Method and apparatus for feeding flat printed products

Apparatus for gathering flat printed products, especially signatures (2), comprising:

• a plurality of feeders (1) arranged in a sequence each for a collection of identical printed products with a selecting device for selecting single flat printed products;
• a collecting conveyor (10), where the selected printed products are piled up, which collecting conveyor (10) moves along a generally straight line in a first direction (11);
• wherein the feeders (1) advance the printed products by feeding elements in a second direction (15) crosswise to said first direction in a continuous flow of printed products;
• a transferring conveyor (40) comprising at least one separating gripper (60), which is adapted to grip a leading portion (20) of a printed product at a discharge end of the feeders (1), respectively, wherein the transferring conveyor (40) is arranged adjacent to and travels parallel to the collecting conveyor;
• wherein the transferring conveyor (40) moves the printed flat products away from the feeder substantially along a path extending generally along said first direction (11) of the collecting conveyor (10).