signature=e02a2bb00a81a3c3c773b778d49febc4,Signature gathering

This invention relates to signature gathering, which consists in the associating of the signatures, sheets or other components of pamphlets or the like into groups of signatures to be wire stapled or otherwise bound in the process of v manufacture; and the invention involves a certain novel method of operation as well as a mechanism, apparatus or machine for performing the same, to be fed by stacks or supplies of the several signatures and to; deliver a succession 1( of the completed groups.

The invention relates more particularly to the detection of errors by calipering or gaging each signature between the stack and the signature receiving or group supporting means or con- 11 veyor, the latter usually traveling longitudinally adjacent to the series of stacks from which the individual signatures are transferred to the conveyor for the purpose of grouping them into pamphlets. The purpose of such calipering is to 2( detect the defective character of any signature or signatures being gathered, before being deposited on the conveyor, whether because it has too many sheets and is too thick, or is deficient in sheets and is too thin, or is otherwise defective 2a in regard to the exact thickness which each signature should have.

The principles of the invention are applicable to the flatwise system of gathering, to group the signatures in piles on the conveyor for subsequent side-stapling, glue-binding etc., or on the other hand to the system of insert-gathering or saddlegathering, wherein the signatures are grouped or nested one within another upon a conveying support or saddle, to be subsequently saddlestitched or united by centrally placed wire staples. For purposes of illustration the invention is shown designed and applied to a machine for the insert-gathering of signatures, the disclosure being confined to those parts of the machine wherein the novel features are embodied.

As examples of the prior art and illustrating certain known features of mechanism and operation with which the present invention may be utilized reference is made to certain patents. For example Kleineberg Patent No. 2,163,732 of June 27, 1939 shows a traveling conveyor in the form of a saddle arranged parallel to the series of signature hoppers, together with a mechanism adjacent to each hopper for extracting successive signatures, transferring each signature to a position above the saddle, opening the signature centrally, and delivering it straddlewise upon the saddle, or upon an intermediate or auxiliary saddle en route to the traveling saddle; in view of which the accompanying drawings omit any specific disclosure of the hoppers and the signature extracting, transferring and opening mechanisms, the detecting means being preferably located beyond these mechanisms but ahead of the final reception of each signature on the conveyor.

The patent of Juengst No. 1,126,026 of January 26, 1915, on the other hand is an example of a ) machine for extracting, transferring and delivering signatures for flatwise gathering upon a support along which the successive piled groups are conveyed or pushed longitudinally by the pushing members or projections of the traveling conveyor I during the accumulation of the signature groups; this prior patent illustrating also one form of detecting or calipering means for locating defective signatures and mechanism for utilizing the detecting action by setting a tripper or dog I which later, at a remote point, effects a desired control consisting, in said case, of a diverting or switching mechanism to sort out the groups containing defective signatures and separate them from the regular product of the machine.

The patent of Gitzendanner 1,380,293 of May 31, 1921, shows another form of detecting and switching-out mechanism. In this case the trip or dog which is set when a defective signature is detected is arranged to travel along with the 1 conveyor, usually at a normal and inoperative upper level, but at a lower or operative level when any signature in the group is defective, the shift or drop of the trip into operative position being brought about by the displacement of a trap or section of the member or track along which the trip dog normally travels. Certain principles of these prior patents so outlined are illustratively employed in the specific disclosure of the present invention, although the invention might equally well be used in connection with dogs or trips otherwise operated, or used without a group switching or separating mechanism, but for example with control connections operating to prevent binding or stapling of a defective group without stopping the gathering and binding operations, or to stop the machine for manual correction of the defect and restarting, or for that matter by the mere setting of a signal indicating the defective group so that it may then be removed manually.

The general object of the present inventionis to improve the method and operation of gathering signatures, particularly insert-gathering, and more particularly by providing an efficieint and reliable detecting means for sigriatures of erroneous thickness. A further object is to provide a calipering or gauging mechanism adapted to operate at a later stage than heretofore in the transfer of each signature to the support or saddle upon which the signature groups are accumulated, so that the calipering takes place at the optimum time and position for determining its possible defective character, namely, as it is about to join the traveling signature group for which it is destined. Another object is to afford I a calipering device which is compact and readily accommodated in a small space, and is simple and rugged in construction, while affording a delicate gaging of the signatures and avoidance of defective signature groups and pam- 1 phlets.

Further objects and advantages will be explained in the hereinafter following description of an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

For the attainment of such objects and advantages the present invention consists in the novel method and apparatus, as well as the novel features of operation, mechanism and construction herein illustrated or described.

In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a left end elevation view of the more relevant parts of an insert-gathering machine embodying the present invention, with the longitudinal shafts and axles and certain other parts of the machine shown in transverse vertical section.

Fig. la is a detached left elevation view of a small portion of Fig. 1 showing a modification.

Fig. 2 is a front side elevation of the mechanisms included in Fig. 1, showing the detecting or calipering mechanism pertaining to only a single one of the series of gatherer hoppers; and the mechanisms shown in Figs. 1 and 2 may be considered as repeated indefinitely in accordance with the number of hoppers or stacks to be incorporated in the gatherer.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the caplipering mechanism shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The drawings show one of the lower frame walls 6 of the machine and on top of it an upstanding wall or frame bracket 7 giving support to certain operating parts. If a signature hopper were shown on Fig. 1 it would usually be to the left of the upper portion thereof, as illustrated for example in said Patent 2,163,732; and this figure shows a longitudinal shaft 8 which in said patent carries a signature transferring drum, to the front of which is a signature opening cylinder, carried on a shaft 9 herein shown in Figs. 1 and 2 hereof, the drum D and cylinder C however being merely indicated in dash lines.

