Abstract: A holder of an apparatus for individually separating flat items from stacks comprises a first separating structure for individually separating outer flat items from one of the stacks at one end of the holder and a second separating structure for individually separating outer flat items from another stack at the opposite end of the holder. At least one urging member is at least partially positioned between the two separating structures for urging at least one of the stacks in the holder towards one end of the holder. A method for separating flat items from two stacks in a holder is also described.

Abstract: A method for separating articles, such as paper or plastics sheets or envelopes, from a stack (9), and apparatus for carrying out this method is disclosed. A feed roller (6) periodically feeds an outer article to a conveyor roller (2) opposite to which a separation surface (3) is disposed. The pressure force of the feed roller (6) on the stack (9) is reduced when an article supplied is being carried off by the conveyor roller (2). The object of the invention is to provide such a method which can be carried out reliably with a simple construction. According to the invention, each time an article (8) is carried off by the conveyor roller (2), the feed roller (6) is carried along by said article (8) as long as the feed roller (6) bears on that article (8). The force with which the feed roller (6) bears on the stack (9) is then enhanced by the action of frictional force which is exerted by the feed roller (6) on an article (8) to be carried off.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a transport roller which is coupled with a drive arrangement for rotating the transport roller in a direction of transport, a separation surface located opposite the transport roller and device for pressing towards each other the transport roller and the separation surface. It is proposed to provide the apparatus with a spacing arrangement for keeping the transport roller and the separation surface at a mutual distance. It is thus accomplished that articles which comprise a plurality of layers having a limited mutual connection can also be processed without the risk of the layers shifting relative to each other in such a way that the reliable operation of the apparatus is hindered.