Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for forming a zero-speed, butt splice to join together a web from a new roll of material to a web which is from an expiring roll of material and which should be run, at a relatively high speed, through a web processing operation, such as a disposable diaper manufacturing line, under relatively constant, relatively low tension along a predetermined path of travel that includes a running web festoon means having floating dancer rollers and the running web processing operation. To form the butt splice, the leading end of the new web is trimmed by moving one knife wheel assembly along the cutting edge of an anvil. A piece of tape is applied to the leading end so that a portion of the tape projects downstream from that end. The expiring web is held against the anvil and trimmed along the same cutting edge of the anvil. The trailing end of the expiring roll is also simultaneously adhered to the downstream portion of the tape.

Abstract: A knife wheel assembly suitable for forming a butt splice to join together a web from a new roll of material to a web which is from an expiring roll of material and which is being run, downstream from the expiring roll, under tension along a predetermined path of travel that includes a running web storage means and a press or other web handling means. To form the butt splice, the leading end of the new web is trimmed by moving one knife wheel assembly along the cutting edge of an anvil. The trimmed leading end is held against the anvil, and a piece of tape is applied to the leading end so that a portion of the tape projects downstream from that end. The portion of the expiring web, adjacent to the anvil, is then momentarily stopped, held against the anvil, and trimmed by another knife wheel assembly, along the same cutting edge of the anvil, by movement of the knife wheel assembly across the web, from side-to-side, along the cutting edge of the anvil.

Abstract: An improved machine and method for lifting, loading, and maintaining a web roll on a cantelevered spindle so that the web roll may rotate about the longitudinal axis of the spindle thereby permitting the web to be unwound from the web roll. The cantelevered spindle of this machine may be moved, vertically and horizontally, from its normal, unwind position so as to be insertable into the central core opening of the web roll while the web roll is positioned on the floor adjacent to the machine. Thereafter the spindle, and the web roll mounted on the spindle, are moved vertically and horizontally and are returned to the spindle's normal web unwind position. The means utilized to move the spindle horizontally during web roll lifting and loading is also used, in part, to adjust the position of the web roll, during the web unwinding operation, in response to signals from a side-lay sensing device employed to sense the position of the side edge of the web being unwound.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently removing and disposing of a continuous web of matrix waste formed during the high speed manufacture of adhesive backed, pressure sensitive label stock on a printing press. As it leaves the press, the web of matrix waste is formed into a generally tubular rope in a cylindrical eductor. A controlled mixture of a high volume, high air and oil is used to pass the rope of matrix waste through an eductor, into and through a flexible hose, and into a compactor where the rope is compacted into relatively compact bundles. These bundles can then be readily deposited and efficiently stored in waste receptacles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for forming a butt splice to join together a web from a new roll of material to a web which is from an expiring roll of material and which is being run, downstream from the expiring roll, under tension along a predetermined path of travel that includes a running web storage means and a press or other web handling means. To form the butt splice, the leading end of the new web is trimmed along the cutting edge of an anvil. The trimmed leading end is held against the anvil, and a piece of tape is applied to the leading end so that a portion of the tape projects downstream from that end. The portion of the expiring web, adjacent to the anvil, is then momentarily stopped, held against the anvil, and trimmed along the same cutting edge of the anvil. As the trailing end of the expiring roll is trimmed, it is simultaneously adhered to the downstream portion of the tape. This serves to join this trailing end of the expiring roll and the leading end of the new roll together.