Abstract: An infeed mechanism coacts with a splicer mechanism for splicing successive rolls of web and for feeding the continuous web thus obtained into a rotary press or the like via a web storage mechanism, which normally stores therein a predetermined length of the web for delivery to the press or the like during splicing operation. The infeed mechanism includes a pair of roll holder arms carrying on their opposite ends an old web roll, from which the web is being delivered to the press or the like, and a new web roll to be spliced to the old web. Toward the end of the web delivery from the old web roll the roll holder arms are turned through a preassigned angle, with the result that the web from the old web roll travels close to the periphery of the new web roll. Then the new web roll is revolved about its own axis until an adhesive region thereon comes opposite to the old web.

Abstract: The invention includes a new web splicer and new method of web splicing, in many aspects. In a principal aspect, the invention is a new automatic web splicer adapted to splice a new web to the tail of a running web while maintaining web speed and tension of equipment into which the webs are running. The web splicer comprises a frame, an anvil and hammer mechanism, a pair of web guides, a pair of web brake rollers, a pair of brake mechanisms, sensing means, web tensioning means and control means.

Abstract: A machine for loading magnetic tape into cassettes is provided which comprises a splicing block assembly mounted on a pivotally mounted support and comprising two splicing blocks, one fixed to the support and the second pivotally mounted to the support, means for rotating the second block relative to the first block so that either of two tape-receiving tracks on the first block may be aligned with a single tape receiving track on the first block, means for rotating the support between a first tape winding position and a second tape splicing position, and a splicer for splicing abutting tape ends on the splicing block assembly when the support is in the second tape splicing position. The machine also includes motorized spindles for holding a reel of magnetic tape to loaded into cassettes and for rotating one of the hubs of a cassette in loading position so as to wind magnetic tape onto that hub. The machine is arranged so that it may be easily adapted for loading two different types of video cassettes.

Abstract: An improved cassette loading machine is provided which has means for rotatably supporting two supply reels of magnetic tape, means for loading cassettes with tape from either supply reel, and means for automatically (1) terminating the loading of cassettes when the tape supply on a first supply reel is nearly exhausted, (2) splicing the tape from the second supply reel to the tape from the first supply reel, and (3) resuming the loading of cassettes with tape from the second supply reel.

Abstract: Apparatus for splicing the trailing end of a web from an exhausted supply roll to the leading end of a web from a new supply roll comprises a cutting mechanism consisting of a cutter cylinder having a single cutter and a backing cylinder and serving to make a transverse severing cut through both superimposed webs passed between said cylinders, one of which is provided in a longitudinal strip- or sector-shaped portion with suction holes for retaining the leading end of the new web behind the severing cut. The apparatus also comprises a tape-applying cylinder, which is adapted to carry a tape which is adhesive on one side, and to apply the adhesive tape to the two webs at their abutting cut edges as they pass between the tape-applying cylinder.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for splicing a new web to a running web are proposed. The old web is cut off just behind the spliced point. Therefore, no tail is left on the web spliced. The running web is nipped at two points between two pairs of rolls. Because it is tight between the two points, a clear cut is possible with a single cutting blade.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for continuously supplying sheets from a plurality of supply rolls to a packaging machine utilizes a transfer device for transferring an end of a fuel reel into a path of movement of an end of an emptying reel so that these ends are displaced from one another by a small distance which is between 5 and 15 mm. The transfer device includes first and second suction conveyors which have a small section which overlaps so that the end of the full reel can be transferred into the path of movement of the end of the emptying reel.

Abstract: In an accumulating and a splicing apparatus (30), a nearly exhausted tape (31) is advanced at a line speed along a path which extends between two groups (49, 51) of rollers. One of the groups of rollers is moved upwardly to a position above the other group of rollers and a length of the nearly exhausted tape is accumulated in a sinusoidal path just prior to splicing. The nearly exhausted tape is clamped at an input side of the accumulator after which a severing device (104) is moved transversely across that tape to form a trailing end portion. The severing device is allowed to be spring-returned to a position above the nearly exhausted tape and to one side thereof which permits joining facilities to carry a leading end of a tape (35) of a new supply downwardly to be spliced to the trailing end portion of the nearly exhausted tape.

