Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling web material paid off from a coil to a downstream end-use machine. The method generally includes automatically adjusting the height of the coil of web material to maintain a consistent payoff line, and includes dekinking the trailing end of the web material to prevent damage to downstream machines. The apparatus generally includes a reel-type uncoiler having a vertically adjustable mandrel and having a payoff roll biased into engagement with the outside diameter of the coil to define a payoff line of the web material. A dekinker is positioned just downstream of the uncoiler to dekink the trailing end of the web material and to thread the leading end of the web material into a downstream feeder. The dekinker includes a threader roll and a breaker roll pivotably mounted about a common pivot axis, wherein a kinked portion of web material is straightened therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling web material paid off from a coil to a downstream end-use machine. The method generally includes automatically adjusting the height of the coil of web material to maintain a consistent payoff line, and includes dekinking the trailing end of the web material to prevent damage to downstream machines. The apparatus generally includes a reel-type uncoiler having a vertically adjustable mandrel and having a payoff roll biased into engagement with the outside diameter of the coil to define a payoff line of the web material. A dekinker is positioned just downstream of the uncoiler to dekink the trailing end of the web material and to thread the leading end of the web material into a downstream feeder. The dekinker includes a threader roll and a breaker roll pivotably mounted about a common pivot axis, wherein a kinked portion of web material is straightened therebetween.