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.