Abstract: In order to verify that a packer box on a binding line has successfully dropped the correct signature onto a gathering chain, a unique system and method are disclosed wherein the system includes utilizing common indicia in a preselected location on each of the signatures to be fed from the packer box and a scanner is provided along the gathering chain generally adjacent the packer box holding the signatures. The scanner is positioned relative to the gathering chain to scan for the common indicia in the region where the preselected location passes when one of the signatures has been fed to the gathering chain to occupy one of the chain spaces thereof, and the information gathered by the scanner is utilized to verify whether a correct one of the signatures occupies the chain space by utilizing the information which is gathered by the scanner.

Abstract: A stabilization system for the printing of signatures having a chain conveyor for conveying a plurality of signatures in a longitudinal direction, the chain conveyor being subdivided into a plurality of conveyor spaces and one of the signatures being provided in each of the conveyor spaces. The stabilization system includes a support structure for supporting the chain conveyor, means for lifting the signatures off of the chain conveyor, and a second conveyor for conveying the signatures in the longitudinal direction to a printer for printing textual subject matter on the signatures after they are lifted from the chain conveyor. The second conveyor has a support structure that is separate and vibrationally isolated from the chain conveyor and the support structure for the chain conveyor so that the printer is separate and vibrationally isolated from the chain conveyor and its support structure.

Abstract: In order to avoid disruption of a stack of signatures, particularly when a cyclically operable signature feeding apparatus is temporarily disabled, the utilization of a unique disabling arrangement is contemplated. The signature feeding apparatus will generally include a driven rotary drum having a plurality of signature grippers disposed about the periphery thereof. The signature grippers are adapted to grip signatures seriatim from a signature supply hopper. A vacuum assembly is driven by a cam for shifting signatures seriatim from the signature supply hopper to the rotary drum for gripping by the signature grippers. The vacuum assembly includes a source of vacuum operatively associated with oscillating vacuum grippers. The signature feeding apparatus further includes a cam follower operatively associated with the vacuum assembly to control operation of the vacuum assembly responsive to engagement with a surface of the cam.

Abstract: In order to spread and flatten a signature for printing, and to hold the signature to prevent it from shifting, a binding line mail table includes a plate for supporting the signature in a flat orientation as the signature moves along the signature supporting plate. It also includes a first pair of drive belts disposed on the signature supporting plate in spaced apart relation and a second pair of drive belts disposed on the respective ones of the first pair of drive belts on the sides thereof opposite the signature supporting plate and, further, the drive belts are all then driven at substantially the same speed. With this unique arrangement, and to ensure that the signature is in a flat orientation as it moves along the signature supporting plate for printing thereon, at least one of the drive belts of one of the pairs diverges relative to the respective one of the drive belts of the other of the pairs.

Abstract: In order to facilitate adjustment of the height of impaling pins, a signature supply station includes a pair of generally parallel side frame members each of which supports a rotatable impaling pin adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly includes supporting structure for a pair of impaling pins whereby the pins are supported between the side frame members for guided movement in generally vertically upward and downward directions, and it also includes an adjusting screw rotatable in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. With the signature supply station supporting signatures generally vertically, the adjustment assembly further includes interconnection structure or guided generally vertically upward and downward movement of the impaling pins responsive to clockwise and counterclockwise rotational movement of the adjusting screw.

Abstract: In order to avoid disruption of a stack of signatures, particularly when a cyclically operable signature feeding apparatus is temporarily disabled, the utilization of a unique latch arrangement is contemplated. The feeding apparatus will generally include a driven rotary drum having a plurality of signature grippers disposed about the periphery thereof. The signature grippers are adapted to grip signatures seriatim upon receipt from a signature supply hopper. A suction assembly is driven by a cam for shifting signatures seriatim from the signature supply hopper to the rotary drum for gripping by the signature grippers. The suction assembly includes oscillating suction grippers together with a vacuum control valve. The signature feeding apparatus further includes a cam follower operatively associated with the suction assembly to control movement of the oscillating suction grippers and operation of the vacuum control valve.