United States Patent: 3552246

[US Patent & Trademark Office, Patent Full Text and Image Database]

( 648193 of 648193 )

United States Patent	3,552,246
Bryson , et al.	January 5, 1971

BOOK TRIMMING MACHINE

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a machine for performing trimming operations upon the front and side edges of a book as the book continues to advance through the machine. The machine includes a front edge trimming table which is reciprocated in a horizontal direction and receives a book from an infeed conveyor as the table moves in the direction of the conveyor. As the table continues to move in the direction of the infeed conveyor, the book is clamped to the table and the front edge of the book is trimmed. The machine further includes a side edge trimming table which is reciprocated in synchronism but substantially out of phase with the front edge trimming table. As the front edge table completes its motion in the direction of the infeed conveyor and as the side edge table is about to move in the same direction, the book having its front edge trimmed is advanced onto the side edge table. As the side edge table continues to move in the direction of the infeed conveyor, the book is clamped to the side edge table and the side edges of the book are trimmed. Toward the end of the forward motion of the side edge table, the book is released to a conveyor which advances it from the machine.

Inventors:	Bryson; Robert A. (Easton, PA), Kennicott; Thomas C. (Janesville, WI), Sarring; Ernest J. (Fort Thomas, KY)
Assignee:	T. W. & C. B. Sheridan Company (Easton, PA)
Appl. No.:	04/737,969
Filed:	June 18, 1968

Current U.S. Class: 83/23 ; 83/155; 83/157; 83/158; 83/303; 83/319; 83/320; 83/39; 83/391

Current International Class: B26D 1/10 (20060101); B26D 1/01 (20060101); B26D 7/06 (20060101); B26D 5/08 (20060101); B26D 5/14 (20060101); B26D 1/58 (20060101); B26D 1/00 (20060101); B26D 11/00 (20060101); B65h 035/06 ()

Field of Search: 83/23,39,155,157--160,303,310,318--320,328,391,404,418,438,925B5

References Cited [Referenced By]

U.S. Patent Documents


3122041	February 1964	Kile et al.
3146650	September 1964	Sarring et al.

Primary Examiner: Lawson; William S.

Claims

We claim:

1. A machine for performing trimming operations upon a book comprising:

a. a first trimming table;

b. first means for advancing a book onto said first trimming table;

c. first means for reciprocating said first trimming table along a substantially horizontal path of travel;

d. first means disposed on said first trimming table for performing a trimming operation as said first trimming table is moved by said reciprocating means away from said advancing means;

e. a second trimming table;

f. second means for reciprocating said second trimming table along a substantially horizontal path of travel substantially in alignment with and adjacent to the path of travel of said first trimming table, said second reciprocating means being in synchronism and substantially out of phase with said first reciprocating means so that said first trimming table and said second trimming table reciprocate in substantially opposite directions;

g. second means for advancing a book from said first trimming table and with respect to said second trimming table;

h. second means disposed on said second trimming table for performing an additional trimming operation as said second trimming table is moved by said second reciprocating means away from said first reciprocating means; and

i. means for discharging the trimmed book from said second trimming table, whereby trimming operations are performed upon a book as the book continues to move through the machine.

2. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 1 in which said first means for advancing a book onto said first trimming table comprises:

a. a surface extending adjacent to said first trimming table;

b. means for conveying a book along said surface toward said first trimming table, and

c. means for pushing a book from engagement with said conveying means and onto said first trimming table.

3. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 2 in which said means for conveying a book along said surface toward said first trimming table comprises:

a. an elongated driving member extending adjacent said surface and moving substantially toward said first trimming means; and

b. a plurality of lugs pivotally attached to said driving member, each of said lugs having an operative position in which the upper portion of each of said lugs extends above said surface for engaging a book adjacent thereto and a withdrawn position in which the upper portion of each of said lugs is pivoted beneath said surface for disengaging from a book adjacent thereto.

4. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 2 in which said means for pushing a book from engagement with said conveying means and onto said first trimming means comprises:

a. at least one pusher member adapted to engage a book being conveyed along said surface in response to said conveying means; and

b. means for cyclically moving said pusher member above said surface and toward said first trimming table to advance a book thereon and for cyclically moving said pusher member beneath said surface and away from said first trimming means to return said pusher member to a position to engage and push the next successive book being conveyed along said surface by said conveying means.

5. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 2 and further comprising means for adjusting the phase relationship between the operation of said means for conveying a book and said means for pushing a book, whereby the optimum timing of the movement of a book from said conveying means to said pushing means can be determined.

6. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 5 in which:

a. said means for conveying a book along said surface toward said first trimming table includes a drive shaft;

b. said means for pushing a book from engagement with said conveying means and onto said first trimming table includes a drive cam coupled to said drive shaft and a cam follower engaging said drive cam for actuating said pushing means; and

c. in which said means for adjusting the phase relationship between the operation of said conveying means and said pushing means includes gear train means connected between said drive shaft and said conveying means for adjustably selecting the phase relationship therebetween and means for positioning said cam follower relative to said drive cam for adjustably selecting the phase relationship therebetween.

7. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 6 in which a common linkage is connected to said gear train means for adjustably selecting the phase relationship with said drive shaft and is connected to said cam follower for adjustably selecting the phase relationship with said cam, whereby said common linkage enables the phase relationship between the operation of said conveying means and said pushing means to be adjusted.

8. A machine for performing a trimming operation in accordance with claim 2 in which said first means for advancing a book onto said first trimming table further comprises:

a. a guide member extending along said surface toward said first trimming table, said guide member being adapted to engage one of the side edge portions of a book being conveyed along said surface by said conveying means; and

b. means frictionally engaging the face of a book disposed opposite said surface for urging the book toward said guide member as the book is being conveyed along said surface, whereby said guide member enables the book to be aligned with respect to said first trimming table.

9. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 8 in which said means frictionally engaging the face of a book disposed opposite said surface comprises:

a. at least one flexible endless member having a lower reach extending substantially parallel to and spaced from said surface at a distance enabling said flexible endless member to engage the face of the book disposed opposite said surface, said flexible endless member extending at an angle toward said guide member in the direction of the conveying of a book by said conveying means; and

b. means for driving the lower reach of said flexible endless member toward said first trimming table.

10. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 1 in which said first means for reciprocating said first trimming table along a substantially horizontal path of travel comprises:

a. pivotally mounted substantially vertically extending rocker links pivotally connected to the opposite ends of said first trimming table; and

b. means for swinging said rocker links with a back and forth motion extending cyclically toward and away from said first means for advancing a book onto said first trimming table.

11. A machine for trimming in accordance with claim 1 and further comprising means for providing a resilient restraint to said first trimming table to resist the reciprocating thereof by said first means for reciprocating said first trimming table, whereby the torque fluctuations of said first reciprocating means in reciprocating said first trimming table and the vibration thereof are reduced.

12. A machine for trimming in accordance with claim 10 and further comprising means for providing a resilient torsional restraint to said pivotally mounted substantially vertical extending rocker links to resist the swinging thereof in response to said swinging means.

13. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 1 in which said first means disposed on said first trimming table for performing a trimming operation comprises:

a. a lower front edge trimming knife disposed adjacent the upper surface of a portion of said first trimming table disposed adjacent to said first means for advancing a book, said lower front edge knife extending substantially perpendicular to the path of travel of said first trimming table;

b. an upper front edge trimming knife;

c. first means for movably mounting said upper front edge trimming knife with respect to said first trimming table in a substantially horizontally extending direction overlying and parallel to said lower front edge trimming knife; and

d. third means driven in synchronism with said first means for reciprocating said first trimming table for reciprocating said movable mounting means vertically with respect to said first trimming table, said mounting means being lowered to a trimming position when said first trimming table is being reciprocated away from said advancing means.

14. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 13 and further comprising:

a. first means movably mounted with respect to said first trimming table and extending adjacent and substantially parallel to said lower front edge trimming knife for clamping a book during the front edge trimming operation; and

b. fourth means for cyclically reciprocating said first clamping means vertically with respect to said first trimming table between a clamping position adjacent said first trimming table and a disengaged position, said fourth reciprocating means being operated substantially in synchronism with said third reciprocating means which reciprocates said first movable mounting means for said upper front edge trimming knife.

15. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 13 and further comprising:

a. means movably mounted with respect to said first trimming table for stopping a book being advanced on said first trimming table by said first advancing means; and

b. means for cyclically moving said stopping means between an operative position above the upper surface of said first trimming table and a retracted position below the upper surface of said first trimming table, said cyclical moving means moving said stopping means into said operative position in synchronism with the advancing of a book by said first advancing means.

