Web processing with two mated rolls

Abstract

A machine and process for a web of material employing two side-by-side sets of spaced apart driven disks adapted to rotate respectively in opposite directions about two spaced apart parallel axes, the axes being sufficiently close that peripheral margins of the disks of one set run between the peripheral margins of the disks of the other set in a mated relationship, the sets of disks mutually defining a series of web driving regions spaced apart in a direction parallel with the axes, with successive web driving regions, offset from one another, open channels between said disks providing, with the driving regions, a width-wise continuous, non-linear cross-section corridor through which the web passes, the driving regions adapted to impart to a web led lengthwise into the corridor, crosswise tension in the web, pulling the web about the edges of the disks, the tension enabling the disks to apply forward driving force to the web and retarding means closely disposed to the driving regions located to apply retarding forces on the web in the region of the corridor, the retarding forces opposing the driving forces to produce immediate, continual longitudinal shortening of the web. The machine and process is especially useful in softening strong sheets as by permanently loosening bonds between components of the web.