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Abstract

A machine for arranging signatures in bundles includes a receiving conveyor onto which the signatures are initially directed, and this conveyor moves the signatures in a shingled condition between deflecting surfaces which cause the signatures to simultaneously bow forwardly and rise at their leading edges so as to assume an edge-standing condition. The edge-standing signatures move onto a consolidating conveyor which advances them at a lesser velocity so that they move closer together, and here the signatures are also jogged into marginal registration. At the end of the consolidating conveyor the signatures pass onto an accumulating conveyor which normally advances the signatures at a slightly lesser velocity than the consolidating conveyor, so that the signatures pack together. However, when enough signatures to make a bundle have passed onto the accumulating conveyor, the velocity along that conveyor is increased substantially while the consolidating conveyor is stopped, and this isolates a group of edge-standing signatures from the signatures along the consolidating conveyor. This group of isolated signatures is moved by retractable push rods through a board drop assembly, where boards are placed at each end of it, and onto a compression unit where the group of signatures is tightly compressed so that a band may be placed around it.

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First Claim