US2160830A - Method of and mechanism for open - Google Patents

Description

M. CHRISTENSEN 21,160,830 ECHANISM FOR OPENING BOOK SIGNATURES AND THE LIKE June 6, 1939.

METHOD OF AND M Filed Sept. ll, 1936 'TSheets-Sheet l INVENTOR MHz/N L/affi'TEA/55N BY ATTOR June 6, 1939. M C||R|STEN5EN 2,160,830

s AND THE LIKE 2 .Tv e e h S S L e e h s 7 METHOD OF AND MECHANISM FOR OPENING BOOK SIGNATURE Filed Sept. ll,

lNvENToR NAHTJN EHRJSTEWEEN BY /M TTORNEY June 6, 1.939. M. CHR|STEN5EN 2,160,830

METHOD OF AND MECHANISM FOR OPENING BOOK SIGNATURES AND THE LIKE *Filed Sept. ll, 1956 '7 Sheets-Sheet /A 7 Z- j- 5 I 33 /5 l 0'/ i y .52

2 A A l l l] l 'ET-"TU I INVENTOR HARK/N [Hmmm/55N ATTORNEY June 6, 1939. M. cHRlsTENsEN 2,160,830

METHQD OF AND MECHANIhSM FOR OPENING ESO-OK SIGNATURES AND THE LIKE lNvENToR HAREN' [ME75/65N June 6, 1939. l M. CHRISTENEN 2,160,830

METHOD OF AND MECHANISM FOR OPENING BOOK SIGNATURES AND THE LIKE Filed Sept. ll, 1956 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR MHH/V ELA/'HJETHVSEN ATTORNEY June 6, 1939. M. cHRls-rENsl-:N 2,160,830

` METHOD oF AND NDCHANISN FOR OPENING BooK smNA'ruREs AND THE LIKE l Filed sept. 11, 195e '7 sheets-sheet 6 JAHJYN [HHJETENiEN x J'une 6, 1939. M; cHRls'n-:NSEN 2,160,830

METHOD OF AND MECHANISM FOR OPENING BOOK SIGNATURES AND THE LIKE Filed sept. V11, 193e 7 sheets-sheet` 7 INVENToR ZHWN' .CHHISTENSEN l ATroRNEY Patented June s, v1939 2,160,830

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE METHOD or AND MECHANISM Fon OPEN- ING Boon SIGNATURES AND THE LIKE Martin Christensen, Wauwatcsa', Wis.

Application September 11, 1936, Serial No. 100,244

2s claims. (o1. 27o- 53) This invention relates to signature-handling sure valve mechanisms together with a portion machines, and more particularly to a method and s of thev air Circuits. apparatus for opening closed book signatures. Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view on aline 5-5 The primary object of the present invention of Fig. 1, showing signature guide and conveyor 5- :resides in the provision of new and improved IneanS- 5=' method and means for automatically opening Fig. 6 is an enlarged Side elevational view of closedl book signatures and the like, a portion of the signature opener mechanism.

A further object resides in the provision of Fig- '7' iS a bottom plan View of Fg- 6- new and improved means whereby the desired Fig; 8' is ar horizontal sectionalY view on a line 10,;positionrof the opening in the signature may be 3 3 ofFig. 6, Showing gate opening mechanism- 10- pre-selected; and. should desire or 'necessity re'- Fig- 9 iS a Vertical Sectional View on a line 9`9 quire more than a single opening of the signaof Figi '6, Showing Vacuum Sheet-engaging ture, the present mechanism is adapted to effect meanssuch additional openings at any desired position Fig. 10 iS a top Dian VieW of a modified form in the signature. of signature opener embodying theV teachings of l5l Y A further object lies in the provision of new the nieeSnl'l inVentionand improved means whereby individual and Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional view on a line successive sheets of the signature may be en- II-II of Fig. 10 Showing the opener mechaniSmS gaged and deected outwardly so as to form the diSDoSed to oneSide of the Signature.

,o desired opening or openings in the signature. Fig. 12 is a vertical sectional View on a line' 20;.: These openings may be on either or both sides |2|2 of Fig' 10 through ehe Vacuum Sheet of the Center fold of the signature. engaging member and the conveyor chain.

Another object resides in' the provision of new Fig- 13' is a horizontal Sectional View 0h a une and improved vacuum means for eiecting the |3|3 of Fg- 11 looking uDWaIdly and Showing y individual and successive opening of sheets from the Complete set of rotary vacuum Sheet-engag- 25..-

the outer face or faces of the signature. f ihg memhefsl Another Object Hes in the provision of new and Flg. 14 is a horizontalI sectional View on aline improved pressure means adapted to in... Of lil. looking AdOWllWa/lcuy and ShOW" ject a jet of air onto the leading edge of the siging the Signature c0nYeY01- nature to be Opened, in a manner which Wm Fig. 1'5 ls an elevational view of a portion of 30 facilitate the operation of the vacuum. means for the blOWeY ha? ShOWh ih Fig 12- effeeting the Opening of the Signatura The embodiment of the present invention Another Object lies in the provision of means shown in Figs. 1 to 9 inclusive in the accompanyadapted for manual manipulation to render sehg drawings illustrates a sghature'hehdhhg lected vacuum sheet-engaging means inoperamachine embodying the new and improved Sig 35? tive for the purpose of. determining the number nature opener mechanism of the present invenof sheets to be Withdrawn or Opened outwardly tion. The machine comprises a base I0 upon from the signatureV so as to position the signa.. which are mounted a plurality of vertically disture opening between the desired sheets of the DoSed frame members II. A conveyor'chain I2V 40 signature.

