Abstract: Apparatus is provided for manufacturing a wipe in a three dimensional form out of an essentially flat piece of material. The apparatus produces a blank (12) of essentially flat planar form with a pleat folded on each side. The folded blanks are fed by a conveyor belt (21) to an opening station (22). The opening station comprises a pair of movable pinch rollers (34, 35) which selectively grab individual blanks from the conveyor belt and feed them via belts (32, 33) to a pair of counter-rotating drums (30, 31). The blanks are ejected from the drums, which partially opens them up in the process. The partially open blanks are fed onto a shaped former (37), where the final process of forming the wipe into its chosen three dimensional form is completed.

Abstract: A multi-function binding machine is proposed. The multi-function binding machine (700) comprises a binding station (135) for binding blocks of signatures (105), and a feeding station (115) for receiving signatures in succession, opening the signatures, and feeding the signatures to the binding station; in the solution according to an embodiment of the invention, the multi-function binding machine further comprises a further feeding station (715) for receiving pre-signatures in successions, folding groups of at least one pre-signature into further signatures (729), and feeding the further signatures to the binding station.

Abstract: Sheets center-folded by a center-folder are placed on a main saddle. A buffer saddle is provided separately from the main saddle, on an opposite side of the center-folder across the main saddle. The pile of sheets saddle-stitched on the main saddle is placed on the buffer saddle. When viewed from above, the buffer saddle is movable in a direction separating from the main saddle that is a reverse direction to the center-folder, and in a direction orthogonal to the direction separating from the main saddle. A sheet processing device is arranged in the orthogonal direction where the buffer saddle is movable.

Abstract: A thread stitching machine to process signatures into book blocks includes a transport system for the signatures including a transport section on which the signatures are straddling for supply to a stitching station. The transport section includes an auxiliary saddle and a driven, continuously moving conveying chain to drive the auxiliary saddle. The conveying chain has spaced-apart, integrated pusher elements. A downstream installed stitching station includes a freely moving stitching saddle immediately following the auxiliary saddle. The stitching saddle includes a separate conveying device for the signatures, operated by a drive. A detection device is arranged at a transition between the auxiliary saddle and the stitching saddle to detect a position of the signature and a time which the signature passes by. The conveying chain is operated with a change in speed that depends on different sheet lengths following each other directly in a sequence of signatures.

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: A device for delivering a printed product from a saddle-shaped support includes at least two discs that are configured to pass through a gap that extends in a conveying direction and that is disposed, at least in a delivery region, between two support parts of the saddle-shaped support. The at least two discs are rotatable about respective fixed rotation axles that are mutually spaced from one another in the conveying direction. Each of the discs is configured to project intermittently, during the rotation about the respective fixed rotation axles, above a ridge line of the ridge in the delivery region of the saddle-shaped support so as to continuously lift the printed product from the saddle-shaped support in the delivery region.

Abstract: A device and a method for inserting flat objects into a folded printed product, wherein the products are held by grippers of a gripper conveyor which opens only briefly for inserting the flat object. In order to also stabilize the product in the open state of the gripper, a support element is provided, which moves between the two product parts before the gripper opens and rests on one of the product parts. If the orientations of the support elements and the grippers are selected in a suitable fashion, this will suffice in order to position the product and keep it open such that the flat object can be inserted and the gripper can then be closed again, while clamping the product with the flat object into position. Optionally, further support elements are present, which additionally support the product from the outside, such as the folded edge.

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 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 feeder device for printed products is provided including at least one first drum rotatable about a first axis; at least one second drum rotatable about a second axis; and an actuator coupled to the at least one first drum and the at least one second drum for reciprocating the at least one first drum and the at least one second drum axially. A printed product conveying device and a method of transporting printed products are also provided.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus equipped with a saddle stitch stapler is provided with: a driver unit (1) configured to drive a staple; a clincher unit (2) configured to clinch the staple driven by the driver unit (1); a saddle portion (3) integrated with the clincher unit (2); and a guide portion (6) configured to guide the clincher unit (2) toward a predetermined position of the driver unit (1), when a center portion (11) of a bundle of sheets (10) is clamped between the clincher unit (2) and a staple striking portion (21) of the driver unit (1) after the center portion (11) of the bundle of sheets (10) is placed on the saddle portion (3).

