Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing edges of reels of web material, where a reel is held with its axis horizontal; a manipulator applies a first adhesive element on an outer surface of the reel; a gripping member picks up the first adhesive element and forms a loop; and a cutting device transversely cuts the web material at the loop. A section of web material with a length equal to or greater than a circumference of the reel is unwound from the reel; a second adhesive element is applied on an outer surface or on an inner surface of the web material; and a scrap portion of the web material is cut and discarded by a suction device.

Abstract: An inventory management device wherein the user inputs a material of known characteristics such as weight, thickness, and width, or length into a computer via user interface. The device calculates the length of the material and displays the remaining coiled length on a display screen. When the user is ready to feed the material, the material is rolled over a feed wheel, which turns a measure wheel. The measure wheel communicates with a computer control chip to deduct the quantity fed off the coil. The actual remaining length is shown on the display screen in real time or near real time. When the user is finished working with the material, the user can select to print a label with a barcode to affix to the material. The barcode contains characteristics of the material so the material can be inventoried and/or reused on the feeder.

Abstract: Device for handling paper reels, comprising a bridge crane (CP) with movable arms (BC) each of which is adapted to engage a pin (P) insertable into a corresponding side of a reel (1) and a platform (PB) adapted for supporting the reel (1). The device further comprises detection means adapted to detect load variations on said arms (BC) during insertion of the pins (P) inside the reel (1), and moving means adapted to achieve a relative movement between the reel (1) and the arms (BC) when the absolute value of a variation of the load detected by said detection means exceeds a predetermined limit up to bring said value below the predetermined limit.

Abstract: A roll holding apparatus includes a pair of holding members and an advancing/retracting support device. The pair of holding members is configured to be inserted into an inner periphery of a print-receiving paper roll. The pair of holding members is configured to rotatably support the print-receiving paper roll. The advancing/retracting support device is configured to support the holding member to switch an advancing/retracting state of the holding member into a first state, second state, or a third state. A tip end portion of the holding member protrudes to a first position in the first state. The tip end portion lies inward along an axial direction of the print-receiving paper roll than the first position in the second state. The tip end portion lies outward along the axial direction from the first position in the third state.

Abstract: A medium holder is provided with a movement restriction section that restricts movement in a direction that is opposite to a side that holds the rolled medium during installation of a medium loading device in a medium loading section.

Abstract: The loading apparatus (1) for loading rolls (2) of fiber based sheet material to an application unit for the production of fiber-reinforced parts comprises a frame (4) on which a lift (5) is arranged displaceably in vertical direction and is adapted to carry at least one roll (2). The lift (5) comprises a swivel mechanism (6) arranged rotatably about a swivel axis (7) and comprising at least first grippers (18) adapted to releasably grip shaft ends (9) of a first roll (2a) and second grippers (19) adapted to releasably grip shaft ends (10) of a second roll (2b). A method of loading rolls is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and process is described for producing spirally wound products. According to the process of the present disclosure, two or more webs are conveyed together in a superimposed relationship. The webs are then separated such that one web goes to a first winding module while a second web goes to a second winding module, etc. In this manner, at least two spirally wound products can be produced simultaneously. The process and system of the present disclosure are particularly well suited for processing tissue webs, such as paper towels and bath tissue. The process of the present disclosure can effectively at least double throughput on existing winding systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bobbin changing device (1) for feeding bobbins to and/or removing bobbins from a processing system (40) which can wind a strand-like material onto a bobbin and/or from a bobbin, wherein the bobbin changing device (1) has at least one conveyor system (30) which comprises, for example, two conveyor belts (31, 32), and a swivel fork (10). At least one bobbin receiving site (21, 22) on which a bobbin can be placed is formed on the swivel fork (10). By lifting, lowering and/or swivelling the swivel fork (10) in a specific sequence and repeating same, bobbins can be fed to the processing system (40) and the conveyor system (30) and/or removed therefrom and in this way a bobbin change can be carried out. The conveyor system (30) and the movement area of the swivel fork (10) may be at least partially interpenetrating.

Abstract: A mandrel cupping assembly for releaseably engaging the unsupported ends of a plurality of mandrels supported on a web winding turret assembly is disclosed. Each of the mandrels is driven in a closed mandrel path about a web winding turret assembly axis. The mandrel cupping assembly has a cupping arm turret with a cupping arm turret central axis, a cupping arm cooperatively associated with each mandrel of the plurality of mandrels, and a first actuator for disposing the cupping arm from a hold-open position to a hold-closed position. Each of the cupping arms is disposed radially about the cupping arm turret and is carried in a radial orbital path about the cupping arm turret central axis while disposed in either of the hold-open position or the hold-closed position.

