Abstract: A collating apparatus (10), in particular for printed products such as brochures, flyers or the like, comprising a collecting section (11) having at least two collecting zones (11a,b) arranged in parallel and working independently of each other, onto which respectively a plurality of products are fed successively and are united lying one on top of the other into a collected product, and at least one further processing section (13, 15) positioned behind the collecting section (11) having at least one further processing apparatus (13a,b; 15a,b). High flexibility during operation is achieved by the arrangement between the collecting section (11) and the at least one further processing section (13, 15) of a distribution apparatus (12), which feeds the collected products arriving from the collecting zones (11a,b) selectively to the at least one further processing apparatus (13a,b, 15a,b).

Abstract: A method for operating a processing system, in which product units of different formats are processed. The processing system contains a plurality of processing devices that are arranged one after the other in a processing line. In the event of a format changeover, certain component arrangements arranged in the processing system must be adapted to the new product format. In the event of an upcoming format change, a gap in the conveyed goods is generated while the conveying operation is maintained, wherein the gap in the conveyed goods runs through the processing system along the processing devices. As soon as the gap in the conveyed goods runs through a component arrangement to be adapted to the new format, the format is changed over at the component arrangement while the gap in the conveyed goods runs through the component arrangement.

Abstract: A saddle stitcher for conveying a printed product is provided. The saddle stitcher includes a saddle chain conveyor, and a plurality of chain tops mounted on the saddle chain conveyor defining a chain top conveyance line for transporting a printed product. At least one of the chain tops includes a profiled top edge so the at least one chain top does not extend beyond the chain top conveyance line in a transition area. A method for transferring a printed product is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for transferring flexible flat objects, in particular printed products, between two conveyers wherein the apparatus includes a first gripper conveyor having first grippers moved along a first gripper conveying path for the substantially suspended transport of the objects in a conveyor device by seizing a first object edge, a second gripper conveyor having second grippers moved along a second gripper conveying path for receiving the objects by seizing a second object edge located opposite of the first object edge, at least one actuating apparatus for opening and closing the first and second grippers such that a transfer of the objects from the first grippers to the second grippers can take place in a transfer region. At least one auxiliary conveyor including auxiliary grippers carried along an auxiliary conveyor conveying path together with the first grippers is provided.

Abstract: The apparatus for conveying printed products has a feeding device which conveys the printed products to a discharge end. The gripper circulatory path of the gripper conveyor moves with the receiving section past the latter. During movement through the receiving section, the grippers use their gripper mouth to grasp the printed products and convey said products further. If the receiving section is located in the central position with respect to the feeding device, the printed products are grasped centrally and conveyed further. If, by contrast, the receiving section is displaced by means of the adjustment device into a side position, the printed products are grasped eccentrically and guided further.

Abstract: A method and device to produce printed items having at least one printed product and a supplement. The device includes a gathering device with a gathering section such that the gathering section includes a continuously circulating conveyor. A printer is also provided to produce the printed products wherein the printed products include a single page or partial block stacks. The device further includes feeders to supply the printed products to the conveyor and at least one supplement feeder arranged between two of the feeders to feed at least one supplement to the circulating conveyor.

Abstract: A method for operating a sheet handling system including the steps of: determining a location of a next collation mark on select sheets of the stack of material, selecting an operating mode based upon the proximity of the next collation mark relative to a leading or trailing edge of each of the select sheets, processing the singulated sheets in a first operating mode when the next collation mark is proximal to the leading edge of each of the select sheets, and in a second operating mode, when the next collation mark is proximal to a trailing edge of each of the select sheets. Each of the select sheets is buffered to change the spatial relationship between each of the select sheet and each completed collation of sheets along the feed path. By selectively processing the sheets based upon the location of the next collation mark, the conveyance feed path is minimized.

