Abstract: A splicing apparatus for an unwinder automatically splices the trailing end of a web from one roll to the leading end of a web from a second roll. A pair of roll support frames are mounted for movement between an unwinding position in which a roll on the support frame is aligned with the path of web movement and a loading position in which a roll on the support frame is laterally offset from the path of web movement. A vacuum retainer is mounted on each of the roll support frames for retaining a leading edge of the web of a new roll. A movable vacuum belt is mounted adjacent the path of web movement, and a slitter is mounted upstream of the vacuum belt. When a first roll in the unwinding position is to be replaced, the first web is secured by the vacuum belt and cut by the slitter to form a trailing end. The roll support frames are moved to bring a second roll into the unwinding position. The leading end portion of the second web is adjacent the trailing end portion of the first web.

Abstract: A center driven unwind system for core-equipped parent rolls includes a frame for supporting the parent roll while it is being unwound, a parent roll placement cart for moving a parent roll from a loading position to the unwinding position on the frame, and a core removal cart for removing an unwound parent roll from the frame.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a liquid fountain such as is employed in flexographic printing and which is especially adapted for the split color printing wherein a foam layer separates the various ink compartments and is equipped with a liquid flow slot in the portion facing the liquid metering roll so as to provide limited axial flow of a slot liquid which is compatible with the ink in the various compartments.