Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical stacking system having a shelf support assembly for supporting the edge surface of the bottom surface of the bottom most signature in a stack of signatures. The shelf support assembly is positioned perpendicular and out of the path of a sliding support which receives the forming stack. The shelf support assembly is moved towards the forming stack and away from the formed stack at the same time forks of the sliding support are extended and retracted for receiving and releasing the stack of signatures.

Abstract: A vertical signature stacking machine includes a frame, a vertical support wall, and a sliding support which intersects the vertical support wall. The sliding support translates along the support wall. Signatures are fed to a support plane on the sliding support to form a stack of signatures. There is a base support disposed to receive a stack of signatures from the sliding support. End boards are placed on the top and base of the stack by a rotatable end board gripper with a vacuum which can pick up end boards from an end board hopper and can release the end boards. A carriage is provided for bracing the completed stack. The carriage is disposed to travel along a path juxtaposed to the base travel path. The carriage has rotatably mounted arms having a bracing surface for moving the stack. The arms are positioned transverse to the support wall causing the bracing surface to intercept the stack and propel the stack along the base travel path.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus useful for palletizing elongated articles including bundles of stacked sheets or signatures. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a frame and a slide system mounted to the frame. The slide system comprises a slide conveyor and a slide support connected to the slide conveyor. There is at least one, and preferably at least two, clamp assemblies connected to the slide support. Each clamp assembly comprises a pair of opposing clamping surfaces with at least one of the clamping surfaces on a clamp, and preferably each clamping surface on an opposing clamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for interrupting a stream of signatures. The apparatus comprises successive conveyor belts in series which can be controlled to advance the belt supporting surfaces at relatively different speeds. At least one conveyor belt has a supporting surface capable of varying in length.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for stacking bundles of sheets onto a table top or the like, and with the bundles being stacked in an interlocked manner where, in all layers of the bundles, the bundles have right angled relationships with each other, for sturdy and secure positioning of the bundles in the stack. A rotatable table is utilized for supporting the bundles, and a transport or carrier, such as an overhead crane, is utilized for bringing the bundles onto the table where, after a few bundles are placed thereon, the table is rotated and displaced and additional bundles are then placed onto the table for the interlocked relationship of all of the bundles.