Abstract: The invention relates to a device for changing a reel and for connecting a new material web to the end of an old material web, with a first reel (101) from which the first material web thereof which is wound thereon can be unwound, a transport device (103), particularly a transport roller, by means of which the first material web can be guided in a guiding region at a transport speed, a second reel (121) with which the new material web can be prepared, a drive device for rotatably driving the second reel, a separating device (142) for cutting through the first material web, by means of which the material web can be cut through in the guiding region or upstream of the guiding region in order to produce a trailing end, and a control and/or regulating device for the mutual adjustment of the trailing end and the beginning (125) of the second material web, such that the trailing end and the beginning of the web are at a distance of more than 0 mm from each other and particularly do not overlap.

Abstract: A diagnostic tape unit and a process for producing it are provided, in which disposable, test units are applied to a rollable transport tape which is wound onto an unwinding spool and is connected to a take-up spool such that the test units can be successively made available to a user by winding on the transport tape. One or both of the leading end and trailing end of the transport tape is connected to their corresponding spools by means of an auxiliary tape.

Abstract: A control device that moves and positions number one and number two takeup members at number one and number two aperture forming positions until the number one and number two cutting points of number one and number two tapes are positioned at number one and number two cutting positions. By doing this, number one and number two unnecessary sections from number one and number two tapes can be processed by reliably being taken into number one and number two apertures of number one and number two takeup members. Then, after cutting number one and number two unnecessary sections, number one and number two takeup members are moved to number one and number two conveyance positions. By doing this, number one and number two tapes can be smoothly conveyed along number one and number two movable conveyance paths of number one and number two takeup members to a splicing position.

Abstract: In order to seal the corner joint of an elastoplastic tape placed as a spacer on a glass pane, a film strip is pressed with a first portion of its length against the first leg section of the spacer and the protruding portion of the film strip is wrapped around the corner and pressed against the second leg section. For the purpose of automating this process, the film strip is severed mechanically from an automatically supplied film tape and held via a transfer apparatus which thereafter presses the film strip with the first portion of its length against the first leg section. The portion of the film strip protruding freely over the corner is wrapped around the corner via a pressure carriage and pressed by tautening against the second leg section of the spacer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tape applicator or tape head formed from a combination of two separated apparatuses namely a detachable unit containing a front portion of the tape applicator and a stationary unit containing a rear portion of the applicator with snap-on engagement there between to obtain the interactive motion of a conventional tape applicator i.e. the present invention separates a conventional tape applicator into two separate portions which results in the ability to quickly change tapes and reduces safety hazards.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a joined sheet product. The method comprising a first joining step including opposing a transverse end face of a first sheet product(1) to a transverse end face of a second sheet product(2) and joining release films of the first and second sheet products with a first joining member(30); a removing step including removing a portion of an intended member including at least a surface protecting member so as to leave at least the release film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive provided on the release film among the constituent members of both or any one of the first and second sheet products(1, 2), wherein the portion has a predetermined length from the transverse end face of the intended member; and a second joining step including providing a second joining member(40) on at least an exposed portion(40b) resulting from the removal of the intended member to join the surface protecting member sides of the first and second sheet products(1, 2).

Abstract: The invention is to provide a process for production of a connected sheet product, which makes it possible to connect opposed end faces of two or more sheet products. A process for production of a connected sheet product including sheet products that are connected to one another and each have at least an optical member and a release film provided on one side of the optical member with a pressure-sensitive adhesive interposed therebetween, comprising: opposing a transverse end face of a first sheet product to a transverse end face of a second sheet product; connecting release films of the first and second sheet products with a connecting member (30a); and connecting surface members of the first and second sheet products with a connecting member (30b) on the opposite side from the release films.

