Abstract:
A surface winder for winding a log of web material convolutely about a core is disclosed. The surface winder has a frame providing the web material with a path therethrough, a first winding roll rotatably mounted in the frame on one side of the path, a stationary finger mounted on the frame on the other side of the path adjacent the first winding roll and spaced therefrom a distance sufficient to receive the core to be wound in the path, the first winding roll cooperating with the stationary finger means to rotate the core, a cam-controlled core insertion device for a surface winder, and a second winding roll rotatably mounted in the frame on the other side of the path and downstream in the direction of web advance from the stationary finger means and forming a nip with the first winding roll.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This present disclosure relates to a surface winder for winding a web into rolls or logs. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an in-feed mechanism for feeding cores axially into a surface winder and for moving the cores toward the winding rolls of the winder. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    In the paper converting industry, rewinding machines are used for the production of tissue paper articles in the form of wound rolls, such as bath tissue, paper toweling, and the like. These rewinding machines generally have the function of rewinding a web material coming from large reels (so-called parent reels) into logs having a diameter equal to the diameter of the wound finished articles which are then sold to consumers. These logs are much longer than the axial length of the finished articles that are sold. Therefore, the logs are generally cut square to their axis to obtain the finished product which is subsequently packaged. 
         [0003]    Winding or rewinding a web material is usually performed in a continuous manner at high speed. For example, winding one single log can occur in about 1-3 seconds. At the end of winding a log, the web material is severed (i.e. torn or cut) to create a trailing edge of web material for the finished log and a leading edge of web material for a succeeding (e.g., next) log. Severing the web material, discharging the finished log, and the beginning of winding of the next log are generally known to those of skill in the art as an exchange phase or operation. This operation is performed typically without interrupting or slowing down the feed of the web material in order to maintain a set hourly throughput. 
         [0004]    Winding a web material usually occurs around tubular winding cores. The leading edge of the web material is typically adhered to the core material with an adhesive. Some operations may utilize suction provided from inside an apertured core material. In still other embodiments, a tubular core can be electrostatically charged to attract the free leading edge of the web material. 
         [0005]    Surface rewinding machines provide for the winding of a log that is in contact with the surface of at least two winding rollers. More precisely, the log is formed starting from a continuous web material that is provided with transverse perforations. The perforated web material is carried by a first conveyor and is wrapped at least partially around an upper winding roller. A core having adhesive disposed thereon is placed into contacting engagement with the web material disposed about the upper winding roller. The material-adhered core then enters into contact with a lower winding roller and is kept in rotating engagement between both the upper and lower winding rollers with a pressure roller. The three rollers form a ‘cradle’ and define a ‘winding zone’ wherein the wound log is formed by rotating the core and disposing the web material onto the core as it rotates within the winding zone. 
         [0006]    The core can be inserted into the winding zone in a plurality of manners. In a first case, one a core at a time can be fed onto a loading tray and a pusher disposes the core into the winding zone. Here, the pusher forces the core into position between the winding rollers. This can result in the core being dented in the winding zone and producing a faulty winding. 
         [0007]    In a second method, the core can be brought on a feeding cradle of curved shape located under the upper winding roller. Friction against the upper roller brings it forward up to the contact with the lower winding roller for starting the winding. The cradle is formed by a series of integral curved guides that protrude rearwardly from the lower winding roller. According to the size of the core, the lower roller is brought forward or away from the upper roller. However, a different cradle is necessary for each different diameter of the core. This causes stops in the production, an adjusting work and the need of a set of cradles, one for each different diameter of the core. 
         [0008]    A third method provides an inserter that allows for independent movement of pneumatically activated fingers disposed across the width of the rewinder that grip an incoming core and translate it to the winding zone. An exemplary inserter that functions in this manner is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As can be seen, this method positively controls the motion of the finger in only one direction and has significant variability in speed due to contaminants in the process and the fragility of the design. This can lead to failure to insert the core at the right time in the wind cycle, release of the core prematurely, or even impeding the core from insertion by the insertion finger causing jams, web breaks, and roll wraps. 
