Abstract: An apparatus for stacking zig-zag interfolded articles such as towels (3) cludes two carrier forks (22, 23) extending toward each other from opposite sides and forming a two-piece stacking table (8) onto which the folded towels are stacked. The apparatus further includes a pair of separating and auxiliary carrying forks (11, 12) that reach into the forming stack from opposite sides. In a method of stacking interfolded towels, the towels are stacked on the two piece stacking table (8) so that the folded edge of consecutive towels alternately faces to the right and to the left. The carrier forks (22, 23) of the two-part stacking table (8) reach under and support the bottom of the stack (2) from opposite sides and lower the stack onto a conveyor belt (26). Meanwhile, the separating and carrying forks (11, 12) reach under and support the bottom of a new stack being formed, from opposite sides.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus produce a stack of overlapping, U-folded- or zig-zag-folded individual material sheets, in particular of absorbent paper, that mesh with one another. The stack is formed by two roller systems or roller sets, one for each of two material webs. Each system includes a stacking roller (8, 9) in a stacking station. The two stacking rollers cooperate in the stack formation. Each set of rollers includes at least one cutting roller (11) with a cutting knife (12) for each material web, a transport roller (13), and a pulling and guide roller (14). All rollers are arranged and driven in a machine frame. Each stacking roller (8,9) has at least one crimping- and folding-edge (16,20,21) and at least one tiltable suction gripper flap. At least one suction element (23) is part of the suction gripper flap and at least one further suction element (24) is arranged behind the suction gripper flap or behind the crimping- and folding-edge as viewed in the sheet travel direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for the formation of stacks of folded, zigzaggedly intermeshed tissues, sheets or the like of any kind of fibrous materials, with a folding device having two folder rolls, wherein each of the two folder rolls (23) is associated with at least one comb-like depositor (27) on both sides of the stack shaft (13), said depositor consisting of a depositor beam (28) with a plurality of laterally guided depositing fingers (26) swung back and forth relative to the tissue stack (12) via connecting rods (30) by first drives (32, 33) and by second drives (35, 36, 37, 38, 39) such that the front ends of the laterally and vertically reciprocating depositing fingers (26) grasp behind the respective tissue (22) to be deposited, press down against the tissue stack (12) and hold the same securely in the shaft (13) until a new cycle of movement begins.

Abstract: A proper number of flexible work pieces such as napkins, handkerchiefs and he like are deposited in a proper position or positions for providing packages each of which contains a freely selectable number of pieces. For this purpose the work pieces travel through at least one branching station and from there alternately into two depositors or stacking stations comprising several compartments. The depositors then deposit the work pieces on a stacking table from which the stacks are removed onto a conveyor belt for continuing the conveying, for example into a packaging machine. The branching station includes three suction drums in which the suction is controlled for alternately distributing work pieces into different directions to different stackers. Air permeable conveyor belts run around the suction drums.