Abstract: Apparatus and method for starting respective leading ends on web running continuously and wound into successive rolls. As each roll reaches a final diameter, a fresh leading end is provided on the web by machine direction slitting partial separation of a leading end tongue area and cross machine slitting of the remainder of a fresh leading end on the web, followed by complete separation of a leading end on the tongue area and directing of the tongue area and the remainder of the fresh leading end of the web into winding relation onto a fresh rotary core for winding of the web into another roll. This is adapted to be effected automatically and without interruption of high speed web travel and roll winding.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for dewatering a web in a paper making machine having press means, a first thermal dryer section having a long continuous support looped belt carrying the web along a first drying run with rolls and suction zones beneath the web and a hot air generating means for directing a flow of air onto the web in the first thermal run with the web being received substantially 40% bone dry at the beginning of the first thermal run and being delivered substantially 50% bone dry at the end of the run onto a heated drum dryer section.

Abstract: Trim strip in a web slitter having upper and lower rotary slitting means cooperating at a severance point for trimming a strip from the edge portion of a travelling web is engaged on a cylindrical rotary trim biasing and guiding surface associated with the lower slitting means. The trim strip is retained in wrapping engagement on the rotary surface by pressure differential and thereby positively transported away from the severance point into a chute. At a point spaced from the severance point the trim strip is stripped from the rotary surface for onward movement in the chute.