Abstract: An apparatus for forming a plurality of individual books in a predetermined sequence includes a main conveyor having a plurality of spaced collating stations for receiving signatures. A plurality of feeders selectively feed signatures to the spaced collating stations as the main conveyor moves the plurality of spaced collating stations past the plurality of feeders to form the plurality of individual books in the predetermined sequence. A rejector rejects a defective book from the sequence of books leaving a space in the sequence of books. A reorderer causes the plurality of feeders to rebuild the rejected book. A first transferor transfers the sequence of books to a second conveyor to convey the sequence of books away from the main conveyor. The first transfer means is inhibited from transferring the reordered book from the main conveyor to the second conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a plurality of books from a binder conveyor to another conveyor. The apparatus includes a plurality of grippers for receiving the books from the binder conveyor and gripping the books. The apparatus includes a conveyor for moving the grippers at a first interval and a first orientation. The apparatus includes a device for rotating the grippers from the first orientation to a second orientation. The apparatus includes a device for changing the relative displacement of the grippers from the first interval to a second interval, different from the first interval. The apparatus includes a conveyor for moving the grippers at the second interval and the second orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus for stacking sheetlike articles of flexible material includes a stack follower engaging the trailing end of a stack to prevent separation of articles from the stack adjacent its trailing end as the edges of the articles drag across a guide surface during lowering movement of the stack.

Abstract: A stack top control method and apparatus includes sensing the vertical position of a top of signatures being stacked on a stacking platform at two spaced apart locations. Two belt assemblies tangentially contact at least a portion of opposed sides of the stack being formed adjacent the top locations being sensed. Each belt assembly is driven by a variable drive motor and applies a tangential, frictional drive force to the opposed sides of the stack being formed toward the stacking platform. A control circuit monitors the vertical position of the two spaced apart locations and controls the speed of each drive motor of the belt assemblies responsive to the sensed vertical position of the top of the signatures being formed into the stack. The top of the stack is thereby substantially leveled.