Abstract: An inspection system and method for optically inspecting substantially the entire circumference of a cylindrical surface, such as a cigarette is provided. The system includes first and second moveable supports for supporting and transporting the cigarette so that a first side of the cylindrical surface of the cigarette is presented to a first visual inspection apparatus and a second side, which includes at least those portions of the cylindrical surface of the cigarette not included in the first side, is presented to a second visual inspection apparatus. Each visual inspection apparatus includes an illumination source for illuminating the presented side of the cigarette's surface. Each illumination source is configured to direct light onto the cigarette's surface substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cigarette at a low, acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Silent touch fastener material adapted to releasably engage a mating surface and adapted to produce reduced sound during rapid separation of the touch fastener material from the mating surface. The material comprises a planar backing material having an engaging surface thereon contacting the backing material at discrete points and adapted to releasably engage the mating surface and means for reducing the coupling of noise-producing vibration from the backing material into the surrounding air.