METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING A CONTINUOUS WEB FROM A BLOCK OF MATERIAL

摘要

An apparatus for forming a continuous web of material from a block of material is disclosed. The block is preferably a cylindrical block having a base and a generally vertical central axis extending generally orthogonally from the base. The apparatus comprises a rotatable platen such that the block may be rotatably supported, and a milling cutter for displacing portions of the block defining a displaced portion near the base of the block. A blade is positioned generally parallel to the central axis of the block, the blade positioned to cut into the block a predetermined distance from the central axis. The blade has a portion operatively disposed within the displaced portion of the block. The apparatus also comprises a drive mechanism for rotating the platen; as well as a linear drive mechanism for linearly decreasing the predetermined distance of the blade from the central axis. A central controller is included for controlling the blade and the platen in operative relationship such that the continuous web is produced as rotating platen is rotated while the predetermined distance of the blade from the central axis is continuously decreased. A method of forming a continuous web of material from a block of material having a base, and a generally vertical central axis extending generally orthogonally from the base is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a block supported at its base upon a rotatable platen displacing a portion of the block near the base. The method also includes providing a cutting blade disposed generally parallel to the central axis; and preferably guiding the block into the cutting blade by linearly advancing the rotatable platen while the block is rotating upon the rotatable platen such that a continuous web is produced as the cutting blade cuts in a substantially spiral path through the cylindrical block.