16. A machine for trimming in accordance with claim 13 and further comprising:

a. structure forming an opening disposed between the end portion of said first advancing means adjacent said first trimming table and said lower front edge trimming knife on said first trimming table, said opening being adapted to receive front edge trimmings from said lower front trimming knife;

b. a gate member movably mounted on said first trimming table between said lower front trimming knife and the end portion of said first trimming table adjacent thereto, the upper surface of said gate member being substantially coplanar with the upper surface of said first trimming table; and

c. means for cyclically extending said gate member over said opening to enable a book being advanced by said first advancing means to cross said opening and withdrawing said gate member toward said first trimming table to expose said opening to trimmings from said lower front edge trimming knife during the front edge trimming operation, said extending and withdrawing means operating in synchronism with said first means for reciprocating said first trimming table.

17. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 1 in which said second means for reciprocating said second trimming table along a substantially horizontal path of travel substantially in alignment with and adjacent to the path of travel of said first trimming table comprises:

a. additional pivotally mounted substantially vertically extending rocker links pivotally connected to the opposite ends of said second trimming table; and

b. additional means for swinging said rocker links with a back and forth motion extending cyclically toward and away from said first trimming table, said additional swinging means operating in synchronism but substantially out of phase with said first trimming table, whereby said first trimming table and said second trimming table reciprocate in opposite directions with respect to one another.

18. A machine for trimming in accordance with claim 17 and further comprising additional means for providing a resilient restraint to said second trimming table to resist the reciprocating thereof by said second means for reciprocating said second trimming table, whereby the torque fluctuations of said second reciprocating means in reciprocating said second trimming table and the vibration thereof are reduced.

19. A machine for trimming in accordance with claim 17 and further comprising additional means for providing a resilient torsional restraint to said additional pivotally mounted substantially vertical extending rocker links to resist the swinging thereof in response to said additional swinging means.

20. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 1 in which said second means for advancing a book from said first trimming table and with respect to said second trimming table comprises:

a. a lower conveyor element disposed adjacent to said second trimming table and operating over a distance which is stationary with respect to said machine, said lower conveying element extending substantially horizontally and in alignment with the path of travel of the upper surface of said second trimming table and moving away from said first trimming table; and

b. an upper conveyor element disposed adjacent to the upper surface of said second trimming table and operating over a distance stationary with respect to said machine, said upper conveyor element extending substantially parallel and adjacent to said lower conveyor element and moving in the direction of said lower conveyor element, said upper conveyor element and said lower conveyor element being adapted to advance a book disposed therebetween with respect to said second trimming table.

21. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 20 in which:

a. said lower conveyor element comprises the upper reach of an endless belt; and

b. said upper conveyor element comprises the lower reach of another endless belt.

22. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 20 and further comprising:

a. means for supporting the end portion of said upper conveyor element disposed adjacent to said first trimming table; and

b. means for cyclically raising and lowering said end portion of said upper conveyor element from an upper position in which said end portion clears a book disposed on said first trimming table to a lower position in which said end portion engages a book disposed on said first trimming table, said cyclical raising and lowering means operating in synchronism with said first means for performing the front edge trimming operation with said end portion being lowered to the lower position thereof and into engagement with a book when the front edge trimming operation of the book is completed by said first performing means.

23. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 22 in which said upper conveyor element comprises the lower reach of an endless belt and in which said means for supporting the end portion of said upper conveyor element disposed adjacent to said first trimming table comprises:

a. a substantially horizontal plate overlying the end portion of the lower reach of said endless belt adjacent said first trimming table;

b. a roller mounted adjacent the end of said plate adjacent said first trimming means for supporting said end portion of the lower reach of said belt adjacent thereto; and

c. means for pivotally mounting the other end of said plate and having an axis of rotation extending substantially horizontally and at right angles to said lower reach of said belt, said means for cyclically raising and lowering said end portion of said upper conveyor element being coupled to said plate.

24. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 23 and further comprising means for resiliently mounting said means for pivotally mounting the other end of said plate, whereby said plate can comply with abnormal loading applied thereto.

25. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 23 and further comprising:

a. an additional substantially horizontal plate overlying another portion of the lower reach of said endless belt disposed opposite said end portion thereof; and

b. an additional means for pivotally mounting the end portion of said additional plate adjacent to said plate about an axis of rotation at least parallel to said axis of rotation of said means for pivotally mounting the other end of said plate.

26. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 25 and further comprising:

a. means coupled to said plate, to said additional plate, and to said means for said additional means for pivotally mounting said plate and said additional plate for supporting said plate and said additional plate substantially horizontally with respect to said machine; and

b. means coupled to two spaced apart points disposed on said supporting means for adjustably positioning said supporting means at any one of a plurality of elevations with respect to said machine while maintaining said plate and said additional plate substantially in a common horizontal plane.

27. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 20 and further comprising:

a. means for supporting the end portion of said upper conveyor element disposed opposite to said first trimming table; and

b. additional means for cyclically raising and lowering said additional end portion of said upper conveyor element from an upper position in which said end portion clears a book disposed on said second trimming table to a lower position in which said additional end portion engages a book disposed on said second trimming table, said cyclical raising and lowering means operating in synchronism with said second means for performing the side edge trimming operations with said additional end portion being lowered to the lower position thereof and into engagement with a book when the side edge trimming operations of the book are completed by said second performing means.

28. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 1 in which said second means disposed on said second trimming table for performing an additional trimming operation comprises:

a. a pair of lower edge trimming knives spaced apart from one another and disposed adjacent the upper surface of said second trimming table, said lower side edge knives extending substantially parallel to the path of travel of said second trimming table;

b. a pair of upper side edge trimming knives each corresponding to a different one of said pair of lower side edge trimming knives;

c. a pair of second means for movably mounting said pair of upper side edge trimming knives with respect to said second trimming table in a substantially horizontally extending direction overlying and parallel to their respective lower side edge trimming knives; and

d. fifth means driven in synchronism with said second means for reciprocating said second trimming table for reciprocating said pair of movable mounting means vertically with respect to said second trimming table, said pair of second movable mounting means being lowered to a trimming position when said second trimming table is being reciprocated away from said first trimming table.

29. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 28 and further comprising:

a. a pair of second means movably mounted with respect to said second trimming table for clamping a book thereto during the side edge trimming operations, each of said pair of second clamping means extending adjacent and substantially parallel to a different one of said pair of lower side edge trimming knives; and

b. sixth means for cyclically reciprocating said pair of second clamping means vertically with respect to said second trimming table between a clamping position adjacent said second trimming table and a disengaged position, said sixth reciprocating means being operated substantially in synchronism with said fifth reciprocating means which reciprocates said second movable mounting means for said upper side edge trimming knives.

30. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 1 in which said means for discharging the trimmed book from said second trimming table comprises:

a. a first discharge conveyor means for receiving the trimmed book from said second means for advancing a book from said first trimming table and with respect to said second trimming table;

b. a second discharge conveyor means extending downstream from said first discharge conveyor means;

c. means overlying the entrance portion of said second discharge conveyor means for urging a book against said second discharge conveyor means; and

d. means for cyclically lowering said urging means against a book entering onto said second discharge conveyor to cause the book to engage and be advanced by said second discharge conveyor, said cyclical lowering means operating in synchronism with said second advancing means.

31. A method for performing trimming operations upon a book comprising the steps of:

a. advancing a book in a predetermined timed sequence onto a first reciprocating trimming table as the table moves in the direction of the advancing of the book;

b. performing a trimming operation as said first trimming table is moved in the direction of the advancing of the book;

c. advancing a book from the first trimming table to a second reciprocating trimming table as the table moves in the direction of the advancing of the book;

d. performing an additional trimming operation as the second trimming table is moved in the direction of the advancing of the book; and

e. discharging the trimmed book from said second trimming table, whereby trimming operations are performed upon a book as the book continues to be advanced.

32. A method in accordance with claim 31 in which said step of advancing a book in a predetermined timed sequence onto a first reciprocating trimming table comprises the steps of:

a. conveying the book toward the entrance of the machine by a lug pivotally attached to an elongated driving member, the lug having an operative position in which the lug engages the book and a retracted position in which the lug disengages the book;

b. pivoting the lug to its retracted position to disengage the book; and

c. additionally conveying the book toward the entrance of the machine by a pusher member moved into the path of travel of the book and into engagement therewith, the pusher member being engaged with the book in a predetermined timed sequence with the moving of the lug into its retracted position.

