Abstract: Apparatus for replacing rotating mandrels on which a web is wound, featuring, in various aspects, a surface drive for accelerating new mandrels up to web speed prior to splicing combined with a center drive for rotating the mandrels, the center drive being continually engaged with the mandrels along a transfer path between splicing and main rotation stations, improved means to transfer mandrels between stations, improved splicing and web severing means, and means to load successive mandrels into the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for replacing rotating mandrels on which a web is wound, featuring, in various aspects, improved means for accelerating new mandrels to match web speed prior to splicing, gravity-induced movement of the new mandrel between loading and main rotation stations, improved splicing and web severing means, and a temporary web tension control brake associated with a splice roll.

Abstract: A shell and shaft subassembly for holding a shell or roller fast in a non-rotating relationship with respect to a supporting shaft, the shell being secured in its non-rotating relation to the shaft by a subassembly comprising a complemental pair of concentrically-arranged annular sleeves or tubes defining in the space therebetween, cooperantly with spaced opposite end rings, a closed annular chamber. The sleeve walls are each provided with an endless, continuous, serpentine or sinuous groove which meanders from end to end, the groove or sinuosity on the inner sleeve being disposed exteriorly of the tube, and the groove or sinuosity on the outer sleeve being disposed interiorly of the tube. With the grooves facing each other within the annular chamber. Sinuosity defines an endless or continuous thin walled or membranous area winding sinuously with respect to a periphery of each sleeve.