Abstract: A method of make-ready of a bindery apparatus includes the steps of providing indicia relating to the size of the signature on the apparatus to locate inner and outer ends of pocket guides for pocket machines to obtain a proper bow of the signatures and a proper location of the signatures for feeding to a rotary gripper mechanism. Indicia are provided on the rotary gripper mechanism relating to the drop of the signature onto a saddle. Information from a previous run of the same signature is used to set the rotary gripper mechanism to time the signature drop. Indicia are also provided for locating a first gathering conveyor to allow setting of signature pushing lugs to a position related to the length of the signature, while the gathering conveyor is at a predetermined reference position. Similarly, indicia related to the length of the signature are used to position pushing lugs on a second conveyor.

Abstract: Pocket signature feeding machines have been provided with a double indicia scale on a pocket backplate and the scale is related to the centerline of the pocket so that the signatures may be precisely centered in the pocket when the left and right signature guides have their respective indicators pointing to the same indicia on the pocket backplate scale. A sheet that is 10 inches in width can be centered by having the respective left and right indicators set at a number 10 on each scale portion of the double scale. The signatures are bowed by side guides engaging opposite vertical edges of the signatures in the hopper. Also, an outer scale with indicia thereon is provided for setting the side guides at a distance that will cause an automatic, correct bowing of signatures. A gripper mechanism cooperating with a signature picker times the drop of signatures onto the saddle of the gathering conveyor.

Abstract: A bindery apparatus and method are disclosed for supporting, conveying and collating signatures received from pocket feeding stations. The signatures are conveyed by conveyors having a projection. Indicia on scales related to the size of signature are provided. When changing from one size of the signature to another size of signature, the common drive for the signatures is stopped at a reference point, e.g., 100.degree., and then the conveyor lugs on the gathering conveyor and the second coveyor are repositioned to be at the signature size indicia on its associated scale. Then, the gathering conveyor and second conveyor are reconnected to the common drive. The preferred system includes a transfer conveyor with a lug for pushing collated signatures through a fixing station where they are stitched or glued together, and then delivered to the second conveyor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a trimmer apparatus for cutting book forms collated on a bindery apparatus and more particularly, to an improved make-ready or to set up of the trimmer apparatus to obtain production run speeds of operation.