Device for slowing down signatures in a folding machine

摘要

A device for slowing down signatures being transported in a folding machine is provided. The device provides a plurality of rotary grippers which positively grip signatures exiting a tape conveyor system in the folding machine traveling at a high velocity. A deceleration drum is also provided for slowing down the signatures through a smooth velocity profile. The deceleration drum has a plurality of pivot arms pivotally mounted on a pivot disc rotating about a first axis, the pivot arms being connected to a control disc by a control link, the control disc rotating about a second axis parallel to, and offset from, the first axis. The rotary grippers are attached to outward ends of the pivot arms. The rotary grippers grip the leading edges of the signatures as they exit the tape conveyor system while the trailing edges are still being controlled by the tape conveyor device. The deceleration drum may alternatively be constructed of a cam and linkage system in place of the pivot arm/pivot disc and control link/control disc mechanism.