Abstract: An arrangement in connection with a spreader roll drive where the driving motor is directly connected to the one end of the spreader roll. Bearings support the end of the stationary axle within the drive shaft. The drive shaft is supported by bearings within a spherical ball clamp, which is held by a spherical cavity in a bracket. The drive shaft is connected to a motor or a motor and gearbox arrangement by a flexible coupling.

Abstract: A spreader roll that is useful to spread a slit web into a plurality of split webs for rewinding or at numerous other critical processes positions on web machines and related finishing and converting equipment. The spreader roll includes a bowable shaft and a plurality of interconnected cylinder elements mounted for rotation about the shaft. The cylinder elements each include a cylindrical outer surface and opposite end portions having nonlinear profiles to thereby provide intermittent support of the split webs as they pass over the spreader roll.