Abstract: A device for winding a plurality of endless webs of stock material on individual cores on a driven cantilevered support shaft to prepare finished packages of the stock material is provided with a secondary, non-driven cantilevered support shaft located in a first position in proximity to, but spaced from the driven support shaft. The secondary support shaft has a diameter which is substantially equal to the diameter of the driven support shaft, and the secondary support shaft is mounted for movement from its first position to a second position wherein the secondary support shaft and the driven support shaft are in a longitudinal, end-to-end alignment, and are contiguous. While located in its first position, the secondary support shaft is loaded with a plurality of unused cores. Upon conclusion of a winding operation, finished packages are removed from the driven support shaft, while the secondary support shaft is located in its first position.

Abstract: A device for winding a web of stock material on a spool on a cantilevered support to prepare a package is provided with a guide roll located upstream of the support and in proximity thereto, over the surface of which guide roll the web passes on its way to the package. A resilient strap is anchored in proximity to the guide roll and extends to engage the surface thereof, so that the web is urged by the resilient strap against the surface of the guide roll. A lifter raises the severed end of the web away from the surface of the finished package and supports the severed end in a raised position until the finished package has been removed from the support and a new spool has been placed thereon, whereupon the lifter is lowered so that the severed end is properly positioned in contact with the surface of the new spool for attachment thereto and subsequent commencement of the winding operation.