Abstract: A process for selecting a single stacked flat object from a stack of flat objects. The lowermost flat object is downwardly detached from the rest of the stack of flat objects by negative pressure on at least one of its edge areas) running parallel to the take-off direction. In at least one suction area, the flat object is held by negative pressure onto a conveyor that can move back and forth. The flat object is advanced underneath a scraper and then further conveyed. The device for carrying out this process has a hopper for the stack of flat objects, a scraper, at least one suction device to partially detach the lowermost flat object, a conveyor, and a take-off device.

Abstract: A C-shaped innerframe is preformed and then applied to a preformed cigarette bundle as part of a cigarette packing operation. The preformed innerframe first contacts the bundle with the back of the C in contact with the front surface of the bundle, and with the arms of the C adjacent the sides of the bundle and projecting rearwarly behind the rear surface of the bundle. Thereafter, the arms of the C are brought in against the side and rear surfaces of the bundle to complete application of the innerframe to the bundle.