Multiple signature feeder system

Details Multiple signature feeder system Multiple signature feeder system

1998-05-06

2001-07-10

Ellis, Christopher P. (Department: 3615)

Sheet-material associating

Associating or disassociating

Signature associating

C270S052180, C270S052290, C270S052140, C270S052160, C271S003030

Reexamination Certificate

active

06257566

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a binding line for binding large circulation periodicals, catalogs, books and other printed materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to a binding line having a multiple signature feeder system, which greatly expands the capacity and flexibility of the binding line.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Books and most large circulation periodicals are simply a collection of forms or signatures that have been bound together into what is commonly referred to as a book. Each signature consists of a bundle of printed pages, and includes a backbone, a head, a foot, and a pair of folios. The signatures are gathered on a binding line in a particular order, and are then stitched or glued together to form the book.
The binding line typically includes a plurality of packer boxes positioned along a gathering conveyor, with each packer box or a selected set of packer boxes delivering printed signatures seriatim onto the gathering conveyor via a rotary drum as is well known in the art. After binding, the signatures are trimmed, bundled and shipped using well known methods. A more detailed explanation of the binding line process can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,323.
Using computer control systems, it is now possible to customize a book or a magazine in order to target a particular demographic group. This is typically accomplished by selectively enabling and disabling selected packer boxes along the binding line, so that a signature designed to appeal to the targeted demographic group is inserted into the book at a designated location.
It is also possible to further customize the finished book by customizing or personalizing one or more of the signatures. A printhead is positioned to apply a customized or personalized message, such as the name and address of a magazine subscriber, to a blank reserved area on the signature prior to placement in the packer box. The only requirements are that the signatures inhabit the same location within the book, and that the blank reserved area on each of the signatures occupy the same location relative to the head and the foot in order to be functional with the printhead.
Although it is very desirable to have customized or personalized signatures, physical and financial constraints severely hamper the capacity, and hence the flexibility, of the binding line. The capacity of the binding line is limited by a number of factors, including the length of the binding line and the number of packer boxes available. Space and cost considerations frequently make it impractical, if not impossible, to add packer boxes beyond a certain number. Expansion of the binding line, or installation of a new binding line, represents a significant capital investment, and in many cases would require a new building to accommodate the larger binding line. Accordingly, there exists a need for a convenient and cost effective way to increase the flexibility of a new or an existing binding line to produce customized and personalized printed materials.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention greatly expands the capacity as well as the flexibility of a conventional binding line to produce customized books targeted to appeal to a chosen demographic group, or books that are customized or personalized in accordance with other criteria. A feeder system having a plurality of feeder boxes or hoppers is positioned upstream of a conventional packer box. A feed controller operatively connected to a primary system controller activates a selected one of the feeder boxes, so that the distinct signature contained in that selected feeder box is delivered via a feed conveyor to the associated packer box. A printer disposed along the feed conveyor permits a customized or personalized message, such as the name and address of a magazine subscriber, renewal notices, or discount, shipping and credit features, to be applied to each signature prior to delivery to the associated packer box.
Thus, a selected one of the feeder boxes can be selected to deliver its distinct signature to the associated packer box for placement in the book at a designated location. The signature is then further customized or personalized by adding a predetermined printed message, which reads in the same orientation as the signature text. Accordingly, the flexibility of the binding line to produce customized or personalized books is greatly enhanced at minimal additional cost.
According to one aspect of the invention, a binding line for gathering a plurality of signatures to form a book includes a gathering conveyor, a plurality of packer boxes positioned along the gathering 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 containing a distinct signature and being adapted to deliver its distinct signature to the associated packer box. A primary controller is operatively connected to the packer boxes for activating a selected set of packer boxes, thereby delivering a set of signatures to the gathering conveyor. The controller further activates a selected one of the feeder boxes, thereby delivering the distinct signature from that feeder box to the associated packer box for placement in the book at the designated location. Each of the selected signatures delivered from the feeder system includes a backbone and a blank reserved portion, and a printer is positioned to apply a predetermined printed message to the reserved portion of the selected signature, perpendicular to the backbone, prior to delivery to the associated packer box. A feed system controller, connected to the primary system controller, is connected to the printer and determines the content of the printed message. The printer is preferably disposed adjacent the output end of the feed conveyor.
According to another aspect of the invention, a feeder system for expanding the capacity of a binding line is disclosed. The binding line typically includes a plurality of packer boxes positioned along a gathering conveyor, the gathering conveyor being adapted to gather signatures to form a book. The feeder system includes a plurality of feeder boxes associated with at least one of the packer boxes, and each of the feeder boxes contains a distinct signature and is adapted to deliver its distinct signature to the associated packer box. A feed conveyor delivers the signatures from the feeder boxes to the associated packer box. A primary controller activates a selected set of the packer boxes, thereby delivering a selected set of signatures to the gathering conveyor. The controller further activates a selected one of the feeder boxes, thereby delivering a selected signature from the feeder system to the associated packer box.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a binding line for gathering a plurality of signatures to form a book comprises a gathering conveyor, a plurality of packer boxes positioned along the gathering conveyor, a primary controller for activating a selected set of packer boxes to thereby deliver a set of signatures to the gathering conveyor, and adjustable feed means associated with at least one of the packer boxes for delivering a selected signature to the associated packer box. The adjustable feed means includes a plurality of feeder boxes, and a feed controller operatively connected to the primary controller. The feed controller causes a selected one of the feeder boxes to deliver its distinct signature to the associated packer box for placement in the book.
According to still another aspect of the invention, a method for expanding the capacity of a binding line is disclosed. The binding line is adapted to gather a plurality of signatures to form a book, and includes a plurality of packer boxes positioned along a gathering conveyor. The binding line further includes a primary controller for selectively enabling and disabling sets of packer boxes. The method includes the steps of operatively connecting a plurality of feeder boxes

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Multiple signature feeder system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Multiple signature feeder system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Multiple signature feeder system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2555940