Abstract: The device stacks successive planar products (newspapers) and separates a plurality of the products into individual stacks. A circular conveyor has a plurality of grippers thereon which are spaced apart by a circumferential distance, grasps the planar products from a linear conveyor, upstream of the circular conveyor, so that the products are transferred from the linear conveyor to the circular conveyor and onto a stack.

Abstract: A conveying device for collecting and transporting printed sheets has a first chain conveyor on which the printed sheets are placed astraddle to be conveyed in a conveying direction. A second chain conveyor is arranged downstream of the first chain conveyor in the conveying direction and synchronized with the first chain conveyor. An intermediate conveying device is arranged between the first and second chain conveyors and configured to grip intermediate products of collected printed sheets formed at the end of the collecting process on the first chain conveyor and to transport and transfer the intermediate products onto the second chain conveyor. The intermediate conveying device has a circulating traction mechanism and controllable grippers connected to the traction mechanism. The grippers grip a fold of the intermediate products lifted off the first chain conveyor and transport the intermediate products in an open position to the second chain conveyor.

Abstract: An adjustable gripper system for releasably holding at least one sheet against a surface includes a pivotable gripper shaft with a pivot axis and at least one gripper having a gripper body defining a plunger cavity, the gripper body connected to the shaft for pivoting the gripper about the axis, a gripper plunger slidably disposed in the cavity and holding the sheet against the surface, and a cam follower actuated by a cam. The cam follower is connected to the gripper plunger to displace the gripper plunger along the cavity dependent upon a position of the cam. The system can be part of a sheet-collating pocket having a forward wall and a rearward wall pivotally connected thereto and, together, defining an opening for receiving the sheet, which can be part of a sheet-collating machine having the cam, a conveyor, at least one sheet feeding device, and many of the pockets.

Abstract: A sheet offset printing method and a sheet offset printing press includes altering flow relationships in an interior of a housing of a sheet delivery of a sheet-fed printing machine to prevent uncontrolled spread of powder in the housing by extracting powder-laden air from the housing and/or feeding air into the housing from outside at a point along a return belt of a sheet conveying device. Air currents are channeled inside the housing by feeding air not laden with powder into the housing and/or leading the air into an air flow path along the return belt downstream of the point with respect to a return belt motion direction to transport the unladen air toward a printing unit by a drag effect of the return belt and/or impeding/blocking a supply of powder-charged air from around a conveyor belt of the sheet-conveyor or a powder-scattering device into a flow path along the return belt.

Abstract: Flat articles (3) each held by a feeding-in gripper (5) on a leading first edge are fed-in to a hold changing station (1) one after the other, are pulled onto a changing support situated in the changing station (1), and are deposited on it by opening the feeding-in gripper (5). Each deposited article is then pushed across the changing support (10) by a conveying-away gripper (6) and, while being pushed, is grasped by closing the conveying-away gripper (6) and is conveyed away held gripped on a second edge. Advantageously, the feeding-in direction (Z) and the conveying-away direction (W) intersect above the changing support (10) under the one angle (&agr;), which is also constituted by the first and the second edge. For the hold change of rectangular printed products, the angle (&agr;) amounts to 90°. For pushing the articles, the conveying-away grippers (6) move in the plane of the surface of the changing support and are driven from below.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of, and an apparatus for, conveying sheet like products (10, 10′), in particular printed products. In each case two or more products (10, 10′) are gripped together, in the region of their leading edges (10a, 10a′), by grippers (3) of a gripper conveyor (1) such that the edges (10a, 10a′) are alternately spaced apart from one another. In at least one transfer region (4), the products (10, 10′) are transferred to at least one removal arrangement (2) such that each product (10, 10′) at most partially overlaps the previously transferred product (10, 10′), the leading edges (10a, 10a′) of the products (10, 10′) being spaced apart from one another. The invention has the advantage that the products are directly accessible for further processing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying printed products in an imbricated formation with different spacings between the products, from a feed conveyor to the grippers on a removal conveyor. The printed products are introduced into the grippers in groups without any change in the spacing between successive printed products, and the conveying speeds of the feed conveyor and the removal conveyor are coordinated such that the portion of each group of products which projects into a gripper is less than the depth of the mouth of the gripper. Also, a deflection device at the transfer location serves to deflect the leading end of each group of products toward the approaching gripper.

