Abstract: A paper web cutter for cutting across the width of a moving web of paper in locations along the length of the web, for severing the web in two sections. Two conveyors carry the web therebetween and hold the web against each other. One conveyor carries a cutter which operates to cut either the full web width, or only a part of the web width, and another cutter then cuts the remainder of the web width.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for handling stacks of sheets, including a carrier for lowering the sheets in a stacker and having a clamp which applies to the bundle and moves therewith throughout the lowering process. The clamp is mounted on the carrier for movement into and out of clamping position, and in the clamping position it permits the bundles to be lowered without bending or distorting the sheets which are otherwise dragging on a stationary support.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of feeding sheets to a sheet gatherer, comprising moving the sheets along a horizontal path and then arcuately downwardly to lay the sheets in the gatherer hopper. The sides of the sheets are supported by members which have irregular surfaces disposed in vertical upstanding planes for engaging the opposite sides edges of the upstanding sheets and thereby support the sheets while advancing them toward the hopper. The sheets are continuously moved from a loading position and in the horizontal direction and then through a downwardly extending arc and into the hopper.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for trimming signatures moving in a continuous stream and in an arcuate path as controlled by a conveyor. A trimming knife is stationarily disposed adjacent the arcuate path for engaging the marginal edges of the signatures and trimming those edges. Input and output conveyors are in signature-flow communication with the conveyor of the arcuate path, and either input or output conveyor can be reversed for the input and output function, and also the conveyor having the arcuate path can accordingly be reversed so that the signatures can move in either continuous arcuate path of movement for the trimming process.

Abstract: An upstanding sheet support system which utilizes either brushes or a jagged configuration member for engaging the opposite sides of sheets standing in a horizontal bundle where the sheets are standing on their edges on a floor. The side support members can either be stationary or moving, for supporting the sheets, and there is no requirement for any other support of the sheets, such as the requirement of the usual backstop, special handling, or binding of the bundle, since the sheets are self-standing by virtue of the spaced-apart engaging the opposite sides of the sheets in the bundle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for stitching sheets of paper together by means of a hardenable liquid applied to hollow needles which roll with the movement of the stack of sheets moving tangentially to the rotational action of the applicator needles. The needles can be readily arranged in any pattern of applying the hardenable liquid to the stack of sheets, as desired, and the liquid is applied under pressure only at the location of the sheets themselves. Finally, a cover is placed over the stack of sheets with the hardenable liquid not yet set, and thus the cover is automatically glued or adhered to the stack of sheets for a finally neat and complete product.

Abstract: A system for automating the stacking of bundles onto a pallet, and including a stacker for positioning bundles of sheets into discrete stacks, a strapper for tying the bundles and a lift mechanism for raising the bundles to an elevation. A pallet is positioned onto a pallet holder at the elevation and the bundles are placed onto the elevated pallet. A lift means supports the pallet while bundles are continued to be placed thereon, and the pallet holder is then moved clear so that the pallet can be lowered for additional loading and for ultimate removal, with the removal process taking place while another pallet is placed onto the pallet holder.

