Abstract: Apparatus is provided for breaking parts away from workpieces which includes a first set of work-engaging fingers arranged on one side of the workpiece and a second set of work-engaging fingers arranged on the other side of the workpiece. Oppositely-disposed first and second support structures for the first and second sets of work-engaging fingers are provided. Each of the support structures include a guide rail having guiding grooves formed therein, first and second clamping means each mounted to engage and move relative to the guiding grooves so that the first and second clamping means can be moved passed each other without interference, and first and second holding means are provided which are movably connected to the first and second clamping means, respectively, for supporting each set of work-engaging fingers.

Abstract: Methods for separating and stacking sheets of paper, cardboard and the like delivered from sheet punching machines and consisting of useful and waste portions connected together by small fillets are disclosed. The methods include supplying punched but unseparated sheets onto a severing table, severing the sheets in order to form separate stack portions and depositing these separate stack portions onto a stacking surface after withdrawing the severing table from under the stacked portions.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method of separating and stacking sheets of paper, cardboard and the like, which are delivered from a sheet punching machine and consist of useful and waste portions connected together by small fillets, comprising the steps of laying and separating a specific number of sheets on a severing table of a useful portion separating station; interrupting the supply of sheets; lowering the table with a stack of separated sheets; withdrawing the table from under the stack and laying the stack on a pallet situated therebelow; setting the table in place and raising same; removing the pallet with the stack and introducing a new pallet with simultaneous resumption of the cycle of steps.