Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus including: a supporting section over which a sheet is hung to be supported from below, the sheet being folded in a mountain shape with a folding line formed at a central portion; a conveyance section which conveys the sheet supported by the supporting section in a direction orthogonal to the folding line in a horizontal plane including the folding line; a control section which controls a sheet conveyance operation by the conveyance section; a first pressing section which presses the folding line of the sheet supported by the supporting section from above; and a second pressing section which presses the sheet from a rear side in an advancing direction when the conveyance section conveys the sheet.

Abstract: A decoding method, a memory storage device and a rewritable non-volatile memory module are provided. The method includes: reading a plurality of bits from the rewritable non-volatile memory module according to a reading voltage; performing a parity check of a low density parity check (LDPC) algorithm on the bits to obtain syndromes, and each of the bits is corresponding to at least one of the syndromes; determining whether the bits have an error according to the syndromes; if the bits have the error, obtaining a syndrome weight of each of the bits according to the syndromes corresponding to each of the bits; obtaining an initial value of each of the bits according to the syndrome weight of each of the bits; and performing a first iteration decoding of the LDPC algorithm on the bits according to the initial values. Accordingly, the decoding speed is increased.

Abstract: A method for operating a thread stitching machine for processing printed sheets to form book blocks includes providing at least one sewing station with an active connection to at least one stitching saddle and providing the at least one stitching saddle with an active connection to at least one transporting system. The printed sheets are supplied to the at least one stitching saddle, using the at least one transporting system, in at least one of a substantially vertical and a substantially horizontal plane relative to the at least one stitching saddle. At least the printed sheets in the substantially vertical plane are supplied directly onto the at least one stitching saddle or to a region of the at least one stitching saddle. The printed sheets are supplied to the at least one sewing station resting astride the at least one stitching saddle.

Abstract: A method for operating a collection system for printed products includes drawing off the printed products from discharge device(s) disposed at corresponding discharge point(s) in the collection system. The printed products are deposited on a collection section during a cycle period of the discharge device(s) so as to form a bundle of printed products. The bundle is transferred to a subsequent conveying mechanism having receiving pockets. It is determined whether at least one missing printed product exists due to an incorrect drawing off from the discharge point(s). A repair process is initiated and controlled in which the at least one missing printed product is drawn off from the corresponding discharge point(s) at a time corresponding to a subsequent recurrent pocket-related cycle of the subsequent conveying mechanism in a subsequent cycle period of the discharge device(s). The at least one missing printed product is inserted in the relevant receiving pocket.

Abstract: Sheets center-folded by a center-folder are placed on a main saddle. A buffer saddle is provided separately from the main saddle, on an opposite side of the center-folder across the main saddle. The pile of sheets saddle-stitched on the main saddle is placed on the buffer saddle. When viewed from above, the buffer saddle is movable in a direction separating from the main saddle that is a reverse direction to the center-folder, and in a direction orthogonal to the direction separating from the main saddle. A sheet processing device is arranged in the orthogonal direction where the buffer saddle is movable.

Abstract: A thread stitching machine to process signatures into book blocks includes a transport system for the signatures including a transport section on which the signatures are straddling for supply to a stitching station. The transport section includes an auxiliary saddle and a driven, continuously moving conveying chain to drive the auxiliary saddle. The conveying chain has spaced-apart, integrated pusher elements. A downstream installed stitching station includes a freely moving stitching saddle immediately following the auxiliary saddle. The stitching saddle includes a separate conveying device for the signatures, operated by a drive. A detection device is arranged at a transition between the auxiliary saddle and the stitching saddle to detect a position of the signature and a time which the signature passes by. The conveying chain is operated with a change in speed that depends on different sheet lengths following each other directly in a sequence of signatures.

Abstract: A saddle stitcher for conveying a printed product is provided. The saddle stitcher includes a saddle chain conveyor, and a plurality of chain tops mounted on the saddle chain conveyor defining a chain top conveyance line for transporting a printed product. At least one of the chain tops includes a profiled top edge so the at least one chain top does not extend beyond the chain top conveyance line in a transition area. A method for transferring a printed product is also provided.

