Abstract: A web splicer comprises a running roll supporter, a ready roll supporter, a paster roll movably mounted on a carriage, a driving device for moving the carriage, and a pressing device for selectively applying force to the paster roll. In representative embodiments, the paster roll is rotatably mounted on a bracket pivotally mounted on the carriage. To splice the new web of the ready roll to the moving web of the running roll, the ready roll is rotated, the carriage is moved so that the paster roll abuts the ready roll, whereby the running web is sandwiched between the ready roll and the paster roll, the pressing device presses the paster roll and thus also the running web against the ready roll, and then a prepared splice on the ready roll rotates into pressured contact with the running web in the nip between the ready roll and the paster roll.

Abstract: Co-extrusion apparatus for manufacturing a laminated plastic film or sheet comprises a plug-type layer sequencer including a plurality of channels for conducting a plurality of polymer flows; a transitional aspect ratio block for inducing the plurality of polymer flows to converge; and a flow velocity profiler cartridge for combining the plurality of polymer flows to form the film. In accordance with one embodiment, the layer sequencer includes a tapered selector pin which minimizes mechanical damage when the selector pin is removed. In accordance with another embodiment, the flow velocity profiler cartridge includes inserts fitting within cavities for controlling the polymer flows which form the layers of the film or sheet manufactured by the apparatus. At least one such insert defines lanes within an associated cavity so as to promote the formation of lanes of differing polymer composition within at least one layer of the laminated sheet or film.

Abstract: A drum type continuous winder for winding slit sections of a web onto individual cores on a core shaft (20) includes a pair of primary support arms (24, 25) having radial slots (28) that receives the core shaft from a fixed cam plate (29) permitting the core shaft to move with the cores into engagement with a moving web on a main winding drum (22) for web cutting and transfer to fresh cores. A driven nip roll (30) supported on arms (24, 25) engages the cores on the core shaft during web transfer so that the core shaft is sandwiched between the nip roll (30) and the primary drum (22) providing web transfer onto the cores free of critical speed limitations. Secondary arms (50, 51) which receive the core shaft support a secondary winding drum (52) in guide tracks (55) for radial movement into engagement with the rolls being wound.