other objects and advantages will become be raised or lowered in any Simple manner'by apmanifest from the following description of illuspropriete mechanism (not Shovvm- A plurality trative embodiments of the present invention. of guide baiS ll are mounted in Pairs and Vertin the drawingszcally spaced above the conveyor and to either i Figure 1 is a side elevational viewv of a signa-l Side fof the Safne- The lOWoI lWo loaIS |4diS- 451 ture-handling machine, showing the opener posed above and to each side of the conveyor I2 mechanism or the present invention. are adapted to be swung about appropriate piv- 2 is a verticali sectional View on a line 2 2 ots when the track I3 is elevated to accommoo'f Fig. l, showing the vacuum signature opener date Signatures of diielent depthS- A bar I5 is guidedfor movement in a track I3 which may 40g- 501 actuatingrnechanism. is fixedly mounted to the frame members YII by 50..

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view on a line 3-3 meanS of Suitable vbrackets I6- ThiS bar I5 ol Fig. 1, showing mechanism for effecting the serves to support the opener mechanisms to be opening of gate members. hereinafter more specifically described. Arplu- Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional view on a line rality of bracketsv Il are anchored in spaced I'e- 4-4 of Fig. 1, showing the vacuum and -preslationship along the bar I5. These brackets are 55- provided with ears I8 disposed on either side of the bar I 5. The ears I8 are provided with bores through which hollow shafts I9 are rockably mounted. A plurality of vacuum. picker members 2li are fixed to the hollow shafts I9 in spaced relationship along the same. These vacuum picker members swing with the hollow shaft I9 through the action of segmental gears 2l and 22, each of which is fixed to one of the parallel shafts I9. The gear 22 is provided with an arm 23. A connecting link 24 has one end fixed to the arm 23 and extends downwardly through a suitable journal 25 and has its lower end connected to one extremity of a lever arm 26. The other end of the lever arm 26 is pivotally mounted on a bearing bracket 2'I xed to the base Ill. A cam follower 28 is mounted intermediate to the ends of the levery 26. This cam follower 28 cooperates with a cam 29 which is xedly mounted on a longitudinally extending shaft 30 which forms one of the driving shafts of the machine. The cam follower 28 is normally urged toward and kept in contact with the cam 29 by means of a coil spring 3| which surrounds the link 24 and extends from the fixed abutment 25 to an adjustably xed collar 32. As the shaft 3B is rotated the link 24 raises and lowers to effect an oscillatory movement of the arm. 23, which in turn is transmitted to segmental gear 22 to segmental gear 2I, thereby effecting partial rotation of the hollow shafts i9 in opposite directions. As the shafts I9 rock in one direction, the sheet-engaging members 20 will swing outwardly from their normal sheet-engaging position.

A hollow shaft 33 is also journaled for longitudinal movement in the spaced anchoring blocks I'I. Movement of this hollow shaft is effected from a cam 34 which is also xedly mounted on the drive shaft 3E! of the machine. A cam follower 35 is mounted intermediate the ends of a lever 36, one of which is pivotally mounted on a bearing bracket 3l while the other end is connected to suitable linkage 38 to one end of a lever arm 39. This lever arm 39 is fixed to a stub shaft 4!) which in turn is journaled in a bracket @I secured to a frame member II. The other extremity of the stub shaft l! has anchored thereto a link il through which motion is imparted to the hollow shaft 33 through a connecting link 42 which in turn is fixed in a bracket 43 anchored on the hollow shaft 33. As the cam follower 35 rises, its movement overcomes the normal action of coil spring M and the link 3B moves upwardly. Upward movement of this link effects a 'forward movement of the hollow shaft 33 through the linkage just described. As the shaft 33 moves toward the right (as shown in Fig. l) movement is imparted to a plurality of cam members IIE which are xedly mounted in spaced relationship along the shaft 33. The `cam members 45 are provided with wedge-shaped lower portions 5, the opposite faces of which contact the rollers 4'! which are rotatably mounted on gate members d8. The gate members are mounted for movement on vertical pins 49 which extend downwardly through the ears I8 formed on the block members Il. A pin 50 serves to retain the gate members in a proper position on the pins. It will be noted from Fig. 8 that these gate members are mounted in pairs and that the cam rollers lill are retained against the portion 46 of the members 45 by means of a spring tension bolt 5l which passes through a slot connection in each of the members 48. When the hollow shaft 33 is moved to the right, the

gates i8 are forced outwardly by the action of the cam members @5. The outward movement of the gates d8 is synchronized with the outward movements of the vacuum sheet-engaging members 2Q for a purpose to be later more specifically described. A plurality of-guide plates 52 are mounted on supporting blocks Il and on centering blocks 53. These guide plates are provided with outwardly turned lower flanges which increase in width from the right hand end to the left hand end of the plates.

