GB396816A - A method of and mechanism for automatically opening closed book signatures and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

396,816. Stitching book signatures. POLLAK, J. E., 20, Holborn, London.- (Brehmer, Geb. ; Plagwitz, Leipsic, Germany.) Feb. 17, 1932, No. 4711. [Classes 89 (iii) and 112.] In feeding folded book-signatures to a signature-gathering, signature-stitching, or like machine, the leaves of each signature are successively engaged and bent outward by a series of devices so that the leaves to one or both sides of its fold are parted individually and progressively from the outer leaf inwards. The signatures S are fed from a pile A either by hand or automatically to a table 42 along which, as shown, they are carried on edge by endless gripping-bands 2, 3, and have their folded edges uppermost. A series of curved and adjustable sheet-guides 10, 11 are situated above the table 42, and, corresponding to each pair 10, 11 is provided a suction device 4 .. 7 and a sheet deflector 12, 14, or 18. The first suction-device 4 bends the outer leaf S<1> away from the remainder S, and during the forward movement of the signature, the deflector 12 enters between the leaf S<1> and the signature. Similarly, the succeeding suction-devices and deflectors part the leaves successively until the centre is reached when the opened signature passes over a guide 16 to the pivoted saddle 20 of a book-stitching machine. Freely-mounted rollers 22 project through slots in the saddle 20 and co-operate with driven rollers 21 on an extension 17 of the main framing 53 to forward the signature to a front stop 23. A stop-cock 26 is provided for each suction-device whereby the number thereof operating is arranged to correspond to the number of leaves. Suction devices may be arranged on both sides of the signature, if desired. Where all the signatures S are not identical, e.g. if one of a certain number contains a flyleaf or separate insert sheet, one of the suction devices, e.g. the device 4, is caused to operate only when this signature is fed. For this purpose, the sleeve 27 by which it is mounted on the main suction pipe 24 is rotatable on the pipe 24 so that only in one circumferential position is suction applied to the device 4. The sleeve 27 is connected by a lever and connecting rod to a ratchet-operated mechanism which allows the suction to be applied to the device 4 once for each pre-determined number of signatures fed. Specification 353,314 is referred to.