Apparatus for severing running paper webs or the like

In an apparatus for subdividing at least one running paper web or the like into discrete sheets by severing the web during lengthwise transport along a predetermined path, the combination of a rotary holder disposed at one side of said path;

• a flexible knife having an inner portion and an elongated cutting edge remote from said inner portion, extending transversely of said path and arranged to sever the web once during each revolution of said holder;
• and means for adjustably securing said knife to said holder, including first retainer means recessed into said holder at one side of said knife and arranged to urge said inner portion of the knife against said holder, and second retainer means comprising a row of discrete retainers disposed at the other side of said knife, said row extending in substantial parallelism with the axis of said holder and each of said retainers being at least in linear contact with said other side of said knife, as considered in the axial direction of said holder, the neighboring retainers of said row being closely adjacent to each other and engaging said other side of the knife intermediate said inner portion and said cutting edge, said securing means further including means for moving said retainers relative to said knife and substantially radially of said holder to thereby move the loci of engagement between said retainers and said other side of the knife substantially radially of said holder with attendant flexing of the knife and resulting change in the position of said cutting edge with respect to said holder.