33. A method in accordance with claim 32 and further comprising the step of simultaneously adjusting the phase relationship between the operation of the step of conveying the book toward the first reciprocating trimming table by a lug pivotally attached to an elongated driving member and the step of additionally conveying the book toward the first reciprocating trimming table by a pusher member moved into the path of travel of the book and into engagement therewith.

34. A method in accordance with claim 31 in which said step of advancing a book in a predetermined timed sequence onto a first reciprocating trimming table comprises the steps of:

a. urging the book toward one side of the path along which the book is advanced toward the first reciprocating trimming table; and

b. guiding the side edge of the book adjacent to the side of the path toward which the book is urged, whereby the step of guiding aligns the book with the first reciprocating trimming table.

35. A method in accordance with claim 31 in which the step of performing a trimming operation as said trimming table is moved in the direction of the advancing of the book comprises the steps of:

a. stopping the advancing of the book relative to the first reciprocating trimming table as the table moves in the direction of advancement of the book;

b. clamping the stopped book on the first reciprocating trimming table; and

c. trimming the front edge of the clamped book on the first reciprocating trimming table as the table continues to move.

36. A method in accordance with claim 31 in which the step of performing an additional trimming operation as the second trimming table is moved in the direction of the advancing of the book comprises the steps of:

a. clamping the book being advanced from the first trimming table to the surface of the second trimming table as the second trimming table continues to move in the direction of the advance of the book; and

b. trimming the side edges of the clamped book as the second trimming table continues to move in the direction of the advance of the book.

37. A method in accordance with claim 31 in which the step of discharging the trimmed book from the second trimming table comprises the steps of:

a. unclamping the book with respect to the second reciprocating trimming table after the side edges of the book are trimmed and while the second table continues to move in the direction of the advance of the book; and

b. subjecting the unclamped book to conveying forces directed to discharge the book from the second table.

38. A machine for performing trimming operations upon a book comprising:

a. an infeed table;

b. means for positioning a book on said infeed table in a transverse direction with respect to the path of the book through said machine;

c. a first trimming table;

d. first means for advancing a book onto said first trimming table from said infeed table;

e. first means for reciprocating said first trimming table along a substantially horizontal path of travel;

f. first means disposed on said first trimming table for performing a trimming operation as said first trimming table is moved by said reciprocating means away from said advancing means;

g. a second trimming table;

h. second means for reciprocating said second trimming table along a substantially horizontal path of travel substantially in alignment with and adjacent to the path of travel of said first trimming table, said second reciprocating means being in synchronism and substantially out of phase with said first reciprocating means so that said first trimming table and said second trimming table reciprocate in substantially opposite directions;

i. second means for advancing a book from said first trimming table and with respect to said second trimming table;

j. second means disposed on said second trimming table for performing an additional trimming operation as said second trimming table is moved by said second reciprocating means away from said first reciprocating means; and

k. means for discharging the trimmed book from said second trimming table, whereby trimming operations are performed upon a book as the book continues to move through the machine.

39. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 38 in which said means for positioning a book on said infeed table in a transverse direction with respect to the path of the book through the machine comprises:

a. a guide member extending along said infeed table substantially parallel to the path of travel of a book through said machine; and

b. a jogger for urging a book into contact with said guide member.

40. A machine for performing trimming operations in accordance with claim 39 and further comprising means for reciprocating said jogger in a direction transverse to the path of travel of a book through said machine.

41. A machine for performing a trimming operation in accordance with claim 38 in which said means for positioning a book on said infeed table in a transverse direction with respect to the path of the book through said machine comprises:

a. a guide member extending along said infeed table substantially parallel to the path of travel of a book through said machine; and

b. a plurality of resilient members disposed along a line spaced apart and substantially parallel to said guide member, said resilient elements extending in a direction toward said guide member and being adapted to contact and thereby urge the book into abutment with said guide member.

42. A machine for performing a trimming operation in accordance with claim 41 in which each of said plurality of resilient members comprises a resilient blade extending at an angle toward said guide member and toward the direction of travel of a book through said machine.

43. A machine for performing a trimming operation in accordance with claim 39 in which said means for positioning a book on said infeed table in a transverse direction with respect to the path of the book through said machine further comprises a plurality of resilient members disposed along a line spaced apart and substantially parallel to said guide member, said resilient elements extending in a direction toward said guide member and being adapted to contact and thereby urge the book into abutment with said guide member.

44. A method for performing trimming operations upon a book comprising the steps of:

a. conveying a book along an infeed table;

b. positioning a book being conveyed along the infeed table in a direction transverse to the path of travel of the conveying;

c. advancing a book being conveyed along the infeed table in a predetermined timed sequence onto a first reciprocating trimming table as the table moves in the direction of the advancing of the book;

d. performing a trimming operation as the first trimming table is moved in the direction of the advancing of the book;

e. advancing a book from the first trimming table to a second reciprocating trimming table as the table moves in the direction of the advancing of the book;

f. performing an additional trimming operation as the second trimming table is moved in the direction of the advancing of the book; and

g. discharging the trimmed book from said second trimming table, whereby trimming operations are performed upon the front and upon the side edges of a book as the book continues to be advanced. 45A method in accordance with claim 44 in which said step of positioning a book being conveyed along the infeed table in a direction transverse to the path of travel of the conveying comprises the step of urging a book into contact with a guide member extending along the infeed table in a direction parallel to the path of the conveying. 46A method in accordance with claim 45 in which the step of urging a book into contact with a guide member extending along the infeed table in a direction parallel to the path of the conveying

comprises the step of jogging the book toward the guide member. 47. A method in accordance with claim 45 in which the step of urging a book into contact with a guide member extending along the infeed table in a direction parallel to the path of the conveying comprises the step of resiliently biasing the book into contact with the guide member along at

least a portion of the travel of the book along the infeed table. 48. A method in accordance with claim 44 in which said step of performing a trimming operation as the first trimming table is moved in the direction of the advancing of the book comprises trimming the front edge of the

book. 49. A method in accordance with claim 44 in which said step of performing an additional trimming operation as the second trimming table is moved in the direction of the advancing of the book comprises trimming the side edges of the book.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to the field of machines for performing trimming operations upon the front and side edges of a book. More in particular the invention pertains to the field of trimming machines which trim the front and side edges of a book as the book continues to be conveyed through the machine. This type of machine is distinct from the field of machines in which the conveying of the book is interrupted for each trimming operation performed on the book.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

In the prior art of trimming machines for books attempts have been made to trim the front and side edges of a book while the book is in motion and thereby obtain an uninterrupted form of operation and at the same time increase production. Further in the prior art attempts have been made to employ a single table reciprocating in a horizontal direction and parallel to the line of travel of the books. In the prior art machine both trimming operations, that is the trimming of the front edge and subsequently the trimming of the two side edges of a book are performed on a single reciprocating table.

A machine having a single table results in the table being extremely heavy since the equipment for performing the various trimming operations must be carried by the single table. In operation the single table must travel with a stroke which can typically be about 71/2 inches. Such a stroke taken with the heavy weight of single table results in extremely high inertia loads during operation, especially if any attempt is made to operate at any appreciable speed. The high fluctuating inertia loads result in severe torque fluctuations in the machine drives with the result that the high torque fluctuations frequently cause drive gear failures. In addition, the severe torque fluctuations result in fluctuations in the voltage of the electrical power supply which causes corresponding fluctuations in the operation of related bookbinding equipment. A further problem occurring in the single table machine is that the shaking forces caused by the uncompensated and unbalances reciprocating mass of the table can limit the speed of operation of the machine to values lower than those which can be achieved with related bookbinding equipment and can result in severe vibration during operation.

In prior art machines it has not been possible to maintain precise control of a book throughout the machine after the book is delivered by the infeed system, since control of the book is temporarily released during passage through the machine. As a result it is necessary to reposition the book after it has passed into the machine. For example prior art machines require a pair of side jogger assemblies to position each book before it is trimmed by the side trimming blades.

A further difficulty with prior art machines is the inability of their transports and clamps to be adjusted to accommodate for variations in the thickness of the books to be trimmed.

A further problem in trimmers is the inability of conveniently adjusting the phasing of the infeed pusher to the trimmer whenever the book width is changed in order to insure the proper amount of front trim. In addition in prior trimmers, such an adjustment cannot be performed while the trimmer is operating.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one of the objects of the invention to provide a machine for trimming the front and side edges of a book as the book travels continually through the machine.

It is another object of the invention to utilize a portion of the front edge trimming cycle in transferring the book from the front trimming operation to the side trimming operation.

It is still another object of the invention to separate the front and side trimming operations into two different parts of a trimming machine.

It is an additional object of the invention to employ the shaking forces of one part of the trimming machine to counteract the shaking forces of another part thereof.

