Abstract: Signature gathering machine in which signatures are extracted by an extracting cylinder successively from a hopper, released at a register gauge, opened by grippers on opposed opening cylinders and then those grippers are opened to drop the signature onto a saddle conveyor; wipers rotate with the extracting cylinder and are actuated in timed relation to arrival of the signature at the register gauge so as to force the free edges of the signature into the space between the opening cylinders.

Abstract: A signature machine for assembling books has a binding machine which can accommodate variable book thicknesses without adjustment during operation. The binding machine has multiple binding stations each of which is pre-set to bind a book of a particular thickness. Each book is bound at the station set up to operate on the corresponding book thickness. The stations are disabled when presented with books of thickness different from that assigned to the particular station.

Abstract: An insert is incorporated in a book of gathered signatures by a segment wheel which makes one-half turn per machine cycle; to calibrate the speed of the wheel to the lineal speed of the signature a coupling incorporating principles of a Whitworth drive is interposed between the main drive shaft of the machine and the drive for the wheel.

Abstract: In a system for collating, binding and stacking magazines or books, a machine comprising a portion of a conveyor line used in the system. The machine turns some of the books relative to their direction of travel prior to entering the stacking device so that an even stack can be obtained. The books are turned slowly, that is, for a time interval of several book cycles.

Abstract: A method of collating binder production of books in a sequence of different editions, which differ as to content, to another sequence on a conveyor so they will be delivered in the other sequence from the conveyor.

Abstract: Extraneous signatures in a continuous stream are purged by so diverting the stream that it is possible at the same time to originate and advance the head of a new stream to the point of diversion.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with the elimination of vibration in signature gathering machine delivery chains. Reciprocal motion in some components of a signature gathering system creates periodic forces which may be at or near the natural frequency of the delivery chain. This causes undesired vibration in the chain. The present invention damps this vibration by continuously constraining the lower run of the chain and by placing a positive drive at the tail end sprocket of the chain to take up some of the slack in the return run. The vibration is also substantially reduced at its source by placing a flywheel on the mainline drive shaft near the point where the reciprocal motion is derived.

Abstract: A signature feeding machine of the type having suction grippers for removing a signature from a hopper. A vacuum is applied to the gripper when grabbing a signature. The gripper transports the signature to a rotating cylinder where the gripper releases it by disapplying the vacuum. The machine is operable in two modes; a run mode and a jog or intermittent mode. An adjustable timing control is provided to time differently the application and disapplication of the vacuum in accordance with the particular mode of operation.

Abstract: Signatures fresh from the printing press are fed in a shingled stream toward and then dropped one by one into a hopper which may feed a gathering chain.The signatures are "broken" (unstuck) by first stacking them edgewise on a horizontal support, shingling them in a constant stream by an unusual form of suction feed, bending the shingled stream and thereafter cascading the stream into the hopper.

Abstract: If a newspaper jacket to be stuffed with a collection of inserts does not timely arrive at the stuffing station the inserts intended therefore are rejected but the machine is not stopped; if the inserts are detected as insufficient in number the ones which are present may be rejected and the jacket may also be rejected.

Abstract: Signature feeding machine operable in a run mode or jog mode and having means to time differently the application and disapplication of vacuum to an extractor in accordance with the modes.

Abstract: Books are produced by feeding juxtaposed webs of printed matter, obtained from rolls, to a knife which cuts the webs to provide juxtaposed sheets in paginated relation; a delivery cylinder may be optionally set to feed the paginated sheets to one of two folders, which respectively fold signatures of different form. The signatures are then delivered to a conveyor which is preferably a saddle conveyor in which event the fold is so made as to result in a lap margin.

Abstract: Books are produced by juxtaposing webs of printed material obtained from rolls, cut and then folded twice to afford a lap margin and a juxtaposed fold before delivery to a saddle conveyor; the folded sheets or signatures thus produced are trimmed and one trim is at the aforementioned juxtaposed fold.

Abstract: A three-knife sheet trimmer is so constructed as to separate the drive for the knives (one front knife and two side knives) from the drive for the clamps which hold the sheets (e.g., the sheets of a book) stationary while being trimmed. The knives at the stations are operated out of phase, and the moving masses are therefore balanced compared to the previous form of these trimmers where all knives move in the same direction at the same time. Separating the drives also enables a book to be sooner advanced from the first knife station to the second knife station. This being so, there is a greater allowance of time in which to make the transfer, and hence there is no need to rush the book.

Abstract: Books are produced by feeding juxtaposed webs of printed matter, obtained from rolls, past a glue applying means which applies glue between the webs; the webs joined by glue are cut to provide juxtaposed sheets in paginated relation which are then folded to signature form and delivered to a conveyor; preferably the conveyor in a saddle conveyor and the fold is so made as to produce signatures with a lap margin.