Abstract: A co-mailing system uses an insert machine to merge different mail streams into one stream in the sequence of a master mail list. By using an insert machine with vertically oriented pockets traveling on a moving conveyor, the speed of merging the mail streams is high and efficiency is obtained.

Abstract: A multiplexing gathering device includes a first gatherer for forming first gathered printed products on a first line and a second gatherer for forming second gathered printed products on a second line. A collecting device collects the first and second gathered printed products. A first transporter transports the first gathered products from the first line to the collecting device and a second transporter for transports the second gathered products from the second line to the collecting device. At least one controller for controls the first gatherer and second gatherer so that second gathered products are selectively formed as a function of the formation of first gathered printed products. A method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collating printed products. The apparatus includes a collating drum rotatably driven about a horizontal axis of rotation and at least functionally subdivided into axial sections, provided with separate compartments or saddle-shaped supports that are externally open in a radial direction. A first feeding device delivers printed products to the processing drum, and a conveyor conveys the printed products away from the processing drum. Conveying elements are associated with the compartments or the supports, and are used for conveying the printed products in the axial direction when the processing drum rotates. A secondary conveying section is arranged between the first feeding device and the conveyor, and a processing station or at least one additional feeding station is located between the first feeding device and the secondary conveying section in order to process the printed products or feed additional printed products.

Abstract: A device for delivering a printed product from a saddle-shaped support includes at least two discs that are configured to pass through a gap that extends in a conveying direction and that is disposed, at least in a delivery region, between two support parts of the saddle-shaped support. The at least two discs are rotatable about respective fixed rotation axles that are mutually spaced from one another in the conveying direction. Each of the discs is configured to project intermittently, during the rotation about the respective fixed rotation axles, above a ridge line of the ridge in the delivery region of the saddle-shaped support so as to continuously lift the printed product from the saddle-shaped support in the delivery region.

Abstract: Methods for forming a signature are provided. In one aspect an automatic z-folding system is used to cause a signature print to fold across a width proximate to z-fold locations spaced along a length of the signature print and to form a z-folded stack of sheets of the signature print and the z-folded stack is bound across a width of the stack proximate to a saddle fold location between the z-folds; saddle folding the z-folded stack at the saddle fold location to dispose the z-folds along a common face of the saddle folded stack, and, separating the signature print at at least one of the z-folds.

Abstract: A device for delivering a printed product from a saddle-shaped support includes at least two discs that are configured to pass through a gap that extends in a conveying direction and that is disposed, at least in a delivery region, between two support parts of the saddle-shaped support. The at least two discs are rotatable about respective fixed rotation axles that are mutually spaced from one another in the conveying direction. Each of the discs is configured to project intermittently, during the rotation about the respective fixed rotation axles, above a ridge line of the ridge in the delivery region of the saddle-shaped support so as to continuously lift the printed product from the saddle-shaped support in the delivery region.

Abstract: A new gathering and stitching machine (10) and a new method for operating a gathering and stitching machine (1) are proposed, which make it possible to drive in the staples (K) in a positionally correct manner and to close them satisfactorily even in the case of relatively short staple setting times. This is achieved by the novel control of the position of the staple heads (20) and the saddle-shaped supports (2, 30, 40, 50) in the region of the interaction during stapling. It is an essential feature of the present invention that the staple head (20) and the support (2, 30, 40, 50) are pivoted towards one another in such a way that they come to lie within a common stapling plane (H).

Abstract: An apparatus for thread-stitching of folded print products includes a sewing station in which individual print products are stitched along the fold and print products are then sewn together along the spine to form a book block. A pivoting saddle supplies individual print products straddling thereon to the sewing station. A feeder separates folded print products from a stack of folded print products. A feeding arrangement includes a feed path connecting the feeder to the pivoting saddle, and has a feeding end that cooperates with the feeder to supply the individual print products to the feed path and a discharge end that operates to supply the individual print products to the pivoting saddle. The sewing station, as seen from the top, is arranged on the machine frame of the apparatus, between the feeding end of the feeding arrangement and the pivoting saddle.

