Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a conveying device for advancing a web along a web advancement path at least to a tube forming station where the web is formed into a tube and for advancing the tube along a tube advancement path, a tube forming and sealing device configured to form and to longitudinally seal the tube, a tensioning device upstream of the tube forming station and configured to control the tension of the tube and a control unit configured to control packaging machine operation. The tensioning device comprises a main drive roller rotatable around a main rotation axis and a main drive motor configured to actuate rotation of the main drive roller around the main rotation axis. The control unit is configured to control the main drive motor such that angular speed and/or angular acceleration of the main drive roller is cyclically varied to control the tension of the tube.

Abstract: Methods to drive material conditioning machines are described. An example method includes determining a first torque of a first roller of a material conditioning machine through which the strip material moves, calculating a second torque of a second roller of the material conditioning machine based on a relationship between the second torque and the first torque, and maintaining the relationship between the second torque and the first torque by adjusting the second torque after a change in the first torque.

Abstract: In a web printer, tension on the moving web is controlled by monitoring the tension on the web between two rollers and selectively operating an actuator driving the second roller to restore the tension to an acceptable range. The operation of the actuator includes modulating the speed at which the second roller is driven.

Abstract: A paper discharge apparatus includes a conveying path configured to convey a paper from an upstream portion to a downstream portion, a feed roller provided on the conveying path, the feed roller configured to convey the paper from the upstream portion to the downstream portion, and a feed belt arranged downstream of the feed roller on the conveying path, the feed belt configured to convey the paper from the upstream portion to the downstream portion. A control unit controls the feed belt and the feed roller to bend the paper by keeping a speed of the feed belt slower than a speed of the feed roller for a period of time, and discharge the paper from the conveying path by keeping the speed of the feed belt to be at least the same speed as the feed roller.

Abstract: A web processing assembly including first, second and third fixed spaced apart pairs of nip rollers moving the web respectively at a first, second and third speeds, the first and third speeds being constant and similar, the second speed being variable with a mean speed similar to the first and third speeds, a first idler roller engaging the web between the first and second pair of rollers and a second idler roller engaging the web between the second and third pair of rollers, each idler roller maintaining the web in constant tension by moving along a restrained path perpendicular to its axis to compensate for a difference between the variable second speed and the respective one of the constant first and third speeds. A method for processing a web and system for conveying a web are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for the movement by friction of a set of two bands of superimposed flexible material, using at least two feed rollers that turn in the direction of band movement so that they are all pulled in unison, occasionally involuntary offsetting can occur in the mutual correct position of the bands, the method includes the placing of antifriction devices between both adjacent bands that allow mutual movement between both bands when they are pressurised between the opposite rollers and are pulled by them, without slipping between the bands and rollers, and because on at least one operative cycle the method includes an adjustment stage wherein the two rollers have a tangentially different speed so that one of the bands is pulled to a greater distance than the other, in order to correct the aforesaid involuntary offsetting in the mutual position between both bands.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding wire in a welding system include one or more motors disposed adjacent the wire to drive it. A wire feed motor is also disposed along the wire path, and is closer to the source of wire than the torch, and closer to the source than the one or more motors. The motors may be a pair motors disposed on opposite sides of the wire and move the wire to and away from an arc end of a torch. They preferably reversing the direction of the wire within one process cycle. The or more motors may be a stepper motor, a servo motor, a zero backlash motor, a gearless motor, a planetary drive motor, or a linear actuator (such as a piston), in various embodiments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding wire in a welding system include one or more motors disposed adjacent the wire to drive it. A wire feed motor is also disposed along the wire path, and is closer to the source of wire than the torch, and closer to the source than the one or more motors. The motors may be a pair motors disposed on opposite sides of the wire and move the wire to and away from an arc end of a torch. They preferably reversing the direction of the wire within one process cycle. The or more motors may be a stepper motor, a servo motor, a zero backlash motor, a gearless motor, a planetary drive motor, or a linear actuator (such as a piston), in various embodiments.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus, for moving sliders for opening and closing mating zipper elements along the mating zipper elements, includes a roller and a projection. The roller rotates about an axis substantially perpendicular with a path of a film including the mating zipper elements and contacts the film as the film moves in the film path at a speed equal to the speed of rotation of the roller. The projection rotates about an axis at a speed different than the rotational speed of the roller, with the projection rotating into proximity to the moving film along predetermined lengths of the film so as to be contactable with sliders mounted thereon. The projection comes into contact with sliders positioned along the mating zipper elements of the predetermined lengths of film and pushes those sliders along the mating zipper elements to respective registered positions.

