Abstract: One or more tapes being pulled toward the mandrel of a tube winding machine are tensioned by passing them over vacuum chambers. Glue is applied to one or more tapes adjacent the vacuum chambers. If the tube winding machine stops for any reason, the vacuum chambers keep the tapes to which glue is applied taut, and those tapes are moved out of contact with the glue applying member. The length of each tape which is in contact with the glue applying member can be adjusted to adjust the amount of glue applied to the tape. Heat can be applied to each tape after glue has been applied in order to promote curing of the glue.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting a cigarette having a variable smoking characteristic to a preselected level of that characteristic is provided. A cigarette having a rotatable element for controlling a smoking characteristic, and assembled with a first level of that characteristic, is adjusted to a preselected second level by a drum and cooperating belt which engage the rotatable element and which move relatively faster and slower, or slower and faster, respectively, than a drum and belt holding the remainder of the cigarette.