Roll support and feed apparatus.

摘要

A machine (10) for feeding rolls (12) of web material (14) to a utilization device (18) that is adapted to draw the web material into the utilization device. The roll machine includes a frame (20) carrying a carriage (36) that supports a pair of arms (28) having respective chucks (30) that are adapted to move toward and away from each other for engaging and disengaging with the core (13) of a roll that is being supported and fed. An overhead drive arrangement (70;75;77;80) is used for driving the periphery of the roll in combination with a torque roller (86) for maintaining tension in the web. A gravity loop (16) of the material has its position sensed for control of the roll drive means in a manner to match the rate of use by the utilization device.