a portion of a longitudinal periphery of the smokable rod adjacent to the filter element. A transport device is configured to transport individual as-formed smoking articles from a first to a second position such that the tipping material associated with each smoking article is accessible at least about the portion of the longitudinal periphery of the smoking article. An inspection device is configured to optically inspect each smoking article, at least about the portion of the longitudinal periphery of the smoking article having the tipping material, as the smoking article is transported between the first and second positions, and to automatically determine from the optical inspection whether the inspected smoking article is defective.

Abstract: A smoking article production apparatus and method for producing smoking articles is provided, each smoking article including serially engaged filter rod and tobacco rod sections. A rotatable drum includes a longitudinally-extending receiving surface defining a plurality of channels for receiving smoking articles arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drum. An inspection device is arranged to inspect each smoking article in the channels of the drum and to determine whether any of the smoking articles are defective. Any defective smoking articles are directed away from the drum. A rotatable sampling drum is in communication with the drum and is configured to receive defective smoking articles therefrom. A severing device is disposed adjacent the sampling drum to sever each defective smoking article to separate a portion of the tobacco rod section from the remainder of the defective smoking article including the filter section. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: An inspection system and associated method are provided for inspecting a smoking article having a smokable rod and a filter element serially secured together by a tipping material circumscribing a longitudinal periphery of the filter element and a portion of a longitudinal periphery of the smokable rod adjacent to the filter element. A transport device is configured to transport individual as-formed smoking articles from a first to a second position such that the tipping material associated with each smoking article is accessible at least about the portion of the longitudinal periphery of the smoking article. An inspection device is configured to optically inspect each smoking article, at least about the portion of the longitudinal periphery of the smoking article having the tipping material, as the smoking article is transported between the first and second positions, and to automatically determine from the optical inspection whether the inspected smoking article is defective.

Abstract: An inspection system and associated method are provided for inspecting a smoking article having a smokable rod and a filter element serially secured together by a tipping material circumscribing a longitudinal periphery of the filter element and a portion of a longitudinal periphery of the smokable rod adjacent to the filter element. A transport device is configured to transport individual as-formed smoking articles from a first to a second position such that the tipping material associated with each smoking article is accessible at least about the portion of the longitudinal periphery of the smoking article. An inspection device is configured to optically inspect each smoking article, at least about the portion of the longitudinal periphery of the smoking article having the tipping material, as the smoking article is transported between the first and second positions, and to automatically determine from the optical inspection whether the inspected smoking article is defective.

Abstract: Disclosed are computer systems for facilitating market transactions between sellers, buyers, and carriers of perishable commodities. One system includes computer hardware that: features computer readable memory containing program code; and is organized according to client-server architecture. In the same embodiment, the hardware plus associated program code and architecture are configured for: sellers to list the prices and quantities of perishable commodities; buyers to search or bid for listed commodities by price; buyers to order listed commodities for delivery; a seller's approval of orders; buyers or sellers to list haul orders based on approved orders, wherein the haul orders identify a pickup and delivery location plus the ordered quantities of commodities; carriers to search for and provide a price quote for serviceable haul orders; buyers or sellers to approve quoted prices for a haul orders; and, buyers, sellers, or carriers to negotiate payments for approved commodities or haul orders.

Abstract: A test waveguide (33) for evaluating the performance of microwave probe assemblies (1, 13) and their associated analysis equipment is mounted on a stand (56). The test waveguide (33) includes geometry that is similar to that found on the test cell assembly (2) used during commercial production activities. The test waveguide (33) includes an unsealed interior space (41) that remains accessible while the probe assemblies (1, 13) are fastened to the test waveguide. One or more reference blocks (59) are formed having known characteristics that permit calibration and evaluation of the probe assemblies and their associated analysis equipment.

Abstract: A system and associated method for analyzing a filter element of at least one of a filter rod and a smoking article is provided. At least one sensor element is adapted to interact with the filter element so as to determine an object insertion status with respect thereto and to generate an output signal in response. The object insertion status includes at least one of an object presence within the filter element, an object absence from the filter element, a proper insertion of an object into the filter element, a defective insertion of an object into the filter element, a proper object within the filter element, and a defective object within the filter element. An analysis unit is in communication with the at least one sensor element and responsive to the output signal therefrom to generate an indicia corresponding to the object insertion status.

Abstract: An inspection system and associated method are provided for inspecting a cigarette package. A transport device is configured to transport individual cigarette packages to an inspection position such that at least a portion of the cigarette package is visibly accessible for optical inspection. An inspection device is configured to optically inspect each cigarette package, at least about the visibly accessible portion thereof, as the cigarette package is transported through the inspection position, and to automatically determine from the optical inspection whether the inspected cigarette package is defective.

Abstract: An inspection system and associated method are provided for inspecting a smoking article having a smokable rod and a filter element serially secured together by a tipping material circumscribing a longitudinal periphery of the filter element and a portion of a longitudinal periphery of the smokable rod adjacent to the filter element. A transport device is configured to transport individual as-formed smoking articles from a first to a second position such that the tipping material associated with each smoking article is accessible at least about the portion of the longitudinal periphery of the smoking article. An inspection device is configured to optically inspect each smoking article, at least about the portion of the longitudinal periphery of the smoking article having the tipping material, as the smoking article is transported between the first and second positions, and to automatically determine from the optical inspection whether the inspected smoking article is defective.

Abstract: A system and associated method for analyzing a filter element of at least one of a filter rod and a smoking article is provided. At least one sensor element is adapted to interact with the filter element so as to determine an object insertion status with respect thereto and to generate an output signal in response. The object insertion status includes at least one of an object presence within the filter element, an object absence from the filter element, a proper insertion of an object into the filter element, a defective insertion of an object into the filter element, a proper object within the filter element, and a defective object within the filter element. An analysis unit is in communication with the at least one sensor element and responsive to the output signal therefrom to generate an indicia corresponding to the object insertion status.

Abstract: A first, optional second, optional third air conditioning systems employing air condensers and/or water condensers, coupled to a water source are disclosed. The water source includes a water to air heat exchanger, which is not coupled to nor provides cooling to either a habitable interior space or an attic.

Abstract: A first, optional second, optional third air conditioning systems employing air condensers and/or water condensers, coupled to a water source are disclosed. The water source includes a water to air heat exchanger, which is not coupled to nor provides cooling to either a habitable interior space or an attic.

Abstract: A system management tool (10) includes an input system (12). An electronic library (14) is connected to the input system (12) and includes a process diagram (16) for modeling a system. An evaluation system (18) is connected to the electronic library (14). A corrective action system (20) is connected to the evaluation system (18). An assessment and analysis system (22) is connected to the corrective action system (20). The assessment and analysis system (22) measures and documents a corrective action.