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 gatherer stitcher for collating signatures made of paper, paperboard and the like, for stitching the collated signatures and for delivering the stitched signatures, includes a gathering section, a stitching station and a delivery station. The stitching station has a stitching carriage with at least one stitching head and, during a stitching operation, the stitching carriage is moved by a stitching carriage drive at a speed of the collated signatures. A switching unit is disposed between the stitching carriage drive and the stitching carriage for adapting a stitching carriage movement to a gatherer chain pitch, that is to say for adapting a horizontal reciprocating movement of the stitching carriage, and for adapting a horizontal distance between the stitching carriage and the delivery station.

Abstract: A stitcher for binding variable thickness collations including a means for determining the thickness of a multi-sheet collation, a stitch head operative to drive a stitch through the multi-sheet collation, an anvil operative to clinch the stitch to bind the sheets of the collation and a plurality of actuators operative to displace forming elements of the stitch head to form the stitch, position the stitch head and anvil against opposite surfaces of the multi-sheet collation, drive the stitch through the collation and clinch the ends of the stitch. A processor, responsive to the thickness value signal, controls the actuators to form the stitch and bind the collation.

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: An improved saddle stitcher incorporating alignment paddle which includes paddle 100, a base 200, and torque producing means wherein the torque producing means rotates the paddle which contacts and jogs passing signature groups, thereby aligning them.

Abstract: Printed products produced by assembling on saddle-shaped supports are conveyed onwards lying on the supports and during this conveyance are processed in the area of their fold line between a tool acting from outside and a counter-tool acting from inside, i.e., from the supported side. For being processed, the printed products are lifted off from the saddle line of the supports by the counter-tools, such that a relative movement between the saddle-shaped support and the counter-tool does not deform or damage the printed products. Through this measure it becomes possible to design the circuit of the supports and the circuit of the counter-tools largely independent of one another. The supports or their saddle lines respectively, for example, are able to move through the processing zone in a straight line, while the distal ends of the counter tools circulate on a round circuit.

Abstract: A stitcher for binding variable thickness collations including a means for determining the thickness of a multi-sheet collation, a stitch head operative to drive a stitch through the multi-sheet collation, an anvil operative to clinch the stitch to bind the sheets of the collation and a plurality of actuators operative to displace forming elements of the stitch head to form the stitch, position the stitch head and anvil against opposite surfaces of the multi-sheet collation, drive the stitch through the collation and clinch the ends of the stitch. A processor, responsive to the thickness value signal, controls the actuators to form the stitch and bind the collation.

Abstract: In an image forming device, images of originals up to an upper limit number of stapling are read (S1 to S5) and image data thereof are processed (S6 to S8). If a paper sensor has detected a subsequent original even when the number of pages of the read images reaches NS0 (S1, S2), a finisher discharges a bundle of printed papers without stapling. Consequently, the number of the printed papers included in the discharged bundle is made less than the upper limit number. In a case where the number of the printed papers sent to the finisher (S12, S13) is less than a set number NS1 (S15), the bundle is discharged without being stapled after the number of the printed papers reaches NS1 (S17).

Abstract: A saddle-stitched brochure comprising a collated sheet stack (P1 to P3) folded in two at its center portion and stitched with wire at least two positions spaced from each other on the folding line (1a), characterized in that a small printed material (2, 2a) is arranged between the adjacent sheets (P2, P3) of the sheet stack (P1 to P3) and inserted between the adjacent stitched portions (3, 3) on the folding line (1a) and folded along the folding line (1a) together with the sheet stack (P1 to P3) so as to be held in the brochures (1).

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 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: 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: Provided is wall-mountable pagewidth printer assembly. The printer assembly includes a support structure defining a media path, a media transport assembly configured to transport individual sheets of media along said media path, and print engines arranged on the support structure to print on the sheets in the media path. The printer assembly also includes an integral page binding arrangement for binding printed sheets together. The binding arrangement includes a document support platen for supporting bound sheets of paper, and a binding platen configured to press each sheet transported onto the document support platen to preceding sheets supported on said support platen to bind said sheets together.

Abstract: A method of making magazine formats in the form of signatures that include a flat 3-D piece that is die-cut from a web on a web press, which produces a plurality of such identical signatures as part of a high speed operation. The flat 3-D piece is located at the upper edge of one sheet and is freed from the remainder of the page on which it is die-cut when the lateral edges of the folded signature are trimmed.

Abstract: A bookbinding apparatus comprises, a stacking unit on which sheets are stacked; a folding portion which folds the sheets stacked on the stacking unit; a humidifying unit which humidifies portions of the sheets to be fold lines of a booklet before folding by the folding portion; and a controller which controls a humidifying condition at the time of the humidifying by the humidifying unit, wherein the humidifying condition is variable according to the sheets composing the booklet.