Abstract: A hollow gripper bar having a hexagonal profile which reduces the bending and torsional stresses applied thereto by the acceleration and deceleration of the bar in a die cutting machine. The gripper bar includes an upper wall, a spaced lower wall, a leading wall and a trailing wall extending between the upper and lower walls. The leading wall includes a front top portion extending transversely from the upper wall and a front bottom portion disposed at an acute angle with respect to the front top wall portion. The trailing wall is similar in design to the leading wall and includes a rear top portion extending transversely from the upper wall and a rear bottom portion disposed at an acute angle with respect to the rear top portion. Both the front top portion and rear top portion have a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the upper wall.

Abstract: For conveying flat articles (10) in dense conveying streams, grippers (3) conveyed one behind the other by conveying elements (1) are used, each gripper (3) holding one of the articles gripped in an edge zone. For increasing the possibilities for changing the orientation of the flat articles (10) during such conveyance, the grippers (3) are attached to the conveying elements (1) by asymmetrically-projecting gripper arms (2) and the grippers (3) are designed to be rotated through 360° around the gripper arm axis. The device can be used universally, particularly for held conveyance of printed products and it is very easily adjustable for differing applications.

Abstract: A method separates out individual sheets from a sheet-processing machine, by a revolving gripper chain bearing grippers for gripping the sheets one after another at a leading edge thereof and conveying them with a given mutual travel spacing and a given conveying speed to a stacking region for deposition. A separating device is disposed beyond the stacking region. The separating device has a controllable revolving suction belt for conveying individual sheets. The suction belt is accelerated to the conveying speed and the individual sheets are conveyed to the separating device. The individual sheets are picked up with the suction belt, and the grippers are opened. The suction belt is briefly decelerated so as to withdraw the respective sheet from the grippers. The suction belt is accelerated again to at least the conveying speed. The suction belt is subsequently decelerated to a given output speed.

Abstract: A guiding device of a machine for processing planar print carriers, the guiding device having a guide surface, over and beyond which sheets are drawn, during operation, simultaneously with positive guidance by a margin of the sheets, which, respectively, extends in a direction of sheet travel, and having nozzles terminating in the guide surface, for conducting therethrough, during operation, a flow of air for forming an air cushion between the guide surface and the respective sheet, comprising a region with a closed surface located on the guide surface, on the path of the print carrier along the guide surface, said region being disposed opposite a respective margin of a processable one of the print carriers of varying format, the margin extending laterally with respect to the direction of sheet travel.

Abstract: A method for feeding sheets in a feeding direction along a guide face of a sheet guiding device in a sheet processing machine includes forming an air cushion between the guide face and a respective sheet by providing an air pressure distribution resulting in air flows beneath the respective sheet. The air pressure distribution is based virtually only on the effect of viscosity of the flowing air and is then capable of carrying the sheet; a device for performing the method; and a sheet processing machine such as a printing machine including the device.

Abstract: A delivery of a machine for processing sheet-like printing materials, includes sheet grippers passing through a gripper path during operation, an actuating element adjustable from adjustable basic positions into an extreme position and the reverse and, at locations of the gripper path corresponding to the basic positions and the extreme position, serving for shifting the sheet grippers from a closed, sheet-conveying operating state into an open operating state, a linkage mechanism provided for adjusting the actuating element, and an actuating drive for actuating the linkage mechanism, the linkage mechanism being movable between a predeterminable extreme position corresponding to the extreme position of the actuating element, and adjustable starting positions corresponding to one of the adjustable basic positions of the actuating element; and a machine for processing sheet-like printing materials including the delivery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying printed products in an imbricated formation with different spacings between the products, from a feed conveyor to the grippers on a removal conveyor. The printed products are introduced into the grippers in groups without any change in the spacing between successive printed products, and the conveying speeds of the feed conveyor and the removal conveyor are coordinated such that the portion of each group of products which projects into a gripper is less than the depth of the mouth of the gripper. Also, a deflection device at the transfer location serves to deflect the leading end of each group of products toward the approaching gripper.

