Apparatus for coating a roll core

There is described a method and apparatus for covering a cylindrical roll core with an elastomeric material, the roll core having a longitudinal axis of rotation and an outer surface for receiving the elastomeric material thereon, the apparatus comprising a pair of opposed vertically aligned rotatable chucks for receiving and securing the roll core therebetween for rotation of the roll core about its longitudinal axis, the chucks holding the roll core vertically stationary, a dispenser for helically winding a length of flexible tape around the roll core from the bottom to the top thereof in spaced apart relation to the roll core's outer surface to form a containment sheath defining an annular space between the outer surface and said tape, said tape being wound in response to rotation of the roll core by the chucks, a mixing head for discharging the elastomeric material into the annular space concurrently with the space's formation as the flexible tape is wound around the roll core, a support for the dispenser and the mixing head for vertical movement thereof relative to the roll core and a motor driven elevator for controllably moving the support up and down relative to the roll core.