Abstract: A system and method for wrapping sheet material to produce finished mailpieces includes an upstream content module, a downstream mailpiece assembly module including a wrapper module adapted to encapsulate content material, and a buffer module interposing the upstream content and downstream assembly modules. The buffer module includes a plurality of buffer gates adapted to convey the content material from an upstream gate to a downstream gate to maintain a threshold pitch distance between successive pieces of content material. A controller is operatively coupled to the modules and controls the conveyance of content material through the buffer gates. More specifically, the controller coordinates the delivery and insertion of content material into the wrapper module to minimize dry-holes, maintain stresses below a threshold level to ensure continued operation, and optimize system throughput.

Abstract: A booklet making method includes: cutting a web of paper on one side and on another side into first and second continuous sheets, alternately bonding the first and second continuous sheets widthwise with a setting paste and a throwaway paste to form a double set continuous sheet of paper, and cutting the double set continuous sheet of paper into split double sheets of a selected longitudinal length. A plurality of split double sheets is integrally bound with an integrating paste to form a booklet-like product. Portions of the booklet-like product which are pasted and bonded with the throwaway paste are cut off to provide a plurality of booklets. Thus, by the booklet making method, booklets having an odd number of leaves or pages are formed without waste of paper and with reduced paper jams.

Abstract: A printing medium finishing unit including a plurality of pressing modules each configured to deform rear ends of folded printing media into a different shape by pressing the rear ends and an image forming apparatus having the same.

Abstract: A device and a method for folding a print substrate web is disclosed. The device has devices for quarter folding and for cross-cutting the print substrate web for severing individual products as well as devices for cross folding. As viewed in the transport direction of the products, an arrangement for dividing the product stream is provided after a second quarter folding device, the arrangement conveying the successive products to a first and a second conveyor belt in an alternating manner.

Abstract: There is a disclosure of a system which controls a folding unit performing folding processing to one set of sheets supplied by a print unit. The one set of sheets includes sheets of a first size and/or a second size which is smaller than the first size. The system includes a first controller and second controller. When the one set of sheets includes a sheet of the first size, the first controller inhibits the folding processing to a sheet of the second size. When the one set of sheets does not include a sheet of the first size but includes a sheet of the second size, the second controller permits the folding processing to a sheet of the second size.

Abstract: A first folding portion includes: a first folding roller pair consisting of a common roller and a first roller; and a blade member that feeds a sheet to a first nip, thereby forming a first fold on the sheet in the first nip. A second folding portion includes a second folding roller pair consisting of the common roller and a second roller, thereby forming a second fold on the sheet in a second nip. The common roller and the first roller are parallel in a conveying direction in a case where the sheet is guided toward the first folding portion. A feeding portion evacuates the sheet to the evacuation guiding portion for evacuating the sheet that on which the first fold is formed, switches back the sheet, and then feeds the sheet into the second nip.

Abstract: Provided is a newspaper production apparatus which can make the processing mechanisms after digital printing small-scaled and which can quite easily obtain a favorably stacked state of sheets. The newspaper production apparatus includes: a paper feeding unit which feeds a continuous paper; ink jet printing units; and a folding unit which cuts and folds the continuous paper after being printed. The folding unit is configured as a rotary folding unit provided with a folding cylinder including: a retaining mechanism which retains a sheet on an outer circumferential surface of the folding cylinder; and a folding blade mechanism which projects the retained sheet radially outward. The rotary folding unit is capable of collect run by which sheets retained by the retaining mechanism are folded at each plural number of turns of the folding cylinder.

Abstract: In an image forming system equipped with a small-sized post-processing apparatus capable of producing pamphlets without being limited in terms of the number of sets, a folding device, an interposing device and an ejecting device for ejecting a pamphlet formed by interposing a sheet into a sheet to be folded are provided in the post-processing apparatus.

