Abstract: For a method for trimming printed products 2, such as book blocks, brochures and the like with the aid of a tractive knife cut, in which the printed products 2 are moved against a stationary knife 17, it is proposed that the cutting process takes place in two successive operations, the edge of the printed product 2 to be trimmed being cut off in a first operation by a precut 13 extending close to the final trimming dimension and being finally trimmed in a second operation by a smoothing or final trimming cut 16 by means of the tractive knife cut. The apparatus for implementing the method includes a conveying system 10, 11 for retaining and guiding the printed products 2 in a clamped state at least during the cutting process, and a first cutting station 13 with a rotationally driven cutting tool 15 for precutting and a second cutting station 16 with a stationary knife 17 for smooth final trimming.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying end papers to the front and rear sides of inner books which are continuously moving along a transport path includes end paper channels extending along the transport path and feeders for isolating individual end papers from stacks and delivering the end papers into the channels for simultaneous conveyance with the inner book. The feeders position the end papers such that they are oriented substantially parallel with the sides of the inner book while delivering the end papers into the channels in the direction of inner book movement. The moving end papers are overtaken by the mechanisms which impart movement to the books and the simultaneous moving end papers and inner books are subsequently pressed together to bond the end papers to the inner book.

Abstract: Hinge joints are impressed in a book cover through the use of a heated tool, having the profile of the desired joint, and the joint is thereafter immediately stabilized. Joint stabilization is accomplished by rapid reduction of the temperature of the joint areas while maintaining the application of compressive force.

Abstract: The backing of a previously rounded book block is accomplished, while the book block is clamped between oppositely disposed gripping jaws, by subjecting the spine region of the book block to composite forces resulting from imparting a swinging motion along an arcuate path to a pressing beam carrier, to cause the pressing beam to bend the book block sheets outwardly away from the center line of the block, and superimposing tangential sliding motion on the pressing beam as it acts on the book block in the region adjacent the edges of the spine to thereby controllably form creases in the opposite sides of the block.