Abstract: A device for transporting printed products has an endless circulating traction member having support frames. Receiving elements configured to pick up supplied printed products and to release the printed products are fastened on the endless circulating traction member at regular spacings on the support frames and are in the form of rollers having a circumference. The rollers cooperate in roller pairs with one another and define between its circumference, respectively, a conveying gap. The support frames have axles extending perpendicularly to the conveying direction of the printed products. The rollers are drivingly supported with one end thereof on the axles.

Abstract: A gripping arrangement for a stacker device or delivery tray of a printing press. At least one upper gripper arm and at least one lower gripper arm are provided, which have a first opened position and a second closed position. Sheets are located between the upper and lower gripper arms in the closed position. A first guiding device guides the gripping arrangement substantially in the vertical direction, and a second guiding device guides the gripping arrangement substantially in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: The apparatus has a conveying arrangement (10) with clamps (12) which are arranged one behind the other and are driven along the circulatory path (18) in the direction of circulation (U). In the receiving section (16), the mouth (14) of the clamps (12) is directed in the direction of circulation (U) and intended for gripping at the trailing edge (22′), as seen in the direction of circulation (U), a sheet-like article (22) arranged on the bearing element (20). The bearing element (20) has two bearing rails (60, 62), the upstream bearing rail (60), as seen in the direction of circulation (U), being designed such that it can be pushed away by the clamps (12).

Abstract: A gripping device for conveying sheets in silk-screen printing machines. The gripping device comprises a box-like gripping bar having an outwardly and upwardly slanted rear wall provided with a longitudinally extending stepped edge at the upper side for resting a sheet; a plurality of tiltable plate-like gripping elements, forming a flat jaw, are disposed side by side and hinged to the side edge of the gripping bar which is opposite to the slanted wall. A corresponding number of lifting arms for tilting the gripping plates are secured to a drive shaft which extends into a tubular portion of the box-like gripping bar; the gripping bar is provided at both ends carriages and control levers to cause rotation of the lifting arms and tilting of the gripping plates, against the action of biasing springs during running on the printing machine. This solution provides a wide gripping surface for the sheets, reduces specific pressures, and a gripper with a simplified design.

Abstract: An arrangement is described for transporting cardboard blanks or the like in the flat, in particular for book cover or letter file machines. The arrangement includes at least two sequenced transport belts extending parallel to one another, which are guided over deflecting wheels. Grippers are applied to the transport belts to hold the blanks. The grippers comprise controlled, swivelling clamping elements, which can be opened at the deflecting wheels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying printed products in an imbricated formation with different spacings between the products, from a feed conveyor to the grippers on a removal conveyor. The printed products are introduced into the grippers in groups without any change in the spacing between successive printed products, and the conveying speeds of the feed conveyor and the removal conveyor are coordinated such that the portion of each group of products which projects into a gripper is less than the depth of the mouth of the gripper. Also, a deflection device at the transfer location serves to deflect the leading end of each group of products toward the approaching gripper. Alternatively, the grippers are controlled so that in the transfer location, a leading clamping part of the approaching gripper engages a trailing clamping part of the preceding gripper so as to guide the next group of products into the mouth of the approaching gripper.

Abstract: The apparatus according to the invention, which serves for transporting supplementary products, in particular sheet-like printed products provided with adhesive, from a receiving location to a discharge location, has at least one retaining element which is moved along a continuous circulatory path and by means of which supplementary products can be gripped at the receiving location and released again at a discharge location. By means of a control arrangement, with changeover operation, during the transportation from the receiving location to the discharge location, the retaining element, which is mounted such that it can be rotated about an axis which is located at least more or less perpendicularly to the circulatory path, is optionally left unchanged in a rotary position or rotated about the axis through a certain angle until an end position of the transported supplementary product which is envisaged for further processing has been reached.