A vacuum pump 54 is mounted on the base ID and driven in any approved manner (not shown) A pipe connection 55 connects the vacuum pump with a valve body 56 in which a valve plunger 5".' is sldably mounted. The valve plunger 5l is normally urged into contact with a cam 58 which is also mounted on a drive shaft 3E) of the machine. As the cam 53 rotates, the valve plunger 5l is reciprocated so as to effectintermittent connection between the vacuum pump 54 and the hollow shafts i9 through a pair of suitable pipe connections 59 which extend from stub pipes 6] in the casing 56 to nipples Si on fittings 62 which is mounted on the hollow shafts I9. Through the connections just described, it will be noted that when the valve plunger 5l is in one extreme position, the pump 5d will be drawing in its supply of air through each of the vacuum sheet-engaging members Eil, and this condition exists when the members 2E) are in the position shown in Fig. 2 and the full line showing in Fig. 9. When the vacuum sheet-engaging members have been withdrawn to the extreme position shown in dotted line in Fig. 9, the plunger 5l will cut off the connection between the pump and sheet-engaging members and thus release contact betweenthe sheet-engaging members and the signature which is being opened.

A pressure pump 62 is mounted on the base I0 and also driven in any approved manner (not shown). This pump is provided with a connection 53 which leads to the valve body 56 and communicates therein with a valve plunger 64 which is normally urged into contact with a cam 65 mounted on the shaft 30 adjacent the `cam 58. Similar pipe connections 66 lead from the plunger bore up to the hollow shaft 33, and when plunger 61% is in one extreme position air is forced from the pump 32 through the valve and pipe connections 65 to the hollow shaft 33, from which it is discharged through suitably spaced orifices 6l which are positioned approximateiy directly above the Vacuum signatureengaging member 20.

The conveyor chain I2 is driven from the drive shaft E@ through suitable chain and sprocket connections 68, a shaft 69, bevel gears 'I6 and lI, and thence through a Geneva movement generally designated as l2, shaft 73, and a suitable chain sprocket 'M which engages the conveyor chain l2. A plurality of guide and gripping members 'i5 and 'I6 respectively are supported in spaced relationship along the conveyor chain Signatures 'il are fed into the machine by any appropriate signature feeding means (not shown), in such a manner that the lower or folded edge of the signature is gripped between the members l5. As the conveyor is moved in a step by step movement by means ofthe Geneva drive, the signatures progress from station to station along the opener mechanism. As the first signature leaves the first opener mechanism,V the vacuum signature-engaging members Contact the upper left hand corner portion of the outer sheet ofthe Signature. The vacuum means becomes. eifeetive through action ofthev valveplunger 51: and the outer sheet is; dra-wn into contact with al vacuum cup '|y8 mounted on the lower extremity.^ of the',

member 29T et. this. point in the Cycle, the cam 29| effects a: rocking movement of the hollow shaft I9.Y an: @anvardiyy direction;- and the seized Sheet will move from beneath the leading corner of;

the platte 5.2i to. a position outside of the same..

Simultaneously with the n'lovernentA ofthe-vacuum sheet-eng-,aging means, the cam 34 will` effect movement of the cam members 45 in a direction which will causetheoutward or spreading movement of the gates 48. After the members 29 and 4.8 have been swungr to their outer extreme position, the vacuum connection with the members 29. is:V broken and; both members 29 and 48` move inwardly.y to an; intermediate position where they 1 dwell fora portion of the cycle. During the dwell f, channel in which it isv passing, between thev adjacent plates 2; It will be noted at this point that as the signature travels from the first position to the onel just described, the outer sheet which was bent outwardly under the actionof thel rst sheet-contacting member has ridden along the lower hanged` portion- 52 and along the lower flanged: portion 1-9 of the member 48 to a position wherein it will lie outside of the second vacuum sheet-engaging member 29. This action is repeated after the second sheet is withdrawn from the channel lying between the plates 52- and again after the third sheet has been withdrawn therefrom so that as the signature passes through the four sets; of sheet-engaging members', each pair will normally remove the two outer sheets so that they will pass outside of the succeeding pairs of vacuum sheet-engaging members. The vacuum sheet-engaging members'are each provided'V with petcocks 89- which may be manually operated to render individual vacuum` sheet-engaging members active or inactive as desired. In this manner, a single sheet may be withdrawn from either side or any desiredA number of sheets may be withdrawn to provide one or more openingsl in the signature between any pre-selected pages thereof,

A modified form of theY present invention is shown in Figs.. to 15 inclusive. In this form `ofthe invention the conveyor is constantly moving and the sheet-engaging members are rotatable. The opener mechanisms are mounted between a pair of vertically disposed frame members which are mounted upon a suitable base (not shown) but similar to that indicated in the other form of the invention. Hood members I5 are supported between the frames and carry the opener mechanism illustrated in the present form. A pair of hollow shafts I9 are disposedI adjacent the hood l5" and pass through bosses 8|. which form an integral part of the hoods. A pluralityl of stub shafts 82v extend downwardly from. each section of the hood I 5' and carry mating gears 83 and 8.4'. Gears 83 are each provided with an extended arm portion 29 which constitute the vacuum sheet-engaging members.

