Abstract: An unwinding device for wound rolls includes a bearing element, a first support element and a second support element mounted on the bearing element. The first and second support elements are adapted to rotatably hold the wound roll on opposed sides. The first support element and the second support element are movable along the bearing element with respect to one another, such that a distance between the first support element and the second support element changes. The unwinding device also includes a drive mechanism adapted to move the first support element and the second support element along the bearing element. The drive mechanism includes a tensioner movable along the bearing element, and a first engagement member disposed on the first support element. The first engagement member is adapted to releasably lock the first support element to the tensioner.

Abstract: A method and a device is provided for forming stacks of flat elements in a stacking region, the flat elements being guided to the stacking region substantially continuously. The flat elements are stacked on a main stack carrier. Upon achieving a finished stack of a predetermined number of flat elements stacked on the main stack carrier, an auxiliary stack carrier is inserted into the stacking region above the finished stack. Subsequent flat elements are then stacked on the auxiliary stack carrier. The finished stack is then removed from the main stack carrier and, subsequently, the main stack carrier is moved below the auxiliary stack carrier. The auxiliary stack carrier is then withdrawn from the stacking region, transferring the subsequent flat elements on the main stack. During or after this withdrawal process, at least an upper portion of the main stack carrier is moved substantially opposite the direction of withdrawal of the auxiliary stack carrier.

Abstract: An unwinding device for wound rolls includes a bearing element, a first support element and a second support element mounted on the bearing element. The first and second support elements are adapted to rotatably hold the wound roll on opposed sides. The first support element and the second support element are movable along the bearing element with respect to one another, such that a distance between the first support element and the second support element changes. The unwinding device also includes a drive mechanism adapted to move the first support element and the second support element along the bearing element. The drive mechanism includes a tensioner movable along the bearing element, and a first engagement member disposed on the first support element. The first engagement member is adapted to releasably lock the first support element to the tensioner.

Abstract: A method and a device is provided for forming stacks of flat elements in a stacking region, the flat elements being guided to the stacking region substantially continuously. The flat elements are stacked on a main stack carrier. Upon achieving a finished stack of a predetermined number of flat elements stacked on the main stack carrier, an auxiliary stack carrier is inserted into the stacking region above the finished stack. Subsequent flat elements are then stacked on the auxiliary stack carrier. The finished stack is then removed from the main stack carrier and, subsequently, the main stack carrier is moved below the auxiliary stack carrier. The auxiliary stack carrier is then withdrawn from the stacking region, transferring the subsequent flat elements on the main stack. During or after this withdrawal process, at least an upper portion of the main stack carrier is moved substantially opposite the direction of withdrawal of the auxiliary stack carrier.

Abstract: Apparatus for subdividing a running web into narrower webs has a counterknife which is driven to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis. A second knife is freely rotatably mounted in a holder at a level above the counterknife. The holder is carried by the lower end of a vertically movable and turnable rod-like guide which can be moved up and down by a single-acting fluid-operated motor in cooperation with two springs or sets of springs. When the guide reaches its lower end position, the motor causes a conical end face at the lower end of a split sleeve to engage a complementary conical face at the upper end of a fixed guide member for the guide, whereby the sleeve clampingly engages the guide and locks it to the stationary cylinder of the motor so that the second knife is fixedly held at the selected level for any desired interval of time.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying stacks of paper sheets or the like to two or more packing machines has a platform for collection of successive rows of stacks, e.g., by arresting sheets forming part of discrete scalloped streams of sheets. Two or more discrete carriages for tongs are utilized to remove stacks in any desired grouping from the platform and to deliver them to two or more discrete removing units serving to transport the stacks to discrete packing machines. Each removing unit can employ a set of two or more aligned conveyors. Each carriage is or can be driven by a separate prime mover, each carriage can support two or more tongs, or each carriage can support a single tongs. All such undertakings contribute to versatility of the apparatus, namely the apparatus can be operated to ensure equal distribution of stacks among the removing units or one or more selected removing units can receive larger or smaller numbers of stacks than the other unit or units.