Combined separating, bursting and sorting apparatus for a continuous web of multi-forms

A combined separating, bursting and sorting apparatus for a continuous web of multi-forms having sheet divisions fixed by perforation lines, provided with a bursting device for subdividing said continuous web along the perforation lines, a path of travel for conveying said continuous web in separated condition and a sorting device consisting of a plurality of receptacles for separated and bursted sheets of said continuous web, said bursting device consisting of an infeed, a bursting knife edge, and an outfeed provided with a pair of outfeed rollers, and said path of travel for conveying said continuous web in separated condition beginning before the bursting knife edge at a separating device having a plurality of plate-shaped infeed elements to which are connected one or a plurality of elongated guide elements which extend substantially linearly to a deflection at a receptacle and are capable of being tensioned in their longitudinal direction by tension elements engaging with their ends, at least said pair of outfeed rollers being provided with circumferential recesses or interruptions for bunchwise unaffectedly passing the guide elements, characterized in that the infeed elements for inserting a layer of the continuous web of multi-forms are capable of being deflected or swivelled away from each other and are combined to a packet by inserting thin distance plates in the side edge regions on both sides of the path of travel and the guide function of a guide element receding at the point of deflection is taken over by a guide plate which extends to the next deflection and follows same, and adjoins the path of travel on one side, the other side of which is formed by belt conveyor means or by conveyor wheels.