GB1580727A

GB1580727A - Joining webs or filaments

Info

Publication number: GB1580727A
Application number: GB1743077A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Carle and Montanari SpA
Current assignee: Carle and Montanari SpA
Priority date: 1976-04-27
Filing date: 1977-04-26
Publication date: 1980-12-03
Also published as: BR7702622A; IT1060326B; JPS5781245U; FR2349526A1; DE2717631A1; JPS532606A; FR2349526B1; CH614910A5

Abstract

The object of the invention is to make possible a rapid and accurate butt joining of two paper webs (N1, N2) with a narrow and regular butt joint and letterings and/or designs on the paper webs having a matching transition to one another, in particular in packaging machines, without interrupting operation. To this end, the new paper web (N2) is adjusted parallel to and below or above the old, travelling paper web (N1) and, with the aid of a temporarily drivable winding roll (14), is accelerated to the same velocity as the old paper web (N1). Subsequently, the two paper webs (N1, N2) are cut through simultaneously with the aid of a cutting device (10, 11) by means of a single cut. The cut-off, leading starting piece of the new paper web (N2) is wound entirely onto the winding roll (14) and thereby removed. The trailing cut end of the old paper web (N1) which is conveyed further by a pair of drive rolls (17, 18) and the leading cut end, bearing in an abutting manner against the said trailing cut end, of the new paper web (N2) which is conveyed further at the same velocity by a pair of drive rolls (4, 104) are joined to one another in an adhesive tape unit (5, 105) by means of an adhesive tape piece (S) bridging the cut line. <IMAGE>

Description

(54) IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO JOINING WEBS OR FILAMENTS (71) We, CARLE & MONTANARI S.p.A., a joint stock company existing and organised under the laws of the Republic of Italy, of 24, Via Croce Coperta, Bologna, Italy, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: The present invention relates to a method of, and to a device for, joining two webs or filaments, The present invention further relates to a method of, and to a device for, splicing web, such as paper, in a continuous feed system. The present invention still further relates to the splicing of paper webs such as used in automatic wrapping machines.

As is known, the production of automatic wrapping machines is seriously impaired if the machine has to be stopped to replace an exhausted reel or bobbin for web with a new one and to lead the web of the new reel or bobbin into the wrapping mechanism which handles it.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of joining two- webs or filaments, which method comprises conveying the two webs or filaments, being in overlapping relationship, between two rollers forming a first pair of rollers capable of cooperating with each other to nip one or more webs or filaments between the first pair of rollers, severing through the overlapping webs or filaments, removing a severed portion of one of the webs or filaments, applying adhesive tape from tape dispensing means, capable of releasably holding adhesive tape by suction, to the other severed portion of the said one of the webs or filaments and to a severed portion of the other of the webs or filaments to form a spliced web or filament, and drawing the so spliced web or filament between two further rollers forming a second pair of rollers capable of cooperating with each other to nip one or more webs or filaments between the second pair of rollers.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus suitable for joining two webs or filaments, which apparatus comprises conveying means for conveying the two webs or filaments in overlapping relationship, which conveying means comprises two rollers forming a first pair of rollers capable of cooperating with each other to nip one or more webs or filaments between the first pair of rollers, severing means for severing through the overlapping webs or filaments, means for removing a severed portion of one of the webs or filaments, tape dispensing means for applying adhesive tape to the other severed portion of the side one of the webs or filaments to form a spliced web or filament, and drawing means for drawing the spliced web or filament, which drawing means comprises two further rollers forming a second pair of rollers capable of cooperating with each other to nip one or more webs or filaments between the second pair of rollers.

Preferably, a severed portion may be removed by the removing means from either side of the overlapping webs or filaments.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus according to the second aspect wherein the webs or filaments are wound round bobbins and are suitable for use in a packaging machine, which apparatus comprises means for causing a length of a first web or filament, which first web of filament is to be unwound from a new bobbin, to pass in a parallel and substantially superposed relation over a corresponding length of a second web or filament, which second web or filament is being unwound from a bobbin which is shortly to be depleted, wherein the conveying means are for acting, under control and in timed relation, on the superposed lengths of web or filament, which conveying means are suitable for causing the webs or filaments to be moved towards a packaging machine at a suitable synchronous speed and also with the required tension, wherein the severing means comprises means for cross cutting in timed relation the two superposed lengths of webs or filament when they are being conveyed by the conveying means, wherein the removing means comprises means for collecting and removing the short portion of the first web or filament originating from the cross cut and wherein the tape dispensing means comprises splicing means for applying, in the correct time relationship and so as to bridge the cut of the expiring web or filament and the new web or filament, a splicing tape which is naturally adhesive or is made adhesive by taking advantage of any suitable means or properties which may be inherent to the webs or filaments to be spliced to each other.

