Abstract: A system for gathering printed products includes a transport device and feed devices for the printed products, which form a gathering line, wherein the transport device has receiving points for the printed products located at regular intervals on a revolving traction apparatus. A sensor, which monitors the functionality of the receiving points along the transport line to detect defects, is connected to a control unit, which determines the feed of the printed products to the receiving points of the transport device.

Abstract: A finishing assembly suited to use in a printing system includes a plurality of finishing modules, each of which performs a finishing function. The plurality of finishing modules includes a compiler module which compiles sheets into a set of sheets and at least one stacker module, downstream of the compiler module, which is configured for receiving compiled sets of sheets compiled by the compiler module and stacking a plurality of the sets of sheets into a stack. Optionally, at least one sheet processing module is intermediate the compiler module and the stacker module and receives a compiled set of sheets compiled by the compiler module and processes the compiled set of sheets.

Abstract: With an arrangement for the timed processing of a book block, consisting of at least one printed sheet or at least one signature, a transfer device (10) is arranged in-between the feed devices for the book blocks (61) and the device for the further conveying of such a book block, wherein this transfer device supplies the book blocks to at least one other processing station (90). The transfer device is provided with means (16, 17) for taking over or clamping in (32) the book block (61), wherein this transfer device executes at least one rotary or quasi-rotary translation movement. The translation device itself operates in at least two spatial dimensions for the transfer of the book block, wherein the translation movement occurs with a uniform or a changeable movement speed. The center axis (12) for the translation device occupies an optional position in space, relative to the further processing station.

Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of proof sheets from a sheet-processing machine has at least one sheet catcher provided with a gripper device. The gripper draws the sheet out of the stacking region. A lower sheet catcher is first moved into the stacking region above the sheet stack. Following a deposition of at least one proof sheet, the sheet is gripped with the gripper device, and following sheets are held back with an upper sheet catcher. Then the proof sheet is drawn out of the stacking region by moving the lower sheet catcher and the gripper device back.

Abstract: A sheet feeder for supplying a conveying device with folded signatures from a stack of folded signatures, the sheet feeder including a gripper drum. The gripper drum includes at least one gripper to individually remove respective signatures and a stopping device. The stopping device including a stop element to stop and align the signatures with the fold of the signatures in a forward direction. The sheet feeder includes an opening device to open the individual signatures, to deposit the signatures on the conveying device, and to reverse the forward direction of the signatures. The sheet feeder includes a delay element moving in the same direction as the gripper drum and at a conveying speed less than the gripper drum speed. A press-on device to press the signatures released by the gripper against the delay element and to slow down the individual signatures prior to the signatures hitting the stop element.

Abstract: An apparatus for gathering and/or assembling print products or supplements comprises a conveying section on a conveyor, along which feeding devices for supplying different types of print products are arranged. The feeding devices are driven with synchronous timing and are connected by respectively one drive to the conveyor. The conveyor and at least one feeding device are driven separately. A first measuring device is detects the position of a print product conveyed on a conveying section of the conveying track. A second measuring device is detects the position of a different print product located on a feed conveyor of one of the feeding devices. The measuring devices are connected to a control unit with computing capacity that is arranged to control the drives of the feeding devices.

Abstract: Signatures are successively conveyed one after another by a conveying system from a printing press to a stack-forming device, in which the signatures are separated into stacks by a separating device. A remaining number of non-stacked signatures of a current production is counted with a counting device. The separating device separates the remaining number of signatures of the current production into standard stacks of a varying length between a minimum length and a maximum length based on the number of the counted remaining signatures.

Abstract: A collecting device for forming a printed product includes a conveyor and a plurality of printed material delivery devices, the plurality of printed material delivery devices including a first delivery device for first printed materials and a second delivery device for second printed materials. A first transfer device is assigned to the first delivery device and delivering the first printed materials to the conveyor and a second transfer device assigned to the second delivery device and delivering the second printed materials to be collected with the first printed materials on the conveyor. Each of the first and second transfer devices have printed material buffer positions between the respective first and second delivery devices and the conveyor, which permit advantageous reduction in the amount of waste.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying sheet material along a feed path. The transport system includes an electro-dynamic propulsion system for moving sheet material, or a stacked collation of sheet material, along a support deck which defines the feed path. More specifically, the electro-dynamic propulsion system includes at least one guideway and a ferromagnetic element disposed internally of the guideway. The guideway includes a magnetic coil to produce a variable magnetic field. By varying the flux density and polarity of the magnetic field the ferromagnetic element may be propelled within the guideway. An abutment member is coupled to the ferromagnetic element, extends through the elongate opening of the support deck and engages an edge of sheet material. A processor is operative to control the electro-dynamic propulsion system and, accordingly, the rate of travel and position of the sheet material along the feed path.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inscribing folded printed products (12) having a first product part (14) and a second product part (16) joined together by a fold (18). The printed products (12) are conveyed by a conveyor device (22), with the fold (18) astride receiving saddles (26) disposed transversely to the direction of conveyance (F), through an inscribing section (30) to which a inscribing station (60) is assigned. For the inscribing of an outer side (56) of the first product part (14) disposed in leading arrangement in the direction of conveyance (F), a region (66) of the outer side (56) comes into contact with a fixed support surface (58) assigned to the inscribing section (30) and is inscribed by the inscribing station (60).

