Abstract: A calender and method of operating the same, where the calender has a vertical stack of a plurality of rotary rolls, each of the rolls having bearing structure at each opposite end provided with a thrust shoulder cooperative with a stop shoulder on a respective suspension spindle at each end of the rolls. There are guideways for the bearing structures, and there is an arrangement for vertically shifting the rolls between a lowered mode for spaced apart independent suspension by stop shoulders and a raised nipping mode relation with one another. The weight of the bearing structures of the rolls in the raised nipping mode relation is relieved as by cooperating pawl and rack structure.

Abstract: For use in a papermaking machine or paper converting mechanism having an arrangement for winding a roll of paper onto a core at high speed, an expanding core chuck for insertion into a roll core which includes a spindle mounted for rotation within a housing, a cone mounted on the spindle and having camming surfaces thereon, a piston reciprocable axially of the spindle, means for introducing hydrostatic pressure to one end of the piston, a cup secured to the opposite end of the piston and having a plurality of radially deflectable leaves in spaced relation therearound. The leaves have angular surfaces thereon engageable by the camming surfaces on the core. When the angular surfaces are contacted by the camming surfaces of the core due to movement of the piston, the leaves are deflected outwardly into tight fitting relationship within the interior of the roll core.

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: Apparatus and method for starting respective leading ends on web running continuously and would into successive rolls, such as paper. As each roll reaches a final diameter, a fresh leading end is provided on the web by slitting in a generally cross-machine direction from a leading starter tongue projection extending downstream. The starter tongue projection with the fresh leading end of the web is directed 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 successive roll starting and winding.

Abstract: A winder rider roll assembly for paper rolling devices is provided with a rider roll having a counter weighting system in which chains affixed adjacent axial ends of the rider roll assembly are entrained over chain sprockets non-rotatably affixed to a cross shaft mechanism with one sprocket for each chain being affixed to one piece of a two piece cross shaft with the cross shaft pieces being torsionally connected through a variable spring rate coupling employing selectively inflatable air bags for transmission of torsional forces. Also disclosed is a method of controlling the level and force of the rider roll by varying air pressure in the air bags of the variable spring rate coupling.

Abstract: A core clamp mechanism serves to grip a core on a winder shaft by means of a plurality of ring elements and an expandable elastomer tube. A spacer sleeve abuts at one end with the free end of the core and receives, at its other end, a locking disc in preformed engagement spaces which cooperate with lugs formed on the disc. The elastomer tube is positioned upstream of the disc and supplied with air pressure for expansion of the tube against the disc which serves to compress the sleeve against the core. Shrinkage and other adjustments during the clamping operation are automatically accommodated by axial expansion of the tube under pressure. To remove a wound core, pressure is released through a valve from the tube and the disc moved clear from engagement with the sleeve. Cutouts corresponding to the disc lugs are formed on the sleeve so that, by aligning the cutouts with the disc lugs, the sleeve can be pulled off the shaft and the core removed and replaced.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying outside heads in the form of paperboard disks to the ends of wrapped paper rolls has platens provided with means, i.e., recesses, for accommodating protruding roll core ends in a manner to avoid interference of such protruding core ends with efficient, uniform application of the heads to the ends of the wrapped paper rolls. Means cooperate with the core end accommodating means for holding the heads on the platens until the heads have been applied to the roll ends. Such holding means desirably comprise an array of radiating channels dead ended adjacent to the core end accommodating means recess on each platen and communicating through ports adjacent the dead ends with a suction device, i.e., blower fan.