Abstract: A feeder device for printed products is provided including at least one first drum rotatable about a first axis; at least one second drum rotatable about a second axis; and an actuator coupled to the at least one first drum and the at least one second drum for reciprocating the at least one first drum and the at least one second drum axially. A printed product conveying device and a method of transporting printed products are also provided.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus equipped with a saddle stitch stapler is provided with: a driver unit (1) configured to drive a staple; a clincher unit (2) configured to clinch the staple driven by the driver unit (1); a saddle portion (3) integrated with the clincher unit (2); and a guide portion (6) configured to guide the clincher unit (2) toward a predetermined position of the driver unit (1), when a center portion (11) of a bundle of sheets (10) is clamped between the clincher unit (2) and a staple striking portion (21) of the driver unit (1) after the center portion (11) of the bundle of sheets (10) is placed on the saddle portion (3).

Abstract: Binding apparatus and a related process are particularly suited for binding digitally-printed sheets into booklets. The apparatus is adapted to fold individual sheets and then to apply adhesive to the fold line before gathering the sheets in a collator ready for binding. The collator includes either a rotatable or retractable finger that is moveable to temporarily inhibit registration of a first sheet of a new stack on a stacking area, as a previous stack is transported away.

Abstract: A method and device for transferring signatures. The device includes a first gathering chain which conveys the signatures with the aid of pushers and which transfers the signatures in a transfer region to a second gathering chain. The second gathering chain includes at least one conveying chain provided with pushers that are arranged at a pre-defined distance relative to each other. The second gathering chain includes recesses adjacent to each of its pushers such that each pusher of the first gathering chain corresponds to a pusher of the second gathering chain and can be lowered through a respective recess.

Abstract: A signature transport device is provided. The signature transport device includes a saddle conveyor for transporting signatures, an escalator tucker for lifting the signatures off the saddle conveyor and a linear gripper conveyor located adjacent to the escalator tucker and having a plurality of grippers for gripping the signatures. The linear gripper conveyor has a velocity component that is equal to or greater than a velocity component of the escalator tucker when the signatures are gripped from the escalator tucker. A method for transporting signatures is also provided.

Abstract: A device for removing folded signatures from a saddle-back conveyor includes a moving arm, a first gripper mounted on the moving arm, and an electromechanical actuator connected to the first gripper for opening and closing the first gripper, the electromechanical actuator being mounted on the moving arm. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A device to supply flat products to produce print matter that includes a machine frame, a guide arrangement coupled to the machine frame, and a conveyor with a conveying direction arranged on the machine frame. The device additionally includes at least one sheet feeder arranged along the conveyor to supply a respective flat product to the conveyor in a clocked operation. The sheet feeder includes a stacking device to accommodate a plurality of flat products and a charging device coupled to the stacking device to remove a respective flat product from the stacking device. At least one of the stacking device or the charging device is operatively arranged with the guide arrangement to be displaceable to a non-operating position on a side of the conveyor.

Abstract: A method for producing a printed product that includes supplying a wire-stitched booklet to a spine processing device such that the booklet includes signatures and a spine. The method includes reshaping the spine in the spine processing device. Following the reshaping, the method further includes supplying a cover to the booklet, applying adhesive to the cover or to the reshaped spine, and combining the cover with the booklet to form the printed product. The method includes discharging the printed product from the spine processing device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sheet finishing apparatus includes: a saddle stapling unit configured to staple a center of a sheet bundle; a saddle folding unit configured to fold the center of the sheet bundle stapled by the saddle stapling unit; a cover configured to cover the fold which is formed by the saddle folding unit so as to be in contact with the fold; and a fold reinforcing roller configured to move along the fold while applying pressure to the fold via the cover. A large number of protrusions, tips of which project to the fold, are formed on facing surfaces of the cover that are in contact with the fold.