Abstract: Folded inserts (B) are added to folded or bound printed products (P) which, held individually by transfer grippers (6), are conveyed in an essentially continuous fashion, in that the inserts are placed on the folded or rear edges of the printed products in a manner whereby their fold (8) is aligned with the folded or rear edge of the latter. If necessary, the inserts (B) are attached by gluing or stapling to the folded or rear edges of the printed products (P). For adding small inserts the printed products (P) can be conveyed with their folded or rear edges held by the transfer grippers (6) of a printed product conveyor (1) and the insert (B) can be placed next to the gripper (6). If the inserts are larger (B), an auxiliary conveyor takes over the printed products for the placement of the inserts. Such placement of inserts (B) into printed products (P) is simple and can, in particular, be implemented with conventional device components and easily integrated into existing equipment.

Abstract: A stitcher is provided including a carriage having a center of gravity, the carriage movable between an extended position and a retracted position; at least one bearing for supporting the carriage; and an operating link for driving the carriage, a driving force of the link being applied through the center of gravity or between the center of gravity and the bearing. Another stitcher also is provided including a movable carriage having a center of gravity, the carriage movable between an extended position and a retracted position; and an operating link for driving the carriage, a driving force of the link being applied through the center of gravity when the carriage is in the extended or retracted position. A saddle stitcher is also provided. Methods for stitching are also provided.

Abstract: An improved saddle stitcher incorporating alignment paddle which includes paddle 100, a base 200, and torque producing means wherein the torque producing means rotates the paddle which contacts and jogs passing signature groups, thereby aligning them.

Abstract: A method of finishing a plurality of sheets for a bound document. The method comprises accumulating a stack of sheets at a first position, scoring the sheets at the first position, and outputting the stack of scored sheets from the first position.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing thread-stitched book blocks which comprise folded printed sheets has a conveying apparatus which transports the printed sheets astride a stitching saddle into a stitching position and to which the printed sheets are fed. A stitching apparatus is arranged at a lateral spacing from the stitching saddle which can be driven in an oscillating manner and can be supplied with printed sheets by the stitching saddle. The conveying apparatus is controlled in order to change the conveying speed and/or the stitching position of the printed sheets on the stitching saddle, in that the conveying apparatus is drive-connected to a controlled-rotation electric motor which is controlled by a computer-connected controller.

Abstract: Provided is a printing arrangement having a driving station operatively driving print media along a path, an adhesive application station to apply adhesive to the print media, and a printing station to print upon the print media. The printing arrangement has a page binding support tray having a tray, a vibrator and a binding press. The tray is suspended from a frame via dampers, said tray operatively receiving the print media after printing and after the adhesive has been applied. The vibrator is arranged below a corner of the tray, and the binding press is arranged on the frame over the adhesive and configured to bind the print media by applying pressure to the adhesive.

Abstract: A saddle stitcher for making paperback books is provided by the present invention. The saddle stitcher is provided for manually assembling one or a few (or a greater number if desired by the user) booklets in a cost-effective, yet professional manner. The saddle stitcher generally includes a tray, a saddle, and a plurality of staplers. The tray is provided for receiving a plurality of pages to be made into a booklet and in which the pages are stitched to form the booklet. The staplers are provided for stitching the plurality of pages to form a booklet and are pivotally and slidably mounted within the tray in order to accommodate booklets of varying sizes. An engagement device is provided for engaging each of the staplers in tandem in order to fabricate a booklet.

Abstract: A device for stitching collated printed products, in particular signatures, with staples, includes a stitching head base body, a former, a clincher, a staple support and a driver. The former has a supporting projection and a control projection. The supporting projection extends beyond a contour of the control projection. A saddle stitcher having a stitching device is also provided.

Abstract: A saddle stitching device including a saddle-back conveyor having a first printed product location and a second printed product location adjacent the first printed product location, a first stitcher adjacent the conveyor and driven by a first motor, and a second stitcher adjacent the conveyor and driven by a second motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a digitally printed product that includes at least one section of sequentially printed sheets folded approximately in the center. The sequentially printed sheets are conveyed one after another on a conveying device and folded inside a folding apparatus to form a first fold. The folded sheets are gathered in a gathering station to form a section which is fed to a work station where the section is folded approximately in the center to form a second fold.

Abstract: A mobile feeder system is provided including a feeder having a center of gravity, and an intermediate feeder base supporting the feeder for horizontal movement between a cantilevered position in which the center of gravity lies outside the intermediate base and a non-cantilevered position in which the center of gravity lies over the intermediate base. A gathering device is also provided.

