Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the firmness of a paper roll product. The roll product is mounted on a spindle and a plunger is lowered into engagement with the outer peripheral surface of the roll product. A motion detector detects the distance the plunger moves into the roll product under the weight of the plunger and data based on this distance is displayed for viewing by the operator. Calibrating gauges are employed prior to measurement to ensure that a zero reading on the display corresponds to the point at which the plunger initially contacts the roll product outer surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying and forming a single row of articles into a plurality of rows of articles includes a starwheel receiving articles from an infeed conveyor and which is rotated by the articles. A diverter is rotated through a connection with the starwheel and receives articles from the starwheel. The diverter moves two out of three of the received articles to intermediate conveyors disposed on opposed sides of the diverter. These diverted rolls form two rows on an outfeed conveyor along with a third row of articles which were not diverted.

Abstract: A product shipping and display assembly includes a tray, a sleeve element positioned in the tray and a plurality of packages stacked in the sleeve element on the tray. The sleeve element has rear and side walls. The sleeve element side walls curve or bow outwardly to increase the columnar loading strength of the sleeve element. A plurality of assemblies can be positioned on a pallet and separately removed from the pallet.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying adhesive to sheet material includes an adhesive applicator including a holder with two relatively moveable segments and a tube connected to the segments having a dispensing slit which is opened and closed due to relative movement between the segments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a coreless paper roll having a specifically shaped central aperture. A probe is inserted into the central aperture of the roll after the winding mandrel has been removed from the roll to change the configuration of the central aperture over at least a portion of the length thereof.

Abstract: A system for forming coreless paper rolls having a center aperture of a predetermined cross-sectional configuration. The coreless paper roll is initially formed by winding a web about a first mandrel element having a first cross-sectional configuration and a distal end differing from the predetermined cross-sectional configuration. After the roll is formed it is slid over a second mandrel element having an outer surface with a second cross-sectional configuration to change the shape of the coreless paper roll center aperture from the first cross-sectional configuration to the predetermined cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing individual sheets from the center of a coreless roll includes a support for supporting the coreless roll which defines an aperture, a dispenser nozzle defining a restricted passageway leading from the aperture, the nozzle having an exit opening, and an insert positioned in the passageway to change the effective size and the configuration of the dispenser nozzle.

Abstract: A system for dispensing individual sheet material segments from a roll of sheet material. The sheet material is separated into individual segments by perforated tear lines which are shaped to incrementally pass through a nip formed by nip rollers due to a pulling force exerted on an end-most segment by a user. A drag force opposed to the pulling force is exerted on the sheet material by the nip rollers so that the tear line tears as it passes through the nip. Tearing along the perforated tear line is not completed until a portion of an adjacent segment is presented for pulling by a subsequent user.

Abstract: A system for culling broken packages wherein the packages are transported while maintained between support means and restraining means in the form of narrow conveyor belts in such a manner that broken packages will tip under the influence of gravity and be displaced from the support means while unbroken packages are prevented from doing so.