Abstract: A roll of web material is initially supported at a first winding station and in engagement with spaced-apart first and second rolls which are driven at different peripheral speeds to provide a "tight" initial wind. The roll of web material is then transferred to a second winding station and supported in engagement with first and second winding rolls with the second winding roll being movable away from the first winding roll and further away from the first winding station as the size of the roll of web material increases so that large or jumbo size rolls may be wound on the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which lengths of web material joined by widthwise seams are guided along a path of travel and between a pair of rolls arranged to form a nip. In accordance with this invention, a plurality of seam detectors are provided and the rolls are separated in response to and in predetermined relation with sensing of a seam by all of the detectors, in order to avoid damage to the rolls or to the seam portion of the fabric during handling.