Method and apparatus for opening signature sheets

An apparatus for sequentially opening a plurality of sheets forming a signature, comprising:

• a substantially horizontal conveying surface;
• at least one suction plate, said suction plate being disposed above said conveying surface and having a working surface facing said conveying surface;
• and
• an advancing mechanism moving said signature along said conveying surface and advancing said signature to a position in proximity to said suction plate.

An apparatus for sequentially opening a plurality of sheets forming a signature, comprising:

• a conveying surface;
• at least one pivotally mounted suction plate, said suction plate being spaced from said conveying surface and having a working surface facing said conveying surface;
• and
• an advancing mechanism moving said signature along said conveying surface and advancing said signature to a position in proximity to said suction plate.

A method for opening a sheet of a signature moving along a conveying surface, comprising the steps of:

• providing a suction plate spaced from said conveying surface, said suction plate having a working surface facing said conveying surface;
• advancing said signature to a position in proximity to said suction plate;
• moving said signature in a direction substantially normal to its path of travel toward said working surface;
• and
• inducing a vacuum through said suction plate such that said sheet is engaged by said working surface;
• whereby said sheet is brought to an open position with respect to remaining sheets of said signature.

A method for sequentially opening outermost and next outermost sheets of a signature moving along a conveying surface, comprising the steps of:

• providing first and second suction plates, each of said suction plates being spaced from said conveying surface and having inert and working surfaces, each of said working surfaces facing said conveying surface;
• advancing said signature along said conveying surface to a position in proximity to said first suction plate;
• moving said signature in a direction substantially normal to its path of travel toward said working surface of said first suction plate;
• and
• inducing a vacuum through said first suction plate such that said outermost sheet is engaged by said working surface of said first suction plate to bring said outermost sheet to an opened position;
• advancing said signature along said conveying surface to a position in proximity to a second suction plate;
• causing said inert surface of said second suction plate to maintain said outermost sheet in said opened position;
• moving said signature in a direction substantially normal to its path of travel toward said working surface of said second suction plate;
• and
• inducing a vacuum through said second suction plate such that said next outermost sheet is engaged by said working surface of said second suction plate to bring said next outermost sheet to an opened position.

A method for opening a sheet of a signature moving along a conveying surface, comprising the steps of:

• providing a suction plate spaced from said conveying surface, said suction plate having a working surface facing said conveying surface;
• advancing said signature to a position in proximity to said suction plate;
• inducing a vacuum through said suction plate such that said sheet is engaged by said working surface;
• and
• inclining said suction plate from an idle position to an actuated position;
• whereby said sheet is brought to an open position with respect to remaining sheets of said signature.

An apparatus for sequentially opening a plurality of sheets forming a signature, comprising:

• a substantially horizontal conveying surface;
• at least one suction plate, said suction plate being disposed above said conveying surface and having a working surface facing said conveying surface;
• an emergent plate per each suction plate, said emergent plate being substantially coplanar to said substantially horizontal conveying surface;
• and
• an advancing mechanism moving said signature along said conveying surface and advancing said signature to a position in proximity to said suction plate.

An apparatus for sequentially opening a plurality of sheets forming a signature, comprising:

• a conveying surface;
• at least one pivotally mounted suction plate, said suction plate being spaced from said conveying surface and having a working surface facing said conveying surface;
• an emergent plate per each pivotally mounted suction plate, said emergent plate being substantially coplanar to said conveying surface;
• and
• an advancing mechanism moving said signature along said conveying surface and advancing said signature to a position in proximity to said suction plate.