         [0009]    Thus, it would be easily recognized by one of skill in the art that a better system for inserting cores into the winding cradle of a surface rewinding system is needed. Such an improved winding system would provide better control of the core during the insertion process, provide a more reliable and consistent insertion in production, and provide an insertion system that is not as effected by contamination generated during the rewinding process. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present disclosure provides for a surface winder for winding a log of web material convolutely about a core. The surface winder comprises a frame providing the web material with a path therethrough, a first winding roll rotatably mounted in the frame on one side of the path, a stationary finger mounted on the frame on the other side of the path adjacent the first winding roll and spaced therefrom a distance sufficient to receive the core to be wound in the path, the first winding roll cooperating with the stationary finger means to rotate the core, a cam-controlled core insertion device for a surface winder, and a second winding roll rotatably mounted in the frame on the other side of the path and downstream in the direction of web advance from the stationary finger means and forming a nip with the first winding roll. 
         [0011]    The cam-controlled core insertion device provides for a shaft having a plurality of cam housings disposed thereabout. Each of the cam housings is disposed at a respective position along and about the shaft. Each of the cam housings have a longitudinal axis coincident with a longitudinal axis of the shaft where the shaft is disposed coaxially about the longitudinal axis and is rotatable thereabout. A cam cooperatively associated with a respective cam housing is disposed within a first surface and about the longitudinal axis of each of the cam housings. A fixed finger plate is juxtaposed proximate to each of the cam housings and fixably attached to the shaft. Each of the fixed finger plates is cooperatively associated with a respective cam housing and has a fixed finger fixably attached thereto. Each of the fixed fingers has a fixed orientation relative to the longitudinal axis as the shaft rotates about the longitudinal axis. Each of the fixed fingers has an end distal from the fixable attachment to the respective fixed finger plate. 
         [0012]    A cam follower is cooperatively associated with each of the cams and has a finger shaft attached thereto that is disposed through a respective fixed finger plate cooperatively associated thereto and has a movable finger attached thereto. Each of the cam followers orbit about the longitudinal axis while juxtaposed proximate to and in contacting engagement with the respective cam cooperatively associated thereto. Each of the movable fingers has an adjustable orientation relative to the longitudinal axis as the cam follower cooperatively associated thereto orbits about the longitudinal axis. 
         [0013]    Each of the movable fingers has an end distal from the respective cam follower. The distal end of each of the movable fingers and the distal end of each of the fixed fingers cooperatively associated thereto are capable of forming a space therebetween for contacting engagement and containment of a core suitable for the convolute disposal of a web material thereabout. Each of the cams causes the respective movable finger to rotate toward the fixed finger cooperatively associated thereto when each of the respective cam followers are disposed at a first orbital position relative to the longitudinal axis to engage the core between each of the distal ends of the movable fingers and the distal ends of the fixed fingers cooperatively associated thereto. Each of the cams cause the respective movable finger to rotate away from the respective fixed finger cooperatively associated thereto to disengage from the core when each of the cam followers are disposed at a second orbital position relative to the longitudinal axis. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a fragmentary side elevational view of an exemplary prior art surface winder including a core in-feed apparatus 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is perspective view of an exemplary core insertion device of the prior art showing the misalignment of the pneumatically-controlled fingers; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a representative elevational view of the exemplary prior art core insertion device of  FIG. 1  showing the misalignment of the pneumatically-controlled fingers; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary cam housing for a cam-controlled core insertion device of the present disclosure showing an exemplary cam; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is another perspective view of the exemplary cam housing of the cam-controlled core insertion device of  FIG. 4  showing fixed and movable fingers attached thereto; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is an exemplary elevational view of the cam housing of the cam-controlled core insertion device of  FIG. 4  showing an exemplary cam; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary cam-controlled core insertion device of  FIG. 6  taken along line  7 - 7 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is an expanded view of the region labeled  8  in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 7  showing additional cam detail; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is an elevational view of an exemplary cam follower suitable for use with the cam-controlled core insertion device of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is an elevational view of an exemplary dual-track cam/cam follower system suitable for use with a movable finger of the cam-controlled core insertion device of  FIG. 4   
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of an exemplary fixed finger plate suitable for use with the cam-controlled core insertion device of  FIG. 4  showing a fixed finger and movable finger attached thereto; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a plan view of the reverse side of the fixed finger plate of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an exemplary cam-controlled core insertion device according to the present disclosure showing exemplary cam housings and associated fixed fingers and movable fingers showing alignment of the movable fingers about the core disposed therebetween; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is an exemplary elevational view of the cam-controlled core insertion device showing alignment of the movable fingers about the core at a first orbital position; 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is an exemplary elevational view of the cam-controlled core insertion device showing alignment of the fingers about the core in a mid-cycle orbital position; 