The present invention also relates to a packaging machine whenever operated using the method of the first aspect of the invention.

The present invention furthe relates to a packaging machine whenever provided with the apparatus of the second aspect and/or the third aspect of the present invention.

The present invention enables the provision of a method and a device for the quick splicing of a paper web from an expiring reel or bobbin to the paper web from a reserve or standby reel or bobbin, which splicing is effected, while the web from the expiring reel to the wrapping machine is running, and, therefore, the operation of the packaging or wrapping machine (or of whatever machine is utilising the web) need not be stopped.

The splicing can be performed by causing an initial portion of web from the reserve reel to travel in overlapping relationship with the running web from the expiring reel, and at the same speed thereof, and by simultaneously cutting both the overlapping webs which run at equal speed, in accordance of a predetermined common point. In this manner, the severed initial portion of the web from the reserve reel can be moved away and discarded, and a suitable adhesive can be applied, in a bridge-like manner, so as to splice or connect the cut trailing end of the web from the expiring reel and the cut leading end of the web from the reserve reel, while the said two ends are running in mating end-to-end relationship.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a side elevation view of an embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention, in its non-operating or rest position, Figure 2 shows a view similar to that of Figure 1, but showing the device during a step of its operation, Figure 3 shows a top part-sectional view of the device with different gears and components thereof aligned on the same plane, for a better understanding of its operation, and Figures 4 to 11 show diagrammatically consecutive operational steps of the device.

Referring to the drawings, the embodiment of the device in accordance with the present invention is preferably installed between the reels or bobbins and the compensating means which ensure the feeding of the wrapping web to the packaging machine under controlled tensioning independently of the inertia of the reel which is inserted in the packaging cycle. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the device comprises a composite base structure 1, inside which are arranged gears and drives for driving a set of roller type conveyor means, horizontally and parallelly arranged projecting from one side of the structure 1.

A first pair of idle rollers 2 and 3 effects the feeding, in correct position, of webs N1 and N2 from the reels. Two pairs of rollers 4,104 and 5, 105 having the same diameter are provided, in spaced apart and aligned relationship, downstream of the idle rollers 2 and 3. The two pairs of rollers 4, 104 and 5,105 are kinematically interconnected in such a manner that the upper rollers 4 and 5 rotate in clockwise direction and the lower rollers 104 and 105 rotate in anticlockwise direction, at a speed which is equal to that of the upper rollers. At least one of the rollers of each of the two pairs 4,104 and 5, 105 is lined with a yieldable elastic material (in the present case the lower rollers 104 and 105), while the other rollers are of metal and present a circumferential recess extending 1800 4' and $'. As a result, when the roller pairs are in their inoperative or rest position (as shown in Figure 1), the wrapping web passing from a reel to the packaging machine can pass freely through the recesses 4' and 5'.

The rollers 5 and 105 are also provided with a set of bores 6 and 7 which are arranged longitudinally aligned on one generatrix, and communicate with respective axial ducts 106, 107 extending to manifolds 8, 9 secured to the structure 1 and connected to a suction source (not shown).

Web-cutting means is provided between the two rollers pairs 4,104 and 5,105 and comprises a rotary blade 10, which upon control is rotated in a clockwise direction at a peripheral speed equal to the speed of the rollers, and a counterblade 11 secured to the structure 1.

