Patent Publication Number: US-6908525-B2

Title: Apparatus for forming a roll of contaminant removal tape and methods of forming rolls of contaminant removal tape

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for forming a roll of contaminant removal tape and methods of forming rolls of contaminant removal tape. The present invention relates more particularly to an apparatus for forming a roll of contaminant removal tape including a turret assembly having a first winding cylinder, a first vacuum source providing vacuum to the first winding cylinder, and a web breaking assembly moveable between a first web breaking assembly position and a second web breaking assembly position, where the web breaking assembly includes a blade, where the blade is moveable between a first blade position and a second blade position, and methods of using such an apparatus to form rolls of contaminant removal tape. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   A variety of lint removal devices and methods of making such lint removal devices are known. Lint removal devices remove lint and other small particles or contaminants, such as hair or threads, from a surface, such as clothing. One known form of a lint removal device includes lint removal tape, which is used while still on a roll to remove lint and other small particles from the surface. In roll form, lint removal tape is typically wound on a core with the adhesive side of the tape wound outwardly for use. The lint removal tape roll is rolled against the surface to remove the lint and other small particles or contaminants from the surface. The lint, small particles and other contaminants adhere to the adhesive side of the lint removal tape. When the outer wrap of the lint removal tape is saturated with the lint, small particles and other contaminants, the outer wrap of the tape is removed from the roll to discard it. A roll of lint removal tape is generally used on an applicator. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,940,921 (Wood et al.), “Applicator for a Coreless Tape Roll,” describes an applicator for a lint removal device that includes a handle portion connected to a tape-receiving portion. The tape-receiving portion includes a tape-receiving surface, an inner lip, a tapered outer lip, and grooves adjacent the lips. This patent also describes a roll of lint removal tape. In column 2, lines 41-43 of the patent, the lint removal tape is described as including a backing that could be made of backing material which is compostible or degradable, could be colored, could be printed, or could be of different surface textures or embossed, without providing any additional details as to which side is embossed. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,038 (Wood), “Progressively Perforated Tape Roll,” describes a tape including a backing layer and an adhesive layer formed on the backing layer. A plurality of lines of perforations extend across the tape to separate the tape into sheets. The sheets have progressively increasing lengths such that when the sheets are wound into a roll, each sheet is longer than the sheet underneath it. When in a roll, the outermost sheet covers all of the lines of perforations to reduce instances of the tape tearing in a downweb direction. 
   Other lint removal devices are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,695, U.S. Pat. No. 6,127,014, U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,300, U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,465, U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,337, U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,201, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,906,578. 
   3M Company based in St. Paul, Minn. has sold lint rollers and roller refills in a variety of sizes under the brand name “3M” under part numbers 836, 837, and 833. These “regular size” lint rolls have typically included an inner diameter of 1.76 inches (4.47 cm), an outer diameter in the range of 1.8 inches (4.57 cm) to 2.5 inches (6.35 cm), and a width of 4 inches (10.16 cm). The mini lint rolls, sold under 3M brand, part number 836, typically have an inner diameter of 0.89 inches (2.26 cm), an outer diameter of 1.1 inches (2.79 cm), and a width of 3 inches (7.62 cm). 
   Helmac Products Corporation, based in Flint, Mich. has sold lint adhesive rollers and adhesive roller refills in a variety of sizes under the brand name “Evercare.” These lint rolls including the core have typically included an inner diameter of 1.5 inches (3.81 cm), an outer diameter in the range of 1.6 in. (4.06 cm) to 2.4 in. (6.1 cm), and a width of 4 inches (10.16 cm). Helmac Products Corporation also has sold mini-lint rolls, sold typically as a “Trial Size Roll”, which have typically included an inner diameter of 0.84 inches (2.13 cm), an outer diameter of 1.0 inches (2.54 cm), and a width of 3 inches (7.62 cm). 
   PCT publication WO 96/40578 A1 “Coreless Adhesive Tape Winding Mandrel and Method,” (Ogren et al.), describes a method and apparatus for forming a plurality coreless rolls of pressure sensitive adhesive tape, formed simultaneously, involving the use of a mandrel assemblies having a specific circumferential tape supporting segment thereon for winding tape. The circumferential tape supporting segments have a tape engaging surface portion that, in a radial orientation, is compressible yet sufficiently stiff to support the tape as it is successively wound about the mandrel to form a tape roll, and that is sufficiently pliant to permit ready axial removal of a wound tape roll from the mandrel. The innermost wrap of pressure sensitive adhesive tape about the mandrel is masked by an adhesive liner. Multiple rotatably driven winding mandrels are advanced through successive stations by a turret assembly. The functional aspects of the five mandrel stations include a mandrel loading position, a ready position, a winding position, a transfer position, and a mandrel unloading position. When winding of a roll upon a mandrel is nearly complete, the turret assembly advances the mandrel from the winding position to the transfer position. Once the leading edge of the adhesive liner is detected, an enveloper assembly pivots to envelop the web of tape around the mandrel at the winding position and a knife assembly, opposite the enveloper assembly, also pivots towards the web of tape material. The tape web is held in tension by the enveloper and knife assemblies, which are merged together around the winding mandrel. A knife blade extends from the knife assembly and severs the tape web at the leading edge of the adhesive liner, thus creating the innermost wrap of a new coreless roll of tape. System control is preferably achieved through the use of a microprocessor which is operatively coupled to the various motors and actuators. 
