Abstract: A support or carrier web, composed of sections interconnected along a separation or fracture line, is folded in a zig-zag configuration and stacked upon an elevationally displaceable support element. After the stack reaches a certain height pressure fingers are pivoted into an effectual position where they press against one side of the finished-form stack. Above these pressure fingers there are arranged suction heads which can be advanced into a position where they engage below the further arriving sections. By applying negative pressure, effective at a suction opening, there is fixidly retained at least the lowermost section of the next stack to be formed. Both of the sections belonging to the different stacks are held in an open position by the suction heads. Into the opening between both of the aforementioned sections there is introduced a roll grate carrying at its leading end a cutter or knife.

Abstract: Sheet units to be tipped onto a carrier web of indefinite length are brought into the relationship to one another that they are to have on the web while riding on an upper stretch of an endless carrier. Abutment elements on the endless carrier, at regular intervals along it, define rearwardly facing surfaces that project above said upper stretch and move forward at a predetermined velocity. An endless driver having an upper stretch paralleling that of said carrier and driven faster, frictionally urges sheet units into engagement of their front edges against said surfaces. An air permeable belt, driven at said velocity, has a bottom stretch that is under a suction shoe and the rear portion of which is upwardly adjacent to the front portion of said endless carrier, so that sheet units are sucked off of the carrier and onto said belt to be carried forward by it without change in their edgewise speed.