intended typically for slender tear strips , the automatic splicer comprises at least two supply reels wound with respective strips , the one in use and the other a replacement , set in rotation singly or together by a common drive , and feed wheels with peripheral grooves positioned with axes normal to the axes of the reels , by which the two strips are directed into a splicing station where the trailing end of the strip uncoiling from the reel in use is joined to the leading end of the strip uncoiled from the replacement reel ; the splice is effected by means of a positioning and restraining component and a reference and reaction component stationed on either side of the strip in use , which can be drawn together until the ends of the strips are fully in contact , with the leading end of the replacement strip positioned and restrained in a longitudinal groove afforded by the relative component . the ends of the strips are trimmed automatically by separate cutters .