Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the speed of a traveling web being driven along a path by means of first and second drive rollers located at spaced positions along the path. An emitter device is provided for directing a radiation signal at the traveling web at a predetermined location along the path between the first and second drive rollers so as to be reflected thereby, and a detector device is provided for detecting the reflected radiation signal and for generating a position indication signal indicative of the position of the detector relative to the traveling web at the predetermined location. In response to the position indication signal, the detector device is caused to move so as to maintain a predetermined position with respect to the traveling web at the predetermined location.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuously center-winding a web into a plurality of rolls utilize a pair of cutting blades which cooperate to sever the web after it has been wound into a roll. One of the cutting blades assumes a cutting position at the inception of a winding operation. The other cutting blade is moved into a cutting position at the termination of the winding operation.