Abstract: Gripper for holding flat objects (21), more particularly flexible objects such as single or multiple sheet printing objects, comprising two gripper limbs (11, 12) that can pivot in relation to each other and exert a clamping force on the object held (21) in a closed position and an actuating device engaging at least in one of the gripper limbs (11, 12) to produce a relative pivoting movement of both gripper limbs (11, 12). The actuating device can be displaced from an open to a closed position of the gripper limbs (11, 12) and has at least one sliding part (18) whose translational movement produces a force on at least one gripper limb (11, 12) either in the direction of the open position or in the direction of the closed position.

Abstract: In a sheet-processing machine, there is provided a delivery including a frame, grippers revolvable, during operation, along a gripper path within the frame, the grippers serving for seizing a respective one of the sheets at a location on the gripper path and for dragging the sheet along sections of the gripper path in a transport direction, a first switching element, by which a first end of a first one of the sections of the gripper path, disposed downline with respect to the transport direction, is definable, and a second switching element, by which a second end of a second section of the gripper path, disposed downline with respect to the end of the first section, is definable, the first switching element being disposed on the frame, and the second switching element being disposed on a guide part fixed to the frame, and serving for determining a section of a course of the gripper path.

Abstract: The sheets conveyance device, used in a converting press for paper or cardboard sheets comprising at least one feeding station, a converting station, a waste stripping station and a delivery station for converted sheets, comprises two endless gripper bar chains (5, 6) assembled for conveying the sheets from the feeding station to the delivery station, a transverse driving shaft (2) equipped with driving wheels (3, 3′) of the endless gripper bar chains (5, 6) and at least one device for sheets capture secured to the endless gripper bar chains (5, 6). The transverse driving shaft (2) is separately driven from the other press stations by at least one independent motor/reductor (1). The independent motor/reductor (1) is able to function by driving cycles including at least one motion phase and one deceleration and/or breaking phase controlled by a control device (CDE), each independent motor driving cycle duration being equivalent to a converting cycle duration of said converting station.

Abstract: Flat rectangular objects, such as printed products, arrive in an overlapping formation and have a specific first extent A1 and a variable second extent A2, A2′ running at right angles thereto. The objects 10 are conveyed in an overlapping stream S at a constant predetermined overlap distance B and with a first extent A1 running in the conveying direction F. As viewed in the conveying direction F, the edges running in the conveying direction F are mutually aligned on one side and are at the same location. A specific number of the objects 10 is in each case gripped by a single transport clamp 18 to transport them onward.

Abstract: A conveyor chain for a gripper system-bearing chain conveyor of a printing press, the conveyor chain having standard chain links and special chain links, both types of which are formed by link pins carrying chain rollers, and chain plates articulatedly connecting the link pins to one another, the special chain links serving to connect the conveyor chain to the gripper system, includes two row-wise arranged chain-roller sections rotatable independently of one another, the chain-roller sections being disposed on the link pins of at least the special chain links; and a sheet-processing printing press with a chain conveyor including the conveyor chain.

Abstract: A sheet delivery device with a first gripper module for carrying a first sheet, a second gripper module for carrying a second sheet, a track for guiding the first and second gripper modules, and a stationary, purely mechanical diverter located at a divergence. The track including a first section, a second section and a third section, the first section diverging at the divergence into the second section and the third section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for receiving and/or conveying flat products (14), especially printing products, by means of individual grippers (1). The invention comprises a receiving and/or conveying section (12) along which the grippers (1) can be conveyed, and the limbs (9) support opened grippers (1) against one another in the area of the grippers, said grippers being arranged in succession. The invention also comprises a gripper closing device (15) which can be actuated after inserting a product (14) into an opened gripper (1), and/or a releasing device which can be actuated when a product (14) is released from the gripper (1). The receiving and/or conveying section (12) is curved in a convex manner in order to enlarge the maximum possible opening of the gripper.

