Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequentially delivering book or magazine covers of the same or differing width dimension to a perfect binding system such that books or magazines of differing size can be produced without requiring system downtime for resetting of cover guiderail settings. Associated with each cover size is a cover feeder arranged to deliver covers therefrom, one a time, between members of a given pair of guiderails that are assembled in stacked parallel relationship on the bed of the cover conveyor. Under control of a microprocessor-based controller, covers of a predetermined size arrive at the gluing station of the perfect binder in synchronism with signatures of a selected size corresponding to the cover to be applied.

Abstract: An apparatus for intergrating plural printed documents into a stacked relationship, such as a magazine, catalog and the like. The apparatus includes a printer for applying customized messages to the magazine, such as the inside cover. This printer is controlled by a controller located remote from the assembly apparatus and at a distance exceeding 150 feet from the printer. A communication interface is provided comprising a line driver/receiver interface for amplifying and shielding the signals required to control the printer, preferably signals indicative of the document position of the document with respect to the printer. A non-standard data format protocol is maintained, and the interface is transparent to the apparatus. The controller is located within a control room with an acceptable environment for operation of the controller, this environment having an acceptable temperature and humidity.

Abstract: A personal computer (PC) and a programmable controller are used to automatically reposition the turn bars and compensation rollers used in a folder for a web printing press. By providing linear transducers for each of the turn bars and compensation rollers disposed at each level of the folder, analog information as to the actual position of each is provided to the programmable controller. The PC provides digital information to the programmable controller as to the desired position and an error signal is computed for controlling the operation of the drive motors so as to reduce the error signal to zero. When setting up the folder to run a new job, the turn bar settings and compensation roller positions are manually accomplished, but upon command, the settings for that job may be stored in the memory of the PC for use the next time that particular job is to be run.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming and securing small-count stacks of plural printed documents for handling and mailing with peelable tabs which are applied to opposite sides of stacked plural documents. The apparatus is incorporated into an automated magazine binding production line to receive predetermined printed documents. The apparatus has a glue bead applicator for tacking a glue bead on the printed documents, a stacking station downstream of the glue station for stacking said plural printed documents, and a tabbing station downstream for creating tabs of the required length and then applying of the stacking station tabs on opposing sides of said stacked printed documents. The secured stack of printed documents is then conveyed to a sorting and mailing station.

Abstract: A conventional pocket for delivering signatures in a bindery line is modified by providing a lift plate which is hinged to the leading edge of the pocket's signature support tray. A suitable actuator under control of the system's computer is made to raise and lower that lift plate, depending upon the number of machine cycles which will be executed before that particular pocket will be called upon to deliver a signature to the magazine being assembled. If more than a predetermined number of machine cycles will take place before a signature must be delivered, the actuator lifts the lift plate and, in doing so, elevates the leading edge of the signature stack to the point where the lowermost signature is positioned out of contact with the hopper's separator disc. This prevents unwanted abrasion and marring of signatures.

Abstract: A video imaging technique used in a bagging assembly for magazines, books or the like. The bagging assembly selectively adds onserts and tip-ons to the magazines prior to being bagged in a polybag. The invention includes a method of selectively adding onserts which are contained in a plurality of storage bins by implementing a vision system using a video camera. The vision system defines a plurality of video windows which are used for identifying a dot code pattern which is printed on a mailing label by an ink-jet printer. The dot code pattern identifies which ones of a plurality of storage bins are to be actuated to subsequently dispense an onsert onto the magazine as it passes thereunder. By using a vision system, the dot code pattern can be offset vertically or horizontally, or skewed up to 15 degrees. The vision system creates a pair of video windows used for first sensing reference marks, and three windows for subsequently sensing characters positioned therebetween.