It is a further object of the invention to maintain the position of the book throughout its travel through the machine and thereby eliminate the need of jogging the book during trimming.

It is also a further object of the invention to provide for adjustment of the phase between the various elements of the infeed mechanism and to enable adjustment to be made during operation.

The trimming machine of the invention includes a first trimming table and means for advancing the book onto the first trimming table. Means are provided for reciprocating the first trimming table along a substantially horizontal path of travel. Means are disposed on the first trimming table for clamping the book to the table and for performing the front edge trimming operation as the table is moved by the reciprocating means away from the advancing means.

The machine further includes a second trimming table and means for reciprocating it along a substantially horizontal path of travel which is substantially in alignment with and adjacent to the path of travel of the first trimming table. The second trimming table is reciprocated in synchronism but substantially out of phase with the first trimming table. Means are provided for advancing the book from the first trimming table to the second trimming table. Upon the second table there is disposed means for performing the side edge trimming operation as the second trimming table is moved by the second reciprocating means away from the first table. The machine also includes means for discharging the trimmed book from the second trimming table.

With the machine of the invention it is possible to trim the front and side edges of a book as the book continually moves through the machine. The front edge trimming operation is performed on the first table and the two side edge trimming operation is performed on the second table. The means for advancing from the first trimming table to the second trimming table, i.e. the transporter of the invention makes it possible to operate at high speed with two tables.

A further advantage results from the provision of two reciprocating trimming tables is that the shaking forces and consequently any vibration resulting therefrom can be reduced by operating the two trimming tables in a substantially out of phase condition. Another factor which causes a reduction in shaking forces is that the mass and the stroke of each of the two tables are appreciably less than the mass and stroke of a single table machine. Furthermore the provision of two tables has the advantage of simplifying the drive to the trimming knives since each table need only operate in conjunction with one of the two trimming operations.

In the machine of the invention the book head end position is established against a side guide. From that point on through the machine, the book position is maintained since the book is always held under control during trimming and during transport. Therefore the need of jogging devices within the machine is eliminated.

Also in the machine of the invention, the first means for advancing a book onto the first trimming table is provided with adjustments of the phase between the elements making up the first advancing means. In addition the adjustments can be made during operation so that proper timing at the infeed to the machine can readily and conveniently be established and maintained.

Additional objects of the invention may be inferred from the following disclosure of a machine and method for trimming books, said machine and method embodying the principles of the invention.

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the trimming machine of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the infeed table of the trimming machine;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the front edge trimming knife;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of the infeed portion of the machine showing endless wires for urging the incoming books against a side guide;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the drives for the infeed chains and the pusher mechanism;

FIG. 6 is an additional fragmentary perspective view of the drives for the infeed chains and the pusher mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary elevational view showing one of the plurality of lugs of the infeed chains;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary vertical section view taken along the line 8-8 in FIG. 9 and showing the drive for raising and lowering the pusher members;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the assembly for supporting the pusher members;

FIG. 10 is an end elevational view, partly in section, showing the cam drive for the tracks supporting the pusher members;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the drive from a power source to the trimming machine as well as the draw links for operating the front edge and the side edge trimming knives;

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the rocker links for supporting the trimming tables, the draw links for reciprocating the tables and the knife draw links for vertically reciprocating the trimming knives;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view partly in section of a torsional restraint used in conjunction with each of the trimming tables;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary section view showing the front edge trimming knife and the drive to the front edge clamp;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary vertical section showing the drive to the backstop of the front edge trimming table;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary vertical section view showing the drive for operating the gate overlying the exhaust chute for trimmings cut by the front edge knife;

FIG. 17 is a plan view, partly cut away, of the front edge knife and the trimming chute;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the cams for operating the front edge clamp and the gate for the trimming chute;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary vertical section view showing the drives for the front edge clamp and the side edge clamps;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary vertical section view showing the transport mechanism for advancing the book from the front edge trimming table to the side edge trimming table;

FIG. 21 is a plan view transport mechanism;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the transport mechanism;

FIG. 23 is an end elevational view of the cam drives to the transport mechanism;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the exit portion of the machine;

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of the side trimming knife;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary plan view, partially in section, of the side edge clamps at the side trimming table;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the drive to the said edge clamps;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary vertical section view of a portion of the drive to the gate of the front edge trimming chute;

FIG. 29 is a fragmentary vertical section view of the side trimming knife and a side edge clamp.

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary plan view showing another embodiment including a jogger for heading-up books on the infeed table;

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary elevational view of the linkage for operating the jogger of FIG. 30; and

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary elevational view of the drive to the linkage of the jogger of FIG. 30.

FIG. 1 shows the machine of the invention for performing trimming operations upon the front and side edges of a book, i.e. trimmer 30. In the trimmer the front edge of the book opposite its spine or backbone and the head and foot sides of the book are trimmed. The books to be delivered to the trimmer are conveyed by the moving tapes of a stitcher (not shown) which is located to the right of the trimmer as viewed in FIG. 1. Thus the books being advanced by the stitcher tapes move toward the left as viewed in FIG. 1 and approach infeed table 30a.

The backbone of the book is the leading portion of the book being conveyed by the stitcher tapes. Since the book is engaged to the stitcher tapes adjacent to the backbone of the book it can be understood that the backbone reaches infeed table 30a from the stitcher tape (not shown) at the same time in the cycle for all book widths. As a result it can be seen that the front edge of the book which is to be trimmed does not reach the infeed table at the same time in the cycle. Since infeed table 30a is of a constant length and since it is essential that the front edge of the book be in phase with trimmer 30, it is first necessary to perform a transfer from the stitcher tapes to chains 30 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the infeed table.

Chains 31 which are provided with pins or lugs 32 (FIGS. 3 and 7) pivotally attached to the chains are a portion of the first means for advancing a book onto 1 to 7, then the first trimming table. Thus chains 31 serve as the means for conveying a book along surface 33 of the infeed table. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 the upper reach of the pair of chains 31 extends adjacent to longitudinally extending openings in surface 33 which surface extends adjacent to the first trimming table. The timing between the stitcher tapes and lugs 32 is such that the maximum size book is timed to reach the infeed table and fall into the space between lugs 32 on chains 31. As a result successively smaller books experience a delay upon being delivered to chains 31 and being picked up by lugs 32 although the smaller books need not necessarily cease to move during this transfer.

Once the book enters upon surface 33 of the infeed table it is intended that the book be immediately placed in proper head side register, that is subjected to a heading-up operation on the infeed table rather than being headed up as is conventionally done at the front edge knife. In heading-up the book in the infeed table in accordance with one embodiment of the infeed arrangement of the invention it is necessary to urge the head side of the book against side guide 34 (FIGS. 2 and 3). As the books pass on to surface 33, lugs 32 urge the books to pass beneath end portions 35a of top guides 35, which extend along the length of the infeed table and spaced above surface 33. In order to urge the head side of the book against side guide 34, a plurality of flexible endless members or endless wires 36 passing about driven roll 37 and idler rolls 38, as shown in FIG. 4, are disposed above the entrance portion of the infeed table with the lower reach of the wires substantially parallel to and spaced from surface 33 and with the direction of the length of travel of the wires disposed at an angle directed toward side guide 34. With the wires being driven in the direction of movement of the books and at a somewhat greater velocity the frictional engagement of the lower reach of the wires with the upper face of the books in view of their greater velocity of the wires causes a force to be applied to the books which urges them toward side guide 34. The means for driving the wires includes sprockets 39 and 40. In turn sprocket 40 is driven by shaft 41 and sprocket 42.

The position of guide member or side guide 34 with respect to surface 33 is determined by uprights 43 which are connected at their upper end to bar 44 and to the side guide at their lower end of each of the uprights (FIG. 2). Threaded shafts 45 which are supported by brackets 46 are connected to bar 44. Upon rotation of either one of shafts 45, the rotation motion is transmitted to the other shaft by chain 47. Upon rotation, shafts 45 move with respect to brackets 46 and thereby carry bar 44 and the side guide laterally with respect to surface 33. In this way the side guide can be adjusted as a unit in order to set the proper head register of the book. The provision of the movable side guide enables head register adjustments to be made during operation of the trimmer.

The position of top guide 35 is determined by the setting of shafts 48 (FIGS. 2 and 3) which are connected to top guides 35 by links 49. Experience has shown that it is beneficial to apply a substantially uniform dragging force to the books as they are advanced by chains 31. This is accomplished by the provision of bristle brush 50 which is adjustable positioned by links 51 with respect to shafts 45 so that the bottom portion of the bristles drag upon the top surface of each of the books.

