Abstract: A web-processing apparatus comprises a dryer with air-turn apparatus for flotatingly supporting a web and, preferably, for changing a direction of web movement. The air-turn apparatus may be used in the web dryer or with other suitable web-processing equipment, particularly in applications where a coated web side faces the air-turn apparatus. Preferred forms of the air-turn apparatus comprise a body having an outer surface defining a web flotation zone facing a coated side of the web and a plurality of openings in the body positioned along the web flotation zone. An air-conducting conduit provides pressurized air to the body and body openings thereby forming an air cushion at the web flotation zone on which the coated web is flotatingly supported without contacting the body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of winding a continuously moving web, and for splicing and transferring the web from a first core to a second core with no-fold-back or wrinkling of the web material during the splice. The web is fed through a first nip point and thereby applied to a lay-on roll, the lay-on roll further applying the web material onto first and second cores alternatively. An electrostatic charging bar positioned downstream from the nip point emits an electrostatic charge onto the web to temporarily adhere the web to the lay-on roll. A rotatable cutting knife cooperatively engageable with the lay-on roll cuts the web at a point downstream from the electrostatic charging bar but upstream from the first and second cores to produce a tail and new leading edge. The tail continues to be wound about the first roll, and the new leading edge is affixed to the second roll and the web is thereafter wound about the second core.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of splicing a continuously moving web cuts and transfers the web to a new core for rewinding with a no-fold-back and wrinkle-free splice. The web is fed through a first nip point formed by a first introducer roll and a second cushioned anvil roll, and the web is through a second nip point formed by the second cushioned anvil roll and the new core. An electrostatic charging bar positioned downstream from the first nip point emits an electrostatic charge onto the web to temporarily adhere it to the second cushioned anvil roll. A rotatable cutting knife which is cooperatively engageable with the cushioned anvil roll cuts the web at a point downstream from the electrostatic charging bar but upstream from the new core thereby forming a tail and a new leading edge. The tail continues to be rewound about a finished roll. Because the new leading edge of the web has been electrostatically charged it remains stuck to the cushioned anvil roll until it reaches the new core.

Abstract: To enable the printing cylinder of a rotary press, which carries printing plates, to move to and from operative proximity to an impression cylinder rotatable on a fixed axis, the respective printing cylinder bearings are eccentrically mounted on large diameter disc-like bearing carriers, each rotatable in a hole in a rigid side frame member, said holes being coaxial. Each of the bearings for an anilox cylinder that transfers ink to the printing cylinder is similarly eccentrically mounted on a small diameter circular bearing carrier rotatable in an eccentric hole in a large diameter bearing carrier. Each bearing carrier has a frustoconical edge surface tapering in one axial direction, and the hole in which it rotates has a matingly tapered edge surface to define a limit of its axial motion in said direction, at which it is confined.