Abstract: A method of jointing a cord fabric when the cord fabric for topping is alternately drawn from two supply positions for continuous supply. During drawing to supply of the cord fabric on one side, a start end portion of the cord fabric on other side is locked to hold by a locking pin of a jointing holder, and is set to a jointing mounting portion in a state where an unvulcanized jointing rubber member is pasted thereto. When a final end of the cord fabric on the one side comes closer, a finish end portion thereof is pasted to the start end portion of the cord fabric held by the holder by interposing the rubber member therebetween. The finish end portion and the start end portion are squeezed for joint from upper and lower sides by press members, thereafter, the holder is removed, and the cord fabric on the other side is drawn to supply continuously to the cord fabric on the one side.

Abstract: A continuous splicer includes first and second closely spaced rotating cylinders each having a respective cutting element and tape retaining arrangement disposed on its outer periphery. With a depleting web fed by the first cylinder and a replenishing web fed by the second cylinder, an end of the replenishing web is adhesively joined to the depleting web while in motion and the depleting web is severed by the first cylinder's cutting element in forming a splice of the two webs. As the replenishing web depletes, a third web may be inserted on the first cylinder and automatically or manually spliced to the original replenishing web without stopping or re-configuring the splicer. The splicer is capable of delivering the webs at a constant rate or a rapidly changing and/or dynamic cycling rate, and applies relatively low web tension for operation with delicate, narrow and extensible webs.

Abstract: An adhesive connecting member and an optical connecting structure using the member, in which connection loss can be reduced and handling is facilitated, are provided. The adhesive connecting member optically connects an optical transmission medium and another optical transmission medium or an optical part by being intervened therebetween, and the member has a strongly adhesive face contacting the optical transmission medium and a weakly adhesive face contacting the other optical transmission medium or optical part. In addition, by this adhesive connecting member, the optical transmission medium and the other transmission medium or optical part can be optically connected.

Abstract: A film splicer including a base body on which two films to be spliced are aligned such that splicing ends thereof make contact with each other, an adhesive tape applied to the splicing ends of the films to join them, and a splicer arm that is folded against the base body to bore sprocket holes by punching members and to cut the adhesive tape by cutting members to a length corresponding to the length in the width direction of the films, wherein the cutting members comprise punches capable of punching out both the adhesive tape and excessive edge areas in the width direction of the films and that are formed with tapered portions having an angle relative to a cutting direction that extends in the longer direction of the films, the tapered portions being formed at both end areas in the cutting direction, whereby edge areas in the width direction of the films spliced together are free of steps.

Abstract: In order to seal the corner joint of an elastoplastic tape placed as a spacer on a glass pane, a film strip is pressed with a first portion of its length against the first leg section of the spacer and the protruding portion of the film strip is wrapped around the corner and pressed against the second leg section. For the purpose of automating this process, the film strip is severed mechanically from an automatically supplied film tape and held via a transfer apparatus which thereafter presses the film strip with the first portion of its length against the first leg section. The portion of the film strip protruding freely over the corner is wrapped around the corner via a pressure carriage and pressed by tautening against the second leg section of the spacer.

Abstract: A web joining apparatus and related method. The apparatus includes a turret arm which supports an old roll and a new roll around which band-state flexible support bodies are wound, a front pasting drum including a holding device holding the tip end of the band-state flexible support body of the new roll and a cutting drum provided with a cutting member with substantially the same length as the width of the band-state flexible support body. A projection amount is set so that only a single sheet of the band-state flexible support body can be cut off. The flexible support body of the old roll is cut off and the tail end of the flexible support body of the old roll and the tip end of the flexible support body of the new roll are joined as the band-state flexible support body is conveyed.

Abstract: A method for butt joining a band (W) of flexible material, heat-sealing on at least one side and pre-printed on the opposite side, the band (W) being unwound from a parent reel (10), cut longitudinally into strips (W1, W2) and rewound into reels or rolls (20), the method consisting in overlaying the tail edge (L1) of a finished parent reel on top of the leading edge (L2) of a new parent reel, so that the printing of the one coincides with that of the other, cutting the band transversely along a line (R) in the area of overlaying of the edges (L1, L2), removing the ends (E1, E2) trimmed from the edges (L1, L2) and heat sealing on the heat-sealing side of the band (W), along the cutting line (R), a strip of heat-sealing material (S).