As shown in FIG. 6 the drive to chains 31 originates with sprocket 52 and includes idler sprocket 53 and sprocket 54 about which chain 55 travels. Sprocket 54 is mounted upon camshaft 56 which extends laterally across the machine (FIGS. 5 and 6). Sprocket 57 attached to shaft 56 drives chain 58 with respect to idler sprocket 59 and sprocket 60.

The drive from sprocket 60 which is pivotally mounted upon shaft 61 extends through differential device 62 which serves as a means for adjusting the phase relationship between the operation of the means for conveying books along the infeed table and the means for pushing the books further into the machine. The differential includes gear 63 which is coupled to sprocket 60 and pivotally mounted upon shaft 61. The differential further includes gears 64 and 65 pivotally mounted upon shaft 66a of arm 66. Gear 65 is meshed with gear 67 which is attached to shaft 61 and thereby transmits the drive to sprockets 68 which are also attached to shaft 61. Infeed chains 31 extend about idler sprockets 69, sprockets 68 and idlers sprockets 70.

In view of the variations in the amount of front trim of books, such for example, a variation of 1/4 to 1 inch, it can be understood that books on the infeed chain are not necessarily in phase with the operation of the front knife of the trimmer unless provision is made to control the movement of the books and to make any required correction in the position of the books. Consequently it is necessary before the trimming operations are performed to bring the front trim line of the books in the proper phase relationship with the front knife of the machine. Thus the pusher device for moving books from the infeed table to a position where the front trim line is beneath the front knife must be capable of changing the timing of the books with respect to the front knife as a function of the out-of-trim condition. During the delivery of books from the infeed table to beneath the front knife sufficient time must be provided for the pusher device to engage the books regardless of the amount of trim and to push the books sufficiently far off the lug of the infeed chain in order to enable the pin or lug to drop beneath surface 33 and return toward the stitcher tapes.

Pin or lug 32 of infeed chains 31 as shown in FIG. 7 extends in an upward direction so long as lower portion 32a of the lug travels along guide 71. At the point where the means for pushing a book from engagement with the conveying means and onto the first trimming table, i.e. pushers 72 (FIG. 6), are to engage the front edge of the book, chains 31 pass beyond guides 71 as the chains are about to descend about idler sprockets 70. Thus at this point portions 32a of the lugs leave guides 71, enabling the lugs to rotate and thereby disengage from the front edge of the book.

At the same time pushers 72 have engaged and control the advance of the book. It is necessary that pushers 72 have a horizontal reciprocating motion in order to advance the book, as it leaves lugs 31, toward the front knife. In addition pusher 72 must have a simultaneous vertical reciprocating motion in order to enable the pushers to descend beneath the path of travel of the books once the advancement of a given book has been completed and subsequently to be elevated adjacent to the path of travel of the books to engage the next available book.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 8 and 10, pushers 72 are attached to carriage 73 which is slidably mounted upon guide tracks 74. The end portions of each of the guide tracks located opposite pushers 72 are pivotally mounted with respect to shaft 74a and thereby to the frame of the trimmer. The shaft extends through opening 74b in each of the guide tracks. The guide tracks are supported with respect to their pivotal mounting by the engagement of roller followers 75 attached to the guide tracks and bearing upon vertical motion cams 76. Springs 74c maintain followers 75 biased against cams 76. Thus the profile of cams 76 imparts a vertical movement to guide tracks 74 and thereby to pushers 72 as camshaft 56 rotates.

Shafts 77 are eccentrically connected to shaft 78 as shown in FIG. 6. The shafts are pivotally mounted through the frame of the machine and one of the shafts is provided with operating handle 79. The other one of shafts 77 is connected to bar 80 which in turn is movably coupled to link 81.

The horizontal movement of carriage 73 along guide tracks 74 is generated by the movement of arm 82 coupled to the carriage by adjustable link 83. The arm which is pivotally mounted about shaft 78 carries roller follower 84 which is biased by spring 84a against the periphery of horizontal motion cam 85. In this way carriage 73 and thereby pushers 72 are reciprocated in a substantially horizontal direction by cam 85 as cam 76 reciprocates guide tracks 74 and thereby pushers 72 in a substantially vertical direction.

In order to maintain the proper trim line phase relationship with the front knife, it is necessary to simultaneously change the infeed chain phase and the infeed pusher stroke. The adjustment is accomplished by operating handle 79 which rotates shaft 77 and thereby swings shaft 78, the pivot axis of arm 82, along an eccentric path (FIGS. 5 and 6). As a result, the phase relationship of the reciprocating motion of the pusher is varied with respect to cam 85 and shaft 56. At the same time the rotary motion of shaft 77 disposed opposite handle 79 moves bar 80 and link 81 and thereby pivots arm 66 about the axis of shaft 61. In response to the movement of arm 66 shaft 66a moves gears 64 and 65 relative to gears 63 and 67. Thus it can be seen that shaft 77 serves as part of a common linkage connected to cam follower 84 and arm 82 as well as the gear train. In this way the phase of the rotation of sprockets 68 is varied with respect to sprocket 60. Thus it can be seen that operation of lever 79 enables the phasing of the pushers and the infeed chains to be varied.

As shown in FIG. 5, shaft 61 carrying infeed chain sprocket 68 is connected to clutch 86. Clutch 86 includes a gravity operated latch which prevents reverse movement of the infeed chains. The latch is necessary since whenever lugs 32 pass beyond guides 71, the chain cannot be reversed for adjustment or other reasons since in their retracted position, the lugs can interfere with the guides once the lugs have assumed their retracted position. The latch of clutch 86 can be manually operated by lever 87.

From pusher 72 the books are advanced toward the front knife portion 30b and subsequently to the side knife portion 30c of trimmer 30 (FIG. 1). Front knife portion 30b includes first or front knife trimming table 88 upon which surface 89 for supporting the books is located (FIGS. 1, 3 and 10). Beyond the front knife portion the books are advanced to surface 90 of frame 91 (FIGS. 1--3). Front knife table 88 is supported for substantially reciprocating motion and the table comprises one link of a four bar linkage which additionally includes first means for reciprocating the first trimming table, i.e. rocker links 92 and 93 and a portion of the base of the machine 94 between the pivotal supports of the rocker links 92 and 93 (FIGS. 1, 11 and 12). Thus it can be seen that as rocker links 92 and 93 move in a swinging manner about their pivotal mountings upon base 84 of the trimmer, front knife table 88 reciprocates along the line of travel of the books toward the trimmer with a slight arcuate motion resulting from the swinging motion of the links. Since the links have appreciable radial lengths with respect to their respective pivotal points, the arcuate motion is minimized. Lower front knife 94 (FIG. 12) is mounted upon front knife table 88.

The second trimming table or side knife table 91 is provided with second means for reciprocating the table, i.e. pivotally mounted rocker links 96 and 97 (FIGS. 1, 11 and 12). As a result, side knife table 91 has a reciprocating motion along the line of travel of the books through the trimmer and as in the case of the front knife table, there is a minor degree of arcuate movement to the side knife table 91.

In order to effect a transfer from front knife table 88 to side knife table 91, it is necessary that the front knife table move in the direction of travel of the books at the time of transfer and, at the same time, that the side knife table be adjacent to the front knife table at the time of transfer. As a result, the front knife table and the side knife table must operate substantially out of phase with one another such as about 180.degree. out of phase. With this arrangement, the front knife table is ready to begin its return movement opposite to that of the travel of the books to the machine and the side knife table is moving forward in the direction of travel of the books through the trimmer at the time that the transfer of the books occurs from the front knife table to the side knife table.

The drive to the two tables originates with gear box 98 (FIG. 11) and extends through vibration isolation coupling 99 into crankcase 100 of the trimmer. By means of gearing (not shown) within crankcase 100, crankshafts 101 and 102 (FIG. 12) are driven at constant speed in opposite directions. Crankshafts 101 and 102 are provided with crankpins 101a and 102a, respectively, which are coupled to front table draw links 103 and side knife table draw links 104, respectively (FIGS. 1, 11 and 12). Since the ends of the draw links which are mounted upon the crankpins are driven with an orbital movement by the crankpins, it can be seen that the draw links impart a rocking motion to their respective rocker links. Thus the table draw links serve as a means for swinging the rocker links with a back and forth cyclical motion. In this way the knife tables are subjected to a reciprocating motion. As shown in FIG. 12, lower side knives 105 are attached to side knife table 91 schematically represented in FIG. 11 so that the lower side knives are subjected to the reciprocating motion of the table.

