Abstract: The described method serves for trimming or cutting during conveyance in a conveying direction (F) substantially in parallel to their main surfaces, flat objects along predetermined cutting lines parallel to the conveying direction (F). The objects are conveyed between a first and a second cutting edge (SK1 and SK2) and are cut by a relative movement of the two cutting edges. The first cutting edge (SK1) is positioned, e.g. stationary, in the plane of a support surface supporting the objects and for each cutting process, the second cutting edge (SK2) is moved past the first cutting edge in such a manner that at least the cutting point on the second cutting edge has a speed component in conveying direction (F) which has the same size as the conveying direction and a speed component perpendicular to the support surface.

Abstract: A method and device for diverting signatures is disclosed. A first cutting device partially cuts a web, while a second cutting device downstream of the first cutting device fully cuts the web so as to form a plurality of signatures. At least one first belt and at least one second belt hold the plurality of signatures, with the first belt having at least one first raised outer section and passing through at least part of the second cutting device, and with the second belt having at least one second raised outer section. The first and second raised outer sections interact to offset the plurality of signatures so as to define an alternating first stream and second stream of the plurality of signatures.

Abstract: In a device for the three-sided trimming of book blocks, adhesively bound or wire saddle-stitched paper covers and like printed products (1), the said device having separate cutting stations (22, 27), which are disposed one behind another in a direction of conveyance (F), for the front and head/foot trims, the said direction of conveyance (F) being orientated perpendicularly to the height of the block and perpendicularly to the front-trimming plane; having cutting tables (23, 28) on which the printed products (1) rest, at least partially, during trimming; having knives (25, 30) which are moved up and down and which operate against cutting strips (23a, 28a) fixed in the cutting tables (23, 28) or against lower knives; having pressing beams (24, 29) for pressing the printed products (1) against the cutting tables (23, 28); and having a transporting system (13) which connects at least the two cutting stations (22, 27) and clamps-in the printed products (1) in the process, there are provided a gripper (18) which

Abstract: A process for manufacturing brochures, books or like products, having a jacket constructed with turned-in flaps, the folded edges of the flaps preferably protruding beyond the front cut of the block or terminating flush with the latter in which (a) leaves or folded sheets are gathered in a gathering machine (3) to form a block (1), (b) the block (1) is fed to a first cutting station (A) and trimmed on the front side (1a) and (c) then is transferred into an adhesive binding machine (4) in which the leaves or folded sheets are joined by the application of an adhesive, (d) the block (1) is cased into a jacket and (e) the block (1), provided with a jacket, is fed to a second cutting station (B) where the product (2) is trimmed at the top and bottom sides (2a, 2b).

Abstract: A sheet cutter for finishing a booklet by cutting, with a cutter, edges of a bundle of sheets folded double, wherein it is possible to load booklets on a booklet stand of a booklet storing section that stores a plurality of booklets which have been subjected to cutting processing, by overlapping sheet faces, with a folded portion of each booklet facing upward.

Abstract: Gather-stitcher machine for joining and stapling a plurality of stacks of sheets of a magazine, and method for producing a thumb-tab index on magazines to be stapled by means of the gather-stitcher machine. In order to make it possible for a thumb-tab index to be machine-produced on the magazine which has been assembled together by the gather-stitcher machine, the machine is equipped with at least edge punching device arranged to the rear of a feeder guide mechanism in the transport mechanism's direction of travel, which device only produces punched-out portions in said stack of sheets in the long edges therein once the latter has been deposited.

Abstract: An infeed apparatus for a sheet material article trimmer includes a pusher element for moving a sheet material article to be trimmed on a front table of the trimmer and into engagement with a backstop of the front table. The pusher element is moved by a driver which moves the pusher element at the same speed as the front table for a period of time with the pusher element in engagement with a back edge portion of the sheet material article and the backstop in engagement with a front edge portion of the sheet material article. The period of time is at least as long as the time required for a front clamp of the sheet material article trimmer to grip the sheet material article against the front table and/or for the front clamp move through a distance corresponding to the difference in thickness between the thinnest sheet material article and the thickest sheet material article to grip the sheet material article against the front table.

