Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting a web having at least one table element including at least one inclined blowing device (4a-4d), at least one rounded hump (8), and at least one sucking device (6a-6c) between the at least one blowing device (4a-4d) and the at least one rounded hump (8). The rounded hump (8) allows the sucking of air without any risk of tearing or breaking the web (3). The limited amount of air ensures high transport forces, and increased efficiency of the transport system.

Abstract: The invention relates to the chopping of thin webs, and notably to the chopping of edges trims of thin webs. It proposes a chopping device for thin webs, comprising an input section (10) for receiving the web to be chopped; an accelerating section (18) for accelerating the front end of the web received from the input section. Preferably, the device also comprises at least one puncturing means or knife (13) located between the input section and the accelerating section. The invention also relates to a process for chopping thin webs, comprising the steps of providing an incoming web and accelerating the front end of the incoming web so as to tear off said front end, e.g. by causing the web to contact a puncturing device.

Abstract: A device for laminating two different foils in vacuo with the aid of an electrical gas discharge has two separate treatment chambers or areas, in which different vacuo can be set, so that the treatment can be adjusted in accordance with the corresponding foil, i.e. it can be performed in an optimum manner in accordance with the physical and chemical characteristics of the foil. The electrical gas discharge is a plasma discharge, i.e. a low energy gas discharge in vacuo. Advantageously, the electrodes can be operated at different power levels in the individual, separate treatment areas. For adapting the atmosphere in the treatment areas to the foil characteristics, it is also possible to introduce different gases and optionally carry out an additional heat treatment.