Abstract: If a plurality of essentially circular sheets of filter paper are stacked in a pile, the individual sheets have a tendency to stick to each other rendering it difficult to remove the topmost sheet from the pile. To overcome this inconvenience, it is provided that adjacent sheets within the pile have a different contour, e.g. by providing every second sheet with a protruding tongue arranged at the circumferential edge thereof. All the intermediate sheets either do not have such tongue or are provided with a recess arranged anywhere along their circumferential edge.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for separating portions of flat material cut-out from a web or sheet. First and second grippers respectively, which engage with first and second cut portions of flat material, are provided to travel along and define paths of motion for the first and second cut portions of flat material, which paths diverge from a point of separation. A feed conveyor is connected in front of the grippers and is synchronized with their drive.