Apparatus for slabbing rolls of tissue

1. An automated apparatus for slabbing large rolls of tissue carried on a hollow core comprising, in combination:

a hoist for carrying the roll of tissue, the hoist including at least one weight measurement sensor for determining the weight of the roll of tissue carried by the hoist;

a carriage carrying a cutting blade, the carriage capable of moving the cutting blade with respect to the roll of tissue;

the cutting blade including a drive means for pressing the cutting blade against the roll of tissue; and

wherein the apparatus measures the diameter of the roll and calculates the amount of material to be removed based upon the measured weight and diameter of the roll.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a PLC in communication with the at least one weight measurement sensor and at least one sensor capable of measuring the diameter of the roll, wherein, the PLC calculates the amount of material being cut off the roll of material and controls the amount of material being removed based upon the measured weight and diameter of the roll.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a torque sensor engaged with the cutting blade to determine variations in the material being cut and removed, wherein the torque sensor automatically stops the cutting action if the torque falls outside of an acceptable parameter.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further including chucks that are used to engage with the interior of the core of the roll of material, the chucks being conical shaped in order to accommodate variations in core size.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a hold down roller which includes a sensor roller for measuring the amount of material being cut and removed from the roll of material.