The operation of the known parts referred to results in the downward delivery of each opened signature upon an intermediate receiving member or longitudinal bar 26, hereinafter to be more fully described as constituting a nontraveling auxiliary or upper saddle.

Other general longitudinal parts of the machine include a shaft 10 located somewhat below the rotary shaft 8, and therebelow a rockshaft 11. The shafts 9 and 10 may make one complete turn for each complete cycle of the gathering machine, corresponding with each complete extraction, transfer and delivery of a signature; but the shaft 8 may have half the rotary speed of shafts 9 and 10 in case the transfer drum thereon is of twice the diameter of the opening cylinder, as shown in said Patent 2,163,732. Higher than and to the front of the rockshaft 11 is shown a frame rod 12, herein utilized as an axle. At a higher front point is another fixed rod or axle 13, and at the top center of the machine is a heavy frame rod 14.

The frame rods 13 and 14 are mounted on the frame brackets 7, while the rod 12 is mounted on a series of supplemental brackets 15 attached to the front side of the lower frame walls 6, these brackets 15 supporting also the conveyor or saddle mechanism to be described. Various other fixed parts and brackets need not be men0 tioned excepting that, by a clamping hub 18, a caliper supporting bracket 19, for each signature stack, is rigidly mounted on the frame rod 13, this bracket depending from the frame rod, and extending rearwardly where it is formed 5 into a housing or extension 20 to accommodate certain gearing to be described. A vertical sleeve 21 is fixed in the housing to act as a bearing for inside and outside parts.

Coming to the mounting of the auxiliary re2o ceiver or saddle, a clamping hub 22 is used to attach a depending bracket arm 23 to the overhead frame rod 14. The bracket 23 at its lower end 24 is recessed and split to receive the shank of the upper or fixed saddle 26, shown in 25 Figs. 1, 2 and 3, this being in a position to receive directly each transferred opened signature, and being free at its left end so that each signature may be advanced or pushed along and from the fixed saddle for delivery on to the main or n3 traveling saddle, to be described.

Broadly speaking, the upper and lower saddles constitute preliminary and final supports or receivers on which the successive signatures are deposited, in turn, for grouping them on the 35 lower br final receiver, these elements being shown as saddles, but the same principles being available in relation to flat gathered signatures.

The lower, main or traveling saddle might be conventional but is shown of an improved con40 struction, comprising for the reception of each group the saddle body or casting 29, with upward extension 30 and, set into this extension, and standing vertically in the direction of travel, a thin upright plate 31 which constitutes the 4 5 saddle proper, the signatures being received straddlewise upon its top edge in the process of grouping them. Preferably a separate such saddle is provided for each advancing signature group, and there will be an endless series of 5f these traveling saddles, passing longitudinally through the gatherer directly below the series of auxiliary saddles 26, and returning at a considerably lower level. Each traveling saddle 29 is provided with a pushing means, in the form 55 of wings 32 extending laterally at the rear end of the saddle, that is to say at the right hand end as shdwn in Fig. 2, the saddles traveling leftwardly. These wings serve the preliminary purpose of engaging each signature depending over 60 an upper saddle and shifting or sliding the signature advancingly along the upper saddle and from it to pass downwardly to and be received upon the lower or traveling saddle; and thereupon the wings serve the purposes of alining the 65 several signatures of each group and of insuring their advancing travel with the saddle.

The endless series of saddles so described constitutes part of an endless conveyor, which includes also a chain or preferably a pair of chains 70 built up of links 33, with rollers 34 at their connecting pivots. These chains are attached to the lower part of each individual saddle, for example by some of the pivot pins 35 of the chains extending through the saddle body. The chains 75 are driven, in conventional manner, like sprocket chains, from any convenient point to maintain the continuous travel of the endless train of saddles, at a speed for example of one, or of two, stack spacings per cycle of the machine.

The traveling conveyor or train of advancing saddles is shown as being supported by means of a pair of tracks 36, which are shown as angle irons, spaced somewhat apart and mounted at the top of the brackets 15, the upper ends of which are forked to provide a space below the groove formed between the two tracks. Further down is shown an inverted pair of similar tracks 37 to give support to the inverted or return portion of the traveling conveyor and its saddles.

In each case the opposite system of rollers 34 on the saddle body 29 run along the opposite tracks, with the body depending sufficiently in the central track groove to secure guidance therefrom.

There has been thus far described or indicated sufficient mechanism to constitute a saddle gathering apparatus, it being understood that the saddles advance in succession, preferably with continuous travel until, at or beyond the end of the gathering machine, where each saddle carries a complete signature group, the groups are suitably handled for binding or stapling and later discharge, while the endless conveyor and train of empty saddles return by the underneath route.

Before describing the detecting or calipering 3 mechanism, reference will be made to a known kind of device, one for each section or saddle of the conveyor by which the detecting effect is taken into account and carried along with the group for later control action. This includes a 3 control member, dog or trip finger 40, shown in Fig. 2, and which may take one of two positions as there shown, under control of the detecting devices. This dog or tripper 40 preferably carries a roller 41 at its free end and is swingable 41 about a pivot mounted on a rear end extension 42 of each saddle body 36. A tripper of this general character is shown in said prior Patent 1,380,293, its purpose being to give a remote controlling action and result in accordance with its setting determined by the detecting devices. The tripper remains in its normal or elevated position, shown in full lines, when the received signature is normal, but when the signature is defective the tripper shifts or drops by gravity to 0r the abnormal position shown in dotted lines. As a pamphlet is accumulated on a given saddle, if any signature is imperfect, the gripper or control member of that saddle drops to its abnormal or operating position, and this effect or setting of 53 the tripper continues, and is carried along to or beyond the end of the gathering machine where, by control devices of a known kind, the desired control is effected.