Abstract: A configurable paper transport having a frame having at least one station for securing a non-driven paper web process device. The configurable paper transport defines a paper web path through the non-driven paper web process device, or devices. The configurable paper transport also contains a driver that moves a paper web along the paper web path. In a preferred configuration, the stations and associated non-driven paper web process devices have a universal receptacle permitting any non-driven paper process device, selected from a plurality of non-driven paper process devices, to be located in any station.

Abstract: The invention relates to an open-loop control process for the motional guidance of conveyed material (32) in a conveying device (30) and to a corresponding conveying device (30). The conveying device (30) has a movable means (36) for realizing the conveyance and a first motion detector (42) for measuring a first actual position value (x1act) for the movable means (36) and a second motion detector (40) for measuring a second actual position value (x2act) for the conveyed material (32).

Abstract: In a web cutter where a blade is used to cut a continuous paper web into sheets, a tractor is used to move the web past the blade for cutting. The tractor operates in a start-and-stop cycle so that the web is temporarily stopped to allow the blade to lower and shear the web. The tractor accelerates in the next cycle to move another length of paper downstream from the blade. A high-speed cutter requires high acceleration of the tractor. This acceleration force causes the web to whip up uncontrollably, causing the web to break or wrinkle. To reduce the web breakage, a moving mechanism positioned upstream from the tractor and operate a second motion cycle is used to move the web toward the tractor such that a loop of paper is formed upstream of the tractor, thereby reducing the whipping action of the web.

Abstract: A loading system is provided for loading an elongated strand of food product of given diameter on a moving transport conveyor. First and second loading conveyors are separated by a gap of dimension less than or equal to the diameter of the food product strand and convey the strand to a transfer ramp by an indexed drive.

Abstract: A control arrangement decoupled two driven inputs for driven belt web accumulators using gear trains, gear trains with torque feed-forward control or gear trains with toque feed-forward control and velocity feedback control.

Abstract: In order to reach optimal web tension relationships rapidly in the folder superstructure when starting up a web-fed rotary printing machine, first of all a web is transported with the print in the printing units thrown off, the pull units lying on the web path being operated with first lead values for optimal web tensions and, after printing has been thrown on, the pull units being operated with second lead values for optimal web tensions.

Abstract: A method for dynamically controlling a driver of a nip roller in a web printing press includes controlling the speed of the driver in a tension-control mode during a phase of printing press operation and in a velocity-control mode during another phase of printing press operation. The controlling of the speed of the driver in the tension-control mode is based on the tension in the web upstream of the nip roller so as to maintain the tension at a desired tension value. The controlling of the speed of the driver in the velocity-control mode is based on a predetermined driver velocity ratio for maintaining the web tension. The tension-control mode may be employed during press start-up as the web accelerates to operating speed. The velocity-control mode may be used during printing operations of the press.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web along a predetermined path within the utilization device. A web guide is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element. The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller and a follower roller impinge upon opposing sides of the web and rotate to drive the web through the guide. The drive roller is located adjacent to the guide according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element. The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller or the utilization device element to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a tension transducer for a web includes a pair of nip rollers and a motor for driving at least one of the pair of nip rollers, the motor having at least one roller output being a function of at least one of a motor torque and a motor velocity. A web tension transducer roll is located upstream of the nip rollers, the web tension transducer having a tension output being a function of the actual web tension of the web. A processor receives the at least one roller output and the tension output, the processor calculating a tension correction value as a function of the at least one roller output and the tension output.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web along a predetermined path within the utilization device. A web guide is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element. The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller and a follower roller impinge upon opposing sides of the web and rotate to drive the web through the guide. The drive roller is located adjacent to the guide according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element. The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller or the utilization device element to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web along a predetermined path within the utilization device. A web guide is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element. The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller and a follower roller impinge upon opposing sides of the web and rotate to drive the web through the guide. The drive roller is located adjacent to the guide according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element. The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller or the utilization device element to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.

