Abstract: When neutralizing the static charges on both sides of a web exiting an unwinding roll, the inside surface of the web may carry a high level of static charge from the unwinding roll to the first conveyance roller. An electrical discharge between the charged inside surface of the web and the first conveyance roller may damage a sensitive, high value coating or layer on the inside surface of the web. Disclosed is a method for suppressing an electrical discharge between the charged inside surface of a web exiting an unwinding roll and a first conveyance roller.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for neutralizing static charges on a web exiting an unwinding roll are disclosed. The apparatus comprises two static dissipaters. The first static dissipater is positioned to neutralize static charges on the outside surface of the unwinding roll. The second static dissipater is positioned to neutralize static charges on the inside surface of the web. The method comprises neutralizing static charges on the outside surface of the roll using a static neutralizer, separating the web from the roll at an unwinding nip, and subsequently neutralizing static charges on the inside surface of the web using a static neutralizer. Disclosed also are the apparatus and the method adapted for a roll that may be unwound in either the clockwise or in the counter-clockwise direction and from an unwind turret having a first spindle in a load position and a second spindle in a run position.

Abstract: An electrometer is disclosed. The electrometer has a high gain differential amplifier having a first input, a second input, and an output. The electrometer also has feedback switching circuitry. The electrometer further has a plurality of feedback elements configured to be selectively and cumulatively added in any parallel combination between the output and the first input of the high gain differential amplifier via the feedback switching circuitry. A method of adjusting a measurement range of an electrometer while the electrometer is being used to measure an electrostatic charge is also disclosed. One or more additional feedback elements are selectively added in parallel with one or more existing feedback elements which are coupled between an output and an input of a high gain differential amplifier of the electrometer.