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 and device for transferring signatures. The device includes a first gathering chain which conveys the signatures with the aid of pushers and which transfers the signatures in a transfer region to a second gathering chain. The second gathering chain includes at least one conveying chain provided with pushers that are arranged at a pre-defined distance relative to each other. The second gathering chain includes recesses adjacent to each of its pushers such that each pusher of the first gathering chain corresponds to a pusher of the second gathering chain and can be lowered through a respective recess.

Abstract: A device for removing folded signatures from a saddle-back conveyor includes a moving arm, a first gripper mounted on the moving arm, and an electromechanical actuator connected to the first gripper for opening and closing the first gripper, the electromechanical actuator being mounted on the moving arm. A method is also provided.

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 for producing a printed product that includes supplying a wire-stitched booklet to a spine processing device such that the booklet includes signatures and a spine. The method includes reshaping the spine in the spine processing device. Following the reshaping, the method further includes supplying a cover to the booklet, applying adhesive to the cover or to the reshaped spine, and combining the cover with the booklet to form the printed product. The method includes discharging the printed product from the spine processing device.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for gathering signatures along a conveying section of a circulating conveyor provided with spaced-apart pushers that are attached to a traction mechanism. The apparatus includes a delivery station adapted for being arranged along the conveying section. The delivery station includes a downward slanted conveying path wherein the signatures are supplied via the downward slanted conveying path from the delivery station to the conveyor approximately in synchronism with movement of the circulating conveyor. The conveying path includes a convex conveying section followed by a concave conveying section in the conveying direction for the signatures.

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: 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 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: A sheet feeder for supplying a conveying device with folded signatures from a stack of folded signatures, the sheet feeder including a gripper drum. The gripper drum includes at least one gripper to individually remove respective signatures and a stopping device. The stopping device including a stop element to stop and align the signatures with the fold of the signatures in a forward direction. The sheet feeder includes an opening device to open the individual signatures, to deposit the signatures on the conveying device, and to reverse the forward direction of the signatures. The sheet feeder includes a delay element moving in the same direction as the gripper drum and at a conveying speed less than the gripper drum speed. A press-on device to press the signatures released by the gripper against the delay element and to slow down the individual signatures prior to the signatures hitting the stop element.

Abstract: A gathering device for gathering books is provided including a gathering conveyor for transporting a book, a variable static charging unit having a voltage output providing a static charge to the book on the gathering conveyor and a controller connected to the variable static charging unit, the controller controlling the voltage output of the variable static charging unit.

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 collecting device for forming a printed product includes a conveyor and a plurality of printed material delivery devices, the plurality of printed material delivery devices including a first delivery device for first printed materials and a second delivery device for second printed materials. A first transfer device is assigned to the first delivery device and delivering the first printed materials to the conveyor and a second transfer device assigned to the second delivery device and delivering the second printed materials to be collected with the first printed materials on the conveyor. Each of the first and second transfer devices have printed material buffer positions between the respective first and second delivery devices and the conveyor, which permit advantageous reduction in the amount of waste.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inscribing folded printed products (12) having a first product part (14) and a second product part (16) joined together by a fold (18). The printed products (12) are conveyed by a conveyor device (22), with the fold (18) astride receiving saddles (26) disposed transversely to the direction of conveyance (F), through an inscribing section (30) to which a inscribing station (60) is assigned. For the inscribing of an outer side (56) of the first product part (14) disposed in leading arrangement in the direction of conveyance (F), a region (66) of the outer side (56) comes into contact with a fixed support surface (58) assigned to the inscribing section (30) and is inscribed by the inscribing station (60).

