Method and apparatus for transferring a web

Abstract

An apparatus transfers a moving web of a flexible material from a web guide surface. The web guide surface outputs the moving web, and the moving web has at least one web edge. The apparatus includes at least one edge nozzle, each edge nozzle being positioned so as to be proximate one at least one web edge. Each edge nozzle is configured for separating the moving web from the web guide surface and is further configured to function as a severing device. Each edge nozzle is thereby configured for transversely severing the moving web and forming a new start portion thereof. Each edge nozzle briefly ejects therefrom a high-energy air jet, each high-energy air jet being ejected between the web guide surface and the moving web.

1 . A method of transferring one of a first web and a threading tail of a moving paper web, said method comprising the steps of: 
 carrying said one of a first web and a threading tail on a web guide surface;    providing at least one edge nozzle proximate said web guide surface, each said edge nozzle generating at least one brief, high-energy jet;    separating one of a first web and a threading tail from said web guide surface using said at least one brief, high-energy jet;    severing transversely said one of a first web and a threading tail using said at least one brief, high-energy jet, said severing step occurring substantially concurrently with said separating step, said severing step producing a new start portion of said one of a first web and a threading tail;    providing a web conveying apparatus proximate said web guide surface and said at least one edge nozzle; and    gripping said new start portion of said one of a first web and a threading tail using said web conveying apparatus, said web conveying apparatus thereby conveying said one of a first web and a threading tail onward therefrom.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said first web is a paper web.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each said high energy air jet is effective for a length of time within an approximate range of 0.05 seconds to 0.5 seconds.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein compressed air having an approximate pressure in the range of 5 bar to 15 bar is used to produce each said high energy air jet.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the approximate pressure is in the range of 7 bar to 10 bar.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each said high energy air jet has a jet flow velocity associated therewith, said jet flow velocity being at least near the speed of sound.  
     
     
         7 - 32 . (canceled)