Abstract: A system for slitting a web includes a carriage assembly having an elongate housing including a first wall, where the first wall defining a longitudinal axis. A first plurality of rails can be mounted on the first wall, wherein the plurality of rails extends parallel to the longitudinal axis. At least one of the plurality of rails can have a substantially circular cross section, among others. The system also includes a first plurality of carriers. Each carrier can be adapted and configured to support an instrumentality such as a blade for performing an operation (e.g., cutting) on a web of material. The carrier body includes a first body portion and a second body portion. Each of body portion includes at least one mounting feature for mounting the carrier on a the plurality of rails.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for unloading rolled material from a cantilevered support mandrel including a first guide rail extending generally parallel to the cantilevered support mandrel, a second guide rail extending generally perpendicularly to the cantilevered support mandrel, and a carrier for receiving rolled material from the mandrel, the carrier being adapted and configured for movement along the first axis relative to the support mandrel and generally vertical movement along the second guide rail relative to the support mandrel. The invention also provides a method of unloading rolled material from a cantilevered support mandrel.