Abstract: In a winding assembly for winding web rolls, an enveloper assembly is used to initiate winding of a web stream onto a pre-formed core or to initiate winding of a core-forming substrate into an in-line core. The enveloper assembly comprises a first support arm operatively coupled to a second support arm; a third support arm operatively coupled to the second support arm; and an enveloper roller operatively coupled to the third support arm. The enveloper roller is movable along a cylindrical surface from a first position to a second position. The enveloper assembly accommodates a wide range of core diameters. For winding non-adhesive web streams, a tail tucker can be used in conjunction with the enveloper assembly to initiate winding. In conjunction with apparatus for inserting core-forming substrates or adhesive tabs onto a web, the winding assembly can perform high-volume, streaming production of wound web rolls.

Abstract: In a winding assembly for winding web rolls, an enveloper assembly is used to initiate winding of a web stream onto a pre-formed core or to initiate winding of a core-forming substrate into an in-line core. The enveloper assembly comprises a first support arm operatively coupled to a second support arm; a third support arm operatively coupled to the second support arm; and an enveloper roller operatively coupled to the third support arm. The enveloper roller is movable along a cylindrical surface from a first position to a second position. The enveloper assembly accommodates a wide range of core diameters. For winding non-adhesive web streams, a tail tucker can be used in conjunction with the enveloper assembly to initiate winding. In conjunction with apparatus for inserting core-forming substrates or adhesive tabs onto a web, the winding assembly can perform high-volume, streaming production of wound web rolls.

Abstract: A winding machine can wind webs into a plurality of rolls at spaced positions. The machine has a winding roll assembly including a winding roll support and driver. A rider support supports a plurality of rider rollers at and between the spaced winding positions, without projecting between the rider rollers. Some of the rider rollers can contact the rolls. Each of the rider rollers includes a rim wheel encircling the rider support and a pusher reciprocatably mounted on the rider support within the rim wheel. Each of the pushers is commonly coupled within the rider support to enable the pushers to be driven toward an extended position in response to a common force. An extrinsic force can push the pusher into a retracted position to switch into a holding state limiting the ability of the pusher to move to the extended position.

Abstract: A winding machine can wind webs into a plurality of rolls at spaced positions. The machine has a winding roll assembly including a winding roll support and driver. A rider support supports a plurality of rider rollers at and between the spaced winding positions, without projecting between the rider rollers. Some of the rider rollers can contact the rolls. Each of the rider rollers has encircling the rider support a rim wheel with a member. The member is selectively operable to interlock and move together with an adjacent one of the rim wheels. Rider rollers at the spaced winding positions can be pressed in a common direction toward the rolls to limit air entrapment. At least one adjacent pair of the rider rollers at the edge of a roll can be linked together in order to move in unison.

Abstract: Cores can be engaged and disengaged with a plurality of annular devices fitted over a mandrel. The mandrel has fluid passage communicating with a spaced plurality of radially disposed channels. Pistons in the channels can, in response to fluid pressure, extend outwardly in order to bear on the annular devices. Changes in the volume of fluid inside the fluid passage and the channels are substantially equal to the total displacement of the pistons. Each annular device has an inner ring with at least one camming track rotatably mounted inside an outer ring. The inner ring has an inside portion including a material different from material of said outer ring. The outer ring is fitted inside the core and the inner ring is fitted over the mandrel. A gripping member is fitted in an aperture of the outer ring to move along the camming track. This gripping member is outwardly thrustable through the aperture in accordance with the position of the gripping member in the camming track.

Abstract: A rewinder for rewinding a web into one or more rolls on separate cores, includes at least one rewinding mandrel having a distal end. The rewinder also has a supply device for supplying the web to the rewinding mandrel, and a drive device. The drive device can (a) rotate the rewinding mandrel in order to wind at least a portion of the web onto the rewinding mandrel, and (b) axially retract the mandrel to unload the portion of the web wound on the mandrel. Also included is a holder for holding the one or more rolls. The rewinder also has a lifter for (a) raising the holder to support the portion of the web wound on the mandrel, and (b) lowering the holder. This rewinding mandrel is rotated in order to wind at least a portion of the web onto the rewinding mandrel. The holder is then raised to support the portion of the web wound on the mandrel. Next, the mandrel is axially retracted to unload the portion of the web wound on the mandrel, before lowering the holder.