   There are also various patents describing apparatuses and method for forming tape rolls. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,391, “Tape Roll Liner/Tab Application Apparatus and Method,” (Cram et al.), describes a method and apparatus for longitudinally advancing a web having pressure sensitive adhesive on a first side and providing a supply of liner/tab strip. Then advancing the liner/tab strip from the supply laterally across the longitudinally advancing web adjacent the first, adhesive bearing side. The breaking the liner/tab strip to a length approximating the lateral width of the web, and urging a leading lateral edge portion of the cut liner/tab strip against the first adhesive bearing side of the advancing web to cause adherence to the adhesive side of the web. Finally urging the remainder of the cut liner/tab strip against the advancing web as the web carries the liner/tab strip away longitudinally. The method further comprises: periodically repeating the advancing, breaking and both urging steps as the web is advanced past the supply of liner/tab strip. Pressure sensitive adhesive tape wound with its adhesive side out requires no liner on innermost wrap to prevent adhesive from engaging winding mandrel, since non-adhesive side of tape faces winding mandrel. Thus, it is contemplated that no liner be provided for innermost wrap, in which instance adhesion by wrapping about winding mandrel would begin with second wrap. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,544, “Tape Roll Liner/Tab Application Apparatus and Method,” (Cram et al.), describes a process for sequentially forming a plurality of coreless rolls of pressure sensitive adhesive tape comprising the steps of: longitudinally advancing a web having first and second major surfaces, one surface thereof bearing pressure sensitive adhesive thereon, applying a liner/tab across a lateral width of the advancing web on the adhesive-bearing surface thereof, winding the advancing web about a mandrel member to define a tape roll, whereby an innermost wrap of the web for each tape roll includes an extent of the liner/tab sufficient to mask any exposed adhesive, and breaking the liner/tab and web laterally into two segments, a first segment of the liner/tab defining said extent for one tape roll, and a second segment of the liner/tab defining a mask for adhesive along at an outermost end portion of a web for a previously wound tape roll. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for forming a roll of contaminant removal tape. The apparatus for forming a roll of contaminant removal tape comprises: a turret assembly including a first winding cylinder; a first vacuum source providing vacuum to the first winding cylinder; and a web breaking assembly moveable between a first web breaking assembly position and a second web breaking assembly position, where the web breaking assembly includes a blade, where the blade is moveable between a first blade position and a second blade position. 
   In one preferred embodiment of the above apparatus, the first winding cylinder travels along a winding cylinder path, where the first web breaking assembly position is away from the winding cylinder path and the second web breaking assembly position is in the winding cylinder path, and where the first blade position is distant from a web path and the second blade position is in the web path. In one aspect of this embodiment, the web breaking assembly further comprises: a first actuator for moving the web breaking assembly between the first web breaking assembly position and the second web breaking assembly position; and a second actuator for moving the blade between the first blade position and the second blade position. In another aspect of this embodiment, the turret assembly further includes a second winding cylinder, and where the second winding cylinder travels along the winding cylinder path. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the first winding cylinder includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a cylinder wall, and a plurality of holes in the cylinder wall, where the first end is attached to the turret assembly, where the first vacuum source provides vacuum to the first end of the first winding cylinder and to the plurality of holes; and where the apparatus further comprises a support arm assembly, where the support arm assembly is movable between a first position distant from the second end of the first winding cylinder and a second position to engage with the second end of the first winding cylinder. 
   In another aspect of the above embodiment, the apparatus includes a second vacuum source for providing vacuum to the second end of the first winding cylinder and to the plurality of holes. In yet another aspect of the above embodiment, the turret assembly further includes a second winding cylinder, and where the second winding cylinder travels along the winding cylinder path, where the support arm assembly includes an extension member for engaging with the second end of the first winding cylinder, where the extension member is movable between the first position distant from the second end of the second winding cylinder and the second position to mate with the second end of the second winding cylinder. 
   In another preferred embodiment of the above apparatus, the apparatus further comprises a web guide movable between a first web guide position and a second web guide position, where the first web guide position is away from the winding cylinder path and the second web guide position is in the winding cylinder path. In one aspect of this embodiment, the web guide is attached to the web breaking assembly, where the web guide and the web breaking assembly are moveable together between the first position and the second position. In another preferred embodiment of the above apparatus, the apparatus includes a length of contaminant removal tape, where the length of tape includes a first side and second side opposite the first side, where the second side includes a layer of adhesive, and the tape is wrapped around the first winding cylinder such that the layer of adhesive faces outwardly from the first winding cylinder. 
   The present invention provides an alternative apparatus for forming a roll of contaminant removal tape. This apparatus comprises: a turret assembly including a first winding cylinder, where the first winding cylinder includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a cylinder wall, and a plurality of holes in the cylinder wall, and where the first end is attached to the turret assembly; a first vacuum source, where the first vacuum source provides vacuum to the first end of the first winding cylinder and to the plurality of holes; and a support arm assembly where the support arm assembly is movable between a first position distant from the second end of the first winding cylinder and a second position to engage with the second end of the first winding cylinder. 
   In one preferred embodiment of the above apparatus, the apparatus includes a second vacuum source for providing vacuum to the second end of the first winding cylinder and to the plurality of holes. In another preferred embodiment of the above apparatus, the support arm assembly includes a extension member for engaging with the second end of the first winding cylinder, where the extension member is movable between the first position distant from the second end of the first winding cylinder and the second position to mate with the second end of the first winding cylinder. In another preferred embodiment of the above apparatus, the apparatus further comprises an actuator for moving the extension member between the first position and the second position. 
   In yet another preferred embodiment of the above apparatus, the apparatus further comprises a web breaking assembly moveable between a first web breaking assembly position and a second web breaking assembly position, where the web breaking assembly includes a blade, where the blade is moveable between a first blade position and a second blade position. In one aspect of this embodiment, the first winding cylinder travels along a winding cylinder path, where the first web breaking assembly position away from the winding cylinder path and the second web breaking assembly position is in the winding cylinder path, and where the first blade position is distant from a web path and the second blade position is in the web path. In another aspect of this embodiment, the apparatus further-comprises: a web guide movable between a first web guide position and a second web guide position, where the first web guide position is away from the winding cylinder path and the second web guide position is in the winding cylinder path. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the web guide is attached to the web breaking assembly, where the web guide and the web breaking assembly are moveable together between the first position and the second position. 
   In another preferred embodiment of the above apparatus, the cylinder wall includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, where the second surface faces outwardly from the first winding cylinder, where the plurality of holes in the first winding cylinder have a first diameter in the first surface and a second diameter in the second surface, and where the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. In another preferred embodiment of the above apparatus, the apparatus includes a length of contaminant removal tape, where the length of tape includes a first side and second side opposite the first side, where the second side includes a layer of adhesive, and the tape is wrapped around the first winding cylinder such that the layer of adhesive faces outwardly from the first winding cylinder. 
   The present invention provides another alternative apparatus for forming a roll of contaminant removal tape. This apparatus comprises: a turret assembly including a first winding cylinder, where the first winding cylinder travels along a winding cylinder path; a web breaking assembly, and a web guide movable between a first web guide position and a second web guide position, where the first web guide position is away from the winding cylinder path and the second web guide position is in the winding cylinder path. 