Abstract: Folded printed products (6) are supplied with trailing fold-edges (6.3) from above towards a clamping gap (1) and are pushed out of the clamping gap (1), in order to be deposited on, for example, saddle-like supports (7). As soon as the leading edge of each printed product (6) exits from the clamping gap (1), the printed product (6) is opened by two printed product parts (6.1 and 6.2) being separated from each other, and the opened printed products are positioned above the support (7). Gripper elements (11) are provided for gripping the trailing fold-edge (6.3) of each printed product (6), before it exits the clamping gap (1), thus preventing a free fall of the printed products (6) onto the support (7) when the trailing fold-edge (6.3) exits the clamping gap (1). The gripper elements (11) grip and guide the printed products towards the support (7). If a plurality of supports (7) is provided, and these are conveyed continuously and in succession past, below the stationary clamping gap (1), the fold-edges (6.

Abstract: A saddle stitching device including a saddle-back conveyor having a first printed product location and a second printed product location adjacent the first printed product location, a first stitcher adjacent the conveyor and driven by a first motor, and a second stitcher adjacent the conveyor and driven by a second motor.

Abstract: According to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a stitching device comprises a stitcher and a conveyor for moving unbound printed products past the stitcher for stitching. According to a feature of the present invention, the conveyor includes a timing belt having a plurality of pushing elements for engaging and moving the unbound printed products past the stitcher.

Abstract: A gatherer stitcher includes an endless gatherer chain for gathering and transporting folded sheets astride the chain. The gatherer chain has chain roof segments and driving elements being adjustable in position. In an inactive position, a driving element that can be folded forms part of the roof of the gatherer chain and, in another, active position, projects out of the roof of the gatherer chain transversely relative to the conveying direction. The driving element can be driven by a control device. A method for adapting the endless gatherer chain to a format of a product is also provided.

Abstract: A method of printing content on a print medium using a mobile telecommunications device is disclosed. Upon activation by an information link on the mobile telecommunication device, a request for the content is received at a server. The content is then transferred to the mobile telecommunications device. The mobile telecommunications device prints the content on the print medium using a printer of the mobile telecommunications device.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and depositing a signature onto a transporting device includes a continuously rotating gripper cylinder having a first shaft and carrying at least one signature. First and second opening cylinders are arranged below the gripper cylinder to open the signature and deposit the opened signature onto the transporting device. The first and second opening cylinders each have a second and third shafts, respectively, extending substantially parallel to the first shaft. The first and second opening cylinders each have a peripheral section, the peripheral section of the first opening cylinder engaging in a region of rotation of the gripper cylinder to grip a signature such that the signature can be released again. The first opening cylinder includes a guide element to aid in conveying the signature.

Abstract: A method of retrieving information using a mobile telecommunications device is disclosed. The method starts by reading a print media identifier encoded on the print medium using a sensor module of the mobile telecommunications device. Information linked to the print media identifier and the mobile telecommunications device is then retrieved from a database.

Abstract: Methods and systems employing belt conveyors adapted to feed signatures to a collating conveyor and a control system that regulates the operation of the belt conveyors are provided. The control system is adapted to regulate the speed of the belt conveyors in response to the speed of the collating conveyor, for example, proportional to the speed of the collating conveyor, to minimize or eliminate signature misfeeds. The control system may implement a mathematical algorithm that defines a relationship between the collating conveyor speed and the belt conveyor speeds. The systems and methods may include ancillary feeding devices such as joggers and speeder wheels to optimize the transfer of signatures.

