Abstract

A butt splicing unit for cutting a web running from a depleting roll and splicing the end of a supply web to the cut end of the running web. The unit includes a rectangular stationary knife and two moveable knife members below and on each side of the stationary knife. Each of the moveable knives cooperate with one of the knife edges formed by the lower corners of the stationary knife. Above the stationary knife, is a pair of vacuum plates for holding the end of a supply web. Each of the knife members includes a body having a vertical leading surface facing in the direction of the running web. Each of the leading surfaces are provided with vacuum ports for holding the lower portion of a strip of tape thereto. A knife blade is mounted at the top of each of the knife members and a recess is provided between one end of the blade and the body to receive the upper portion of the tape strip to hold it out of contact with the running tape. A horizontally slideable nip bar arrangement is positioned below the knife members.