Abstract: Apparatus for diverting selected sheets of a scalloped stream of paper sheets from a first horizontal path into a second path which is coplanar with an adjacent and parallel to the first path has two superimposed rollers movable about a vertical axis to and from operative positions above the first path, and a flap which is located upstream of the rollers and is pivotable to and from a position in which it diverts successive sheets into the nip of the rollers when the sheets enter the second path. The axes of the rollers make an oblique angle with the direction of advancement of sheets along the first path, and the speed at which the rollers are driven is such that the sheets approaching the nip cannot catch up with the sheet in the nip.

Abstract: Apparatus for temporary storage of successive portions of a continuous stream of paper sheets has a transporting unit which advances the stream along a horizontal path, a frame which defines for successive rotary cores an elongated guideway above the path, a two-armed lever which can support a fresh reel containing a supply of wound flexible band material at a level below the path, and chains which can transport successive cores from the inlet portion to the outlet portion of the guideway in parallelism with the path. The lever is indexible through 180 degrees and carries two spindles each of which can support a reel. The leader of the band on a reel on one of the spindles is attached to an empty core in the inlet portion of the guideway while a pawl intercepts the foremost sheets of the stream in the path and while the empty core is rotated by the belts of the transporting unit.