Abstract: A machine for the distribution of sheets comprises first and second conveyors, the first conveyor receiving groups of sheets and being drivable in directions toward or away from the second conveyor and the second conveyor being drivable in a direction away from the first conveyor, a control system for driving the second conveyor only when a group of sheets reaches it from the first conveyor and to stop the second conveyor when the group of sheets has passed over the second conveyor, a vertically movable stop member located above the second conveyor between a lowered position for stopping a group of sheets so as to form them into a layer and a raised position, the stop member being also movable along the second conveyor, the control system controlling the vertical movement of the stop member and movement of the first conveyor to move sheets away from the second conveyor when a layer of sheets has been formed on the latter.

Abstract: Device for detecting breaks or tears and the end of the strip in a strip of any material, during its travel, which device comprises, mounted in proximity of the strip and positioned in correspondence with any of its sections which one wishes to explore, and being actuated any time by actuating a push button or the like control member: feeler means apt to feel the material of the strip, so as to follow the changes of direction and/or the oscillations as the strip travels, to feel said material preferably in the sense opposite to the direction of travel of the strip with a push adjustable in function of the limit of the mechanical resistance of the material of the strip, and to penetrate into the tear; and means for detecting the tear and the end of the strip, actuated by such feeler means when the latter penetrate into the cut of the tear or when the end of the strip is reached, said detecting means being capable to be connected to usual control means, so as to transmit to said means the information relative t

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically dampening a strip moving longitudinally in its own plane as a result of a variable pulling force applied to the strip comprising: a strip deflector for engaging a surface of the moving strip and deflecting the strip; a guide for guiding the deflector in a path extending at an angle to the plane of the moving strip; a dampening device for biasing the deflector in a first direction to engage and push against the moving strip and form permitting movement of the deflector in an opposite direction when the strip pushes against the deflector as a result of rapid and violent increase in the pulling force on the strip, the dampening device including a pneumatic cylinder having a piston forming first and second chambers within the cylinder, a piston rod connected to the piston and extending through one end of the cylinder, the piston rod being connected to the deflector so as to bias the latter in said first direction and so that movement of the deflector in said opposite direction by the m