These arms 29 are preferably iixedly mounted to the-gearsl, or may be formed integral therewith. Each arm 29' is provided with a passageway 85 which registers with a passage 86 formed through thegears 93. A valvemember 81 which is mounted inthehood l5' is provided with an axial bore 8,8 which is4 adapted to register with the orice 89 in the gear 83 upon each revolution of theA gear.` The.- upper end of the shaft or valve body 81 is4 provided with a knurled knobV 99 having a depending skirt which in turnl is provided with an ear 99: adapted to register with a groove 9| formed in4 the member l5'. When it is desired to cut oi communication between the passages 88 and 89, the k110b99 may beraised and the valve 81.- rotated: slightly so that the ear 99 rests upon the face of the casting I5. When this valve adjustifient has been made, an orifice 9| formed in the side of the valve body 81 will be moved out of register with a passage 92 in the member I5 and thus out off communication between the passages 88 and 92. The passage 92 registers with a port 93 in the hollow shaft I9'. The hollow shafts |9 are connected together by a fluid conduit which in turn is connected to a suitable vacuum pump in a manner similar to that described in the other form of the invention.

A sha-ft 39:', which constitutes one of the driven shafts of the machine, is provided with a gear 94 which meshes with an idler gear 95 to transmit a rotary motion to a gear 96 xed to a shaft 91:. The'other end of the shaft is provided with a bevely gear 99A which meshes with a mating gear 99A which is xedly mounted on a shaft |99. The shaft |99 has keyed thereto one of the gears 83 and thus rotation of the shaft 39 will effect rotation of all of the shafts of all of the gears 83 and 8.4,. It is to be understod that a companion shaft 3,9 serves to drive the gears 83 and 84 in the opposite bank of openers 29.

A conveyor |9| is positioned beneath the openers 29 and is supported by posts |92. The conveyor |9| is trained about suitable sprockets |93 whlchare rotatably mounted in plates which are provided with flanged marginal portions adapted to support the conveyor chains I9 I. The chains |9| are-driven through sprockets |93, which in turn are mounted on shafts |94 which extend upwardly and terminate in the casting I5. A gear |195 is xedly mounted to shaft |94 adjacent its upper extremity. This gear |95 meshes with an idler gear |96 which is also in mesh with a gear 83. Thus the chain will receive its continuous driving movement through gears 83, |96, |95, shaft |94, and sprockets |93.

A plurality of sheet-defleoting members 52 are mounted in spaced relationship along a groove |91 disposed longitudinally along the forward face of the hood I5. The sheet-deilecting members 52.

arel DO Sitioned adjacent the path of travel of the vacuumv sheet-engaging members 2 so as to form an abutment means which will direct the defleife'd sheet in a path'rearwardlv and below the next succeeding signature-engaging member 29'. The members 52 may be provided with signature'- slitting knives |98 removably attached to the forward end of the members 52'. These signature slitter blades may be applied and utilized in the instance where the `signature is of the closed end type,

jv A pair of blower bars |99 are mounted on brackets H9-which inturn are supported on plates H'l. f The barsv |99 are angularly disposed with respect to afvertical plane and lie in spaced relationship parallel to the path-of travel of a signature passing through the opener mechanisms. Each bar H39 is provided with a plurality of passages H2 which extend through the bar |09 and are in communication through tubes H3 with a fluid pressure pump such as described in the preceding form of the invention. The air supply for each passage i l2 is controlled by a separate valve means so that a blast of air is directed obliquely against the leading edge of the signature as it approaches the adjacent vacuum signature-engaging member 2'.

