Duplex web roll winding and splicing apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus and method of winding a continuously moving web, and for splicing and transferring the web from a first core to a second core with no-fold-back or wrinkling of the web material during the splice. The web is fed through a first nip point and thereby applied to a lay-on roll, the lay-on roll further applying the web material onto first and second cores alternatively. An electrostatic charging bar positioned downstream from the nip point emits an electrostatic charge onto the web to temporarily adhere the web to the lay-on roll. A rotatable cutting knife cooperatively engageable with the lay-on roll cuts the web at a point downstream from the electrostatic charging bar but upstream from the first and second cores to produce a tail and new leading edge. The tail continues to be wound about the first roll, and the new leading edge is affixed to the second roll and the web is thereafter wound about the second core. The first and second cores are each independently movable toward and away from the lay-on roll so the web may be spliced and transferred from the first core to the second core, and alternatively from the second core to the first core.