Abstract: Folded printed products (6) are supplied with trailing fold-edges (6.3) from above towards a clamping gap (1) and are pushed out of the clamping gap (1), in order to be deposited on, for example, saddle-like supports (7). As soon as the leading edge of each printed product (6) exits from the clamping gap (1), the printed product (6) is opened by two printed product parts (6.1 and 6.2) being separated from each other, and the opened printed products are positioned above the support (7). Gripper elements (11) are provided for gripping the trailing fold-edge (6.3) of each printed product (6), before it exits the clamping gap (1), thus preventing a free fall of the printed products (6) onto the support (7) when the trailing fold-edge (6.3) exits the clamping gap (1). The gripper elements (11) grip and guide the printed products towards the support (7). If a plurality of supports (7) is provided, and these are conveyed continuously and in succession past, below the stationary clamping gap (1), the fold-edges (6.

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: 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: 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: 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: A device for removing folded signatures from a saddle-back conveyor includes a moving arm, a first gripper mounted on the moving arm, and an electromechanical actuator connected to the first gripper for opening and closing the first gripper, the electromechanical actuator being mounted on the moving arm. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A method and a device for further processing of sheets to produce multi-page printed products, several initial sheets (19) are each folded into a folded sheet (20) and subsequently collated one on top of the other such that the fold areas lie at the top and the folded sheets (20) open downwardly. A grooved line (30) is formed in each initial sheet (19) before folding, around which grooved line (30) the initial sheet (19) is subsequently folded, the depth and the width of the grooved line (30) being increased, initial sheet (19) by initial sheet (19), by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The invention provides a gatherer stitcher having at least one stitching station (1) for stitching sheets, the stitching station being arranged on a stitching carriage that can move in the longitudinal direction (X) of a gatherer chain during the stitching operation and at least one ejector unit being provided after the stitching station in the transport direction of the sheets in order to eject the sheets, to provide a gatherer stitcher exhibiting a higher operational reliability as compared with the prior art. According to the invention, this is achieved in that at least one acceleration and/or braking unit (4) for accelerating and/or braking the sheets in the longitudinal direction (X) toward the ejector unit is arranged between the stitching carriage and the ejector unit.

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: In an installation and a method for the lifting of folded printed products (1) from a conveyor, wherein the printed products (1) are transported straddled across a saddle (2), the saddle (2) includes a counter tool (4) for processing of printed products (1) straddled across the saddle (2). Therein a means of lifting (5) extends alongside and parallel to the saddle (2) and is staggered at right angles to a support shoulder (3)of the saddle (2) as well as to the counter tool. As the means of lifting, the support shoulder (3) and in particular the counter tools are not situated in line but staggered, an unrestricted positioning of binding points along the support shoulder (3) is possible. There is no need to consider the position of lifting tappets or levers for the lifting of the printed products in the support shoulder (3).

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 device (10) for collecting and processing folded printed products (12) may be constructed with a collection drum (14) which is rotatingly driven about its drum axis (22) and provides first rests (18) with first saddles (20). The first rests are uniformly distributed over the circumference and extend in their longitudinal extension (L1) parallel to the drum axis (22). Conveyor elements convey the printed products (12) on the first saddles (20) in the axial direction (S) along the firsts rests (18). It may further use a conveyor (30) which has a conveyor path (31) with a conveyor direction (F) which at least in a transfer region (50) deviates from the axial direction (S) and which has second rests (32) movable in the conveyor path (31), with second saddles (34) arranged distanced to one another and arranged transversely to the conveying direction (F).

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved insert machine for inserting flat material into an open pocket and, more particularly, to a straight line insert machine employed for printed matter such as newspapers. The machine includes an all-electronic control system for controlling machine functions. The control system includes at least one central control computer running under software control and a plurality of network controllers, all coupled together via a controller area network (CAN) bus. Electronic control messages for controlling machine elements are sent among the computers and controllers using a novel message protocol to enable both broadcast messages and individual messages to be employed.

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.