Apparatus for applying adhesive tape

An apparatus for applying a length of adhesive tape from a supply of adhesive tape along the length of a leading edge of a roll of web material, comprising:

• a main frame;
• an application frame assembly mounted on the main frame and configured to be positioned adjacent to a leading edge of a roll of web material, the application frame assembly including:
• a support means for holding a supply of adhesive tape;
• an application means for removing adhesive tape from the supply of adhesive tape and for applying a length of adhesive tape along a length of the leading edge of the roll of web material, said application means including an application roller for applying the length of adhesive tape to said leading edge at an applied pressure;
• means for driving the application roller at a predetermined speed;
• and means coupled to the drive means for applying a variable controlled torque to the application roller which is in addition to that which is necessary to rotate the application roller at the predetermined speed, sufficient to prevent wrinkling of the web material at said applied pressure.