           [0029]      FIG. 16A  is an exemplary elevational view of the prior art core insertion device of  FIG. 3  showing mis-alignment of the pivot fingers about the core in a mid-cycle position; 
           [0030]      FIG. 16B  is a comparative exemplary elevational view of the cam-controlled core insertion device of  FIG. 13  showing alignment of the movable fingers about the core in a mid-cycle position comparable to that of  FIG. 16A ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 17A  is an exemplary elevational view of the prior art core insertion device of  FIG. 3  showing mis-alignment of the pivot fingers and disengagement from the core in a further mid-cycle position; 
           [0032]      FIG. 17B  is a comparative exemplary elevational view of the cam-controlled core insertion device of  FIG. 13  showing alignment and continuing contacting engagement of the movable fingers about the core in a mid-cycle position comparable to that of  FIG. 17A ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 18A  is an exemplary elevational view of the prior art core insertion device of  FIG. 3  showing complete disengagement of the pivot fingers from the core near the intended discharge point; 
           [0034]      FIG. 18B  is a comparative exemplary elevational view of the cam-controlled core insertion device of  FIG. 13  showing alignment and continuing contacting engagement of the movable fingers about the core near the intended discharge point comparable to that of  FIG. 18A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary surface winder (or re-winder)  100  that utilizes prior art core inserter  10 . Without limitation, such a surface winder  100  is generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,229. The exemplary re-winder  100  can generally include a conventional three roll winding cradle that provides a first or upper winding roll  110 , a second or lower winding roll  120 , and a rider roll  130 . The rolls are mounted in a frame  140  for rotation in the direction of the arrows to wind a web material W having a path through the frame  140  on a hollow cardboard core  12  that is used to form a log L of convolutely wound paper such as bathroom tissue or paper toweling. 
         [0036]    The second winding roll  120  can be movably mounted on the re-winder so that the roll can move toward and away from the first winding roll. This is generally described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,828,195 and 4,909,452. The second winding roll can be provided with a variable speed profile. A non-limiting and exemplary variable speed profile is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,335. 
         [0037]    The rider roll  130  is pivotably mounted so that it can move toward lower winding roll  120  when the core is inserted into the three roll winding cradle. The rider roll  130  can move away from the lower winding roll  120  as web material W is convolutely wound about core  12  as the winding log builds. 
         [0038]    The web material W is preferably advanced in a downstream direction as indicated by the arrow A. The web material W can be (and can be preferably) transversely perforated along longitudinally spaced lines of perforation to form individual sheets. In the particular embodiment illustrated, a perforator assembly  150  includes an anvil  160  and a rotating perforating roll  170 . 
         [0039]    Before the web material W reaches the first winding roll  110 , it can traverse over a stationary pinch bar  200  mounted adjacent to the first winding roll  110 . A stationary plate  210  (also referred to by those of skill in the art as a transfer plate or dead plate) can be mounted below the first winding roll  110  upstream of the second winding roll  120 . The upstream end  220  of the stationary plate  210  is spaced from the first winding roll  110  a distance slightly greater than the diameter of the cores  12 . The spacing between the remainder of the stationary plate  210  and the first winding roll  110  is slightly less than the diameter of the cores  12  so that the cores  12  will be compressed slightly and will be rolled along the stationary plate  210  by the rotating first winding roll  110 . The stationary plate  210  includes a solid portion which generally extends for the axial length of the re-winder  100 . 
         [0040]    Cores  12  can be typically fed to the core inserter  10  from a conventional core magazine (not shown). A glue applicator (not shown) can apply an axially extending stripe of glue on the core  12  as the core  12  moves past the glue applicator (not shown). An exemplary glue applicator (not shown) can include a spray nozzle that can spray a heated glue or cold adhesive onto the core  12 . Other types of glue applicators can also be used for applying a continuous or intermittent line of glue to the core  12 . This could include slot extruders, printers, and glue wheels. Referring to  FIGS. 2-3 , a typical prior art core inserter  10  is mounted on a shaft  40  that is rotatably mounted on the frame  140  for rotation about longitudinal axis  38 . The core inserter  10  includes a plurality of axially spaced arms (fixed finger  14  and pivot finger  16 ) that extend radially outwardly from the shaft  38 . Generally, a pneumatically actuated cylinder  18  can extend to allow pivot finger  16  to rotate toward core  12  and fixed finger  14  thereby containing core  12  between fixed finger  14  and pivot finger  16 . Pneumatically actuated cylinder  18  can also retract thereby causing pivot finger  16  to rotate away from core  12  and fixed finger  14  thereby releasing core  12  from a fixed disposition between fixed finger  14  and pivot finger  16   
         [0041]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the core inserter  10  generally rotates clockwise to move a core  12  into the space between the upstream end  220  of the stationary plate  210  and the first winding roll  110 . The core inserter  10  can be rotated by a servo motor that can be controlled by a microprocessor. At the appropriate time during the winding cycle, the servo motor can be actuated to rotate the core inserter  10  clockwise. 
