Abstract: A removal assembly and method for removing a submaster from a master is described. A curved tooling surface is arranged within a housing of the assembly. A first array of vacuum cups is attached to the housing adjacent a first end of the curved tooling surface, where the first array of vacuum cups are configured to provide a vacuum grip on a first portion of the submaster. A second array of vacuum cups is attached to the housing adjacent a second end of the curved tooling surface, where the second end opposes the first end, the second array of vacuum cups is configured to provide a vacuum grip on a second portion of the submaster. A rotation mechanism is configured to rotationally support the master as the master is rolled along the curved tooling surface to remove the submaster.

Abstract: Closed loop control apparatus and methods for reducing ripples in an extruded plastic sheet include, for example, a closed loop speed control system having a roll speed sensor, a roll speed controller, and a roll drive. The roll speed sensor is communicatively coupled to the active extruder roll and configured to determine an actual roll speed of the active extruder roll. The roll speed controller is communicatively coupled to the roll speed sensor and utilizes the actual roll speed and desired roll speed to generate a command signal and transmit such signal to the roll drive. The roll drive is communicatively coupled between the roll speed controller and the active extruder roll, and utilizes the command signal to drive the active extruder roll, through its controllers and power electronics.