Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus and method for attaching a cover to an assembly of plural sheets. Exemplary embodiments include first and second clamping components displaceable relative to one another, wherein the first and second clamping components define a first dimension of a sheet receiving volume, and wherein a second dimension of the sheet receiving volume is defined by a sheet stop and a first plane that is orthogonal to the first and second clamping components; and a roller drive for displacing a first roller along the first plane and exerting a force perpendicular to the first plane in a direction toward the sheet receiving volume.

Abstract: A device (19) for transferring a case (1, 1.1, 1.2) that is assembled from pasteboard and/or cardboard (3) and a cloth (2) from a roll-down apparatus (16) that is composed of a cloth cylinder (11) and at least one pressing roller (15) and interconnects the glued cloth (2) and the blanks (3) to a handover point (31), from which the case (2) can be fed in a cyclic fashion to a turn-in and pressing device (30) for turning in protruding edges of the cloth. The device has a transport element (20) that can be moved forward and backward and non-positively takes hold of the case (1, 1.1, 1.2) exiting the roll-down apparatus (16) during an essentially synchronous movement. The device (19) features a drive unit (22, 23, 23a) that can be acted upon with a control profile (50.1, 50.2) that is variable in dependence on the format height referred to the transport direction, wherein a defined end position (21a) of the transport element (20) at the handover point (31) and a changing transport stroke are realized.

Abstract: A device for stitching collated printed products, in particular signatures, with staples, includes a stitching head base body, a former, a clincher, a staple support and a driver. The former has a supporting projection and a control projection. The supporting projection extends beyond a contour of the control projection. A saddle stitcher having a stitching device is also provided.

Abstract: A book finishing station configured to process a media sheet includes a support apparatus, a clamping apparatus, and a heating element. The clamping apparatus is spaced from the support apparatus. During use, a media sheet is positioned between the support apparatus and the clamping apparatus, and the clamping apparatus is configured to move toward the support apparatus to clamp the media sheet between the support apparatus and the clamping apparatus. The heating element is coupled with one of the support apparatus and the clamping apparatus and is configured to apply heat to the media sheet near a fold line defined by the media sheet.

Abstract: An arrangement for gathering and transporting print products, deposited straddling on a conveying device, includes a first conveying device including a first double chain having first and second strands and a second conveying device including a second double chain having first and second strands. A transfer region is provided in which the print products are transferred from the first conveying device to the second conveying device. The first and second double chains overlap in the transfer region such that the print products are transported in the transfer region with the aid of one strand on the first double chain and one strand on the second double chain.

Abstract: A device for gathering signatures, positioned straddling, into printed products such as newspapers, magazines, and brochures includes a conveying arrangement that has a saddle-shaped gathering section, and at least one signature feeders. The at least one signature feeder is arranged along the gathering section and are respectively controlled via a motor with the same or changeable angle of rotation and are driven cycle-synchronously with the conveying arrangement. For this, the signature feeders are connected detachably to a machine frame that accommodates the conveying arrangement.

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: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that can perform stable sheet conveyance, regardless of whether a sheet processing apparatus is connected thereto. The image forming apparatus can be connected to a sheet processing apparatus that performs post processing on each conveyed sheet. The image forming apparatus includes: a pair of discharge rollers that are located at the discharge outlet of the image forming main body for sheet conveyance, and have rotational members arranged so as to alternately face both sides of each sheet in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction; and an upper discharge roller holding member that changes the center distance between the discharge rollers from a first center distance observed when the sheet processing apparatus is not connected to the image forming main body to a second center distance observed when the sheet processing apparatus is connected to the image forming main body to convey a sheet to the sheet processing apparatus.

Abstract: To optimize the effort involved when converting a gatherer stitcher which transports initially continuously transported brochures step by step into a stitching station and subsequently into an output station, sensors are assigned to machine components affected by geometrical parameters that are relevant to the process when there is a change of job order and to a reference component. The sensors emit signals defining the phase positions of the machine components, and a controller processing the signals coordinates the phase positions with at least one of the parameters in such a way that the brochures arrive in the output station in a center-oriented manner.