A typical control operation is that the traveling tripper 40, at the remote point, engages a suitable trigger or movable element which is fitted to start a certain sequence of actions. For example the tripper when in its abnormal position may cause the tripping of a switch mechanism which operates to switch defective groups away from the advancing path of the perfect groups; or it may cause the operation of an ejector which seizes and pulls out of its path the defective group; or the tripper may merely cause the prevention of binding, as by nullifying the feed of the wire necessary for the binding staples.

Another control is merely to cut off power and stop the entire machine, which may be done either through the trippers 40 when the defective group reaches a predetermined remote point, or may be done by the detecting mechanism to be described when used with the modified apparatus shown in Fig. la.

The swinging tripper in the form of a thin link 40 is shown as extending down through the front part of the gap or groove between the fixed tracks 36, 36, while its roller 41 is of substantial width, at least as wide as the saddle body 29, as seen in Fig. 1, so as to occupy the greater part of the space between the upper sides of the fixed bracket 15. The roller therefore runs along at a level below that of the tracks 36, and in its normal position it runs upon a fixed track 44, which is in the form of an angle iron. This fixed lower track 44 extends through the whole length of the gathering machine and saddle travel with the exception of a track interruption at a point corresponding with each of the fixed saddles 26. Thus Fig. 2 shows an interruption or longitudinal gap in the length of the lower track 44, and shows also a retractible track section or trap 46 occupying this gap and normally maintaining the continuity of the track 44, 46.

As shown in Fig. 1 each movable track section 46 is in the form of an angle iron substantially the same as that constituting the permanent track 44. In order to render the track section 46 retractible, so as to open the downward pas0 sage for the drop of the tripper, it is mounted at the top end of a lever or levers 47, extending upwardly from hubs 48 turning loosely on the frame rod or axle 12. By this mounting the shiftable track section 46 may take its normal 5 position shown in Fig. 1, with the tripper roller running upon it, or a rearwardly retracted position, which will permit the tripper roller to drop through to its abnormal position. It acts like a sliding or trap door. To effect the shifting of 0 the track section 46 to open or close the downwardly passage or doorway, one of the hubs 48 is shown as having a downward extending lever arm 49, the connections for operating which will be subsequently described. In order to hold the 3 retractible track section normally in its frontward position a resilient means may be used. A short post 50 is shown clamped upon the frame rod 12, frontward of arm 47, and a horizontal spring 51 is tensioned between this post and the, arm 47 thereby to pull frontward the arm and the track section.

As thus far described the tripper of each traveling saddle will retain its upper or passive setting throughout the advance of the saddle unless and until, with the feeding of a defective signature from any stack, the detecting mechanism brings about the rearward shifting of the track section or door 46, thus letting the tripper roller drop through to its abnormal setting where it remains until the desired control is brought about.

There remains to be described the detecting or calipering means by which the desired control is brought about, for example by the shifting of the track section 46, by stopping the machine, or otherwise. The detecting mechanism hereof is believed to be characteristic in several aspects.

For example, it operates upon each individual signature, not during extraction or transfer, but after the deposit of the signature on the auxiliary receiver or support, in this case the upper saddle 26. It therefore detects any failure properly to open and deposit the signature on the upper saddle. Thus if the signature fails to open it will not lie astride the saddle 26 and so will not come between the caliper members 55 and 60; and if the signatures be of the trimmed or open type and one is opened erroneously some sheets may drop out, and the undue thinness again will affect the caliper; in either case the control operation is brought about. Also, the calipering to be described is effected on the run, that is, while the signature is shifting or sliding off from the upper to the lower receiver or saddle. It preferably takes place between the fixed elevated saddle and the traveling main saddle on which the signatures are grouped.

Each signature having been opened for deposit on the upper saddle is partially closed again for the purpose of gaging or calipering its entire thickness, and this takes place at a time when the signature is nearly in its final position, in fact straddling but not yet dropped on to the main saddle. The detecting devices per se, and wherever located, are characteristic as to their 2( structure and gaging operation, as will be described. These and other aspects will be set forth in the claims.

The means which ascertains errors in signature thickness and communicates the fact there- 2f of to operate the tripper or dog 40 consists generally of first, a gaging or calipering device, which takes a variable position or setting according to the signature thickness; and second, a detecting device which, according to the position 3e of the calipering device, is either passive or active to perform the desired control operation, and works mechanically, electrically, optically or otherwise.

The illustrated caliper preferably involves two 3 gaging members. The first or what may be considered the base member 55 of the gage is adapted to advance with the signature while in contact with one side of it. The other, responding or shifting gage member 60 contacts the opposite 4 side of the signature. The two opposed gage members are both capable of advancing in the direction of signature travel with the signature between them, as will be fully explained.

The base gage member 55, while it might be otherwise constructed and operated, is preferably a revoluble member, its contact surface being an arc, as shown; and since there is a pause between successive gaging operations in each section of the gatherer the base member need have only a partial circumference, and is shown in the form of a sector, or substantially a quadrant. Its first or entering end 56 is preferably slightly tapered or beveled away as shown to facilitate the initial engagement of each advancing signature between the gage members.

A convenient revolving mounting for the gage section 55 is its hub 57 connected by spokes with the arc portion, and the hub extending downwardly into the gear housing 20 and there surrounding the fixed sleeve 21 as a fulcrum axle.

