Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method utilize a rotatable drum implementing both an attraction mechanism and a cutter mechanism to controllably sever segments of material from a web. The drum is rotated at a rate greater than the rate at which the web of material is advanced so that the attraction mechanism supplies the sole source of tension in the web. Moreover, the cutter mechanism severs segments of material while at least a portion of the web of material engages the outer surface of the drum. In addition, an apparatus and method dynamically control the relative rates of advancement of a web of material and an outer surface of a drum such that a predetermined length of material is advanced forward of a predetermined rotational position of the drum so that the predetermined length of material is severed from the web of material while at least a portion of the web of material engages the outer surface of the drum. Moreover, an apparatus and method may utilize a carrier mechanism having at least one article carrier pivotably coupled to a rotatable hub and controlled via a camming mechanism that varies the angular velocity of the article carrier relative to that of the hub. The hub rotates about a first axis, and the pivotal coupling between the article carrier and the hub defines a second axis that is substantially parallel to and separated from the first axis. The camming mechanism is operatively coupled between the article carrier and the hub and configured to pivot the article carrier about the second axis in response to rotation of the hub about the first axis to thereby vary the angular velocity of the article carrier relative to that of the hub.

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First Claim