Abstract: An inserter including a pocket for holding an unevenly folded printed product having a fold edge, a first section on a first side of the fold edge and a second section on a second side of the fold edge that is at least 20 percent shorter than the first section is provided. The pocket includes a lower support surface for supporting the fold edge, a first wall for supporting the first section and a second wall for supporting the second section. The first and second walls each have at least one cutout defined therein. The at least one cutout of the second wall includes a lower cutout edge that is less than a length of the second section away from the lower support surface. The inserter also includes a gripper for securely gripping unevenly folded printed product and removing the unevenly folded printed product from the pocket by passing through the at least one cutouts in the first and second walls. A method of inserting an insert into an unevenly folded printed product is also provided.

Abstract: A co-mailing system uses an insert machine to merge different mail streams into one stream in the sequence of a master mail list. By using an insert machine with vertically oriented pockets traveling on a moving conveyor, the speed of merging the mail streams is high and efficiency is obtained.

Abstract: A conveying device for a gathering section used for processing of printed products includes a plurality of saddle-shaped segments which respectively form a saddle-shaped roof for supporting the printed products during a conveying operation along a conveying path. Pusher segments are respectively arranged with the saddle-shaped segments to form a rear end stop for the conveying the printed product. Alignment segments are respectively arranged with the saddle-shaped segments to form a front end stop for a front edge of the printed products.

Abstract: A multiplexing gathering device includes a first gatherer for forming first gathered printed products on a first line and a second gatherer for forming second gathered printed products on a second line. A collecting device collects the first and second gathered printed products. A first transporter transports the first gathered products from the first line to the collecting device and a second transporter for transports the second gathered products from the second line to the collecting device. At least one controller for controls the first gatherer and second gatherer so that second gathered products are selectively formed as a function of the formation of first gathered printed products. A method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collating printed products. The apparatus includes a collating drum rotatably driven about a horizontal axis of rotation and at least functionally subdivided into axial sections, provided with separate compartments or saddle-shaped supports that are externally open in a radial direction. A first feeding device delivers printed products to the processing drum, and a conveyor conveys the printed products away from the processing drum. Conveying elements are associated with the compartments or the supports, and are used for conveying the printed products in the axial direction when the processing drum rotates. A secondary conveying section is arranged between the first feeding device and the conveyor, and a processing station or at least one additional feeding station is located between the first feeding device and the secondary conveying section in order to process the printed products or feed additional printed products.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for compiling flat objects, wherein a gripper conveyor is used, the grippers of which either act directly as support elements or contact surfaces for the products to be compiled, thereby constituting a receiving unit, or interact with a separate support element to form a receiving unit. The use of a gripper conveyor having a controllable opening state and a controllable orientation of the gripper jaws of the individual grippers, and/or a controllable orientation of the separate support elements, has the advantage that the orientation of the contact surfaces and the clamping function within a receiving unit can be set independently of the adjoining receiving units. In this way, greater flexibility is attained.

Abstract: This is a media transport system that can accommodate various size media or sheets. The system has a series of even sized bins that can accommodate both small and large sheets. Above the bins is located a sheet diverter that when lowered diverts the small sheets into a small portion of the even sized bin. When the sheet diverter is raised, it permits the large sheets to be unblocked by it and fall into the largest portion of the even sized bin. When the large sheets are housed in the bin, they are supported on a short pusher which is located between two large pushers. Both the small and large sheets are in substantial collated alignment when housed in the bins.

Abstract: A method is provided to control a paper-processing machine. Following an occurrence of at least one error, the error is automatically detected with at least one detection device. Following the detection of the error, a measure is automatically introduced to counteract the error. The measure is then canceled at least in part if the error no longer occurs or the machine is stopped completely if the error is still detected by the detection device following completion of a predetermined criterion.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying sheet material along a feed path. The transport system includes an electro-dynamic propulsion system for moving sheet material, or a stacked collation of sheet material, along a support deck which defines the feed path. More specifically, the electro-dynamic propulsion system includes at least one guideway and a ferromagnetic element disposed internally of the guideway. The guideway includes a magnetic coil to produce a variable magnetic field. By varying the flux density and polarity of the magnetic field the ferromagnetic element may be propelled within the guideway. An abutment member is coupled to the ferromagnetic element, extends through the elongate opening of the support deck and engages an edge of sheet material. A processor is operative to control the electro-dynamic propulsion system and, accordingly, the rate of travel and position of the sheet material along the feed path.

