Collator with moveable stitcher over saddle conveyor system

摘要

A signature collator and stitcher is disclosed which provides high output, multiple path operation, automatic repair, and multispeed operation. The collator provides a saddle conveyor which moves the saddles perpendicular to the direction of the saddles so that the signature assemblies are carried in a direction perpendicular to the fold for better control. The saddles are positioned close to each other so that a high density system results in which high production rates can be obtained with relatively low conveyor speeds. The signature feed delivers the signatures to the saddles along an inclined path to provide a component of movement in the direction of conveyor movement for high speed operation. The stitcher operates on the fly for high speed operation and utilizes a simple linkage to produce linear stitcher head movement. The discharge mechanism includes eccentrically mounted nip rolls so that the throat of the nip rolls moves in the direction of conveyor movement when the signatures are raised into the nip rolls by a tucker blade.