Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the tension of each lead of a multiple lead printing press setup includes a transducer roller interposed in the lead setup to detect the gain (increased tension) in the paper web as it exits from the print cylinder unit. An electronically controlled variable ratio gear assembly is interposed between the drag roller and the drag roller driver shaft. A variable gain tension controller receives the gain signal from the transducer roller and a tachometer signal from the main press drive shaft, as well as a gain setpoint signal. The variable ratio gear assembly includes an harmonic gear assembly and a control motor connected to the harmonic wave generator. The output controller signal of the variable gain tension controller is fed to the control motor to selectively vary the rotational velocity of the wave generator, thereby varying rotational speed of the drag roller and regulating the tension of the paper web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine and method for slitting elongated rolls of web material rolled upon a tubular core utilizing a circular double edged knife blade in combination with a circular saw blade. Both blades are rotatably mounted within a rigid common carriage. The carriage is mounted for movement parallel to the axis of the elongated roll to a plurality of cutting locations along the length of the roll and for movement in a cutting stroke perpendicular to the axis of the elongated roll. The machine and method of the present invention may also utilize a separate knife blade to cut the core of the roll.

Abstract: A rotary cutting mechanism for transversely slicing an elongated rotatably driven roll of material such as plastic film into a number of narrower rolls includes a pair of spaced-apart knife cutting blades mounted for free rotation about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roll. A rotary saw blade is mounted intermediate and in axial alignment with the cutting blades, and is independently driven to remove material between the cutting blade edges as the blades are moved together to slice the roll. The finished narrower cut rolls therefore exhibit smoothly finished side edges and are readily separable from each other, there being no frictional heat developed by the cutting blade edges which are free to turn with the material on the roll as they slice through it.

Abstract: An improved roll slitting machine of the type used to slit wide rolls of material into narrow width rolls or ribbons includes an air chuck having gripping jaws which are actuated through multiple fluid logic paths to grip the roll of material for rotation about a changeable stationary mandrel. One end of the mandrel is supported by the machine frame and the opposite end is supported for quick release in the chuck.

Abstract: A multiple shaft, turret roll-slitting machine having a slitting knife mounted for movement along a path parallel to the axis of a roll to be slit and for radial movement into the roll at selected axial locations. The machine has at least two shafts upon which rolls of material are to be mounted and those shafts are movable from a cutting station to a loading and unloading station and are mounted on a turret to achieve such movement. When a first shaft is in the cutting station, it is oriented relevant to the slitting knife such that it can be slit into narrow width tape or ribbons by the slitter. At the same time, a second shaft is located in the loading and unloading station such that a previously slit roll can be removed and a new roll can be loaded into the shaft while the roll on the first shaft is being cut. The turret is then indexed reversing the positions of the first and second shafts.