Abstract: A lead tape puller comprising a housing, a passage in the housing, a piston slidable in the passage of the housing, and a retraction member coupled to the piston and movable with the piston between extended and retracted positions. A passage is provided within the piston and the retraction member, with the passage opening on one side of the piston and having a port on the other side of the piston. The piston and retraction member can be moved by differential fluid pressure acting on the piston to the extended position where the port is adjacent the leader of tape within a cassette. Subatmospheric pressure is then applied to one side of the piston, and this subatmospheric pressure acts on the leader through the passage means and the port to tend to draw the leader into the port. This at least partially closes the passage means to restrict air flow through the passage. This valving action of the port and the leader is used to assist in moving the piston and retraction member to the retracted position.

Abstract: A supplemental roll of label-bearing strip and a splicer for that strip are provided for a label feeder of the type which peels labels from a backing strip. A primary label-bearing backing strip is intermittently fed to a peeling edge, the label-free backing strip is pulled back to a feed roll and a rewind roll to form a narrow V space, and the splicer is located within that V space. The leading end of the supplemental roll is spliced to the tail end of the primary roll without delaying the labelling line to which the labels are supplied. An adhesive piece on the leading end of the supplemental roll normally is held within the V space in register with, but out of engagement with, the strip from the primary roll; and it is adhered to the tail end of the primary strip by a pressure device which is controlled by a photoelectric means that is located upstream of the pressure device and that responds to the passage of the tail end of that primary strip.

Abstract: A splicing block for use in splicing tapes and the like comprises a rotating block in which a plurality of moveable tape guideways are disposed equidistant from and parallel to a shaft which is similarly positioned with regard to a fixed tape guideway. Rotation about the shaft, limited by a pair of fixed stops, alternately positions each of the movable guideways opposite the fixed guideway.

Abstract: A method and device for replacing a first, empty reel of strip material with a second, new reel in which the strips of the two reels are positioned over one another and partly cut thereby forming on them coincident lines of perforations or weakening, the strip from the empty reel then being broken along the associated partly cut line and the remaining part of the strip from the empty reel being connected to the other strip, the part of which disposed downstream from the associated line of cut then being cut off after the said connection between the strips.

Abstract: An apparatus for splicing webs from separate web rolls comprising a splicing station across which a web from one roll is moved, a vertically movable brake movable downwardly for engaging the web to momentarily interrupt the web, a fixed knife blade associated with the station beneath the web and a movable knife blade which is movable from a first position above the web to a second position below the web. The apparatus supports the taped end of a web from a second roll in position above the movable knife blade and is operated to move the movable knife blade to sever the trailing end of the web from the first roll and tape the leading end of the second roll to the severed end of the first roll providing a butt splice. The movable knife blade is manually removable from below the spliced web, after being moved downwardly to splice the webs, and is insertable to a position above the second web for a subsequent splicing of the web from the second roll to another roll.

Abstract: A bobbin changer, for use in producing a continuous supply of web by joining the webs from a succession of reels, comprises a splicing device for joining the leading end of the web on each new reel to the web on the expiring reel; at least two cradles for receiving and supporting reels of web during use, each having means for locating the end of the web of a new reel in readiness for splicing; and means for movably supporting each of the cradles whereby each cradle in turn can be moved from a standby position to a position aligned with the splicing device in preparation for a splicing operation.

Abstract: This tape splicer makes it possible to splice tapes having patterns, colors, characters, figures printed repeatedly thereon in a predetermined pitch and containing in the patterns distinct printed or non-printed zone patterns having gaps of a specific length within one pitch in the longitudinal direction, while effecting the exact coincidence of the patterns on the trailing end portion of the preceding tape with those on leading end portion of the succeeding tape not only in the direction of width but also in the direction of length of the tapes, while the tape feed is being continued, without stopping the tape feeding machine.

Abstract: A web handling apparatus for splicing the terminal end of one roll of web stock to the lead end of a second roll of web stock in an uninterrupted feed to a machine. The first roll web is fed into the machine and a second roll web in parallel relationship to the first is guided by two turning bars laterally and again in parallel and overlying relationship to the first. Thereafter a splicer device joins the second roll to the first roll. The second turning bar is pivotally mounted on a vertical axis and movable vertically such that it can be moved from below the first roll web vertically upwardly and by pivoting about the vertical axis to a position whereat the second turning bar overlies the first roll web. Subsequently, the second roll web will overlie the first web in splicing relationship.

