Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning an outer layer or web material about a roll of web material includes a tension roller assembly. The tension roller assembly is defined by a rotatable idler roller that is movable into and out of contact with the outer layer of web material by way of a linear drive mechanism. Idler roller contact with the web material outer layer tensions the outer layer about the roll of web material. A tensioner associated with the idler roller adjusts the rotational drag on the idler roller which controls the amount of tension that the idler roller applies to the web material outer layer. A vacuum retraction assembly of the tensioning apparatus acts to further tension the web material outer layer. The vacuum retraction assembly includes a vacuum bar having a plurality of vacuum cups coupled to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A tape for splicing the leading end portion of a standby roll of web to the trailing end portion of an active web. The tape includes first and second longitudinally extending sections which are secured to the outer layer and adjacent inner layer, respectively, of the standby roll by adhesive. A longitudinally extending intermediate section which is free of adhesive joins the first and second sections to one another and causes those two sections to coact to hold the outer layer to the adjacent layer during rotation of the standby roll prior to splicing while permitting the outer layer to lift away from the adjacent layer as the splice is made. Longitudinally extending and parallel score lines are formed through the first section but not through the adhesive thereof. The score lines enable two spaced bands of the first section to be peeled away to expose two spaced adhesive stripes for making the splice and to leave an intervening bridge for protecting the stripes against contact with equipment or the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for drawing a web of sheet material from a roll wound on a core which is supported to rotate freely about its axis as the web is drawn off the roll. A brake has a movable element connected to a shaft which is rotatable about the axis of the core independently of the core. First and second coaxial members are mounted to turn with the shaft and are mounted for independent axial movement toward and away from the core. When the first member is moved axially into frictional engagement with the core, the core turns the shaft. When the shaft is turning in unison with the core, the second member is moved into interlocking engagement with the core to mechanically connect the core and the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously supplying a web of sheet material wound on rolls includes a conveyor which carries a roll from a loading station to a splicing station and then to an active or running station. While a running web is being drawn off a roll at the active station, a standby roll is loaded on the conveyor at the loading station and then it is advanced to the splicing station. A stationary core brake located at the active station is responsive to the tension of the running web and applies a drag to the core on which the web of the active roll is wound to maintain the tension at a selected level. When the web on the active roll is nearly exhausted, an endless belt in frictional engagement with the standby roll is driven by a motor and accelerates the roll until the peripheral speed of the latter is equal to about 99 per cent of the linear speed of the running web and then the belt is driven from the running web so that the two speeds match.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously supplying a web of sheet material wound on rolls includes a conveyor which carries a roll from a loading station to a splicing station and then to an active or running station. While a running web is being drawn off a roll at the active station, a standby roll is loaded on the conveyor at the loading station and then it is advanced to the splicing station. A stationary core brake located at the active station is responsive to the tension of the running web and applies a drag to the core on which the web of the active roll is wound to maintain the tension at a selected level. When the web on the active roll is nearly exhausted, an endless belt in frictional engagement with the standby roll is driven by a motor and accelerates the roll until the peripheral speed of the latter is equal to about 99 percent of the linear speed of the running web and then the belt is driven from the running web so that the two speeds match.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously supplying a web of sheet material wound on rolls includes a conveyor which carries a roll from a loading station to a splicing station and then to an active or running station. While a running web is being drawn off a roll at the active station, a standby roll is loaded on the conveyor at the loading station and then it is advanced to the splicing station. A stationary core brake located at the active station is responsive to the tension of the running web and applies a drag to the core on which the web of the active roll is wound to maintain the tension at a selected level. When the web on the active roll is nearly exhausted, an endless belt in frictional engagement with the standby roll is driven by a motor and accelerates the roll until the peripheral speed of the latter is equal to about 99 percent of the linear speed of the running web and then the belt is driven from the running web so that the two speeds match.