         [0042]    As the core inserter  10  continues to rotate, fixed finger  14  and pivot finger  16  on the core inserter  10  push the core  12  into contacting engagement with the first winding roll  110  and the stationary plate  210 , and the rotating winding roll  110  causes the core  12  to roll over the stationary plate  210 . If an axial glue stripe is disposed upon the core  12 , the glue stripe can contact the severed web material W, and the web material W can then begin to be convolutely wound about the core  12  as the core  12  rolls over the stationary plate  210 . Fixed finger  14  and pivot finger  16  both pass through gaps disposed within stationary plate  210  as the core inserter  10  rotates clockwise. When the core  12  and the winding log L reach the second winding roll  120 , the winding log L continues to have web material W wound thereabout as the winding log L is disposed between the first winding roll  110  and second winding roll  120 . Winding log L is eventually contacted by the rider roll  130  that applies a compressive force to the winding log L. 
         [0043]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a typical commercially available core inserter  10  provides independent movement of each pivot finger  16  disposed across the length of the core inserter  10  (i.e., collectively disposed in the cross-machine direction (CD) of web material W) through a respective pneumatically activated cylinder  18  (sometimes accompanied by a spring return). As would be recognized by one of skill in the art, because of the nature of pneumatically activated cylinders  18  and the systems used for the control of pneumatically activated cylinders  18 , a core inserter  10  may only positively control the motion of each pivot finger  16  orbitally about the longitudinal axis  38 . Such control provides significant variability to the speed and rotational displacement of each pivot finger  16  about longitudinal axis  38  due to contaminants in the process and the fragility of the design. 
         [0044]    For example, an uneven flow of air in an air feed system used to activate each pneumatically activated cylinder  18  of core inserter  10  or any binding in the core inserter  10  system can cause the core inserter  10  to secure the core  12  late. In addition, if a spring return is used (e.g., a ‘spring unload’) age and wear of the spring can dramatically change the speed and strength of the core  12  loading and core  12  unloading (i.e., core  12  disengaging from between fixed finger  14  and pivot finger  16 ) process. The use of a spring return can also cause a ‘bounce’ of the pivot finger  16  which may interfere or impede the release of the core  12  into the winding cradle  30 . Experience has indicated that this can lead to failure to insert the core  12  at the right time in the wind cycle, release of the core  12  from containment between fixed finger  14  and pivot finger  16  prematurely, or impede the core  12  from insertion into the winding cradle  30  space between stationary plate  210  and first winding roll  110 . Overall, this can result in the pivot finger  14  causing jams, web material W breaks, winding log L wraps, as well as wraps about first winding roll  110  and/or second winding roll  120 . This can also lead to a delay in securing or releasing the core  12  for insertion into the space between the upstream end  220  of the stationary plate  210  and the first winding roll  110  resulting in the need for additional dwell time thereby adversely impacting process speeds. 
         [0045]    In light of these issues generally experienced by users of the prior art core inserter  10  in conjunction with a surface winder  100 , using the cam-controlled core inserter  10 A of the present disclosure in place of the prior art core inserter  10  can effectively reduce these detrimental experiences. 
         [0046]    The improved cam-controlled core inserter  10 A a shown generally in the perspective views of  FIGS. 4-5 . The improved cam-controlled core inserter  10 A is generally provided with a cam housing  34  that is fixably mountable to frame  140  by bracket  48 . Shaft  40  is disposable therethrough. 