Abstract: A binding apparatus for printed sheets includes a carrying-in conveyor part; a reverse conveyor part contiguous to the carrying-in conveyor part; an accumulating part; and a binding part. A branch part and a holding part are provided at a junction of an upper conveyor and a lower conveyor of the reverse conveyor part so as to provide the functions of taking out non-defective printed sheets and defective printed sheets and eliminating a space at a junction of the upper conveyor and the lower conveyor, thereby simplifying the conveyor device.

Abstract: A paper sheet processing device (1) for processing paper sheets while carrying the paper sheets, comprising a device body (10), a carrier means (2) for carrying the paper sheets one by one, a carrier driving means for driving said carrier means, processing device parts (4A, 4B, 4C) which are installed in a carrying route (20) formed of the carrier means and which process the paper sheets, and processing driving means for driving the processing device parts. The device is characterized in that the processing device parts are installed detachably from the device body.

Abstract: A method for producing bound books, magazines or brochures by gathering printed sheets into non-bound book blocks along a conveying section that is supplied by at least one sheet feeder includes separating the lowest printed sheet from a stack of printed sheets by lifting one edge region of the lowest printed sheet from the bottom of the printed sheet stack, withdrawing the separated lowest printed sheet with the aid of a conveying element from the remaining sheet stack by gripping the separated edge region with the conveying element, and subsequently withdrawing the separated lowest printed sheet in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the edge region of the remaining sheet stack. The apparatus includes a separating device that lifts up the printed sheet at the stack front and a conveying element that pulls the printed sheet from the stack where both are arranged jointly on a removal unit.

Abstract: A wall mounted printer comprising a main chassis, a pivoting media tray disposed on a front upper portion of the main chassis, a removable collection tray disposed at the base of the main chassis for receiving printed and bound media exiting from the main chassis, a printhead unit disposed within the main chassis, and a binding assembly disposed within the main chassis downstream of a printing zone of the printhead unit, the binding assembly comprising a support chassis downstream of a printing zone of the printer, the support chassis defining a glue application and binding zone in which printed sheets of media are received in a feed direction; and an elongate glue applicator mounted on the chassis and positioned substantially at right angles to said feed direction, the applicator being displaceable towards and away from the sheets of media to apply a strip of glue to a transverse edge of each of said consecutive sheets of media.

Abstract: A conveyance device for the pressing of glued spines of a book block for books, in which the book blocks, with their spines directed downward, pass through a pressing section that reduces the spine swell. The book blocks, gripped between working pieces of revolving traction elements, pass through the pressing section, which acts on the sidepieces of the book spine.

Abstract: A wire stitching machine and a method for wire-stitching print products with the wire-stitching machine. At least one stitching head is arranged to move along with a respective print product to be stitched during a stitching operation. A control device is arranged to control the stitching head so that the stitching head is displaced relative to the print product following placement of a first staple by the stitching head in a print product to drive in at least one second staple at a distance to the first staple.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing a print article including at least one printed product having inside and outside folded edges. The printed products are transported on a saddle-shaped conveying section of a conveying track, with the printed product straddling the conveying section. The printed product is wire-stitched along the outside folded edge thereof so that pre-formed wire sections point toward the inside folded edge. The outside folded edge of a protective signature is glued to the inside folded edge of the printed product to form a combined article.

Abstract: A printing arrangement includes a driving station configured to drive print media along a path. An adhesive application station is arranged to be in alignment with the path so as to apply adhesive to the print media. A printing station is arranged to be in alignment with the path so as to print upon the print media. The adhesive application station is located between the driving station and the printing station so that adhesive is applied to the print media prior to printing.

Abstract: A stapler is incorporated in a finishing device associated with a document creating apparatus. The stapler has a control circuit with a memory and is driven by a variably powered motor. An end user inputs the job parameter information at the control panel of the document creating apparatus for each different set of documents to be reproduced and stapled. In response thereto, the control panel sends a particular variable start pulse signal to the stapler control circuit. The control circuit senses the duration of the variable start pulse. Based upon the duration of the variable start pulse signal, the control circuit selects the motion control profile to be provided to the stapler motor from the various profiles stored in the memory of the control circuit.

