A method for automatically replacing reels in an unwinding assembly capable of carrying out the handling operations of the reels, as well as preparing and joining the tail of the web of the finished reel with the head of the web of the new reel in a simple, efficient way, reducing the risk of malfunctions and maintaining the correct orientation of the new web as that of the finished web.

A device for cardboard storage and removal for a bridge in a corrugated cardboard production line includes a bridge over which a conveyor system for conveying the single-sided laminated corrugated cardboard web is arranged. The exit end of the conveyor system for conveying the single-sided laminated corrugated cardboard web is provided with a clamping and cutting unit and a movable cardboard storage carriage unit is provided under the conveyor system for conveying the single-sided laminated corrugated cardboard web, under which conveyor system a conveyor belt system is provided in the bridge, and in the bridge an opening is provided, under which a waste cardboard collecting carriage is provided. The movable cardboard storage carriage unit stores the cardboard by means of cardboard storage rolls, which retain the single-sided laminated corrugated cardboard web flat on the bridge. In the event that a splicing defect is detected, the defective piece is cut out by the clamping and cutting unit and ejected by the conveyor belt system to the waste cardboard collecting carriage through the opening. Hence, it follows that productivity is improved.

A device for providing a tubular foil comprises a frame (5) with a position for an active product holder (P4) from which the tubular foil (10) can be removed and at least one further position (P1-P5) for at least one subsequent product holder with a subsequent tubular foil (20). The device provides coupling means for attaching a leading end (25) of the subsequent tubular foil (20) to a tail end (15) of a spent tubular foil (10). The coupling means comprise a carriage (110) with a drivable applicator device (100). The applicator device comprises a set of opposite applicator members (130) with mutually facing operative surfaces (135) and can be manipulated between a spread position, wherein the operative surfaces lie removed from each other, and a clamping position wherein the operative surfaces lie clampingly on each other. The applicator device (100) further comprises supply means for providing adhesive strips (60) in the spread position, and can be controlled to bring the applicator members (130) with the adhesive strips (60) into the clamping position, with interposing of the tail end (15) of the spent tube (10) and the leading end (25) of the subsequent tube (20), in order to mutually connect the ends (15, 25), and to bring the applicator members into the spread position in order to release the ends with the adhesive strips.