Abstract: In a printed matter transport device wherein a printed matter is gripped by a gripping mechanism of a chain and made to travel along a guide rail, to improve the durability of the guide rail and chain, to prevent misalignment, falling out and damage when an external force acts on the printed matter, to improve durability of a connecting part of a chain link (base) and the gripping mechanism, to reduce manufacturing costs, and to enable the printed matter to be firmly gripped. A chain with grips comprising first rollers respectively arranged on two sides in the center of the longitudinal direction of the bases, a second roller on one side perpendicular to the common center line of the first rollers and a grip mechanism on the opposite side, a guide rail, a chain drive means and a cam member, a guide rail, a chain drive means and a cam member are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet-feeding device for delivering printed sheets produced by a printing press, having a plurality of grippers which grasp the sheets and transport them from the printing press in the direction of a stacking device, characterized in that the sheet-feeding device is provided with at least one linear motor for transporting the grippers.

Abstract: A movable gripper unit including a housing and a first gripper arm and a second gripper arm for gripping a printed product. The first and second gripper arms are slidingly supported with respect to the housing. The housing is movable along a track. Also disclosed is a method of gripping a printed product including gripping a printed product in a gripper unit and moving the printed product with respect to the gripper unit while the printed product remains gripped.

Abstract: For the horizontal positioning of serially supplied, flat objects (1) to be conveyed onward, the objects (1) are supplied suspended, one of their main surfaces (10) facing downstream and the other main surface (11) facing upstream. Prior to positioning, lower edge zones (13) of the objects (1) are selectively accelerated or retarded relative to the upper edge zones (12), so that the objects (1) are brought into a position inclined relative to the vertical. Thereupon the upper edge zones (12) are released and the objects (1) with the assistance of the force of gravity are positioned on an onward conveying means, selectively either the downstream or the upstream main surface (10 or 11) facing upwards. For retarding, resp., accelerating the lower edge zones (13), for example, a conveyor belt or two conveyor belts adjoining one another is or are utilized, the speed (v.3) of the conveyor belts being adjustable for a conversion from accelerating operation to retarding operation.

Abstract: A delivery of a sheet-processing printing machine having operationally revolving grippers for transferring processed sheets to a sheet brake in a conveying direction includes sheet guides for acting upon lateral borders of the sheets, as viewed in the conveying direction, and for guiding the sheets as they are transferred to the sheet brake.

Abstract: Both limbs of the clamp (2, 3), which are pivotally arranged on the axis of a bearing, are rotated from a closing position into an open position and vice versa by an actuating device (12). The actuating device (12) can be displaced from a top end position (13) to a lower end position (14). The actuating device (12) exerts a closing or clamping force on the outer side (22, 23) of the limbs of the clamp (2, 3) in said lower end position (14). When the actuating device (12) is displaced to the top end position (13), an expanding element (15) arranged between the limbs of the clamp (2, 3) comes into contact with the inner side (24, 25) of the limbs of the clamp (2, 3) and exerts an opening force on the limbs of the clamp (2, 3) so that said limbs (2, 3) are swung at a large angle (&agr;) in their open position.

Abstract: A device for holding sheets high in order to form gaps between sheets, during operation of a sheet pile-forming sheet-processing machine, includes vertically adjustable sheet interceptors for holding sheets high. The sheet interceptors being movable into a front pile-forming region so as to penetrate a depth therein which is so small that the sheet interceptors do not come into contact with a printed region of a sheet resting on the sheet interceptors; a sheet processing machine including the holding device; and a sheet-fed printing machine including the holding device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamp (10) for holding sheet-like objects, having a support (12) on which a clamp tongue (20) is fixed. A clamping jaw (32) is stored in a guide slot (30) in the support (12) in such a way that it can move both in and against the direction of closing (S). When the clamping jaw (32) moves from open position (34) in closing direction (S), the clamp end (42) is displaced along the path of movement (46), until it rests against the clamp tongue (20) or an adjacent object. As the clamping jaw (32) continues to move in closing direction (S), the clamp end is driven back from the path of movement (46), and a clamping force for holding the object is formed as a result of the elasticity of the clamping jaw (32).