Abstract: The roll winding machine for alternately forming a web roll on two driven arbors. It has a splicing device for receiving a continuously running web from a web accumulator. The splicing device has a splicing carriage for receiving and holding the distal end portion of a leader web and including cutting means for severing the running web so that a severed end portion is provided on the wound web roll and on the continuously running web. A web clamping means is provided to grip and prevent movement of the running web and to release both the severed end portion of the web of the wound roll and the running web. The splicing carriage is operative to cut the running web and affix the severed end portion of the running web to the distal end portion of the leader web so that the running web is wound on the other driven arbor upon movement of the clamping means to release the running web and leader web.

Abstract: Web-splicing apparatus comprises a web splicer and, associated therewith, an air mover and web-presentation means operable to present to the inlet end of the air mover the leading end of a first web extending from a reel and the leading end of a second web extending from another reel, which air mover is operable to feed the leading end of said first web from said presentation means to and through a splicing zone, to serve as a guide for subsequent continuous passage of that web and further operable to feed the leading end of the second said web from said presentation means to said splicing zone during continuous passage of the first web through the air mover. Web-severing means may be disposed for operation in the splicing zone and web-withdrawal means, suitably further air-mover means, downstream of that zone.

Abstract: For designing an automatic reel change system for use in connection with the processing of a web from a reel (7, 8) on a reel support (2), the web being sheeted in a transverse cutter (3), the invention takes the form of a system which makes do with a very narrow web part having a greater-than-normal thickness, but, nevertheless, safely joining the two webs together; the reel stand (or support) (2) has support parts (9 and 10) for at least two reels (7 and 8), from which, on reel change-over, a double web, made up of old web (11) (web coming to an end) and new web (12) (web from the new reel), may be taken, and near the path of the web, a cutting station (14) is present, able to be put into operation for cutting through the double web, a joining station (15), able to be put into operation the necessary time after operation of the cutting station (14), for joining the end (30), produced on cutting operation, of the old web (11) with the leading edge (31), produced on cutting operation, of the new web (12), usi

Abstract: A continuous web unwinder comprising at least one operative station for an operative reel of web that is being unwound and one reserve station for a full reel comprises a direction-changing roller for the web unwound from the operative reel that, on depletion of the operative reel, is displaceable to the reserve station where it defines a nip together with a circulating belt for introducing an adhesive-coated leading end from the full reel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically loading tape cartridges with supply tape. By this invention one tape cartridge can be wound with supply tape while simultaneously a second tape cartridge is prepared for loading with supply tape. The invention also relates to a novel shift block assembly for supporting, aligning, cutting and splicing two separate lengths of tape simultaneously. In another aspect of the invention a novel feeding assembly for controllably feeding tape cartridges to the winding position of the apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A tape extractor for a cassette tape loader being slidably mounted with respect to a tape loading position and a tape splicing position, for extracting a tape leader from a tape cassette positioned in the tape loading position, for carrying the tape leader to the splicing position where the tape leader is automatically cut and spliced to recording tape for winding into the tape cassette. The tape extractor includes a rectangularly shaped hollow finger for vacuum sucking the tape leader from the cassette and forming the leader in the shape of a loop. A pneumatically operated pin is disposed in relation to the hollow for movement into the leader loop for providing a mechanical bearing surface for keeping the tape leader under tension as the tape extractor is moved to the splicing position. At the splicing position a separator arm mechanically separates the two portions of the tape leader forming the sides of the tape loop for permitting unobstructed tape splicing to be performed.

Abstract: The invention includes a first running web roll and a second new web roll to be attached to the first web roll as it is running, and means for pressing the second roll against the running first web whereby the second roll is caused to be rotated and brought up to the same speed of rotation as the first roll. The second roll includes a leading end, which is to be attached to the running first web, and which carries strips of double-sided adhesive tape which do not adhere to the first web until, at a desired time, means are operated to press the running first web against the second web. At this time, the tape secures both webs together, and the second web begins to run with the first.