   In one embodiment of the above apparatus, the web guide and the web breaking assembly are moveable together between the first position and the second position. In one aspect of this embodiment, the web guide is attached to the web breaking assembly. In another aspect of this embodiment, the web guide includes a roller for guiding the web between the web guide and the first winding cylinder after the winding cylinder has moved-from a first position to a second position along the winding cylinder path. 
   In another embodiment of the above apparatus, the web breaking assembly is moveable between a first web breaking assembly position and a second web breaking assembly position, where the web breaking assembly includes a blade, where the blade is moveable between a first blade position and a second blade position. In one aspect of this embodiment, the first winding cylinder travels along a winding cylinder path, where the first web breaking assembly position is away from the winding cylinder path and the second web breaking assembly position is in the winding cylinder path, and where the embodiment first blade position is distant from a web path and the second blade position is in the web path. In another of the above apparatus, the apparatus further comprises a first vacuum source and a second vacuum source, where the first winding cylinder includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a cylinder wall, and a plurality of holes in the cylinder wall, where the first end is attached to the turret assembly, where the first vacuum source provides vacuum to the first end of the first winding cylinder and to the plurality of holes, and where the second vacuum source provides vacuum to the second end of the first winding cylinder and to the plurality of holes; and where the apparatus further comprises a support arm assembly, where the support arm assembly is movable between a first position distant from the second end of the first winding cylinder and a second position to engage with the second end of the first winding cylinder. 
   In another embodiment of the above apparatus, the apparatus includes a length of contaminant removal tape, where the length of tape includes a first side and second side opposite the first side, where the second side includes a layer of adhesive, and the tape is wrapped around the first winding cylinder such that the layer of adhesive faces outwardly from the first winding cylinder. 
   The present invention provides yet another alternative apparatus for forming a roll of contaminant removal tape. This apparatus comprises: a turret assembly including a first winding cylinder and a second winding cylinder, where the first winding cylinder includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a cylinder wall, and a plurality of holes in the cylinder wall, where the first end of the second winding cylinder is attached to the turret assembly, where the second winding cylinder includes a first end, a second end opposite-the first end, a cylinder wall, and a plurality of holes in the cylinder wall, where the first end of the second winding cylinder is attached to the turret assembly; a first vacuum source providing vacuum to the first end of the first winding cylinder and to the plurality of the holes; a web breaking assembly moveable between a first web breaking assembly position and a second web breaking assembly position, where the web breaking assembly includes a blade, where the blade is moveable between a first blade position and a second blade position; a second vacuum source for providing vacuum to the second end of the first winding cylinder and to the plurality of holes; a support arm assembly, where the support arm assembly includes an extension member for engaging with the second end of the second winding cylinder, where the extension member is movable between a first position distant from the second end of the second winding cylinder and a second position to engage with the second end of the second winding cylinder to provide vacuum to the second end of the second winding cylinder and to provide mechanical support to the second end of the second winding cylinder; and a web guide movable between a first web guide position and a second web guide position, where the first web guide position is away from the winding cylinder path and the second web guide position is in the winding cylinder path, where the web guide is attached to the web breaking assembly, and where the web guide and the web breaking assembly are moveable together between the first position and the second position. 
   The present invention also provides a method of forming a roll of contaminant removal tape. This method comprises: a) winding a length of contaminant removal tape into a first roll about a first cylinder, where the first cylinder is movable between a first position and a second position along a cylinder path; b) providing a web breaking assembly linearly movable between a first position and a second position along a web breaking assembly path, where the web breaking assembly includes a blade linearly movable between a first blade position and a second blade position along blade path, where the first blade position is distant from the web and the second blade position is to break the web into a first length and a second length; c) moving the web breaking assembly from the first position in the cylinder path to the second position distant from the cylinder path; d) moving the first cylinder from the first position to the second position along the cylinder path; e) moving the web breaking assembly from the second position distant from the cylinder path to the first position in the cylinder path; f) providing a second cylinder, where the second cylinder is moveable between a first position and a second position along the cylinder path. 
   In one preferred embodiment of the above method, the method further comprises the steps of: g) contacting the length of tape about the second cylinder; and h) linearly moving the blade from the first blade position to a second blade position to break the web into a first length and a second length. One aspect of the above embodiment, the method, further comprises the steps of: i) winding the second length of tape into a second roll about the second cylinder; and j) removing the first roll of tape from the first cylinder. Another aspect of the above embodiment, steps (a)-(j) are repeated. In one preferred embodiment of the above, the length of contaminant removal tape includes a first side and second side opposite the first side, where the second side includes a layer of adhesive, and where step a) comprises winding the length of tape such that the layer of adhesive faces outwardly from the roll. 
   The present invention also provides an alternative method of forming a roll of contaminant removal tape. This method comprises: a) winding a length of contaminant removal tape into a first roll about a first cylinder, where the first cylinder includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a cylinder wall and a plurality of holes in the cylinder wall; b) providing a vacuum to the first end of the first cylinder and to the plurality of the holes; c) moving a support arm assembly from a first position distant from the second end of the first cylinder to a second position to engage with the second end of the first cylinder to support the second end of the first cylinder; d) thereafter breaking the length of tape with a web breaking assembly; and e) moving the support arm assembly from the second position to the first position. 
   In one preferred embodiment of the above method, the method comprises the step prior to step c) of: moving the first cylinder from a first position to a second position along a cylinder path and contacting the length of tape about a second cylinder. In another preferred embodiment of the above method, the method comprises the step prior to step d) of: providing a vacuum to the first end and second end of the first cylinder and to the plurality of holes. In another preferred embodiment of the above method, the length of tape includes a first side and second side opposite the first side, where the second side includes a layer of adhesive, and where step a) comprises winding the length of tape such that the layer of adhesive faces outwardly from the roll. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will be further explained with reference to the appended Figures, wherein like structure is referred to by like numerals throughout the several views, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an apparatus for forming a roll of contaminant removal tape of the present invention with the support arm assembly removed for clarity; 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating a tape path through the apparatus and illustrating winding contaminant removal tape around the first winding cylinder; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2  illustrating the apparatus as the turret assembly rotates; 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3  after the turret assembly has rotated 180° to place the second winding cylinder in contact with the web; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the support arm assembly and the web breaking assembly; 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 4  illustrating the web breaking assembly breaking the web; 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 6  illustrating the roll removal assembly removing rolls of contaminant removal tape from the first winding cylinder and illustrating winding contaminant removal tape around the second winding cylinder; 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of an alternative web breaking assembly including an optional web guide; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an applicator for use with a roll of contaminant removal tape made by the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of the applicator of  FIG. 9 ; and 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the roll of contaminant removal tape made by the apparatus of  FIG. 1  mounted on the applicator of  FIG. 10  to provide one embodiment of the contaminant removal assembly. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides an apparatus for forming a roll of contaminant removal tape. A roll of contaminant removal tape or lint removal tape is designed to pick up contaminants, such as lint, hair, threads, dirt or any other matter from a surface, such as floors, ceilings, work surfaces, or clothing, to clean the surface. The roll of contaminant removal tape is wrapped such that the layer of adhesive is facing outwards, away from the center of the roll, to allow it to remove contaminants from the surface. 