Abstract: A plurality of conveying elements is arranged on a traction device of a conveying arrangement in spaced apart succession in a conveying direction. Each conveying element includes a support surface and an end stop coupled to a front of the support surface, positioned perpendicular to the support surface and transverse to the conveying direction. The conveying elements are guided at least while in a feed region of respective feed devices that feed printed sheets to the conveying elements. The support surfaces of the conveying elements are aligned parallel to the conveying direction on the feed section. A holding down device located at a downstream end in the conveying direction of the feed region of each of the feed devices holds down and guides the book block from above while conveyed on the conveying element.

Abstract: A new gathering and stitching machine (10) and a new method for operating a gathering and stitching machine (1) are proposed, which make it possible to drive in the staples (K) in a positionally correct manner and to close them satisfactorily even in the case of relatively short staple setting times. This is achieved by the novel control of the position of the staple heads (20) and the saddle-shaped supports (2, 30, 40, 50) in the region of the interaction during stapling. It is an essential feature of the present invention that the staple head (20) and the support (2, 30, 40, 50) are pivoted towards one another in such a way that they come to lie within a common stapling plane (H).

Abstract: A multiplex gathering device is provided. The multiplex gathering device includes a first gatherer forming first gathered printed products on a first finishing line, the first finishing line having a trimmer and a second gatherer forming a second gathered printed products on a second finishing line, the second finishing line having a second trimmer. The multiplex gathering device also includes a collecting device which combines the first and second gathered printed products together, a first transporter transporting the first gathered products from the first line to the collecting device and a second transporter transporting the second gathered products from the second line to the collecting device. At least one controller is provided for the multiplex gathering device for controlling the first gatherer and second gatherer and for collecting the first and second printing products in a controlled manner on the collecting device. A method for a multiplex gathering device is also provided.

Abstract: A device and a method for taking over flexible, two-dimensional objects (100), in particular printed products, at a take-over location (S1). The objects (100) are received by receiver units (10, 12). Controllable narrowing elements (20) are present, in order to prevent a squashing and rebounding of the objects (100) on or from an abutment of the receiver unit (10, 12), with which narrowing elements, in an active condition, the opening width (W2) of the receiver unit (10, 12) in a middle region between an entry opening (16) of the receiver unit (10, 12) and the abutment (15), may be reduced compared to an inactive condition. These are controlled with a control device (30). A more reliable positioning of the objects (100) in the receiver unit (10, 12), in particular at high feed speeds and with thin, elastically deformable objects (100), may be achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the processing of print products. The method may include conveying individually the print products with a feeding device along a feeding section, transferring individually the print products from the feeding section to a further processing section, and generating control signals from a control unit. The control signals may correspond to further treatment of each individual print product and to the transfer of a print product to the further processing section such that it can be processed further. The apparatus may include a feeding device configured to convey the print products individually along a feeding section, a transfer device configured to individually transfer the print products from the feeding device to a further processing device, and a control unit configured to generate control signals to control the transfer of the print products from the feeding device to the further processing device.

Abstract: Binding apparatus and a related process are particularly suited for binding digitally-printed sheets into booklets. The apparatus is adapted to fold individual sheets and then to apply adhesive to the fold line before gathering the sheets in a collator ready for binding. The collator includes either a rotatable or retractable finger that is moveable to temporarily inhibit registration of a first sheet of a new stack on a stacking area, as a previous stack is transported away.