The gage member 55 is preferably revolved continuously, counterclockwise in Fig. 3, by driving connections to be described.

The gage shiftable or responsive member 60 is a contact piece preferably in the form of a small roller in order to minimize friction as the signature S advances relatively through the gaging device. The contact roller 60 is seen in Fig. 1 to be mounted at the same level with and opposed to the revoluble contact sector 55, the roller being mounted at the underside of a carrier 61 shown in the form of a lever arm, so arranged that it can swing advancingly while the roller is in contact with each signature. Its signature-determined movement or response is longitudinal to signature travel and not lateral thereto as in certain prior constructions. For this purpose the gage arm or carrier 61 is shown as having its hub 62 mounted to pivot upon a fulcrum pin 63 having such location that the axis of swing of the carrier 61 is adjacent to the axis of revolution of the sector 55, so that the movements of both gage members are in similar, though not identical, longitudinal directions.

Thus, the gaging action between the gage members 55 and 60 does not follow the plan of a lateral thrusting apart of the two by the thickness of the signatures, but involves a bodily advancing motion, or swing of the carrier 61 and roller 60 in the general direction of signature movement, and to a variable distance or position in accordance with the thickness of the signature, this simple arrangement by its action af) fording a high potential mechanical magnification of error in signature thickness. This action may be explained further in that the roller-carrying lever 61 lies not substantially tangential to the circumference of the sector gage 55, but substantially radial, so that the yielding of the roller is not radially from the sector, that is, by a lateral separation, but rather tangentially, that is, longitudinal to the feed or travel of the signature at this point; the gaging factor being the 0 gradual progressive divergence between roller and sector as the former advances along to an extended distance determined by minute variations in the thickness of the signature.

This sensitive gaging action may be brought 5 about by the relative mountings of the gage sector 55 for its concentric revolution, and of the gage contact 60 and its carrier arm 61, these receiving a relatively eccentric motion, such that as the arm swings advancingly the gap between ,0 the gage members 55 and 60 minutely increases progressively; or, stating it more correctly, the thicker the signature the further will the movement of sector 55 and signature cause the shiftable gage member to move along in the direc45 tion of signature travel. This eccentricity between revolution of gage member 55 and swinging of gage member 60, 61 is brought about by pivoting the arm 61 upon its fulcrum pin 63 which is set eccentrically to the sleeve 21 which 50 constitutes the axle for the sector member 55.

The fulcrum pin 63 is conveniently so positioned by being formed eccentrically at the top of a stationary vertical stud 64 which occupies the sleeve 21, and the further mountings and 55 adjustments of which will be later described.

By this construction a multiplying effect is produced without the usual multiplying leverage.

The arm 6 swings substantially leftward for a minute difference in signature thickness. To 60 take an example, if the arm length from axis to contact 60 be 7 inches and the eccentricity be 3/% inch, the multiplication factor is the ratio thereof, or about 18. If the signature error is a single thickness of paper, e. g. .0025 inch, then 65 the resulting displacement of the arm will be about .045 inch at the contact 60, which is ample, and the extended length of arm 61 will deliver a movement of about .08 inch for each single sheet error of signature thickness for the 70 operation of the detecting device. For greater or less responsiveness to errors the dimensions and proportions can of course be varied.

The detecting device which responds to the varying adjustments of the calipering members 75 with differing thicknesses of signature may be of various kinds, preferably mechanical but optionally electrical or optical, as by the detecting action of a photoelectric cell. Mechanical detection is illustrated, the device being of the form in which a block member or finger is adapted to be methodically moved or reciprocated into and from or through the space or passage of a recessed or gate member, so that relative displacement of either caused by improper signature thickness causes operative or l(I tripping action or contact in the detector device, thereby to afford the desired control.

The illustrated detector device comprises an enlargement or head 65 at the free end of the extended length of the lever arm 61 which carries the shiftable member 60 of the caliper. Two gate pieces or posts 66 and 67 depend from the head 65, the piece 66 being a plate of hardened metal and the piece 67 being a spring-pressed pawl which can afford the necessary obstruction in one direction but can yield in the other direction to prevent breakage. The complementary or block member 68 is shown as mounted at the top of an oscillating arm or carrier 69 fulcrumed below at 70, and having a depending arm 71. The arrangement of course is reversible and the gate member may be on either carrier without changing the effect of the relative displacement.

The connections and mode of oscillation of the carrier arm 69 of the detector block or feeler 68 may conveniently be here described. The pivot 70 of the lever which comprises arms 69 and 71 is supported upon a rock lever 73 which is secured fast in upstanding position upon the rockshaft 11 already mentioned. The shaft II and lever 73 are rocked regularly by connections to be described, and by this rocking motion the oscillating arm 69 is swung rearwardly and frontwardly in regular manner for the detecting purposes described. This lever system constitutes a compound lever, and normally the arm 69 has no oscillation relatively to the lever 73, the two rocking together with the motion of the shaft 1I. It is only when the signature is of erroneous thickness, and the block 68 is obstructed in its frontward movement that the arm 69 makes a relative swinging motion about its fulcrum 70. At such times the arm 73 makes its frontward swing as usual while the block 60 68 is obstructed, so that the arm 69 is compelled to tilt relatively rearward about its pivot 70, and this causes a multiplied frontward swing of the lower arm 71. The extremity of the arm 71 is adjacent to the rockshaft II and is connected by a horizontal link 72 with the lower end of the depending arm 49 of the trap door lever 47 already mentioned. By this arrangement, when the signature thickness is erroneous the rocking of arm 73 thrusts frontward the arm 71, causing the arm 49 to swing frontward and thereby to swing rearward the trap arm 47, carrying the trap door 46 out of the position shown in Fig. 1 in which it gives support to the tripper 40, thus setting the tripper to control position. This described detecting action is normally inoperative because when the signature thickness is correct the block or feeler 68 traverses accurately the gateway between the two posts 66 and 67 of the detector gate member, becoming operative only when the gate is displaced due to the erroneous signature thickness. If the signature be too thick the plate 86 gives the obstruction; if too thin, the pawl 67. These actions are dependent upon the regular oscillation of the rockarm 73 on the rockshaft 11, the operating connections for which may be described as follows. The rockshaft 1 extends the whole length of the gatherer, and carries a rockarm 73 for each signature stack. The shaft i1 is shown in Fig. 2 as extending to a convenient point, near one end of the machine where it is provided with a second rockarm 75. The rockarm 75 extends upwardly and at its top end carSries a roller or cam follower 76, and this roller runs upon the periphery of a cam 77 attached to the longitudinal shaft 10, which makes one turn per cycle of the machine. The cam being open a spring 78 may be conveniently placed, as by pulling the rockarm 75 to return the parts rearwardly.