Upper front knife 106 (FIG. 11) is reciprocated vertically with respect to front knife table 88 in response to the movement of the upper end portion of knife draw links 107 which have their lower end pivotally mounted with table draw links 103 upon crankpins 101a. Thus the upper end portion of knife draw links 107 are subjected to an orbital motion in a vertical plane which is transmitted to upper front knife 106. In this way it can be seen that the crankpins and knife draw links serve as third means for reciprocating the movable mounting of the upper front trimming knife. The lower end portion of knife draw links 108 are mounted with table draw links 104 about crankpin 102a of crankshaft 102. In response to the movement of the crankpin the upper end portions of draw links 108 are subjected to an orbital motion disposed within a vertically extending plane. This motion is transmitted to upper side knives 109 so that the knives move with respect to lower side knives 105. Thus draw links 108 are a portion of the fifth means driven in synchronism with the second reciprocating means for reciprocating side knife trimming table or second trimming table 91 for reciprocating the movable mounting means vertically with respect to the second trimming table.

Due to the rather large mass of front knife table 88 and side knife table 91 and since the two tables are moved substantially 180.degree. out of phase with respect to one another, it can be seen that appreciable inertia forces would be encountered in alternately reversing the path of travel of each of the knife tables. The inertia forces can impose heavy load and torque requirements on all of the elements in and to the drive within crankcase 100. To reduce the torque requirements of the system and to reduce the fluctuations in torque during operation, means are provided for introducing a resilient restraint to rocker links 92 as shown in FIG. 13. The resilient restraints comprise torsion bars 110 which extend through tubes 111 to which the rocker arms are attached. End portions 110a of each of the torsion bars 110 are fixedly secured to anchors 112. End portions 110b of each of the torsion bars are connected by keys 113 and blocks 114 to tubes 111. With this arrangement it can be seen that when the rocker links are driven by the crankshaft in each direction of motion of the rocker links, the torsion bars are twisted and thereby store energy which is available to be delivered to the links upon their return motion. In this way the torque requirements for the crankshafts are reduced and the torque fluctuations of the operating cycle are similarly reduced.

Knife draw links 107 are pivotally connected to yoke 115 upon which knife 106 is mounted. The knife is pressed against the yoke in accordance with one embodiment of the knife used in the trimmer of the invention by means of clamp plate 116 which is secured to the yoke by cap screws 117 (FIG. 3). Knife 106 is shown clamped with respect to the yoke in FIGS. 14--16. As shown in FIG. 15, upper front knife 106 has passed beyond the edge of lower front knife 118 so that the cutting stroke has been completed. The use of a thin blade for knife 106, such as for example a blade having a thickness of about 1/4 inch, enables the knife to conform to the flat surface 115a of the yoke when the knife is clamped against it by clamp plate 116. As a result the cut line of the knife is controlled to be always at the same location. Thus the thin construction of the knife enables it to be readily clamped and maintained with its cutting edge extending along a true straight line. In accordance with another embodiment of the knife used in the trimmer of the invention, the knife has a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Such a thick knife is provided with a plurality of jack screws for elastically deflecting the knife edge into a true straight line.

As shown in FIG. 17, yoke 115 is provided with flange 115b, which extends into U-shaped guide 119. This arrangement enables the yoke to travel vertically in a predetermined plane with respect to front knife table 88 upon which the U-shaped guides are mounted.

At entrance side of upper front knife 106 there is disposed trimming chute 119 extending laterally across the trimmer (FIGS. 3 and 17). In advancing books toward knife 106 it is necessary for pushers 72 to advance the books from surface 33 of the infeed table and across structure forming an opening to receive trimmings, that is trimming chute 119, to surface 89 of the front knife table. To enable the books to traverse the opening of the trimming chute, there is provided gate member or gate 120 which includes metal strips which are disposed in the plane of surface 33 of the infeed table and which are adapted to advance into recesses 33a of the infeed table. Gate 120 is mounted upon rails 121 which are adapted to be reciprocated with respect to shafts 122 and shafts 123 supported by the upper portions of rocker links 92 and 93 (FIGS. 16 and 18).

Means for cyclically extending and withdrawing the gate member includes gate cams 124 which engage roller followers 125 pivotally mounted on levers 126. Lower end 126a of each lever is pivotally connected to the front knife table. Upper end 126b of each lever 126 is pivotally connected to rail 121. Spring 127 mounted upon bracket 128 attached to the frame of the front knife table urges lever 126 toward cam 123 so that roller follower 125 remains against the surface of the cam. It can be seen that as shaft 123 rotates, lever 126 will cause rails 121 and thereby gate 120 to reciprocate and alternately open and close the trimming chute. When the trimming chute is opened, trimmings from the front edge of the book which are cut by upper front knife 106 can fall into the chute. The rotation of camshaft 129 upon which rocker links 93 are pivotally mounted serves to drive sprocket 130 which is connected by chain 131 to sprocket 132 of shaft 123 (FIG. 18).

As a book is advanced across gate 120, beneath upper front knife 106, and onto surface 89 of the front knife table it is necessary to stop the backbone of the book at a predetermined position in order that the front edge of the book be properly presented to the upper front knife. FIG. 15 shows backstops 133 in their stopping position which extends above the upper face of surface 89. Backstops 133 are attached to hinges 134 which are pivotally mounted by pivot 134a to bracket 135. One end of rocker arm 136 is pivotally connected to hinge 134 and at the other end of the rocker arm it is pivotally connected to roller follower 137. Rocker arm 136 is mounted by pivot 138 with respect to the front knife table. Spring 139 which is supported with respect to the front knife table by bracket 140 urges rocker arm 136 through link 141 to cause roller follower 137 to be forced into contact with the surface of cam 142 mounted upon shaft 123.

As shaft 124 rotates and thereby rotates cam 142, rocker arm 136 driven by roller follower 137 swings about pivot 138 and in turn causes hinge 134 to swing about pivot 134a. As viewed in FIG. 15, hinge 134 is alternately moved in a clockwise direction to lower backstops 133 and in a counterclockwise direction to elevate backstop 133.

Manifold 143 extends laterally across the machine and is mounted upon the front knife table by brackets 144 (FIGS. 3 and 14--16). The manifold is provided with air jets 145 (FIG. 3) to direct the trimmings into chute 119.

When an incoming book which has passed beneath the front knife is brought to rest against backstops 133, it is necessary to clamp the book with respect to surface 89 of the front knife table prior to the trimming operation by the front knife. Means movably mounted with respect to the first trimming table for clamping a book during the front edge trimming operation include clamps 146 (FIG. 14). The clamps are adapted to move vertically with respect to surface 89 of front knife table 88 and is adjustably connected to operating link 147. The adjustable connection includes racks 148 on the operating link and pinions 149 fixedly mounted on shaft 150 which is pivotally mounted with respect to clamps 146. Racks 148 are adjustably positioned vertically with respect to clamp 146 by moving lever 151 (FIG. 16) attached to shaft 150 which in turn rotates pinions 149 in mesh with the racks (FIG. 14). Clamp 146 is provided with split sleeves 146a which surround racks 148. After adjustment of the clamp with respect to the rack, the adjustment is locked by tightening the sleeves by means of threaded shafts 146b to which are attached knobs 146c (FIG. 17).

Thus the fourth means for cyclically reciprocating the clamping means vertically with respect to the first trimming table includes the drive to operating links 147 which comprises links 152 pivotally connected to arms 153 mounted upon shaft 123 (FIGS. 18 and 19). The free end of each of arms 153 is pivotally connected to operating links 147 (FIG. 14). The lower end of links 152 are pivotally connected to operating arms 154 which in turn are pivotally mounted with respect to tube 111 of rocker links 92 (FIGS. 18 and 19). Operating arms 154 carry roller followers 155 which operate in contact with the surface of cams 156 mounted upon shaft 129. The downward component of force applied by springs 157 to arms 154 causes roller followers 155 to remain engaged with cam 156. In this way it can be seen that as shaft 129 rotates, cam 156 drives arm 154 and thereby link 152, arm 153 and operating links 147 to reciprocate clamp 146 in a vertical direction.

In the trimmer, once the front edge of the book has been cut, it is necessary to advance the book to the side knife table in order to cut the head and foot edges of the book and thereby complete the trimming operations. In the trimmer of the invention it is desired to maintain the book velocity which is present during the front edge trimming and to transport the book over a considerable distance in delivering the book to the side knife table. By way of example, the book may be moved over a distance of approximately 17 inches. This type of transport is accomplished in the trimmer by the use of a recirculating belt mechanism which is capable of applying a clamping force to the book to engage and advance it from the front knife table.