The operation of this modified form of the signature openers is similar to the operation of the first described form insofar as the sheets are engaged and bend outwardly in succession, beginning with the outmost sheet of each signature. Signatures are delivered to a conveyor I2' in spaced relationship from any suitable signature feeding mechanism. Abutments formed on the conveyor i2 serve as impelling means to effect progress of the signature through the opener mechanisms. As in the other form of the invention, the signatures are guided between a plurality of pairs of bars iii' so as to retain the signature in upright position during its course of travel past the opener device. As the signature progresses in the direction of the arrow through Fig. ll., the outer sheet on one side of the signature is contacted by the rotating vacuum sheet-engaging member 25. Valve means similar to that previously described becomes operative at this instant and a vacuum is established in the passage 85 of the signature-engaging member 20. With the signature-engaging member in contact with the outer sheet of the signature and the vacuum operative, the outer sheet of the signature is bent outwardly away from the remaining sheets in the signature in the path of the rotating signature-engaging member 20. The vacuum is cut orf from the member 20' after the same has rotated through a portion of its travel. By this time the entire signature has advanced to the point where the leading edge of the signature abutment means 52 has already entered the opening formed between the outer sheet and the next adjacent sheet so that the outer sheet has now been displaced a suiiicient distance to prevent contact or interference with the operation of the next succeeding vacuum sheet-engaging member 52 in the series on one side of the machine. As the signature passes the second opener, the same operations are performed and the second sheet will then lie adjacent the irst sheet and the s ignature will then progress to efect the removal of succeeding sheets as the signature is carried past successive signature-engaging members. The identical series of operations will be simultaneously effected by the second series of openers disposed at the other side of the path of travel of the signature. In the event that all the vacuum signature-engaging members are active, four sheets will be removed from each side of the signature and the openers will thus effect a single central opening in a sixteen-page signature. In the event that it is found desirable to effect openings in other positions in the signature, the same may readily be obtained by raising individual knobs 89 and effecting partial rotation of vthe valves 8'! to block communication in the vacuum line from the pump to the individual openers 20. In this manner, the desired number of sheets may be bent outwardly from either or both sides of the signature and the opening or openings may be obtained in any pre-selected position, or between any desired pages of the signature. Where only a single sheet is to be opened from either side, the last three openers in that particular series should be rendered inoperative; where two sheets are desired to be bent outwardly to effect an opening between pages 4 and, or 12 and 13 only the last two openers in that particular series should be rendered inoperative. As the signature is progressing past the signature-engaging members 25 and sheetdeflecting members 52', it is periodically exposed to a blast of air from passages H2. This blast of air is preferably directed against the leading edge of the signature as it approaches the successive vacuum signature-engaging members so as to facilitate the separation of individual sheets by the vacuum signature-engaging members. In order to furtherv facilitate proper opening of the signatures, the auxiliary conveyor chains lill provide a gripping action on the signature to retain it in rmposition during its travel past the openers. These auxiliary conveyor chains IGI also facilitate the operation of slitting the signature in the event that slitter blades Hi8 are fixed to the members 52.

It will be understood from the preceding description that a new and improved signature opener has been provided wherein signatures may be progressed past opener mechanisms in either intermittent or constant motion, and thatv the signatures may be opened in one or more pre-selected places by the deflecting movement of successive sheets of the signature, beginning with the outer-- most sheet. It will also be understood that the vacuum signature-engaging members may be either xedly or rotatably mounted in accordance with the teachings of either embodiment of the present invention disclosed in the accompanying drawings. The provision of manually operable means serves to provide a simple and effective manner for ready adjustment of the machine so that the signatures may be opened in desired places.

While no specific mention has been made of the disposition of the opened signatures, it is to be understood that they may be conveyed from this portion of the machine to either a stiitcher or insetting machine.

While the invention has been described in considerable detail in the foregoing specification, it is to be understood that various changes may be made in its embodiments without departing from or sacricing any of the advantages hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

l. Means for opening a closed signature or the like, comprising a plurality of movable sheet-engaging suction members arranged in sequence to one side of the signature to be opened, means for applying suction to said sheet-engaging members, means for progressing said signature past said sequence of sheet-engaging members so that the leaves of the signature commencing with the corresponding outer leaves are successively engaged and open outwards, and fluid pressure means disposed adjacent said suction members adapted to project a jet of air onto the leading edge of the signature.

2. Means for opening a closed signature or the like, comprising a plurality of movable sheet-engaging suction members arranged in sequence to one side of the signature, means for applying suction to said sheet-engaging members, means for progressing said signature past said sequence of sheet-engaging members so that the leaves of the signature commencing from the outer leaves are Cil successively deflected outwards from the center fold of the signature, and fluid pressure means dispos'edadjacent said suction members adapted to project a' jet of air onto the leading edge of the signature. l

3. Means for opening a closed signature or the like, comprising a plurality of rotatable sheetengaginfg suction members arranged in sequence to one side of the signature to be opened, means for applying suction to said rotary sheet-engaging members and means for progressing said signature past said sequence of rotary sheet-engaging members so that the leaves of the signature, commencing with the corresponding outer leaf, are successively engaged and opened out- Wards.

4. Means for opening a closed signature or the like, comprising a plurality of rotary sheet-engaging suction members arranged in sequence to one side of the signature to be opened, a second series of rotary sheet-engaging members arranged in sequence to the opposite side of said signature, Ameans `for app-lying suction to said rotary sheetengaging members, and means for progressing saidV signature past said sequence of sheet-engaging members so'thatthe leaves of the signature commencing from the outer leaf are successively deflected outwards from the center fold of the signature.

