Apparatus for splicing a replacement web to a web having a programmed movement without interrupting such movement

Apparatus comprising:

• (a) a first web supply containing a first web and a second web supply containing a second web;
• (b) operable pulling means engaged with said first web for withdrawing the same from said first supply and moving said first web along a predetermined path;
• (c) cutter means for severing the first web to establish a trailing edge thereon, and for severing the second web to establish and a leading edge thereon;
• (d) means for detecting the presence of said trailing edge on said path;
• and
• (e) a splicing station position in said path constructed and arranged to splice said leading edge of said second web to said trailing edge of said first web while each of said first and second webs lie in a common plane such that the leading edge of the second web abuts the trailing edge of the first web in response to detecting the presence of said trailing edge.