Abstract: Z-fold signature finishing systems are provided. One z-fold finishing system has a receiver system to receive a signature print; an automatic z-fold system configured to make a z-folded stack of sheets formed from separate portions of a length of a signature print with each sheet being joined to at least one other sheet in the z-folded stack by at least one of the z-folds; a binding system that can bind the z-folded stack proximate to a saddle fold location between the z-folds; a saddle folder having at least two surfaces arranged so that the at least two surfaces and the z-folded stack can move relative to each other to cause the z-folded stack to fold proximate to the saddle fold location to dispose the z-folds along a common face of the saddle folded stack, and, a separation system separating the signature print proximate to at least one of the z-folds.

Abstract: A folding machine includes: pairs of upper and lower downstream-side conveying belts (18B), the pairs being provided at intervals in a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction of a signature (Wb) and conveying the signature while holding the signature therebetween; stoppers (32) provided between the downstream-side conveying belts and stopping the signature conveyed by the downstream-side conveying belts by contacting therewith; and a chopper blade (19a) folding the signature stopped by the stoppers (32) in a direction parallel to the conveying direction. In the folding machine, a pair of right and left cameras (30A and 30B) are provided, which take images respectively of ranges where a conveying direction leading edge of one side edge and a conveying direction leading edge of the other side edge, the side edges being parallel to the conveying direction of the sheet, are decelerated or stopped by contacting with the stoppers (32).

Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes: an image processor; an image forming portion for forming images on recording paper based on the image data output from the image processor; a folding mechanism for folding the recording paper with images formed by the image forming portion when the input image information is confidential image information; and a stapling mechanism for binding the recording paper folded by the folding mechanism, at the end part when the input image information is confidential image information. When the input image information is confidential image information, the image processor outputs the pouch-binding image data for a pouch-bound image to be formed on the facing pages of the recording paper that is folded by the folding mechanism, by editing the layout of the confidential image.

Abstract: A method of making magazine formats in the form of signatures that include a flat 3-D piece that is die-cut from a web on a web press, which produces a plurality of such identical signatures as part of a high speed operation. The flat 3-D piece is located at the upper edge of one sheet and is freed from the remainder of the page on which it is die-cut when the lateral edges of the folded signature are trimmed.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus comprises: a conveying portion which contacts a doubled up booklet and conveys the booklet; an end conveying portion which abuts against an open end of the booklet and pushes out the booklet, thereby conveying the booklet; a stopper which abuts against a back of the booklet to position the booklet; a holding portion which holds the booklet which abuts against the stopper; a processing portion which processes the booklet held by the holding portion; wherein the conveying portion can come into contact with and separate from the booklet, the conveying portion separates from the booklet, or a pressure for bringing the conveying portion into contact with the booklet is reduced before the back of the booklet abuts against the stopper, the back of the booklet is abutted against the stopper by the end conveying portion and then, the holding portion holds the booklet.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet storing portion configured to store a conveyed sheet, a folding portion configured to fold a sheet, and a controller configured to control the folding portion. The controller controls a folding operation of the folding portion according to information on a sheet fiber orientation relative to a sheet folding direction.

Abstract: A method of making magazine formats in the form of signatures that include a flat 3-D piece that is die-cut from a web on a web press, which produces a plurality of such identical signatures as part of a high speed operation. The flat 3-D piece is located at the upper edge of one sheet and is freed from the remainder of the page on which it is die-cut when the lateral edges of the folded signature are trimmed.

Abstract: An image forming system includes an image forming device having an image forming section that forms image on a recording medium based on image information and ejects the recording medium; a post-processing device that performs post-processing on a recording medium, the post-processing device having a sheet feeding section to load the recording medium; a power switching device to turn on power to the image forming system; a post-processing operation setting device for setting post-processing dedicated mode to execute post-processing on the recording medium loaded on the sheet feeding section; and a controller that executes startup operation for setting only the post-processing device into an operable state and prohibits startup operation of the image forming section of the image forming device when power has been turned on via the power switching device and the controller has detected that the post-processing dedicated mode has been set via the post-processing operation setting device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a digitally printed product that includes at least one section of sequentially printed sheets folded approximately in the center. The sequentially printed sheets are conveyed one after another on a conveying device and folded inside a folding apparatus to form a first fold. The folded sheets are gathered in a gathering station to form a section which is fed to a work station where the section is folded approximately in the center to form a second fold.