   The apparatus of the present invention is particularly useful for making coreless rolls of contaminant removal tape for “mini-lint rollers,” which are smaller in size to allow a user to carry one in their purse or pocket. The rolls of removal tape on the mini lint rollers typically have significantly smaller inner and outer diameters in comparison to the rolls of removal tape on the “regular-sized lint rollers,” which for example are currently commercially available under the 3M brand from 3M Company based in St. Paul, Minn. For example, the typical regular-sized lint roller has a roll of removal tape with an inner diameter of 1.76 inches (4.47 cm), and an outer diameter in the range of 1.8 inches (4.57 cm) to 2.5 inches (6.35 cm). In comparison, the mini-lint roller has a roll of removal tape preferably with an inner diameter of 0.89 inches (2.26 cm), and an outer diameter of 1.1 inches (2.79 cm). The overall length of the rolls of removal tape is also different, when comparing the roll of the regular-sized lint rollers with the roll of a mini-linter roller. For example, the roll on a regular-sized lint roller has a length of four inches (10.16 cm), where the roll on a mini-lint roller has width of three inches (7.62 cm). Because the inner and outer diameters of the tape rolls on the mini-lint rollers are so small, for example approximately 1 inch, this presents certain difficulties in manufacturing such rolls. The apparatus of the present invention includes several different aspects and embodiments which independently and/or together assist in making rolls for mini-lint rollers, which is explained in more detail below. Alternatively, the apparatus  10  may be used to manufacture regular-sized lint rollers. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the apparatus  10  for forming a roll of contaminant removal tape of the present invention. This figure is convenient for describing the various assemblies that make up the apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  includes a support arm assembly  60 , which has been removed in  FIGS. 1-4  and  6 - 8  for clarity, but is described in reference to FIG.  5 . 
   The apparatus includes a first plate  12   a  and a second plate  12   b , which is preferably mounted perpendicular to the first plate  12   a . The apparatus includes a turret assembly  14  attached to plate  12   a . The turret assembly  14  includes a turret head  16  that rotates 360° in a plane parallel to the first plate  12   a . The turret assembly  14  includes a motor (not shown) for rotating the turret head  16 . The turret assembly  14  further includes two winding stations for winding rolls of contaminant removal tape, as explained in more detail below. The first winding station includes a first winding cylinder  18  or a winding mandrel  18 . The second winding station includes a second winding cylinder  20  or a second winding mandrel  20 . Both winding cylinders  18 ,  20  include a first end  22  and a second end  24  opposite the first end  22 . The first end  22  of the winding cylinders  18 ,  20  is mounted perpendicular to the turret head  16 . When the turret assembly  14  rotates, the winding cylinders rotate with it because they are attached to the turret assembly  14 . Preferably, the winding cylinders  18 ,  20  are hollow and include a plurality of holes  28  through the winding cylinder wall  19  for providing vacuum to the roll of contaminant removal tape, as the web is being wrapped around the cylinder. The holes  28  in the winding cylinders  18 ,  20  are in fluid communication with the first end  22  and the second end  24  of the cylinders  18 ,  20  to allow a vacuum to be pulled through the holes  28 . Preferably, the cylinder wall  19  includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, where the second surface faces outwardly from the winding cylinder  18 ,  20 . More preferably, the holes  28  in the winding cylinders  18 ,  20  have a first diameter in the first surface and a second diameter in the second surface, where the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. In other words, the diameter of the holes  28  expands from the inside of the winding cylinder to the outside of the winding cylinder. This hole configuration assists in increasing the area of the vacuum without significantly increasing the flow of the vacuum. Both winding cylinders  18 ,  20  rotate independently about their respective axis. Each winding cylinder  18 ,  20  has a motor (not shown) for rotating the cylinders. Alternatively, the winding cylinders  18 ,  20  may be driven by a single motor. The apparatus also includes a vacuum source (not shown), such as a vacuum pump, for providing vacuum to the first end of the winding cylinders  18 ,  20 . The vacuum pump may be a part of the turret assembly. However, this is not required. 
   The turret assembly  14  includes a vacuum assembly  78 . The vacuum assembly  78  includes a vacuum box  80  mounted to the turret head  16 . The vacuum box  80  includes a vacuum source (not shown), such as a vacuum pump. The vacuum box  80  includes a first side  81   a  and a second side  81   b . Both sides  81   a ,  81   b  have a plurality of channels  82  for providing a vacuum for the web of tape between the first and second winding cylinders  18 ,  20 , as explained in more detail below. When the turret assembly  14  rotates, the vacuum assembly  78  rotates with it because it is mounted to the turret heat  16 . 
