Abstract: An apparatus for producing items in selected configurations and a system, and method for controlling the same. More particularly, an apparatus for producing mail pieces and a system and method for controlling it to produce mail pieces in a variety of configurations are disclosed. The apparatus includes a laser printer and folding sealing apparatus controlled by a data processor. The folder sealer apparatus combines sheets printed by the laser printer with pre-printed sheets and envelope forms, which also may be printed by the laser printer or may be windowed envelopes, folds the sheets as necessary and folds and seals the envelope form about the folded sheets to produce a mail piece. A user inputs a configuration for the mail piece which is translated by the data processor into a data structure and transmitted to the controller of the folder sealer apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for forming an envelope capable of containing sheet material therein having a width equal to the width of the envelope by performing the steps of: feeding a sheet having a width and a length from a tray in a predetermined direction; folding the sheet across its width into a single fold to form first and second flaps, each flap having a width equal to the width of the sheet; pressing the first and second flaps together; and applying an adhesive tape over ends of the sheet to secure the first and second flaps together to form an envelope having an internal width at least the same as the width of the sheet, the adhesive tape completely forming the ends of the envelope.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for printing and separating continuous forms into discrete folded jobs from a single moving web including an accumulator positioned between a printer and job separator with the accumulator being constructed to accumulate a portion of the web in random loops whenever the job separator operates at a capacity less than the printer.

Abstract: In a paper discharged apparatus for use in a paper folder of the type forming sections of different type, sections of the different type are conveyed in the same direction to the same place by first and second conveyors. The first conveyor has an upper horizontal run and a lower inclined run and has a triangular cross-sectional configuration. The second conveyor has an upper inclined run extending in the direction of the lower run of the first conveyor. A change gear mechanism provided to reverse the direction of running of the first conveyor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of printing, collating and binding booklets, magazines, pamphlets and similar printed material in one, two or four colors utilizing a novel procedure for assuring precise printing and collating registration. In the printing operation, the present method provides great flexibility whereas the same printing equipment can be used for two-sided printing with full four-color printing on each side and variations thereof. In the collating operation, the present method provides for precise collation of multiple printed pages. In particular, the printing and collating operation utilizes a series of punched holes for orienting the pages during processing which punched holes are removed in a final trimming operation, allowing on-line printing, collation and binding at high production rates and with decreased waste.

Abstract: In an apparatus such as a printing press or collator for performing operations such as printing, perforating, punching, die cutting, crimping and the like on a continuous paper web, a registration unit for particular use in a crimping and tractor station and for changing the phase index of a shaft relative to the web where said shaft is rotatably mounted between parallel frame members of said crimping and tractor station or unit, the registration unit having a sleeve rotatably mounted about the shaft with a sleeve gear drive mounted thereto and rotatable therewith. A second gear drive member is mounted to the sleeve and concentric with the sleeve gear drive for rotation therewith, said sleeve gear drive providing a drive means for rotatably driving said shaft.

Abstract: An in-line book making system produces sets of signatures ready for "come and go" binding. Webs printing in respective presses are slit collated and folded into signatures which are fed in succession to two collecting pockets, one pocket receiving a batch of signatures totalling all the pages of the book and then the other pocket receiving a similar batch. The batches are fed in identical orientations from the respective pockets to respective conveyors, which cause a relative rotation of the batches through 180.degree.. The two batches are then brought together, when they together contain all the pages for two books in a disposition which can be bound in come and go binding and then cut apart.The signatures may be made by a former-folding process.The conveyor system may additionally be operable to eliminate the 180.degree. relative rotation, in case simple binding is desired.