Abstract: A gatherer-stitcher has a folded-sheet feeder and an apparatus for transferring folded sheets from the feeder to a transporting configuration of the gatherer-stitcher. The apparatus has a plurality of shafts or drums with grippers for gripping the folded sheets. The apparatus opens the folded sheets and places them astride the transporting configuration. The apparatus also has a blowing configuration which, as a folded sheet is transferred from one shaft or drum to another, subjects the folded sheet to a surge of air in time with a folded-sheet transportation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a processing device for processing printed products, in particular for collecting individual printed sheets for manufacturing an assembled printed product. The device includes a drum rotatable about a rotation axis and at least two feed stations arranged distanced from one another in the direction of the rotation axis, for feeding printed products, and at least one lead-away station for leading away processed printed products. The drum includes several guides, in particular saddle-like rests or conveyor compartments which are arranged in succession in the peripheral direction of the drum and are movable along a closed revolving path, as well as advance elements controlled by a control unit, for displacing the printed products in the direction of the rotation axis. For increasing the flexibility, the device is composed of modules.

Abstract: An apparatus for wire-stitching print products compiled from gathered signatures and for trimming open edges of the print products, includes a first gathering and wire-stitching machine including a first wire-stitching unit. A first cutter is installed downstream from the first gathering and wire-stitching machine. A second gathering and wire-stitching machine having a second wire-stitching unit is selectively connected in-line with the first gathering and wire-stitching machine. A second cutter is installed downstream from the second gathering and wire-stitching machine. A transfer element is also positioned between the first and second gathering and wire-stitching machines for transferring print products or partial print products from the first gathering and wire-stitching machine to the second gathering and wire-stitching machine. The apparatus further includes a drive motor operatively arranged with the first gathering and wire-stitching machine and the first cutter.

Abstract: A device for opening folded or bound printed products, comprises a feeder device (2, 13) for feeding-in individual folded or bound sub-products (4) and an opening device (6) for opening the sub-products (4), as well as furthermore an opening verifying installation (11, 14, 15, 16), in order to with optical means (14) identify deficiently opened sub-products (4) before the sub-products (4) are further processed. In case of sub-products (4) identified as being deficiently opened, the further processing is not carried out, but rather a deficiently opened sub-product (4) is conducted back to the opening device once more.

Abstract: Printed products produced by assembling on saddle-shaped supports are conveyed onwards lying on the supports and during this conveyance are processed in the area of their fold line between a tool acting from outside and a counter-tool acting from inside, i.e., from the supported side. For being processed, the printed products are lifted off from the saddle line of the supports by the counter-tools, such that a relative movement between the saddle-shaped support and the counter-tool does not deform or damage the printed products. Through this measure it becomes possible to design the circuit of the supports and the circuit of the counter-tools largely independent of one another. The supports or their saddle lines respectively, for example, are able to move through the processing zone in a straight line, while the distal ends of the counter tools circulate on a round circuit.

Abstract: A signature hopper is provided comprising a first drum having a first gripper for a lead edge of a folded signature, a second drum having a second gripper for an open edge of the folded signature, the second gripper having a gripper finger with an end curled in a direction of rotation of the second drum, a dipper blade for pushing the open edge from the first drum toward the second drum so as to contact the gripper finger and a stationary signature guide spaced with respect to the first drum, the signature contacting the signature guide as the first drum rotates the signature past the signature guide.

Abstract: The gathering, conveyance, and assembly of printed material utilizing one or more aerodynamic positioning devices in conjunction with binding machinery is disclosed. The aerodynamic positioning device utilizes controlled fluid flow via a series of discretely spaced jets that create a low pressure region beneath a signature dropping from an adjacent feeder. The aerodynamic positioning device allows the binding machinery to operate at high speeds with lightweight and unbalanced signatures while maintaining high-quality production with reduced paper jams.

