Importance

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Abstract

A web replenishing apparatus and method for replacing an exhausted web supply with a fresh web supply. The apparatus includes means for detecting the exhaustion of the web supply and for stopping the web processing machine when the tail end of the web reaches a predetermined location. After the web processing machine is stopped, the empty spool or beam is removed by an operator and a fresh supply beam is placed thereon. The head end of the replacement fabric is draped over a lift roll and a supporting surface into a predetermined position. A clamp is provided for locating and securing the edges of the tail end of the exhausted web and the edges of the head end of the replacement web and for bringing them into alignment with each other at a sewing station. The excess web is pretrimmed from the head and tail ends and the head and tail ends of said webs are sewn together by a horizontal sewing machine. Thereafter, the edges of the webs are released automatically and the web processing machine is restarted, processing the replacement fabric.

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First Claim