         [0047]    The cam-controlled core inserter  10 A is provided with fixed finger  22  and movable finger  28 . A suitable core  12  for convolutely winding a web material W thereabout can be disposed between fixed finger  22  and moveable finger  28  for insertion into winding cradle  30  of any form of surface winder  100 . 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIGS. 6-10 , cam housing  34  of cam-controlled core inserter  10 A is generally provided with a cam  24 . Cam  24  can be disposed within or disposed about cam housing  34  and defines the orbital motion of cam follower  26  disposed therein and having movable finger  28  attached thereto about the longitudinal axis  38  of cam-controlled core inserter  10 A. Cam  24  can be provided with any desired profile required by the manufacturing operation to provide the desired motion of cam follower  26  about the longitudinal axis  38 . 
         [0049]    In this regard, movable finger  28  can be disposed upon finger shaft  42  emanating from a centroid of cam follower  26  (shown in  FIG. 9 ). Cam contacting shaft  44  is provided to be contained within cam  24  in a manner that causes cam  24  to orbit about the longitudinal axis  38  of cam-controlled core inserter  10 A. As cam  24  orbits about the longitudinal axis  38  while disposed in contacting and moveable engagement with cam  24 , cam  24  defines the motion of movable finger  28  relative to the longitudinal axis  38 , fixed finger  22 , and core  12 . Without desiring to be bound by theory, it is believed that by providing a cam  24 /cam follower  26  system to control the movement of movable finger  28  of cam-controlled core inserter  10 A can provide a more reliable and consistent contact and release system for the insertion of a core  12  into winding cradle  30 . In other words a cam  24 /cam follower  26  system can more positively actuate and control movement of movable finger  28  about longitudinal axis  38  relative to both the closed (i.e., fixed finger  22  and movable finger  28  are positively engaged with core  12 ) and open (i.e., fixed finger  22  and movable finger  28  are disengaged from core  12 ) position. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , it is believed that cam  24  disposed within cam housing  34  can be provided with a first cam track portion  54  and second cam track portion  56 . Providing such an ‘off-set dual cam’ embodiment for cam  24  can better define the orbital motion of cam follower  26  disposed therein as well as the motion of movable finger  28  attached thereto about pivot  52  as well as the longitudinal axis  38  of cam-controlled core inserter  10 A. As can also be seen, cam contacting shaft  44  of cam follower  26  can be provided with a first cam follower bearing  58  and second cam follower bearing  60 . In this exemplary embodiment, first cam follower bearing  58  is preferably maintained in contacting and roller-like engagement with first cam track portion  54  and second cam follower bearing  60  is preferably maintained in contacting and roller-like engagement with second cam track portion  56 . One of skill in the art will clearly recognize that this off-set dual cam arrangement of cam  24 /cam follower  26  can prevent counter-rotation of cam follower  26 . One of skill in the art will also clearly recognize that this off-set dual cam arrangement of cam  24 /cam follower  26  can prevent any sliding of cam follower  26  within cam  24  when cam follower  26  transitions from first cam track portion  54  to second cam track portion  56  as movable finger  28  is being rotated about pivot  52  either toward fixed finger  22  or away from fixed finger  22 . One of skill in the art will easily understand that such an off-set dual cam system can provide the benefit of requiring only a single servo drive in order to accomplish two separate motion profiles. 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11-12 , shown in perspective view is a fixed finger plate  46  that is fixably attached to shaft  40 . Fixed finger  22  is secured to fixed finger plate  46  so that fixed finger  22  will maintain a fixed orientation relative to shaft  40  and longitudinal axis  38  as shaft  40  and fixed finger plate  46  are rotated about longitudinal axis  38 . Thus, each fixed finger  22  associated with cam-controlled core inserter  10 A will have the same orientation when initiating contact with a core  12 . Cam contacting shaft  44  of cam follower  26  is disposed through fixed finger plate  46  so that cam contacting shaft engages cam  24 . Thus, as shaft  40  rotates about longitudinal axis  38 , fixed finger plate  46  connected to shaft  40  rotates thereabout. This causes fixed finger  22  to orbit about longitudinal axis  38  in fixed orientation and causes cam follower  26 , engaged with cam  24  disposed within cam housing  34 , to also orbit about longitudinal axis  38  with the cam  24  and cam follower  26  interaction causing the orientation of moveable finger  28  relative to longitudinal axis  38  to change as may be required in order to engage, contain, transport, and disengage core  12  as may be required to insert core  12  into winding cradle  30 . 
