Apparatus and method for applying adhesive in a web converting machine

A method of sealing a log tail to a log, the method comprising:

• rolling the log upon a roller to unwind the tail from the log;
• passing the tail from the roller to at least one conveyor adjacent to and at least partially recessed in the roller;
• applying adhesive to the tail when the tail reaches a desired length along the at least one conveyor;
• reversing rotation of the roller to wind the tail upon the log;
• rolling the log off of the roller;
• and
• sealing the tail upon the log.

A tail sealer apparatus for sealing a tail of a log to the log, the tail sealer comprising:

• a roller mounted for rotation and upon which the log is rollable, the roller rotatable from a first position in which the tail extends a first length from the log to a second position in which the tail extends a second length from the log, the first length being shorter than the second length, the first position separated from the second position by an amount of rotation of the roller;
• a sensor positioned to detect tail position on the roll and to determine when the roller is in the first position;
• and
• an adhesive applicator located adjacent the roller, the adhesive applicator configured and arranged to apply fluid to one of the tail or the log when the roller has been rotated from the first position to the second position.

A method of sealing a log tail to a log, the method comprising the steps of:

• rolling the log upon a roller to unwind the tail from the log;
• measuring an amount of roller rotation to determine an amount of tail unwound from the log;
• applying adhesive to the tail when the tail reaches a desired length;
• reversing rotation of the roller to wind the tail upon the log;
• and
• rolling the log off of the roller;
• and
• sealing the tail upon the log.

A tail sealer adhesive application apparatus for sealing logs of rolled sheet product, the apparatus comprising:

• a source of adhesive;
• an adhesive sprayer in fluid communication with the source of adhesive, the adhesive sprayer having a spray trajectory;
• and
• a movable member having an aperture defined therein, the member movable in substantial synchronicity with adhesive sprayer operation between a first position in which the aperture is substantially aligned with the spray trajectory of the adhesive sprayer and a second position in which the aperture is not aligned with the spray trajectory.

A method of applying adhesive to seal a log of rolled sheet product, comprising:

• providing a member having an aperture defined therein, the aperture having a shape;
• moving at least part of the product to an adhesive application position substantially aligned with a trajectory of adhesive emitted from an adhesive sprayer, the member located between the adhesive sprayer and the at least part of the product;
• and
• spraying adhesive from the adhesive sprayer through the aperture in the member and onto at least part of the product to form a coated product portion having substantially the shape of the aperture.

An adhesive application apparatus for applying adhesive in a tail sealer, comprising:

• a source of adhesive;
• an adhesive sprayer in fluid communication with the source of adhesive;
• an apertured member;
• and
• a cleaning element, the apertured member and the cleaning element movable with respect to one another between a first orientation in which the cleaning element contacts and cleans the apertured member and a second orientation in which the cleaning element is located a distance from the apertured member.

A method of operating a tail sealer adhesive application apparatus in a tail sealer, comprising:

• providing a cleaning element and an apertured member having an aperture defined therein;
• spraying adhesive toward the apertured member and through the aperture;
• moving the apertured member with respect to the cleaning element to bring the apertured member into contact with the cleaning member;
• cleaning the apertured member by rubbing the cleaning element against the apertured member;
• and
• moving the apertured member and the cleaning element apart in preparation for a subsequent spraying step.

A tail sealing apparatus for sealing a tail of a log to the log, the tail sealing apparatus comprising:

• a vacuum roller mounted for rotation and upon which the log is rollable;
• a conveying surface located a distance from the vacuum roll to define a space between the conveying surface and the vacuum roll through which the tail can extend;
• and
• an adhesive applicator located adjacent to the vacuum roller, the adhesive applicator configured and arranged to apply adhesive to one of the tail and the log when the tail is drawn against the vacuum roller.

A method of sealing a log tail to a log, the method comprising:

• rotating a vacuum roller a distance from a conveying surface;
• rolling a log on the vacuum roller responsive to rolling the vacuum roller;
• holding the tail against the vacuum roller between the vacuum roller and the conveying surface;
• drawing the tail between the vacuum roller and the conveying surface;
• winding the tail upon the log while holding the tail against the vacuum roller;
• and
• applying adhesive to one of the log or the tail prior to completely winding the tail upon the log.