Web unwinding apparatus and method

摘要

An apparatus is illustrated for unwinding a web, such as cloth or paper, which utilizes a driven belt having a width in excess of the width of the web forming a cradle for a cloth roll and the like with elements for adjusting the path of travel of the belt including at least one elongated oscillatable roll over which the belt passes and which is oscillated responsive to elements for sensing the position of the belt. The method contemplates doffing the core of the cloth roll by utilizing a vertically movable roll for tightening the belt while at the same time lowering one of a pair of spaced rolls supporting the cradle so that the core roll rolls off the belt and the belt is positioned for receiving a full cloth roll thereon prior to lowering of and cushioning by the movable roll to form the cradle in the belt. A pair of downwardly and inwardly tapering guide elements are provided spaced opposite respective ends of a tubular core for maintaining proper position of the web roll carried thereby.