Abstract: A bobbin changer includes a storage arrangement for storing a number of reels, a reel unwinding station arranged to receive successive reels from the storage arrangement, means for initially rotating each new reel at the unwinding station in a reverse direction (i.e. opposite to the direction of rotation during unwinding), a suction head which is mounted adjacent to the reel and is arranged to pull the leading end portion of the web away from the reel as it approaches the suction head, and means responsive to the movement of the leading end portion of the web and arranged to discontinue the reverse drive on the reel and to initiate a splicing operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a zero tail length splice between a new roll of web material (26) and an expiring roll (24) without interrupting continuous movement of the web (W).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining a new web of material to a moving web in a packing machine is disclosed. The beginning end of the new web is secured in a joining unit which is positioned over the moving web. The joining unit has a pivotably mounted cutting device which is actuated by a piston to cut the moving web. The operation of the joining unit is synchronized with that of the packing machine by a stationary cam over which a follower attached to the cutting device is displaced. When the moving web is about to run out, the joining unit is activated so that the moving web is cut off while the new web is automatically attached to the remaining running length by means of adhesive tape. The automatic joining unit eliminates the need to shut down operation of the packing machine when the web of material runs out.

Abstract: A hot leaf imprinter is provided with first and second hot leaf supply rolls and a guide arrangement for guiding the hot leaf from said first and second supply rolls along first and second paths to a printing station. The respective portions of said first and second paths adjacent said printing station correspond with each other, the first and second paths being aligned in spaced relation at a portion thereof immediately in advance of the corresponding portion with the respective hot leaf from said first and second supply rolls in facing spaced relation. A selectively actuable plunger is provided for normally holding the beginning of the hot leaf of one of said first and second supply rolls in spaced relation to the hot leaf of the other of said first and second supply rolls and for selectively displacing said beginning of the hot leaf of said one of said first and second supply rolls into secured engagement with the hot leaf of the other of said first and second supply rolls.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering continuous web, for example paper web for use in a continuous-rod cigarette-making machine, comprises means for rotating a reel of web and a rotary feed device, such as a suction roller, which operates at a speed higher than that at which web is delivered and exerts a nonpositive grip on the web to drive the web past a splicing unit into a buffer reservoir; thus, when the reel rotating means stops, the rotary feed device slips relative to the stationary web.

Abstract: An elongated transverse paper preparation head is provided which has multiple sides. One side is exposed to the operator and the other two back sides form, with suitable guide members, a guide path for threading alternate leading edges of fresh web to the splicing nip area. A spring bar holds the fresh web to an idler roll upstream of the nip. The fresh web end section is laid across the exposed head side to which a vacuum is applied, and a double faced adhesive tape is applied along the edge portion's exposed face. The edge is then cut off via a knife slot. The fresh web end section is peeled from the exposed vacuumized side of the head and is manually fed along the guide path. Positive air pressure is applied between the said head back side and the web to cause the web and the adhesive portion to be forced away from the head to eliminate interference therebetween. The splicer nip roll axes are disposed in a common plane which has a bridging portion at the nip.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling webs of material is disclosed in the context of a web joining apparatus. The leading edge of a fresh web of material is positioned either above an active web or below an active web and, upon imminent exhaustion of the active web, is accelerated to the speed of the active web to be joined thereto to define a continuous web of material. Acceleration is achieved through a clutch means which is driven by the active web and which is adjustable to achieve the desired acceleration in the space provided without exceeding the tensile strength of the web being accelerated.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a continuous supply of web material to a web printer or other system. The web material is fed from a first roll supported in a feed position, and when the first roll is near depletion, the leading end of a second roll is adhesively connected to the web of the first roll with that web then being severed. One belt drive means is employed for rotating both the forward and rearward rolls so that these achieve the same speed for the connecting and severing operations. The belt drive means are connected to the press drive through control means which vary the belt drive speed in accordance with the tension of the web. An indexing conveyor supports forward and rearward rolls to locate the rolls in the forward and rearward running positions and in intermediate positions for connecting and severing of the web material and for loading of new rolls into the system.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for splicing a web of paper being continuously supplied without decelerating the machine speed and with a minimum of material loss.A new paper web is spliced to the old paper web with adhesive tape and the old paper is cut off just behind the spliced point by means of a plate member which cooperates with a fixed blade provided along the run of the spliced paper.

