Abstract: A vertically adjustable web slitter is adapted to be supported by a track of a web-slitting machine, and comprising an input port adapted to receive pressurized fluid. Also, a control assembly is adapted to controllably transmit the pressurized fluid into any one of a set of first fluid passageways. A cylinder is adapted to receive the pressurized fluid from one of the first fluid passageways. A piston, having a first end and a second end, is set into the cylinder and is adapted to be driven within the cylinder by the pressurized fluid. Further, a set of actuators that are adapted to be driven by pressurized fluid are separated by the piston and cylinder from the set of first passageways. Finally, the piston defines at least one second fluid passageway extending from the first end to the second end. A first flexible hose connects each second fluid passageway to a first fluid passageway and a second flexible hose operatively connects each second fluid passageway to one of the actuators.

Abstract: A web material roll rotatable retention assembly, comprising a shaft adapted to be inserted into a web material roll core and having a hydrogel filled chamber is disclosed. A hydrogel pressure applying assembly controllably applies pressure to the hydrogel and an outward pressure applying assembly pushes pressure applying members outwardly in response to the pressure of the hydrogel.

Abstract: An expansible core shaft assembly adapted to retain a set of web spool cores in axially fixed positions while permitting rotational slippage of the web spool cores. The assembly may comprise a shaft defining at least one channel. An expansible bladder is retained in the channel and a set of first lugs and a set of second lugs are retained in the channel radially outwardly of the expansible bladder with first and second lugs mutually interspersed. Each lug has a bladder facing surface defining an indentation. The first lugs define a first indentation in a first position and the second lugs define a second indentation that is sufficiently distinct from said first position to reduce the effect that the radial position of each core stop has on the radial positions of its neighbors.

Abstract: A device for automatically sharpening the circular cutting edge of a disk-like blade while it is rotatably mounted in a blade cartridge is disclosed. The sharpener includes a coupling assembly adapted to matingly retain the cartridge in the same manner that it is retained in a slitter machine. A rotary drive assembly is adapted to engage with and rotate the disk-like blade while in the cartridge. A blade sharpening head is adapted to engage and sharpen the disk-like blade as the blade is being rotated by the rotary drive assembly.

Abstract: A power operated tool positioner for moving a tool parallel to a tool-positioning axis has a first tool-contacting member movable parallel to the tool-positioning axis for exerting a first pushing force against the tool, and a second tool-contacting member movable transverse to the tool-positioning axis for simultaneously exerting a second pushing force against the tool perpendicular to the first pushing force to resist any tendency of the first pushing force to tilt the tool obliquely relative to the tool-positioning axis. A third tool-contacting member is preferably provided for exerting a third pushing force to push the tool in the opposite direction from the first tool-contacting member, likewise while the second tool-contacting member is simultaneously pushing against the tool. The second tool-contacting member preferably exerts its pushing force prior to the commencement of the first or third pushing force.

Abstract: An expansible shaft assembly has core-engagement shoes pivotally mounted to a shaft for pivoting outwardly into tight engagement with the interior of a roll core automatically in response to the application of torque to the shaft. The core-engagement shoes have core-engaging surfaces, some being pivotable outwardly in response to torque applied to the shaft in one axial direction and others being pivotable outwardly in response to torque applied in the opposite axial direction. The respective oppositely-actuated core-engaging surfaces can both be on the same engagement shoe or, alternatively, on different shoes spaced axially along the shaft. For maximizing the speed with which the core-engagement shoes engage the core in response to torque application, the core-engaging surfaces are preferably angularly offset significantly from a radial direction extending between the axis of rotation of the shaft and the pivot axis of the engagement shoe.

Abstract: An elongate expansible shaft for a roll core has a peripheral surface defining multiple separate elongate slots helically intertwined and oriented at a pitch angle no greater than about 30.degree. measured from a longitudinal axis. Each slot is T-shaped in cross section and contains a respective separate, elongate, resilient bladder pneumatically expandable into frictional engagement with the core. The bladder has a unitary construction with hinge portions for minimizing the loss of force due to expansion of the bladder. An air inlet fitting is inserted in one end of each bladder and is independently connected to a respective separate valve for preventing the escape of air from the bladder irrespective of the air pressure in any other bladder.

Abstract: An elongate expansible shaft for a roll core has a peripheral surface defining multiple separate elongate slots helically intertwined and oriented at a pitch angle no greater than about 30.degree. measured from a longitudinal axis. Each slot is T-shaped in cross section and contains a respective separate, elongate, resilient T-shaped bladder pneumatically expandable into frictional engagement with the core. The bladder has a unitary construction with hinge portions for minimizing the loss of force due to expansion of the bladder. An air inlet fitting is inserted in one end of each bladder and is independently connected to a respective separate valve for preventing the escape of air from the bladder irrespective of the air pressure in any other bladder.