Abstract: A sheet placement unit on which a plurality of sheet bundles having been produced by folding a plurality of sheets are stacked while being overlapped. The sheet placement unit includes a sheet placement section on which the folded sheet bundle having been provided with a folding process is loaded, the sheet placement section being inclined so that a downstream side of the sheet placement section in a sheet conveying direction is higher than another side, a sheet conveyance device to convey the sheet bundle loaded on the sheet placement section in a sheet conveying direction while the plurality of sheet bundles are overlapped, and a sheet holding device provided swingably above the sheet placement section, the sheet holding device comprising a sheet contacting section which comes in contact an upper surface of the sheet bundle loaded on the sheet placement section.

Abstract: Disclosed are a bookbinding unit and an image forming apparatus having the same. The bookbinding unit includes a bookbinding unit main body, a pair of stack trays disposed in the bookbinding unit main body so as to support print media on the upper surfaces of the stack trays and a folding knife movable in the space between the pair of the stack trays to fold the print media on the stack trays and to move the folded print media into the space between the pair of the stack trays. The pair of the stack trays is rotatable in conformity with the movement of the print media into the space between the stack trays to provide a surface contact guiding of the folded print media.

Abstract: Provided is a sheet processing apparatus for performing a bookbinding process by folding a sheet stack, including: a folding roller pair including a first roller and a second roller brought into press contact with the first roller to be contacted/separated with/from the first roller, for conveying the sheet stack while folding the sheet stack; a plurality of urging members capable of urging the second roller in a direction of the first roller; and an urging mechanism for changing a number of the urging members for urging the second roller according to a thickness of the sheet stack to be folded.

Abstract: A newspaper is provided. The newspaper includes printed materials. The printed materials have an off-center cross-fold which defines a longer part and a shorter part and an outermost page and an innermost page of the newspaper. The newspaper also includes an adhesive closure for securing the off-center cross-fold. The adhesive closure contacts a short part of the outermost page of the newspaper and a long part of the innermost page of the newspaper. A method for producing a newspaper is also provided.

Abstract: In a sheet post processing apparatus having a folding device that carries out the process of book folding by folding either one sheet or a plurality of sheets at a time on the sheets discharge from the image forming apparatus, a sheet stacking section that successively stacks the booklet-folded sheets, and a control unit that controls the sheet post processing apparatus, said control unit controls said folding device so that said booklet folding process of said sheets is carried out at the portions of two folding lines which are almost parallel thereby obtaining a square-shaped back of booklet.

Abstract: A folding machine includes: pairs of upper and lower downstream-side conveying belts (18B), the pairs being provided at intervals in a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction of a signature (Wb) and conveying the signature while holding the signature therebetween; stoppers (32) provided between the downstream-side conveying belts and stopping the signature conveyed by the downstream-side conveying belts by contacting therewith; and a chopper blade (19a) folding the signature stopped by the stoppers (32) in a direction parallel to the conveying direction. In the folding machine, a pair of right and left cameras (30A and 30B) are provided, which take images respectively of ranges where a conveying direction leading edge of one side edge and a conveying direction leading edge of the other side edge, the side edges being parallel to the conveying direction of the sheet, are decelerated or stopped by contacting with the stoppers (32).

Abstract: In a sheet creaser, a sheet set is pushed between a pair of folding rollers to fold the sheet set. Then, a re-pressing roller re-presses the sheet set, which has been folded by the folding rollers, by rolling along the crease. Pressure applied on the sheet set by the folding rollers is released when the re-pressing roller re-presses the sheet set.

