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 transportation device includes a transportation-side holder that holds a roll. A roll mounting section, a sheet supply device including a supporter that holds the roll in a state where the sheet is continuously feedable, and an intermediate processing device that performs processing set in advance on the roll are disposed within a moving range of the transportation-side holder. A controller controls the transportation device such that the transportation-side holder holds the roll on the roll mounting section, and the roll held by the transportation-side holder is conveyed to the supporter of the sheet supply device through the intermediate processing device.

A reel holder includes: a plate-shaped rotating plate; multiple reel support portions evenly arranged in a circumferential direction about the center of the rotating plate, and supporting the tape reels such that each of the tape reels is rotatable about the center thereof; and a rotating plate support portion supporting the rotating plate such that the rotating plate is rotatable about the center of the rotating plate.

The device incorporates a mobile station with: a first shaft (6) to support a movable reel (4) and to actuate rotation of the movable reel (4) around the first shaft (6); gripping means (10) for gripping and releasing the movable reel (4) from a first side of the movable reel (4) closest to the first shaft (6); and transport means (15) to move the movable reel (4) in the direction of the first shaft (6) between the mobile station (1) and a loading position. The process handles one single reel (4) in each change, reducing labor and simplifying logistical management of reels (4). Likewise, the reels (4) are handled from one single side, the side closest to the first shaft (6). Therefore, space is freed up on the other side, providing more available space.

A method for reel changing in automatic machines including: preparing a carriage having a robotic arm including a gripped with a gripper at its free end for retaining a reel; the carriage has a support for the reel and a container for collecting cores of empty reels; positioning the reel on the support defining a predetermined position and memorised by the arm; moving the carriage forward toward a rotating shaft in a position allowing movement of the arm towards the shaft; reading a code on the shaft by a reading device on the arm; sending a signal by the reading device corresponding to the reading of the code to a processing unit with memorisation of the position of the shaft; picking up of an empty core from the rotating shaft and releasing the core in the container; picking up the reel; inserting the reel in the rotating shaft.

The present invention embraces a method and apparatus for improving ribbon replacement for thermal printers. The present invention also applies to replacement of other media in associated printers. The improvement is achieved based a ribbon adapter or media adapter that is designed for two conditions: 1) catch condition for printing, and 2) release condition for replacing the media in the printer. By a single click or press of a button, a user can switch between the two conditions. The printing operation occurs during the catch condition. The catch condition ensures that there is no or little relative movement between media core and media adapter. The media adapter can also support different diameter media cores. The release condition is implemented when the user replaces media. The release condition can provide a relatively easy replacement of a media without a significant force or pressure.

A packaging machine for packaging goods in film packages, equipped with a device for receiving and holding a surface element roll, so as to process it in a packaging machine by unrolling the surface element and introducing the surface element into the packaging machine, comprising an axle to be incorporated into the surface element roll on its rotational axis of symmetry, wherein the axle is received in a swivel receiver, and the axle for unrolling the surface element is held with the swivel receiver in a roughly vertical alignment.

A machine for producing disposable products anticipates when a current run of a product size is coming to an end, and therefore begins loading of material rolls intended for the next product size or code that will be run. An integrated production facility layout automatically orders and stocks raw material based on production plans, and commands a production machine to produce specific products of differing configurations, and automatically loads appropriately sized raw materials into the process.

A controller includes: an adhesion member position determination unit that determines a position of an adhesion member in a rotation direction of a roll on the basis of the result of detection from an adhesion member detector in a state in which the roll has been rotated by a shaft control unit; and an outer diameter determination unit that determines an outer diameter of the roll in a portion where the adhesion member is positioned, the determination being performed on the basis of the result of detection from an outer diameter detector in a state in which driving of shaft drive sources are controlled by the shaft control unit such that the adhesion member is positioned within a detection range of the outer diameter detector on the basis of the position of the adhesion member determined by the adhesion member position determination unit.

An unwinding assembly comprising first and second unwinding and handling units comprising respective robots having respective wrists movable under the control of at least one electronic control unit, wherein each of said unwinding and handling units comprises a respective unwinding device mounted on the wrist of the respective robot. The present invention also relates to an unwinding and handling unit capable of handling the reel carried by it with high freedom of movement, while maintaining small dimensions.