Method of and apparatus for splicing running webs of paper and the like

Abstract

The leading end of a running fresh web of cigarette paper or the like is spliced to the trailing end of a running expiring web while the ends travel at the same speed, in the same direction and next to each other. The splicing unit includes a rotatable roll at one side of the path for the advancing ends, and a rotary carrier at the other side of such path opposite the roll. The carrier is provided with a segment having a convex knurling surface which cooperates with the peripheral surface of the roll to provide the webs with a splice while the segment engages the adjacent web. Prior to splicing, the carrier is rotated in a first direction to move the segment away from the path for the webs, and such movement is followed by rotation of the carrier in a second direction to accelerate the knurling surface at least close (a) to the common speed of the webs and (b) at least close to the speed of the peripheral surface of the roll. Those remnants of the webs which project beyond the splice are separated from the webs, preferably by tearing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.