Abstract: A wire handling facilitator in the form of a backpack. An apparatus that is useful for handling small rolls of wire that is to be welded into channels of metal surfaces.

Abstract: An automated dispenser includes a rotatable carousel including a mounting station for a primary roll of sheet product and a mounting station for a reserve roll of sheet product; mounting brackets configured for mounting the carousel such that it is movable between a locked, rearward position for dispensing and a forward position where the carousel is rotatable for reloading; a drive system including a motor coupled to a drive roller and control circuitry; a transfer mechanism adapted so as to be operable to urge a tail of the reserve roll toward a dispensing nip of the drive system upon depletion of the primary roll; a housing; and an auxiliary access aperture fitted with an access door, the auxiliary aperture and access door being configured and adapted to be manually operable to expose the reserve roll for manual dispensing.

Abstract: A wire handling facilitator in the form of a backpack. An apparatus that is useful for handling small rolls of wire that is to be welded into channels of metal surfaces.

Abstract: The loading apparatus (1) for loading rolls (2) of fibre based sheet material to an application unit for the production of fibre-reinforced parts comprises a frame (4) on which a lift (5) is arranged displaceably in vertical direction and is adapted to carry at least one roll (2). The lift (5) comprises a swivel mechanism (6) arranged rotatably about a swivel axis (7) and comprising at least first grippers (18) adapted to releasably grip shaft ends (9) of a first roll (2a) and second grippers (19) adapted to releasably grip shaft ends (10) of a second roll (2b). A method of loading rolls is also disclosed.

Abstract: For supplying machines, namely packaging machines, with web-like packaging material which is present in the form of a reel, a reel store (15) is fitted out with a portal (16), in which the reels (10 . . . 13) are kept on pallets (14). A portal robot (20) with an articulated arm (27) transfers reels (10 . . . 13) as required to winding subassemblies (29 . . . 32) arranged outside the portal (16). From these winding subassemblies, the material webs are transported toward opposite sides, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the portal (16), to the consuming machines.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a revolving rack for the distribution and storage of chain on spools and a method of distribution and storage thereof, and more specifically, to a revolving rack with multiple spools placed on removable spool holders attached to a manual or automatic rotating mechanism that is user activated to place a selected spool at a desired operative position for distribution of chain. The revolving rack including a rotating mechanism connected to a frame with two roller chains placed on bottom sprockets and top sprockets having a built-in mechanism to hold a selected spool at a fixed height. Spools are inserted in spool holders and then adapted on the revolving rack. A drive mechanism rotates the spool holders a desired position either manually or electrically. The revolving rack also includes a sturdy frame having an operative section for receiving the rotating mechanism and a fixation section with a forklift-type interface.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a reel-holding unit for a wrapping machine for wrapping a product with a film unwound by a plurality of rollers from the reel and a reel-changing unit for replacing a finished reel with a new reel, the reel-holding unit and the reel-changing unit being mutually positionable in a reel-change configuration in such a manner that the new reel can be positioned instead of the finished reel, the reel-changing unit being provided with elements that define a curvilinear path for an initial portion of the film of the new reel, the elements being positionable in the reel-change configuration such that when a roller of the plurality of rollers is positioned at a curve, at least one of the elements is completely interposed between the film and the roller.

Abstract: A stock supply station for use in a insulated glass unit component production line includes a plurality of rotatable sheet stock coils, an indexing mechanism, and an uncoiling mechanism. The indexing mechanism is coupled to the sheet stock coils for indexing a selected one of the sheet stock coils to an uncoiling position. The uncoiling mechanism selectively uncoils sheet stock from a sheet stock coil indexed to the uncoiling position to thereby provide sheet stock to a downstream processing station.

Abstract: An assembly for lifting a reel of cable above the floor and supporting it for easy rotation, uses two frame members slidably and pivotably coupled to each other. The first frame has a stop for engaging the periphery of a reel and the second frame or trolley is pivotally and slidably coupled to the first frame via a toggle mechanism. The trolley is pivoted out of the way to a first position to permit a cable reel to engage the stop member of the first frame and then pivoted back to a second position to capture the reel within a cable reel receiving channel in the trolley. The receiving channel has a pivot end near the first frame and a reel-engaging stop member near the opposite end of the channel. The toggle mechanism levers the second frame in sliding relation toward the first frame to capture and lift the reel between the stop members of the first frame and the trolley. The stop members have rotary features and a motor driven assist to rotate one of them for facilitating rotation of the reel.

