Abstract: A conveyor for use with a machine which applies covers to books of the type where the individual pages are loosely bound by means of mechanical binder elements having rounded teeth. The conveyor includes multiple saddle plates, coupled to endless chains, which are caused to move into engagement with the bound batches of pages. The saddle plates are provided with serrated leading edge portions which fit between the teeth of the binding elements to accurately position the bound pages relative to the saddle plates.

Abstract: An improved book block transport channel has adjustable lateral guide members, which define the channel width, and an adjustable skid plate with support finger projections outwardly in two opposed directions. The skid plate support fingers are received in slots in the guide members and define a discontinuous channel floor adjacent the guide members. The openings in the channel floor and the slots are partly bridged by guide rails which are mechanically coupled to a respective guide member and to the support fingers which are received in the slots in that guide member.

Abstract: A film of adhesive is deposited onto a linearly moving book block back through use of an applying roller which rotates at a preselected nominal speed relative to the velocity of the book block. The rotational speed of the applying roller relative to its nominal speed is varied to obtain optimum application of the adhesive, the variation in speed including an increase in speed for a short time upon establishment of contact between the roller and book block.