Eastman-kodak Company

Fred M Fuss

David E Wenschhof

Judith B Scott

Gerald C Pagorek

John A Mesolella

Cantilever shafts (34, 40) support bearing assemblies (54, 56) over which is mounted a tuned compliance or constraint member (92) including flexure members (102, 104, 106) which minimize deflection of the shafts and improve operation of associated rotary tools (18, 20). An improved lock nut (70-86) permits precise installation of the bearing assemblies.

Constraint system for parallel cantilever shafts

A rack for supporting and accurately positioning rolls of web material (16-24) comprises a base member (10) having an upper surface (12) on which a plurality of support members (14, 26-32) are mounted by a plurality of individually removable brackets (34-40), the support members engaging axially extending ends (24) of the cores (18) of the rolls. A fixture (48-72, 88, 90) and method for assembling such a rack are described.

Method for assembling rack supporting rolls of web material

Rack for supporting rolls of web material plus apparatus and method for

Apparatus is disclosed for handling rolls (12) of web material, the rolls being of the type having a hollow core (60) on which a length of the web is wound, the core having opposite ends (68) extending axially beyond the material. The rolls are supported on a rack (10) with their axes of rotation essentially horizontal. Devices such as a general purpose programmable robot (22) having a special tool (26, 32-114) are provided for removing rolls from the rack and placing them on a transfer stand (28, 116-174) adjacent a processing apparatus (30). The transfer stand extends toward the processing apparatus and pushes a fresh roll from its chuck (174) onto the chuck (186) of the processing apparatus.

Apparatus for handling rolls of web material

Apparatus for winding web material (14) comprises a reciprocating carriage assembly (22) which delivers the leading end of the web to a winding spindle (30) and then moves away from the spindle as winding proceeds. A builder roll (138) mounted on the carriage assembly applies pressure during winding. A tape tab (178) is automatically applied to the trailing end of the web and pressed onto the completed roll (140) by the builder roll, while a stepping motor (176) for the builder roll resists the winding motor to maintain tension in the final convolution of the web. A corresponding method is taught.

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Hamlin, NY, United States of America

Fred M Fuss