Abstract: When loading slit tape onto tape reels it is essential that empty reels be readily available. The present invention provides an assembly which substantially automatically transports empty reels to a loading station in a slitting machine, precisely positions the reels so that they can receive slit tape and remove the reels from the loading station after they are loaded. Each reel is engaged by a blade which moves the reel transversely between stations. The position of each blade with respect to each adjacent blade is alterable to thereby precisely position reels in the desired location.

Abstract: A plurality of flangeless reel hubs store webs of a flexible material from a slitting operation. To quickly remove the filled reels from the individual clutch members, the inner driven diameter of the hub of the reel includes elongated diamond-shaped teeth. These teeth match with slots in the individual driving clutches. The teeth are centered and driven by the shaped slots which align and positively drive the reel. Relief cutouts are provided to accommodate the compression pressure against the hub by the many layers of web material wound under high tension onto the outer circumference of the reel hub. A single shaft with slots to match the teeth in the reel can be used to align the reels, and individual vacuum columns can accommodate the tension differences between the individual webs.