Abstract: According to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a stitching device comprises a stitcher and a conveyor for moving unbound printed products past the stitcher for stitching. According to a feature of the present invention, the conveyor includes a timing belt having a plurality of pushing elements for engaging and moving the unbound printed products past the stitcher.

Abstract: Provided is a method of printing with a print assembly having first and second print engines arranged in an opposing in-line sequential configuration along a paper path. The method includes the steps of drawing a sheet of paper into the first print engine, printing image data onto the sheet via the first and second print engines, printing fixative onto the paper to aid drying of ink, and binding the printed sheet into a document using a binding assembly of the print assembly.

Abstract: A gatherer stitcher includes an endless gatherer chain for gathering and transporting folded sheets astride the chain. The gatherer chain has chain roof segments and driving elements being adjustable in position. In an inactive position, a driving element that can be folded forms part of the roof of the gatherer chain and, in another, active position, projects out of the roof of the gatherer chain transversely relative to the conveying direction. The driving element can be driven by a control device. A method for adapting the endless gatherer chain to a format of a product is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for perfect binding of unbound print products to form bound print products comprises at least one processing station arranged along a circulating path between a feed station for the unbound print products and a delivery station for the bound print products, and a plurality of clamping devices arranged successively along the circulating path and driven jointly. Each of the clamping devices is adapted to hold at least two of the unbound print products such that the unbound print products face the processing station with overhangs that freely project from the clamping device and form spines of the unbound print products.

Abstract: A gatherer stitcher for collating signatures made of paper, paperboard and the like, for stitching the collated signatures and for delivering the stitched signatures, includes a gathering section, a stitching station and a delivery station. The stitching station has a stitching carriage with at least one stitching head and, during a stitching operation, the stitching carriage is moved by a stitching carriage drive at a speed of the collated signatures. A switching unit is disposed between the stitching carriage drive and the stitching carriage for adapting a stitching carriage movement to a gatherer chain pitch, that is to say for adapting a horizontal reciprocating movement of the stitching carriage, and for adapting a horizontal distance between the stitching carriage and the delivery station.

Abstract: A printer includes a driving station configured to drive print media between a pair of pinch rollers. A printing station is configured to print upon the driven print media. An adhesive application station is configured to apply an adhesive to the print media. A collection station is configured to collect a stack of printed print media bearing adhesive. The collection station includes a binding press configured to bind the stack together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet processing apparatus, such as a finisher or sorter, for implementing predetermined processing such as alignment and stapling on an inserted sheet material (i.e. any sheet-form recording medium such as recording paper, transfer paper, or an OHP sheet), and an image forming apparatus comprising the sheet processing apparatus. The sheet processing apparatus comprises a rear end fence horizontal portion that contacts the end portion of the sheet member on the upstream side of a sheet member conveyance direction during alignment of the sheet member, a rear end fence vertical portion for supporting the other parts of the sheet member, and a staple unit for stapling the sheet member. The stapling direction in which a staple is punched by a stapler of the staple unit is set to be parallel to the rear end fence horizontal portion that contacts the rear end portion of the sheet member.

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 method and apparatus for high capacity stacking and stitching in an image production device is disclosed.

Abstract: A paper-sheet handling device, as shown in FIG. 23, is a device that transports a bundle of paper-sheets obtained by binding a plurality of paper-sheets and is provided with a clamp movement mechanism 80 that contains lower arms 801a and upper arms 801b and transports the bundle of paper-sheets with it being fixed. The clamp movement mechanism 80 contains a clamp-opening-and-closing driving section 881 that drives the upper arms 801b, the clamp-opening-and-closing driving section 881 is provided with cams 87a, 87b, and each of the cams 87a, 87b contains a part having a given curved shape, the part keeping a normal operation range in which the upper arm 801b is moved up to a predetermined position with respect to the lower arm 801a to release the bundle of paper-sheets 3? and a U-shaped part that keeps a lock position for opening the clamp, the U-shaped part being continuous with the part having the given curved shape.

Abstract: A paper sheet processing apparatus includes a plurality of bundling devices, and a plurality of chute devices which temporarily hold bundles, which are bundled by the bundling devices. A second transfer conveyor, which is slower than a first transfer conveyor, is disposed on a downstream side of the first conveyor. A transmission sensor, which detects abnormality in length of the bundle, is provide along the second conveyor. The distance from a release position of the bundle from the chute device, which is located on a most downstream side, to a terminal end of the first conveyor and the length of the second conveyor are set such that a time until the bundle, which is released from the most downstream chute device, is transferred onto the second conveyor is longer than at least a time until the bundle, which is transferred from the first conveyor, passes through the second conveyor.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus includes a first supporting member which supports a sheet and drops the sheet, a second supporting member which supports the sheet dropped from the first supporting member, a stacking member which stacks sheets, a first discharge member which discharges sheet from the first supporting member to the stacking member, a second discharge member which discharges the sheet on the second supporting member to the stacking member and a control unit. The control unit controls the first discharge member to discharge the sheet one by one from the first supporting member to the stacking member or to drop the sheet to the second supporting member on the basis of a threshold value or a predetermined value different from the threshold value.

