Method and apparatus for accumulating a web

US7380746B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Paul A. Weber · Menasha, US
• Darin Allen Engelhart · Appleton, US
• Thomas Arthur Bett · Oshkosh, US
• Thomas Tanakon Ungpiyakul · Neenah, US
• Thomas Michael Killian · Green Bay, US
• Mark J. Beitz · Appleton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 26, 2006
• Grant date: Jun 3, 2008
• Expiry date: Aug 9, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2801/84
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of accumulating a web includes pivoting subsets of rolls to a generally vertical alignment; moving one set of rolls past the other; passing the web between the sets of rolls; moving one set of rolls past the other to engage the web; pivoting the subsets to a generally horizontal alignment; moving the web alternatively between the subsets; and moving the sets apart to accumulate the web and together to discharge the web.A web accumulator includes at least two sets of rolls. Each set of rolls has subsets of rolls. The subsets have two consecutive staggered rolls. The accumulator has a web path defined by alternating between subsets of the first set and subsets of the second set.