Abstract: A collector for stacking sheets of paper, plastics, and cardboard has a feeding device and a tray downstream of the feeding device in the feeding direction. The tray is arranged in a lowered position relative to the feeding device. A stop is provided downstream of the tray. At least one transport roll transports sheets individually from the feeding device onto the tray to form a stack. An adjusting element is arranged in an area where the feeding device and the tray adjoin, wherein the adjusting element is adjustable between a lowered rest position and a position of use lifted relative to the rest position. In the position of use, the adjusting element lifts a trail end of a first sheet that has reached the tray such that a following second sheet is moved into a position underneath the trail end of the first sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame, a rotatable first shaft, wherein the first shaft includes a first cam, a rotatable second shaft, an item gripper connected to the second shaft by a connection including a link and an offset shaft rotatably connected to the link, and a linkage. The link is adapted to rotate with the second shaft for pivoting the offset shaft about the second shaft. The item gripper includes jaws adapted to open and close when the offset shaft is axially rotated relative to the link. The linkage connects the first cam on the first shaft to a rider on the offset shaft. The linkage includes a second having a stepped surface for a stepped movement of the rider along the stepped surface to open the jaws during a predetermined angular movement of the offset shaft about the center axis of the second shaft.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing and printing print job portions. The method includes providing an output related attribute, and using the attribute to divide a portion of one or more print jobs into a first section (including a first print output stack) and a second section (including a second print output stack). When the portion of the one or more print jobs is printed, an output stack processing instruction is used to separate the first output stack from the second print output stack along a boundary defined by the instruction.

Abstract: A method and a device for further processing of sheets to produce multi-page printed products, several initial sheets (19) are each folded into a folded sheet (20) and subsequently collated one on top of the other such that the fold areas lie at the top and the folded sheets (20) open downwardly. A grooved line (30) is formed in each initial sheet (19) before folding, around which grooved line (30) the initial sheet (19) is subsequently folded, the depth and the width of the grooved line (30) being increased, initial sheet (19) by initial sheet (19), by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus is provided for collating or inserting inserts. The sheet handling apparatus has a raceway adapted to transport sets of inserts at a raceway transport rate. An insert feed line is provided adapted to feed individual inserts to the sets of inserts on the raceway at the raceway transport rate. The insert feed line has a Singulater adapted to separate the individual inserts from bundles of inserts at a separation rate. The separation rate may be varied to allow the insert feed line to feed the individual inserts to the sets of inserts on the raceway at the raceway transport rate.

Abstract: A method of delivering signatures to a finishing line includes generating an assembly order. The assembly order is provided to a controller that is operatively associated with a feeder that comprises a print-on-demand printer. Paper is provided to the print-on-demand printer. The controller controls printing on a signature with the print-on-demand printer according to the assembly order. The controller controls feeding the signature to a first pocket on the finishing line and delivering the signature from the first pocket to the finishing line according to the assembly order. The controller controls printing on an additional signature with the print-on-demand printer according to the assembly order. The controller controls feeding the additional signature to the first pocket, and delivering the additional signature from the first pocket to the finishing line according to the assembly order.

Abstract: A system for printing a reminder list on a print medium is disclosed. The system includes a mobile telecommunications device having a printer module to print the reminder list on the print medium and a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium.

Abstract: A paper sheet processing apparatus includes a plurality of bundling devices, and a plurality of chute devices which temporarily hold bundles, which are bundled by the bundling devices. A second transfer conveyor, which is slower than a first transfer conveyor, is disposed on a downstream side of the first conveyor. A transmission sensor, which detects abnormality in length of the bundle, is provide along the second conveyor. The distance from a release position of the bundle from the chute device, which is located on a most downstream side, to a terminal end of the first conveyor and the length of the second conveyor are set such that a time until the bundle, which is released from the most downstream chute device, is transferred onto the second conveyor is longer than at least a time until the bundle, which is transferred from the first conveyor, passes through the second conveyor.

Abstract: A method of printing content on a print medium using a mobile telecommunications device is disclosed. When the print medium is inserted into a media feed path of the mobile telecommunications device, a print media identifier read from the print medium using a sensor module of the mobile telecommunications device. The content is then printed on the print medium using a printer module of the mobile telecommunications device, and the content is also stored in a database using a server in communication with the mobile telecommunications device. This allows the content to be retrieved from the database using the print media identifier.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing printed products conveyed along a conveying path includes an adjustable positioning device presenting an adjustable guide curve arranged to adjust a position of the printed products along the conveying path.

Abstract: A method for producing multi-part print products includes supplying a folded main print product fold first to respectively one pouch of successively following pouches on a conveying device for a production line that includes a plurality of feeders. The folded main print product has front and rear legs extending from the fold. The rear leg has a frontal edge region that is penetrable by a movable clamping part. The method further includes moving the front and rear legs apart by penetrating the frontal edge region of the rear leg with the movable clamping part to clamp the front leg against a pouch wall. At least one partial print product is inserted into the main print product when the front and rear legs are moved apart to accommodate partial print products side-by-side.

