Abstract: An apparatus is provided wherein web material is unwound from successive rolls of web material by imparting a constant draw in the web material. The web is then forwarded through a constant tension zone to downstream equipment such as a converter for manufacturing disposable absorbent products. The constant tension zone is provided to isolate the web being forwarded under constant tension from tension fluctuations which may occur in the constant draw unwind portion of the apparatus: such tension fluctuations being relatively large in magnitude and random in nature especially with net-like webs, and blocking prone web marterials. A splicer is provided in the constant tension zone in close proximity to the constant-draw unwind to effect splices near the tail end of a just depleted roll of web but prior to the tail end passing out of the constant-draw unwind portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for accumulating generally flat articles of substantially the same size and shape into stacks of specific count. The apparatus comprises at least one vertically oriented spiral member having an exterior leading edge and an interior trailing edge. A prime mover rotates the spiral member about its horizontal axis of rotation. A product stack-building area is provided through which the leading and trailing edges of the spiral member passes once each revolution thereof. An infeed device feeds products at substantially the same elevation to the top of the stack-building area and onto the outer surface of the spiral member constituting a product support surface which recedes from the article infeed elevation at a predetermined rate. At least one side plate is provided to keep the products within the stack-building area. An outfeed device to receive stacked products passes through the spiral member at an elevation just below the trailing edge thereof.