5. YMeansfor opening a closed signature or the like, comprising a plurality rof rotatablefsheet-engaging suction members arranged in sequence to one side of the signature to be opened, means for applying suction to said rotary sheet-engaging members means for progressing said signature past said sequence of rotary sheet-engaging mem- V bers Slo-that the leaves ofthe signature commencing with the corresponding outer leaf rare successively engaged and opened outwards, and fluid pressure means disposed adjacent said suction members adapted to project a jet of air onto the leading edge of the signature.

' Y 6'. Means forY opening a closed signature or the like, comprising a plurality of rotary sheet-engaging suction members arranged in sequence to one side of the signature to be opened, a second 'series' ofrotary sheet-engaging members arranged in sequence to the opposite side of said signature, means for applying suction to said rotary sheetengaging members, means for progressing said signature past said sequence of sheet-engaging members so that the leaves of the signature commencing from the outer leaf are successively deviiect'ed outwards from the center fold of the signature, and fluid pressure means disposed adjacent said suction members adapted to project a jet of air onto the leading edge ofthe signature.

7. A method of automatically opening a closed signature or the like which comprises signature impelling means and a series of movable signature-engaging means adapted to selectively enl gage anddeflect individual sheets of the signa- 'ture outwardly toform anv opening in the signature. Y v

8. 'Means for opening aclosed signature or the like, comprising a signature guideway, means for impelling a signature along said guidevvay, and a 'series of movable signature-engaging elements.-

disposed adjacent said guideway, said elements adapted to, Vdeiiect individual-sheets of the signature outwardly to form an opening in the signa- Y ture.

9. Means for openingaiclosedsign'atureor the 'like comprising a signature guideway, means for f``i`mpelling *a signature along said 'guideway, la

'a conveyor adapted to receive and support a succession of individual signatures in upright position, means for driving said conveyor, a pluralityV of guide elements disposed adjacent and above said conveyor, said elements adapted to maintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of movable sheet-engaging suction members disposed to one side of the path of travel of the signatures and below the upper edge of the signatures, and means for effecting movementof said suction members in synchronism with the advance of said conveyor, whereby said sheet-engaging suction members successively contact the -outer sheet of eachladvancing signature, withdraw from the signature and thereby deect the outer sheet from the remaining sheets to form an opening in the signature.

l1. A signature opening mechanism comprising a conveyor adapted to receive and support a succession of individual signatures in upright position, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elements disposed adjacent and above said conveyor, said elements adapted to maintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of movable sheet-engaging suction members disposed on each side of the path of travel of the signatures and below the upper edge of the signatures, and means for effectingfmoveme'nt ofsaid suction members in synchronism with the advance of said conveyor, whereby said sheet-engaging suction members on each side of the signature successively contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature, withdraw from the signature and thereby deflect the outer sheet on each side from the remaining sheets to form an opening in the signature on each'side of its center fold.

12. A signature opening mechanism comprising a conveyoradapted to receive and support a succession of individual signatures in upright position, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elements disposedk adjacent and above said conveyor, said elements adapted to maintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of pairs of rockable sheet-engaging suction members disposed on opposite sides of the path of travel of the signatures and below the upper edge of the signatures, and means for eifecting movementof lsaid suction members in synchronism with the advance of said conveyor, whereby said sheet-engaging suction members on each side of the signature successively contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature, withdraw from the signature and thereby deiiect the.

outer sheet on each side from the remaining sheets to form an opening in the signature on each side of its centerV fold. 4

13. A signature opening mechanism comprising a conveyor adapted to receive andl support a suc- Ythe signatures in upright position, aplurality offV CFI movable sheet-engaging suction members disposed to one side of the path of travel of the signatures and below the upper edge of the signatures, means for eiecting movement of said suction members in synchronism with the advance of said conveyor, whereby said sheet-engaging suction members successively contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature, withdraw from the signature and thereby deflect the outer sheet from the remaining sheets to form an opening in the signature, and a fixed sheet-deflecting element lying adjacent each of said movable suction members, said xed element adapted to contact and retain the deflected sheet out of contact and interference with the operation of the next succeeding movable suction member.

14. A signature opening mechanism comprising a conveyor adapted to receive and support a succession of individual signatures in upright position, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elements disposed adjacent and above said conveyor, said elements adapted to maintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of movable sheet-engaging suction members disposed to one side of the path of travel of the signatures and below the upper edge of the signatures, means for effecting movement of said suction members in synchronism with the advance of said conveyor, whereby said sheet-engaging suction members successively contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature, Withdraw from the signature and thereby deect the outer sheet from the remaining sheets to form an opening in the signature, a fixed sheet-deflecting element lying adjacent each of said movable suction members, said xed element adapted to contact and retain the deected sheet in open position, a movable gate member adjacent said fixed sheet-deflecting element adapted to move and retain the deiiected sheet out of contact with the next succeeding movable suction member, and means for moving said gate member.

