Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the position of a moving web. The web passes between a driven roll and a pair of pressure applicators that are positioned on either side of center of the web path. Edge sensors are located adjacent the driven roll and are operatively connected with the pressure applicators. Once the web misalignment is sensed, the opposite pressure applicator is actuated to apply pressure against the web. The driven roll, preferably a scroll roll, then drives the web in the direction of the pressure applicator until the web returns to proper alignment and the pressure applicator is deactuated. The pressure applicator is preferably a device that is brought into contact with the web and applies frictional forces thereon to cause movement of the web along the roll, while avoiding any substantial frictional forces axially with respect to the normal web path. Structure is also disclosed to uncurl rolled selvages of a moving web.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for guiding an uncured, deformable semiplastic rubber strip having skived or feathered outer thin edges, such as a tire tread strip or sidewall strip, into precise alignment with a tire carcass mounted on a drum of a tire building machine. Includes a plurality of support rollers linearly mounted for supporting the lower surface of a rubber strip with each support roller being axially movable and resiliently urged in the axial direction by springs mounted in compression at the ends of each support roller; a plurality of upper guide rollers and mounted above the support rollers and linearly offset from the support rollers. Each of the upper guide rollers is preferably canted upwardly and inwardly toward the center of the rubber strip and is mounted for rolling engagement with the top and edge of a thin edge of the rubber strip. Also, a plurality of lower guide rollers are mounted in linearly offset relation with the upper guide rollers and linearly offset with the support rollers.

Abstract: A web guiding and centering apparatus for guiding and centering a moving web of substantially constant width relative to a fixed center line includes two guiding devices positioned equally distant from the selected center line, each guiding device comprising a pair of co-acting guide rolls inclined in the direction of travel of the moving web for engaging an edge portion of the web on opposite faces thereof. One guide roll of each pair is pivotally and resiliently biased toward the other roll of the same pair about a pivot which is outboard of the web. At least one roll of each pair has a composite surface which includes an outboard surface portion of relatively hard, low coefficient of friction material and an inboard surface portion of a relatively soft, high coefficient of friction material.