Thus is provided the mechanical operating force to cause the retraction of the tripper track section or door 46 and allow the lowering of the tripper 40 when the calipering device causes a displacement of one member of the detecting device such as to cause the frontward throw of the depending arm 71. As an optional modification Fig. la shows a depending arm 71 similar to 71, but in this case arranged to press against the button 79 of a switch 80 so as to open the main electric circuit and cause a stoppage of the entire gathering machine, permitting a manual correction as to the abnormal signature and a restarting when corrected.

Reverting to the gaging members, the front or revoluble gage member 55, the hub 57 of which turns loosely on the fixed sleeve 21 in the housing 20, may be driven as follows. Preferably the sector gage member is revolved continuously in time with the cycle of the machine, one revolution per cycle, or at least its peripheral speed is to correspond with the travel speed of the conveyor or saddles. Its hub 57 is shown as provided with a gear 83 engaging a gear 84 on a longitudinal shaft 85 extending through the housing and having bearings in the frame brackets 7.

Preferably the gears 83 and 84 are helical gears, so that rotation around the longitudinal axis of the shaft 85 is converted to rotation about the vertical axis of the hub 57, and the gear ratio will be such that, considering the further gear train to be described, the gear 83 and gage member will make one complete turn per cycle. The shaft 86 at a convenient point, shown at its right hand end, carries a sprocket gear 86, and this is connected by a sprocket chain 87 with a sprocket gear 88 mounted on the longitudinal shaft 9. Instead of mounting the sprocket wheel 88 directly on shaft 9 it is shown confined between the shaft bearing and a collar 89 which is fast upon the shaft, the collar containing a spring pin 90, the conical inner end of which engages a conical recess in the gear so that, as a safety measure, the device or clutch 89, 90 may automatically release in case of obstruction, thus avoiding breakage, as in case of obstruction of or choking in the caliper device.

Referring further to the caliper arm 61 carrying the gage member 60, when this is shifted advancingly or to the left in Figs. 2 and 3, this movement should be resiliently opposed, as by a spring means, which latter may thereafter operate also to return these gage parts and restore them to their initial or normal position, at which they should be brought to rest to await the next calipering operation. Adjustable devices for these purposes will now be described.

At the left side of the hub 62 of the caliper arm is formed an outstanding lug 93 which is apertured to receive loosely a rod 94, extending in a fore-and-aft direction, with its rear end provided with a pair of lock nuts 95 acting as an adjustable stop for the return movement of the caliper arm when the gage is empty. Surrounding the rod 94 is shown a coil spring 96 under compression, which thereby affords the means of returning the arm toward its stopped position, and this resilient restoring device functions also during the gaging operation by presenting a moder- 1 ate resilient resistance against the leftward or advancing swing of the caliper arm. Frontward of the spring the rod 94 carries a pair of lock nuts 91 which may be changed in position to adjust the yielding pressure caused by the 1 spring. The front end of the rod 94 is shown mounted and held in a hub-like lug 98, projecting leftwardly from the caliper bracket 19. By these means the arm 61 is urged rightward toward its zero position, corresponding to an empty 2 caliper, but with a limiting stop determining its restored position.

As already explained, the caliper arm 61 swings on a fulcrum pin 63 which is eccentric to the fulcrum sleeve 21 on which turns the hub of the revoluble gage member 55. The pin 63 is formed eccentrically at the top end of the vertical stud 64 which by collars above and below is confined within the sleeve 21. It is necessary to set initially each caliper mechanism for the desired thickness of signature to be handled by it adjacent to one of the signature stacks of the gathering machine, and this adjustment is herein effected by turning and setting the stud 64 so as to shift and set in a rotary manner the position of the fulcrum pin 63. This adjustment is usually made while the space between the gage members 55 and 60 is actually occupied by a specimen of the signature to be handled, the delicate adjustment then acting to set the caliper arm 61 in such position that, with the correct thickness of signature, the block or feeler member 68 of the detecting device and the recessed or gate member 66, 61 thereof are so related that the former may oscillate relatively and without obstruction between the sides or gate posts of the latter.

For this setting of the eccentric device to accord with the intended thickness of signature the vertical stud 64 which carries the eccentric fulcrum pin 63 is shown provided at its lower end with an arm 101, the swinging of which affords the desired adjustment. This arm is broken off in Fig. 1 but appears in Figs. 2 and 3. At its free end the arm has a head 102 which is connected by a swivel with a block 103 overlying the head, so that by shifting the position of the block any desired adjustment of the arm may be made.

