Abstract: In order to be able to eliminate a mechanical caliper, a bindery line has a plurality of signature feeders or packer boxes each of which is operable to feed a signature therefrom. A collating conveyor passes by each of the signature feeders or packer boxes along a signature conveying path so as to be operable to receive signatures from the signature feeders or packer boxes in collated form for forming a book. A book finishing section is downstream of the signature feeders or packer boxes for forming the book from the signatures received in collated order after the collating conveyor has passed by each of the signature feeders or packer boxes in travel along the signature conveying path. With this arrangement, the invention utilizes detectors for detecting a missing signature, an incorrect signature, a double signature, a conveyor jam, a hanging book, and a long book.

Abstract: A bindery gathering chain and conveyor apparatus with a first and second idling sprocket mounted in fixed relation to one another to define first and second fixed reference points and an endless conveyor chain which rides on the first and second idling sprockets and a moveable support located relative to the first and second fixed reference points. A third sprocket is attached to the moveable support and also has the endless conveyor chain riding on it. There is an actuator moving the moveable support and the third sprocket to apply a first force to the moveable support for a high chain-tensioning mode of operation during start or stop for a predetermined period and also to move the moveable support and the third sprocket to provide a second, lower force for a lower chain-tensioning mode of operation during other operating modes.

Abstract: A drive control system for a binding line having first and second separate binding-line segments, includes a first motor for driving the first binding-line segment, a second motor independent of the first motor for driving the second binding-line segment, and a controller coupled to the first and second motors. The controller is operable in an independent or asynchronous mode for controlling the first and second motors so that the first and second binding-line segments operate independently, and is also operable in a synchronous mode for controlling the first and second motors so that the first and second binding-line segments operate in synchronism with one another.

Abstract: A drive control system for a binding line having first and second separate binding-line segments, includes a first motor for driving the first binding-line segment, a second motor independent of the first motor for driving the second binding-line segment, and a controller coupled to the first and second motors. The controller is operable in an independent or asynchronous mode for controlling the first and second motors so that the first and second binding-line segments operate independently, and is also operable in a synchronous mode for controlling the first and second motors so that the first and second binding-line segments operate in synchronism with one another.

Abstract: In order to increase the reliability in selectively disabling a signature feeding apparatus, and to avoid the problems which are inherent in mechanical systems, a unique dual mode pneumatic system is contemplated for use with a cyclically operable signature feeding apparatus. The feeding apparatus will generally include a driven rotary drum having a plurality of signature grippers disposed about the periphery thereof. The signature grippers are adapted to grip signatures seriatim from a signature supply hopper. A suction assembly is driven by a cam for shifting signatures seriatim from the signature supply hopper to the rotary drum for gripping by the signature grippers. The suction assembly includes oscillating suction grippers in communication with a source of vacuum. The signature feeding apparatus further includes a cam follower assembly operatively associated with the suction assembly to control movement of the oscillating suction grippers toward and away from the signature supply hopper.

Abstract: A gathering chain pin has a notch in a surface thereof. Because of the notch, the gathering chain pin is locked into a gathering chain link of a gathering chain and cannot be easily dislodged therefrom.

Abstract: An improvement in a binding line comprises a mounting device for mounting gathering assist apparatus in a fixed position with respect to a binding chain and independently from a packer box. The packer box can then be moved away from the binding chain without affecting the position of the gathering assist apparatus. Frequent repositioning and recalibration of the gathering assist apparatus is thereby avoided and the chance of damage thereto is minimized.

Abstract: An adjustment apparatus is disclosed which adjusts the resolution of a pulse encoder. The adjustment apparatus includes at least first and second pulley sets having different pulley ratios and having substantially equal belt perimeters. A pulley belt has a belt circumference substantially equal to the belt perimeters. The pulley belt is transferable from one pulley set to the other so as to adjust the resolution of the pulse encoder.

Abstract: A drive system for use in rotating a drive shaft of a component of a binding line can be selectively coupled to a primary motive power source associated with the binding line or to a secondary motive power source operated out of synchronization with binding line. The drive system includes a first drive pulley connected to the primary motive power source, a second drive pulley connected to the secondary motive power source and a double-sided drive belt which engages the drive shaft. A pulley set is coupled to the double-sided drive belt and is rotatable about a pivot point between first and second positions to transfer the double-sided drive belt between the first and second drive pulleys.