Abstract: A gravity-feed tissue roll dispenser for a plurality of tissue rolls includes: (a) a housing; (b) a supply turret with a plurality of spindles for mounting a plurality of tissue rolls for dispensing; (c) means for rotatably mounting the supply turret in the housing about a center of rotation such that a vertical line through the center of rotation of the turret defines a biasing sector of the dispenser and the spindles rotate between upper and lower positions, the dispenser also having a dispensing sector adjacent the biasing sector; (d) stop means adapted for securing a loaded spindle in an elevated dispensing position in the dispensing sector of the tissue dispenser, the dispensing position being elevated with respect to a lower limit of travel of the spindle upon rotation of the turret; wherein the stop means are responsive to depletion of the loaded spindle so as to allow rotation of the turret upon depletion of a roll of tissue mounted thereabout; and wherein further the turret and stop means are configu

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for changing the unwinding direction of wound laps supplied by a delivery station in order to form a group of wound laps in which the face sides of adjacent wound laps are provided with the same distance and the longitudinal axes of the wound laps are disposed in one line. A rotatable vertical shaft is provided with one or more horizontal receivers that receive the laps sequetially and rotate each lap by 90° with the division of a winding group being maintained.

Abstract: An apparatus exchanges a roll remnant and a full roll. The apparatus comprises a dump cradle and a roll-transfer surface. The roll-transfer surface includes an extension element capable of transitioning between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus also includes a roll-delivery element capable of providing a fresh roll of material to the dump cradle and of removing a remnant of a previous roll from the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for changing the winding-off direction of reels (W,W1) which are delivered in succession by a delivery station (1) in order to form a reel group (WG) in which the front faces of adjacent reels (W) are equally spaced (a) and the longitudinal axes (LA) of the reels (W) are in a line. In practice, it is sometimes necessary to arrange the preparation machine for producing a reel (W) in such a way in relation to the combing machine group being used that the reels that are delivered by the preparation machine have a different winding-off direction in the ejected winding-off direction to that necessary for the subsequent combing machine. It is therefore necessary to rotate the reels (e.g. 90° or 180°) while preserving the division of the reel group.

Abstract: An actuating valve has two relay valves connected to a compressed air source and a pneumatic cylinder with two pressure chambers. When one relay valve is actuated, one pressure chamber is pressure-loaded and the other is relieved. Two 3/2 port directional control valves are arranged upstream of the pneumatic cylinder. Two check valves are positioned in branch lines connecting the relay valves and the directional control valves. A control line connects the branch line to the other directional control valve, respectively. The directional control valves are moveable between a first position allowing compressed air to pass and a pressure relief position. When the relay valves are inactive, the directional control valves are in the first position and the relay valves are in a venting position for the branch lines. When one relay valve is actuated, it assumes a position allowing passage of air to the branch line connected to it.

Abstract: A bobbin creel is supported on a holder so as to be pivotable by a four-bar linkage arranged on the machine frame of a textile machine. The holder forms the stationary member of the four-bar linkage. The bobbin creel is pivotable from a lower loading position into an upper operating position by a pneumatic cylinder connected with one end on the holder and with the other end to one of the movable four-bar linkage members. For pivoting the bobbin creel from the upper operating position into the lower loading position, the pneumatic cylinder is a bidirectional pneumatic cylinder loadable at both ends with compressed air and a correlated actuating valve.

Abstract: A winding roll lifting device is provided in which the base end side of a supporting arm (5), having a tip side installed rotatably on a hook part (34) of the lifting device (1), is installed on the upper side of a main body (2), and a base end (8b) of a chuck part (8a) to be inserted into a winding roll (30) is installed rotatably on the lower side of the main body (2). The supporting arm (5) is rotated about the upper side of the main body (2) in the direction approaching the chuck part (8a) in synchronization with the rotation of the chuck part (8a) about the lower side of the main body (2) by a drive mechanism of the main body (2) from vertical to horizontal state so as to raise the winding roll (30) from the vertical to horizontal state.

Abstract: The device comprises in combination: a carriage (1) movable in a direction of displacement between a loading and unloading position and an unwinding position; on said carriage, at least one oscillating arm (25) for supporting at least one reel (B) of web material, and at least one actuator (39) for moving said oscillating arm; in the unwinding position, a flexible unwinding member (45) driven around a plurality of pulleys (47, 49, 51, 53), at least one of which is motorized, a member (61) for tensioning the flexible unwinding member being associated with at least one (47) of said pulleys.

