Patent ID: 6412729
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
A mandrel system for winding paper onto a core comprising:a turret capable of indexing about a longitudinal axis; a mandrel rotatably affixed to said turret, said mandrel defining a longitudinal channel substantially extending the length of said mandrel, said mandrel further comprising a plurality of perforations distributed along a radial axis of said mandrel in communication with said longitudinal channel, wherein said perforations extend less than 360Â° around a cross-section of said mandrel and wherein said mandrel is configured to receive a suction force for holding a roll of paper thereon and a pressurized force to aid in maneuvering said core along said mandrel; a first gas flow control device defining a vacuum passageway and a pressurized air passageway, said first gas flow control device being positioned such that said first gas flow control device remains stationary with respect to said turret; a second gas flow control device in rotational communication with said turret such that said second gas flow control device is moveable in conjunction with said turret, said second gas flow control device defining an air passageway in communication with said longitudinal channel of said mandrel, said second gas flow control device being positioned adjacent to said first gas flow control device; wherein said second gas flow control device is selectively rotatable by said turret to a first position wherein said air passageway of said second gas flow control device is placed in communication with said vacuum passageway of said first gas flow control device such that said suction force is capable of being communicated through said plurality of perforations and said longitudinal channel; and wherein said second gas flow control device is further selectively rotatable by said turret to a second position wherein said air passageway of said second gas flow control device is placed in communication with said pressurized air passageway of said first gas flow control device such that said pressurized force is capable of being communicated through said plurality of perforations and said longitudinal channel.