Abstract: A sheet bundle stored in a sheet storage portion is pushed from a predetermined folded position with a first pushing plate, and the sheet bundle is normally conveyed along with the first pushing plate and plunged into a nip between first folding rollers to make a fold. The first folding rollers are reversely rotated while the first pushing plate is retreated, and the sheet bundle with the fold is reversely conveyed and returned to the sheet storage portion. Then, a second pushing plate pushes the sheet bundle, conveyed through a U-shape conveyance path, from a backside of the fold to reversely fold the sheet bundle, and the sheet bundle is completely folded. Therefore, the sheet bundle having good appearance can be realized in good bundle folding processing.

Abstract: A device is used for at least one of treating and conveying a strip of material in one of a treating and processing machine. The device includes at least one strip-treating tool which is embodied in the form of a folding cone, and one strip-treating tool which is provided as a knife. The knife and the folding cone are both transversely displaceable in the direction of travel of the strip of material by the operation of a regulating element.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit which forms an image on a recording medium, a post-processing unit which performs a post-processing on the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, and a post-processing controller which controls the post-processing unit according to whether an image requested by a user or a test image is formed on the recording medium. An image forming method includes, in a case where the requested image and the test image are formed on plural recording media, controlling the post-processing according to whether the requested image or the test image is formed on the recording medium, and according to the control, performing the post-processing on the recording medium on which the requested image or the test image is formed.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus, comprising: a sheet introduction port for feeding a sheet to inside from outside of the sheet processing apparatus; a sheet exit port for ejecting the sheet from inside to outside of the sheet processing apparatus; a sheet carrying part having a sheet carrying passage that communicates the sheet introduction port and the sheet exit port; a fold processing part disposed in a middle of the sheet carrying passage, for arbitrarily folding the sheet; a sheet stacking part that stacks the sheet ejected from the sheet exit port; and a detector that detects whether a height of a bundle of sheets stacked on the sheet stacking part reaches a prescribed height and outputs an OFF signal for turning off a drive of the sheet carrying part, wherein the detector performs detection at a first detection level for detecting the prescribed height of the bundle of sheets folded when the fold processing part is set in a drive state, and at a second detection level for detecting the prescribed height o

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus separating a media combination from a stack of interleaved slip-sheets and printing plates and relates to image recording systems such as, for example, computer-to-plate (CTP) systems. Image recording systems include imaging systems that image an image recordable material in response to imaging information. Image recordable materials can include, for example, printing plates. Image recording systems can include integrated systems that additionally process the image forming materials. Additional processing can include, but is not limited to materials punching, materials bending, exposure to non-imaging radiation, chemical development and materials drying. The present invention relates to a materials handling system that separates a media combination from a media stack that includes image recordable materials. A slip-sheet separates each of the image recordable materials from one another in the media stack.

Abstract: A page turning apparatus of a passbook printer, which detects a turning error or the like at the early stage of turning irrespective of the size and characteristics of passbooks and allows retry of turning in a short time.

Abstract: A rotary roller printing press has a printing unit for printing a web in six printed pages arranged axially next to each other. A superstructure is used to cut the web longitudinally into three partial webs. A folding installation is used to fold the partial webs and includes at least one roller for transporting the partial webs, and at least one folding apparatus. The printing unit, the at least one roller for transporting the partial webs of the folding installation, and the folding apparatus, which is arranged after in the direction of web travel, the other devices, are each separately mechanically driven by a separate drive motor.

Abstract: A rotary roller printing press has a printing unit for printing a web in six printed pages arranged axially next to each other. A superstructure is used to cut the web longitudinally into three partial webs. A folding installation is used to fold the partial webs and includes at least one roller for transporting the partial webs, and at least one folding apparatus. The printing unit, the at least one roller for transporting the partial webs of the folding installation, and the folding apparatus, which is arranged after in the direction of web travel, the other devices, are each separately mechanically driven by a separate drive motor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering signatures to a binding line, the apparatus and method preferably comprising a printer feeder apparatus and method for providing personalized information in a variety of locations upon a selected one of a plurality of signatures types before the signatures are fed to the binding line.