15. A signature opening mechanism comprising a conveyor1 adapted to receive and support a succession or individual signatures in upright position, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elements disposed adjacent and above said conveyor, said elements adapted to maintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of movable sheet-engaging suction members disposed to one side of the path of travel of the signatures and below the upper edge of the signatures, a vacuum source, an air conduit connecting said vacuum source with said sheet-engaging suction members, and a valve mechanism in said air conduit, means for intermittently connecting and disconnecting communication between said vacuum source and said suction members, and means for effecting movement of said suction members in synchronism with the advance of said conveyor, whereby said energized sheet-engaging suction members successively contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature, withdraw from the signature and thereby deflect the outer sheet from the remaining sheets to form an opening in the signature.

16. A signature opening mechanism comprising, a conveyor' adapted to receive and support a succession of individual signatures in upright position, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elements disposed adjacent and above said conveyor, said elements adapted to maintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of rockable sheet-engaging suction members disposed on opposite sides of the path -of travelVr of-the'signatures, cam means for effecting the ,rocking movement of said suction membersV in synchronism With the advance of Vsaid conveyor, a vacuum source, an air conduit connecting said vacuum source with said sheetengaging suction members, and a valve mechanism in said air conduit, means for intermittently connecting and disconnecting communication between said vacuum source and said suction members, whereby said energized suction members successively contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature and Withdraw it from the remaining sheets to form an opening in the signature.

17. A signature opening mechanism, comprising, a conveyor adapted to receive and support a succession of individual signatures in upright position, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elements disposed adjacent and above said conveyor adapted to maintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatable sheet-engaging suction members disposed on one side of the path of travel of the signatures and adjacent their upper edge, and means for effecting rotation of said members in synchronism with the advance of said conveyor, whereby said rotatable sheet-engaging suction members successively contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature and deflect the same outwardly to form an opening in the signature.

18. A signature opening mechanism, comprising, a conveyor adapted to receive and support a succession of individual signatures in upright position, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elements disposed adjacent and above said conveyor adapted to maintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatable sheet-engaging suction members disposed on opposite sides of the path of travel of the signatures and adjacent their upper edge, and means for effecting rotation of said members in synchronism with the advance of said conveyor, whereby said rotatable sheet-engaging members on one side of the signature successively contact the outermost sheet of each advancing signature on that side and deiiect it outwardly'to form an opening in the signature and whereby the similar members on the opposite side of the signature effect the same operation.

19. A signature opening mechanism, comprising, a conveyor adapted to receive and support a succession of individual signatures in upright position, means for driving said conveyor, a plu- Vrality of guide elements disposed adjacent and above said conveyor adapted to maintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatable sheet-engaging suction members disposed on one side of the path of travel of the signatures and adjacent their upper edge, means for effecting rotation of said members in synchronism with the advance of said conveyor, whereby said rotatable sheet-engaging suction members successively contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature and deect the same outwardly to form an opening in the signature, and a xed sheetdeiiecting element lying adjacent each of saidV rotatable members, said iixed element adapted Vto contact and retain the deiiected sheet out of contact and interference with the operation of the-next successive rotatable member.

20. A signature opening mechanism, comprising, a conveyor adapted to receive and support a succession of individual signatures in upright position, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elements disposed adjacent and i above said conveyor adapted to maintain'the signatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatable sheet-engaging suction members disposed on deflectin'g element lying adjacent each of said rotatable members, said xed element adapted to contact yand retain the deflected lsheet out of lcontact and interference with the operation of the next vsuccessive rotatable member.

21.'A'signa'ture opening mechanism, comprising,"aconveyor adapted to receive and support a vsuccession ofindivi-dual signaturesr in upright position, Ymea-ns for vdriving sadP conveyor, a plurv`rality-of guide elements disposed adjacent and above saidl conveyor adapted 'to'y maintain the signatures in upright position, a vplurality of ro- Ytatable sheet-engaging suction members Vdisposed Von one side of the path of travelof vthe vsignatures vand adjacent their upper edge, means for nism with the advance of said conveyor, whereby effectingrotation of said members in synchrosaid rotatablesheet-engaging suction members successively contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature and deflect the same outwardly to form an opening inthe signature, and means for rendering individual rotatable sheet-engaging members inoperative, Ythereby controlling kthe number of sheets deflected as the signature passes through* said signature opening mechanism.

22. A signature opening mechanism, comprising, a conveyor adapted to receive and support a succession of individual signatures in upright position, meansv for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elements disposed adjacent and above said conveyor adapted to maintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatable sheet-engaging suction members disposed on opposite sides of the path of travel of the signatures and adjacent their upper edge, means for eiecting rotation of said members in synchronism with the advance of said conveyor, whereby said rotatable sheet-engaging suction members on one side of the signature successively contact the outermost sheet of each advancing signature on that side and deflect it outwardly to form an opening in the signature and whereby the similar members on the opposite side of the signature effect the same operation, and means for rendering individual rotatable sheet-engaging members inoperative, thereby controlling the number of sheets deected on each side of the signature as it passes through said signature opening mechanism.