During the front knife cutting the clamped book travels under the leading portion of transport section 30d of the trimmer (FIGS. 1 and 20). The leading portion of the transport section, i.e. the second means for advancing a book from the first trimming table and with respect to the second trimming table, includes idler belt roller 158 pivotally mounted with respect to support 159 which is attached to support 160. The support is pivotally mounted with respect to the frame of the transport section by pin 161. Upper conveyor element or belt 162 of the transport section extends about idler roller 158, idler roller belt 163, tightening roller 164 and drive roller 165.

Tightening roller 164 is pivotally mounted with respect to arm 167. In turn the arm is pivotally mounted upon shaft 168 which is attached to the frame of the transport section. Arm 167 is coupled by compression spring 169 to arm 170 which is attached to shaft 171 (FIG. 21). Follower arm 172 which is attached to shaft 171 is driven in response to the motion of the surface of cam 173 engaged with the follower arm. In this way it can be seen that as shaft 165 rotates and in turn cam 173 rotates, arm 167 will be alternately raised and lowered as viewed in FIG. 20 so that tightening roller 164 is cyclically tightened and loosened with respect to belt 162. Roller 165 and cam 173 are both mounted upon shaft 174 which is driven by a sprocket (not shown) and attached to the shaft.

During the front knife trimming operation the clamped book travels under the leading portion of the transport section and as a result it is necessary at this point to raise front idler roller 158 (FIG. 20). Support 160 is pivotally connected to pushrod 175 which in turn is pivotally connected to arm 176. By means of shaft 177, arm 176 is connected to follower arm 178 which carries roller follower 179. Cam 180 (FIGS. 20 and 21) which is mounted upon shaft 180a, engages roller follower 179 and reciprocates follower arm 178 and thereby arm 176. In turn arm 176 imparts a reciprocating motion to push rod 175 which is transmitted to support 160 which is pivotally mounted about pin 161.

Movement of push rod 175 to the right as viewed in FIGS. 20--22 results in idler roller 158 being lowered while movement of the push rod to the left results in the idler roller being elevated. The idler roller is elevated to receive a book being advanced to the cutting position beneath the front knife. On the other hand, the idler roller is lowered to bring belt 162 into contact with the upper surface of the book when the book is to be advanced with respect to the side knife table.

Along the lower reach of belt 162 the belt passes from idler roller 158 and beneath pressure plate 181 which is attached at the leading portion thereof to support 159 and at the trailing portion thereof to support 182 (FIG. 20). Support 182 is supported by shaft 183 which is slidably mounted within the support. Shaft 183 is attached to link 184 which in turn is coupled to shaft 185. In addition, arm 186 is attached to shaft 185. Spring 187 applies a clockwise bias force to arm 186 and thereby causes support 182 to urge pressure plate 181 against belt 162. The downward travel of support 182 in response to the bias of spring 187 is adjustably set by means of eccentric stop 188 which engages arm 186 in the limiting position.

In addition by pressure plate 181, belt 162 is urged toward a book passing beneath the belt by pressure plate 189 (FIG. 20). Pressure plate 189 is connected at one end to support 182 and at the opposite end thereof to arm 190 which is pivotally mounted about shaft 190a to support 191 of the transfer section. By means of shaft 192, support 191 is pivotally mounted with respect to frame member 193.

The leading portion of support 191 is positioned by curved arm 194 which is adjustably supported with respect to lever 195 by screw 196 extending through the lever and coupled to shaft 197 within the curved arm (FIG. 22). Arm 195 is clamped to shaft 198 to which is coupled lever 199 (FIGS. 20 and 22). The free end of lever 199 is pivotally connected by shaft 200 to support 191.

Shaft 198 is supported by link 201 (FIG. 20) with respect to the frame of the machine. Support 191 therefore is supported with respect to the frame of the machine by lever 199 mounted upon shaft 198 and by shaft 192 engaged to frame 193. The final element connected to support 191 includes rod 202 connected at one end thereof to arm 190 (FIGS. 20 and 22) and at the opposite end thereof to arm 170 (FIG. 21).

The motion imparted to follower arm 172 by cam 173 serves cyclically to reciprocate arm 202. As a result of the suspension of support 191 by lever 199, by screw 196, and by shaft 192, the support and consequently pressure plate 189 can be maintained in a horizontal position as screw 196 is adjusted to set the elevational position of the pressure plate as determined by the thickness of the book.

In operation, as a book is advanced to the side knife section 30e of the trimmer (FIG. 1), the speed of the book substantially matches that of the side knife table and therefore once the book has been advanced between the upper and lower conveyors or belts 162 and 203, the clamping arrangement of the side knife table can be lowered to clamp the book to the table (FIG. 20). It is at this point that rod 202 pivots support 191 and thereby elevates the end portion of pressure plate 189 which is opposite the end support by support 182 in order to remove the driving force of belt 162 against the book.

In the event that a jam of a book could occur within the transport section of the trimmer, the jam would present an excess thickness attempting to advance beneath pressure plate 181. This condition can overcome the bias of spring 187 and thereby allow support 182 to move upwardly. A switching device (not shown) connected to arm 186 can be actuated in response to the movement of the arm by a jammed condition. In turn the switch can actuate a device to signal the abnormal condition.

The lower conveyor or mating pinch belt to belt 162 is belt 203, the upper reach of which extends over support plates 204 in a facing relationship with belt 162 (FIG. 20). Belt 203 passes about end rollers 205 and 206 and idler rollers 207.

In operation when the head and foot trim transport velocity and the velocity of the side knives are matched, rod 202 causes pressure plate 189 to be lowered and to pinch the book while the side clamps are released. Following this point, lugs (not shown) on chain 208 advance the book toward speeder belt 213. Subsequently, speeder belt 213 (FIG. 20) advances the book toward transport belt 214 (FIG. 1).

Side knife table 91 (FIG. 25) is supported for horizontal reciprocation by rocker links 96 and 97 and driven by table draw link 104 which is coupled to crankpin 102a. Guides 215 extend upwardly from both of the opposite sides of side knife table 91. Yokes 216 are mounted for sliding movement with respect to guides 215 and thereby by table 91. Support 217 carried by each of yokes 216 serve to mount each of upper side knives 109 with respect to the yoke. It is necessary that upper side knives 109 reciprocate with respect to lower side knives 105 during the movement of side knife table 91 in order to trim the head and foot side portions of the book.

Yokes 216 are supported by rubber bushings 218 with respect to shaft 219. The yokes are adjustably positioned with respect to shaft 219 by clamping blocks 220 and secured by clamps 221. The function of the rubber bushing is to compensate for any misalignment which may exist between the guides. As table 91 is reciprocated horizontally by rocker links 96 and 97, yokes 216 and thereby knives 109 are reciprocated vertically with respect to table 91 and lower side trimming blades 105. The yokes are reciprocated by the drive of draw links 108 which extend from crankpins 102a and shaft 219.

The interval between guides 215 and thereby upper and lower knives 109 and 105, respectively, can be adjusted in order to correspond to the length of the book which is to have its head and foot ends trimmed. Wheel 222 attached to threaded shaft 223 (FIG. 26) can be located between guides 215 and the frame of the machine. By engaging shaft 223 to threaded sleeve 224 the position of guide 215 can be adjusted laterally by rotation of wheel 222.

During the trimming of the head and foot ends of a book on side knife trimming table 91, it is necessary that the book be clamped with respect to the table. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 27, side clamps 225 are attached to arms 226 which are pivotally mounted with respect to guides 215 (FIG. 25) by shafts 227. The shafts are mounted within bearings 228. Links 229 (FIG. 27) are connected to one of arms 226 for each of the side clamps 225. The links are adjustably coupled to shaft 230 which is attached to upwardly extending rods 231. The lower end of each of rods 231 is connected to shaft 232 which is pivotally mounted with respect to side knife clamp arms 233. Arm 233 which is pivotally mounted about shaft 96a (FIGS. 18 and 19 and 27) is provided with roller follower 234 which engages cam 156 mounted upon shaft 129. The upward force applied to arm portion 233 by compression spring 157, as viewed in FIGS. 18 and 19, serves to maintain roller follower 234 in engagement with cam 156.

In FIG. 29, lower side trimming knife 105 is shown disposed adjacent to receiver 235 which accepts the trimmings from the side knife. In the drawing, side clamp 225 is shown disposed above lower side knife 105. Receiver 235 is supported at its trailing end portion by link 236 (FIG. 19) which is mounted upon shaft 232. At the leading end portion of the receiver it is supported by bracket 237 which in turn is connected to link 237a. The positioning of shaft 238 and thereby link 237 enables the position of receiver 235 to be adjusted, as shown in FIG. 19, in order to accommodate books of different lengths between the head end and the foot end portion of the book.

