Abstract: In a folding apparatus with a transverse cutting and transverse folding unit fed by a first longitudinal folding unit and with a second longitudinal folding unit followed by a delivery unit, simple development and expansion of the folding apparatus step by step is made possible by arranging the transverse cutting and transverse folding unit on a basic frame and arranging the second longitudinal folding unit on a lower additional frame. Furthermore the basic and additional frame are arranged at the same level and are provided with connection structure adjacent to each other and over the connection on the basic frame there is a further connection structure for a superposed frame with transverse and longitudinal forming unit. The additional frame is provided with support surfaces for the superposed frame which has corresponding surfaces.

Abstract: A folder assembly for book folding in a web-fed rotary printing machine is disclosed. A paper web is printed and is then directed to a cutting cylinder, a cooperating folding blade cylinder and to a folding jaw cylinder. A pair of third or quarter folders are coordinated to the folding jaw cylinder. An upper one of these third folders is fixed and receives cross folded signatures from the folding jaw cylinder. A lower one of these third folders is shiftable laterally with respect to the upper third folder generally in a horizontal plane which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the folding jaw cylinder. A gripper cylinder is positioned intermediate the folding jaw cylinder and a transport tape system which is shiftable with, and which conveys signatures from the gripper cylinder to the lower third folder. Both upper and lower third folders can be operated concurrently or either one can be operated by itself in response to desired production demands.

Abstract: A former assembly for a folder in a web-fed rotary printing press is disclosed. The former assembly includes a paper guide spaced between side frames which are supported for rotation about a vertical axis above a group of folder cylinders. An upper carrousel is used to support the side frames while a carrousel base is carried by the folder. A steering ring is interposed between the upper carrousel and carrousel base to allow rotation of the upper carrousel with respect to the base. Suitable locks are provided to fix the former assembly at desired points along its rotational path above the folder cylinders.

Abstract: A planetary crank drive gear arrangement for a conveyor drum in a folder of a web-fed rotary printing machine is disclosed. The planetary crank drive gear arrangement includes a pair of spaced planetary gears which cooperate with a sun gear through which the shaft of the conveyor drum passes. A swing disk is carried on the conveyor drum shaft and is so weighted to compensate for the additional weights added by the planetary crank drive gears and the like. The planetary crank drive gear arrangement allows the conveyor drum to be either accelerated or decelerated without adversely affecting the drive for the printing machine.