Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a tail from a roll of material. The apparatus includes a rotator for rotating a roll of material about its longitudinal axis and a tail loosener for loosening a tail from the roll. Air flowing from a duct passes over a tail supporting surface to extend the tail along the surface. The apparatus may be used to arrange a tail before the tail is sealed to the roll.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the firmness of a paper roll product. The roll product is mounted on a spindle and a plunger is lowered into engagement with the outer peripheral surface of the roll product. A motion detector detects the distance the plunger moves into the roll product under the weight of the plunger and data based on this distance is displayed for viewing by the operator. Calibrating gauges are employed prior to measurement to ensure that a zero reading on the display corresponds to the point at which the plunger initially contacts the roll product outer surface.