Abstract: A device for splicing the free end of a strip of web material to a homologous strip of web material being supplied includes a first moving element and a second moving element, each of which is able to function alternatively as retention structure for the free end and as guiding structure for the web. The moving elements are, at least in part, translatable with respect to one another for connecting the free end to the web, performing the operation of splicing. The first and the second moving elements are selectively orientable between a position of opening, in which the moving element has a gripping formation exposed to receive the free end, and a position of closing, in which the gripping formation faces the other moving element of the device to allow the free end to connect to the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for switching a strip feed between supply rolls has first and second supports displaceable in a direction independently parallel to each other between an outer reload position and an inner supply position and respective first and second shafts on the supports extending parallel to the direction and adapted to carry respective rolls of strip. The strip is pulled off one of the rolls in the supply position of the respective support and fed continuously or in steps to a user. Respective cutters on each of the supports cut the respective strip, and respective gluers on each of the supports glue a leading end of the respective strip to a trailing end of the strip of the other roll.

Abstract: The present invention simplifies an apparatus and is capable of, when replacing a roll, swiftly connecting the tail end side portion of a previously paid out web material and the lead end portion of web material to be paid out subsequently. A connecting apparatus 15 comprises a pay-out device 21, which is arranged so as to sequentially pay out web material M, which is wound on a first and second rolls 12 and 13, and a connecting device 22 that connects the portion at the tail end 12a (13a) side of the web material M from either one of the rolls 12 and 13 and the portion at the lead end 12b (13b) of the web material M from the other roll 12 (13). At the tail end 12a (13a) side, of the web material M, substantially a half of a connecting sheet M1 is stuck thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding and cutting lengths of tape and advancing the lengths to a vacuum wheel applicator, the feed section of the apparatus comprising a feed roll, an anvil vacuum roll, and a rotary knife adjacent to the anvil vacuum roll, and means for adjusting the speed of the feed roll and the speed of the anvil vacuum roll to vary the length of the tape advanced to the applicator, and a tape roll splicing assembly to provide a continuous supply of tape to the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for splicing web materials. The apparatus comprises a first nip roller, a second nip roller and an adhesive roller. The apparatus further comprises a first wind up roller and a second wind up roller. The apparatus also comprises a pair of infeed web cutting elements, and a pair of outfeed web cutting elements. First and second webs are received from upstream web supplies. One web proceeds downstream and the other is wound on a wind up roller. Adhesive is applied to one web and the two webs together with the adhesive pass between the nip rollers. One web is separated between the upstream supply and the splice and the other is separated between the splice and the wind up roller. The splice may proceed downstream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for splicing a web of layered material so that a new roll of material may be joined to an expiring web via a butt joint. A shear wheel is driven to ensure that the shear wheel positively rotates as it cuts across web material that is held against the side of an anvil. In the illustrated embodiment, a drive cable and shear wheel assembly are operably connected to a splicing apparatus, a portion of the drive cable being threaded through the splicing apparatus and wrapped around at least a portion of the shear wheel, the threaded drive cable being maintained under tension. The rapid movement of the shear wheel assembly, and the wrapping engagement between the taut threaded drive cable and shear wheel, forces the shear wheel to positively spin, thereby improving the cutting capabilities of the attached rotary cutter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for splicing web materials. The apparatus comprises a first nip roller, a second nip roller and an adhesive roller. The apparatus further comprises a first wind up roller and a second wind up roller. The apparatus also comprises a pair of infeed web cutting elements, and a pair of outfeed web cutting elements. First and second webs are received from upstream web supplies. One web proceeds downstream and the other is wound on a wind up roller. Adhesive is applied to one web and the two webs together with the adhesive pass between the nip rollers. One web is separated between the upstream supply and the splice and the other is separated between the splice and the wind up roller. The splice may proceed downstream.

