METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PINLESS FEEDING OF WEB TO A UTILIZATION DEVICE

摘要

A system and method for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web (60) along a predetermined path within the utilization device (64). A web guide (92) is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element (64). The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller (72) and a follower roller (76) impinge upon opposing sides of the web (60) and rotate to drive the web through the guide (92). The drive roller (72) is located adjacent to the guide to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller (150) is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web (60) with the operation of the utilization device element (64). The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller (72) or the utilization device (64) to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.