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 method for producing a document suitable for mailing to a recipient including the steps of determining preferences of the mail recipient and compiling a selection of messages relating to recipient preferences in a format accommodating variable data printing. The compilation of messages is printed on sheets of material which are arranged to form a multi-sheet stack. The stack is then bound along an edge to produce a personalized information package such as a catalog, coupon booklet, brochure or magazine suitable for mailing. The binding step may be performed by deformation binding to eliminate the use of consumable binding materials such as glue, staples, clips, etc.

Abstract: A folded back portion flattening device includes a gripper and a presser. The gripper grips a sheet bundle formed into a booklet with the folded back portion protruding from the gripper. The presser presses the folded back portion of the sheet bundle gripped by the gripper, and includes pressing rollers which have pressing rotational surfaces and which are disposed along the folded back portion. The pressing rotational surfaces press the folded back portion. The pressing rollers are disposed so that the rotational pressing surface of a second pressing roller, which presses the folded back portion after the rotational pressing surface of a first pressing roller has pressed the folded back portion, presses deeper into an edge of the sheet bundle than the rotational pressing surface of the first pressing roller. At least one of the gripper and presser is movable in a direction parallel to the folded back portion.

Abstract: A gatherer stitcher having a gatherer chain configuration includes roof segments forming a ridge region and drivers having respective stop surfaces and being mounted so as to be adjustable between an operating position and a position pivotable away therefrom. An auxiliary driver is restricted to the ridge region and carried by a respective roof segment directly adjacent the stop surfaces. The auxiliary driver, in the operating position of the adjustable driver, forms a combined stop surface together with the adjustable driver.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus includes first and second conveying paths. The first conveying path is configured to receive a sheet from a device connected at an upstream side in a sheet conveying direction so as to transfer the sheet to a device connected at a downstream side in the sheet conveying direction. The second conveying path intersects with the first conveying path. A controller switches between a first operation mode and a second operation mode. In the first operation mode, the sheet is conveyed along the first conveying path, and in the second operation mode, the sheet is conveyed along the second conveying path. The controller controls a sheet conveying operation in the first operation mode or the second operation mode in accordance with the state of the sheet on the second conveying path.

Abstract: A sheet output apparatus includes a sheet set generating unit, an information obtaining unit, a decision unit, an output unit, and a control unit. The sheet set generating unit generates a set of sheets by stapling plural sheets. The information obtaining unit obtains image forming information with respect to each of the plural sheets constituting the set of sheets. The decision unit decides whether a pair of sheets including two sheets in which the images formed on the sheets face each other exists or not in the plural sheets. The output unit comes into contact with at least one of the uppermost sheet and the lowermost sheet in the set of sheets to apply a force to the sheet, and outputs the set of sheets in the output direction. The control unit controls the output unit to output the set of sheets.

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 saddle stitcher for producing personalized saddle stitched brochures includes a stitching station, at least two folded sheet feeders for the feeding of nonpersonalized folded sheets, an assembly chain, a drive system, and at least two card gluers arranged along the assembly chain which glue personalized printed matter onto the nonpersonalized folded sheets.

Abstract: A bookbinding machine for processing inner books includes a transport system with a multiplicity of inner-book clamps continually movable in a closed continuous track. Each of the inner book clamps is articulated to a circulating roller chain and has a rear-edge stop for aligning the inner books. The bookbinding machine includes workstations that perform positionally accurate operations on the inner books including the application of glue, the application of reinforcement or gauze sections, the application of jackets, binding with wire stitches, the introduction of utilisation features (e.g. punched holes, tear-off perforations, etc.) and the like. The transport system of the inner-book clamps and at least one workstation are driven independently of one another. A measuring system for positional detection of the inner-book clamps or of the inner books is provided in proximity to the independently driven workstation.