Abstract: A double-faced splicing tape of the present invention splices a first web used for forming a tobacco rod and a second web in a stand-by state to and has a plurality of perforations extending in a longitudinal direction of the webs. Furthermore, the present invention provides a feeding device for making the double-faced splicing tape hang toward a feeding position located in between a main delivery path of the first web and a sub-delivery path of the second web.

Abstract: A connecting member, used for serially connecting two carrier tapes, comprises a base film, a belt-like reference band substantially fixed on the base film, a bonding tape adhering on the base film, and a cover film covering the bonding tape. A straight reference face is provided on a longitudinal side of the reference band closely to the bonding tape.

Abstract: From a supply reel which is set in position at an ACF (Anisotropic Concuctive Film) feeding station, an ACF tape having an ACF laminated on one side of a liner tape is drawn out by an ACF bonding means. At least two reel mount members are provided on a reel stand at the ACF feeding station to mount two ACF tape supply reels concurrently thereon. The reel stand is connected to a switch means thereby to switch the two reel mount members either to an operating or tape supplying position or a standby position. As soon as an ACF tape from a supply reel in the operating position is consumed completely, a fresh supply reel in the standby position is switched into the operating position to continue the supply of the ACF tape.

Abstract: A splicer quickly and accurately joins together with tape the ends of plain sheets or perforated sheets, such as the ends of fanfold sheet commonly used for printing. The sheets are clamped between mating pairs of resilient strips by a top which hinges down onto a base. The base has a combination of frictional clamps and retractable pins, for aligning the ends of sheet before they are clamped in place by the top, according to whether the sheets are perforated or not. A head is then moved rearwardly along the top, to first slit overlapping sheets and create a precise butt line, when that is required. An anti-friction surface on one of the resilient clamping strips attached to the top enables selective removal a one trim piece, to expose the butt line for taping, without release of the clamping action on the sheets. The head is then moved forward to precisely apply tape from a dispenser, and to automatically cut the tape and the end of the run.

Abstract: A supply of sheet stock material for use in a cushioning conversion machine is disclosed. The supply of stock material includes at least one ply of sheet stock material rolled or folded into a compact configuration such as a roll of wound stock material or a stack of fan-folded stock material. The ply has disposed on a leading or trailing end thereof, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and a removable release liner covering the pressure sensitive adhesive layer. When a supply of sheet stock material is almost spent, a succeeding supply of stock material may be spliced to the almost spent supply by removing the release liner to expose the adhesive and then applying the leading or trailing end, having the adhesive thereon, to a trailing end of the almost spent supply of stock material or leading end of the succeeding supply of stock material.

Abstract: A sleeve label splicer apparatus is disclosed for splicing together a tail end of a roll of sleeve labels to a leading edge of a replacement roll of sleeve labels. The splicer apparatus includes a drive roller for driving and guiding the roll of sleeve labels and a backing roller cooperating with the drive roller such that the drive and backing rollers define therebetween a nip for controllably positioning the tail end of the roll of sleeve labels relative to the leading edge of the replacement roll of sleeved labels. The arrangement is such that the tail end is disposed in abutting relationship relative to the leading edge of the replacement roll. A splicing tape applicator is provided for applying a splicing tape to front surfaces of the abutting tail end and leading edge. Also, a further splicing tape applicator is provided for applying a further splicing tape to back surfaces of the abutting tail end and leading edge.

