Abstract: In a flat gathering binding system it is necessary to use a cover breaker to apply pressure to the book and cover to form a sharp square fold on each side. A cover breaker control system includes a motor which is coupled to a cover breaker carriage for varying the relative position of first and second movable cover breaker plates which are used to apply the pressure. A controller calculates the difference between book thickness which the plates are set for and a desired thickness, and is operable to vary the relative positioning by a distance corresponding to this difference so that when the plates are driven to break the cover they are spaced a distance apart according to the desired thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for individually printing signatures during delivery to a binding line conveyor. A plurality of signatures are provided at a feeding station for delivery to a binding line conveyor. The signatures are transferred by means of a transfer conveyor which extends from the feeding station to the binding line conveyor. The transfer conveyor is adapted to receive one signature at a time from the feeding station and to transfer the signatures to the binding line conveyor. In addition, the signatures are individually printed in a direction perpendicular to the backbones during delivery to the binding line conveyor.