Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for interrupting a stream of signatures. The apparatus comprises successive conveyor belts in series which can be controlled to advance the belt supporting surfaces at relatively different speeds. At least one conveyor belt has a supporting surface capable of varying in length.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting paper sheet material in signature form to an off-line receiving station. The apparatus includes a horizontal frame connected with a stacker at one end and registering with the receiving station at the other end. A conveyor mounted on the frame comprises a plurality of horizontally disposed supported belts which receive signatures from the stacker. The belts are spaced apart to form gaps therebetween. A plurality of tracks are mounted horizontally in the frame and extend from the conveyor to the crosspiece. The tracks are supported and can be raised or lowered. A shuttle carriage having a plurality of connected vertical segments rides on the tracks. The segments can be lifted or lowered. The segments of the carriage are aligned with the gaps between the endless belts so that the carriage can ride freely along the frame. A plurality of horizontally disposed rollers are also mounted on the frame above the tracks which are in longitudinal alignment with the conveyor belts.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an indicium in a stream of moving signatures, consisting of a signature displaced laterally from the stream and corresponding to a predetermined count of signatures, comprises an idler roller mechanism connected with a rotatable idler roller shaft and a series of vacuum heads located adjacent to and downstream of the idler roller mechanism. The vacuum heads are mounted to a vacuum head shaft laterally movable with respect to the signatures. A detector such as a laser detector coupled with a counter is used to actuate the system. When a predetermined count is reached as determined by the detector and counter, the idler roller shaft is caused to rotate to lower the idler roller and the signature corresponding to the count contacts the tops of each vacuum head. Simultaneously, a partial vacuum is formed in the recessed vacuum chamber of each head binding the targeted signature to the heads.

Abstract: A stacker bundler apparatus for sheet material in signature form is provided. The apparatus includes a table having tracks on which a shuttle is mounted. The shuttle has a platform and is movable to a position under the signature. A pneumatic cylinder for raising the tracks is provided to engage the shuttle platform with the signature. The signature is the shuttle is transported to the forward end of the table where it is compressed by compression arms actuated by a lift cylinder and compression cylinder.