Abstract: A device for splicing strips has a first drum rotating about a first axis and having a first outer face for selectively retaining and guiding a first strip; and a second drum rotating about a second axis and having a second outer face for selectively guiding and retaining a second strip; the first and second outer face are so shaped as to form a gap for passage of the strips, and to press the first and second strip and a sticker together as a function of the indexing angles of the first and second drum.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing continuous supply of transfer tape to an applicator machine. The method includes unwinding the tape from the rolls to erase the roll memory in the tape, advancing the tape along a web path through knife elements to staging areas and past pinch rollers to the applicator. A second tape is placed on the staging plate for splicing to the first tape at the pinch roller. The first tape is cut and the second tape is advanced to the applicator.

Abstract: A double-faced splicing tape of the present invention splices a first web used for forming a tobacco rod and a second web in a stand-by state to and has a plurality of perforations extending in a longitudinal direction of the webs. Furthermore, the present invention provides a feeding device for making the double-faced splicing tape hang toward a feeding position located in between a main delivery path of the first web and a sub-delivery path of the second web.

Abstract: Automatic splicing device for laminar webs in continuous feed processes, consisting of two reel-carriers (1 and 2), mounted above which are the respective preparation heads (3 and 4) and between them a moving head (14) capable of displacement between the positions of said preparation heads (3 and 4), for the preparation in either of these of the web from a reel in stand-by for the subsequent joining to the web of another infeed reel when the latter runs out, without any interruption to the feed process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seaming board including opposing ends, opposing upper and lower major surfaces and attached abutment structure. The abutment structure is attached to the seaming board proximate one of the ends, and is adjustable between a closed condition overlying the upper surface and an open condition away from the upper surface.

Abstract: The splicing device comprises two heads (41A, 43A; 41B, 43B), each of which has: a roller (33A; 33B) associated with a clamping bar (93A; 93B) to hold between said roller and said clamping bar an initial edge (L) of the second web material; a counter-pressure member (53A; 53B) cooperating with said roller to press said first and second web materials against each other; and a cutting member (67A; 67B).

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided for guiding the seam allowance of a seamed joint of a fabric into alignment longitudinally with a seam sealing tape applied to the seamed joint within a consolidation nip, all to effect a leakproof seal of the joint. The apparatus includes guide means positioned proximate the consolidation nip, adjacent the entrance thereof, the guide means having an opening therein to and through which the seam allowance is passed. The opening is of a size sufficient to accept and guide the seam allowance passing therethrough. The opening is preferably a slot, the open end of the slot being positioned adjacent the seamed joint and aligned with the tape as the tape and joint pass to and through the consolidation nip. The guide means optionally includes coacting shock absorbers.

Abstract: A butt splicer lengthens a travel distance of a lap-spliced web by a predetermined distance. A pair of knives, spaced apart by the predetermined distance are fired when the lap splice is between them. The severed ends of the web are brought together on a vacuum roll for the application of a tape bridging the upstream and downstream ends. In one embodiment, a second tape is applied to the second side of the web to form a double butt splice.

