Abstract: Expired paper rolls are removed from one unwinding station in a paper processing plant by engaging them with a gripper and transferring them onto a conveyor which can be operated to move expired rolls axially. Each expired roll is rotated about its own axis before the conveyor is set in motion so that the projecting remnant of web is convoluted around the expired roll before the latter begins to move axially. The one unwinding station is adjacent a second unwinding station which receives a fresh roll from a conveyance while the preceding roll is caused to pay out its web at the one station. The supporting arms for the roll at the one station are pivotable between the two stations so that a partly expired fresh roll can be shifted from the second station to the one station prior to conversion of such roll into an expired roll.

Abstract: The tension on a tape web is controlled with a lock mechanism in an apparatus wherein a first dancer device, a pair of engaging-disengaging rolls, a second dancer device, and a pair of nip rolls are located in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the direction along which the tape web moves. The speed at which the engaging-disengaging rolls rotate is adjusted on the basis of the vertical position of a dancer roll of the first dancer device, and the speed at which the nip rolls rotate is adjusted on the basis of the vertical position of a dancer roll of the second dancer device, whereby the tension on the tape web is adjusted.

Abstract: A tractor feed mechanism for feeding print forms comprises a continuous flexible pin belt wrapped around a pair of drive pulleys rotatably supported by a tractor body. Pins projecting from the flexible belt engage the forms via perforation in the forms. A door pivotally connected to the tractor body and is rotatable between an open condition in which paper can be placed on or removed from the pins and a closed position in which the forms can be restrained from becoming disengaged from the pins during feeding by the pin belt. A cam rotatable with the door and a spring is operable therewith produce a first restraining force on the door in its closed position which allows the door to be lifted a predetermined amount by the forms during feeding by the pin belt to accommodate variations in the thickness of the forms caused by buckling or folds.