For this purpose an eye-bolt 104 is shown, having its free end slidable loosely through the swivel block 103, the other end of the bolt having a pivot connection 105 to the bracket 19, as shown also in Fig. 1. Adjustment is readily made by means of a pair of nuts on the bolt 104, consisting of an inner thumb nut 106 which may be set as desired and an outer wing nut 107 by which the block may be tightly confined on the bolt between the nuts. Each setting of this adjustment determines the width of the gap which exists between the gage members 55 and 60 when the arm 61 is positioned for the detector feeler or block to pass freely through the cooperating gate; and thus adjusts the caliper for the desired thickness of signature.

An additional or auxiliary safety device is shown arranged to stop the entire machine in case a signature gets out of condition and chokes the caliper pertaining to any one of the signature piles. This safety device comprises a switch 109, which is conventionally shown merely as a box mounted on a bracket plate 110, but which comprises usual switch means for control of the operating circuit of the machine. The switch 109 is preferably of the self-opening snap type 0 but with a button III at its righthand face which may be pressed for closing the switch, this being accomplished by a longitudinal rod 112 slidable in a bearing web 113 on the bracket plate and a web 114 on the caliper bracket 119. Between a .5 collar 115 on the rod and the web 114 is located a coil spring 116 which is under compression and therefore presses leftwardly, causing the rod to press the button and maintain the switch closed under normal circumstances, so that the machine may continue running. For opening the switch in case of emergency the rod is provided with a collar 118 near its righthand end, this adapted to be thrust rightwardly by the forked extremity 119 of a lever arm 120, which is shown as a frontward extension of the caliper lever 61. The operation of these parts is that in case the signature becomes rumpled or chokes between the gage members 55 and 60, the advancing travel will cause the carrier arm 61 to swing excessively to the left, its front extension 120 therefore shifting excessively to the right and by means of the fork 119 and collar 118 sliding the rod 112 to cause the opening of the safety switch 109 and the stopping of the machine.

The mechanical parts having been described, the method, operation and result may be further outlined as follows. Each signature when received astride the non-traveling saddle 26 is quickly engaged by the pusher wings 32 of the traveling saddle and thereby thrust leftward or advancingly from the upper saddle, during all of which the two halves or skirts of the signature hang astride the lower as well as the upper saddle. The signature promptly comes into position to engage between the caliper members 55 and 60, the former of which is beveled to facilitate the engagement. The gage arm 61 being initially in its retracted or righthand position, the caliper gap starts at or near zero, the two mem0 bers being substantially in contact, except for the bevel preceding the concentric arc of the revoluble gage member. While the gage disk or roller 60 turns idly on the gage arm 61, the gage sector S55 is driven advancingly in coordination with the conveyor travel, this revolution of the sector therefore cooperating in maintaining the signature travel from the upper saddle. Assuming for example a signature of eight paper thicknesses, 6n the initial caliper gap is inadequate to accommodate the signature, the two sides or skirts of which are brought temporarily together to pass through the caliper. The result is that, with the leftward advance of the signature and the sector member, the roller member of the gage is compelled to advance leftwardly, which it continues to do, swinging the caliper arm 61 against its restoring spring 96, until a position of the arm has been reached whereat the caliper gap exactly equals the proper signature thickness. From and after this moment the caliper arm ceases to swing, the spring holds it in its position corresponding with the signature thickness, and the parts retain this position, the roll 60 turning idly, until the sector member has revolved around beyond its gaging position. The responsive position of the arm 61, thus assumed for each signature thickness, is such, if the signature be normal, that the feeler or block member 68 and the apertured or gate member 65 are in such relative position that the former may traverse the aperture or gateway of the latter, without obstruction, and therefore without the tripping action that would set the tripper dog 50 to its lower or active position. With the leftward swing of I the caliper arm 61 the caliper gap increases progressively, as already explained, due to the eccentric position of its pivot 63. The resilient pressing back of the gage member 60 against the signature resembles a wedging action, with a I gentle slope, so that the arm has to advance to a relatively extended distance to give a minute opening of the wedge or gap. If therefore the signature be too thick, even by a single sheet, the arm is compelled to take an advanced posi- 2 tion substantially beyond its normal position, with the result that the detector gate piece 66 will obstruct the block 68, so that the immediately following swing of the rock lever 73 will cause the displacement of the trap door or track -. section 48 and allow the trip dog 40 to become operative On the other hand, if the signature be deficient by a thickness of one or more sheets, the arm 61 will not need to swing so far to the left, and its spring 96 will hold it rightward so :I that the caliper gap equals the deficient thickness of the signature, and in this position the gate piece or pawl 67 will obstruct the block 60 and likewise cause the movements which set the trip dog 40 to bring about the desired control.

In either case of course, if the switch of Fig. la be used instead of the trip dog 40, the erroneous thickness of the signature will cause the switch 80 to be operated for the immediate stoppage of the gathering machine. .h The following further explanation will render more clear the operation of the described gaging mechanism. Each signature S is pushed advancingly from the upper saddle 26 by a pusher 32 on the traveling saddle train below, the pusher l' striking the signature and thrusting it between the gage members 55 and 60. This entry of the advance end of the signature between the gage members occurs before the gage ggsector 55 has revolved around sufficiently to close in against " the signature; in other words the signature enters the gage freely, and is only confined between the gage members after such entry. For this reason the revolving gage member 55 is preferably cut away, into the form of an arc or sector as shown; and the nose end 58 of this sector acts to thrust the front side of the loose signature toward the roller contact 60, the sector then coming to the position shown in Fig. 3, pinching the signature between the gage members, and assisting the for- '" warding of the signature by reason of the drive of the sector. Since the impact of the fast traveling pusher 32 against each signature may tend slightly to buckle or rumple the signature, the gage sector 55 is usually made of slight oversize, or excess radius, sufficient to drive the signature ahead slightly faster than the speed of saddle travel below, thus relieving the signature of any contact with or buckling by the pusher.

