Tail gap winder

A method of transferring a web from a first core on a first wind-up spindle to a second core on a second wind-up spindle after the web is transported around a first roller, transported to and around a retractable idler roller, wrapped partially around a rotating drum such that the web travels in contact with a portion of the surface of the drum, transported from the rotating drum onto the first core, wound around the first core until the first core has received a predetermined length of web, and cut, the method comprising the steps of:

• lengthening the distance between the idler roller and the rotating drum after the web has been cut to cause the web to slide on the surface of the rotating drum and to create a gap between the cut ends of the web;
• moving the first wind-up spindle away from the rotating drum surface as the gap passes under the first wind-up spindle location;
• moving the second core into contact with the rotating drum surface as the first wind-up spindle moves away;
• and
• winding the incoming cut end around the second core.

A method of transferring a web from a second core on a second wind-up spindle to a first core on a first wind-up spindle after the web is transported around a first roller, transported to and around a retractable idler roller, wrapped partially around a rotating drum such that the web travels in contact with a portion of the surface of the drum, transported from the rotating drum onto the second core, wound around the second core until the second core has received a predetermined length of web, and cut, the method comprising the steps of:

• lengthening the distance between the idler roller and the rotating drum after the web has been cut to cause the web to slide on the surface of the rotating drum and to create a gap between the cut ends of the web;
• moving the first core into contact with the rotating drum surface as the gap passes under the first wind-up spindle location to cause the incoming edge of the web to wind on the first core;
• maintaining the second core in contact with the rotating drum until the tail end of the web is completely wound around the second core;
• moving the second wind-up spindle away from the rotating drum surface;
• and
• winding the incoming edge around the first core.