Apparatus and method for printing and dispensing a web

A method of selectively dispensing a web from a plurality of rolls of serrated bags, each roll of bags having a series of bags connected by transverse serrations, the method comprising:

• a) selecting and advancing a first web from a first roll of serrated bags, the first web having a free end, and a leading bag with a serration therein;
• b) advancing the first web between a first set of nip rollers, the first set of nip rollers comprising a moveable nip roller and a driven anvil roller;
• c) printing indicia on the first web;
• d) advancing the printed web between first and second accumulator guide plates;
• e) drawing the printed web between a set of dispensing nip rollers located downstream of the first and second accumulator guide plates;
• f) sensing the web by a web sensor disposed near and downstream of the set of dispensing nip rollers;
• g) moving the moveable nip roller toward the driven anvil roller;
• h) trapping the first web between the moveable nip roller and the driven anvil roller;
• i) stopping the free end of the first web in a position below the set of dispensing nip rollers;
• j) advancing an additional length of the first web from the first roll of serrated bags;
• and
• k) accumulating the advanced web between the first and second accumulator guide plates, until a first seal sensing device, positioned upstream of the first set of nip rollers, has sensed a seal, serration, or tab, on the first web, and a sufficient length of the first web has advanced, to ensure that the serration of the bag immediately upstream of the leading bag is disposed at a location downstream of the first set of nip rollers, but upstream of the openable set of dispensing nip rollers.