APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR WINDING PAPER

An apparatus and method for winding tissue webs (15) into a parent roll (25) is disclosed which results in greater uniformity in sheet basis weight, machine direction stretch and bulk when comparing the corresponding sheet properties taken from representative locations throughout the roll. The apparatus and method includes engaging the tissue w eb (15) against a reel spool (26) with a flexible member (18) such as a transfer belt which traverses an unsupported span between two support rolls (21, 22). The web is transferred from the transfer belt (18) to the parent roll (25) as the parent roll is urged against the sheet/transfer belt at a point within the unsupported span. The resulting deflection of the transfer belt (18) is detected and, in response, the reel spool position is changed to control the deflection at a desired level. Accordingly, a predetermined light nip pressure can be applied to the roll a s the tissue web (15) is wound thereon and large parent rolls of high bulk tissue can be manufactured with desired properties when unwound.