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 hopper is provided including a hopper sidewall and a hopper shoe, the hopper shoe secured to the sidewall, the hopper being pivotable with respect to the hopper shoe when the hopper is secured to a hopper base. A hopper also is provided including a hopper sidewall, a hopper shoe and a spring-loaded clamp for securing the hopper shoe to the hopper sidewall, the spring-loaded clamp including a bolt for securing the spring-loaded clamp to a hopper base. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A new gathering and stitching machine (10) and a new method for operating a gathering and stitching machine (1) are proposed, which make it possible to drive in the staples (K) in a positionally correct manner and to close them satisfactorily even in the case of relatively short staple setting times. This is achieved by the novel control of the position of the staple heads (20) and the saddle-shaped supports (2, 30, 40, 50) in the region of the interaction during stapling. It is an essential feature of the present invention that the staple head (20) and the support (2, 30, 40, 50) are pivoted towards one another in such a way that they come to lie within a common stapling plane (H).

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: A bookbinding apparatus comprises, a stacking unit on which sheets are stacked; a folding portion which folds the sheets stacked on the stacking unit; a humidifying unit which humidifies portions of the sheets to be fold lines of a booklet before folding by the folding portion; and a controller which controls a humidifying condition at the time of the humidifying by the humidifying unit, wherein the humidifying condition is variable according to the sheets composing the booklet.

Abstract: A gathering device for gathering books is provided including a gathering conveyor for transporting a book, a variable static charging unit having a voltage output providing a static charge to the book on the gathering conveyor and a controller connected to the variable static charging unit, the controller controlling the voltage output of the variable static charging unit.

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 stitcher is provided including a carriage having a center of gravity, the carriage movable between an extended position and a retracted position; at least one bearing for supporting the carriage; and an operating link for driving the carriage, a driving force of the link being applied through the center of gravity or between the center of gravity and the bearing. Another stitcher also is provided including a movable carriage having a center of gravity, the carriage movable between an extended position and a retracted position; and an operating link for driving the carriage, a driving force of the link being applied through the center of gravity when the carriage is in the extended or retracted position. A saddle stitcher is also provided. Methods for stitching are also provided.

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 device for manufacturing thread-stitched book blocks which comprise folded printed sheets has a conveying apparatus which transports the printed sheets astride a stitching saddle into a stitching position and to which the printed sheets are fed. A stitching apparatus is arranged at a lateral spacing from the stitching saddle which can be driven in an oscillating manner and can be supplied with printed sheets by the stitching saddle. The conveying apparatus is controlled in order to change the conveying speed and/or the stitching position of the printed sheets on the stitching saddle, in that the conveying apparatus is drive-connected to a controlled-rotation electric motor which is controlled by a computer-connected controller.

Abstract: A saddle stitcher for making paperback books is provided by the present invention. The saddle stitcher is provided for manually assembling one or a few (or a greater number if desired by the user) booklets in a cost-effective, yet professional manner. The saddle stitcher generally includes a tray, a saddle, and a plurality of staplers. The tray is provided for receiving a plurality of pages to be made into a booklet and in which the pages are stitched to form the booklet. The staplers are provided for stitching the plurality of pages to form a booklet and are pivotally and slidably mounted within the tray in order to accommodate booklets of varying sizes. An engagement device is provided for engaging each of the staplers in tandem in order to fabricate a booklet.

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 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 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 device for removing folded signatures from a saddle-back conveyor includes a moving arm, a first gripper mounted on the moving arm, and an electromechanical actuator connected to the first gripper for opening and closing the first gripper, the electromechanical actuator being mounted on the moving arm. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A saddle stitcher for conveying a printed product is provided. The saddle stitcher includes a saddle chain conveyor, and a plurality of chain tops mounted on the saddle chain conveyor defining a chain top conveyance line for transporting a printed product. At least one of the chain tops includes a profiled top edge so the at least one chain top does not extend beyond the chain top conveyance line in a transition area. A method for transferring a printed product is also provided.

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.