Abstract: A method and apparatus for winding a rug into a roll about a mandrel and thereafter pushing the roll off the mandrel. The mandrel is driven at one end and the web is discharged from the opposite end. An end support member is provided at the discharge end prior to and while the mandrel is being rotatably driven which together with bearings at the driven end of the mandrel provide support for the mandrel. The end support member is removed after the rug is wound so that the rug may be discharged from the mandrel. A support carriage beneath the mandrel is raised prior to removal of the end support member to support the roll and thus the mandrel. A pusher plate having a bushing disposed about the mandrel not only pushes the roll off the mandrel but supports the mandrel as it moves toward the discharge end. As the pusher approaches the support cradle, the cradle is lowered.

Abstract: An ambulator for conveying rolls of carpet from a first elevation to a second elevation in a continuous step-wise manner has a fixed frame including a pair of spaced apart inclined frame members having a multiplicity of steps extending thereon from the first elevation to the second elevation, and a movable frame having spaced apart inclined beam members having a similar multiplicity of steps thereon. The profile of the steps on the fixed frame and on the movable frame are identical, and the movable frame is driven in an orbital path raising and lowering while moving longitudinally relative to the fixed frame. As the movable frame orbits it lifts a roll of carpet extending across a first set of steps of the fixed frame and carries it to a second set of steps closer to the second elevation.

Abstract: A carpet web is delivered on a conveyor to a pair of parallel bed rolls which turn in unison in a common direction and initially are in close side-by-side relationship. A single upper roll parallel to the two bed rolls and midway between them rotates slightly faster than the bed rolls and turns in the same direction as the bed rolls. The upper roll is biased downwardly by a yielding controlled pressure. A rear side swingable roll at an elevation between the bed rolls and upper roll contacts the rear side of the carpet roll being formed by the apparatus to maintain tension thereon and to resist rearward displacement of the carpet roll during its formation. As the carpet roll gains size, the forward bed roll begins to gradually move forwardly in relation to the rear bed roll and upper roll while the upper roll maintains its position to form a broad stance cradle for the growing carpet roll.