   The apparatus  10  includes a web breaking assembly  40  mounted to the second plate  12   b . The web breaking assembly breaks the web of removal material, as explained in more detail below. The web breaking assembly  40  includes an arm  42  that has a first end  44  and a second end  46  opposite the first end  44 . The second end  46  of the arm  42  is mounted to a slide  50 . Slide  50  moves relative to rail  52  to allow the web breaking assembly to move between a first position, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , and a second position, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , along a web breaking assembly path designated by arrow A. The web breaking assembly is moved between the first position and the second position by first actuator  54 . Preferably, the web breaking assembly  40  moves in a linear direction between a first position and a second position. A suitable first actuator  54  is commercially available as an air cylinder under the brand name Bimba available from John Henry Foster based in St. Louis Mo., as part number MRS-096-DXP. The slide  50  and rail  52  together make up a linear bearing  48 . A suitable slide  50  and rail  52  are commercially available as a linear bearing guide block/slide and rail from McMaster Carr based in Elmhurst, Ill., as part numbers 6382K51 and 6382K26. A blade  56  is mounted on the fist end  44  of the arm  42 . Preferably, the blade  56  has a sinusoidal-shaped or wave-shaped surface proximate the web  202 , which is useful for breaking the perforated web, as explained in more detail below. However, the blade  56  may include any shaped edge. When the term “blade” is used herein, including the claims, it shall mean any device capable of breaking the web into two separate pieces, even if the blade does not have a sharp edge for cutting the web, but rather has a flat, dull surface for applying a force along a perforated or scored line in the web to separate the web into two pieces. The blade  56  is moveable between a first position, illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2  and a second position, illustrated in  FIG. 6 , along a blade path designated by arrow B. The second actuator  58 , guided by rods  59 , moves the blade  56 . One suitable actuator is an air cylinder using a solenoid available under the brand name Mead Nova from McMaster Carr based in Elmhurst, Ill. as part number 1 N2-SCD and a linear slid assembly under the brand name Bimba from John Henry Foster based in St. Louis, Mo. as part number TE-041.5-EB2M. 
   The apparatus includes a roll ejector assembly  32  mounted to the plate  12   a  above the turret assembly  14 . The roll ejector assembly  32  will assist in removing the rolls of contaminant removal tape from the winding cylinders  18 ,  20 , as explained in more detail in the discussion related to FIG.  7 . The roll ejector assembly  32  includes an ejector arm  34  that pivots about pivot  35  and contacts a disk  30 . Each of the winding cylinders  18 ,  20  includes a disk  30  that is slideably engaged with its respective cylinder  18 ,  20 . The ejector arm  34  includes a hook on one end that mates with the section of the winding cylinders  18 ,  20  between the turret head  16  and the disk  30 . The ejector arm  34  also includes a spring to keep it biased in the position illustrated in FIG.  1 . The roll ejector assembly  32  includes a rod-less air cylinder  36  for pivoting the ejector arm  34  about its pivot. One example of a suitable rod-less air cylinder is commercially available under brand name Bimba from John Henry Foster based in St. Louis Mo. 
   The apparatus  10  includes a series of driven and idle rollers for providing a web of contaminant removal material to the turret assembly  14 . All the rollers are attached to the first plate  12   a . The first roller  86  is for receiving a large roll  94  of contaminant removal material. The apparatus also includes a second roller  88 , third roller  90 , a fourth roller  92 , a fifth roller  142 , a sixth roller  144 , and a seventh roller  146 . The third roller  90  is a driven roller. A motor (not shown) rotates the driven roller  90  and the driven roller  90  pulls the web  202  from the roll  94  of contaminant removal material. 
     FIG. 2  is convenient for describing the web perforation assembly  100 , the roller assembly  120 , the web slitter  134 , and the web path through the apparatus  10 . 
   Preferably, the apparatus  10  includes web perforation assembly  100 . The web perforation assembly  100  cuts the web in the transverse direction with a serrated blade  112  to form perforations in the web. The perforation is a series of holes or slits in the web, preferably along a straight line. Alternatively, the web perforation assembly  100  may form a breaking line in the web  202 , such as forming a scored or partially scored line in the web  202 , where the web  202  is cut partially through the thickness of the web  202 , but the web,  202  remains in tact until it is broken into two separate pieces by the web breaking assembly  40 . The web perforation assembly  100  includes a driven roller  110  and a driven roller  114 . The roller  110  includes a plurality of serrated blades  112  located equidistant around the roller  110 . Roller  110  is illustrated as including three serrated blades  112 . However, roller  110  may include any number of blades  112  or only one blade  112 . The web  202  of contaminant removal material travels between roller  110  and roller  114 . When a perforation line in the web is desired, the roller  110  rotates to bring one of the serrated blades  112  into contact with the web  202  traveling around the roller  114 . The roller  114  provides a back support for the serrated blade  112  as it cuts through the web. Preferably, the roller  110  and  114  travel at the same speed when the perforation line is formed, so as to not rip or stretch the web  202  as to travels between the two rollers  110 ,  114 . 
   The apparatus  10  includes a controller (not shown), which sends signals to all of the driven rollers, assemblies, and actuators in the apparatus. An example of a suitable controller is commercially available under the brand name Allen Bradley from Northland Electric Company based in St. Paul, Minn. As an example, the controller sends a signal to roller  110  when to rotate based on the desired distance between adjacent lines of perforation in the web. The perforations in the web  202  of the contaminant removal material may be equidistant from each other along the web. Alternatively, the perforations in the web  202  may be spaced such that the sections of the web between adjacent perforations may be increasing or decreasing in length. Preferably, the perforations in the web  202  are spaced such that the length of the sections of web between the perforations is increasing to provide a roll of lint removal tape as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,038 (Wood), “Progressively Perforated Tape Roll,” described in the Background section. 
   The apparatus  10  includes a roller assembly  120  attached to the first plate  12   a . The roller assembly  120  transports the web  202  from the seventh roller  146  to the winding cylinders  18 ,  20 . The roller assembly  120  includes a triangle-shaped plate  122  that pivots about pivot  126 . The roller assembly  120  also includes a first drive roller  124 , an idler roller  128 , and a second drive roller  130 . A motor (not shown) rotates the first and second drive rollers  124 ,  130 . Preferably, the roller assembly  120  includes a web slitter  134 , which includes a plurality of blades for cutting the web in the longitudinal direction just prior to wrapping the web  202  around the winding cylinders  18 ,  20 . By cutting or slitting the web longitudinally into a plurality of lengths of web  202 , it is possible to form a plurality of rolls around the winding cylinders  18 ,  20  at the same time. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the apparatus including a web  202  of contaminant removal material moving through the apparatus  10 . The web  202  of contaminant removal material includes a backing  204  and a layer of adhesive  206  on one side of the backing  14 . The winding cylinders  18 ,  20 , rotate to form a plurality of wraps of the contaminant removal web  202  about the center axis of the winding cylinder to form a roll  5  of contaminant removal tape  208 . The layer of adhesive  206  of the web  202  faces outwards, away from the center of the roll  5 . The non-adhesive side of the backing  204  of the web  202  faces inwards, towards the center of the roll  5 . 
