Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a preferably multi-ply web of synthetic thermoplastics comprises a pair of feed rolls, which define a feeding nip and each of which is formed with annular grooves, and two scraping rakes, which are secured in the frame and have tines extending through the annular grooves, wherein at least one of said rakes is movably mounted and arranged to actuate a switch for stopping the drive for the rolls when the scraping rake is moved out of its normal position by the web because it is bulged. It is intended so to improve such an apparatus that the switch will be operated even by relatively small bulges formed in the web. That object is accomplished in that each scraping rake is guided to be movable in the direction of travel of the web. A scraping rake for actuating the switch can be moved by a much weaker force if the rake is displaced in the direction of travel of the web rather than being pivotally moved.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing cylindrical and belt-like substrates includes: a support structure for supporting a planetary array of substrates about a central horizontal axis of the support structure, each substrate defining an offset horizontal axis radially spaced from and parallel to the central horizontal axis of the support structure; an array of processing modules each having a processing chamber for receiving the support structure therein for processing the substrates, each chamber defining a central horizontal axis parallel to the central horizontal axis of the support structure and parallel to the central horizontal axis of an adjacent processing chamber; and a transport vehicle for transporting the support structure in a first direction parallel to the central horizontal axis for insertion into and withdrawal from any one of the processing chambers, in a second direction perpendicular to the central horizontal axis for movement among adjacent processing chambers, and in a third direction perpendicula