Abstract: For aligning the binding perforations of a pile of sheets, straight prongs are inserted in the perforations and, during their withdrawal, are moved in non-positive manner in the direction of a curved shaped surface, so that the tip area of the prongs presses the back of the pile against the shaped surface and consequently the desired curved shape of the perforation is obtained.

Abstract: A piling device (11) forms a pile (15) of sheets (12). For pile change, the finished pile (15) is separated from sheets of the subsequent pile by means of a separating finger (22). After the main stop (17) at the front pile edge has been swung away, the pile is horizontally removed by means of a pile removal device (30) having grippers (31, 32). While this is happening, a carrier element (47) in the form of a horizontally located rack follows the rear pile edge (78) in the region of the pile upper surface (101) so that the separated newly forming pile is immediately taken over onto the carrier element (47). A holding device (77) supports the rear edge of the new pile and holds it firm.The new pile is then transferred onto a piling table (14) by lowering the carrier element (47). A second carrier element (48) works in paternoster fashion with the first and, for the next pile, carries out the same functions as the first set.

Abstract: Apparatus for binding stacks of sheets has two spiral or comb or the like binding devices located respectively at two binding stations. The stacks to be bound are fed by a conveyor to a distributing station from which the stacks are distributed alternatively to each of the two binding stations by a gripper assembly. The bound stacks are transferred from the binding stations to finishing stations by pivoted arms. After the finishing operation, e.g. the trimming and turning in of the ends of the spiral, the bound stacks are pushed by plungers to form a stack of books or pads at a common discharge station from which the stack is removed by a conveyor belt.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transporting layers of sheets in which the layers of sheets are carried off discontinuously transversely to the direction in which they are supplied and follow the layers of sheets previously carried off. The apparatus comprises a belt conveyor running at a substantially constant velocity, and a belt run with upper and lower belts which is connected in front of the continuously running belt conveyor and overlaps it at least in part. The belt run may be driven intermittently at a velocity varying between standstill and a higher velocity than that of the belt conveyor. The distance between the upper and lower belts may be varied cyclically.

Abstract: The present specification describes and claims an apparatus for the folding of paper webs or similar materials for the formation of a stack made up of folded layers. The apparatus has a laying arm adapted to perform a reciprocating motion while laying out the layers to form the stack, and at least one folding screw which, in use, is located in the region of a corner of the stack. The folding screw is arranged with its axis extending substantially vertically to the plane of the layers and with its leading edge entering from the side of the stack between layers to be folded. The at least one folding screw is adapted to rotate twice for each reciprocating cycle of the laying arm and a pressing-down element is arranged to, in use, act upon the top layer succeeding the last fold, so as to be effective on the top layer in the region where the leading edge of the folding screw enters in between the layers.