Abstract: A machine for the splicing and dispensing of web carrying labels includes a plurality of supports upon which a set of reels of web can be unwound. A splicing table and a motorized web drawing station are located along a path of travel of web from the set of reels. A well and tray are provided for holding a sufficient quantity of web to meet demand during a splicing operation wherein the feed of web is switched from an empty reel to a full reel.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for continuously supplying sheets from a plurality of supply rolls to a packaging machine utilizes a transfer device for transferring an end of a fuel reel into a path of movement of an end of an emptying reel so that these ends are displaced from one another by a small distance which is between 5 and 15 mm. The transfer device includes first and second suction conveyors which have a small section which overlaps so that the end of the full reel can be transferred into the path of movement of the end of the emptying reel.

Abstract: Reinforcement fiber for fiber-reinforced resin composites such as graphite tows are spliced by applying a solution of a linear, soluble, high glass transition temperature polyimide having good thermal-oxidative stability to the broken ends of a fiber, placing the ends in contact and removing solvent. The preferred polyimide is an aromatic-cycloaliphatic diamine such as 5,(6)-amino-1-(4' amino phenyl)-1,3-trimethylindane (DAPI) imidized with a dianhydride such as PMDA or BTDA. The soluble polyimide can be preapplied to the fiber as a sizing. The splices are not apparent by visual inspection nor by instrumental scanning of cured composites indicating there is no blistering nor loss of strength.

Abstract: A method and device for replacing a first, empty reel of strip material with a second, new reel in which the strips of the two reels are positioned over one another and partly cut thereby forming on them coincident lines of perforations or weakening, the strip from the empty reel then being broken along the associated partly cut line and the remaining part of the strip from the empty reel being connected to the other strip, the part of which disposed downstream from the associated line of cut then being cut off after the said connection between the strips.

Abstract: A web handling apparatus for splicing the terminal end of one roll of web stock to the lead end of a second roll of web stock in an uninterrupted feed to a machine. The first roll web is fed into the machine and a second roll web in parallel relationship to the first is guided by two turning bars laterally and again in parallel and overlying relationship to the first. Thereafter a splicer device joins the second roll to the first roll. The second turning bar is pivotally mounted on a vertical axis and movable vertically such that it can be moved from below the first roll web vertically upwardly and by pivoting about the vertical axis to a position whereat the second turning bar overlies the first roll web. Subsequently, the second roll web will overlie the first web in splicing relationship.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement of the splicing tape dispenser-applicator shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,753,835 which is designed for applying adhesive-coated splicing tape and is particularly useful in a machine for splicing magnetic tapes and winding magnetic tapes into cassettes. The basic mechanism comprises a carriage that supports a supply spool of splicing tape, feeding means for pulling splicing tape off of the supply spool and advancing it along a predetermined path, means for reciprocating the carriage vertically toward and away from a splicing station, means for indexing the feeding means so as to advance a selected amount of splicing tape when the carriage is moving away from the splicing station, and tape cutting and applying means comprising a cutter for severing a piece from the leading end of the splicing tape and a plunger for pressing the severed piece of splicing tape against tapes to be spliced located at the splicing station.

Abstract: There is provided an adhesive tape for the joining of webs, comprising a first tape provided on both its faces with adhesive, second and third cover tapes adhering to the faces of the first tape, and adhesive on the outside of the second cover tape, the adhesive on the outside of the second cover tape being stronger than the adhesive on its inside. The joinder is made by securing the outside face of the second cover tape to a carrier bar, removing the third cover tape, adhering the exposed face of the first tape to the tail end of a first web, removing the second cover tape with carrier bar attached from the first tape which continues to adhere to the web, and then adhering the freshly exposed face of the first tape to the head end of a second web.

