Abstract: A rewinder machine optically inspects banded paper unwound from a first bobbin by directing an elongated beam of light laterally across the paper. The elongated beam impinges the surface of the paper and forms reflections. A line scan camera containing a linear CCD array receives the reflections and generates output signals. A line scan processor processes the output signals to generate data indicative of the spacing between bands, the width of the bands, and the contrast of the bands. These calculations may be periodically transferred to a separate computer workstation over a network. The workstation generates statistical reports on the basis of the calculations, such as the band width, band spacing and band contrast as a function of lane number, and as a function of time. After being inspected by the camera, the paper is rewound on a rewind bobbin. Various mechanical features of the rewind machine allow rapid mounting and removal of bobbins of paper, and provide for high speed operation.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for laminating a strip of foil to each edge of a double-width strip of cigarette tipping paper. A double-width strip of foil having a water-activated adhesive on one side is slit into two strips which are separated to the width of the tipping paper, run over a water-applying drum, and laid down on the tipping paper. The apparatus includes a low friction air bearing strip guiding system and a feedback system for controlling strip tension. The water-applying drum has a textured surface to retain sufficient water to activate the adhesive without overwetting the foil strip.