Abstract: A cutting machine for trimming three sides of printed products includes blades that are moved up and down in a first cutting station for trimming the front, and in a second cutting station for trimming the top and bottom of the printed products. A transport mechanism is provided for positioning the printed products at adjustable rear stops. The conveying path formed between adjustable stops associated with the cutting stations and the cutting region specified for top and bottom trimming along the conveying path of the printed products are variable.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a paper sheet cutting apparatus which cuts the front end portion opposite to the fold, where both the leading edge and trailing edge get together by center folding, and an image forming apparatus equipped with the paper sheet cutting apparatus. The sheet cutting apparatus includes a conveying device for conveying a booklet; a stopping device for stopping the booklet at a predetermined position; a cutting device for cutting the front end portion of the booklet; and a controlling section to control each of the conveying device, the stopping device and the cutting device. The controlling section controls the stopping device so as to variably determine a stopping position of the booklet stopped by the stopping device, based on a number of sheets included in the booklet conveyed to the cutting device by the conveying device.

Abstract: A top edge trimming cutter, a bottom edge trimming cutter and a front edge trimming cutter are arranged to have predetermined distances from one another so as not to cause mechanical interference. The top edge trimming cutter, a first table element, a first blade receiving plate and a first pressing plate pressing a bound material against the first table element are attached to a first frame element. The bottom edge trimming cutter, a second table element, a second blade receiving plate and a second pressing plate pressing the bound material against the second table element are attached to a second frame element. Relative movement of the first and second frame elements effects relative movement of the top edge trimming cutter and the bottom edge trimming cutter, relative movement of corresponding first and second blade receiving plates and relative movement of corresponding first and second pressing plates.

Abstract: To simplify and reduce the necessary time of blade changing (4-6), every blade is attached to the connecting rods (15) which drive said blade without the interposition of a blade-holder. The setting of the cutting force with which each blade (4-6) presses on the counter-blade (7-9) is fixed by calibrating a maximum pressure hydraulic valve (30). In this way the cutting force exerted by each blade (4-6) does not exceed the optimal predefined maximum value for cutting all the sheets of paper, without damaging the counter-blades (7-9.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively streaming and merging side-by-side sheets is provided. In general, sheets enter in a side-by-side orientation onto an input feed surface and are directed selectively upwardly or downwardly onto overlying upper and lower feed surfaces by a diverter assembly having two diverter sides. The diverter sides can be independently moved to direct sheets upwardly or downwardly. The upper feed surface and lower feed surface have opposing edge guides. The upper feed surface and lower feed surface can be moved with respect to each other so that the edge guides are placed one sheet width apart or more than two sheet widths apart. By orienting the two diverter halves, and setting the desired distance between the upper and lower edge guides, sheets can pass along each of the upper and lower surfaces in a side-by-side streamed or over-lapping merge orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated in-line drop cut apparatus comprising a drop cut unit and a pathway for receiving folded documents from an upstream feeder and transporting said documents to and from the drop cut unit. The drop cut unit includes at least one cutter for cutting the folded documents along a document folded edge parallel to the direction of document travel, said cutter being positioned adjacent said pathway. A method of producing nested drop cut documents in-line is also provided by this invention.

Abstract: The subject invention is an improved paper clamping and insertion device. The clamping device comprises of two members connected by an elastic material where each member together with the elastic material can fit through a hole punched by the insertion device or any other standard paper punch. The insertion device consists of a U shaped upper support structure housing a punch and lower support structure housing a magazine of clamping devices. Operation of the insertion device will result in the punch descending and punching the paper sheets. After the punch has penetrated the sheets it then engages one of the clamping devices legs and withdraws it through the punched hole simultaneously the second leg of the clamping device is separated from the magazine and is positioned on the underside of the sheets. Further upward movement of the punch releases the top leg of the clamping device, which in turn is positioned by the elastic member to securely hold the papers between the two legs.