Abstract: A tape cassette loader having a cutting system for cutting a strip of splicing tape for application to a magnetic tape junction during a tape splicing operation. A cutting blade carried by a movable tape applicator is driven past a stationary window member through which the splicing tape is fed, for cutting the splicing tape by action of the cutting blade against a cutting edge formed in the window. The cutting blade is rotatably mounted to the tape applicator and biased outwardly therefrom for holding the blade against the window member for properly cutting the splicing tape. As the tape applicator travels subjacent to the window member, the cutting blade is rotated through an arcuate path beneath the window member; the cutting edge of the movable blade is rotated to a position for preventing cutting of the magnetic tape and a pressure surface of the blade is simultaneously carried into a position for pressing against the splicing tape during application of the same to the magnetic tape junction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying tear tapes or the like to a transported web of cellulose wrapping material. A first portion of the travelling web is momentarily halted during the application of the tear tape, which takes place by a heat welding method. During the period of time while the first portion of the web is stationary, the remaining portions of the web continue to be transported at a constant speed, due to the effect of a pair of pivotally mounted diverting rollers which form web reserves on either side of the stationary first portion.

Abstract: An unwinding machine for adhesive tapes comprising a frame on which two tape reels are mounted and successively unwound by independent driving means outside the machine. Each of the reels is associated with a driven launching roller and the launching roller is displaced away from the tape being unwound from the operative roller whereas the launching roller associated with the spare reel which is at rest, is operated to engage the end of the tape therefrom to unwind the tape and bring the spare reel up to speed when the tape on the operative reel is approaching the end thereof. First and second rollers are provided for each reel adjacent the path of the tape from the respective reel to the location outside the machine, the rollers defining two opposed straight travel sections for the tape.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for automatically splicing a stand-by belt to the end of the belt or coil which is running out. In the prior art devices, there is a free transverse strip of the run-out coil which remains after the splicing has occurred. In accordance with the invention, the stand-by belt is spliced and the transverse strip is cut off so as to provide a continuous belt with no free end.

Abstract: The device for the quick splicing of two paper webs comprises a pair of conveying roller for feeding both webs in overlapping relationship at the same speed, a rotary blade, arranged downstream of the conveying rollers, for cutting simultaneously both overlapping and running webs, two discarding spools, arranged one on each side of the path of the running webs, for removing a severed portion of one of the webs, a splicing roller, positioned on the same side of the rotary blade, with respect to the path of the running webs, and finally a pair of drawing rollers, for drawing the web which has been spliced at the same speed as the conveying rollers.

Abstract: The tape splicing machine comprises feed means for intermittently feeding adhesive tape from a continuous roll to a mobile head provided with sucking and blowing means and with cutting means. Said feed means comprise a grooved wheel partly wrapped by the tape and a support and guide element provided with sucking and blowing means. Said element is moved periodically to and from the head so as to transfer subsequent portions of the tape from the grooved wheel to the head.

Abstract: A continuous uncoiler for coils of web lengths adhesively connects the web of an exhausting coil on and overlapping the front web of a new supply coil and a rip cord behind the adhesive is pulled to rip off the residual portion of the overlapping web behind the adhesive.

Abstract: The web from a running roll passes through a festoon in which an amount of web is stored. Upon the application of a splice command signal, the speed of the running roll is reduced from an initial or line speed V linearly at a rate R1. As the speed of the running roll decreases, the rate at which the festoon web length decreases reaches a preselected fraction of the speed V. This indicates that the running roll is stopped. A splice initiate signal is then generated. The web from the running roll is spliced to the web from a reserve roll. Following the splice, the speed of the web from the reserve roll is accelerated linearly at a rate R2 to speed V. If the rate of reduction of running roll speed is independent of the initial speed V, the same web tensions are experienced during braking of the running roll regardless of the initial speed V. If the rate is made dependent on the initial speed V, lower web tensions are experienced during braking for lower initial speeds V.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a web splicer wherein a running web is fed between two rolls into a nip therebetween and wherein a new web is joined to the running web in the nip by means of a joining strip which has a pressure sensitive adhesive on one face thereof, the joining strip being secured to the new web in projecting relation therefrom. The rolls are provided with grooves and a make-ready unit for the new web includes a support having fingers for positioning the splice strip with the fingers being movable down into the associated roll in grooves therein to present the joined strip and the new web to the associated roll. Detector means are provided for detecting the end of the running web and support positioning means are actuated by the detector to position the new web relative to the rolls.

Abstract: An improved web-splicing apparatus for automatically splicing the beginning of one roll of papers onto the approximate end of a second roll of paper without discontinuing the flow of paper to a utilizing device. The apparatus is provided with speed sensing means, electrical eye, and control means. The speed sensing means get activated at a predetermined speed of the exhausting roll, which in turn activates electrical eye which energizes the control means to activate the braking device to stop the web at the same spot.