Abstract: Drag rollers disposed in a region from the paper feed side to the paper discharge side of a printing machine are driven one after another from the paper feed side with torque control, by which the slack of a web is removed successively from the upstream side of a web delivery running path.

Abstract: A turn bar apparatus is incorporated in a rotary press for reversing a web position during running thereof. The turn bar apparatus includes an upstream side turn bar, and a downstream side turn bar disposed along a web running direction. Pull rollers are disposed on an upstream side and a downstream side of the upstream side and downstream side turn bars, respectively. The puller rollers are controlled in such a manner that the peripheral speeds of the pull rollers are faster than a running speed of the web.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web along a predetermined path within the utilization device. A web guide is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element. The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller and a follower roller impinge upon opposing sides of the web and rotate to drive the web through the guide. The drive roller is located adjacent to the guide according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element. The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller or the utilization device element to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web along a predetermined path within the utilization device. A web guide is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element. The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller and a follower roller impinge upon opposing sides of the web and rotate to drive the web through the guide. The drive roller is located adjacent to the guide according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element. The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller or the utilization device element to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.

Abstract: A split bag making machine includes a first primary split draw roller and a second primary split draw roller, each having first and second web contacting sections which are independently rotatable, the first section of the first primary split draw roller being in rolling engagement with the first section of the second primary split draw roller at a first nip, the second section of the first primary split draw roller being in rolling engagement with the second section of the second primary split draw roller at a second nip. A first servo motor is coupled to the first web contacting section of the first primary split draw roller, and a second servo motor is coupled to the second web contacting section of the first primary split draw roller. The respective rotational speeds of the first and second servo motors are controlled by a controller.

Abstract: A continuous forms printer utilizing paper without pinholes along each edge is provided with a first paper transfer device on the input side of the printing station and a second paper transfer device on the output side of the printing station. The two paper transfer devices are operated at slightly different speeds in order to place tension in the continuous forms at the printing station in order to control registration and magnification problems. For example, a vacuum transport belt is placed on the output side and operated at a slightly greater speed than the printer. The belt is provided with friction characteristics and operated at a vacuum pressure to allow slippage of the belt and paper at the desired tension. By placing positive paper control on the output side, the directional stability of the continuous forms is improved thus avoiding skew control problems.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for feeding a web having two portions in a path of travel. The apparatus comprises a first module including a device for feeding the two web portions in side-by-side relationship and a second module located downstream in the path of travel from the first module where the second module includes a device for feeding the two web portions in upper-lower relationship. Accordingly, the two web portions each form a loop between the first module and the second module so as to reorient from side-by-side to upper-lower relationship. The apparatus further comprises a controller operatively connected to the first module feed a device and the second module feed a device for setting the feed speed of the first module feed a device corresponding to the feed speed of the second module feed device. The method includes the steps of: (a) determining the feed speed of the second module; and (b) setting the feed speed of the first module to a corresponding value for a given feed speed of the second module.