Abstract: The three-side trimmer comprises three compact cutting units of a nearly identical design, which have a flow of forces that is closed in itself and separate drives. Full-area cutting tables and pressing plates and telescopic cutting tables and pressing plates in the head-and-foot station ensure optimal quality of cut while avoiding the use of replaceable parts for format change. Due to elastic design and a slightly oblique positioning of the pressing plates, air inclusions are prevented from occurring during the pressing. A most lightweight design possible with weak dynamic forces to achieve good quality of cut are provided while avoiding the use of replaceable parts for format change.

Abstract: A streamfeeder for the untrimmed, folded cover signatures includes an uphill streamfeeder with the cover signatures disposed between a pair of conveyor belts with a jogger being on the side of the folded signatures opposite the long tail. The preferred cutter for the long tail, cover signatures comprises a rotating, slitting wheel and an opposing, rotating anvil. The slitting wheel is preferably a rotating disc with a beveled, cutting edge that cooperates with a resilient insert on the anvil. Herein, the cutting wheel is mounted on a rotary shaft and rotated by a variable speed drive.

Abstract: A device for trimming multiple streams of printed products including a first trimming unit for trimming at least one side of a first stream of printed products, and a second trimming unit for trimming at least one side of a second stream of printed products, the first stream and the second stream having a similar direction. Also disclosed is a method for trimming multiple streams of printed products comprising moving a first stream of printed products in a first direction, trimming at least one side of the first stream, moving a second stream of printed products separate from the first stream in a direction similar to the first direction, and trimming at least one side of the second stream.

Abstract: A two-up process for manufacturing one-piece binder covers including the steps of cutting a panel having opposed pairs of parallel sides; perforating the panel between two of its parallel sides to form a separating line to provide two rectangles connected together by the separation line; forming a recess at each end of the separation line so that each of the two rectangles has rounded corners upon separation of the two rectangles; dividing the blank by at least one pair of fold lines perpendicular to the perforated separation line and separating the blank into two binder covers each having four rounded corners.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a paper sheet cutting apparatus which cuts the front end portion opposite to the fold, where both the leading edge and trailing edge get together by center folding, and an image forming apparatus equipped with the paper sheet cutting apparatus. The sheet cutting apparatus includes a conveying device for conveying a booklet; a stopping device for stopping the booklet at a predetermined position; a cutting device for cutting the front end portion of the booklet; and a controlling section to control each of the conveying device, the stopping device and the cutting device. The controlling section controls the stopping device so as to variably determine a stopping position of the booklet stopped by the stopping device, based on a number of sheets included in the booklet conveyed to the cutting device by the conveying device.

Abstract: For trimming the exposed lateral edges of printed bound documents (4 to 6) conveyed individually or in quires, such as books, brochures or magazines, which are held at the bound lateral edge (23) and conveyed to a trimming device (2) through a rotational and translational conveying movement, the trimming operation of the top and/or bottom edge is simultaneously performed on two printed documents (4 to 6) in a single operation.

Abstract: A top edge trimming cutter (11), a bottom edge trimming cutter (12) and a front edge trimming cutter (13) are arranged to have predetermined distances from one another so as not to cause mechanical interference. A frame consists of first and second frame elements (19, 20) movable relatively to each other along the direction of movement of the top edge trimming cutter (11) and the bottom edge trimming cutter (12), and a stationary third frame element (21). The top edge trimming cutter, a first table element (16), a first blade receiving plate (16a) and a first pressing plate (15a) pressing a bound material (27) against the first table element are attached to the first frame element. The bottom edge trimming cutter, a second table element (17), a second blade receiving plate (17a) and a second pressing plate (15b) pressing the bound material against the second table element are attached to the second frame element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding a single sheet of paper into a booklet. The method includes depositing adhesive along a linear path on the single sheet of paper and folding the sheet by making a plurality of folds parallel to a first direction, thereby forming a plurality of interconnected panels. The lateral edges of the panels are cut off so that the panels are no longer interconnected. A fold is made along a line coincident with the linear path to form the booklet. The booklet may be further folded with close folds to obtain a compact outsert. Apparatus for performing the folding patterns is also provided.