Abstract: A method for producing perfect-bound book blocks for books or similar printed products, including driving successively arranged clamps to circulate along an endless path of a perfect binding apparatus, positioning loose book blocks composed of gathered printed sheets inside conveying units of a conveying device, supplying the book blocks upon or prior to reaching the transfer region below the endless path to the clamps of the perfect binding apparatus, the supplying including inserting the book blocks into the clamps pivoted by approximately 90° around a perpendicular axis from a processing position for the book blocks and clamping the book blocks in the clamps with spines facing downwards, and transporting the clamped book blocks in an upright position for further processing in the perfect binding apparatus. An arrangement for producing perfect-bound book blocks is also provided.

Abstract: The device has successively disposed receiving elements (14). These are formed by a channel-like base (42) and a wall (44) trailing as viewed in circumferential direction (U). The circumferential path (24) extends in the working section (38) at an incline such that the printed products (18) fed by means of the first conveyor (10) come to rest in the system at the base (42) and plane against the wall (44). A sliding body (60) is associated with each receiving element (14), the sliding body displacing the fed printed products (18) along the wall (44) of the receiving section (46) in the insertion section (48) by abutting the same. The printed products (18) are opened, wherein the second product part (18?) is placed behind the hold-open element (50), which is disposed on the forward receiving element (14). Inserts (20) are added to the printed products (18) by means of a second conveyor (12).

Abstract: A conveying apparatus with conveying compartments (2) which can be displaced one behind the other along a conveying path has supporting surfaces (S) which are arranged in the conveying compartments and on which flat articles (G), in particular printed products, can be conveyed in a state in which they rest thereon. The supporting surfaces (S) are each formed by a flexible supporting belt (5). In order to set different angles between the supporting surface (S) and the conveying path (1), each conveying compartment (2) has a setting element (3), which acts on the supporting belt (5) in a region between two belt ends which are fastened at two fastening locations (10, 11) which are spaced apart from one another parallel to the conveying path (1). The setting element (3) is further equipped in order to press articles (G) against the supporting surface (S) in an adjacent conveying compartment (2?).

Abstract: An arrangement for gathering or assembling printed sheets into semi-finished products for producing bound printed products, the arrangement including a conveying device and a plurality of replaceable feeder units arranged side-by-side along the conveying device. Each replaceable feeder unit includes at least two feeders for supplying the printed sheets to the conveying device and an undercarriage. The plurality of replaceable feeder units are arranged on the undercarriage. The undercarriage includes interface sections assigned, respectively, to the replaceable feeder units and the interface sections each include a first interface configuration.

Abstract: Different printed products (10) are fed by feeding units (7) and collated in compartments (2), wherein the compartments (2) are conveyed substantially continuously past the feeding outlets (6) arranged successively in a line, and a printed product (10) is added through each feeding outlet (6). The compartments (2) have a compartment base (3) and a transverse wall (4), wherein the compartment base (3) is inclined at least in a feeding region (5) of a circuit (1) of the compartments (2) in a conveying direction and the transverse wall (4) is upstream or downstream depending on the direction of inclination of the compartments. The compartments (2) are coupled to a conveying means such that they are rotatable around a substantially horizontal and/or substantially vertical axis. Thus, it becomes possible to maintain the inclination angle of the compartments which they have in the feeding region, in a region (12) for conveying further, an extraction region (15) with inclining or declining gradients.

Abstract: A pin conveyor for printed sheet material has a chain, a plurality of pins extending from the chain to push printed sheet material, and a receipt area for the printed sheet material, the chain and pins passing through the receipt area. The receipt area has at least one of the following a non-linear cross-section with the chain and pins passing through the receipt area, an inclined transport section of the chain, or a belt contacting the printed sheet material and running at or slower than a speed of the chain. A transfer unit with an overhead conveying unit and a method for delivering printed sheet material is also provided.