Abstract: A folded back portion flattening device includes a gripper and a presser. The gripper grips a sheet bundle formed into a booklet with the folded back portion protruding from the gripper. The presser presses the folded back portion of the sheet bundle gripped by the gripper, and includes pressing rollers which have pressing rotational surfaces and which are disposed along the folded back portion. The pressing rotational surfaces press the folded back portion. The pressing rollers are disposed so that the rotational pressing surface of a second pressing roller, which presses the folded back portion after the rotational pressing surface of a first pressing roller has pressed the folded back portion, presses deeper into an edge of the sheet bundle than the rotational pressing surface of the first pressing roller. At least one of the gripper and presser is movable in a direction parallel to the folded back portion.

Abstract: A guide apparatus for applying a cover to a bound stack of sheets, including a base unit which defines a book receiving surface and a first alignment member having a lower cover stop disposed along a reference line, and a first upper cover stop also disposed along the first reference line. A first book stop is included defining a stack engaging surface which is positioned intermediate the cover engaging surfaces of the first upper and lower cover stops and with said stack engaging surface extending a distance past said first reference line towards the book receiving surface. The first upper and lower cover stops are positioned to engage top and bottom cover sections of the cover, with the stack engaging surface being positioned to contact the edge of the stack so as to precisely align the stack with respect to the top and bottom cover sections in one direction.

Abstract: A method and machine for stitching multipart printing products by means of wire staples (8, 26), in which the products (2, 22) are transported forwards continuously by a conveyer (4, 19, 23) and a wire staple (8, 26) is driven in by a stitching head (5, 25) with a displaceably guided staple-driver, at least one wire staple (8, 26) is driven, during the movement conveying the product (2, 22), into the product (2, 22), transversely to the direction of conveyance, by a stitching head (5, 25) positioned in a stationary manner. The staple-driver of the stitching head (5, 25) drives in the wire staple (8, 26) at such high speed that the wire staple (8, 26) penetrates the product (2, 22) substantially perpendicularly.

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: A sheet folding and trimming apparatus for a booklet maker or bookbinder includes a folding apparatus and a sheetwise trimming apparatus configured to trim the folded sheet from the folding apparatus on three unfolded sides of the sheet in a sheetwise manner. The location of the sheet folder prior to the sheet trimmer allows the use of a relatively imprecise and inexpensive folding apparatus, such as a buckle folder, and adjusts for the imprecision of the fold by trimming the folded sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting, stitching and/or cutting printed products includes an endless collector chain and feeders arranged one behind the other and above the collector chain for placing the printed products on the collector chain, and a stitching device for stitching or stapling the printed products, as well as a delivery unit for removing the printed products at the conveying end of the collector chain and for supplying the printed products to further processing. The apparatus also includes a drive unit which includes at least one servo drive which is controlled by a drive connected to the collector chain through a signal line in a timed synchronous manner and which drives additional units of the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for binding sheets into a bound text body includes a non-linear sheet cutter configured to cut sheets to form pairs of sheets each sheet in the pair having a non-linear edge. A sheet collector forms a text body from the pairs of sheets with the non-linear edges of the sheets adjacent one another and an adhesive applicator applies adhesive to the non-linear edges for binding the text body into a bound text body. The system for binding sheets increases the spinal area exposed for adhesive penetration on a text body to increase the binding strength of the bound text body.

Abstract: A wire-stitching apparatus for producing wire-stitched print items includes a conveying arrangement for supplying folded, printed products in a straddling position; a wire-stitching unit installed at an adjustable distance above the conveying arrangement and including a bending device; at least one wire-stitching aggregate; and a stitching carriage for moving the at least one wire-stitching aggregate back and forth along a path. The wire-stitching aggregate includes a bender for forming legs of a staple and a driver for pushing the staple legs through the printed products. At least one wire feed feeds wire to the one wire-stitching aggregate at a stitching wire length. At least one adjustable wire-cutting device for adapts a wire staple to the thickness of the printed products. A control unit measures the thickness of the printed products positioned on the conveying arrangement upstream of the wire-stitching unit, and/or processes stored data related to the printed products.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device of compact design for preparing adhesive bindings of blocks and brochures as well as to a process that can be carried out by means of a device according to the present invention, wherein it has a linear conveying system with clamping rails moving to and fro, whereby the blocks are conveyed in at least two steps. Processing operations are performed on the block during the resulting phases of movement and stop phases. The clamping rails have different shapes at the contact surface toward the block depending on the requirement of the stations fed by them. The complete unit makes possible the universal production of commemorative volumes, brochures and folded brochures and comprises for this purpose the application of end papers, the folding and the application of covers. The end papers are fed flush to the finished spine after the processing of the spine.