The very gradual divergence of the two gage members as they advance along the travel path affords the result, already described, that a very minute difference in signature thickness brings about a greatly multiplied longitudinal movement ,s5 of the responsive gage member 60 and its carrier or lever 61; so that a multiplied gaging result is attained, in a longitudinal direction, and directly at the gaging point, dispensing with the complication of multiplying levers therebeyond, and affording simplicity with highly effective gaging.

It is characteristic of the preferred form of the present invention that it is able to detect thickness errors in both directions from normal.

o Thus Fig. 3 shows the correct or normal position of the gage, corresponding to the signature being handled, but the responsive gage member 60, 61 can take a longitudinal position therebeyond for a too-thick signature, or a position short of the 5 normal for a too-thin signature. This is important because in signature gathering a calipering control is essential which determines not only correct thickness, but excess thickness and deficient thickness. This triple function may be O considered as supplemented by the detection of a missing signature, since the absence of a signature gives the same gaging result and control as a too-thin signature. This dispenses with a plan heretofore employed of a signature thickness 5 gaging action adjacent to the extraction point of each signature from its hopper, supplemented by a signature presence detector at the support or saddle.

The advantage of the stop 85, which determines the point of greatest retraction of the carrier 61, requires further explanation. Without this or other stop to the retracting swing of the carrier, its retraction between gaging operations would be unrestrained excepting by the actual wedging contact of the roll 68 against the arc or sector 55. This last mentioned position would correspond with zero thickness, or missing signature. By using a stop such as 95 the retraction caused by spring 06, or by gravity, may be set to terminate at some point between zero position of the carrier and the normal position corresponding with the signature being gaged. This may be done because any measurable deficiency in thickness is reired to give the eventual control, and the adjustable stop 95 therefore permits the retraction to be stopped at a convenient point, at which the detector gage piece 67 will stand in the way of the reciprocating block 68, so as to afford the desired control if the signature be too thin, whatever the deficiency in thickness, or whether the signature be entirely missing. Fig. 3 shows the stop 05 spaced slightly from the carrier lug 93, a correct signature being in place in the gage, and it will be apparent that were the signature absent the spring 96 would swing the carrier retractingly until the gap is closed.

There have thus been described a method of signature gathering, and suitable mechanism forperforming it, embody ing the principles and attaining the objects of the present invention.

Since many matters of operation, arrangement and construction may be variously modified without departing from the principles of the invention, it is not intended to limit the invention to such matters except to the extent set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is: 1. The method of insert gathering of signatures comprising methodically extracting signatures from each of the series of signature supply stacks for gathering and conveying as groups upon a main saddle, transferring each extracted signature from its stack and opening and depositing it astride a preliminary saddle, thence advancing it to position straddling the main saddle as part of a signature group; calipering each individual signature after its opening upon the preliminary saddle but before its deposit upon the main saddle, and utilizing the results of such calipering to control the disposition of a signature group which is defective by reason of absence or erroneous thickness of one or more signatures.

2. The method as in claim 1 and wherein the calipering is performed during its advancing transit from the preliminary to the main saddle.

3. A signature insert gatherer having a main conveying saddle for signature groups; and for each signature supply, a preliminary saddle, means for transferring and opening each signature from each stack and depositing it astride the preliminary saddle, means for advancing each signature from the preliminary saddle to grouped position astride the main saddle, and a caliper device located to gage each signature after its -0 opening upon the preliminary but before its deposit on the main saddle; together with means operated from the caliper device for effecting a suitable control when a signature is of erroneous thickness. 4. A gatherer as in claim 3 and wherein the caliper device is located to act on each signature during its edgewise advance from the preliminary to the main saddle.

5. An insert gatherer of the kind having a 3 main saddle on which accumulating signature groups may be advanced in procession, means for transferring successive signatures from their stacks for deposit and accumulation on the main saddle, said transferring means including for each stack a preliminary saddle for receiving and supporting each opened signature temporarily above the main saddle before deposit on the latter, means for opening each signature during transfer from stack to preliminary saddle, and means for advancing each opened signature for its final descent from the preliminary to the main saddle; said gatherer characterized by a caliper means to detect absence and thickness errors of the signatures comprising a device located to gage each individual signature after its opening and reception on the preliminary saddle but before its final deposit on the main saddle, and preferably before its removal from the pre- ýo liminary saddle, and means operated from the caliper device adapted for effecting a suitable control when a signature is absent or of erroneous thickness.

6. A gatherer as in claim 5 and wherein the caliper device is located and operative to embrace and act upon the upper portion of each signature on the run during its advance from the preliminary saddle.

7. In signature gathering, the method com- t prising receiving each extracted signature upon a preliminary support and therefrom advancing it edgewise for deposit on the main gathering support, and calipering each signature on the run by passing it between opposed gage members ( located beyond the preliminary support, and causing the responsive gage member to be displaced longitudinally of the direction of edgewise advance in a path diverging gradually from the other gage member thereby to take a displaced 7 position determined by the signature thickness, and using departures from normal displaced position to effect suitable control of the disposition of each signature group.