Abstract: A delivery for a sheet processing printing machine having a delivery housing and a sheet conveyor substantially enclosed by the delivery housing, the delivery housing being formed with an opening at the underside thereof through which, operationally, sheets leave the delivery housing for forming a sheet pile, and a suction line connected to the interior of the delivery housing, the suction line having a negative pressure prevailing operationally therein, includes motor-driven fluid flow machines for acquiring air flows leaving the delivery housing through the opening and for generating air flows returning into the delivery housing.

Abstract: The conveyor line (1) of a conveyor has a branching point (6) with a switch (7). This switch has a pivotable switching member (8) which in one position lies in this conveyor line (1) and in the other position connects this first conveyor line (1) with a second conveyor line (10). Preceding the branching point (6) is a retaining member (11) that can be inserted into the path of movement of the transport elements (2) conveyed along the conveyor line (1). This retaining member (11) can be used to hold back the transport elements (2) approaching the branching point in order to create room for changing over the switching member (8). The transport elements are independent of one another, which makes it possible, selectively and as required, either to move the oncoming transport elements (2) along the first conveyor line (1) or to divert them into the second conveyor line (10).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for conveying printed products of the type having a main surface and a side edge, wherein each product is retained in the region of its side edge by an individual gripper, and wherein each gripper and its retained product are conveyed along a conveying path. The printed products are initially oriented such that their side edges run essentially perpendicularly to the conveying direction, and the grippers and products are then rotated about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the side edge of the product and perpendicular to the conveying direction. The spacing of the grippers may also be changed during such rotation.

Abstract: Printed sheets are fed into a sheet processing machine where they are separated into partial sheets by being cut longitudinally. The partial sheets are separated laterally from each other by gripper components. Each of the partial sheets can have its leading and trailing ends cut. The cut partial sheets can then be inspected and deposited into a selected one of a plurality of partial sheets stacks.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing printed products by insetting at least one subproduct and/or inserts into a main product, wherein at least the main products are grasped at the delivery of a printing machine by revolving gripping members of a conveying unit provided with an intermediate storage arrangement for inserting and delivering products, wherein the products are conveyed on conveying paths to an insetting machine formed of revolving insetting pockets, and wherein the products are taken up at the delivery of the printing machine by a first conveyor of the conveying unit connected to the insertion side of the intermediate storage arrangement and are transferred to a second conveyor of the conveying unit connected to the delivery side of the intermediate storage arrangement.

Abstract: A signature-delivery-pitch regulating apparatus includes a grip mechanism adapted to grip a signature received in a rotating delivery fan, push the signature out of the delivery fan, and then release the signature on the transport conveyer operating at a speed slower than the moving speed of the grip mechanism. The grip mechanism includes at least one endless chain in meshing engagement with at least a first sprocket and a second sprocket. The first sprocket rotates at a position within a rotation locus of bottoms of signature receiving spaces of the delivery fan and in the vicinity of a region where the delivery fan comes close to the transport conveyer. The second sprocket has an outer circumference located outside the rotation region of the delivery fan. The endless chain can travel along the transport direction of the transport conveyer from a position inside the rotation region of the delivery fan to a position outside the rotation region of the delivery fan.

Abstract: A sheet-like material guiding device of an offset printing press comprises a chain for holding and transporting a printed sheet; a product pile device for piling the printed sheet released from the chain; a suction device for reducing the speed of the printed sheet transported by the chain, the suction device being supported movably in the direction of transport of the printed sheet; and a belt disposed below the chain for guiding the printed sheet at nearly the same speed as the speed of transport of the printed sheet by the chain, the belt being movable so as to follow the movement of the suction device, the sheet-like material guiding device including a pair of driven rollers for supporting the belt, and a chain for supporting the driven rollers movably, with the distance between the driven rollers being unchanged. The belt can satisfactorily follow during movement of the suction device to achieve smooth transport, and a drive source for the suction device can be made small in capacity.