   The web  202  of contaminant removal material moves along the following web path  200  within apparatus  10 : a) from the first roller  86  to the second roller  88 ; b) then to the third roller  90 ; c) then to the fourth roller  92 ; d) then to the fifth roller  142 ; e) then to the sixth roller  144 ; f) then between roller  110  and roller  114  of the web perforation assembly  100 ; g) then to the seventh roller  146 ; h) then to the first driver roller  124  and the idler roller  128  of the roller assembly  120 ; i) then between the web slitter  134  and the drive roller  130  of the roller assembly  120 , where the web is cut into a plurality of lengths of web and j) then around the first winding cylinder  18 . While the apparatus  10  operates, the web  202  may move in, the range of 40 feet/minute to 150 feet/minute, when making rolls for mini-lint rollers. The web  202  may move in the range of 100 feet/minute to 350 feet/minute, when making rolls for regular sized lint rollers. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates initial start position of the apparatus  10 . In this position, the web  202  of contaminant removal material is being wound around first winding cylinder  18 , as the cylinder rotates counter clockwise. Preferably, the web  202  is wound around the cylinder with the adhesive side  206  facing outwards from the cylinder. While the first winding cylinder is rotating, a first vacuum source (not shown) is providing vacuum to the turret head  16 , which is in fluid communication with the first end  22  of the first winding cylinder  18 , which is ultimately providing vacuum to the holes  28 . As the vacuum source continues to pull air from the first end of the first winding cylinder  22 , the holes  28  in the first winding cylinder  18  provide a vacuum to the backing side  204  of the contaminant removal material. It is preferred to provide vacuum to the winding cylinders to assist in keeping the backing side  204  of the web  202  of the first wrap around the cylinder  18  tightly adhered to the cylinder  18 . As the winding cylinder  18  continues to rotate, the backing side  204  of the web  20  of an outer wrap will adhere to the adhesive side  206  on an inner wrap, to-provide a tightly wound tape roll  5 . The first winding cylinder  18  will continue to rotate until it accumulates a desired number of wraps around the cylinder to form a desired roll of contaminant removal tape. Because the web slitter  134  converts the wide web of contaminant removal material to several lengths of contaminant removal material, the winding cylinder  18  may form several rolls at once about its axis. However, the web slitter  134  is not necessary and the apparatus may instead form one long roll  5  of contaminant removal tape. 
   While first winding cylinder  18  is winding tape about its axis, the ejector arm  34  of the roll ejector assembly  32  is biased by a spring to hold the first end  22  of the second winding cylinder  20 . The web breaking assembly  40  is stationary in its first position. The blade  56  is also stationary in its first position. Also during this time, the controller sends to periodic signals to the web perforation assembly  100  to form perforations in the web  202  with the serrated blades  112  of the roller  110 . 
   While the web  202  is being wrapped around the first cylinder  18 , the web breaking assembly is in its first position, which is outside the path C that the cylinders  18 ,  20  follow when the turret assembly  14  rotates. Once a predetermined number of wraps are around the first cylinder  18 , the controller sends a signal to the fourth actuator  132  to pivot the roller assembly  120  clockwise toward the plate  12   b , to move it out of the cylinder path into a second position, as illustrated in FIG.  3 . Next, the controller sends a signal to the motor that rotates the turret assembly  14 . The turret assembly  14  rotates counter clockwise for approximately 180°. This is to place the first winding cylinder  18  in the same position that was previously occupied by the second winding cylinder  20  and the second winding cylinder  20  in the same position that was previously occupied by the first winding cylinder  18  (as illustrated in FIG.  4 ). As the turret assembly  14  rotates, the first winding cylinder  18  continues to rotate about its axis and wind web around the cylinder. As the turret assembly  14  rotates, the winding cylinders  18 ,  20  follow a winding cylinder path designated by dotted line C. As the second winding cylinder  20  moves along this path, the ejector arm  34  pivots clockwise about pivot  35 , as shown in phantom lines. After the second winding cylinder  20  has moved far enough along the path C to no longer contact the ejector arm  34 , the spring (not shown) pulls the ejector arm back to its original position (shown in solid lines) ready to receive the first winding cylinder  18  carrying the rolls  5  of contaminant removal tape. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates the apparatus  10  after the turret assembly  14  has rotated 180°. The first winding cylinder  18  in now in the same position that was previously occupied by the second winding cylinder  20  and the second winding cylinder  20  is now in the same position that was previously occupied by the first winding cylinder  18 . In this position, the web  202  is wrapped approximately halfway around the second winding cylinder  20  or contacts the second winding cylinder  20 . The portion of the web  202  extending between the first winding cylinder  18  and the second winding cylinder  20  is being pulled by a vacuum source inside vacuum assembly  78  through channels  82 . The vacuum assembly  78  helps keep the web  202  straight as the web is moving between the second winding cylinder  20  to the first winding cylinder. After the turret assembly  14  stops rotating, the controller sends a signal to the first actuator  54  to move the web breaking assembly  40  from the first position to the second position in the direction of A. At about the same time, the controller also sends a signal to the fourth actuator  132  to pivot the roller assembly  120  counterclockwise toward the turret assembly  14 . In this position, the first winding cylinder  18  continues to rotate about its axis, winding the web around the cylinder. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates the support arm assembly  60  of the apparatus  10 , which was not illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4  for ease in describing the other components of the apparatus  10 . The support arm assembly  60  includes a support arm  62 , which has a first end  64  and a second end  66  opposite the first end. The second end  66  is mounted to the plate  12   b . The first end  64  of the support arm  62  includes an extension member  70 , which moves in a direction perpendicular to the length of the support arm  62 . A third actuator  68 , such as an air cylinder, moves the extension member  70  to engage and disengage with the second end  24  of the second winding cylinder  20 . The support arm assembly  60  includes a vacuum source  71 , which is in fluid communication with the extension member  70 . When the extension member  70  is connected to the second end  24  of the winding cylinder, the vacuum source  71  provides vacuum through the extension member  70 , into the winding cylinder and through the holes  28 . 