Abstract: A stitching apparatus for manufacturing printed products, in particular in a gathering and stitching machine, includes a stitching carriage, at least one stitching head for shaping and driving a staple into a stack of signatures, and at least one clinch box for closing the staple driven through the signatures. An actuating device vertically displaces the stitching head for adaptation of the stitching apparatus to a thickness of the stack of signatures. A gathering and stitching machine having a stitching apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A paper processing apparatus according to one or more embodiments includes a first and second convey mechanism, a first and second alignment mechanism, and a folding mechanism, where the second alignment mechanism is configured to align a paper bundle conveyed by the first convey mechanism in the vicinity of a folding position to fold the paper bundle, and the second convey mechanism is configured to convey the paper bundle aligned by the second alignment mechanism to the folding position, and the folding mechanism is configured to fold the aligned paper bundler at the folding position.

Abstract: A gatherer stitcher for brochures has a stitching machine, a delivery station that receives brochures step-by-step during operation, a trimming apparatus, and transport components (brochure ejector, trimmer feed) that transport the brochures from the delivery station to the trimming apparatus during operation. Sensors assigned to the stitching machine and the transport components output signals defining their phase position, and a control system processes the signals. One of the transport components (brochure ejector; trimmer feed) is activated in such a way that the brochures assume a correct position in the trimming apparatus at a predetermined phase angle of the stitching machine, without regard to their width. Changeover times in the event of job changes required when the brochure width changes are shortened.

Abstract: A saddle stitching device including a saddle-back conveyor having a first printed product location and a second printed product location adjacent the first printed product location, a first stitcher adjacent the conveyor and driven by a first motor, and a second stitcher adjacent the conveyor and driven by a second motor.

Abstract: A business form product (10) broadly including a printable sheet (12), a magnetic sheet (14) aligned edge-to-edge with the printable sheet (12) to define a seam (16), and a heat-resistant tape (18) applied over the seam (16) to retain the sheets (12,14) in the edge-to-edge relationship is disclosed. The inventive business form product (10, 106) is formed by joining multiple continuous webs (38, 58) edge-to-edge and marrying the webs (38,58) with a continuous streamer of tape (86) in a press (36). A preferred embodiment of the inventive method of forming the continuous sheet (106) is disclosed wherein at least one rotatable mechanical web guide (72) is used to align the webs (38,58) in the edge-to-edge relationship, thereby enabling precise alignment not available with existing optic-type web guides. A preferred embodiment of the printable business form product (10) is disclosed wherein heat-resistant tape (18) enables the business form product (10) to be printed in high-heat printing applications (e.g.

Abstract: An inserter includes a hopper section including a plurality of hoppers for delivering inserts and a conveyor carrying a plurality of folded printed products, the printed products receiving at least one insert from the hopper section. A closure device applies a sealing element to an edge of one of the plurality of printed products containing the at least one insert. A newspaper and method are also provided.

Abstract: A saddle stitching device including a saddle-back conveyor having a first printed product location and a second printed product location adjacent the first printed product location, a first stitcher adjacent the conveyor and driven by a first motor, and a second stitcher adjacent the conveyor and driven by a second motor.

Abstract: A transport and alignment system is provided for handling stacked sheet material on a support deck including first and second belts each having a portion thereof disposed parallel to the support deck. Each of the belts includes a plurality of spaced-apart fingers which engage the edges of the stacked sheet material and define a pocket therebetween. The transport and alignment system further includes a drive mechanism for independently driving the first and second belts to effect concurrent and relative motion of the fingers. Concurrent motion of the fingers transports the stacked sheet material along the support deck while relative motion of the fingers opposed edges of the stacked sheets of material. The transport and alignment system is described in the context of a stitcher and chassis module of a mailpiece inserter.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printed product formed from a plurality of printed sheets which are printed sequentially for processing, wherein the printed products each comprise at least one printed sheet and an additional sheet which are stacked together in a stacking apparatus. The method includes feeding the additional sheet to the at least one printed sheet on a conveying path of a first conveying apparatus to the stacking apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for making booklets. Such structures of this type, generally, employ a variety of creasing techniques in order to form the booklet.

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.