An article holding device includes a base portion whose lower surface has a holding portion, flow paths communicated with holes in the holding portion, and needles provided on the base portion in a posture inclined with respect to the holding portion. The holding portion sucks and holds a sheet-like article using a negative pressure generated, by supplying a fluid to the flow paths and ejecting the fluid from the holes, between the holding portion and the article on the holding portion. When the article is easily allows air to pass through, the needles is moved to a protruding position in which the needles protrude downward from the holding portion, and the holding portion holds the article by piercing the article using the protruded needles.

A method of forming a roll of convolutely wound web material. The method includes applying adhesive to an elongated mandrel, winding web material around the mandrel to form a roll of convolutely wound web material, rotating the mandrel relative to the roll to smear the adhesive, and removing the mandrel from the roll. The smearing can be in a circumferential direction. The adhesive can be applied longitudinally along the mandrel. The adhesive preferably has a viscosity within the range of 3000 to 18,000 cps. Preferably, the method includes pulling the mandrel longitudinally before the step of removing the mandrel from the roll. The pulling can reduce the mandrel diameter and/or can increase its length. The rotating can be conducted before the pulling, during the pulling or during the winding. The rotating can be conducted before or during the removing. The web material can be bathroom tissue or kitchen towel.

A method of forming a roll of convolutely wound web material. The method includes winding web material around an elongated mandrel to form a roll of convolutely wound web material. The mandrel is substantially axially elastic and formed of material having a tensile yield strength divided by elastic modulus greater than 2.0%, and more preferably 2.5%. The mandrel is preferably radially complaint. The method further includes removing the mandrel from the roll. A further method includes winding web material around an elongated mandrel to form a roll of convolutely wound web material, the mandrel being comprised of material having a tensile yield strength divided by elastic modulus greater than 2.0%, and then longitudinally elongating the mandrel.

The invention relates to an unwinding system, an assembly and a method for unwinding a tire component from a stock reel and for outputting said tire component in a transport direction, wherein the unwinding system comprises a reel station, an output conveyor and a transfer device for transferring a leading end of the tire component from the reel station to said output conveyor, wherein the transfer device comprises a retaining member which is movable along a guide path between a pick-up position and a release position, wherein the retaining member comprises a retaining surface for releasably retaining the leading end of the tire component, wherein the transfer device further comprises an arm that is rotatable around the inverting axis for moving the retaining member along the guide path, wherein the retaining member is movable with respect to the arm in an extension direction perpendicular to the inverting axis.