Method and apparatus for forming a zero tail length splice between an expiring roll of web material and a new roll of the material

摘要

A method and apparatus are provided for forming a zero tail length splice between a new roll (26) of web material and an expiring roll (24) without interrupting continuous movement of the web (W). Firstly, a splicing strip is adhesively secured to the leading edge of the new roll (26) and is releasably secured to the surface of the new roll so that it can be rotated without unwinding until it is spliced, and a marker (80) is placed on the new roll at a predetermined distance ahead of the leading edge. Thereafter, the new roll (26) is swung by the indexing head (28) into close proximity with the moving web (W) and the movement of the indexing head is stopped when the new roll is positioned just above the surface of the moving web. The new roll is then rotated so that its surface speed matches the speed of the moving web, whereupon the moving web is forced into engagement with the rotating new roll at the point of closest proximity therebetween, after the leading edge on the new roll has passed this point, as determined by the sensing device (162) detecting the marker (80) for a first time. Finally, cutting means (102) is actuated upon the second detection of the marker (80) and the splicing strip adhesively engages the moving web (W) adjacent the tail end thereof to form the splice.