Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for pressing a stack of signatures including a first pressing member mounted on a bracket upwardly and downwardly movable by drive means for pressing the stack of signatures over an intermediate upper surface area thereof, a pivotally movable second pressing member connected at its one end to each end of the first pressing member for pressing the signature stack over the remaining upper surface area at each end thereof, an arm for pivotally moving the second pressing member and air cylinder-plunger means for driving the arm, the apparatus being characterized in that the cylinder-plunger means is disposed above the first pressing member and attached to the bracket, the plunger of the cylinder-plunger means being directed downward and having a lateral support member, the arm having one end pivoted to the support member and the other end to a base portion of the second pressing member.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for handling signatures before binding comprising a signature stacking unit for piling signatures delivered from a rotary press or the like into stacks of a given number of signatures, a liftable table for receiving the stacks from the stacking unit, a stack collecting unit for piling up a number of signature stacks, a lateral feed member for pushing the stack as placed on the table to a specific position, and a turntable rotatable through an angle of 180.degree. in a direction about a vertical axis and reversibly rotatable through an angle of 90.degree.