Abstract: A method and arrangement is provided for producing an adhesive-bound printed item composed of a plurality of printed products. The printed products are gathered into loose book blocks along a first conveying section of a conveying track for a circulating conveyor while positioned transverse to a conveying direction and inclined counter to the conveying direction. The book blocks are then accelerated in an additional section of the circulating conveyor to obtain a larger divisional spacing between the printed products. The book blocks are transferred from the additional section of the circulating conveyor to clamps of a transporter and pivoted to an upright position where one side edge is approximately parallel to the conveying direction. The book blocks are transferred from the clamps of the transporter into respective circulating conveying clamps of an adhesive binder.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for producing an adhesive-bound, printed item composed of a number of printed products. A circulating conveyor includes a conveying track and a plurality of space-apart conveying units driven along the conveying track, wherein along a first conveying section of the circulating conveying printed products are gathered into loose book blocks in the conveying units which are positioned transverse to the conveying direction and in a reclined position that is inclined counter to the conveying direction. The circulating conveyor includes an additional conveying section to which the book blocks are supplied from the first conveying section for being conveyed to an adhesive binder. The additional conveying section is operative to accelerate the conveying units so that a divisional spacing between the book blocks is increased, and to pivot the conveying units so that the book blocks are moved to an upright position.

Abstract: The image forming system includes: a first transporting unit transporting paper sheets along a first transportation route; an image forming unit forming images on the paper sheets; a sheet supplying unit having a second transportation route, and transporting a sheet along the second transportation route to supply the sheet to a gap between the paper sheets sequentially transported along the first transportation route, the second transportation route joining the first transportation route at a position located on a downstream of the image forming unit in a transportation direction; and a controller outputting, to respective first and second output units, a paper sheet located on a downstream of the gap, and a paper sheet located on an upstream of the gap while causing the image forming unit to form an image on the paper sheet on the upstream of the image forming unit, when the sheet is not supplied.

Abstract: A device to supply flat products to produce print matter that includes a machine frame, a guide arrangement coupled to the machine frame, and a conveyor with a conveying direction arranged on the machine frame. The device additionally includes at least one sheet feeder arranged along the conveyor to supply a respective flat product to the conveyor in a clocked operation. The sheet feeder includes a stacking device to accommodate a plurality of flat products and a charging device coupled to the stacking device to remove a respective flat product from the stacking device. At least one of the stacking device or the charging device is operatively arranged with the guide arrangement to be displaceable to a non-operating position on a side of the conveyor.

Abstract: A method of delivering signatures to a finishing line includes generating an assembly order. The assembly order is provided to a controller that is operatively associated with a feeder that comprises a print-on-demand printer. Paper is provided to the print-on-demand printer. The controller controls printing on a signature with the print-on-demand printer according to the assembly order. The controller controls feeding the signature to a first pocket on the finishing line and delivering the signature from the first pocket to the finishing line according to the assembly order. The controller controls printing on an additional signature with the print-on-demand printer according to the assembly order. The controller controls feeding the additional signature to the first pocket, and delivering the additional signature from the first pocket to the finishing line according to the assembly order.

Abstract: A book product apparatus includes a gathering line and a plurality of feeding devices adapted to dispense at least one signature onto the gathering line. The apparatus further includes a controller operatively connected to the plurality of feeding devices for controlling the operation of the feeding devices, wherein a comparison of two customer data sources generates instructions for the feeding devices.

Abstract: To form stacks of printed products such as books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, etc., a plurality of printed sheets is delivered by a conveying section and assembled thereon into preliminary products, which are then formed into stacks, where the process for collating the printed sheets into preliminary products is controlled as a function of the size of the stack of printed products to be formed. A device for implementing the process includes a collating device for forming preliminary products and an indirectly downstream stacking device connected to a control unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing documents is provided. Documents having a selected characteristic are placed into a first area, whereas documents not having the selected characteristic are placed into a second area. A sensor in the first area detects the presence of documents in the first area. The documents are conveyed to a scanner that scans the documents to obtain information regarding the documents. The processing of the documents is controlled by a processor. A document is electronically tagged as having the selected characteristic and processed accordingly in response to the detection of the document in the first area and in response to whether the document arrived at the scanner during a pre-determined time frame.

