Abstract: An automatic web winding system for creating a registered perforated web stock roll, from a perforated web, that includes a web leader, a web trailer, and a die assembly that creates the web leader of a first web stock roll and the web trailer of a second web stock roll. A winding assembly automatically wraps and cinches the web trailer to an associated core prior to forming the second web stock roll; and a core loader assembly automatically loads a core onto the winding assembly and transfers the web trailer to winding assembly.

Abstract: An automated perforated web splicing system includes a web stock roll of a perforated web, supported on a single unwind spindle, and having both a precut web leader edge and a web trailer edge for splicing. Also included in the automated perforated web splicing system is a leader holder device for automatically acquiring and positioning the web leader edge of the web stock roll according to perforations in the perforated web, and a splicing station for automatically positioning the web trailer edge prior to splicing and performing an on-pitch splice according to perforations in the perforated web.

Abstract: An automated roll handling system includes a cart with an integrated vertical spindle and a plurality of wheels on bottom frame of the cart. A trio of cart locating pads is situated on the bottom frame of the cart, and a cart centering post is situated on the bottom frame of the cart and used in combination with the trio of cart locating pads to locate the spindle in space to a predetermined positioning tolerance that allows for control of five degrees of freedom. A roll transfer system is also provided including a pivot arm, a system frame, a vacuum arm, a plurality of vacuum suction cups affixed to the vacuum arm for holding a sidewall of a stock roll, and a cart locator system on the bottom of the system frame for precise positioning of the cart.

Abstract: In winding methods, a primary nip formed against a web defines continuing and leading web portions. A secondary nip is formed against and moved along the leading portion, from an outfeed side of the primary nip to an infeed side. The continuing portion and a free end of the leading portion are then simultaneously advanced into the primary nip. Winding apparatus has a winding spindle and builder roller that rotate about parallel winding and builder roller axes, respectively. An axle defines a guide axis and carries a cinch roller that rotates about the guide axis. The axle pivots between first and second orientations, in which the guide axis parallels and is transverse to the winding axis, respectively. The axle moves in the first orientation, in an incomplete orbit about the winding spindle from a start to a rotated position, both adjacent the builder roller, and returns in the second orientation.