Abstract: A multiple durometer pressure roller for winding a web of deformable material onto a core, particularly for reducing air entrainment in the wound roll. The pressure roller includes a rigid cylindrical shaft, a resilient central sleeve supported by the shaft, and two end sleeves supported at each end of the resilient sleeve. The end sleeves have a lower durometer than the resilient sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the end sleeves and the resilient sleeve are covered by an outer cover having a higher durometer.

Abstract: A surface winder having an undercut drive roller. An apparatus for winding web material onto a core includes a driven pressure roller having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion intermediate the first and second end portions. When the pressure roller is driven against the core, a first and second nip is formed between the first and second end portions, respectively, and the core. The central portion is undercut so as to space the central portion from the web material being wound onto the core.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a surface of a moving web of material, particularly photosensitive web material. A particle transfer roller is disposed adjacent the moving web, and driven to a pre-determined speed approaching but not greater than a sensed speed of the moving web. A passive one-way clutch coupled to the particle transfer roller is engaged, such that when the driven particle transfer roller contacts the moving web, the moving web drives the particle transfer roller. A cleaning station is disposed adjacent the particle transfer roller so as to provide renewal of the particle transfer roller.

Abstract: A multiple durometer pressure roller for winding a web of deformable material onto a core, particularly for reducing air entrainment in the wound roll. The pressure roller includes a rigid cylindrical shaft, a resilient central sleeve supported by the shaft, and two end sleeves supported at each end of the resilient sleeve. The end sleeves have a lower durometer than the resilient sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the end sleeves and the resilient sleeve are covered by an outer cover having a higher durometer.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing single-sided knurls on a web or substrate without heat. The apparatus includes a conventional knurling wheel and a knurling wheel having its points ground down. A nip is formed by these two wheels and an edge of the web is passed through the nip. The resulting knurl has raised features on only one side of the web. The knurls are thinner than conventional two sided knurls and minimize fluting to the web.