Patent ID: 6866220
Filing Date: 2005-03-15
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for winding a web, comprising: an upstream end; a downstream end; a first set of belts, traveling within a first plane in a first direction from the upstream end to the downstream end; the belts spaced apart within the first plane; a second set of belts, traveling within a second plane in a second direction from the downstream end toward the upstream end; the belts spaced apart within the second plane; wherein the first and second sets of belts are in close proximity at the upstream end and are spaced apart at the downstream end, and the belts of the first set of belts are in alignment with the belts of the second set of belts; and a third set of belts positioned between the belts of the first set of belts and in the first plane; the third set of belts traveling in the first direction; the third set of belts comprising a lug on each belt, the lugs oriented along a common line; wherein a web, in contact with the first set of belts, traveling in the first direction, and comprising a cigarette comprising a leading edge of the web, is wound around the cigarette by contact with the second set of belts at the upstream end; and wherein contact of the lugs with the leading edge of the web forms the cigarette.