Abstract: An automatic stapling apparatus and method is disclosed which may have a stapling mechanism moved by a stapler engaging mechanism into a stapling position in relation to a stack of sheets to be stapled, inserted through a stack insertion opening, and adapted to staple a stack of sheets up to a maximum thickness, and may comprise: a sheet stack thickness gauging apparatus adapted to move into a sheet stack thickness gauging position prior to the stapling mechanism being moved by the stapler engaging mechanism into the stapling position; the sheet stack thickness gauging apparatus being further adapted to engage any object within the insertion opening in position to be engaged by the stapler which is of a thickness greater than or equal to a pre-selected thickness; and, a safety disconnect apparatus adapted to prevent the operation of the stapler in the event that the sheet stack thickness gauging apparatus engages an object in the insertion opening in position to be engaged by the stapler which is of a thickne

Abstract: A method for trimming a single book having a front edge and two side edges includes transporting a book in a transport direction so that the front edge is parallel to the transport direction, cutting the front edge of the book using a first reciprocating knife when the front edge is parallel to the transport direction, transporting the book so that the side edges are parallel to the transport direction, and cutting the side edges using second and third reciprocating knives when the side edges are parallel to the transport direction. A single book trimming device is also provided having a conveyor device for conveying a book in a transport direction, a reciprocating front knife for trimming a front edge of the book, the front knife having a first blade edge parallel to the transport direction of the conveyor at the front knife; and at least one reciprocating side knife for trimming side edges of the book, the side knife having a second blade edge parallel to the transport direction at the side knife.

Abstract: A method for precisely aligning a product to be stapled in relation to a stapling device in a gatherer stapler, includes the steps of determining an exact position of the product to be stapled, comparing the determined position with an expected position of the product, supplying a determined positional deviation to a drive as a control variable and performing a compensatory movement by controlling at least one of respective drives of the gathering chain and of the stapling device so that the determined positional deviation is compensated for at the start of the stapling operation. A device for performing the method and a gatherer stapler are also provided.

Abstract: A binding system in an imaging system includes an accumulator in which sheet material is accumulated in respective jobs to be bound. The binding system includes a binding assembly adapted and constructed to bind the sheet material together. A scoring member is connected to the binding assembly. The scoring member is adapted and constructed to form respective score patterns in sheet material received in the accumulator. The binding assembly can include a thermally low-mass heating element and a thermally high-mass cooling element.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing book covers having a board feed for supplying cover boards and a spine insert having a covering material feed for supplying covering material, having a covering material cylinder, by means of which the supplied covering material is taken over, conveyed past a glue spreading roller and assembled with the supplied cover boards and having a folding and pressing apparatus as well as having a delivery apparatus and having a drive apparatus for the covering material feed, the board feed the covering material cylinder and the folding and pressing apparatus it is provided that at least the covering material feed the board feed and the folding and pressing apparatus are drivable in each case independently of one another. The covering material cylinder is preferably also provided with an independent drive.

