Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for controlling the speed and tension of a web being unwound from a rotating roll and being run through an inertia-compensated festoon and then to a web-using production process which requires the web to run at a preselected relatively high speed and a preselected relatively low tension. Based on sensing the amount of web stored in the festoon, a brake applies a decreasing braking-force to the running roll as the diameter of the roll decreases. When the roll has decreased to an intermediate diameter, where the decreasing tension torque is inadequate to continue to accelerate the roll, a motor engages the roll and adds assisting web-unwinding torque to the roll as the diameter of the roll continues to decrease. The brake is also used to brake the roll to a stop before a subsequent zero-speed web-splice. The motor is also used to rotate the roll to line speed after splicing.

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First Claim