Abstract: A folding installation of a web-fed rotary printing press includes a first group of at least two folding formers and at least one additional folding former which is offset vertically from the first group. The folding formers of the first group are adjacent and are offset from each other perpendicular to the running direction of partial webs and are arranged in a horizontal plane to at least partially overlap. Planes of symmetry of at least one folding former of the first group and the additional folding former lie essentially in a common line of a partial web running straight through the print machine. Both aligned folding formers are provided with a common group of leading rollers.

Abstract: An arrangement for processing webs in a rotary web-fed printing press includes a turning device that is usable for shifting the web about an uneven multiple of a half web-width of the web. A folding installation is also provided. The web or webs, which are displaced by the uneven multiple of the half-width, run on two adjacent folding formers which are arranged generally perpendicular to the running direction of the web.

Abstract: A custom-decorated giftwrap is made by feeding a folded sheet into a printer, while avoiding paper jams therein by holding together sheet portions of the sheet.

Abstract: A method for controlling a printing press having a first image cylinder for providing at least a first cylinder first image and a first cylinder second image to a printed material and a second image cylinder for providing at least a second cylinder first image and a second cylinder second image to the printed material. The method includes printing a book having individual pages with the first cylinder first image, first cylinder second image, second cylinder first image and the second cylinder second image and providing a first operational mode to an operator of the printing press. The first operational mode permits the operator to review the pages with the first cylinder first image and the first cylinder second image of the book at the same time and to alter the registration of the first image cylinder providing the first cylinder first image and first cylinder second image.

Abstract: A former roller, which is driven for rotation, is located at the intake of a former for a folding unit. A controller unit is utilized to control the rotation of the motor, which drives the former roller, in such a way that the former roller exerts a tensile force on a material web that is fed to the former roller.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for assembling sheets of printing media for booklets. In one aspect the sheets are folded, sheet-by-sheet, and in another aspect the sheets are collected, sheet-by-sheet, and registered on a fold in each sheet. In still another aspect printed sheets are loaded, sheet-by-sheet, into the apparatus. Each sheet is trimmed to a pre-determined width depending on the position of the sheet in the booklet being assembled. The sheets are thereafter folded, sheet-by-sheet, and collected into a stack. The method and apparatus have particular application in finishing duplex printed sheets of paper into saddle-stitched booklets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering signatures to a binding line, the apparatus and method preferably comprising a printer feeder apparatus and method for providing personalized information in a variety of locations upon a selected one of a plurality of signatures types before the signatures are fed to the binding line.

Abstract: A web of printed paper is cut into sections by a cutting cylinder while riding on a folding cylinder, and each paper section has its midpart subsequently pushed by a folding blade on the folding cylinder into a jaw cavity formed in the surface of a jaw cylinder in order to be folded into the form of a signature while being transferred from the folding cylinder onto the jaw cylinder. Mounted adjacent the opposite ends of the jaw cavity in the jaw cylinder are a pair of hooks which are cammed into and out of the space that is created by the midpart of each paper section upon insertion in the jaw cavity. The paper section has its midpart positively retained in the jaw cavity while being folded. A set of fixed and movable jaws is also provided in the jaw cavity and functions mostly to fold the paper section rather than to grip the same against accidental detachment.

Abstract: A folding apparatus for folding sheets of flexible sheet materials, which includes a feeding mechanism (11, 17) for feeding sheets of material, a folding mechanism including a pair of rollers (11, 13) having a nip (23) into which a sheet of material (7) is inserted to create a fold (7b), and an inserter mechanism (21) for inserting a sheet (7) into the nip (23). The inserter mechanism (21) includes knife element (29) having an edge (31) that is arranged to engage a sheet (7) along a designated fold line (7a) and to insert said sheet (7) into the nip (23) to produce a fold (7b) along said fold line (7a). The inserter mechanism (21) is constructed and arranged to insert the sheet (7) into the nip (23) while the sheet (7) is positively engaged by the feeding mechanism (11, 17).