Abstract: A device for sensing speed and angular position of a web of newprint in a continuous feed press. A stator includes an optical source and an optical sensor. A rotor has an aperture of predetermined size and position which is operative as a shutter to block and unblock the optical path between the optical source and sensor. The device provides a speed and position signals without commutator contacts which are subject to rapid wear and which require frequent maintenance.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically splicing and feeding a web of paper, fabric or the like comprises a web feeder which includes a rotary shaft, web roll holding arms with their central portions fitted to the rotary shaft, lever members mounted on said rotary shaft on the outside of the arms to be substantially perpendicular thereto, an automatic web splicing device supported by the lever members, and a device for driving the rotary shaft so as to move the arms to a working position. The apparatus further comprises a festoon loop type web storing device and an electric mechanism for determining direction and angle of rotation of the rotary shaft. The web splicing device includes web nip rollers and a cutting device for cutting the web after bonding the trailing end of a preceding web to the leading end of a succeeding web.

Abstract: A splicer for use with machines which receive and handle a web of paper or other suitable material supplied in a continuous length. The paper is supplied from a pair of rolls and when one roll is exhausted, the other one is substituted. A movable splicer assembly is disposed adjacent a paper supply roll and which includes an idler roll, a paper stop device, a severing device and a splice sealing roll. When the assembly is disposed adjacent the nearly exhausted paper roll, the stop device is actuated to hold the outgoing web from moving, regardless of the existence or adequacy of a roll brake. When the assembly is disposed adjacent the spent roll, the stop device positively holds the paper for lead-edge cutting and trimming during set-up and to keep the paper in place until the splice is made. The splice sealing roll has provisions to guide a cutting tool for said lead-edge forming of the fresh web, and also for optimally locating the lead edge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use in which a first photoconductive belt arranged to move about an endless operative path in an electrophotographic printing machine is replaced by a second photoconductive belt. The leading marginal region of the second photoconductive belt is secured to the first photoconductive belt. As the first photoconductive belt moves about the operative path, it positions the second photoconductive belt thereabout. After the second photoconductive belt is positioned about the operative path, the first photoconductive belt is removed therefrom and separated from the second photoconductive belt. The leading marginal region of the second photoconductive belt is then secured to the trailing marginal region thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for unwinding rolls of sheet material and for adhering the end of one roll to the beginning of the next at full running speed, without interruption. Means are also provided to permit operation with rolls of different widths and even with two narrow rolls alongside one another. A support which can be operatively positioned between two such narrow rolls can be moved laterally out of the way to take up an end-supporting position when a single wide roll is being unwound.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for automatically winding a reel of perforated film strip and at the same time inserting a perforated covering strip, which produces reels of uniform quality with an accurately defined starting position and with the perforations of the film strip and of the extension piece in exact alignment with each other.

Abstract: A splicer for use with machines which receive and handle a web of paper or other suitable material supplied in a continuous length. The paper is supplied from a pair of rolls and when one roll is exhausted, the other one is substituted. A movable splicer assembly is disposed adjacent a paper supply roll and which includes an idler roll, a paper stop device, a severing device and a splice sealing roll. When the assembly is disposed adjacent the nearly exhausted paper roll, the stop device is actuated to hold the outgoing web from moving, regardless of the existence or adequacy of a roll brake. When the assembly is disposed adjacent the spent roll, the stop device positively holds the paper for lead-edge cutting and trimming during set-up and to keep the paper in place until the splice is made. The splice sealing roll has provisions to guide a cutting tool for said lead-edge forming of the fresh web, and also for optimally locating the lead edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a recording machine of the type in which a printed record is made on a continuous strip of paper, such as a paper tape, traveling over a rotating platen wherein the tape is fed into the machine from a tape roll. The apparatus comprises a support frame having a pair of laterally spaced frame members which are interconnected in such a manner that the distance between the members may be selectively adjusted to accommodate tapes of varying widths. The frame members have spaced spindles which mount a feed roll that supplies the paper tape to the recorder machine, while a second pair of spaced spindles are carried by the frame members for rotatably mounting a take-up reel. The end of the tape passing through the recording machine is attached to the take-up reel in such a manner that the tape may be rewound thereon.

