Method and device for feeding signatures on to a sewing machine

A device for feeding signatures (2) on to a sewing machine (5), said device comprising a signature conveyor (11);

• first feeding means (12) for successively feeding said signatures (2) on to said conveyor (11), with the backs (9) facing rearwards, said signatures (2) comprising a top (7) and bottom (8) half, each consisting of at least two sheets (10);
• conveying means (13) for successively conveying said signatures (2) along said conveyor (11) in a first direction (14) and towards the output end (15) of said conveyor (11);
• suction means (16) for successively parting the two halves of said signatures (2) as they travel along said conveyor (11), said suction means (16) comprising at least two suction devices (75) located along said conveyor (11) in said first direction (14) and along the path travelled by said signatures (2), and at least one signature sheet supporting plate (61, 62) for each suction device (75);
• second feeding means (17, 65, 98) for successively withdrawing said parted signatures (2) off said outout end (15) of said conveyor (11), and transferring the same on to a fixed saddle (3) extending in a second direction (6) substantially transversal to said first direction (14);
• characterised by the fact that said first direction (14) along said conveyor (11) is oblique in relation to the backs (9) of said signatures (2), said conveying means (13) being designed to engage said signatures (2) and convey the same in said first direction (14) at a first given speed, and comprising retaining means (45, 52) for ensuring said signatures (2) on said conveyor (11) are arranged in such a manner that the distance between the backs (9) is less than the maximum signature width feedable on to said sewing machine (5);
• by the fact that said supporting plates (61, 62) are fixed;
• and by the fact that said second feeding means (17, 65, 98) comprise an accelerating device (17) designed to engage said parted signatures (2) and convey the same in said first direction (14) at a second given speed greater than said first speed;
• first actuating means (70) being provided for enabling each said suction device (75) to move reciprocatingly in said first direction (14), to and from the respective said supporting plate (61, 62), said first actuating means (70) being designed to enable forward travel of said suction devices (75) at said first speed;
• and second actuating means (74) being provided for moving said suction devices (75) to and from a position wherein they engage respective said sheets (10).