Abstract: The device for cutting a web into sections according to cutting marks provided on the web comprises an advancing roller for advancing the web along a predetermined track, an electrooptical scanning device for reading respective cutting marks on the web and for generating corresponding output signals, a cutting mechanism arranged on the track behind the advancing roller and monitored by the scanning, a tension equalizing and loop forming device arranged on the track before the advancing roller and the scanning device to loop resiliently a portion of the web, an elliptical gear driving system for driving the advancing roller; and a magnetic coupling arranged between the driving system and the advancing roller to stop the feeding of the web in response to the output signals from the scanning device and to resume the feeding after the cutting mechanism has severed the marked web portion.