Abstract: A sheet folding apparatus having a Z-folding function which incluses a sheet conveyance device for conveying a paper sheet having an image formed thereon and a stopping member capable of moving for adjusting the position thereof provided in a conveyance path in order to stop a paper sheet conveyed by the sheet conveyance device at the leading edge colliding against the stopping member, and forms a fold by introducing the buckle portion of the paper sheet formed by the stopping member between a roller pair composed of two folding rollers and gripping by the rollers. The sheet folding apparatus is provided with a controller for temporarily reducing the rotating speed of each of the folding rollers, at a timing when the paper sheet is gripped between the roller pair.

Abstract: A method of binding books comprising the steps of holding in place a text hull (1) comprising the pages of two books (2, 3) the gutters (5, 19) of the two books being located on opposite edges of the text hull to one another, binding the opposite edges of the text hull adjacent the gutter of the pages; and dividing the text hull to separate the two books from one another.

Abstract: The claimed processing operation is used to process piece goods. Large numbers of at least similar objects are processed by feeding objects into the operation in streams (PS) of starting products (A), feeding the starting products and/or intermediate products in product streams (PS) to processing steps (7, 8, 12, 14, 15 . . . ) where they are processed and then carried away from the processing steps, and discharging the processed objects from the operation in streams of end products (EP). In the incoming and outgoing product streams individual products or product groups are conveyed in a sequence. At each processing step at least one property of a processed product or product group is changed. The claimed operation is characterized by sequence changes (4, 5, 6, 10, 13, 16, 17 . . . ) in which the sequence of products or product groups can be changed by transferring products in or out or combinations of both.

Abstract: Several printing units are arranged in a row for printing on as many separate webs traveling in centerline alignment and in phase with one another. At least one preselected web, on issuing from one printing unit, is directed over an angled guide rod thereby to be turned 90 degrees out of phase with the other, unselected webs. Subsequently traveling over a triangular shaped former, the preselected web is folded along a centerline thereof, back into phase with the unselected webs. The preselected web, already formed, and the unselected ones, yet unfolded, are then all superposed one upon another, with the fold of the preselected web in register with the aligned centerline of the unselected webs. The superposed webs are then folded by another former along the aligned centerline of the unselected webs. Subsequently fed into a cutting and folding device, the webs are cut and folded transversely into individual multiple-page signatures each having one center spread in addition to the usual inmost center spread.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing jams in a folder of a printing press includes a roller having vacuum holes to which vacuum pressure may be applied to attract the loosely constrained signature towards the roller. The signature will follow the curved path of the roller and be led away from a jam area of the printing press. When the printing press is running at normal operating speed (e.g., steady state), the vacuum is removed from the roller because the signatures will be guided by grippers and will then take a path through the printing press for further processing.

Abstract: A gripper deceleration cross folder device having a rotatably mounted jaw cylinder including a plurality of jaw devices, a rotatably mounted gripper decelerator drum forming a nip with the jaw cylinder, and a plurality of gripper decelerator devices mounted on the gripper decelerator drum, each gripper decelerator for gripping and decelerating one of a plurality of signatures at a time. A respective tucking device corresponding to each of the plurality of gripper decelerator devices for tucking each one of the signatures into a corresponding one of the plurality of jaw devices after the decelerating of the signature so as to fold the signature.

Abstract: In a combination of a rotary printing press having a drive, and a device for cutting a web into sections, the device is disposed downline from the rotary printing press in travel direction of a web therethrough and includes a cutting station having a drive dependent upon the drive of the rotary printing press; a pre-folding station disposed upline of the cutting station and connected to the drive of the cutting station, the pre-folding station including, for the web, at least one register-adjusting roller, at least one pull roller and at least one funnel for folding the web, and the cutting station including a cut-register sensor; and a structure defining a horizontal travel plane for the folded web, the horizontal travel plane extending from the pre-folding station to at least a location upline and adjacent the cut-register sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming books comprising pages of coated paper interspersed with pages of newsprint paper.