# US 7,607,882 B2 · Apparatus for the timed processing of book blocks for perfect binding > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,607,882 B2 - Document ID: US7607882B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 11/245,446 - Filed: 2005-10-07 - Published: 2006-04-13 - Granted: 2009-10-27 - Earliest claimed: 2004-10-07 - Assignees: Mueller Martini Holding AG - Inventors: Joe Matalevich; Hansjörg Schneeberger - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7607882B2 ## CPC - B42C 19/08: Conveying between operating stations in machines (conveyors in general B65G) - B65H 2301/33222: 90° - B65H 2301/42242: by acting on the outermost articles of the pile for clamping the pile - B65H 2701/1932: Signatures, folded printed matter, newspapers or parts thereof and books - B65H 2801/48: Bookbinding - B42C: BOOKBINDING (cutting or perforating machines, devices or tools B26; folding sheets or webs B31F; ornamenting books B44) - B65H: HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES ## Abstract An apparatus for timed processing of book blocks for perfect binding includes a feed element to supply respective book blocks horizontally positioned with a spine facing in a feed direction of movement. A lifting device is arranged to receive the respective horizontally positioned book blocks from the feed element. The lifting device is pivotal about a horizontal axis and has an adjustably driven limit stop that forms a conveying end of the feed element. A gripper circulates on a traction element above the lifting device. The lifting device is pivoted about the horizontal axis into an upright position and operates synchronized with the movement of the gripper to lift the respective book blocks with the adjustably driven limit stop to transfer each respective book block to the gripper when the gripper is positioned over the book block in the lifting device. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus for timed processing of book blocks for perfect binding, comprising: a feed element to supply respective book blocks horizontally positioned with a spine facing in a feed direction of movement; a lifting device arranged to receive the respective horizontally positioned book blocks from the feed element, the lifting device being pivotal about a horizontal axis and having an adjustably driven limit stop that forms a conveying end of the feed element; and a gripper that circulates on a traction element above the lifting device; wherein the lifting device is pivoted about the horizontal axis into an upright position and operates synchronized with the movement of the gripper to lift the respective book blocks with the adjustably driven limit stop to transfer each respective book block to the gripper when the gripper is positioned over the book block in the lifting device. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gripper circulates along a circular or oval path. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a feed direction of movement of the feed element is parallel to the path of the gripper. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the limit stop is pivotal around the horizontal axis and is adjustable perpendicular to the feed direction of movement of the book block. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the feed element has a conveying plane and the horizontal axis about which the limit stop is pivoted is below the conveying plane of the feed element. ### Claim 6 (depends on 4) The apparatus according to claim 4, further including a traction mechanism drive for the adjustment of the limit stop in the direction perpendicular to the feed direction for the transfer of a book block to the gripper. ### Claim 7 (depends on 4) The apparatus according to claim 4, further including a toothed wheel gearing coupled to the limit stop to pivot the limit stop. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lifting device includes a guide arrangement forming a guide plane for the book blocks supplied by the feed element, and the limit stop is moveable along the guide arrangement. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the limit stop comprises a plurality of fingers spaced apart from each other across a width of the feed element. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the feed element comprises a circulating traction mechanism including a plurality of conveying sections, and the fingers of the limit stop are respectively arranged between two conveying sections of the circulating traction mechanism. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The apparatus according to claim 10, further including guide bars connected to the limit stop at a right angle to the fingers. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the guide bars are respectively arranged between two sections of the circulating traction mechanisms of the feed element. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The apparatus according to claim 11, further including guide bars connected to the limit stop at a right angle to the fingers and forming a guide plane, and a guide member cooperating with the guide bars that form the guide plane to prevent an upright-standing book block from tilting toward the side. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the guide member is extendible, parallel to the guide plane formed by the guide bars. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the guide member is adjustably spaced from the guide bars by a distance that is adjustable. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The apparatus according to claim 15, further including a traction member drive connected to the guide member. ### Claim 17 (depends on 13) The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the lifting device, the limit stop and the guide member have adjustment drives that have a joint drive axis.