Abstract: A binding assembly for a printer includes a support chassis that is mountable to a printer, downstream of a printing zone of the printer. The support chassis defines a glue application and binding zone in which printed sheets of media are received in a feed direction. An elongate glue applicator is mounted on the chassis and is positioned substantially at right angles to the feed direction. The applicator is displaceable towards and away from the sheets of media to apply a strip of glue to a transverse edge of each of said consecutive sheets of media.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for making booklets. Such structures of this type, generally, employ a saddle, a plurality of skis, and a cutting mechanism to retain and cut individual sheets of media and, subsequent, fasten the individual sheets to form the booklet.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided to easily form a cover sheet for covering a sheaf of plural sheets without burdening a user. In the apparatus which can input plural images to be formed on an identical face of the cover sheet for covering the sheaf of the plural sheets by using the input unit, information concerning a thickness of the sheaf of the plural sheets is obtained, and it is controlled that the plural images input by the input unit are disposed at an interval based on the obtained information.

Abstract: A device for a bookbinding machine for applying and pressing a cover (3) on to an inner book (2) which is continuously transported in feed direction (F) comprises a vertically-movable back pressing plate (4a,b) mounted on a support plate (7) for pressing the cover (3) on to the back, and comprises horizontally displaceable side pressing bars (5, 6) mounted in bearings on the support plate (7) and controlled by an actuating arrangement for pressing against side faces adjacent to the back, the back pressing plate (4a,b) and the side pressing bars (5, 6) being able, in a cyclical reciprocating movement (H), to be advanced synchronously with the transported inner book while pressing against same and being guided at a distance from the back in the reverse movement.

Abstract: A universal and precise stapling assembly is provided and includes (a) a moveable stapling head for driving staples at precise locations through an aligned set of sheets on any one of plural types of alignment apparatus; (b) a drive device coupled to the stapling head for moving the stapling head relative to the any one of plural types of alignment apparatus and the aligned set of aligned sheets on the any one of the plural types of alignment apparatus; (c) sensors for sensing a position of the aligned set of sheets; and (d) a programmable controller connected to the drive device, to the sensors, and to the stapling head, and including calculating capability for precisely calculating a precise staple location responsively to a type of any one of the plural types of alignment apparatus and to the secured position of the aligned set of sheets, thereby reducing staple mislocation due to a tolerance stack up from components of the stapling head and components of any one of the plural types of alignment apparatus.

Abstract: A folding/stitching apparatus (1) includes a sheet setting tray (3) having a slit (7), on which a plurality of superimposed sheets (P1) are set, a folding/stitching plate (16) provided to be freely moved between a standby position for not entering the slit (7) of the sheet setting tray (3) and a folding/stitching position for entering the slit (7) and having a staple bending portion (19) provided in an insertion tip into the slit (7), and a stapler (20) pressed into contact through the sheets (P1) with the folding/stitching plate 16 set in a folding/stitching position to stick staples into the sheets (P1). The folding/stitching plate (16) is moved between the standby position and the folding/stitching position in conjunction with an operation of a handle (12).

Abstract: A signature transport device has a conveyor for moving a plurality of signatures in a first direction, and a rotary blade device having a first blade having an edge for lifting a first signature of the plurality of signatures from the conveyor, the edge being parallel to the first direction, and the first blade rotating about an axis perpendicular to the edge. A printing press and rotary blade device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding spine inserts for a machine for manufacturing book covers having a take-off roller system for withdrawing in clocked synchronism a material web cut to width by further means from a screening roll, having a cutting device for cutting off a portion of the material web as a flexible spine insert, having means of introducing the flexible spine insert into a board feed plane and having a board feed, which pushes the spine insert and further cover boards, for synchronous feeding of the boards onto a covering material, which has been coated with glue at a glue spreading roller and fed by means of a covering material cylinder a take-off roller system is provided, which inserts the material web counter to the board feed direction into the board feed plane and with which are associated guides for guiding the advanced spine insert and means of further guiding the cut-to-length spine insert as far as into the board feed plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling personalized CDs, DVDs and other types of optical disks, magnetic media, and data storage devices into magazines, catalogs, pamphlets, and other printed products in order to enhance the amount and quality of personalization associated with the printed product includes reading and/or writing personalized information to/from a data storage device and assembling the data storage device within a printed product that is to be delivered to a particular individual. The reading and/or writing of personalized information may be directed to either digital information stored on the data storage device or to more conventional optical indicia that is printed on and/or optically scanned from the data storage device.