Abstract: An adjustable trimming assembly is configured to receive printed media along a path in a downstream direction. The printed media includes a first dimension oriented perpendicular to the path and a second dimension oriented substantially perpendicular to the first dimension. The adjustable trimming assembly includes a trimming device adapted to trim a margin from the second dimension of the printed media and a conveyor adapted to receive the printed media along the path. The conveyor is positioned adjacent the trimming device. The adjustable trimming assembly also includes an actuator coupled to the conveyor and a controller operably coupled to the actuator to adjust the distance traveled by the printed media along the path before the margin is trimmed from the second dimension of the printed media.

Abstract: A method of trimming printed media, having a first dimension, a first edge parallel to the direction of the first dimension, and a second dimension substantially perpendicular to the first dimension, includes selecting printed media to be positioned on a conveyor based on predetermined delivery sequence data, positioning the printed media along a path on the conveyor, abutting the printed media with a stop to position the first edge of the printed media at a location along the path, receiving size data representative of the second dimension of the printed media to be trimmed, and electronically controlling at least one of the stop and a trimming device to adjust a distance between the stop and the trimming device, in a direction substantially parallel with the path, based on the received size data to adjust a location along the second dimension at which the printed media is to be trimmed.

Abstract: A method includes providing a cover substrate to a finishing line. The cover substrate is provided to a printer associated with the finishing line. Variable information is printed on the cover substrate with the printer. A plurality of signatures are collected from a plurality of pockets on the binding line. The variable cover is joined with a portion of a publication. The publication is bound to include the variable cover.

Abstract: A system is provided for printing and assembling printed products. The system includes a binding line and a plurality of pockets for delivering signatures to the binding line. A personalization line is associated with one of the plurality of pockets. The personalization line includes a printer configured to print variable information on a substrate and a converter positioned downstream of the printer and configured to convert the substrate into a variable signature including the variable information.

Abstract: A method of trimming printed media comprises selecting printed media to be positioned on a conveyor based on predetermined delivery sequence data, positioning the printed media on the conveyor, receiving size data representative of at least one dimension of the printed media to be trimmed, and electronically controlling a trimmer based on the received size data to adjust a location at which the printed media is to be trimmed.

Abstract: A system for positioning a cover relative to a book block. The system comprises a drive unit to cause movement of at least one of the book block and the cover and a position sensor operable to detect at least one of a position of the book block and the cover. The position sensor is operable to generate a position signal indicative of the position. The system also comprises a controller in communication with the position sensor and the drive unit. The controller is operable to receive the position signal and to control the drive unit based on the position signal to adjust a relative position of the cover and the book block.

Abstract: A system is provided for printing and assembling printed products. The system includes a binding line and a plurality of pockets for delivering signatures to the binding line. A personalization line is associated with one of the plurality of pockets.

Abstract: A method of trimming printed media, having a first dimension, a first edge parallel to the direction of the first dimension, and a second dimension substantially perpendicular to the first dimension, includes selecting printed media to be positioned on a conveyor based on predetermined delivery sequence data, positioning the printed media along a path on the conveyor, abutting the printed media with a stop to position the first edge of the printed media at a location along the path, receiving size data representative of the second dimension of the printed media to be trimmed, and electronically controlling at least one of the stop and a trimming device to adjust a distance between the stop and the trimming device, in a direction substantially parallel with the path, based on the received size data to adjust a location along the second dimension at which the printed media is to be trimmed.

Abstract: A plurality of resonators are embedded in a base material for use in applications in the printing industry. The base material including the resonators can be used in printing press applications, finishing applications, packaging applications, distribution applications, and downstream applications. The base material can include paper, ink, coatings, polymers, composites, adhesives, metal, or a combination of any of these materials.

Abstract: A method of trimming printed media comprises selecting printed media to be positioned on a conveyor based on predetermined delivery sequence data, positioning the printed media on the conveyor, receiving size data representative of at least one dimension of the printed media to be trimmed, and electronically controlling a trimmer based on the received size data to adjust a location at which the printed media is to be trimmed.

Abstract: A system for positioning a cover relative to a book block. The system comprises a drive unit to cause movement of at least one of the book block and the cover and a position sensor operable to detect at least one of a position of the book block and the cover. The position sensor is operable to generate a position signal indicative of the position. The system also comprises a controller in communication with the position sensor and the drive unit. The controller is operable to receive the position signal and to control the drive unit based on the position signal to adjust a relative position of the cover and the book block.

Abstract: A hopper loader apparatus and method for delivering signatures to a binding line, the hopper loader including a first conveyor having a horizontal entry portion and an arched exit portion. During operation of the hopper, the signatures are loaded onto the horizontal entry portion and moved toward the arched exit portion such that the signatures are fanned or deblocked as they travel over the arched exit portion. A second conveyor connected to the first conveyor receives signatures from the arched exit portion of the first conveyor and moves the signatures to the binding line. The arched exit portion is preferably less than 25% of the total length of the first conveyor. The horizontal portion of the first conveyor is located between 30 and 34 inches above a platform on which the hopper loader is standing to facilitate loading of the signatures onto the horizontal portion by an operator.

Abstract: A signature hopper loader apparatus and method for delivering signatures in a shingled stream to the hopper.

Abstract: A hopper loader apparatus and method for delivering signatures to a binding line, the hopper loader including a first conveyor having a horizontal entry portion and an arched exit portion. During operation of the hopper, the signatures are loaded onto the horizontal entry portion and moved toward the arched exit portion such that the signatures are fanned or deblocked as they travel over the arched exit portion. A second conveyor connected to the first conveyor receives signatures from the arched exit portion of the first conveyor and moves the signatures to the binding line. The arched exit portion is preferably less than 25% of the total length of the first conveyor. The horizontal portion of the first conveyor is located between 30 and 34 inches above a platform on which the hopper loader is standing to facilitate loading of the signatures onto the horizontal portion by an operator.

Abstract: An improved apparatus is used to feed sheet material to a feed station of a collating conveyor. At the feed station of one embodiment of the invention, a first feed drum engages a leading edge portion of the sheet material and feeds the sheet material toward the collating conveyor. A first feed drum feeds the sheets along an arcuate path to a secondary drum. The secondary feed drum feeds the sheet material from another holder to a secondary conveyor. The secondary conveyor is inclined to a horizontal at an angle lesser than the arcuate path. A printer assembly prints indicia on the sheet material. The printer assembly directs ink toward opposite sides of the sheet material along paths which are skewed at an acute angle relative to the vertical so that particles of ink do not fall back onto ink jet nozzles and clog the nozzles.