Abstract: A machine for winding magnetic tapes onto cassettes with a preparation assembly and a filling assembly disposed one in front of the other. The filling assembly has support and unwinding means for a reel of magnetic tape, a support and filling seat for the cassette and a cutting and jointing area comprising cutting means and jointing means. The preparation assembly comprises in turn a temporary support seat for the empty cassette and extractor means operable in such a manner as to extract a middle portion of connecting tape from the empty casette and dispose it in front of the cutting and jointing area of the filling assembly. First transfer means are operable to transfer the cassette from the temporary support seat of the preparation assembly to the support and filling seat of the filling assembly, and second transfer means operable to simultaneously transfer the already extracted connecting tape from the preparation assembly to the cutting and jointing area of the filling assembly.

Abstract: A fresh web of cigarette paper or the like is spliced to the running web by a uniting band, which is adhesive at both sides, after the fresh web is accelerated to the speed of the running web. The uniting band is placed between the running web and the leader of the fresh web, and the running web is shifted sideways to adhere to the adjacent side of the uniting band as well as to move the other side of the uniting band against the fresh web as soon as the speed of the fresh web rises to that of the running web. The running web is severed behind the moving uniting band, and the fresh web is severed ahead of the moving uniting band. Severing of the fresh web is preceded by relaxation of tensional stress upon the leader of the fresh web in response to displacement of a guide roller which engages the fresh web between a stationary knife for the fresh web and a pair of motor-driven advancing rolls which pull the leader of the fresh web in the course of and subsequent to completed acceleration of the fresh web.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically detecting the end of or a tear in a web travelling through a corrugated cardboard installation or the like. A web sensing device having mutually opposed sensors positioned adjacent each edge of the web detects web tears or the end of the web. Automatic execution of a web splicing operation thereupon is effected by a control device which activates web-splicing means.

Abstract: Web splicing apparatus employs a pair of driven nip rolls which controllably feed web from a running roll into a festoon as web is drawn out of the festoon at a constant rate by a downstream web consuming machine. The nip rolls are driven by a DC motor connected in a closed loop servo system which compares the speed of the web entering the festoon with the web line speed to develop a command signal for the motor. During normal operation, the command signal includes a web velocity trim signal developed by monitoring the position of the festoon dancer relative to a selected reference position so as to minimize tension upsets and to maintain the dancer within its control range. During a splice sequence, the command signal comprises a deceleration ramp having a selected slope to provide controlled deceleration of the web to minimize tension upsets and to permit actuation of the splicing nips prior to actual web stop.

Abstract: A continuous clear surfaced web adapted to be fed from a supply roll thereof for a converting operation thereon is preprinted with a succession of identical repeat patterns extending over the entire width of the web. Each pattern consists of areas which contain printed matter and at least one longitudinable discontinuous area or segment which, except for the presence of a printed register mark therein, is clear and unprinted. A photo sensitive scanner is directed at the register mark track of the feeding web for detecting the register marks and controlling in accordance therewith the timing of an associated machine operation, such as web splicing, so as to be performed in register with the web pattern. The operation of the scanner is controlled by a digital reset counter of pulses fed from a pulse generator driven by the web feeding mechanism. The counter is reset to zero upon the detection of each register mark.

Abstract: A machine is provided for automatically loading empty cassettes, each containing a leader, with magnetic tape. The machine is similar in principle to the machine disclosed in U.S. Published Patent Application No. B535,448 wherein sequentially each leader is cut into two sections, one section is sliced to the leading end of a supply tape, a selected length of the supply tape is wound onto the cassette, the supply tape is severed, the trailing end of the supply tape is spliced to the other leader section, and the trailing end of the severed length of supply tape and the other leader section are wound onto the cassette. This invention provides novel means for assuring that the leader is cut into two sections of substantially equal length.

Abstract: Device for packaging an object in foil wherein a pair of foils are disposed on both sides of a packaging plane and, in a central welding device, are welded to one another enclosing therebetween the object to be packaged, and wherein the foil webs travel in a given direction and, for each foil web, a foil-web parting and/or foil-web re-welding device is provided, serving to effect an exchange of foils and having functional members for parting a foil web as well as for welding a pair of juxtaposed foil-web ends together, the functional members extending transversely to the foil-web travel direction, the parting and/or re-welding device being disposed between a bearing which carries one foil roll, and a foil-web pullng device located upstream of the central welding device in the foil-web travel direction, includes at least another bearing carrying a foil roll disposed in spaced relationship to and behind the first-mentioned foil-roll bearing, means defining respective separate foil-web guide paths for the foil w

Abstract: Apparatus for splicing a running web to the leader of a fresh web by means of a uniting band both sides of which are coated with adhesive has a holding device which is placed between the running web and the leader of the fresh web while such leader adheres to suction ports of one of two stationary positioning devices. Two hammers are mounted at the opposite sides of the path for the running web and are movable toward each other to press the running web and the leader of the fresh web against opposite sides of the uniting band in the holding device. The hammers carry mobile cutters which cooperate with complementary cutters, and mobile knives which can cooperate with a fixed knife on the holding device.