23. A signature opening mechanism, comprising, a conveyor adapted to receive and support la succession of indivi-dual signatures in upright position, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elements disposed adjacent and above said conveyor adapted to maintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatablesheet-engaging suction members disposed on one side of thepath of travel of the signatures and adjacent their upper edge, and means for effecting rotation of said members in synchronism with the advance of said conveyor,

whereby 'said rotatable sheet-engaging suction members successively contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature and deflect the same outwardly to form an opening in the signature, means for rendering individual rotatable sheetengaging members inoperative, thereby controlling the Ynumber of sheets deflected as the signature passesthrough said signature opening mechanism, and a fixed sheet-defiecting element lying adjacent each of said rotatable members, said fixed element adapted to contact and retain the deflected sheet out of contact and interference with the operation of the next successive rotatable member.

24. A signature opening mechanism, comprising, a conveyor adapted to receive and support a succession vof individual signatures in upright y position, means for driving said conveyor, a pluralityof guide elements disposed adjacent and -above said conveyor adapte-d to maintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of ro- 'tatable sheet-engaging suction members disposed on opposite sides of the .path of travel of the vsignatures and adjacent their upper edge, and

rmeansfor effecting rotation of said members in synchronism with the advance of said conveyor,

whereby said rotatable sheet-engaging members v on :oneside of the signature successively Contact the outermost ,sheet of each advancing signature on that side and deflect it outwardly to form an opening in the signature and whereby the similar members on the opposite side of the signature effect the same operation, means for rendering individual rotatable sheet-engaging membersinoperative, thereby controlling the number of sheets deected on each side of the signature as it passes through said signature opening mechanism, and a fixed sheet-deflecting element lying adjacent each of said rotatable members, said signatures and adjacent their upper edge, a blower bar disposed adjacent the path of travel of the signature, said blower bar being provided with an orice directed toward said rotatable members, means for effecting rotation of said members in synchronism With the advance of said conveyor, a source of air pressure, an air conduit connecting said air pressure source and said blower bar, and means for intermittently establishing sai-d communication to direct a jet of air toward the oncoming signature to facilitate the opening thereof, whereby said rotatable sheet-engaging ,suction members successively contact the outer sheet ofeach advancing signature and deflect the same outwardly to form an opening in the signature.

26. A signature opening mechanism, comprising a conveyor adapted to receive and support a succession of individual signatures in upright position, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elements disposed adjacent and above said conveyor adapted to maintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatable members disposed on opposite sides of the path of travel of the signatures and adjacent and below their upper edge, means for rotating said members in synchronism with the advance of said conveyor, a sheet-engaging suction element on each of said rotatable members, said suction elements adapted to contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature and deect the same outwardly to form an opening in the signature, a vacuum source, an air conduit connecting said vacuum source with said sheet-engaging suction element, and means associated with each of said suction elements to independently and selectively render them ineffective to open a signature by breaking communication with said vacuum source.

27. A signature opening mechanism, comprising a conveyor adapted to receive and support a succession of individual signatures in upright position, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality cf guide elements disposed adjacent and above said conveyor adapted to maintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatable members disposed on opposite sides of the path of travel of the signatures and adjacent and below their upper edge, means for rotating said members in synchronism with the advance of said conveyor, a sheet-engaging suction element on each of said rotatable members, said suction elements adapted to contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature and deflect the same outwardly to form an opening in the signature, a fixed sheet-deiecting element lying adjacent each of said rotatable members, said xed element adapted to contact and retain the deflected sheet out of contact and interference with the operation of the next successive rotatable member, a vacuum source, an air conduit connecting said vacuum source with said sheet-engaging suction elementgand means Vassociated with each of said suction elements to independently and selectively render them ineffective to open a signature by breaking communication with said vacuum source.

28. A signature opening mechanism, comprising a conveyor adapted to receive and support a succession of individual signatures in upright position, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of guide elements disposed adjacent and above said conveyor adapted to maintain the signatures in upright position, a plurality of rotatable members disposed on opposite sides of the path of travel of the signatures and adjacent and below their upper edge, means for rotating said members in synchronism with the advance of Said conveyor, a sheet-engaging suction element on each of said rotatable members, a blower bar disposed adjacent the path of travel of the signature, said blower bar being provided with a plurality of spaced orifices directed toward said rotatable members, a source of air pressure, an air conduit connecting said pressure source with said blower bar, said suction elements adapted to contact the outer sheet of each advancing signature and deflect the same outwardly to form an opening in the signature, a vacuum source, an air conduit connecting said vacuum source with said sheet-engaging suction element, means for intermittently establishing said communication between said pressure source and said blower bar to direct a jet of air toward the oncoming signature to facilitate opening thereof, and means associated with each of said suction elements to independently and selectively render them ineffective to open a signature by breaking communication with said vacuum source.

MARTIN CHRISTENSEN.

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