Abstract: A picture printing apparatus has a supply magazine section which accommodates a plurality of roll papers. The roll papers are carried by an endless belt which successively positions the roll papers to be fed to the exposure section of the printing apparatus. The end of a roll is detected to cause a new roll to be brought into the feeding position. At the same time, the end of the roll just detected is clamped so that the beginning of the next roll can be connected to it. Once the connection is accomplished, the paper is released so that the newly positioned roll paper can be continuously fed to the exposure section. An exhausted roll can be replaced on the endless belt without interruption of the printing operation.

Abstract: A web cutter and splicer for cutting a continuous web of material into relatively short lengths and winding the cut lengths onto a storage roll and which comprises a pulley for initially receiving the continuous moving web thereover and a solenoid actuated clamping or holding device for receiving the web from the pulley and intermittently holding the web against movement. The web also moves around an alignment device and through a solenoid actuated cutting apparatus operably connected with the aligning device for actuation whereby the web is severed at preselected position in order that the severed portion of the web may be wound on the storage roll, said preselected position being selected in such a manner as to facilitate a subsequent splicing of the severed portions of the web into a restored continuous web.

Abstract: An optical encoder generates a train of digital pulses as a function of the length of web material unwound per revolution of an unwinding roll. A counter counts the encoder pulses for each revolution of the roll. The counts of the encoder pulses are accumulated over a first set of revolutions of the roll. A programmed microprocessor effects a base computation of (1) the average change in the number of pulses generated per revolution of the roll and (2) the length of web remaining on the roll after the first set of revolutions. Thereafter, the base computation of web length is updated at each revolution of the roll. The counter may comprise an addressable hardware counter chain alone or in combination with a read/write memory which counts the number of times that the counter chain overflows.

Abstract: A variable torque core brake exhibiting a constant coefficient of friction at all web speeds is regulated in accordance with the position of a dancer roller to maintain web tension at a constant level. Steady state changes in web tension caused by the gradual reduction of the diameter of the feed roll as web is removed therefrom are compensated for by electronically generating a signal representative of the effective diameter of the feed roll and varying the torque on the brake associated with the core of the feed roll in accordance with the signal so as to maintain a dancer roller at a substantially constant position. Transient changes in web tension are compensated for by sensing dancer roller displacement and generating a signal proportional thereto. The signal is processed by taking the derivative thereto and combining the proportional and derivative signals. The combined signal is then utilized to vary the brake torque.

Abstract: To reduce the chances of breakage at splices between rolls of plastic material to be printed or otherwise treated where the rolls are to be separated after treatment for rewinding on individual cores, a length of paper material is bonded to the trailing end of each roll of plastic material. The next roll of plastic material is spliced to the paper trailer to provide the continuous length to be treated. On the delivery side of the treatment station, successive rolls of plastic material are severed at the paper trailer to reduce the chances of breakage that might otherwise occur during attempts to separate the rolls at a plastic material splice.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for loading a cassette with an endless roll of strip form material from sections of a finite feed spool.

Abstract: Webs such as thermoplastics films are spliced together by electrostatic charges while moving at equal speeds. Particularly useful in the production of thermoplastics such as polyethylene terephthalate films and in a preferred embodiment facilitates the threading of the film after a malfunction, e.g., splitting in the stenter. The production web is fed to a dump while splicing and rethreading is effected by feeding a leader web through a subsequent stage of the apparatus, e.g., to a wind-up device. The leader web is fed into the wind-up at the same speed as the production web passing to dump and the webs are spliced together by electrostatic charges. The web passing to dump and the feed of the leader web are severed in that order.

Abstract: Splicing apparatus for joining the paper web from successive reels in a cigarette or cigarette filter rod making machine includes provision for running each reel closer to the end in a controlled manner to reduce wastage of paper. For that purpose the diameter of the in-use reel may be monitored by an arm coupled to an electrical detector with an averaging or smoothing circuit so that a signal is obtained which is insensitive to reel non-circularity or eccentricity. Alternatively the end of the paper may be detected as a result of the loss of tension in the paper.

