Abstract: An improved revolving table intended for stackers as utilized in book-binding shops and the like, has a pusher reciprocating arrangement which is accommodated in the table structure, the pusher being, at its travel limit positions, located on the surface of the revolving table. The table is formed with a slot in the diametrical direction, and has, depending therefrom, a hollow beam accommodating the pusher reciprocating arrangement. For a given stack size, lower bulk dimensions can be achieved for the stacker.

Abstract: A conveyor for stacks of sheets, pamphlets, or books (7) comprising a work surface (10) formed by two surface halves (12,13), one (13) of which extends in one plane and the other (12) follows a curvilinear pattern interconnecting an input incline with a substantially horizontal output surface. In the slit (11) defined by the two surface halves (12,13) there are inserted entrainers (6) for the books (7) associated with a drive chain. Guiding side boards (14,15) allow a self-centering transfer of the books (7). On the surface halves (12,13), there is provided a mechanism (12a,13a) for the friction between the books and surface halves (12,13) themselves.

Abstract: A loader for signatures, loose sheets, gathered sheets and the like, in particular for collating, pamphletizing, stitching and similar bookbinding machines, which can be moved in an automated manner with respect to the bookbinding machine when switching from one size format of the signatures or the like to another. The loader comprises a frame carried in a displaceable fashion by a fixed base, preferably through rolling bearings. The displacement is accomplished by means of an electric motor associated with a threaded rod cooperating with a nut attached to the movable frame of the loader.

Abstract: An improved conveyor for signatures, loose sheets, gathered sheets, and the like, with a device for picking them up. The improved conveyor achieves fast signature transport capabilities in overlapped relationship. A mechanism is also provided for entraining the signatures which are operative on each signature prior to a preceding signature moving fully away from the following one. Advantageously, the entrainment members have an outer surface with a high friction coefficient. The initial section of the elevator conveyor belts follows a path which deviates from the oblique plane of lay thereof, preferably a substantially vertical path.

Abstract: A jogger device for jogging signatures or sheets during the formation of stacks in bookbinding machines, such as loaders, including an oscillating disk which is driven of reciprocating motion by a source of reciprocating motion and transmits said reciprocating motion to the supports of two side jogging vanes. Thus, the jogging device can have reduced transversal dimensions. The central vane of the device is carried by the element imparting the reciprocating motion to the oscillating disk.

Abstract: A method of forming a packet of signatures is proposed, comprising a known step of depositing onto the feeding belt of the stacker signatures from the folding machine, and which includes a transport step of the groups of overlapping signatures to a stacking station, a step during which the presence or absence of signatures is detected upstream of the stacking station, with the issuing of a control signal active on detent means for the stacking, and a stacking step with a following step of removal of said detent means and a step of removal of the formed stack. It is, preferably, also included a step of detecting the presence or absence of signatures downstream of the stacking station, with the issuing of a corresponding control signal active on the stacking detent means.

Abstract: A stacking machine is proposed which is enabled to stack sheets or signatures being fed continuously either singly or in overlapped relationship, the machine comprising a rotatable roller partially encircled by a first set of belts. A second set of belts is movable facing the first set of belts along a portion thereof to define a passage for the sheets. The second set of belts is entrained by a free-wheeling clutch driven by the driving means which drives the roller. The belts are driven constantly, and a difference of speed with respect to the peripheral speed of the driving roller, as due to thickness variations of the sheets or signatures, is compensated for by the free-wheeling mechanism.