Patent ID: 8459587

Claim:
A core loading apparatus comprising: a web transport apparatus for conveying a web downstream; a plurality of winding modules positioned along the web transport apparatus, each mandrel having a first end and a second and opposite end, each mandrel further being in operative association with a positioning apparatus that is configured to move the mandrel into and out of engagement with the web transport apparatus; a core loading assembly configured to slide across the mandrel, the core loading assembly including a gripping device; and an actuator configured to move the core loading assembly back and forth across the mandrel, wherein, in order to load a core onto the mandrel, the gripping device engages the core at the first end of the mandrel while the actuator moves the core loading assembly towards the second end of the mandrel thereby pulling the core onto the mandrel, and wherein, once a rolled product is formed on the core, the actuator is further configured to move the core loading assembly against the rolled product formed on the mandrel for stripping the product from the mandrel.