Abstract: A length of web material is worked by a number of individual work units each of which performs a work function on the material to progressively achieve an end result, the work units being arranged serially along an X coordinate direction extending lengthwise of the web material and the web material being moved unidirectionally by each work unit. Accumulators are provided between adjacent ones of the work units and one or both of the work units located immediately on opposite sides of an accumulator are controlled in response to the amount of slack web material contained in the accumulator, as by stopping the feeding of the web material by the upstream one of the work units when the accumulated slack material exceeds a given amount and/or by stopping the feeding of the web material by the downstream one of the work units when the amount of accumulated material falls below a given amount.

Abstract: A drawing roller drive for the conveyance of a web in a rotary printing press utilizes a differential gear to accomplish a very exact change in the speed of the drawing roller. A single drive shaft and a single power take-off shaft are aligned coaxially with respect to each other. The differential gear arrangement includes a ball race gear and a downstream tension shaft gear.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting a web of paper having tractor holes along only one margin thereof.

Abstract: In a capstan driven tape transport, placing the tape into a "zero" tension condition before it engages the first of two tape speed metering capstans of the transport. "Zero" tape tension is a negligible tension relative to the tape tensions normally present in the drive, and substantially approaches a value of zero tension. "Zero" tape tension is attained by the tape passing from the tape supply over an auxiliary capstan located upstream from the first tape speed metering capstan, and the tape segment emerging from the auxiliary capstan is configured to hang in a very loose loop. The loop is maintained at "zero" tension by sensing the loop position either by a slight pressure differential in a vacuum column or by a very light arm resting on the loop, and the sense signal is used to servo the speed of the auxiliary capstan to maintain "zero" tension in the loop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing one or more individual stacks of superimposed, secured together, expandable tubular strips forming an expandable honeycomb panel. The strips coated with adhesive are advanced sequentially to the inlet of a stacking chamber having an elevated floor with a longitudinally extending slot of a length to receive each strip and which is narrower than the width of the strips to be delivered thereto. The strip so delivered is pushed up through the narrower slot and against the strip just previously delivered to the chamber, to adhere it to the latter strip. The chamber has a weight bar to exert a downward force on the stack of strips to provide good adherence between the strips.

Abstract: In a level control method of controlling levels of a series of mutually joined materials when the materials pass through a catenary zone, whenever the joint travels a given length in the catenary zone, a plurality of optimum catenary curves are calculated with the position of the joint in the catenary zone as a parameter. Based upon a result of the calculation so obtained, a relationship indicative of the level of a material at the location of a catenary sensor is then calculated as a function of the position of the joint in the catenary zone. At this moment, the catenary sensor is used to detect the level of the material. Finally, the level of the material at the location of the catenary sensor is controlled with a value indicated by the above relationship being used as a target value. As a result, even when a joint between two adjoining materials having different unit weights passes through the catenary zone, the materials can travel in the catenary zone while the level is appropriately maintained.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a plurality of connected continuous paper printing machines connected in series prevent difference in rotational speeds of the connected printing machines from causing the paper between the printing machines from piling up or tearing. Signal generators count the number of sheets of continuous paper entering each printing machine. The difference in the number of sheets entering each printing machine is calculated and compared to preset upper and lower limits. If an upstream printing machine turns faster than a downstream printing machine, slack will develop in the paper between the printing machines, and the difference between the sheets entering the upstream printing machine and sheets entering the downstream printing machine will be a (+) value. When a preset upper limit is reached, a controller will temporarily stop the upstream printing machine until the downstream printing machine takes up all the slack.

Abstract: A cassette-like supply and peel assembly of a tape feeder, comprising the support and guide for an electrical component supply tape and the mechanism for peeling a cover from the tape, is removably interconnectable with a drive assembly which provides motive power to the peeler and stepwise feeding of the tape. The length of the feeding steps is adjustable according to the center-to-center distances between components, which can vary from tape to tape. An operator can adjust the step length from the rear of the feeder by varying one limit of a stroking length of the feeder.