Abstract: A web is being pulled off a supply roll nearing exhaustion. As the supply roll becomes exhausted, the web being pulled off is severed, and the trailing end of the severed web is glued to the periphery of a fresh web supply roll. Before the severing and gluing operation occurs, the peripheral speed of the fresh web supply roll must be brought up to coincidence with the travel speed of the web being pulled. An accelerator roller driven by a motor rolls upon the fresh supply roll, accelerating it up to speed. When the fresh roll reaches the predetermined speed, the severing and gluing unit is enabled for subsequent synchronized activation. The acceleration of the fresh roll is monitored indirectly by a transducer coupled to the accelerator roller. When the desired speed is reached, a time delay is allowed to elapse before the motor is shut off, causing the desired speed to be exceeded. As the fresh roll then decelerates it again reaches this speed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet splicer for splicing sheets of paper, sheet or film, especially for splicing paper rolls together to form a continuous web joining the old and new rolls of paper when used in continuous web printing presses so that they can be spliced together by a butt end splice. A traverse blade cuts both the old and new plies along a butt edge line. The blade is followed by a tape applicator and paper stripper which strips the selvage and then joins the plies together as a butt edge seam of the old and new sheets. The splicer is designed as a stand alone unit or as an in-place attachment for a printing press.

Abstract: An automatic web splice control system for a web splicer apparatus including a running web roll and a ready web roll and a splice mechanism for splicing the expiring end of the running web to the leading end of the ready web. The system provides successive measurements of the length of web unwound from the running web roll per revolution of the roll. The length of web unwound per revolution of the roll is compared to a first pre-selected length. When the length unwound per revolution of the roll falls below the first pre-selected length, the system determines the length of web unwound from the roll per a pre-selected number of revolutions of the roll. When the length of web unwound per the pre-selected number of revolutions of the roll reaches a second pre-selected length, a warning signal is generated. Thereafter, the measurement of length of web unwound per revolution of the roll is dynamically incremented.

Abstract: A continuous paper supply is provided from alternative supply rolls by momentarily stopping the paper being supplied and adhesively joining the leading edge of a new supply severing the old supply and accelerating the new supply. A loop of paper is paid out during the momentary stoppage of the acceleration of the new supply and is thereafter recovered in preparation for the next changeover. An idler roller senses tension in the paper and generates a signal to the supply. The idler roller is capable of skewing to equalize tension across the paper.

Abstract: A method and device for splicing a rotating new roll of material to a moving web which is nearly exhausted, each web having uniformly spaced indicia thereon and wherein the indicia on the new roll at the leading end thereof is unevenly spaced, the speed of the old web being adjusted to correspond with the peripheral speed of the new roll during a portion of its periphery and the indicia then being exactly registered along that portion so that the webs are spliced together to provide a continuing web having uniformly spaced indicia thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and improved apparatus for aligning and bonding a pre-perforated flexible repair tape to the side edge portion of an elongated strip, such as motion picture film, having damaged sprocket feed hole perforations located therealong. Film to be repaired is fed continuously from a supply reel to a repair station comprising a grooved pressure roller cooperating with a sprocket roller specifically designed to more precisely align the preformed feed holes of the tape with the damaged feed hole locations of the film, and to bond the tape and film together in the aligned condition, the laminated tape and film thereafter being directed over an exit ramp to a storage reel for collection.

Abstract: An automatic web splice control system determines when an expiring roll of web of indeterminate caliper reaches a preselected splice radius by sensing when the web roll has diminished to preset first and second radii and measuring the web length resulting from that diminishment to determine web caliper. Then the system computes the roll cross-sectional area between the second radius and the preselected splice radius divided by that caliper to determine in advance the web length that will be drawn from a roll as the roll size diminishes from the second radius to the splice radius. Commencing at the second radius, the system then measures the amount of web drawn from the roll and when that amount equals the precomputed web length, the system generates a splice signal indicating that the roll has diminished to the preselected splice radius.

Abstract: A system for supplying moving web to a web-consuming utilization device, from successively used rolls of web, includes a splicer for splicing the expiring end of a dispensing roll to the beginning end of a ready roll. Between the splicer and the utilization device is a festooner or other web storage device which pays out web before and during operation of the splicer to momentarily stop movement of web through the splicer during splicer operation without effecting the rate of web feed to the utilization device.

