MULTIPLE OUTPUT REEL TAPER APPARATUS HAVING LINEAR AND PUSH-OUT REEL CHANGER

摘要

The present invention provides a multiple output reel module ("MROM") for use with a taper machine or any other machine outputting flexible media. The MROM includes an upper spindle shaft supporting a plurality of output reels, a lower spindle shaft supporting a plurality of output reels, a tape insertion assembly that positions the flexible media adjacent a hub of one of the output reels along a loading plane, a finger assembly that holds the flexible media against the hub, a cutting assembly for cutting the flexible media, and a reel moving mechanism operable to move the output reels into and out of alignment with the loading plane. The MROM also includes a reel support structure along which the upper and lower spindle shafts are moveable in a linear direction. The flexible media may be held against the hub of the output reels with a finger assembly or a length of adhesive tape. Adhesive tape may also be used to secure the tail end of the flexible media against the last layer or flexible media wound onto a full reel.