An apparatus for splicing comprises a first web support surface configured to support a traveling web thereon and a second web support surface configured to support a replacement web thereon. The first traveling web travels in a machine direction. The splicing assembly also comprises a first web sensor and a web joiner. A controller is configured to determine, via the first web sensor, a position of a trailing end of the traveling web and to, in response to determining the position of the trailing end, cause a leading end of the replacement web to be positioned adjacently to the trailing end. The computer is also configured to control the web joiner to create a joint coupling the trailing end to the leading end.

A system for splicing together multiple sheets of generally rigid material into a continuous sheet. The system includes a cart with a cutting mechanism and a sealing mechanism. The cutting mechanism is configured to cut a pattern of segments through the sheet materials that can be interlocked to form a seam. The interlocking segments may include asymmetrical features. The sealing mechanism can apply tape to the seal to secure it. The splicing system may be used while one of the multiple sheets of generally rigid material is concurrently in use by a packaging machine without interruption to the packaging machine.

An assembly to connect together first and second sheet members. The assembly includes a pressure device that applies pressure to the sheet members while the sheet members are in an overlapping arrangement and positioned on a support platform. A sensing system that includes one or more thin film pressure sensors detects the positions of the leading and trailing edges. A connection device connects the members together in an overlapping arrangement.

Devices, methods, and systems for splicing a trailing edge of an outgoing roll with a leading edge of a replacement roll with a lapless butt splice on-the-fly during converting and printing production. A first strip of adhesive tape may be placed partially under the leading edge, such that a portion of the adhesive tape remains exposed beyond the leading edge. The replacement roll may be accelerated to match the speed of the outgoing web's movement, a trailing edge of the outgoing web may be cut free from the outgoing roll, and the trailing edge of the outgoing roll may be positioned over the exposed portion of the adhesive tape. A second strip of adhesive tape may be applied over the leading edge and trailing edge using a splicer roller timed to apply the tape when the edges pass proximate to the splicer roller.

Devices, methods, and systems for splicing a trailing edge of an outgoing roll with a leading edge of a replacement roll with a lapless butt splice on-the-fly during converting and printing production. A first strip of adhesive tape may be placed partially under the leading edge, such that a portion of the adhesive tape remains exposed beyond the leading edge. The replacement roll may be accelerated to match the speed of the outgoing web's movement, a trailing edge of the outgoing web may be cut free from the outgoing roll, and the trailing edge of the outgoing roll may be positioned over the exposed portion of the adhesive tape. A second strip of adhesive tape may be applied over the leading edge and trailing edge using a splicer roller timed to apply the tape when the edges pass proximate to the splicer roller.

A corrugated sheet processing apparatus (120) is disclosed, comprising feed and guide rollers for selecting, moving and supporting sheets or webs to a corrugator (136) for forming a corrugated sheet; and a control system for controlling the sheet processing equipment (136) or a cutter (148); the sheet processing apparatus (136) further comprising a visual inspection unit (162) for reading printed information markers on at least one printed sheet or web as the printed sheet or web pass through the corrugated sheet processing apparatus (136) or corrugator; and wherein the control system further has a data look-up table whereby the apparatus (120) can identify what products will be produced downstream of the visual inspection unit, and the required settings for the sheet processing equipment or corrugator for those products.

A corrugated sheet processing apparatus (120) is disclosed, comprising feed and guide rollers for selecting, moving and supporting sheets or webs to a corrugator (136) for forming a corrugated sheet; and a control system for controlling the sheet processing equipment (136) or a cutter (148); the sheet processing apparatus (136) further comprising a visual inspection unit (162) for reading printed information markers on at least one printed sheet or web as the printed sheet or web pass through the corrugated sheet processing apparatus (136) or corrugator; and wherein the control system further has a data look-up table whereby the apparatus (120) can identify what products will be produced downstream of the visual inspection unit, and the required settings for the sheet processing equipment or corrugator for those products.

A corrugated sheet processing apparatus (120) is disclosed, comprising feed and guide rollers for selecting, moving and supporting sheets or webs to a corrugator (136) for forming a corrugated sheet; and a control system for controlling the sheet processing equipment (136) or a cutter (148); the sheet processing apparatus (136) further comprising a visual inspection unit (162) for reading printed information markers on at least one printed sheet or web as the printed sheet or web pass through the corrugated sheet processing apparatus (136), or corrugator; and wherein the control system further has a data look-up table whereby the apparatus (120) can identify what products will be produced downstream of the visual inspection unit, and the required settings for the sheet processing equipment or corrugator for those products.

A corrugated sheet processing apparatus (120) is disclosed, comprising feed and guide rollers for selecting, moving and supporting sheets or webs to a corrugator (136) for forming a corrugated sheet; and a control system for controlling the sheet processing equipment (136) or a cutter (148); the sheet processing apparatus (136) further comprising a visual inspection unit (162) for reading printed information markers on at least one printed sheet or web as the printed sheet or web pass through the corrugated sheet processing apparatus (136), or corrugator; and wherein the control system further has a data look-up table whereby the apparatus (120) can identify what products will be produced downstream of the visual inspection unit, and the required settings for the sheet processing equipment or corrugator for those products.

The apparatus and method for splicing substantially flat continuous material comprises a transport unit for transporting a first substantially flat continuous material and a second substantially flat continuous material to a splicing location. The transport unit is adapted to transport the first substantially flat continuous material and the second substantially flat continuous material parallel to each other forming an overlap portion of the first substantially flat continuous material and the second substantially flat continuous material in the splicing location. A pressure unit is arranged in the splicing location. The pressure unit is adapted to apply a mechanical impact onto at least a part of the overlap portion of the first substantially flat continuous material and the second substantially flat continuous material, thereby at least partially merging the first substantially flat continuous material with the second substantially flat continuous material.