Chute 239 directs the trimmings from receiver 235 into hopper 240 from whence the trimmings can be exhausted by a vacuum blower or the like.

In accordance with another embodiment of the infeed arrangement of the infeed invention jogger 241 is provided to urge the heads of the books on surface 33 of the infeed table toward side guide 34 (FIG. 30). When jogger 241 is employed, top guides 35 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and endless wires 36 (FIG. 4) are eliminated. Jogger 241 which is located adjacent to the entrance portion of the infeed table extends in a direction parallel to the book flow which proceeds from delivery belts (not shown) passing about pulleys 242. Jogger 241 is pivotally connected to links 243 and 244 which are adapted to reciprocate the jogger in a direction perpendicular to the line of travel of the books as the length of the jogger is maintained parallel to the path of travel of the books.

As shown in FIG. 31 there is provided a carriage 245 which is adjustably supported by rods 246 and 247. By means of links 243 and 244 which are pivotally attached to the carriage by screws 248 and 249, respectively, the links can be swung with respect to the carriage and thereby reciprocate the jogger. The parallel linkage for the jogger, in addition to including links 243 and 244, also includes floating link 250 pivotally attached to links 243 and 244 (FIG. 30). The rest position of the jogger is adjusted with respect to the infeed table by the positioning of carriage 245 along rods 246 and 247. By means of handle 251 the carriage can be clamped in a locked position with respect to the rods.

The drive to the jogger can be derived from the motion of infeed chain 31 (FIG. 6). By means of a sprocket (not shown) mounted upon shaft 252 the motion of chain 31 can be transmitted to cam 253 (FIG. 32). With this arrangement the rotation of the cam can be selected to be a predetermined function of the motion of infeed chain 31.

Stationary bracket 254 serves as a support for pivotally mounted link 255. Roller follower 256 is pivotally mounted to the free end of link 255. Rod 257 is pivotally connected to the central portion of link 255 by means of spring 258. Rod 257 and thereby link 255 are urged toward cam 253 so that follower 256 constantly engages the outer peripheral surface of the cam.

The motion of follower 256 and thereby link 255 are transmitted by coupling 259 which is pivotally connected to link 255 to push-pull cable 260. The opposite end of cable 260 is connected by coupling 261 to link 243 (FIGS. 30 and 31). In this way the motion of follower 256 is employed by means of cable 260 to reciprocate jogger 241.

As the incoming books advance passed jogger 241 the reciprocating movement of the jogger urges the heads of the books against side guide 34. As the books continue to be advanced by infeed chains 31, resilient fingers 262 (FIG. 30) attached to support 263 engage the end of each of the books opposite the head end thereof and thereby maintain the head end of each of the books against side guide 34. As a result the proper head side registry of each of the books with respect to the side guide is maintained by the plurality of springs 262 as the books approach the front knife. Since support 262 is attached to carriage 245 adjustment of the carriage to establish the rest position of jogger 241 also serves to select the proper position for support 263 and thereby that of the spring fingers.

SUMMARY

In operation books are received from a stitcher, the conveyor of which advances the books onto surface 33 of the infeed table of the trimmer (FIGS. 2 and 3). Lugs 32 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 7) of chains 31 then advance the books along surface 33. In one embodiment of the invention moving wires 36 (FIG. 4) which engage the upper surfaces of the books urge the books laterally with respect to surface 33 toward side guide 34 as the books advance. In this way the books are headed up along the side guide in advance of the first trimming operation. Elongated brush 50 applies a drag force to the books as they advance into the trimmer.

In another embodiment of the invention books entering upon surface 33 of the infeed table are urged by jogger 241 against side guide 34. After the books are headed up along the side guide by the jogger, the books are urged to remain in contact with the side guide by means of a plurality of resilient fingers which contact each of the books as they are advanced into the trimmer.

As lugs 32 advance toward the trailing end (FIG. 7) of the upper reach of chains 31, adjacent to idler sprockets 70, the books are transferred to reciprocating pushers 72. In response to the drive of arm 82 and tracks 74 the pushers start below and behind books engaged by lugs 32 and then accelerate forwardly and in an upward direction. As lugs 32 reach the idler sprockets the lugs begin to pivot and drop. At this point pushers 72 are a small fraction of an inch behind the books, such as about one-sixteenth of an inch, and extend above surface 33. The pushers then engage the books and advance the books toward backstops 133 beyond the front edge trimming knife.

By means of adjustment of handle 79, the position of roller follower 84 can be adjusted with respect to horizontal motion cam 85 (FIG. 6). At the same time adjustment of handle 79 changes the position of gears 64 and 65 of differential 62. In this way the phase relationship between lugs 32 of chains 31 and pushers 72 can be adjusted to insure that a smooth and properly timed transfer of each of the books occurs from the lugs to the pushers.

The reciprocating motion imparted to front knife table 88 by table draw link 103 (FIG. 3) is timed with respect to the motion of pushers 72. The table is moved in a forward or an advancing direction as the books are advanced onto the table by the pushers. At this point gates 120 (FIGS. 3 and 16) cover recesses 33a disposed adjacent to trimming chute 119 so that the books may be bridged across the trimming chute. When the books are advanced beneath knife 106 and are positioned against backstops 133, clamp 146 is lowered to maintain the books in position on front knife table 88 with the front edge of the books disposed along lower front knife 95 (FIGS. 14 and 15). In order to trim the front edge of each of the books, upper front knife 106 mounted in yoke 115 (FIG. 3) is reciprocated with respect to lower front knife 95 by knife draw links 107 (FIGS. 11 and 12) connected to crankpins 101a. The trimmings from the front knife enter into trimming chute 119 (FIGS. 15, 16 and 28).

During the advancement of the books against backstops 133, the backbone of the books enter between belts 162 and 203 of the transport mechanism which overlies side knife table 91 (FIG. 20). When the cut of the front knife is completed the speed of the front knife table 88 matches the speed of belts 162 and 203 of the transport mechanism. At this point idler roller 158 about which belt 162 passes is lowered in response to the motion of rod 202, support 160 and support 159 so that idler roller 158 and belt 162 are lowered onto the books as front clamp 146 is raised.

The books are then advanced by belts 161 and 203 beneath pressure plate 181 and toward pressure plate 189. In the event that a jam of a book should occur between the belts, the jammed book would urge belt 162 to elevate the end portions of the pressure plates 181 and 189 overlying the book (FIG. 20). Support 182 which is supported by link 184 and arm 186 against the restraint of spring 187 would also move upwardly with the end portion of the pressure plates. The movement of support 182 can be sensed by a switch device which will detect the jammed condition.

As the books reach the region of upper side knives 109 supported in yoke 216 and lower side knives 105 mounted with respect to guides 215, the speed of the books and the speed of side knife table 91 are matched (FIG. 25). At this point pressure plate 189 is swung upwardly to free the books from the drive of the pinch belts. Here it should be noted that the side knife table is reciprocated horizontally by the drive imparted to it by table draw links 104 while yokes 216 are reciprocated vertically by draw links 108c (FIGS. 12 and 25). It should also be noted that both the front knife table 88 and the side knife table 91 are driven by crankshafts 101 and 102, respectively, which rotate in the same direction and which are coupled to the two tables in a manner which causes the tables to reciprocate substantially 180.degree. out of phase with one another.

Prior to cutting the head and foot end of each of the books it is necessary to clamp the books with respect to side knife table 91. This is accomplished by side clamps 225 pivotally supported by arms 226 connected to shaft 227 (FIG. 27). During the side trimming operation the trimmings pass into receiver 235 which directs the trimmings by way of chutes 239 into hopper 240 (FIG. 29).

Following the completion of the side trimming operation, pressure plate 189 is lowered and the books are advanced by the pinch belts (FIG. 20). At this point lugs of chains 208 engage the trimmed books and advance them toward speeder belt 213. The speeder belt then engages the books and delivers them to transport belt 214 (FIGS. 1 and 24) and out of the machine.

* * * * *

Current U.S. Class:	83/23 ; 83/155; 83/157; 83/158; 83/303; 83/319; 83/320; 83/39; 83/391
Current International Class:	B26D 1/10 (20060101); B26D 1/01 (20060101); B26D 7/06 (20060101); B26D 5/08 (20060101); B26D 5/14 (20060101); B26D 1/58 (20060101); B26D 1/00 (20060101); B26D 11/00 (20060101); B65h 035/06 ()
Field of Search:	83/23,39,155,157--160,303,310,318--320,328,391,404,418,438,925B5