Abstract: A gripping device (200) is proposed for gripping a sewing thread (415) in a bookbinding sewing machine (100). The gripping device (200) comprises a crochet (205) and a body (220) that are slidable reciprocally between an open condition, wherein a hook (215) of the crochet (205) hooks the sewing thread (415), and a closed condition, wherein the hook (215) blocks the sewing thread (415); the body (220) has one or more channels (270) crossing it for conveying a gas jet towards the hook (215). A bookbinding sewing machine (100) comprising one or more gripping devices (200) is also proposed. Moreover, a corresponding method for sewing signatures (115) into book blocks (155) is proposed.

Abstract: A bookbinding machine (100) is proposed. The bookbinding machine (100) comprises a driving system (225) for driving transport elements (210a-210c) of book blocks (215a-215c) in succession across at least one engagement processing station 5 (205d) and one or more disengagement processing stations (205a,205e) which process the book blocks while stationary therein. Control means (120) stop the driving system (225) when each of the transport elements (210b) is at the engagement processing station (205d) engaged with the driving system (225) and other transport elements (210a,210c) are at the disengagement processing stations (205a,205e) disengaged from the driving system (225). A bookbinding plant comprising one or more of these bookbinding machines (100) is also proposed. Moreover, a corresponding method for operating a bookbinding machine (100), a computer program and a computer program product for implementing the method are proposed.

Abstract: A leveler device (200) is proposed for use in a bookbinding sewing machine (100) adapted to sew signatures (115) into book blocks (155) with one or more sewing threads (415). The leveler device (200) is used to level each signature (115) loaded onto amovable saddle (150). The leveler device (200) has at least one inlet (215) for receiving a gas jet and one or more nozzles (220) for ejecting the gas towards corresponding free ends of the threads (415) projecting from a last signature (115) of each completed bookblock (155). A bookbinding sewing machine (100) comprising the leveler device (200) is also proposed. Moreover, a corresponding method for operating a bookbinding sewing machine (100) is proposed.

Abstract: A solution is proposed for sewing blocks of signatures in a bookbinding sewing machine. A corresponding method comprises, for each block of signatures, bringing a portion of each sewing thread through a corresponding free loop (by moving obliquely and then along an advancement direction of the blocks of signatures), blocking, cutting and pulling the sewing thread for tightening the free loop around the sewing thread being cut. A further aspect provides a corresponding sewing station. A further aspect provides a bookbinding sewing machine comprising this sewing station.

Abstract: A solution is proposed for sewing blocks of signatures (115) in a bookbinding sewing machine (100).

Abstract: A multi-function binding machine is proposed. The multi-function binding machine (700) comprises a binding station (135) for binding blocks of signatures (105), and a feeding station (115) for receiving signatures in succession, opening the signatures, and feeding the signatures to the binding station; in the solution according to an embodiment of the invention, the multi-function binding machine further comprises a further feeding station (715) for receiving pre-signatures in successions, folding groups of at least one pre-signature into further signatures (729), and feeding the further signatures to the binding station.

Abstract: A multi-function binding machine is proposed. The multi-function binding machine (700) comprises a binding station (135) for binding blocks of signatures (105), and a feeding station (115) for receiving signatures in succession, opening the signatures, and feeding the signatures to the binding station; in the solution according to an embodiment of the invention, the multi-function binding machine further comprises a further feeding station (715) for receiving pre-signatures in successions, folding groups of at least one pre-signature into further signatures (729), and feeding the further signatures to the binding station.

Abstract: A palletizing machine for stacking rows of articles in layers on a pallet, includes an entry station for accummulating a row of articles, an intermediate support for receiving from the entry station a sufficient number of rows of articles to constitute a layer of articles on the pallet, and a pallet support vertically movable in a main framework of the machine to position the upper level of a pallet or partially loaded pallet just below the level of the intermediate support so that a layer of articles accumulated thereon can be readily tranferred to the pallet. To facilitate the handling of articles such as piles of books, both the entry station and the intermediate support are provided with roller beds.