Abstract: The invention provides a gatherer stitcher having at least one stitching station (1) for stitching sheets, the stitching station being arranged on a stitching carriage that can move in the longitudinal direction (X) of a gatherer chain during the stitching operation and at least one ejector unit being provided after the stitching station in the transport direction of the sheets in order to eject the sheets, to provide a gatherer stitcher exhibiting a higher operational reliability as compared with the prior art. According to the invention, this is achieved in that at least one acceleration and/or braking unit (4) for accelerating and/or braking the sheets in the longitudinal direction (X) toward the ejector unit is arranged between the stitching carriage and the ejector unit.

Abstract: A stitching apparatus for manufacturing printed products, in particular in a gathering and stitching machine, includes a stitching carriage, at least one stitching head for shaping and driving a staple into a stack of signatures, and at least one clinch box for closing the staple driven through the signatures. An actuating device vertically displaces the stitching head for adaptation of the stitching apparatus to a thickness of the stack of signatures. A gathering and stitching machine having a stitching apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Inserting systems and methods are provided for use in sheet processing. The inserting systems and methods provide improved handling of sheet articles during processing. Sheet articles can be advantageously and efficiently advanced in separate stacks and later combined for insertion into an envelope. For insertion into an envelope, the mouth of the envelope can be selectively variably opened depending upon the amount of insertion material to go into the envelope where the amount an envelope is to be opened can be based upon processing or job information. Sheet articles can be registered and aligned to facilitate processing efficiencies. Sheet articles with creases, such as envelopes with mouth flaps, can be processed through a roller system to bend the crease so that the flap of the envelope assumes a desired position for subsequent processing. Additionally, sheet articles can be processed through a staging station with increased capacity for sheet processing.

Abstract: In an installation and a method for the lifting of folded printed products (1) from a conveyor, wherein the printed products (1) are transported straddled across a saddle (2), the saddle (2) includes a counter tool (4) for processing of printed products (1) straddled across the saddle (2). Therein a means of lifting (5) extends alongside and parallel to the saddle (2) and is staggered at right angles to a support shoulder (3)of the saddle (2) as well as to the counter tool. As the means of lifting, the support shoulder (3) and in particular the counter tools are not situated in line but staggered, an unrestricted positioning of binding points along the support shoulder (3) is possible. There is no need to consider the position of lifting tappets or levers for the lifting of the printed products in the support shoulder (3).

Abstract: A gatherer stitcher for brochures has a stitching machine, a delivery station that receives brochures step-by-step during operation, a trimming apparatus, and transport components (brochure ejector, trimmer feed) that transport the brochures from the delivery station to the trimming apparatus during operation. Sensors assigned to the stitching machine and the transport components output signals defining their phase position, and a control system processes the signals. One of the transport components (brochure ejector; trimmer feed) is activated in such a way that the brochures assume a correct position in the trimming apparatus at a predetermined phase angle of the stitching machine, without regard to their width. Changeover times in the event of job changes required when the brochure width changes are shortened.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method and an apparatus for gathering flat printed products by selecting a single printed product from each of a multitude of collections of identical printed products and conveying the selected printed products towards a collecting conveyor (10), which runs along a generally straight line in a first direction (11).

Abstract: An inserter includes a hopper section including a plurality of hoppers for delivering inserts and a conveyor carrying a plurality of folded printed products, the printed products receiving at least one insert from the hopper section. A closure device applies a sealing element to an edge of one of the plurality of printed products containing the at least one insert. A newspaper and method are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for staging and processing documents including sheet articles, particularly for processing of sheet articles for mail processing. Different sets of pusher members for advancing document sets along a conveying path are used within the sheet processing machine. The action of the different sets of pusher members within the staging station permits a larger window and location to feed document sets into the staging station to increase processing efficiency.

Abstract: During the gathering process, an individual signature is respectively withdrawn from several collections of identical signatures, wherein the various decollated signatures are delivered to a collecting conveyor in order to form stacks.

Abstract: A gathering device for forming a plurality of printed products includes a transfer device having a plurality of grippers. A first sheet material feeder delivers first sheet material to the plurality of grippers and a second sheet material feeder delivers second sheet material to the plurality of grippers, the second sheet material feeder being downstream of the first sheet material feeder. A conveyor receives the first or second sheet material from the grippers. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A saddle stitching device including a saddle-back conveyor having a first printed product location and a second printed product location adjacent the first printed product location, a first stitcher adjacent the conveyor and driven by a first motor, and a second stitcher adjacent the conveyor and driven by a second motor.

