An end edge detector and method for sensing and indicating an end edge along a roll of material. A sensor retained by a housing detects the end edge and triggers an output signal indicative thereof. The sensor can be formed by a light source for producing an illuminated area on the roll of material in combination with a light radiation detector. Light received by the radiation detector is processed to produce an electronic control signal, and an output signal is triggered when the light received reaches a predetermined threshold electronic control signal indicative of light scattering by the end edge. Alternatively, the sensor can comprise a probe with a tip that extends from the housing for traveling along the surface of the roll of material. Deflection of the probe by contact with the end edge trips an electrical contact switch and triggers the output signal.

The invention relates to a device and a method for connecting finite webs of material for the energy cell producing industry, wherein the device comprises a holding device adapted to hold the new web of material by means of negative pressure in the second guide section, as well as a backing element and a cutting element, downstream in the conveying direction of the holding device. The backing element and the cutting element are adapted to cut the stationary new web of material to produce a new leading end of the new web of material. The device also comprises an applicator for applying an adhesive strip to the new leading end of the new web of material and a ram and a cutting device, wherein the cutting device is adapted to cut the stationary running-out web of material to produce a new trailing end of the running-out web of material. The ram is adapted to press the trailing web end of the running-out web of material onto the adhesive strip and against the applicator in order to connect the new leading end of the new web of material to the new trailing end of the running-out web of material.