Abstract: A binder/trimmer is disclosed in which a book block is placed in a carriage, jogged to align the pages, and then transported to a milling station in which the spine of the book block is milled to roughen the spine, then to an adhesive application station at which a suitable adhesive is applied to the spine, and thence to a binding station at which the spine of the book is brought into engagement with the center portion of a cover and at which a binding clamp forces the cover against the outer faces of the book block proximate the spine, and then to a trimming station. At the trimming station, the book is deposited in a nest and is positioned relative to a trimming blade which is actuated to trim a first edge of the book to a predetermined dimension. The book is then rotated to trim second and third edges thus resulting in a perfect bound book accurately trimmed to a predetermined size. A method of binding and trimming a perfect bound book is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for trimming flat printed products along a predetermined cutting line includes the steps of continuously feeding the printed products in succession in a feed direction parallel to a plane defined by the printed products. The printed products are passed between two superposed knives, each knife having a cutting edge facing the other cutting edge. The two knives are moved in cutting engagement with one another in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the printed products. The apparatus according to the invention includes a conveyor for continuously feeding the printed products in succession in a feed direction parallel to a plane defined by the printed products. At least one cutting device having two superposed knives is provided. Each knife has a cutting edge facing the other cutting edge. The printed products are passed by the conveyor between the two knives.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a trimming station for sheet like articles comprising a first conveyor assembly (2) conveying sheet material (3) in a first orientation (4) having a first trimming section (16) with vibrating trimming elements (19, 20). Further, a sheet material reorienting section (23) is provided for the sheet material (3). Reoriented sheet material articles (3) are conveyed in a second orientation (25) to a second conveyor assembly (24) having a second trimming section (33) with trimming elements (34, 35).

Abstract: A cutter rotatably drivable about a rotational axis for cutting articles including printed products and lengths of flexible materials including paper, plastic, fabric, leather, and metal, includes a drive shaft; a circular knife holder which has a hub, which is removably connected to the drive shaft, and which has defined therein a plurality of guide grooves having a dovetail shape; a plurality of knives which are adjustably positioned within respective guide grooves, which are distributed across the circular knife holder, which have a clamping cross section that is movable within the guide grooves and is locked in place, which project beyond the circumference of the circular knife holder, and which have respective knife ends projecting beyond the circumference of the knife holder and forming a cutting plane that is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the cutter; and a clamping arrangement which extends conically from the hub to the circumference of the circular knife holder, which includes a clamping pla

Abstract: A document trimming apparatus includes a document trimming mechanism and a document positioning mechanism. The document trimming mechanism includes a trimmer clamp for holding a document made up of a stack of sheets while being trimmed and a knife for trimming an edge of the stack of sheets. The document positioning mechanism includes a transport holder for securely holding the stack of sheets during transport and further includes a carrier movably supporting the transport holder for translational and rotational movement relative to the document trimming mechanism. The document positioning mechanism is adapted to position successive edges of the stack of sheets proximate the knife for trimming. The document positioning mechanism includes a first actuator to control rotational movement, a second actuator to control translational movement, and a third actuator to control a side block for initial positioning of the stack on the document positioning mechanism.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an arrangement for handling printed products by making an edge cut with the aid of a cutter. The printed products in this case are supplied to the cutter by grippers that circulate along a first conveying loop, and the edge area to be cut on the printed products positioned in the grippers is stabilized by clamping braces that can be placed against the printed products in the range of the cutter. After the edge cut is made, the printed products with the grippers are disengaged from the clamping braces and discharged.