A guide member 12 secured to the structure 1 supporting the counterblade 11 is provided immediately downstream of the coun terblade and extends substantially up to or towards the contact area between the rollers 5 and 105. Spools 13 and 14 are provided down-stream of the cutting means, above and below the same. The spools 13 and 14 are kinematically connected to the rollers (5 and 105) and can be rotated upon control, in a clockwise and in anticlockwise direction, respectively, at a peripheral speed equal to, or suitably higher than, the speed of the said rollers. The spools 13 and 14 (which act as a discarding device) are mounted onto their respective shafts with the inter-position of friction means 113 and 114 respectively, and are provided with longitudinal slots 213, 214, respectively, for the anchoring of the leading end of the wrapping web which is to be connected to the web which is about to be exhausted, the said web being correctly positioned by passing over the idle rollers 15 and 16.

The device is completed by a pair of drawing rollers 17,18 located downstream of, and in aligned relationship with respect to rollers 5 and 105. The upper roller 17 is kinematically connected to the roller 5 (and 105) so as to rotate in a clockwise direction and at the same peripheral speed, while the lower roller 18 is idly supported by a fork 19, the fulcrum of which lies at 20, and the roller 18 is operatively connected to a double-acting cylinder and piston unit 21, so that the roller 18 may be moved into contact with or away from the upper roller 17. An idle roller 22 is provided downstream of the rollers 17 and 18. At least one sensor 23, for example a photoelectric cell sensor, is situate upstream of the rollers 17 and 18 and is connected to a logic circuit for the purposes which will become apparent hereinafter. As shown in Figure 3, the previously described rollers and the rotary blade 10 are connected, between them, in cascade by means of a gear train 24. The rollers can be driven in rotation at a peripheral speed which is substantially equal to, or is suitably greater than, the maximum speed at which the wrapping web is needed by the packaging machine, by a motor 26 secured to the structure 1. Through a chain 27 and pinions 28, the shaft of the motor 26 is connected to a speed down gear 30 on which there is keyed an electromagnetic clutch 31, which, whenever energised, attracts a disc 32 in turn keyed onto the shaft of the rotary blade 10. When the device is in the rest position the disc 32 is normally attracted by an electromagnetic unit 33 secured to the structure 1 and acting as braking element. Starting from the gear 30, there is also provided a positive transmission consisting of, for example, a chain 34 and pinions 35 for actuating the drawing roller 17. The gear train 24 is connected to a gear wheel 36 which is in turn keyed onto a shaft 37 arranged for rotation at the interior of a tubular support 38 secured to the structure 1. At the interior of the support there is also rotatably mounted a shaft 39 which can be rotated by means of the external knob 40, and is normally disconnected from shaft 37 by elastic means 41. By pushing the shaft 39 into the support 38, it is possible to couple the shafts 38 and 37 through frontal coupling of any known type.

The operation of the device will now be particularly described with reference to Figures 4 to 11. It is preliminarily to be noted that, in order to simplify the diagrammatic representation of the operation of the device, the rollers 104 and 105 have been illustrated as vertically swinging rollers, and the upper rollers 4 and 5 do not shown the recessed areas 4' and 5,. The mechanical equivalence of the two embodiments is evident.

Referring to Figure 4, the web N1 unwound from reel B1 (exhausting, expiring or depleted reel) is caused to pass freely through the device in its rest position. C denotes the compensating device ensuring the feeding of the wrapping web to the packaging machine, under controlled tensioning.

B2 denotes the second reel (so called "reserve" or "standby" reel) arranged below the reel B1 and carrying the web N2 to be connected to the web N1 when the reel B1 is about to be depleted. The web N2 is unwound from reel B2, passed over the roller 3 and through the device over the guide 12, and is then deflected downwardly, passed over the roller 16 and anchored to the slot 214 in the spool 14. The spool 14 is then manually turned, to guarantee a sure anchoring of the web N2, and also to cause a selected mark (inscription or drawing) on the web N2 to coincide with a reference index on the structure 1.

A portion of adhesive tape S is positioned on the suction bores 7 of the roller 105 with its adhesive surface turned, that is facing, outwardly. When the reel B1 is about to be exhausted, a control is operated to actuate the motor 26, the sensor 23 and the logic circuit which is connected thereto. However, the device does not yet operate, owing to the de-energisation of the electromagnetic clutch 31. When the sensor 23 senses the presence of the predetermined reference mark on the web N1, a control is issued to cause actuation of the cylinder 21 to lift the roller 18 against the roller 17 and to cause energisation of the electromagnetic clutch 31. The web Ni is thus unwound from its reel B1 by the rollers 17 and 18 and also due to the action of the rollers 4, 104 and 5, 105, which also engage the web N2 by unwinding it from its reel B2 at the same speed as that of web N1. During this step, the spool 14 takes up the web N2 from the guide 12 and thus maintains the web N2 in the required conditions of tensioning and overlapping with respect to the web length N1 between the roller pairs 4,104 and 5, 105. At a certain moment, the rotary blade 10 moves to cooperate with the fixed counterblade 11 and effects cutting of the superposed webs N1, N2, as shown in Figures 2 and 5. The two webs are cut exactly at the same point of the inscriptions or drawings existing on the same, because of the previously effected setting up operation.

