Method and apparatus for the manufacture of individual rolls from a web

Abstract

An apparatus and method for preparing wound rolls from a web of material is disclosed having a feeding roller which feeds a web of material into contact with a core having a central axis. A plurality of tuckers tuck the web of material about the core, then the web is wound about the core having an enlarged diameter. A sealant is applied to the wound rolls, while the rolls are on the core, so as to maintain the rolls in a tightly wound manner. The core is attached to two support members, at least one support member being movable between a position attached to the core and a position dislocated from the core. After the sealant has been applied, at least one support member moves to the dislocated position such that wound rolls may be removed from the core by a movable extractor. The extractor forces the wound and sealed rolls off the core, which has a reduced diameter, and into a bin. The core is then automatically returned to a position and condition for receiving and winding more stamps, thus allowing the process to begin again with no human intervention.