Apparatus for forming individual stacks from an endless web

Abstract

A support or carrier web, composed of sections interconnected along a separation or fracture line, is folded in a zig-zag configuration and stacked upon an elevationally displaceable support element. After the stack reaches a certain height pressure fingers are pivoted into an effectual position where they press against one side of the finished-form stack. Above these pressure fingers there are arranged suction heads which can be advanced into a position where they engage below the further arriving sections. By applying negative pressure, effective at a suction opening, there is fixidly retained at least the lowermost section of the next stack to be formed. Both of the sections belonging to the different stacks are held in an open position by the suction heads. Into the opening between both of the aforementioned sections there is introduced a roll grate carrying at its leading end a cutter or knife. This cutter disconnects both of the mentioned sections at their common connection location, and the support element now is lowered into a lower terminal position where it transfers the finished-formed stack to conveyor bands. The suction heads are again retracted so that the formed partial stack can be deposited upon the roll grate. The forming partial stack is supported for such length of time upon such roll grate until the support element, when ready to assume its stack support function, again arrives at its upper end position where it takes-over the partial stack previously reposing upon the roll grate. Due to the temporary deposition of the partial stack upon the roll grate it is not necessary to interrupt the continuous infeed of the web during the separation and outfeed of the finished stack.