Abstract: A machine is provided for automatically loading empty cassettes one at a time with magnetic tape. Each empty cassette contains a leader.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a first web of a web-shaped material unwinding from a first roll with the beginning of a second web of a web-shaped material unwinding from a second roll. The beginning of the second web is cemented to a transfer element by means of an adhesive area applied thereto. The transfer element is then moved toward the first web and/or the first web is moved toward the transfer element and the transfer element is accelerated to a speed corresponding to the speed of the expiring first web while a loose initial region of the second web is concurrently pulled tighter and the beginning of the second web is then cemented to the first web by means of another adhesive area applied to the beginning of the second web facing the side averse the first adhesive area and is pulled away from the transfer element.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for maintaining continuity in a manufacturing process employing one or more webs provided in the form of shorter raw material webs in which the raw material webs are spliced together end-to-end as the preceeding web of the same material is depleted, and those web portions containing splice material are detected at a later stage of the process by a microwave detector. A microwave detector is provided in the form of a slotted microwave cavity through which the web may be continuously passed to detect the splicing tape in the web.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically loading a plurality of cassettes of the type having two rotatable spools and a leader tape connecting said spools with a predetermined length of magnetic tape or the like from a supply reel. The apparatus includes a magazine for storing a plurality of empty cassettes, means for advancing said cassettes, one at a time, from the magazine to a loading station, means for withdrawing the leader from the cassette, cutting it into two sections, and splicing the free end of one section to the leading end of a length of supply tape, means for feeding supply tape at a controlled rate, means for automatically rotating one of the spools of said cassette to wind the spliced leader section and a predetermined length of said supply tape into said cassette, and means for cutting the supply tape after said predetermined amount has been wound into the cassette and splicing the trailing end thereof to the free end of the other leader section.

Abstract: Web from a depleting roll of web in use is directed along a vertical line by rollers. A knife member is mounted for movement across the line and has a knife edge on its lower surface to cut the web. Vacuum ports are provided on each side of the knife member to hold the end of a spare roll which is trimmed flush with the knife edge. A piece of tape is applied to and overlaps the end of the spare web. The spare web end is positioned on the side of the knife member facing away from the line. A pair of cutting plates are positioned on opposite sides of the line below the knife and are movable vertically. Tape pressing bars are pivoted to the plates. The plate on the opposite side of the line from the knife is positioned with its top edge aligned with the knife edge. The other plate is spaced from the knife edge so that the bar acts against the tape applied to the spare web end.

Abstract: A device for butt splicing a succeeding web to a preceding web comprisingA rotatable cutting drum provided with a cutting member,A rotatable cutting and splicing drum provided with a cutting member and means for holding the leading end of the succeeding web after cutting, andA rotatable splicing drum provided with means for holding a piece of a splicing tape, characterized in that rotation of the drums causes the cutting drum and the cutting and splicing drum to cut at least the preceding web of the succeeding and preceding webs, and the leading end of the succeeding web after cutting, while being held by the cutting and splicing drum, is fed into a splicing zone, whereby the cutting and splicing drum cooperates with the splicing drum to butt splice the succeeding web on the preceding web by applying the splicing tape thereto.

Abstract: Web supply apparatus for supplying relatively stiff web material such as liner board for a corrugator serves the web from one of two supply rolls. The running web passes through a splicing station and a festoon on its way to the web-consuming machine. The leading end of the ready web is prepared on a web positioning bar away from the splicing station and then carried by the bar to the splicing station while the running web is being consumed. When the roll of running web expires, a control system automatically stops the roll of running web and special pressure pads at the splicing station press the running web and ready web together to make a strong splice between them. Immediately thereafter, a knive fires directly behind the splice, thereby cutting the trailing end of the running web. The pressure pads firmly grip the webs above and below the line of the cut so that the knife slices cleanly through the web.