Abstract: Systems and apparatus for manufacturing books are disclosed. An example modular signature feeder includes a frame having a base configured to enable the modular signature feeder to be removably attached to another modular signature feeder or a signature transfer assembly associated with a signature collation feeder assembly. Removably attaching the modular signature feeder assembly to another modular signature feeder or a signature transfer assembly increases a footprint of the signature collation feeder assembly. A conveyor configured to move signatures and a hopper configured to hold a plurality of signatures are operatively coupled to the frame. A signature feeding device is disposed between the hopper and the conveyor and configured to feed the signatures from the hopper to the conveyor.

Abstract: A binding line having selectable pin spacing on a gathering chain includes a gathering section including the gathering chain having a plurality of spaced pusher pins for transporting gathered signatures seriatim therealong to a signature exit end. A stitcher section includes a stitcher chain having a plurality of spaced pusher pins for transporting signatures seriatim therealong from a signature entry end. A drive system provides for driving the gathering chain synchronously with the stitcher chain so that both the gathering section and stitcher section operate at a constant signature feed rate. The gathering chain pins are spaced apart a first select distance and the stitcher chain pins are spaced apart a second select distance, different from the first select distance. The drive system drives the gathering chain at a different velocity from the stitcher chain to provide the constant signature feed rate.