Abstract: A device is provided for trimming an edge of printed products which are fed continuously at regular distances to a conveying arrangement. The conveying arrangement includes circulating, pocket-like conveying units that are loaded from above with printed products. The edges of the printed products project at the conveying units so that the edges extend through a cutting arrangement laterally disposed at the conveying arrangement and including a blade. A support arrangement includes a shoulder disposed on a rear side of the printed product relative to the blade. The support arrangement is set back from the projecting edge of the printed product and is disposed opposite the blade during the cutting process. The support arrangement is movable into position at least approximately over a length of a cut by the blade and is driven in the same direction and at the same cadence as the printed products that are fed to the cutting arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming printed products which includes a drum with a plurality of radially displaced receiving compartments. The printed products which are to be trimmed rest, along their folded edges, against stops which form the base of the radial receiving compartments. The products are gripped by a displacement device and displaced radially outwards into a cutting position. In the cutting position, the printed products are clamped in the region of their side border located opposite the fold edge. When the clamped printed products run past a stationary cutter element, the printed products are trimmed on the side border. After completion of the cutting operation, the clamping of the printed products is released and the displacement device is moved by a further distance radially outwards. Consequently, the trimmed printed products are advanced into a removal position, in which they are gripped by grippers of a removal conveyor.

Abstract: Products (2) made of paper or similar materials are cut along predetermined cutting lines in a drawing cut between crossed knife edges while being conveyed continuously in a dense conveying stream in which their main surfaces are orientated substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction (v). For this purpose a counter knife (1) with a guide edge (11) is allocated to each product (2) and the products (2) together with the counter knives (1) are conveyed past at least one cutting knife (5) with a cutting edge (51) having two ends, whereby the cutting edge (51) of the cutting knife (5) substantially lies in the plain formed by the guide edges (11) of the counter knives (1) and forms a cutting angle (.alpha.) with the guide edges (11).

Abstract: A signature perforating device includes a perforating cylinder and a cooperating counter perforating cylinder. The perforating cylinder carries a perforating blade strip which is formed by a number of perforating blade elements. These elements are held in place on the perforating cylinder in a profiled blade holding strip. Individual ones of these perforating blade elements can be removed from the strip for replacement without disruption to adjacent blade elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming multiple-sheet, folded printed products utilizing two processing drums adjacently arranged. The drums are each rotated about a horizontal axis by a drive mechanism. Each processing drum comprises radial compartments for receiving the printed products to be trimmed. Arranged on each end side of the first processing drum are two stationary cutting elements, one of which is in the operative position. The cutting element interacts with cutting elements which are fastened on the end side of the compartments on the compartment walls. In the first processing drum, the printed products are trimmed on their side borders running at right angles to the folding edge. Arranged on the circumferential edge of the second processing drum are stationary cutting elements with a cutting element in an operative position to interact with cutting elements which are assigned to the individual compartments and are arranged circumferentially in the compartments.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming folded multi-sheet printed products along the bloom edge and along each of the opposite side edges of each product. The apparatus comprises a first cellular wheel (2) which is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and which receives the products in upwardly open cells and trims their bloom edges. A second cellular wheel (4) is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis and receives the products from the first wheel in radially open cells and trims the products along their opposite side edges. Each wheel mounts first blade members (26;36) mounted along an edge of each cell, and a fixed counter blade (29;39) is provided which engages the first blade members upon rotation of the wheel. The wheel also includes an annular running surface (47), and the counter blade is connected to a guide member (46) which is positioned to engage the running surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming folded multi-sheet printed products along the bloom edge and along each of the opposite side edges of each product. The apparatus comprises a first cellular wheel (2) which is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and which receives the products in upwardly open cells and trims their bloom edges. A second cellular wheel (4) is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis and receives the products from the first wheel in radially open cells and trims the products along their opposite side edges. The second cellular wheel (4) is divided, in a plane (40) perpendicular to its rotational axis, into two cellular wheel halves (4', 4"), which are mounted on respective bearing elements (32). The two bearing elements (32) can be adjusted relative to each other along the central axis (5).

Abstract: Apparatus for trimming small booklet-like products transported by bands (16) between a position serving for front trimming and a position serving for foot and head trimming. The bands (16) include a pair of transport bands (18,20) guided about a respective main deflecting roll (24) at their ends facing an insertion region (22). A synchronously-drivable auxiliarytransport band (26) extends beyond the main transport bands (18,20) toward the insertion region (22) and is guided about an auxiliary deflection roll (28) at its end facing the insertion region (22). The diameter (d) of the auxiliary roll (28) is less than 1/3 the diameter (D) of the main deflection roll (24).