         [0052]    Further, it is believed that each fixed finger plate  46  can be provided with an associated latch  50  (e.g., a first latch, a second latch, a third latch, etc.) that is fixably disposed upon fixed finger plate in an orientation that allows cooperative engagement with fixed finger  22 . Each latch  50  can assist in securing the associated fixed finger  22  in a fixed orientation relative to shaft  40  and longitudinal axis  38  as shaft  40  and fixed finger plate  46  are rotated about longitudinal axis  38 . Each latch  50  can also facilitate the pivotable movement of an associated fixed finger  22  (as well as the distal end of fixed finger  22 ) about pivot point  52  in a direction generally away from moveable finger  28 . Such a scenario can be understood by one of skill in the art as useful when cam-controlled core inserter  10 A and/or any component thereof experiences a mechanical and/or operational malfunction. Such malfunctions can include, but not be limited to, the mechanical binding (e.g., a ‘jam’) of cam-controlled core inserter  10 A and/or any component thereof, a misfeed of core  12  into cam-controlled core inserter  10 A and/or surface winder  100 , and the like. 
         [0053]    It is envisioned that latch  50  can be provided as a magnetic latch. It is also believed that one of skill in the art could provide latch  50  as a safety mechanism incorporating the use of a shear pin. Other embodiments of latch  50  could provide a slip-clutch, ball detent, or other such mechanism that can provide the reversible nature and safety-oriented goals intended by the presence of latch  50 . Such a cam  24 /cam follower  26  system provided for cam-controlled core inserter  10 A as described herein can provide for the relationships of each fixed finger  22 /moveable finger  28  pair of cam-controlled core inserter  10 A to be identical relative to longitudinal axis  38  across the entire cross-machine direction of cam-controlled core inserter  10 A. In other words, the movement of each fixed finger  22 /movable finger  28  pair can be more accurately coordinated, alone and collectively. This can provide for a significantly more precise engagement of core  12  between fixed finger  22  and movable finger  28  and control of core  12  as it traverses from a point of initial contacting engagement (i.e., pick-up) between fixed finger  22  and movable finger  28  to a point of release of the core  12  from between fixed finger  22  and movable finger  28  for insertion into winding cradle  30 . Further, as will be shown infra, release of the core  12  from between fixed finger  22  and movable finger  28  into winding cradle  30  can be achieved much later in the transfer process with significantly more control. 
         [0054]    This better alignment of each fixed finger  22 /movable finger  28  pair across the width of the cam-controlled core inserter  10 A relative to core  12  is shown in  FIG. 13 . Here, each fixed finger  22  and movable finger  28  pair is shown in contacting engagement with core  12  compared to the random engagement of each fixed finger  14 /pivot finger  16  pair of core inserter  10  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0055]    As shown in representative  FIGS. 13-15 , it can be seen that all movable fingers  28  (e.g., a first finger, a second finger, a third finger, etc.) each associated with a respective cam housing  34  (e.g., a first cam housing, a second cam housing, a third cam housing, etc.) comprising cam-controlled core inserter  10 A are similarly engaged with a respective core  12  when the core  12  contacts fixed finger  22 . Each movable finger  28 , cooperatively engaged with a respective cam follower  26  (e.g., a first cam follower, a second cam follower, a third cam follower, etc.), each disposed within or about a respective cam  24  (e.g., a first cam, a second cam, a third cam, etc.) disposed within a respective cam housing  34  can orbit in synchronicity about the longitudinal axis  38  of cam-controlled core inserter  10 A with the other adjacent movable fingers  28 , attached to a respective cam follower  26 , disposed within respective cam  24  disposed within respective cam housings  34  to form cam-controlled core inserter  10 A. 
         [0056]    As shown more clearly in  FIGS. 14-15 , each fixed finger  22  and movable finger  28  combination of each cam-controlled core inserter  10 A of the surface winder  100  of the present disclosure continues to maintain contact with the respective core  12  disposed therebetween. 
         [0057]    For purposes of comparison,  FIGS. 16A ,B- 18 A,B show the respective differences in core  12  control relative to winding cradle  30  of surface winder  100  for core inserter  10  of the prior art and cam-controlled core inserter  10 A of the present disclosure. 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIG. 16A , at a position intermediate the contacting engagement of fixed finger  14  and pivot finger  16  of core inserter  10  relative to core  12 , fixed finger  14  and pivot finger  16  must disengage contacting engagement with core  12  to allow all pivot fingers of core inserter  10  ample time to clear away from winding cradle  30 . Ostensibly, this extra time required is due in large part to the uncertainty associated with the use of pneumatically activated cylinders  18  and any control systems to provide adequate time to retract all pivot fingers  16  away from core  12 . At this point in time, core  12  is now unsupported and can be seen to assume any degree of misalignment with winding cradle  30 . Further, the clear misalignment of all pivot fingers  16  can be seen. 