Abstract: A gatherer-stitcher has a folded-sheet feeder and an apparatus for transferring folded sheets from the feeder to a transporting configuration of the gatherer-stitcher. The apparatus has a plurality of shafts or drums with grippers for gripping the folded sheets. The apparatus opens the folded sheets and places them astride the transporting configuration. The apparatus also has a blowing configuration which, as a folded sheet is transferred from one shaft or drum to another, subjects the folded sheet to a surge of air in time with a folded-sheet transportation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a processing device for processing printed products, in particular for collecting individual printed sheets for manufacturing an assembled printed product. The device includes a drum rotatable about a rotation axis and at least two feed stations arranged distanced from one another in the direction of the rotation axis, for feeding printed products, and at least one lead-away station for leading away processed printed products. The drum includes several guides, in particular saddle-like rests or conveyor compartments which are arranged in succession in the peripheral direction of the drum and are movable along a closed revolving path, as well as advance elements controlled by a control unit, for displacing the printed products in the direction of the rotation axis. For increasing the flexibility, the device is composed of modules.

Abstract: A method and an installation for the insertion of supplements into printed products (1) such as newspapers, periodicals, brochures, etc., wherein each single, folded or multi-paged printed product (1) is opened over a fold (8) and a supplement (2) is inserted, wherein a leader edge (9) of the supplement (2) is placed at least near the fold (8), or against the spine respectively, of the printed product (1). The method further comprises the following steps of: Application of a bonding agent (3) to the supplement (2) near the leader edge (9) or to the printed product (1) near the fold (8); Insertion of the supplement (2) into the printed product (1); and Adhesion by means of the bonding agent (3), of the supplement (2) in at least one place near its leader edge (9) with the printed product (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for wire-stitching print products compiled from gathered signatures and for trimming open edges of the print products, includes a first gathering and wire-stitching machine including a first wire-stitching unit. A first cutter is installed downstream from the first gathering and wire-stitching machine. A second gathering and wire-stitching machine having a second wire-stitching unit is selectively connected in-line with the first gathering and wire-stitching machine. A second cutter is installed downstream from the second gathering and wire-stitching machine. A transfer element is also positioned between the first and second gathering and wire-stitching machines for transferring print products or partial print products from the first gathering and wire-stitching machine to the second gathering and wire-stitching machine. The apparatus further includes a drive motor operatively arranged with the first gathering and wire-stitching machine and the first cutter.

Abstract: A device for opening folded or bound printed products, comprises a feeder device (2, 13) for feeding-in individual folded or bound sub-products (4) and an opening device (6) for opening the sub-products (4), as well as furthermore an opening verifying installation (11, 14, 15, 16), in order to with optical means (14) identify deficiently opened sub-products (4) before the sub-products (4) are further processed. In case of sub-products (4) identified as being deficiently opened, the further processing is not carried out, but rather a deficiently opened sub-product (4) is conducted back to the opening device once more.

Abstract: A signature hopper is provided comprising a first drum having a first gripper for a lead edge of a folded signature, a second drum having a second gripper for an open edge of the folded signature, the second gripper having a gripper finger with an end curled in a direction of rotation of the second drum, a dipper blade for pushing the open edge from the first drum toward the second drum so as to contact the gripper finger and a stationary signature guide spaced with respect to the first drum, the signature contacting the signature guide as the first drum rotates the signature past the signature guide.