Abstract: An apparatus in a book binding machine for binding books by gluing includes a notch cutting tool for producing notches in the back of the book block, wherein the notches extend approximately transversely of the back of the book block. The notch cutting tool is mounted for cutting notches in a portion of the book block which projects from a mounting device. A rotatably mounted abutment has a cylindrical support surface for laterally supporting the projecting portion against the cutting force exerted by the notch cutting tool. A guide plate is mounted rearwardly offset from the cylindrical support surface of the abutment. The guide plate has a groove surrounding the travel path of the notch cutting tool and the cylindrical support surface of the abutment is located opposite the groove in the guide plate.

Abstract: A signature booklet maker (SBM) finishing apparatus for an image producing device includes a modified fold blade having a plurality of contacting teeth spaced part by a predetermined distance. The contacting teeth further include a predetermined contact surface width and a predetermined thickness. The grind direction of the teeth is specified to reduce inside sheet drag during folding. The spaced teeth are adapted drive the stitched signature set in a folding unit without contacting the stitches, thereby eliminating fold skew and inside sheet marking. Moreover, the fold blade has a predetermined hardness to ensure that the blade is not damaged during folding. The SBM further includes a trim waste elimination device and knife guard to prevent booklet trimmings from migrating throughout the trimmer unit. The knife guard eliminates the safety hazard caused by the blade in the resting position and guides air from an air blower to force booklet trimmings into a waste chute.

Abstract: The backbones of successive stacks of signatures of a series of such stacks are trimmed by a rotary implement having two annuli of substantially radially extending orbiting trimming or cutting tools. The tools of one annulus extend radially outwardly beyond the tools of the other annulus, and the tools of one annulus extend axially forwardly beyond the tools of the other annulus. The tools which extend axially forwardly beyond the other tools orbit at a higher speed. The two annuli of tools can be orbited in the same direction or in opposite directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting stacked sheet-like material has a table surface which includes an entry zone for receiving the material to be cut, a working zone above which a cutting blade and press beam are located, as well as an exit zone for receiving the material after it is cut. The exit zone comprises a first zonal area adjacent to the working zone and a second zonal area adjacent to the first zonal area, and a first straightedge arranged below the exit zone in the area of a parting surface of the two zonal areas. The second zonal area can be lifted from an initial position where it forms a plane with the first zonal area and the first straightedge can be lifted and moved into a working position with the first zonal area. The exit zone can be moved as a whole perpendicular to the cutting plane to form a gap between the exit zone and the working zone.

Abstract: A three side trimmer is provided with a trimming table having a base, a first cutting stick fixed on the base opposed to a front edge trimming cutter in order to receive the knife edge of the front edge trimming cutter and, a table structure including a pair of elemental plates movable on the base along a direction parallel to the length of the first cutting stick. The first elemental plate of the table structure is provided with a second cutting stick arranged perpendicular to the first cutting stick in order to receive the knife edge of a top edge trimming cutter. The second elemental plate of the table structure is provided with a third cutting stick arranged perpendicular to the first cutting stick in order to receive the knife edge of a foot edge trimming cutter. The three side trimmer makes it possible to trim the three sides of the binding objects of different sizes without exchanging the trimming tables.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for cutting stacked, sheet-like material, having a table (3) for receiving the material to be cut, a cutting blade (7) movable perpendicularly to the plane of the table, a press beam (8) arranged adjacent to this cutting blade (7) and lowerable onto the material to be cut, and also a plate-shaped front pusher (12) for aligning the material at the feed unit, which front pusher (12) can be brought into contact with the front face of the material to be cut, allowing the material to be cut to be aligned at the feed unit without removing or moving the cut material (5); provision is also made for the front pusher to be movable at an angle from above the table towards the front face of the material to be cut and, in its lower end position, to be positioned with its abutting surface (14) essentially in the cutting plane (10) of the cutting blade.

