Abstract: An assembly system for demographic binding of signatures into a book on a collating and binding line includes a device for reading coded information printed directly on selected signatures, a feeder for supplying the coded signatures to the collating and binding line and an accumulator for transmitting the coded signatures to the collating and binding line in sequence with signatures being gathered on the line according to the information on the coded signatures.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing and counting objects on a moving conveyor. Objects are moved on the conveyor past a sensor having first and second legs pivotally mounted about a fixed axis above the conveyor. The second leg is offset from the first leg in the direction of conveyor movement. As an object encounters the first leg, it causes the first leg to rotate toward the second leg. A proximity detector includes a target mounted on the first leg and a sensing element mounted on the second leg. The proximity detector detects movement of the first leg relative to the second leg and generates a pulse, thereby counting the object, when the first leg assumes a predetermined position relative to the second leg.

Abstract: A system and method for generating indicia of registration error between respective, separately adjustable printing units of a printing press, the printing units cooperating to print an image on a moving web, the system being of the type comprising a photo-optical control, having a field of view and depth-of-field, for generating output signals indicative of a predetermined relative disposition of marks on a web passing through the field of view within the depth-of-field of the photo-optical control as the web moves in relation to the printing units, and processing circuits, responsive to the photo-optical output signals, for generating signals indicative of deviations of the registration marks printed by the printing units from the predetermined relative disposition; improved wherein:the photo-optical control is disposed proximate to the printing units, and, having associated therewith an air driven stabilizer structure for maintaining the web within the depth of field by creating a Bernoulli effect.

Abstract: A web guide apparatus corrects for high frequency oscillations, sometimes referred to as "web weave", of a travelling web. A light-weight movable carriage is mounted to a rigid support structure and is driven by a brushless DC motor having an integral lead screw and low inertia characteristics. The web guide manifests a response bandwidth in excess of 1 Hz. and preferably at least approximately 8 Hz., and a material resonance outside of the response bandwidth. Lateral web position is detected by a web position detection unit that employs a CCD line sensor. The output signal from the web position detection unit is supplied to a control circuit that generates a PWM signal to drive the brushless DC motor. The control circuit also includes adjustable gain stages that are used to compensate for web float and web flutter that occurs during certain operating conditions.

Abstract: A system for generating indicia of registration error between the respective printing units of a web-fed, four-color printing press. An optical line scanner is disposed over a web to generate signals indicative of the brightness level of successive nominal pixels along a line transverse to the motion of the web. The respective printing units each generate registration marks on the web, the relative positions of which are indicative of the relative cyclical (rotational) and transverse (lateral) positions of the printing units with respect to the web. As the web moves past the scanners, successive line scans generated by the scanner provide the equivalent of a two-dimensional raster scan of a strip of the web centered on the expected center line of registration marks produced by the respective printing units.

Abstract: The invention provides a cutoff control system having a capture range equal to the length of the image (signature) which is highly tolerant of spurious transitions, such as lateral shifting and instantaneous interruptions of the web. A highly pipelined hardware correlation unit, cooperating with several high speed RAM devices having independent address generators, is used to cross-correlate new patterns with a reference pattern.

Abstract: A system for controlling an apparatus operating on a moving web, in accordance with a periodic characteristic of the web. Indicia of successive periods of the characteristics are generated and compared to generate control signals to the apparatus. Specifically, a cutoff control system for a web-fed printing press is disclosed wherein the effective position of the cutting apparatus along the weg path is varied in accordance with variation in the position of a maximum density change in an individual repetitive image from that of a reference image, or in accordance with a cross-correlation between the individual image and a reference image.

Abstract: A system for controlling an apparatus operating on a moving web, in accordance with a periodic characteristic of the web. Indicia of successive periods of the characteristics are generated and compared to generate control signals to the apparatus. Specifically, a cutoff control system for a web-fed printing press is disclosed wherein the effective position of the cutting apparatus along the web path is varied in accordance with variation in the position of a maximum density change in an individual repetitive image from that of a reference image, or in accordance with a cross-correlation between the individual image and a reference image.

Abstract: A sheet diverter, adapted for cooperative association with a cutter in a pinless folder assembly for a high speed printing press, wherein a ribbon is cut into a plurality of signatures destined for serially deflected parallel collation from a diverter path through the sheet diverter to a desired one of a plurality of collation paths to systematize the order of the signatures into a selected array, is comprised of an oscillating diverter guide member reciprocating in a diverter plane having a component generally normal to the diverter path of a signature through the guide member, for directing the lateral disposition of the leading edge of the signature into engagement with a diverter member separating a plurality of collation paths, each having a throat for receiving a selected signature and merging to a confined course for guiding it, the diverter member including a diversion surface disposed in each of the throats lying at a diversion angle respecting the travel of the signature from the oscillating guide m