Abstract: A transport and alignment system is provided for handling stacked sheet material on a support deck including first and second belts each having a portion thereof disposed parallel to the support deck. Each of the belts includes a plurality of spaced-apart fingers which engage the edges of the stacked sheet material and define a pocket therebetween. The transport and alignment system further includes a drive mechanism for independently driving the first and second belts to effect concurrent and relative motion of the fingers. Concurrent motion of the fingers transports the stacked sheet material along the support deck while relative motion of the fingers opposed edges of the stacked sheets of material. The transport and alignment system is described in the context of a stitcher and chassis module of a mailpiece inserter.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting sheets into sets, having a main supply station (16) and at least two insert supply stations (17-20). A first one of the insert supply stations (17-19) is arranged for supplying sheets to a first position on a conveyor track (5) and a second one of the insert supply stations (18-20) is arranged for supplying sheets to a second position on the conveyor track (5) downstream of the first position on the conveyor track (5). The insert supply stations (17-20) each comprise a stacking position (46) arranged for collecting sheets, received piece by piece, into a stacked set and for feeding the set. At least the sheet supply track (6, 53-57) of the second insert supply station is provided with a waiting position, which is arranged for receiving a set coming from the stacking position (46) and holding the received set in readiness while in the stacking position (46) a next set (2) is being collected.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printed product formed from a plurality of printed sheets which are printed sequentially for processing, wherein the printed products each comprise at least one printed sheet and an additional sheet which are stacked together in a stacking apparatus. The method includes feeding the additional sheet to the at least one printed sheet on a conveying path of a first conveying apparatus to the stacking apparatus.

Abstract: A signature transport device includes a first conveyor moving a first signature and a second signature in a first direction. A signature lifting device removes the first signature from the first conveyor and a gripper removes the first signature from the signature lifting device at a first location. The signature lifting device has an inhibit position where the second signature follows a path, the path bypassing the first location so that the gripper bypasses the second signature. The present invention also provides for a method for transporting signatures.

Abstract: In order to produce final printed products (14) in the same compartment (12), a first product for insertion (22) is inserted into a first folded printed product (10), and a second product for insertion (28) is inserted into a second folded printed product (24). The printed products (10, 24) are displaced in the direction of the folds (16), and as a result each of the printed products (10, 24) has an edge section (26) projecting beyond the other printed product. This permits fault-free, simple access to each of the printed products (10, 24) in order to open and insert the products for insertion (22, 28).

Abstract: A collecting device for forming a printed product includes a conveyor and a plurality of printed material delivery devices, the plurality of printed material delivery devices including a first delivery device for first printed materials and a second delivery device for second printed materials. A first transfer device is assigned to the first delivery device and delivering the first printed materials to the conveyor and a second transfer device assigned to the second delivery device and delivering the second printed materials to be collected with the first printed materials on the conveyor. Each of the first and second transfer devices have printed material buffer positions between the respective first and second delivery devices and the conveyor, which permit advantageous reduction in the amount of waste.

Abstract: A driver element is provided for an endless saddle chain in a saddle line, wherein the saddle chain includes saddle segments and receiver segments, with the saddle segments defining a substantially saddle-shaped roof of the saddle chain. The driver element is arranged to be detachably fastened without tools to a respective one of the receiver segments. The driver element includes two driving flaps that are pre-tensioned against each other.

Abstract: Sheet processing systems and methods are provided, including systems and methods for advancing and organizing sheets. System can include an alignment mechanism having an alignment plate, a first advancing mechanism configured to individually advance each sheet of a series of sheets in a first direction from a lower feeder to the alignment mechanism, a second advancing mechanism configured to individually advance each sheet of the series of sheets in a second direction from the alignment mechanism to an accumulator, such that the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, a sensor configured to read an identification code of each sheet of the series of sheets, and a processor configured to control operation of the first and second advancing mechanisms based on sensor readings of the identification codes.

Abstract: A modular flexible media handling apparatus includes an input module (28) through which flexible media enters the apparatus, at least one main path module (28, 30, 32, 34) through which flexible media passes along a main path (24), at least one lookaside module (36, 38) through which flexible media selectively passes along a lookaside path, and an output module (34) in which flexible media from the lookaside path and main path are merged.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for gathering sheets (3) with feeder stations (15) that are arranged in a row and consist of a magazine (20) for respectively accommodating a stack (4) of identical sheets, a separating device (50) that tilts an exposed edge region (3b) of the respective bottom sheet away from the stack (4) and a transport device (30) that withdraws the sheet from the stack parallel to the longitudinal direction of the edge region, and with a collecting conveyor (10) that features pushers (13) for the gathered stacks (2).