Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a machine for forming zigzag-shaped piles from an endless band of paper wherein the band is deposited and folded on an appropriate support and, at the end of the formation of a pile, a rupture of the band is provoked along a predetermined folding line, the first folding flap of the following pile to be formed is brought into a predetermined position, the forward movement of the band is stopped and the pile which has just been completed is removed, the traction force for rupturing the band being exerted during the forward motion of the same, by applying the band by one of its surfaces advantageously at the predetermined rupture line, against stationary means, by deviating the band downstream and upstream of its part under application, from its normal path, advantageously in a perpendicular direction with respect to the plane of the band, while guiding the band.

Abstract: A method of forming a new pile after the discharge of a completed pile in a machine for forming piles in zigzag fashion from a flexible web, the method consisting in rupturing the web at a transverse perforation line located between the last flap of the pile being formed and the first flap of the new pile to be formed, advancing the ruptured web until the forward edge of the first flap reaches a position corresponding to its final position at the base of a new pile, stopping the swinging unit, lowering the supporting table for discharge of the completed pile and providing a pressure air cushion underneath the zone of the forward edge of the first flap which forms a temporary support during the absence of the supporting table, removing the temporary supporting cushion when the table has returned to its working position and restarting the operation of the swinging unit.