         [0059]    Comparatively, as shown in  FIG. 16B , fixed finger  22  and movable finger  28  of exemplary cam-controlled core inserter  10 A of the present disclosure are still in contacting engagement with core  12 . Clearly, the position of core  12  is still highly controlled relative to winding cradle  30 . As can be seen, all moveable fingers  28  are still aligned. 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 17A , as the fixed fingers  14  of core inserter  10  approach winding cradle  30 , all pivot fingers  16  are completely disassociated from contacting engagement with core  12 . In fact, it appears that core  12  is positioned in ‘free space’ and approaching winding cradle  30  airborne. Clearly, it should be understood by one of skill in the art that such an airborne approach of core  12  toward winding cradle  30  can lead to misalignment and the uncertain disposition of the core  12  within winding cradle  12 . Also, it becomes even less clear how the web material may eventually become disposed upon core  12 . 
         [0061]    Conversely, as shown in  FIG. 17B , core  12  remains in contacting engagement with fixed finger  22  and movable finger  28  of cam-controlled core inserter  10 A as the core  12  approaches winding cradle  30 . Clearly, the cam-controlled core inserter  10 A of the present disclosure is providing more certainty relative to the insertion of a core  12  into a surface winder  100  process. 
         [0062]    Turning to  FIG. 18A , it can be seen that core  12  is completely missing and likely mis-inserted into winding cradle  30  of surface winder  100  as fixed finger  14  approached winding cradle  30 . Pneumatically actuated cylinders  18  have completely retracted allowing re-alignment of all pivot fingers  16 . 
         [0063]    Contrastingly,  FIG. 18B  shows that as fixed finger  22  of cam-controlled core inserter  10 A of the present disclosure approaches winding cradle  30  of surface winder  100 , fixed finger  22  and movable finger  28  of cam-controlled core inserter  10 A still remain in contacting engagement with core  12 . This provides a deeper insertion of core  12  into winding cradle  30 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that a deeper insertion of core  12  into winding cradle  30  provides a more reliable process as the winding system has not lost control of the core  12 . At this point it is envisioned that cam  24  is designed to allow cam follower  26  and movable finger  28  attached thereto to relocate away from core  12  and fixed finger  22  to release the core  12  directly into contacting engagement with winding cradle  30  of surface winder  100 . At this point, it is envisioned that fixed finger  22  and movable finger  28  through respective cam followers  26  will re-cycle back to an operating position of zero machine degrees to provide for contacting engagement with a succeeding core  12  to be inserted into winding cradle  30  of surface winder  100 . 
         [0064]    Returning to  FIG. 5 , it was also found that face of the cam-controlled core inserter  10 A providing the cam  24  disposed therein can be covered with a shroud  32 . Such a shroud  32  can enable replacement and re-build of each unit comprising cam-controlled core inserter  10 A in a faster time frame. Additionally, cam housing  34  and fixed finger plate  46  can be manufactured to comprise two halves that can be easily separated and conjoined in situ. This can facilitate repair and/or re-building of each cam housing  34  and/or fixed finger plate  46 , as well as the other associated components of cam-controlled core inserter  10 A without the need to completely disassemble and remove each and every component of cam-controlled core inserter  10 A sequentially and/or serially from shaft  40 . In other words, each component of cam-controlled core inserter  10 A can be individually removed and replaced/re-built. This is a stark contrast to the current core inserters  10  that require complete dismantling of every component from the respective shaft  40  in order to effectuate a repair or re-build. 