Abstract: A sleeve label splicer apparatus is disclosed for splicing together a tail end of a roll of sleeve labels to a leading edge of a replacement roll of sleeve labels. The splicer apparatus includes a drive roller for driving and guiding the roll of sleeve labels and a backing roller cooperating with the drive roller such that the drive and backing rollers define therebetween a nip for controllably positioning the tail end of the roll of sleeve labels relative to the leading edge of the replacement roll of sleeved labels. The arrangement is such that the tail end is disposed in abutting relationship relative to the leading edge of the replacement roll. A splicing tape applicator is provided for applying a splicing tape to front surfaces of the abutting tail end and leading edge. Also, a further splicing tape applicator is provided for applying a further splicing tape to back surfaces of the abutting tail end and leading edge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for forming and reinforcing a butt splice (21) along the abutting edges (18, 20) of two elastomeric sheets (12, 14) which typically contain a plurality of reinforcing cords (16) extending parallel to one another and to the abutting edges (18, 20) of the sheets. Each butt splice (21) is reinforced with a splice strip (22, 24) which bridges the butt splice. The splice strip (22, 24) is applied to the butt splice (21) using a splice applicating device (60) containing at least one and preferably two applicator heads (66, 68) which move from a splice strip load position P1 to a third position P3 where an applicator head can press the splice strip (22, 24) into contact with the butt splice (21). First, the applicator heads (66, 68) rotate about an axis between the load position P1 and a second position P2 spaced from the butt splice (21). Then, one of the heads (66, 68) reciprocates toward and away from the splice strip application position P3.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for connecting ends of wires. Ends of wires (a, a′) to be connected are placed linearly on a base plate (11). An adhesive tape (t) is placed on an auxiliary plate (12) near the base plate (11). A movable plate (33) then is moved transverse to the wires (a, a′) to roll the wires (a, a′) onto the tape (t) and to wind the tape (t) around the wires (a, a′). The movable plate (33) then is moved back after winding of the tape (t) to untwist the wires (a, a′).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for splicing photographic films is disclosed, where the films are conveyed along a path and supported by a track element. Upon being positioned to receive a splice, the films are clamped between a movable splice pad and the track clement. The clamping action produced by the movable splice pad substantially eliminates the problem of film foldovers caused by curling at the trailing end of a film. A splice head is lowered to apply a splice tape to the films, thereby forming the splice. The films are spliced together in a flattened state, producing a continuous web of film which can be wound onto a roll or core for further processing.

Abstract: An adhesive tape piece sticking device (14) for sticking a double-coated adhesive tape piece to a cigarette paper (P) has a motor (52) for rotating a reel (32) that takes up a tape band (T) delivered from a tape roll (58). A guide block (66) for projectingly guiding the tape band toward the paper (P) and a lift guide unit (68) are arranged in the middle of a take-up path for the tape band. The sticking device slides as a whole with a tape piece positioned between an edge (70) and a guide plate (74), thereby pressing the tape piece against the paper. Further, the lift guide unit is lowered to separate the mount from the tape piece that is stuck to the paper.

Abstract: A roll film connecting device comprises means for transporting a preceding film and a film following the film via a connecting station, a pair of connecting members arranged at the connecting station and movable toward or away from each other with a film transport path positioned therebetween, each of the connecting members having a face opposed to the other and serving as a suction face, a pair of cutters so arranged as to be movable out of or into the respective suction faces of the connecting members, and a cutter receiver so disposed as to be movable into or out of a space between the connecting members as moved away from each other.

Abstract: In the manufacture of plastics bags using reclosable zipper strip (10, 14) with engageable male and female profiles (12, 16), a butt splicing operation is used to speed up the changeover from one reel of zipper strip to another. The trailing end of one strip and the leading end of the next strip are brought together in abutting relationship within a splicing unit, sealing material (22) is overlaid on the end zones of opposite sides of the strips, and this is sealed to the underlying zipper strips, preferably using heat and pressure. The flanges (18) of the zipper strips are held apart by separator plates (20) during the sealing operation.

Abstract: A connection tape (20) for connecting ends of square hole-punched carrier tapes (1) each of which comprises a carrier tape (11) formed with sprocket holes (11a) and pocket holes (11b), a top cover tape (12) and a bottom cover tape (13) attached on its top and bottom surfaces, respectively. The connection tape has a three-layer structure comprising a base tape (30), an adhesive tape (40) and a protection tape (50). The adhesive tape is composed of a first adhesive tape (41) which can adhere to the top cover tape, a second adhesive tape (42) which can adhere over the top of the sprocket holes in the carrier tape without interfering with the top cover tape, and a third adhesive tape (43) which can attach to the bottom cover tape. The second adhesive tape has sprocket holes (42a) which correspond to the sprocket holes in the square hole-punched carrier tape.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating uniting bands having pairs of adhesive sides ahead of a splicer wherein the leader of a fresh web carrying one or more uniting bands is attached to the trailing end of an expiring web employs a base carrying a first reel which supplies a strip-shaped carrier of uniting bands, with one side of each uniting band adhering to the carrier, and a second reel which collects successive increments of the carrier subsequent to their separation from the uniting bands. The base further supports a spring-biased clamping member and is pivotable between a first position in which the carrier is remote from the leader of a fresh web, and intermediate position in which the clamping member begins to bias the leader of the fresh web against a back support, and a second position in which the other side(s) of a selected number of uniting bands contacts or contact the leader of the fresh web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for precise connection for a continuous unrolling machine, comprising at least a means (3) for unrolling two spools, a strip accumulator (4) and a device for connecting ending strips (1) and new strips (2).