Abstract: A method and system of routing a signature or stitching, and including taking folded signatures from a raceway and onto support bars or fingers and moving the signatures to a rotary stitcher where they are stitched and then removing them from the bars or fingers to a collection conveyor, all in a high-speed continuous action.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for creating a gap in a stream of sheets, and also moving the sheets at a uniform rate onto a take-off conveyor. The function is accomplished by diverting a portion of a conveyor to have it move through a longer path than the original path, and thereby have the portion move faster in order to create the gap.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for stacking bundles of sheets onto a table top or the like, and with the bundles being stacked in an interlocked manner where, in all layers of the bundles, the bundles have right angled relationships with each other, for sturdy and secure positioning of the bundles in the stack. A rotatable table is utilized for supporting the bundles, and a transport or carrier, such as an overhead crane, is utilized for bringing the bundles onto the table where, after a few bundles are placed thereon, the table is rotated and displaced and additional bundles are then placed onto the table for the interlocked relationship of all of the bundles.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for collating folded signatures which are removed from a stack of signatures and placed in parallel side-by-side relationship on saddle members. The saddle members move in a direction transverse to the folds in the signature, and thus spacing of the saddle members is close together and the entire apparatus and process can be performed at a high speed, in that arrangement. A signature pickup device is employed for removing the signatures from the stack in a stream relationship and delivering them directly to a collector where a flap opener can be employed for positioning the signature flaps on opposite sides of the collector saddle members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling a stack of sheets, including the stacking of the sheets from a continuous incoming stream of sheets and on a lower endboard, and compressing the stack and restricting the sides of the stack while the stack is moved laterally to a station where an upper endboard is applied and the stack is strapped or bound and then moved further away.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for singly removing the bottom one of a sheet from a stack of sheets, and utilizing counter rotating discs or plates which sweep the bottom sheet toward its opposite edges and thus create a flat and smooth bottom surface for contact by suction cups to remove the sheet from the stack. The plates are adjustable relative to the widths of the sheets, to thereby accommodate various widths of sheets. An intermediate or central portion of the lower sheet of the stack is made smooth and flat for contact by a suction cup which can therefore remove the sheets at high speeds.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling sheets in a hopper, whereby the stack of sheets is partially supported at various elevations along the stack so that only a portion of the weight of the stack bears downwardly on the sheet removal devices. The stack support members are movable into and out of supporting position relative to the stack, by virtue of a solenoid or the like, for passing a discrete lower portion of the stack down to the take-off device, and a feeler is provided for sensing the need for passing more sheets downwardly, in accordance with the rate of removing the sheets from the bottom of the stack.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for palletizing bundles of sheets to move them from a first position or pickup station and into rows and stacks on a pallet on a second or deposit station. A single overhead and endless conveyor is utilized. A bundle pickup mechanism, such as a clamp, is employed to the conveyor and has elevator means for lifting the bundle relative to the overhead crane or conveyor and for then lowering the bundle at the deposit station and relative to the overhead crane or conveyor. In that manner, the apparatus is simplified in utilizing one endless overhead crane or conveyor, and the entire system is automated by means of electric sensors and powered mechanisms.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying folded sheets along a raceway and in an inverted V-shaped position and moving the sheets to an elevating conveyor which turns the sheets onto their sides where the sheets can then be further moved into a trimmer or stacked or the like. The apparatus provides for safe and accurate transport of the sheets and for movement at a constant velocity so that the sheets can be moved at the high speed of the printing press which is producing these sheets. Also, an orbital type of device is utilized for picking up the sheets from the raceway and like conveyor while maintaining the sheets in their horizontal orientation and then presenting the sheets to the vertical elevating conveyor, all without upsetting the relationship between the sheets in the multiplicity of folded sheets such as a signature.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of handling signatures which are first presented to a rotating type of trimmer and are then collected in a compensated stack where the folds of the signature are positioned on opposite sides for levelling the stack. The trimmer includes a clamp which secures the signature while it is being trimmed on its three open edges, and the clamp can then be actuated to move the signature to a collection location where the compensated stack of signatures is formed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supplying strap to an item, such as a bundle of sheets, and with two strapping mechanisms being made available to a fixed segment of a strap guide, such that either mechanism can be positioned in the operating position at any one time. Arrangement is made for shifting the two strapping mechanisms laterally into mating position with the fixed strap guide, and with each strapping mechanism carrying a segment of a strap guide for mating with and completing the fixed segment of strap guide. Provision is also made for removing the strapping mechanisms from a fixed strap guide or position, for servicing or the like.

Abstract: An automated sheet-moving system for moving sheets from a printing press and to a bindery and with a fully automated system where the sheets need not be manually handled. The sheets are initially formed in a stack on a stacker and are then placed onto a tray where a pick-up mechanism moves the sheets to a station adjacent a bindery feeder. An automated pick-up then moves the sheets from the station to the bindery feeder, in response to the requirement for sheets in the bindery feeder. A specially provided tray and pick-up mechanism are inter-related so that the pick-up mechanism can engage the tray and pick up the tray with the sheets thereon, and the mechanism can also eject the sheets from the tray at the location of the bindery feeder.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of handling signatures which are first presented to a rotating type of trimmer and are then collected in a compensated stack where the folds of the signature are positioned on opposite sides for levelling the stack. The trimmer includes a clamp which secures the signature while it is being trimmed on its three open edges, and the clamp can then be actuated to move the signature to a collection location where the compensated stack of signatures is formed.