Abstract: The corners of stacked sheet material, for example overlay material being employed in the formation of book covers, are simultaneously removed by a cutting appliance having plural knives. Stacks of the sheets of overlay material are delivered to the cutting appliance by carriers which move along a continuous path and, after the cutting operation, the carriers deliver the sheet material to the feed station of a downstream processing machine.

Abstract: A gap cutting sheeter having controls to adjust the cutting position of the first and second flying shears relative to each other to set the gap size to a particular printed sheet. The downstream flying shear can be set up to cut the leading edge or the following edge of while the web is moving. When cutting the leading edge, a flexible flipper is provided just ahead of the flying shear to contact and push successive cut chips toward a vacuum chip removal system. Alternating vacuum removes the chips, and pulsing positive air pressure against the underside of a leading, trimmed edge guides it over the chip removal vacuum chamber to the downstream conveyor. A knockdown vane is provided just after the flying shear to press the leading edge of a cut signature against the downstream deck plate to prevent wrinkling of the cut signatures.

Abstract: Apparatus for trimming lateral marginal portions of a scalloped stream of partially overlapping sheets has two counterknives at that side of the path for the sheets which is adjacent the leaders of successive sheets and a pair of rotary knives located opposite the counterknives at the side of the path which is adjacent the trailing ends of successive sheets. The sheets of the stream of sheets issuing from a printing machine must be inverted by 180.degree. if the counterknives are located beneath the respective rotary knives. Trimming operations which are carried out upon successive sheets having leaders at that side of the path which is adjacent the counterknives are less likely to result in tearing of the sheets than the trimming operations in conventional apparatus.

Abstract: An auxiliary punching device is disclosed, which is attachable to a machine for punching holes at one given location into a stack of sheets of given size, in order to punch other holes at another given location in the same stack at the very same time as the holes are punched at the one location. This auxiliary punching device comprises an auxiliary die and an auxiliary punching tool that are attachable to the main die and punching tool of the punching machine to work in unison therewith. Both of the structural elements are very easy to adjust to fit any required positioning or configuration for the second row of holes to be punched, whatever be the size of the stack of sheets fed to the machine.

Abstract: To trim a plurality of printed products, which may have different thicknesses, first and second cutting assemblies are provided, each cutting assembly having a cutting knife (98, 59) and a cutting counter element (115, 65). The printed products are held in receivers formed of a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, resiliently clamping the printed products between the jaws, the knives being moved across the printed products and against the counter elements. The printed prroducts are supplied to the first cutting assembly by a pair of toothed or ribbed belt (20) from a storage cassette (1). The length dimension to be cut is determined by a stop rail (39) and the width dimension is determined by the spacing of two lateral knives of the second cutting assembly. A transfer apparatus transfers the printed products from the first to the second cutting assembly, from which they can then be removed. The knives are moved in a guide way formed by guide rails on which sliders operate.

Abstract: For cutting multilayer printed products in a continuous process single or multiple printed products 92) are associated with a first knife part (3) which is moved together with the printed products. During the movement, the printed products and the first knife part are engaged along a cutting edge (4) and subsequently moved past a second knife part (5). Through the cooperation between the first (3) and second (5) knife parts, the printed products (2) are cut along the intended cutting edge (4). A corresponding apparatus has a plurality of conveying units for the printed products moving along a circular path. The conveying units are preferably constructed as counterknives while the associated cutting knives are fixed. Thus, even when large quantities are conveyed and the printed products are thick, a top-quality three-sided cut is obtained.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus for edge trimming books including a trimmer knife assembly and a conveying apparatus for conveying the books along a path of movement into aligned relationship with the trimmer knife assembly. The conveying apparatus includes a pair of horizontally extending endless conveyor chains positioned in parallel on adjacent sides of the path of movement and including outwardly extending pusher members for engaging longitudinal edges of the books and moving them along the path of movement. A pair of vertically extending guide members are positioned laterally outwardly of the endless chains for engaging the ends of the books and moving them into proper lateral alignment with the path of movement.

Abstract: A three-side cutting apparatus which cuts a carried-in book at its top, bottom and side.