Abstract: A method for applying adhesive on a wrapping band of a smoking article includes moving the band along a feed direction, the band has a longitudinal direction of extension, opposing first and second surfaces, a first plurality of portions having a first thickness and a second plurality of portions having a second thickness greater than the first thickness, the portions of the first and second pluralities being disposed alternately along the direction of extension. A nozzle having a delivery end, and the band are moved towards/away from each other between a first position, where the delivery end and the second surface are at a first distance which is less than or equal to the second thickness, and a second position, where the delivery end and the second surface are at a second distance greater than the second thickness. An adhesive is delivered on the first surface through the nozzle.

Abstract: A process for the production of microspheres of thorium oxide, uranium oxide or plutonium oxide and mixtures thereof, containing carbon. The microspheres are prepared by first forming an aqueous alkaline solution of a salt of said metals which will precipitate to a solid form in a concentrated alkaline medium together with an alkaline polymerizable organic monomer and carbon, thereafter dripping this solution into a concentrated alkaline medium wherein metal hydroxide is precipitated out and said monomers polymerized to thereby form said microspheres. The precipitated metal compounds with polymerized monomer and carbon are washed to remove unwanted ions and dried by various methods such as air currents, infrared lamps, high frequency microwaves or preferably by azeotropic distillation whereby the washed particles are dispersed in an organic liquid immiscible with water which is then boiled off. Simple liquids include 1,1,1-trichloroethane, carbontetrachloride and xylene.