         [0065]    Further, it would be advantageous and understood by one of skill in the art to manufacture cam housing  34  and cam  24  in the form of a uni-body construction. Such uni-body constructions typically enable building parts one layer at a time through the use of typical techniques such as SLA/stereo lithography, SLM/Selective Laser Melting, RFP/Rapid freeze prototyping, SLS/Selective Laser sintering, SLA/Stereo lithography, EFAB/Electrochemical fabrication, DMDS/Direct Metal Laser Sintering, LENS®/Laser Engineered Net Shaping, DPS/Direct Photo Shaping, DLP/Digital light processing, EBM/Electron beam machining, FDM/Fused deposition manufacturing, MJM/Multiphase jet modeling, LOM/Laminated Object manufacturing, DMD/Direct metal deposition, SGC/Solid ground curing, JFP/Jetted photo polymer, EBF/Electron Beam Fabrication, LMJP/liquid metal jet printing, MSDM/Mold shape deposition manufacturing, SALD/Selective area laser deposition, SDM/Shape deposition manufacturing, combinations thereof, and the like. However, as would be recognized by one familiar in the art, such a uni-body cam housing  34  and cam  24  system can be constructed using these technologies by combining them with other techniques known to those of skill in the art such as casting. 
         [0066]    In still yet another non-limiting example, cam housing  34  and cam  24  could be fabricated separately and combined into a cam housing  34 /cam  24  assembly. This can facilitate assembly and repair work to the parts of the cam housing  34 /cam  24  such as coating, machining, heating and the like, etc. before they are assembled together to make a complete cam-controlled core inserter  10 A. In such techniques, two or more of the components of a cam-controlled core inserter  10 A commensurate in scope with the instant disclosure can be combined into a single integrated part. 
         [0067]    Further the use of less components of cam-controlled core inserter  10 A relative to core inserter  10  can be considerably easier by removing any requirement to remove the cam-controlled core inserter  10 A, and any components thereof from the re-winder  100 . Furthermore, disposing shroud  32  around to the face of each cam housing  34  can provide a sealing function that can actively protect any critical moving parts such as cam follower  26  and any components thereof from contamination. 
         [0068]    In another embodiment, the cam follower  26  is in an “active” configuration for orbital rotation within or about cam  24 . It is envisioned that inertia can be provided to a particular cam follower  26  to allow the cam follower  26  to orbit about the longitudinal axis  38  within cam  24 . By way of non-limiting example, a plurality of electromagnets can be provided within or upon cam follower  26  that can generate an electromotive force (EMF) sufficient to propel a cam follower  26  to orbit about the longitudinal axis  38  within cam  24 . Naturally, one of skill in the art would recognize that other arrangements can be used to provide a particular cam follower  26  with a motion such as a belt drive, gear drive, and the like. If used, it is believed that the electromagnets can be provided as a plurality of individual electromagnets or as a single linear electromagnet. 
         [0069]    In any regard it would be possible to provide control programming to cause a particular series of individual electromagnets or a single linear electromagnet to provide the necessary and/or desired motion to a cam follower  26  necessary to maintain concerted and cooperative engagement with a cam  24  cooperatively associated thereto while orbiting about the longitudinal axis  38  within or upon cam  24 . Such a motion profile can be used to provide each cam follower  26  with a characteristic motion about the longitudinal axis  38  that may be required at a particular position. 
         [0070]    As would be understood by one of skill in the art, cam-controlled core inserter  10 A of the present disclosure can provide several benefits over previous core inserters  10 . These are, without limitation: 1. Increased restriction in the movement of movable finger  28  in both an ‘open’ (i.e., non-contacting engagement with core  12 ) and ‘closed’ (i.e., contacting engagement with core  12 ) directions; 2. Increased production speed due to better and longer control of the core  12  prior to insertion into winding cradle; 3. Better machine reliability due to a reduced number of parts within the cam-controlled core inserter  10 A of the present disclosure; 4. Better reliability due to the capability of both the fixed fingers  22  and movable fingers  28  to rotate past each other when there is contact due to equipment failure or accident; 5. Facilitating a rapid re-setting of a mechanical failure/accident condition in an instance where magnets are used; 6. More control of securing/release of the core  12  so the core  12  can be held by cam-controlled core inserter  10 A longer and inserted into the winding cradle  30  in a more stable manner; 7. Providing a more precise positioning and application of an adhesive (e.g., a ‘glue stripe’) to the core  12  prior to presentation and contact of the web material to the core  12 ; 8. An increased resistance to hygiene and contamination issues; and 9. Rapid replacement and serviceability. 
         [0071]    Any dimensions and/or values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact dimensions and/or numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension and/or value is intended to mean both the recited dimension and/or value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that dimension or value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm” 
         [0072]    All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern. 
         [0073]    While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.