Abstract: A system for automatically positioning a plurality of tool-holding carriages along an elongate guide member utilizes a single drive member to move all of the carriages simultaneously. The carriages each have clutches for selectively engaging or disengaging the drive member so that the carriages can be moved relative to each other by the drive member, and can be moved simultaneously in opposite directions along the guide member if desired. The drive member is capable of moving each carriage throughout its respective maximum range of movement with a continuous motion, without any reversal of the drive member or any disengagement of the respective carriage from the drive member. Each carriage has an electrically-powered position sensor capable of transmitting different discrete signals for different positions of the carriage so that it provides absolute indications of position rather than indications which are relative to some reference position.

Abstract: A system for automatically positioning a plurality of tool-holding carriages along an elongate guide member utilizes a single drive member to move all of the carriages simultaneously. The carriages each have clutches for selectively engaging or disengaging the drive member so that the carriages can be moved relative to each other by the drive member, and can be moved simultaneously in opposite directions along the guide member if desired. The drive member is capable of moving each carriage throughout its respective maximum range of movement with a continuous motion, without any reversal of the drive member or any disengagement of the respective carriage from the drive member. Each carriage has an electrically-powered position sensor capable of transmitting different discrete signals for different positions of the carriage so that it provides absolute indications of position rather than indications which are relative to some reference position.

Abstract: A web slitting machine for cutting a web or roll of material includes an upper carriage assembly joined to a lower blade holder assembly by a selectively removable guide key which is milled to provide a predetermined cant angle for the blade. The blade is lowered into position by a piston which is rectangular and includes a torsion-resisting sleeve to prevent rotation of the piston about its vertical axis. A pneumatic control provides a plurality of control modes whereby the blade may be raised and lowered with or without locking the upper carriage assesmbly to its transverse bar and vice-versa. A unique side shift adjustment is provided whereby the blade may be shifted to a half-stroke position and the upper carriage locked when the blade is positioned against a lower knife. This ensures that the pressure of the blade against the knife is the pressure exerted at the mid point of the stroke.

Abstract: A web slitting machine for cutting a web or roll of material includes an upper carriage assembly joined to a lower blade holder assembly by a selectively removable guide key which is milled to provide a predetermined cant angle for the blade. The blade is lowered into position by a piston which is rectangular and includes a torsion-resisting sleeve to prevent rotation of the piston about its vertical axis. A pneumatic control provides a plurality of control modes whereby the blade may be raised and lowered with or without locking the upper carriage assembly to its transverse bar and vice-versa. A unique side shift adjustment is provided whereby the blade may be shifted to a half-stroke position and the upper carriage locked when the blade is positioned against a lower knife. This ensures that the pressure of the blade against the knife is the pressure exerted at the mid point of the stroke.

Abstract: A web slitting machine for cutting a web or roll of material includes an upper carriage assembly joined to a lower blade holder assembly by a selectively removable guide key which is milled to provide a predetermined cant angle for the blade. The blade is lowered into position by a piston which is rectangular and includes a torsion-resisting sleeve to prevent rotation of the piston about its vertical axis. A pneumatic control provides a plurality of control modes whereby the blade may be raised and lowered with or without locking the upper carriage assembly to its transverse bar and vice-versa. A unique side shift adjustment is provided whereby the blade may be shifted to a half-stroke position and the upper carriage locked when the blade is positioned against a lower knife. This ensures that the pressure of the blade against the knife is the pressure exerted at the mid point of the stroke.

Abstract: A system for automatically positioning a plurality of tool-holding carriages along an elongate guide member utilizes a single drive member to move all of the carriages simultaneously. The carriages each have clutches for selectively engaging or disengaging the drive member so that the carriages can be moved relative to each other by the drive member, and can be moved simultaneously in opposite directions along the guide member if desired. The drive member is capable of moving each carriage throughout its respective maximum range of movement with a continuous motion, without any reversal of the drive member or any disengagement of the respective carriage from the drive member. Each carriage has an electrically-powered position sensor capable of transmitting different discrete signals for different positions of the carriage so that it provides absolute indications of position rather than indications which are relative to some reference position.

Abstract: A system for automatically positioning a plurality of tool-holding carriages along an elongate guide member utilizes a single drive member to move all of the carriages simultaneously. The carriages each have clutches for selectively engaging or disengaging the drive member so that the carriages can be moved relative to each other by the drive member, and can be moved simultaneously in opposite directions along the guide member if desired. The drive member is capable of moving each carriage throughout its respective maximum range of movement with a continuous motion, without any reversal of the drive member or any disengagement of the respective carriage from the drive member. Each carriage has an electrically-powered position sensor capable of transmitting different discrete signals for different positions of the carriage so that it provides absolute indications of position rather than indications which are relative to some reference position.

Abstract: A ring-like head for a slitter-corrugator having an interiorly located spring-pressed pad for pressure contact with an air shaft to preclude inadvertent side shifting of the head at set-up time. The pad has a chamfered peripheral edge for ready movement over edge portions on the shaft.

Abstract: A corrugator having a pair of generally tubular support members along which operating rings may be slid to desired positions. An air bag in each support member causes drive bars to simultaneously lock the rings against movement relative to the support members.

Abstract: An improved rewind shaft of a web slitting machine has a long shaft portion supporting cores which are held in exact positions and against movement along the shaft by a retaining sleeve held against longitudinal movement relative to the rewind shaft by an expansible air shaft segment forming a detachable end portion of the rewind shaft.