Abstract: A device for storing, transporting and feeding a roll-forming web of printing material for a machine for processing the material. The device has a housing that surrounds and includes a receptacle for the roll. The housing is manipulatable in a manner analogous to a pallet, and is disposed for receiving and surrounding the roll, from which the web of printing material is unwindable.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the type dealing with relatively wide documents of the present invention includes a generally L-shaped bar. The bar extends from one side of an apparatus body to a position above a document table and is angularly movable in the direction of width of the apparatus body. The bar includes a horizontal portion that includes a semicircular trough playing the role of a document guide. A document or documents are simply rolled up together and then put on the horizontal portion. The documents are pulled out of the horizontal portion one by one and inserted into the apparatus body.

Abstract: Device to automatically attach a first bobbin-bearing mandrel (11) to a second mandrel (15) of a machine, wherein the first mandrel (11) and the second mandrel (15) have substantially the same outer diameter and are suitable to be inserted selectively into the central hole of the bobbin (13), coupling member (40, 50) being provided on the first mandrel (11) to selectively couple with the second mandrel (15), to allow the coaxial transfer of the bobbin (13) from one to the other of the mandrels (11 and 15).

Abstract: A rotary tape dispenser comprises a container including an inlet, an outlet, and a pin; a circular rotary plate having a portion exposed at the inlet and including a center hole, a plurality of cylinders around the center, a plurality of pairs of adjacent guide posts along the periphery wherein the number of the pairs of adjacent guide posts is equal to that of the cylinders, and a central sleeve put on and rotatable about the pin; a plurality of rolls of adhesive tapes wound on the cylinders, each roll having an open end pulled through the gap between the pair of guide posts; and a blade adjacent the outlet. The exposed portion of the rotary plate is counterclockwise rotatable to turn the rolls until one desired roll has turned to a position at the outlet. In response the roll can be pull and cut by the blade.

Abstract: Bobbins containing convoluted webs of sheet material, particularly wrapping material for smokers' products, are transferred from a stack—wherein the axes of the cores of bobbins are vertical—onto the horizontal stub of a receiver in a web processing machine by an apparatus wherein a first set of jaws serves to engage the core of a fresh bobbin from within preparatory to transfer to the receiver and simultaneous pivoting of the first set of jaws through 90°. When the supply of web on the core borne by the stub of the receiver is exhausted, the external surface of the thus exposed core is engaged by a second set of jaws which transport the core to a collecting station or the like. Sheet-like partitions which are disposed between neighboring layers of fresh bobbins in the stack are removed by suction cups which are mounted on a reciprocable pusher together with the jaws of the second set.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a roll of previously wound material and for unwinding the material from the roll is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow column around which a lift arm assembly is moved from a load position to an unwind position. A lifting mechanism for lifting the roll after it is loaded at the load position is also provided. A plurality of lift arm assemblies can be provided so that a stand-by roll can be loaded onto the apparatus to be quickly rotated into an unwinding position. The lift arm assembly supports the roll without the use of a shaft through the core of the roll. A drive motor is provided which includes a splined shaft for engaging the roll and turning the roll to unwind the material therefrom.

Abstract: A rotary-type circuit-component supplying apparatus including a plurality of feeders each of which stores a plurality of circuit components of a same sort and which supplies the components one by one from a component-supply portion thereof, at least one rotary table which is rotatable about a first axis line which is substantially vertical and which holds the feeders such that the respective component-supply portions of the feeders are arranged along a circle having a center on the first axis line, and a table-driving device which rotates and stops the rotary table to position the component-supply portion of each of the feeders at a predetermined component-supplying position, the feeders including at least one pendent feeder which includes a main portion which is held by the rotary table such that the main portion extends in a substantially horizontal direction, and which supports a tape-feeding mechanism which feeds a tape carrying the circuit components to the component-supply portion of the pendent feeder,