Abstract: A clamping claw assembly is secured to an endless transport device, such as a chain conveyor. A fixed clamping jaw is engaged by a movable clamping jaw to secure a product placed between the two. The movable clamping jaw is carried by a lever arm which is movable by an actuating lever. The actuating lever is biased by a tension spring between stable open and closed positions, through a dead center position. The movable clamping jaw is in a locked condition when it is in its closed position due to the force applied by the tension spring.

Abstract: At a delivery station (1), printed products (4) are unwound from a product reel (6) and transferred to a transfer area (11) of a conveying system (12). The latter has transport members (13) provided with controllable grippers (15) moved by conveying means (19, 19a) or by the force of gravity along a path of transport (14) designed as a closed loop. The printed products (4) are transferred at a delivery area (21) to a further processing device, for example an insetting or collecting drum (28). A buffer section (23), along which the transport members (13) are stored by reducing their mutual distance, is arranged upstream of said dispensing area (21). While an empty winding core (8) is exchanged for a full product reel (6), the supply of printed products (4) to the transfer area (11) is interrupted. During that time, the transport members (13) carrying printed products (4) are taken from the buffer section (23), ensuring a continuous supply of printed products (4) to the delivery station (21).

Abstract: A gripper assembly for a conveying device for conveying printed products. More particularly, a gripper assembly having: (a) a first gripper part, having a clamping surface and an external surface; (b) a second gripper part, having a clamping surface and an external surface; wherein the first gripper part and the second gripper part are connected together for pivotal movement about a common axis, the first gripper part being pivotable between an open position and a clamping position in which it cooperates with the second gripper part to clamp a printed product under spring force; (c) a spring element arranged between the first gripper part and the second gripper part, which spring element imparts a biasing force on the first gripper part which biases the first gripper part into the clamping position; and, (d) at least one conforming biaser which conforms to the external surfaces of the first and second gripper parts and which biases the first gripper part into the clamping position.

Abstract: A signature gripper having a gripper pad for firmly gripping a signature; a gripper base connected to the gripper pad, the gripper pad being rotatable about the gripper base in a direction of rotation; and a spring acting in the direction of rotation to permit rotation of the gripper pad about the gripper base and connected to at least one of the gripper base and gripper pad. The spring damps deceleration experienced by the signature upon gripping.

Abstract: A chain conveyor for a sheet-processing printing machine has conveyor chains bearing gripper systems for transporting sheets. The chains are revolvable, during operation, along closed chain tracks having at least substantially circular segment-like chain track sections. A guide rail device is provided for guiding the conveyor chains. A rail section forms part of the guide rail device. The rail section, when loaded by one of the conveyor chains, is deflectable counter to a restoring force and, at a first end of the rail section, adjoins one of the substantially circular segment-like chain track sections. A sheet-processing printing machine having such a chain conveyor is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding printed products to a processing unit includes a rotating conveyor drum which individually pulls the stacked printed products from a magazine; the conveyor drum has on an approximately circular travel path a gripping device formed by at least one movable gripping arm for receiving the printed product from the separating device, wherein the gripping device can be controlled into an open position or closed position by means of a cam mechanism connected to a closed guide track arranged in a vertical plane relative to the axis of rotation and stationary relative to the axis of rotation. The movable gripping arm of the gripping device is connected to a double roller lever which is mounted on the conveyor drum so as to be pivotable about an axis extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the conveyor drum and which travels in two closed guide tracks arranged stationary in at least one vertical plane about the axis of rotation of the conveyor drum.

Abstract: Folded signatures are delivered to a paddle wheel and then are transported to a plurality of distribution points by a gripper chain with a plurality of grippers. A controllable switching unit is provided at each distribution point in the form of a rotatable cam disk with switching cams. The rotatable cam disk at each distribution point is caused to rotate by an individual motor at a controlled speed and time. The speed of rotation of each cam disk can be greater than the speed of travel of the gripper chain so that the point of release of each signature can be accurately controlled.