The cutting separates the web portion of web N1 connected to the packaging machine from the remaining web portion coming from the reel B1, while the section of web N2 which is anchored to the spool 14 is separated from the thus formed leading end of the web N2 unwound from the reel B2. The cut ends of the two webs are moved forward in mating end-to-end relationship because of the synchronous conveyance effected by the roller pairs 4,104 and 5, 105. At the outlet from guide 12, the section of the web N2 anchored to the spool 14 is deflected or moved apart from the web N1 passing to the packaging machine, so that the web N1 advances towards the contact area between the rollers 5, 105 while being in mating endto-end relationship, with its trailing end, both with the end of the remaining portion of web N1 still coming from the reel B1 and with the new leading end of the web N2. When passing through the rollers 5, 105, the trailing end of the web Ni is spliced to the leading end of the web N2, by positioning the adhesive tape S in a bridge-like manner on the web ends (see Figure 6).

At this stage, suitable sensors co-operating with cams on the gear train 24, control the de-energisation of the electromagnetic clutch 31 and the energisation of the electromagnetic brake 33, which locks the several rollers in the angular position shown in Figure 1, so that the web N2 drawn from the reel B2 can freely pass through the roller pairs 4, 105 and 5, 105. In correct time relationship, the rollers 18 and 17 are moved apart and the motor 26 stopped. Thus the device reaches its rest condition shown in Figure 7, and can be prepared for repeating a new cycle.

The exhausted reel B1 is removed and, as shown in Figure 8, a new reserve or standby reel for the following cycle is inserted. The next cycle is shown in Figures 8 to 11, and differs from the previously described cycle only by the fact that the web N1 unwound from the reel B1 (to be fed to the wrapping machine when the reel B2 is about to be depleted) is passed over the web N2, above the guide 12 downstream of the cutting means 10, 11, over the idle rollers 15, and connected to the spool 13. The splicing adhesive tape S' is positioned on the suction bores 6 of the upper roller 5. The successive working steps of the device are the same as the steps previously described with reference to Figures 4 to 7 and their description is omitted, the steps being evident from the drawings.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A method of joining two webs or filaments, which method comprises conveying the two webs or filaments, being in overlapping relationship, between two rollers forming a first pair of rollers capable of cooperating with each other to nip one or more webs or filaments between the first pair of rollers, severing through the overlapping webs or filaments, removing a severed portion of one of the webs or filaments, applying adhesive tape from tape dispensing means, capable of releasably holding adhesive tape by Suction, to the other severed portion of the said one of the webs or filaments and to a severed portion of the other of the webs or filaments to form a spliced web or filament, and drawing the so spliced web or filament between two further rollers forming a second pair of rollers capable of cooperating with each other to nip one or more webs or filaments between the second pair of rollers.

2. A method according to Claim 1, wherein a portion of the circumference of one roller of each pair of rollers is recessed.

3. A method according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein removing a severed portion of one of the webs or filaments is effected by removing means comprising a reel whose periphery is rotatable at the same speed as the peripheries of the first pair of rollers when they are cooperating, there being a slot provided in the reel, which slot is suitable for anchoring an initial portion of a web or filament.

4. A method according to Claim 3, wherein one such reel is provided on each side of the path of the running web or filament.

5. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the tape dispensing means comprises at least one roller of the second pair of rollers, the cylindrical surface of the or each comprised roller being provided with suction bores.

6. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the trailing end of each web or filament is provided with a first detectable mark.

7. A method according to Claim 6, which method comprises sensing the first detectable mark and causing, in response to the sensing of the first detectable mark, the first and second pairs of rollers, means for severing through the overlapping webs or filaments and the tape dispensing means to be actuated.