Abstract: A storage vessel for holding between shaves a wet razor with its head and cutting blade submerged in a liquid and its handle held out of the liquid and dry. The vessel liquid is comprised of a mixture of hydrophobic and hygroscopic materials and of anti-viral and anti-bacterial materials, effective to reduce cutting blade oxidation due to exposure to water and air during nonuse storage and to maintain the blade sharp and sanitary for shaving comfort. These materials specifically might be mineral oil and calcium chloride (CaCl2), and nano-gold or nano-silver.

Abstract: A finishing assembly suited to use in a printing system includes a plurality of finishing modules, each of which performs a finishing function. The plurality of finishing modules includes a compiler module which compiles sheets into a set of sheets and at least one stacker module, downstream of the compiler module, which is configured for receiving compiled sets of sheets compiled by the compiler module and stacking a plurality of the sets of sheets into a stack. Optionally, at least one sheet processing module is intermediate the compiler module and the stacker module and receives a compiled set of sheets compiled by the compiler module and processes the compiled set of sheets.

Abstract: A new gathering and stitching machine (10) and a new method for operating a gathering and stitching machine (1) are proposed, which make it possible to drive in the staples (K) in a positionally correct manner and to close them satisfactorily even in the case of relatively short staple setting times. This is achieved by the novel control of the position of the staple heads (20) and the saddle-shaped supports (2, 30, 40, 50) in the region of the interaction during stapling. It is an essential feature of the present invention that the staple head (20) and the support (2, 30, 40, 50) are pivoted towards one another in such a way that they come to lie within a common stapling plane (H).

Abstract: A system for gathering printed products includes a transport device and feed devices for the printed products, which form a gathering line, wherein the transport device has receiving points for the printed products located at regular intervals on a revolving traction apparatus. A sensor, which monitors the functionality of the receiving points along the transport line to detect defects, is connected to a control unit, which determines the feed of the printed products to the receiving points of the transport device.

Abstract: An apparatus for gathering and/or assembling print products or supplements comprises a conveying section on a conveyor, along which feeding devices for supplying different types of print products are arranged. The feeding devices are driven with synchronous timing and are connected by respectively one drive to the conveyor. The conveyor and at least one feeding device are driven separately. A first measuring device is detects the position of a print product conveyed on a conveying section of the conveying track. A second measuring device is detects the position of a different print product located on a feed conveyor of one of the feeding devices. The measuring devices are connected to a control unit with computing capacity that is arranged to control the drives of the feeding devices.

Abstract: Signatures are successively conveyed one after another by a conveying system from a printing press to a stack-forming device, in which the signatures are separated into stacks by a separating device. A remaining number of non-stacked signatures of a current production is counted with a counting device. The separating device separates the remaining number of signatures of the current production into standard stacks of a varying length between a minimum length and a maximum length based on the number of the counted remaining signatures.

Abstract: A bundle claw attached to a sheet conveyor belt includes a concave portion having a bottom surface for regulating a position of a trailing end of the sheets, and, in the bottom surface, a surface on a lower side that comes into contact with the sheet conveyor belt is formed deeper than a surface on an upper side to form the step portion between the surface on the lower side and the surface on the upper side. Therefore, when a small number of sheets are discharged from a processing tray to a stacking tray, a trailing end of the sheets is located on the lower surface side of the concave surface of the bundle claw, where the trailing end of the sheets should be originally located, and does not move to the upper surface side of the concave surface of the bundle claw.

Abstract: A binding line having increased capacity and increased flexibility to deliver customized or personalized signatures to the gathering conveyor in order to customize or personalizes the content of a book to appeal to targeted demographic groups or individuals. The binding line includes a gathering conveyor, a plurality of packer boxes positioned along the gathering conveyor, each of the packer boxes being adapted to deliver a distinct signature to the conveyor, and a feeder system operatively associated with at least one of the packer boxes. The feeder system includes a feed conveyor and a plurality of feeder boxes, each of the feeder boxes being adapted to deliver a selected signature to the associated packer box. A primary controller is provided for activating a selected set of the packer boxes, thereby delivering a set of signatures to the gathering conveyor.