Abstract: An automatic web splice control system determines when an expiring roll of web of indeterminate caliper reaches a preselected splice radius by sensing when the web roll has diminished to preset first and second radii and measuring the web length resulting from that diminishment to determine web caliper. Then the system computes the roll cross-sectional area between the second radius and the preselected splice radius divided by that caliper to determine in advance the web length that will be drawn from a roll as the roll size diminishes from the second radius to the splice radius. Commencing at the second radius, the system then measures the amount of web drawn from the roll and when that amount equals the precomputed web length, the system generates a splice signal indicating that the roll has diminished to the preselected splice radius.

Abstract: An automatic web splice control system determines when an expiring roll of web of indeterminate caliper reaches a preselected splice radius by sensing when the web roll has diminished to preset first and second radii and measuring the web length resulting from that diminishment to determine web caliper. Then the system computes the roll cross-sectional area between the second radius and the preselected splice radius divided by that caliper to determine in advance the web length that will be drawn from a roll as the roll size diminishes from the second radius to the splice radius. Commencing at the second radius, the system then measures the amount of web drawn from the roll and when that amount equals the precomputed web length, the system generates a splice signal indicating that the roll has diminished to the preselected splice radius.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing the leading edge of a second rolled web to a point at or near the trailing edge of a first rolled web. The present invention is an improvement over the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 3,837,954, issued Sept. 24, 1974, wherein the leading edge of a second roll was adhered to a transfer roll while the trailing end of the first web was contacted by a suitable base roll. In this improvement, a fluid operated carriage forms a resiliently braked loop following the base roll and permits the web at the base roll to slow as needed to pick up the second web while not diminishing the speed of exiting of the web from the transfer apparatus. The carriage is moved in one direction to compensate for this change in relative speeds. The carriage is then caused to move in the opposite direction to generate a smoothly increasing force resisting such yielding then progressively increasing the pull on the web and its speed of withdrawal from the second roll.

Abstract: A paper roll diameter sensing device for use with a paper splicing apparatus is disclosed which gives the output signal when the diameter of an unrolled paper roll is reduced to a predetermined diameter so that the running paper web may be spliced to the leading end of a new paper roll.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for supplying paper to a printing press having a plurality of presses for simultaneously printing a plurality of paper webs and power train means for transmitting power to the presses. The apparatus comprises a plurality of paper roll supports with at least one support including a rotatable shaft, and means for coupling the one roll support rotatable shaft with the power train means to wind paper onto the one roll support from another of the roll supports.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for automatically aligning and bonding a preperforated flexible repair tape to the side edge portion of an elongated strip, such as motion picture film, having damaged sprocket feed hole perforations located therealong. Film to be repaired is fed continuously from a supply reel through a pair of straightening and flattening rollers to a repair station comprising a pressure roller cooperating with a sprocket roller to automatically and precisely align the preformed feed holes of the tape with the damaged feed hole locations of the film and to bond the tape and film together in the aligned condition. From the repair station, the laminated tape and film pass through a pair of cooperating rollers to more firmly bond the tape and film preparatory to collection on a take-up reel.

Abstract: A paper splicing apparatus which splices the drawn-out portion of an exhausting paper roll with the binding surface of a new fully wound paper roll, which is being continuously rotated by using paper splicing rolls, wherein means are provided for automatically detecting the end of the old paper roll being drawn-out and the beginning end of the new or fresh paper roll which is being rotated in a fully wound form. The paper rolls are supported by a pair of shafts rotatably mounted on a pair of arms supported by a supporting stand.

Abstract: A paper roll diameter sensing device for use with a paper splicing apparatus is disclosed which gives the output signal when the diameter of an unrolled paper roll is reduced to a predetermined diameter so that the running paper web may be spliced to the leading end of a new paper roll.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for feeding a series of web portions to a high speed web processing machine, such as a high speed printer, utilizing auxiliary equipment positioned adjacent the processing machine. The auxiliary equipment permits continuous splicing of web portions and, thus feeding of a continuous web to the processing machine, and intermittent removal of web portions in such a manner that the processing machine may be run continuously without stoppage for feeding or removing the web.