Abstract: Apparatus for trimming small booklet-like products transported by bands (16) between a position serving for front trimming and a position serving for foot and head trimming. The bands (16) include a pair of transport bands (18,20) guided about a respective main deflecting roll (24) at their ends facing an insertion region (22). A synchronously-drivable auxiliarytransport band (26) extends beyond the main transport bands (18,20) toward the insertion region (22) and is guided about an auxiliary deflection roll (28) at its end facing the insertion region (22). The diameter (d) of the auxiliary roll (28) is less than 1/3 the diameter (D) of the main deflection roll (24).

Abstract: Pressure responsive glue dispensing nozzles are mounted on a pivotable glue distributing manifold. Rocker arms are attached to the glue distributing manifold and are actuated to pivot about a fixed pivot axis by solenoids. Adjustable stop means are used to limit and adjust the pivot stroke of the manifold so that the glue dispensing nozzles can dispense glue to one edge of a document that may have a varying thickness. Return means are provided to return the rocker arm assembly to a base position when the solenoids are de-energized.

Abstract: A sheet separation pile feeder (34) includes a sheet separation enhancer comprising first and second tubular blow members (42, 42'), each having a plurality of specially-arranged blow holes (44, 44' 44a, 44'a) therein, extending across a leading side (22) of a pile from which forward-most sheets (18) are fed. Each tubular blow member is rotatably mounted so that it can rotate about its axis relative to the pile and a pressure means pressurizes interiors of the tubular blow members for creating streams of fluid (52, 52') coming from the blow holes directed toward the leading side of the pile. Thus, each of the tubular blow members can be rotated to adjust directions at which the streams of fluid from the holes contact the leading side of the pile to enhance feeding of the forward-most sheet thereof being fed from the pile. The first and second blow tubes are parallel to one another and to the sheets in the pile.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sheet folding and sealing to produce mailable letter-like objects, each from a single preprinted sheet, comprises a feed mechanism for the feed of sheets in seriatim while continuous beads of adhesive are applied to each sheet along lateral portions thereof. The sheets are fed into a buckle folder which makes one or more transverse folds in each sheet while transversely-spaced spots of adhesive are applied along a transverse line across the sheet. The buckle folder is structured so that it has fold pans on one side; and, both the input and output are on the other side. The folder also includes folding and sealing rolls that seal folded-over sheet portions to close and seal the sheet into a letter-like object. A perforator perforates the object so that tearing along the perforations facilitates opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and metyod for making a gatefold in a central portion of a sheet along a gatefold line. The apparatus includes a fold pan (30) for receiving a sheet with a first outer leaf folded, and for folding a second outer leaf of the sheet inwardly toward a central portion as the sheet passes between associated rolls (20, 22). A gatefold pan (32) receives the sheet from between the rolls (20, 22). The gatefold pan (32) includes a deflector (62). The deflector (62) is movable, under control of actuators (64, 68), from a retracted position to an extended position into a path of travel of the sheet from the fold pan (30) to the gatefold pan (32). In its extended position, the deflector (62) serves to deflect the first outer leaf of the sheet toward the central portion of the sheet. Sensors (82, 84) are provided in the respective fold pans (30, 32) and are connected to actuator control means.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a gatefold in a central portion of a sheet along a gatefold line where the sheet has first and second outer leaves folded inwardly toward the central portion along first and second parallel fold lines, respectively, include a fold pan for receiving the sheet with the first outer leaf folded. The fold pan has upper and lower plate elements and a stop member therebetween. First and second rolls are positioned to engage the sheet upon movement of the central portion and the first outer leaf of the sheet into the fold pan, thereby folding the second outer leaf of the sheet inwardly toward the central portion at the second parallel fold line as the sheet passes between the second roll and a third roll. A gatefold pan receives the sheet from between the second and third rolls with the second outer leaf folded. The gatefold pan includes upper and lower plate elements and a stop member therebetween.

Abstract: An automatic fold-pan assembly for attachment to a sheet folding machine is provided which includes at least one fold-controlling paper stop disposed in the fold-pan assembly in a space between upper and lower plates. The positioning of the paper stop a predetermined distance from the sheet-entrance mouth of the assembly is controlled by a computer in conjunction with stepper motors which are arranged to direct the forward and rearward movement of the paper stop.