Patent ID: 6092761
Filing Date: 2000-07-25
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
An in-line web separator for laterally separating a plurality of incoming substantially parallel abutting, adjacent or overlapping webs, the web separator comprising:an input station for receiving a plurality of incoming substantially parallel webs;a first plurality of web deflectors for deflecting the plurality of substantially parallel webs discharged from the input station to a plurality of nonparallel separation directions such that the plurality of webs is no longer parallel, the first plurality of web deflectors being selectively movable between an inoperable position and an operable position;a second plurality of web deflectors for deflecting the plurality of nonparallel webs such that the plurality of webs become substantially parallel and adjacent webs are laterally separated; andan output station for receiving the plurality of substantially parallel and laterally separated webs, the output station and the input station each having an axis defining a plane passing therebetween;wherein in an inoperable position the first plurality of web deflectors is disposed on a first side of the plane such that the first plurality of web deflectors does not engage the plurality of substantially parallel webs in order that the plurality of substantially parallel webs may be threaded directly from the input station to the output station, in an operable position the first plurality of web deflectors is disposed on a second side on the plane such that the first plurality of web deflectors engage and thus deflect the plurality of substantially parallel webs.