Abstract: For accurate positioning of a web of material which is to be transported stepwise by at least first and second feed means through processing stations disposed therebetween, the feed means are controlled by a programmable computer which stores a value representative of the length of the distance to be covered by the web during a transportation step. The tension of the web is measured and the measured value is compared to a reference value stored in the computer. If the actual value deviates from the reference value the drive means of at least one of the web feed means is controlled in such a way that the tension in the web is at least substantially adjusted to the reference value by increasing or reducing the length of the portion of web which in a transportation step is drawn into the processing region between the web feed means.

Abstract: An image forming method for use with a photosensitive and pressure-sensitive material fed from a supply position to an exposure position by entrance-side and exit-side nip rollers disposed on opposite side of the exposure position in contact with an exposed material supporting roller. To eliminate sag from the sensitive material, the entrance-side and exit-side rollers are operated with a differential timing. To reduce the per sheet exposure time, a fresh segment of the photosensitive and pressure-sensitive material is fed to the exposure position immediately following each exposure operation.

Abstract: Modular web processing units may be physically and electrically assembled into clusters to perform various web processes (e.g. the production of paper forms such as invoices, checks, labels, etc.). Each module has a main process driver which is not directly coupled to a web drive mechanism. Rather, the web drive is program controlled so as to effect the desired web process at controlled displacement intervals along the web. Accordingly, a plurality of successive but different form lengths or depths can be accommodated as the web surface is sequentially processed. A system of such modules can be physically wheeled into position as individual units and electrically connected together by suitable umbilical cords to rapidly configure a desired overall web finishing process. Nevertheless, the entire ensemble of modules performs as though it is a unitary special purpose web processing machine with its various process stations interconnected and synchronized by an electronic "drive shaft".

Abstract: Modular web processing units may be physically and electrically assembled into clusters to perform various web processes (e.g. the production of paper forms such as invoices, checks, labels, etc.). Each module has a main process driver which is not directly coupled to a web drive mechanism. Rather, the web driver is program controlled so as to effect the desired web process at controlled displacement intervals along the web. Accordingly, a plurality of successive but different form lengths or depths can be accommodated as the web surface is sequentially processed. A system of such modules can be physically wheeled into position as individual units and electrically connected together by suitable umbilical cords to rapidly configure a desired overall web finishing process. Nevertheless, the entire ensemble of modules performs as though it is a unitary special purpose web processing machine with its various process stations interconnected and synchronized by an electronic "drive shaft".

Abstract: A web processing line comprises a plurality of web processing modules operatively interconnected by intermodule bus. Each web processing module comprises a tool, tool drive, tractors and tractor drive. Microprocessors receive parameters from a control panel. Web movement is coordinated with tool movement by the microprocessors for web operations in variable locations on variable lengths of web.

Abstract: A control system for operating two magnetic tape loop bins in series with a continuous tape having an end of tape marker, including guides and drive rollers or capstans for guiding a tape from the first bin to the second bin and from the second bin past a magnetic head station to the first bin. End of tape sensors are positioned between the first and second bins and between the second and first bins to provide signals when tape markers pass the respective sensors. Each bin is provided with a tape drive motor and a motor control, with one motor being driven to provide about a constant tape tension and with the other motor being driven at a controlled speed which varies as a function of an error signal determined from the tape marker sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying wire to a wire bonding mechanism is presented. Lengths of wire are fed to a low mass wire-loop reservoir while the bonding process is taking place. Wire is then supplied, at a high speed, from the wire-loop reservoir for the next bonding operation. The amount of wire supplied is precisely measured by measuring the change in the amount of wire stored in the reservoir. The apparatus can supply both single lead wire and twin lead wire. When twin lead wire is supplied, the two wires of the twin lead are separated at predetermined points before being fed to the wire-loop reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding web material from a supply roll to processing equipment of the type that exerts an intermittent pulley force on the web during intermittent advance through the processing equipment. The web feed apparatus includes a brake for controlling unwinding rotation of the web supply roll which is operated under the control of a dancer to decrease the braking action when the web is fed at a rate faster than the rate at which it unwinds from the supply roll. The web feed apparatus also includes web feed rollers arranged to drive both sides of a folded web while both sides of the web are under the same tension.