   The support arm assembly  60  serves two independent purposes. The first purpose of the support arm assembly  60  is to provide mechanical support to the second end  24  of the winding cylinder  18 ,  20 , while the web breaking mechanism  40  breaks or separates the web into two separate sections. When the extension member  70  is properly mated with the second end  24  of the first winding cylinder, the winding cylinder  18  is then mechanically supported on both ends  22 ,  24 . The second purpose is to provide another vacuum source to the winding cylinders  18 ,  20 . The second end  24  of the winding cylinders  18 ,  20  and the free end of the extension member  70  are chamfered to mate together tightly, such that the vacuum is provided into the winding cylinder without loosing much of the vacuum. The controller sends a signal to the third actuator  68  to move the extension member from a first position to a second position to engage with the second end of the winding cylinder just before the web breaking assembly moves from its first position to its second position to break the web. 
   The support arm assembly  60  is particularly useful in the apparatus for making rolls of contaminant removal tape for mini-lint rollers, which typically have inner diameters of approximately 0.89 inches (2.26 cm) and outer diameters of approximately inches. Because the inner diameters of the rolls are typically less than one inch, the winding cylinders are also less than one inch in diameter. If the winding cylinders  18 ,  20  are not mechanically supported at both ends  22 , 24 , then the winding cylinders have a tendency to start to oscillate about the end  22  that is fixed to the turret head  16  after the web breaking assembly  40  breaks the web. If the winding cylinders were to oscillate as they rotate, it is possible that the web might have wrinkles or be crooked as it is wound around the cylinder. By providing mechanical support at both ends  22 ,  24  of the cylinder, the second length  214  of the web  202  may contact the cylinder without causing the cylinder to move. Additionally, the support arm assembly  60  includes an additional vacuum source to provide vacuum into the winding cylinders and through the holes  28 . This additional vacuum source, in combination with the vacuum source on the turret assembly  14 , increases the chances that the second length  214  will be drawn to the winding cylinder to start winding the web around the winding cylinder. 
   After the third actuator  68  moves the extension member  70  of the support arm assembly to mate with the second end  24  of the first winding cylinder  18  to provide both mechanical support and to provide an additional vacuum source to the winding cylinder, the blade  56  of-the web breaking apparatus moves from a first position to a second position along the direction of the arrow B (shown in  FIG. 6 ) to break the web  202 . Preferably, the blade  56  moves in a linear direction between a first position and a second position. By moving in a linear direction, or in a straight line between the first position and second position, the blade can hit a breaking line in the moving web  202  accurately, for example within a range of 0.125 inches (0.32 cm) from a breaking line. The position of a desired perforation or breaking line in the moving web  202  can be determined by knowing the web speed and the web path distance between the web perforation assembly  100  and the area where the blade  56  strikes the moving web between the winding cylinder and vacuum assembly  78 . If the position of the desired breaking line is known, the controller can send an appropriate signal to the blade to strike the perforation or breaking line as it moves past the blade. The blade  56  moves from a first position, away from the web, to a second position to break the web into a first length  210  and a second length  214 . While moving in the linear direction, the blade may move at speeds in the range of 100 inches/second to 500 inches/second. It is preferable to move the blade  56  in a linear direction to break the web, as opposed to moving the blade in a radial direction, because it minimizes the problem of the second length  214  wrapping around the blade. In this preferred configuration, the second length  214  is limited in movement because the blade extends far past the second winding cylinder  20  and thus, restricts its movement to between the blade and the second winding cylinder  20 . After the blade strikes the web, the second length  214  falls in the direction toward the second cylinder  20 . 
   When the term “breaking” is used herein, including the claims, it shall mean any method of separating the web into two sections or pieces, such as cutting a continuous web or by applying a force along a previously weakened, prepared, scored or perforation line to separate the sections on either side of the scored or perforation line. The sinusoidal-shaped surface of the blade  56  is arranged such that the crests of the surface approximately contact the middle of the perforation line in each of individual portions of the web  202 . Once the crest of the blade surface breaks through the middle of the perforation line, the rest of the perforation line then separates the web into two separate pieces. 
   After the web breaking assembly  40  breaks the web along a desired breaking or perforation line, it forms a first length  210  of web  202  with a trailing edge  212  and the second length  214  of web  202  with a leading edge  216 . The first length  210  will continue to move upward past the vacuum assembly  78  and be wrapped around the first cylinder  18 . The vacuum assembly  78  continues to provide resistance on the first length  210  of web  202 , as it is traveling past the channels  82  in the vacuum box  80 . The vacuum assembly  78  controls the travel of the free end of the first length  210  until it is finished wrapping around the first winding cylinder  18 . Without the vacuum assembly providing resistance on the first length  210  of web  202 , the first length  210  may snap upwards towards the first winding cylinder after the web breaking assembly  40  breaks the web into two lengths because the web  202  is under tension. Meanwhile, the leading edge  216  of the second length  214  will be pulled down, as indicated by arrow D, by the vacuum force coming through the holes in the winding cylinder to start wrapping around the second cylinder  20 . Meanwhile, the second winding cylinder  20  is rotating counter clockwise, winding the second length of web  202  around the winding cylinder. The process described above with regard to the first winding cylinder  18  is then repeated with respect to the second winding cylinder  20  to form new rolls of contaminant removal tape about the second winding cylinder  20 . 
   The web breaking assembly  40  and the support arm assembly  60  are designed to preferably work together, however both assemblies may work independently and the apparatus is not required to have both assemblies  40 ,  60 . 
     FIG. 7  illustrates the rolls  5  of contaminant removal material being pushed off the first winding cylinder  18 . The ejector arm  34  is moved relative to the length of the first winding cylinder  18 , contacting the disk  30 , which in turns pushes the rolls  5  off the cylinder  18 . Pressurized air may be blown out the first winding cylinder  18  through the holes  28  to help disengage the rolls  5  from the cylinder as the ejector arm  34  is moving them. During this time the vacuum source on the turret assembly  14  is off and the first winding cylinder  18  continues to rotate counter clockwise. Meanwhile, the web  202  is being wound around the second winding cylinder, forming a new set of rolls, similar to the way described in respect to first winding cylinder above. Once the desired number of wraps is around-the second cylinder  20 , the turret assembly will rotate, to remove the rolls from the second cylinder, as described above. This process will continue to repeat as described above, with the apparatus  10  making rolls around the winding cylinders  18 ,  20  and rotating the turret assembly  14 . 
