Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a wrapper to a paper roll, a turret mechanism has a crimper and an inside head holder on one side and an outside head applying platen on the opposite side, a drive for rotating the turret mechanism to place the crimper and inside head holder adjacent the paper roll end to place an inside head on the paper roll and crimp the wrapper over the inside head, and then rotating the turret mechanism to place the outside head applying platen adjacent the paper roll to place an outside head over the crimped wrapper all at a single station. The inside head holder has several retractable vacuum cups that can also apply positive air pressure to hold the inside head against the roll and during crimping. The vacuum cups are sequentially, independently retracted as a crimp approaches to clear the crimp as the paper roll is rotated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a wrapper to a paper roll, a turret mechanism has a crimper and an inside head holder on one side and an outside head applying platen on the opposite side, a drive for rotating the turret mechanism to place the crimper and inside head holder adjacent the paper roll end to place an inside head on the paper roll and crimp the wrapper over the inside head, and then rotating the turret mechanism to place the outside head applying platen adjacent the paper roll to place an outside head over the crimped wrapper all at a single station. The inside head holder has several retractable vacuum cups that can also apply positive air pressure to hold the inside head against the roll and during crimping. The vacuum cups are sequentially, independently retracted as a crimp approaches to clear the crimp as the paper roll is rotated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cutting a wrapper on a cylindrical roll in which a blade has a pointed tip joined to an inclined edge extending outwardly and an opposite smooth surface, the blade being moved under the outer wrap of the wrapper but outward of the material of the roll and continuing to be moved along a predetermined path along the length of the roll, with the inclined edge cutting the outer wrapper. The blade is positioned perpendicular to the roll and circumferentially from the outer end of the wrapper. In a preferred embodiment a longitudinal bubble is formed in the outer wrap of the wrapper and the blade tears through the crown of this bubble. Also in the preferred embodiment, a gathering device is provided for removing and flattening the cut wrapper.