Abstract: A stack of disk-like articles or can ends are transferred in an elongated tubular paper bag supported between opposing shoes, and the bag is removed from the stack by pulling the bag longitudinally or upwardly after a slitting knife blade moves or pivots from a retracted position to an extended position to pierce the bag and to slit the bag progressively and longitudinally. A stream or jet of air is directed against the end or top article in the stack to prevent the articles from moving with the bag or being flipped over in response to pulling the bag from the stack. Preferably, the air jet is directed from an air supply tube attached to the knife blade for movement with the blade between the retracted position and the extended position. The knife blade is shaped like a hawk beak and has a pointed tip and an arcuate knife edge.

Abstract: A stack of disk-like articles or can ends are transferred in an elongated tubular paper bag supported between opposing shoes, and the bag is removed from the stack by pulling the bag longitudinally or upwardly after a slitting knife blade moves or pivots from a retracted position to an extended position to pierce the bag and to slit the bag progressively and longitudinally. A stream or jet of air is directed against the end or top article in the stack to prevent the articles from moving with the bag or being flipped over in response to pulling the bag from the stack. Preferably, the air jet is directed from an air supply tube attached to the knife blade for movement with the blade between the retracted position and the extended position. The knife blade is shaped like a hawk beak and has a pointed tip and an arcuate knife edge.

Abstract: A diverter valve housing has two outlets and one inlet for receiving a flow of air conveying a continuous strip of material, and a diverter duct or tube is pivotally supported within the housing on a pivot axis adjacent the inlet. The diverter tube has an outlet end portion supporting a pair of inclined cutting blades which cooperate with a cutting blade supported by the housing between the outlets for alternately and quickly chopping or cutting the strip of material when the outlet end portion of the diverter tube pivots between the two outlets of the housing. Sealing members connect the diverter tube to the housing and form stops for the diverter tube. A fluid cylinder is pivotally connected to the housing and has a piston rod pivotally connected to the diverter tube for rapidly pivoting the diverter tube between the two outlets.