Abstract: A splicer for joining with tape the abutted ends of two sheets, such as the headers and footers of stacks of fanfold paper to be printed upon, is comprised of a clamp assembly and a tape dispenser. The clamp assembly captures the ends of the sheets between the resilient surfaces of a base and a movable top comprised of two spaced apart bars. Pins in the base help align perforated paper for joining. The dispenser runs along the slot between the two bars. It dispenses, presses down, and cuts the tape as it is laid along the butt-line between the ends of the sheets. An optional reversing bar causes the two sheets to travel along different shape paths to the splicer, thus enabling application of tape to the opposing sides of the sheets.

Abstract: An automatic paper web connecting apparatus includes a pair of blocks arranged so as to be able to move relatively and be pressed against each other in the direction to cross a feed path for one paper web and a feed path for the other paper web, retaining mechanism for retaining the two paper webs on the respective opposite faces of their corresponding blocks by suction, a cutting mechanism for cutting a desired one of the paper webs, and a drive mechanism for relatively moving the blocks. The cutting mechanism includes a rotating body rockable between the two paper web feed paths on the upper-course side of the blocks, first and second knives fixed individually to the blocks, and a third knife fixed to the rotating body. The rotating body is rotated between a first rotational position in which the third knife faces the first knife and a second rotational position in which the third knife faces the second knife.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a splice between the trailing end of an expiring web of paper or other material, and the leading end of a new web of material. The apparatus includes a clamp for engaging and stopping the advancing web, and a web severing mechanism to transversely move across and sever the stopped web. A new web holding assembly supports the leading end portion of the new web, and the holding assembly may be lowered to align the trailing and leading ends so that they may be joined by a tape or the like. The web severing mechanism includes a clamping wheel positioned to smooth the trailing end portion of the stopped web before it is severed by a following cutting wheel. Also, a hand-held tool is provided for accurately and safely positioning the leading end portion of the new web on the new web holding assembly.

Abstract: A multi-roll automatic tape splicing device includes a platen which is rotatably mounted on a support frame via a shaft. Two or more tape mandrels are rotatably disposed on the platen at a substantially equal distance from the shaft, and substantially equally spaced from each other, each mandrel being capable of receiving a respective roll of tape. An index drive is operatively coupled to the platen, for selectively rotating the platen so as to successively move each mandrel into a predetermined operating position at which a web of tape can be drawn from a respective roll of tape disposed on the mandrel, and for moving a mandrel out of the operating position when the respective roll of tape is depleted. A first sensor is operatively mounted on the support frame and capable of detecting a depleted condition of a roll of tape mounted on a respective mandrel in the operating position.

Abstract: A lap splicing apparatus for lap splicing first and second webs together, with each of the first and second webs alternately constituting a running web and a new web to be spliced to the running web, includes a frame; a first spindle mounted at a first fixed position on the frame for holding a roll containing the first web at a first orientation; a second spindle mounted at a second fixed position on the frame for holding a roll containing the second web at the first orientation; a single lap splicing device immovably mounted at a fixed position on the frame for lap splicing the first and second webs together with the trailing tail end of the lap splice always being on the same side; a first transfer assembly of rollers for bringing the first web to the lap splicing device, and for turning the first web by at least one angle from the first orientation; and second transfer assembly of rollers for bringing the second web to the lap splicing device, and for turning the second web by at least one angle from the f