Abstract: The present invention is a geothermal exchange process to deliver water, in a closed loop ground to water system, at temperatures approaching that of ground water. Such water temperatures were heretofore only achievable with ground water systems. Optimum energy saving and performance of ground coupled heat pumps are directly linked to heat exchange between a circulating water loop and ground temperature. This invention allows for the optimization of energy and performance. The efficiency of heat pumps diminishes with descending outside air temperatures. This invention allows for the manipulation of entry water temperatures to stem the problem of diminishing efficiencies. The water system makes use of a uniquely designed geothermal exchange module with increased conductivity to maximize heat transfer into the water.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for forming a butt splice between an expiring web and a new web in which both webs are concomitantly cut at a location upstream of a lap splice formed between the webs and a length of splicing tape is applied at the location to form the butt splice. After the butt splice is formed, the new web leading portion which is severed during the cutting operation is stripped from the expiring web. Preferably a stiffener strip is adhered to the expiring web with a breakaway adhesive and to the new web with a firm adhesive during the formation of the lap splice to facilitate the subsequent stripping operation.

Abstract: A flotation dryer nozzle in which respective outer narrow nozzle openings are formed at the edges of the side of the nozzle facing the web to be dried and respective wider nozzle openings are formed in the nozzle side facing the web inwardly of the narrow nozzle openings and in which respective pressure reduction regions are formed between the inside of the nozzle body and the wider nozzle openings.

Abstract: A pull roll in which the outer shell of a cooling roll through which a cooling medium flows has grooves in its outer surface forming lands which support a perforated skin. Communication is provided between the shell grooves and a segmented stator groove connected to a source of reduced pressure so that the vacuum exerts a pull on the web while the cooling medium cools the web through the skin.

Abstract: A turret unwinder in which a carriage mounted on the turret for movement between limit positions respectively adjacent first and second diametrically opposite winding axes supports a bumper roll for movement from a neutral position to respective fired positions in engagement with rolls on the winding axes and first and second knife bars adapted to be fired respectively to sever webs being unwound from rolls on the two axes.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a thin coating to a web in which the outer end of a die assembly is moved into interfering relationship with the outer elastomeric position of a backing roll so that coating material supplied to said die assembly pocket of coating material covering a discharge orifice in the outer end of the die assembly.

Abstract: A Coanda dryer nozzle unit in which a nozzle opening formed in a plenum chamber just below and extending along one edge of a wall of the chamber parallel to the web to be dried is connected to the upper surface of the wall by a curved surface to produce a Coanda flow of air over the curved surface and along the upper surface of the wall. A lip along the other edge of the wall has a curved surface which directs the airflow upwardly toward the web and produces a pad of air between the web and the wall.

Abstract: An improved rotary knife assembly for severing a moving web in which a support is mounted on a frame for rotary movement around a first axis, and a knife blade is mounted on the support for rotary movement around a second axis generally parallel to and spaced from the first axis. The knife blade is adapted to move from a first position remote from the web to a second position at which it engages and severs the web. Means are provided for concomitantly driving the support and the blade around the axes to move the blade from the first position through the second position and back to the first position.

Abstract: A tension control system for an unwinder in which a mechanical differential continuously couples to the roll mandrel an unwinding torque which is at least equal to the torque necessary to overcome the friction in the system.

Abstract: An improved turret for use in winding and unwinding operations in which each of the arms of two pairs of generally diametrically oppositely extending roll supporting arms is eccentrically mounted on the cross-shaft by linear bearings which permit rolling movement of an arm axially of the cross-shaft while constraining the arm to rotate with the shaft. Respective independently operable means associated with each pairs of arms permit the arms of a pair to be moved concomitantly axially toward or away from each other to accommodate different roll widths. Other independently operable means permit the arms of a pair to be moved together axially from side to side to adjust side lay of the web being handled.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alternate side web splicing apparatus in which a bumper roll and a knife roll supported on a frame are adapted successively to be fired in the same direction from ready positions to perform an undersplice and in which means is provided for automatically changing the ready position of the knife roll while properly orienting the blade thereof and for firing the bumper roll and the knife roll in the opposite direction to perform an oversplice.