Patent ID: 8042761
Filing Date: 2011-10-25
Classification: B65H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A core loading apparatus comprising: a mandrel having a first end and a second and opposite end; a core loading assembly configured to slide across the mandrel, the core loading assembly including a gripping device, the gripping device including at least two gripping members that are movable towards and away from each other; an actuator configured to move the core loading assembly back and forth across the mandrel, wherein, in order to load a core onto the mandrel, the gripping members of the gripping device engage the core at the first end of the mandrel while the actuator moves the core loading assembly towards the second end of the mandrel thereby pulling the core onto the mandrel, and wherein, once a rolled product is formed on the core, the actuator is further configured to move the core loading assembly against the rolled product formed on the mandrel for stripping the product from the mandrel; and a controller in communication with the actuator, the controller being configured to control the actuator in a sequence for loading the core on the mandrel and for later stripping the rolled product from the mandrel.