Abstract: Book blocks are transferred between vertically displaced levels via a first conveying path which extends upwardly at an angle, the conveying path being intercepted by a movable feed table which engages the book blocks and re-orients the motion thereof into a generally horizontal plane wherein the blocks are engaged by block clamps. The upstream edge of the feed table is caused to move along a closed generally circulatory path which extends above and below the inclined conveying path while the downstream edge of the feed table is constrained to move along an arcuate path which extends from the upper end of the first conveying path to a path which is parallel to that of the block clamps.

Abstract: A variable speed chain drive includes a driven pulley which supports radially adjustable drivers, the drivers defining a wedge-shaped opening in which the chain is received and frictionally captured. The drivers, which may include cooperating clamp and drive members mounted from the disks which define the pulley, are positioned by an adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: An inner book clamp for clamping and conveying inner books in an inner book processing machine includes a pair of clamp jaws having parallel clamp plates, the jaws being movable together in a first direction and one of said jaws being movable in a second direction, transverse to the first direction, to vary the spacing therebetween. The movement in the transverse direction of the movable jaw permits adjustment of the clamping force to be applied to an inner book position between the jaws and the movable jaw will self-lock in the book engaging position in response to a force in the opening direction.

Abstract: In a book binding machine, covers are individually brought into registration with and subsequently adhesively bonded to moving book blocks. The registration is accomplished by first moving the covers along a path parallel to the path of motion of the blocks at a speed which is slower than the blocks and then engaging the covers by an alignment mechanism which at the time of engagement moves in synchronism with the book block as the block overtakes the cover. The alignment mechanism travels about a circular path so as to periodically intercept a moving cover and is resiliently braked when synchronized movement with a book block is established.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting book blocks during the movement thereof comprises a pair of flat plate-like jaws, one of the jaws being relatively movable with respect to the other. A clamping force for the movable jaw is developed through the use of a spring element comprising a plurality of series connected cup-type springs.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating the bottom sheet of a stack of sheets contained in a stationary magazine. A rotating disc supports substantially the entire bottom surface of a stack of sheets contained in a sheet stack magazine disposed above the disc, the corner of the magazine pointing oppositely to the direction of rotation of the disc. The latter has a recess (17,18) extending radially from its periphery and also another recess (20,21) extending in the direction of rotation from the first-mentioned recess and covering an angle of rotation of about 90.degree.. A suction element (19) is adapted to be moved through the recess to the corner of the stack of sheets and in synchronism with the rotating recesses grips the corner of the bottom sheet, tips it over, and transports it to a table under the disc. A clamp lever takes over the corner of the sheet, which has been tipped over from the stack of sheets, before it is released by the suction element and holds it on the table during the peeling-off operation.

Abstract: Cutting apparatus with three blades, for trimming three sides of an inner book or the like, having a drive system which permits the simultaneous trimming of two opposed sides of the work closely followed by the trimming of the third side. Operation of the third cutting blade while the other two are still in motion is permitted by driving the simultaneously operated blades along a multi-directional orbital path.

Abstract: An overlay is applied to a substrate, for example in the manufacture of book covers, by serially wrapping the overlay around a first pair of oppositely disposed edges of the substrate, folding the corners of the overlay into the substrate and wrapping the overlay around the two remaining edges of the substrate. The first wrapping of the overlay around a pair of edges of the substrate is accomplished by feeding the substrate with the overlay adhered thereto through a wrapping station alternately in opposite directions and deflecting the overhanging portion of the substrate at the leading edge out of the path of motion so that these overhanging portions may be engaged by a wrapping tool.

Abstract: A device for thread stitching layers to form a book wherein the stitching apparatus comprises a conveying mechanism for transporting a plurality of open layers in spaced relation to each other, the conveying device transporting the layers with respect to at least one spiral sewing needle which is rotationally driven, the point of the spiral needle penetrating into the layer backs and exiting the layer backs to stitch the layers together in sequence.

Abstract: A process for opening folded proof sheets, particularly for their positioning on the conveyor plate of a thread stitching machine, involves moving a stack of the proof sheets along devices which separate the individual sheets until they reach the point where they are all opened. The separating devices comprise blown air suction plates which cause the free outer corner of the adjacent sheet to be drawn up by the suction effect of air jets and thus separated from the rest of the stack. The portion of the sheet which was separated is then guided away from the next blown air suction plate to permit the next proof sheet to be opened.

Abstract: A device for thread stitching layers to form a book wherein the stitching apparatus comprises a conveying mechanism for transporting a plurality of open layers in spaced relation to each other, the conveying device transporting the layers with respect to at least one spiral sewing needle which is rotationally driven, the point of the spiral needle penetrating into the layer backs and exiting the layer backs to stitch the layers together in sequence.

Abstract: A book block transport system having a plurality of block pincers continuously movable in a closed circular path, the block pincers comprising a supporting frame which includes a stationary internal clamping jaw. A swinging frame is rotatably suspended at one end from the supporting frame and has attached to the other end an external clamping jaw which is positioned so as to allow clamping of a book block between the internal and external clamping jaws. The internal and external clamping jaws are urged together by an elongated torsion bar spring. The swinging frame is rigidly attached to one end of the torsion bar spring and a cam lever is rigidly attached to the other end of the torsion bar spring. Movement of the external clamping jaw with respect to the internal clamping jaw is provided for by rotation of the cam lever. A cam follower positioned on the end of the cam lever fits within the groove of a stationary two-dimensional cam to provide for rotation of the cam lever.

Abstract: Paper jackets are automatically applied to hard cover books in a manner which provides a good fit between the jacket and book and insures against the jacket folds slipping free of the book covers during or immediately subsequent to jacket application. The books are supported with the covers opened outwardly, a jacket sheet is draped over the spine of the book, the jacket material is urged downwardly simultaneously from both sides so as to tightly conform to the book and the opposite edge portions of the jacket sheet are folded around the front edges of the book covers while applying heat to thereby define jacket flaps which slide inwardly when the book covers are reclosed.