Abstract: A dereeler for welding wire capable of dispensing wire from very heavy loaded reels wherein the reel may be rolled upon the reel spool peripheries into the dereeler and manually raised to a reel rotatable position. A carriage upon which the cradles supporting the reel are mounted is supported on a frame by a linkage system wherein pivoting of the carriage between reel loading and unloading positions permits the reel axle to be received within the cradles while the reel spools are supported on the floor, and pivoting of the carriage on the frame lifts the reel axle supported in the cradles from the supporting floor surface permitting rotation of the reel for wire dispensing purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing paper from rolls which feeds continuously, roll to roll, and does not require extra procedure to bring stub roll into position. The apparatus has means for holding and positioning at least first and second rolls of paper with respect to each other; means for dispensing paper from the first roll; means for dispensing paper from the first and second rolls simultaneously when the first roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper, means for positioning the depleted first roll for replacement without the necessity of removing the second roll; and means for dispensing from the second and replacement rolls simultaneously when the second roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper. The apparatus also has a proximity sensor, which senses when a hand is placed near the dispenser, and thereupon dispenses a set amount of towel. The proximity sensor incorporates “static” and noise immunity circuitry.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing paper from rolls which feeds continuously, roll to roll, and does not require extra procedure to bring stub roll into position. The apparatus has means for holding and positioning at least first and second rolls of paper with respect to each other; means for dispensing paper from the first roll; means for dispensing paper from the first and second rolls simultaneously when the first roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper, means for positioning the depleted first roll for replacement without the necessity of removing the second roll; and means for dispensing from the second and replacement rolls simultaneously when the second roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper. The apparatus also has a proximity sensor, which senses when a hand is placed near the dispenser, and thereupon dispenses a set amount of towel. The dispenser incorporates means for dissipating static charges to a local ground.

Abstract: A magazine for a plurality of reels of tape provided with a device for selecting a reel of tape to be used, comprising a plurality of supports for the reels, which can slide on a guide so that the reels form a stack whose axis is parallel to the guide, elements for actuating simultaneously the plurality of supports along the guide in order to position the reel of tape to be used in a preset point of the guide.

Abstract: Device to automatically attach a first bobbin-bearing mandrel (11) to a second mandrel (15) of a machine, wherein the first mandrel (11) and the second mandrel (15) have substantially the same outer diameter and are suitable to be inserted selectively into the central hole of the bobbin (13), coupling means (40, 50) being provided on the first mandrel (11) to selectively couple with the second mandrel (15), to allow the coaxial transfer of the bobbin (13) from one to the other of said mandrels (11 and 15).

Abstract: Bobbins containing convoluted webs of sheet material, particularly wrapping material for smokers' products, are transferred from a stack—wherein the axes of the cores of bobbins are vertical—onto the horizontal stub of a receiver in a web processing machine by an apparatus wherein a first set of jaws serves to engage the core of a fresh bobbin from within preparatory to transfer to the receiver and simultaneous pivoting of the first set of jaws through 90°. When the supply of web on the core borne by the stub of the receiver is exhausted, the external surface of the thus exposed core is engaged by a second set of jaws which transport the core to a collecting station or the like. Sheet-like partitions which are disposed between neighboring layers of fresh bobbins in the stack are removed by suction cups which are mounted on a reciprocable pusher together with the jaws of the second set.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling reels (10) by means of a vertical reel conveyor (15). The latter is provided with a lifting head (18) which can be moved up and down on a vertical bearing column (17) and has a projecting conveyor journal (19) for moving into a centre opening (11) in a reel (10) which is to be picked up. The reels (10) are arranged one above the other in the region of a stock of reels (13), with their centre openings (11) running vertically. The lifting head (18) or part of this head can be rotated in order to transfer the reel (10) to the working journal (16).

Abstract: In an unroll device provision is made for at least one unroll stand which comprises two lugs lodged in bearing supports. The bearing levers are horizontally movable individually. Furthermore, a supporting shaft is run on the bearing supports of an unroll stand in such a way that it can be shifted parallel allel to itself, but also out of its base position in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A nudging device that can be used for aligning the core of a roll of paper with a caliper used for loading the roll into a roll stand. The nudging device has a nudging plate with a pivoted end and a free end. The pivoted end of the nudging plate is pivotally attached to a base by a pivot. The base can be securely maintained stationary with respect to a surface supporting a roll of paper to be nudged. The nudging device also has a means for pivoting the nudging plate from its resting position, and this means may be a pneumatic actuator (such as an air bladder), a hydraulic actuator, a ball screw actuator, or a pawl and ratchet actuator. The pivot is strategically placed on the base so that as the nudging plate is pivoted from its resting position, the free end of the nudging plate travels through an arc in a first circular direction (e.g., clockwise) while causing the roll to be nudged away from the nudging device as the roll moves in a second circular direction (e.g.

Abstract: A machine for lifting a roll of previously wound material and for unwinding the material from the roll is disclosed. The machine includes a turret shaft around which a lift arm assembly is moved from a first position to a second position. A lifting mechanism for lifting the roll after it is loaded at the first position is also provided. A plurality of lift arm assemblies can be provided so that a stand-by roll can be loaded onto the machine to be quickly rotated into an unwinding position. The lift arm assembly supports the roll without the use of a shaft through the core of the roll. A drive tower is provided which includes a turning belt with a frictional contact surface for contacting the roll as the turning belt is rotating, thereby turning the roll to unwind the material therefrom.