Abstract: A paperboard web is severed transversely between the double facer machine and the slitter-scorer after the completion of a production order. The speed of the double facer machine is maintained constant while the severed web section is accelerated to a speed substantially above the speed of the double facer machine to create a gap. Adjustments to one or more of the slitter-scorer and cut-off for the next production order are made while the same are in the gap. Sheets cut from the web section are shingled on a shingling conveyor. The speed of the shingling conveyor is accelerated prior to the arrival of the last sheet of the web section and decelerated while the gap is on the shingling conveyor.

Abstract: A synchronizing system for synchronizing the speeds of two webs of goods, wherein the first web runs at a constant speed and the second web has an adjustable running speed. First pulses are generated which have a frequency dependent upon the speed of the second web and a first counter is associated with the second web and is triggered by the first pulses. The first counter is also controlled to be started and stopped by at least one pair of timing marks which are running with the second web of goods. As a result of the frequency of the first pulses and the starting and stopping of the first counter, the first counter reaches a constant count upon stopping and each time the first counter is started for the next count this constant count is reached. Second pulses having a constant frequency associated with the speed of the first web are used to trigger a second counter which is started and stopped by the first counter when the constant count is reached.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for producing an elastomeric extrudate having a constant cross section area. The extrudate is shaped in to a ribbon through a roller die and applied to a tire surface mounted on a rotating spindle. Digital electronic circuitry is employed to provide precise shaft synchronization at a pre-selected rotational velocity ratio between the rotating shafts. The synchronization assures repeatable velocity synchronization between the source of elastomeric material and a take-up device at the axis of rotation of the two components. The elastomeric material is extruded in a manner permitting control over the wrap operation and the amount of elastomeric material employed for a given cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming honeycomb material comprising a bonding station for continuously securing together an even numbered plurality of superimposed webs of flexible sheet material, such as paper, on lines extending longitudinally of the webs and spaced transversely across the webs at substantially equal intervals to form a composite web. A second adhesive station applies stripes of adhesive on an outside face on one of the webs constituting one outside face of the composite web, these outer stripes extending longitudinally of the composite web and each stripe being positioned intermediate the lines on the inside face of the one web securing this one web to the remaining webs of the composite web. A web feed is intermittently operable in cycles to feed forward an increment of the composite web beyond a reference line a predetermined distance and an intermittently operable drive drives the feed through a cycle to feed forward this increment of predetermined length with a dwell between successive cycles.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing slubby strands in which a textile strand is passed either over a surface or through a slubbing tool. The surface, if employed, may include a plurality of fluid passages positioned therein. As the strand passes over the surface or through the slubbing tool, high pressure fluid is introduced onto the surface of and through the strand. The high pressure fluid passes through the strand. This passage of fluid through the strand causes the strand to twist and bulk along its length to form a slub which is rapidly removed from the working surface of the slubbing surface or tool as a consolidated slub positioned on the strand. When a surface is employed, the surface may be a moving surface and when the surface includes a plurality of fluid passages, the passages may be vented at a point below the surface. Various apparatus for carrying out the novel method are disclosed as is the novel strand produced thereby.

Abstract: This is an improved apparatus for stretching a tow of filaments by the tension caused by driven rolls dragging the tow across drag rolls. The improvement comprises continuously controlling at least one undriven or drag roll proportional to the sensed variation in a ratio of speed between at least one driven roll and at least one drag roll.

Abstract: Apparatus for coordinating the transfer of two continuous cords or strips includes a first roll for delivering a first cord or strip, a second roll for delivering a second cord or strip, a drive for the first roll, a drive capable of operating the second roll at speeds different from that of the first roll, and a tension-detecting control arrangement for detecting changes in the tension of the cord or strip being delivered by the first roll and changing the speed of the second roll in response thereto.