8. In a signature gathering apparatus, a mech- 7 anism for calipering or gaging on the run the thickness of signatures traveling edgewise through the mechanism, comprising opposed first and second tage members at opposite sides of the travel path of the signatures, the first gage member being a base member arranged to advance longitudinally with the travel while in contact with the signature at the gaging point, the second gage member being a responsive member comprising a roller mounted on a carrier which is adapted to shift longitudinally of the travel in advancing and retracting directions and having a tendency to retract, and the carrier being so arranged that upon an advancing displacement of the carrier and roller, the path of shift of the roller diverges very gradually from the first gage member; whereby the responsive gage member assumes variable longitudinal positions over a substantial extent of displacement along the signature travel path in accordance with differences in thickness of signature and by its displaced longitudinal position affords a gaging indication of such thickness.

9. A caliper mechanism as in claim 8 and wherein the range of longitudinal shift of the responsive gage member carrier is sufficient to include positions both beyond and short of that corresponding to correct signature thickness whereby the mechanism responds to excess thickness, correct thickness, deficient thickness and absence of signature.

10. A caliper mechanism as in claim 8 and wherein the first gage member is driven to assist the edgewise travel of the signature passing between the gage members.

11. A caliper mechanism as in claim 8 and wherein the first gage member is driven to assist the travel of the signature passing edgewise between the gage members, and consists of a cutaway disk shaped first to admit each signature between the two members and then to close upon, pinch and advance the signature between the two members while the second member is displaced longitudinally to take a gaging position corresponding with the signature thickness.

12. A caliper mechanism as in claim 8 and wherein the first gage member revolves about a first axis at one rotation side of the travel path and the responsive member comprises a carrier Slever mounted to swing about a second axis adjacently offset from the first axis at the same side of the travel path.

13. In a signature gatherer having a traveling conveyor for signature groups and means to cause the edgewise advance of each signature during transfer for deposit on such conveyor, a signature calipering mechanism comprising first and second opposed gage members between which each of a succession of signatures advances edge0 wise during such deposit, both gage members being fitted to advance in the longitudinal direction of signature travel during the gaging operation, the first of said gage members being a base member or sector with arc edge and fitted to revolve 5 during gaging with its gaging edge tangent to the signature path, the second of said gage members being a responsive member on a swingable carrier and having an advancing path gradually diverging from that of the first member thereby to in0 crease the gaging gap with displacement, whereby for each signature the second gage member becomes adjusted to a definite gaging position displaced longitudinally from initial position by a substantial distance determined by the signa5 ture thickness whether normal or overthick or underthick; and detecting means actuated according to the responsive longitudinal adjustment of the second gage member to effect some control or indication for governing the final disposition of the group to which each signature pertains.

14. A calipering mechanism as in claim 13 and wherein the second gage member carrier is swingable about an axis offset from the revolution axis of the first member at the same side of the signa- I ture path, so that their motions are eccentric to afford divergence of advance.

15. A calipering mechanism as in claim 13 and wherein the axes of movement of the respective gage members are so located that the radii from 1 such axes to the gaging point diverge from the gaging point toward such axes, whereby with simultaneous advance the gaging gap is compelled gradually to change.

16. A signature insert gatherer having a series 2( of preliminary saddles and means for advancing the successive signatures from positions astride such saddles to positions astride a main saddle, and a series of calipering mechanisms as in claim 13 recited, each located to operate upon the 21 upper margins of the signatures during advance from one of the preliminary saddles to the main saddle.

17. In a signature insert gatherer having a series of preliminary saddles, a group conveying 20o main saddle, and means to cause the advance of each opened signature during its transfer from Preliminary to main saddle; a signature calipering mechanism located along the path from each preliminary to main saddle and comprising an opposed pair of gage members between which the upper part of each of the succession of signatures advances edgewise during such transfer, both gage members being fitted to advance longitudinally with the signature during the gaging operation, at least one of said gage members being a responsive member having its path gradually diverging from that of the other member as they advance longitudinally of signature travel; whereby for each traveling signature the responsive gage member becomes adjusted to a definite gaging position displaced longitudinally from initial position by a substantial distance determined by the signature thickness whether normal or overthick or underthick, and detecting means actuated according to such responsive gage member longitudinal displacement to effect some control or indication for governing the final disposition of the group to which each signature pertains.

18. A calipering mechanism as in claim 17 and wherein the responsive gage member is free, being advanced only by the signature, and with resilient means retracting it toward an initial 0 or stopped position, while the other gage member is a base member driven to accompany and assist the advance of the signature.

19. A calipering mechanism as in claim 17 and wherein the other gage member is a base member 5 continuously driven to accompany and assist the advance of the signature, and is in the form of a revolving arc tangent to the signature path.

20. A calipering mechanism as in claim 17 and wherein the other gage member is a base memSber continuously driven to accompany and assist the advance of the signature, and is in the form of a revolving arc tangent to the signature path, and with radius sufficiently large to accelerate slightly the signature travel and prevent buckling during gaging.

21. A caliper for an edgewise advancing signature comprising two gage members separately mounted operating at opposite sides of the signature path, and both fitted to advance longitudinally but in gradually diverging paths during gaging action, and one member having means resiliently opposing its advance whereby it takes a variable longitudinal gaging position depending on signature thickness, thereby to indicate correctness or error of thickness and presence or absence of signature.

22. A caliper as in claim 21 and wherein the second member is driven and continues its advance with the signature while the first member remains in its gaging position.

23. A caliper for gaging signatures during edgewise travel to a group conveyor, comprising a driven sector with a concentric edge opposed by a gaging roller mounted on a carrier to advance in a path diverging gradually from concentricity with the sector, with means to restrain its advance so that it takes a longitudinal position according to the signature thickness.

PAUL E. KLEINEBERG.