8. A method according to Claim 6 or 7, wherein the first detectable mark is a machine detectable mark.

9. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the leading edge of

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. roller pairs 4,104 and 5, 105. At a certain moment, the rotary blade 10 moves to cooperate with the fixed counterblade 11 and effects cutting of the superposed webs N1, N2, as shown in Figures 2 and 5. The two webs are cut exactly at the same point of the inscriptions or drawings existing on the same, because of the previously effected setting up operation. The cutting separates the web portion of web N1 connected to the packaging machine from the remaining web portion coming from the reel B1, while the section of web N2 which is anchored to the spool 14 is separated from the thus formed leading end of the web N2 unwound from the reel B2. The cut ends of the two webs are moved forward in mating end-to-end relationship because of the synchronous conveyance effected by the roller pairs 4,104 and 5, 105. At the outlet from guide 12, the section of the web N2 anchored to the spool 14 is deflected or moved apart from the web N1 passing to the packaging machine, so that the web N1 advances towards the contact area between the rollers 5, 105 while being in mating endto-end relationship, with its trailing end, both with the end of the remaining portion of web N1 still coming from the reel B1 and with the new leading end of the web N2. When passing through the rollers 5, 105, the trailing end of the web Ni is spliced to the leading end of the web N2, by positioning the adhesive tape S in a bridge-like manner on the web ends (see Figure 6). At this stage, suitable sensors co-operating with cams on the gear train 24, control the de-energisation of the electromagnetic clutch 31 and the energisation of the electromagnetic brake 33, which locks the several rollers in the angular position shown in Figure 1, so that the web N2 drawn from the reel B2 can freely pass through the roller pairs 4, 105 and 5, 105. In correct time relationship, the rollers 18 and 17 are moved apart and the motor 26 stopped. Thus the device reaches its rest condition shown in Figure 7, and can be prepared for repeating a new cycle. The exhausted reel B1 is removed and, as shown in Figure 8, a new reserve or standby reel for the following cycle is inserted. The next cycle is shown in Figures 8 to 11, and differs from the previously described cycle only by the fact that the web N1 unwound from the reel B1 (to be fed to the wrapping machine when the reel B2 is about to be depleted) is passed over the web N2, above the guide 12 downstream of the cutting means 10, 11, over the idle rollers 15, and connected to the spool 13. The splicing adhesive tape S' is positioned on the suction bores 6 of the upper roller 5. The successive working steps of the device are the same as the steps previously described with reference to Figures 4 to 7 and their description is omitted, the steps being evident from the drawings. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A method of joining two webs or filaments, which method comprises conveying the two webs or filaments, being in overlapping relationship, between two rollers forming a first pair of rollers capable of cooperating with each other to nip one or more webs or filaments between the first pair of rollers, severing through the overlapping webs or filaments, removing a severed portion of one of the webs or filaments, applying adhesive tape from tape dispensing means, capable of releasably holding adhesive tape by Suction, to the other severed portion of the said one of the webs or filaments and to a severed portion of the other of the webs or filaments to form a spliced web or filament, and drawing the so spliced web or filament between two further rollers forming a second pair of rollers capable of cooperating with each other to nip one or more webs or filaments between the second pair of rollers.

9. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the leading edge of

each web or filament is provided with a second detectable mark.

10. A method according to Claim 9, wherein means for removing a severed portion of one of the webs or filaments comprises means for engaging the leading end of a reserve web or filament and means for enabling the reserve web or filament to be advanced to bring the second detectable mark into register with a reference index on a stationary support member.

11. A method according to Claim 9 or 10, wherein the second detectable mark is a visible mark.

12. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 11 wherein the speed of the periphery of each of the first pair of rollers when the first pair of rollers are cooperating is the same as the speed of the periphery of each of the second pair of rollers when the second pair of rollers are cooperating.

13. An apparatus suitable for joining two webs or filaments, which apparatus comprises conveying means for conveying the two webs or filaments in overlapping relationship, which conveying means comprises two rollers forming a first pair of rollers capable of cooperating with each other to nip one or more webs or filaments between the first pair of rollers, severing means for severing through the overlapping webs or filaments, means for removing a severed portion of one of the webs or filaments, tape dispensing means for applying adhesive tape to the other severed portion of the said one of the webs or filaments to form a spliced web or filament, and drawing means for drawing the spliced web or filament, which drawing means comprises two further rollers forming a second pair of rollers capable of cooperating with each other to nip one or more webs or filaments between the second pair of rollers.

