Apparatus And Method For Centering And Spreading A Web

Abstract

A web centering and spreading processing system and related method are used to center a moving web and then spread the web in order to remove wrinkles from the web. The centering mechanism, in one example, has a centering roller that receives the wrinkles web. The outer edges of the web, which tend to be uneven and not centered, are detected and a signal is sent to the centering roller to move the web laterally and thereby center the web. The centered web, which is substantially centered but not necessarily precisely centered, moves to a spreader station that receives the web and spreads it thereby removing any wrinkles in the web. The spreader station may include a roller with a recessed center area and that has at least one set of contoured plates that move across the roller from an inner position to an outer position. The plates have gripping surfaces that grip the edges of the web and spread the web to remove the wrinkles. The plates also have an inner smooth area that, in conjunction with the recessed area, allow the inner area of the web to essentially float and thereby be spread to remove the wrinkles without binding.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]Aspects of the present disclosure involve a web processing apparatus and method. More particularly, aspects of the present disclosure involve an apparatus and method for centering and spreading a moving web.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Many different products, such as diapers, are manufactured or produced in a web process. Generally speaking, a web might begin with some form of base material and the constituent parts of the end product are introduced into the moving web at various stations. At the end of the process, the web contains a series of end products, which are each then individually cut from the web. So, in the example of a diaper, the various constituent parts of the diaper, such as the backing, elastic waist bands, absorbent pads, etc., are arranged and fixed on the web until the web includes a series of finished diapers, which are each then cut from the web.[0003]Any such web processing system, whether it be for diapers or otherwise, may i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]One aspect of the present disclosure involves a method of processing a web, such as but not limited to a diaper web, that involves a processing system defining a machine center line and a cross-machine direction substantially perpendicular to the machine center line. The method receives a moving web defining a first side edge and a second side edge. The web may have wrinkles or other folds. The method further includes adjusting the web in the cross machine direction and laterally spreading the web to substantially remove the one or more wrinkles. The adjusting operation may involve dete

Problems solved by technology

Any such web processing system, whether it be for diapers or otherwise, may impart wrinkles or folds into the web.

Wrinkles may impart unwanted variability into the end product.

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