     FIG. 8  illustrates an optional web guide assembly  220  on the apparatus  10 . The web guide assembly  220  includes a base plate preferably mounted to the web breaking assembly  40 . The web guide assembly  220  also includes a stand-off plate  224  attached to the base plate  222 , which is held into position by linkage arm  226  though use of a bolt  230  and a slot  228  in the linkage arm  226 . The web guide assembly  220  also includes an arm  236  mounted to the stand-off plate  224  opposite the base plate  222  by pivot  234 . The arm  236  has a first end  238  and a second end  240 . A spring  232  is attached to the first end  238  of the arm to keep it biased in the position illustrated in  FIG. 8. A  roller  242  is mounted to the second end  240  of the arm  236 . The roller  242  preferably extends the length of the winding cylinder  18  to keep-the web  202  in contact with the winding cylinder  18 . The web guide assembly  40  assists in keeping the web  202  straight as it is being wrapped around the winding cylinder  18 . This helps avoid any wrinkles in the roll as the web is being wrapped around the cylinder. Preferably, the web guide assembly is set up such that when the web breaking assembly  40  is moved to the second position, the roller  242  presses the moving web  202  against the first winding cylinder  18 . When the web breaking assembly moves back the first position, the web guide assembly  220  is out of the travel path of the winding cylinders when the turret assembly  14  rotates. Although the web guide assembly  220  is illustrated as attached to the web breaking assembly, the web guide assembly  220  could be a stand-alone assembly and then may move in sequence with the web breaking assembly from a first position out of the winding cylinder path to a second position in the winding cylinder path. 
     FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate one embodiment of the applicator  150 . The applicator  150  includes the handle portion  152  and the tape-receiving portion  154 . The roll  5  of contaminant removal tape  208  can be used by sliding the roll  5  onto the tape-receiving portion  154  of the applicator  150 .  FIG. 11  illustrates the roll  5  of contaminant removal tape  208  on the applicator  150  to provide a contaminant removal tape assembly. 
   The handle portion  152  can have any shape and can be contoured to ergonomically fit a hand. The handle portion  152  has a free end  156  and a connecting end  158 . The free end  156  can have an opening  160  to permit hanging the applicator  150  on a hook for storage. 
   The tape-receiving portion  154  also includes a free end  162  and a connecting end  164 . The connecting end  158  of the handle portion  152  is connected to the connecting end  164  of the tape-receiving portion  154 . The tape-receiving portion  154  also includes a cylindrical tape receiving surface  166 , which extends between the free end  162  and the connecting end  164 . The tape-receiving surface  166  extends for the entire width of a tape roll  5  and provides support along substantially the entire surface of the tape roll. Preferably, there are no openings, gaps, or notches on which a tape roll could catch or snag to damage the roll. However, the tape-receiving surface  166  need not be cylindrical. It could be formed of planar or curved sides meeting in edges that assist in holding the tape roll  5  in position. 
   An inner lip  168  is adjacent the connecting end  164 , and an outer lip  170  adjacent the free end  162  on the tape-receiving portion  154 . Both lips  168 ,  170  extend radially beyond the tape-receiving surface  166 . 
   The outer lip  170  has a tapered portion  172  on the side facing the free end  162  of the tape-receiving portion  154 . The taper is in a direction in which the diameter increases from the free end toward the connecting end. This facilitates applying a roll on the applicator. The tapered portion can be at an angle of from 5° to 15° to a line parallel to the tape-receiving surface  166 . This taper permits a tape roll  5  to be applied over the outer lip  170  without damaging the inner wraps of tape and ruining the tape roll. 
   The outer lip  170  can be perpendicular to the tape-receiving portion  154  on the side  174  facing the handle portion  152 . After a tape roll  5  traverses over the outer lip  170 , it is in place on the tape-receiving surface  166 . 
   If the tape roll  5  is coreless and is stretchable, it can be stretched over the slightly oversized and tapered outer lip  170 , which can optionally be compressible and flexible. In one embodiment of the invention, maximum diameter of the outer lip is more than 5% bigger than the diameter of the tape-receiving portion; the inner diameter of the tape roll  5  is bigger than the diameter of the tape-receiving portion  154  (which must not be too big to permit the tape roll  5  to rotate) and smaller than the maximum diameter of the outer lip  170 . Once the roll  10  is in place, the tape recovers to its original size and resides in the recessed area of the tape-receiving surface  166  (between the inner lip  168  and the outer lip  170 ) which is slightly oversized to allow seating of the roll  10  of tape  208 . 
   The inner and outer lips have grooves  176 ,  178  in the tape-receiving surface  166  to hold the tape roll  5  in place, so that the tape roll  5  cannot be removed except by dispensing the total roll, that is all of the sheets of a coreless roll (or compressing the outer lip  170 ). The grooves  176 ,  178  extend completely around the tape-receiving surface  166  and prevent the tape roll  5  from bending upward over the respective inner and outer lips  168 ,  170 . The grooves cause the tape roll  5  to bend into, the groove when forced toward the lips  168 ,  170  and retains the tape  208  in proper alignment on the tape-receiving surface  166 . Typically, up to eight layers of tape would be retained by the grooves  176 ,  178 . 
   The roll  5  of contaminant removal tape  208  is not illustrated as including a core or any support material. However, roll  5  may optionally include a core, where the multiple wraps of contaminant removal tape  208  would be wound about the core. Roll  5  may include an optional liner interposed between multiple wraps of tape  208 . 
   The contaminant removal tape  208  is illustrated as having the layer of adhesive coated across the entire width of the contaminant removal tape  208 . Alternatively, the tape  208  may include one or any number of non-adhesive zones. These non-adhesive zones would help the user separate the outer wrap of tape  208  from the roll  5 . A first non-adhesive zone could run along the first edge of the length of the contaminant removal tape  208 . A second non-adhesive zone could run along the second edge of the length of the contaminant removal tape  208 , opposite the first non-adhesive zone. Both non-adhesive zones could run along the length of the contaminant removal tape  208  opposite each other with the layer of adhesive  206  located in between. The non-adhesive zones could be first adhesive coated, along with the rest of the tape, and then detackified by using waxes, lacquers, or inks, for example. Alternatively, the first and second non-adhesive zones could be left uncoated-by adhesive. 
   The present invention has now been described with reference to several embodiments thereof. The foregoing detailed description and examples have been given for clarity of understanding only. No unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. All patents and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes can be made in the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the exact details and structures described herein, but rather by the structures described by the language of the claims, and the equivalents of those structures.