14. An apparatus according to Claim 13, wherein a severed portion may be removed by the removing means from either side of the overlapping webs or filaments.

15. An apparatus according to Claim 13 or 14, wherein a portion of the circumference of one roller of each pair of rollers is recessed.

16. An apparatus according to Claim 13, 14, or 15, wherein the means for removing a severed portion of one of the webs or filaments comprises a reel whose periphery is rotatable by friction means at the same speed as the peripheries of the first pair of rollers when they are cooperating, there being a slot provided in the reel, which slot is suitable for anchoring an initial portion of a web or filament.

17. An apparatus according to Claim 16, wherein one such reel is provided on each side of the path of the running web or filament.

18. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 13 to 17, wherein the tape dispensing means comprises at least one roller of the second pair of rollers, the cylindrical surface of the or each said roller being provided with suction bores.

19. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 13 to 18, which apparatus comprises a stationary support.

20. An apparatus according to Claim 19, which apparatus comprises means for enabling the first pair of rollers, the severing means and the tape dispensing means to be removed to a predetermined position with respect to the stationary support.

21. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 13 to 20, wherein the trailing end of each web or filament is provided with a first detectable mark.

22. An apparatus according to Claim 21 when dependent on Claim 19, which apparatus comprises a sensor fixed relative to the support member, which sensor is suitable for sensing the first detectable mark, and further comprises actuation means for causing in response to the sensor sensing the first detectable mark, the first and second pairs of rollers, the severing means and the tape dispensing means to be actuated.

23. An apparatus according to Claim 21 or 22, wherein the first detectable mark is a machine detectable mark.

24. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 13 to 23, wherein the leading edge of each web or filament is provided with a second detectable mark.

25. An apparatus according to Claim 24, when dependent on Claim 19, wherein the means for removing a severed portion of one of the webs or filaments comprises means for engaging the leading end of a reserve web or filament and means for enabling the reserve web or filament to be advanced to bring the second detectable mark into register with a reference mark on the stationary support.

26. An apparatus according to Claim 24 or 25, wherein the second detectable mark is a visible mark.

27. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 13 to 26 wherein the speed of the periphery of each of the first pair of rollers when the first pair of rollers are cooperating is the same as the speed of the periphery of each of the second pair of rollers when the second pair of rollers are cooperating.

28. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 13 to 27, wherein at least one roller of each pair of rollers is constructed as a swing roller.

29. An apparatus according to Claim 13, wherein the webs or filaments are wound round bobbins and are suitable for use in a packaging machine, which apparatus comprises means for causing a length of a first web or filament, which first web or filament is to be unwound from a new bobbin, to pass in a parallel and substantially superposed relation over a corresponding length of a second web or filament, which second web or filament is being unwound from a bobbin which is shortly to be depleted, wherein the conveying means are for acting, under control and in timed relation, on the superposed lengths of webs or filament, which conveying means are for causing the webs or filaments to be moved towards a packaging machine at a suitable synchronous speed and also with the required tension, wherein the severing means comprises means for cross cutting in timed relation the two superposed lengths of web or filament when they are being conveyed by the conveying means, wherein the removing means comprises means for collecting and removing the short portion of the first web or filament originating from the cross cut and wherein the tape dispensing means comprises splicing means for applying, in the correct time relationship and so as to bridge the cut of the expiring web or filament and the new web or filament, a splicing tape which is naturally adhesive or is made adhesive by taking advantage of any suitable means or properties which may be inherent to the webs or filaments to be spliced to each other.

30. A method of joining two webs or filaments substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

31. A method of joining two webs or filaments substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 4 to 11 of the accompanying drawings.

32. An apparatus suitable for joining two webs or filaments substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

33. An apparatus suitable for joining two webs or filaments substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 4 to 11 of the accompanying drawings.

34. A packaging machine whenever operated using the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 12.

35. A packaging machine whenever provided with an apparatus according to any one of Claims 13 to 28 and 32 and 33.