Abstract: A device and method for preparing a fully granular cigarette/filter rod, and a prepared fully granular cigarette/filter rod are disclosed. In certain embodiments, negative pressure is used to adhere granular material onto a mesh-type conveyor belt. The granular material is preliminarily formed into fully granular cigarette/filter rod material by means of a pre-forming apparatus; the fully granular cigarette/filter rod material, traveling with the mesh-type conveyor belt, enters into a forming cavity, and undergoes heating and humidifying treatment, and a continuous solid porous substance is formed; the continuous solid porous substance is moved into the cooling/drying cavity, drying and cooling treatment are performed under the action of negative pressure, and a fully granular cigarette/filter rod with strong adhesion, porosity, permeability, and appropriate moisture is obtained.

Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of a device for detecting rain or a substance on a windshield includes at least one radiation source, an internal reflection sensor situated to detect at least some of a first portion of the radiation that reflects from the windshield. The internal reflection sensor provides a first output that has a characteristic that differs based on whether at least one raindrop is on the windshield. A scattered reflection sensor is situated to detect at least some of a second portion of the radiation reflecting from rain near the windshield or a substance on the windshield. The scattered reflection sensor provides a second output indicative of an amount of radiation incident on the scattered reflection sensor. A processor is configured to determine a condition of the windshield based on the first output and the second output.