Abstract:
With an arrangement for the timed processing of a book block, consisting of at least one printed sheet or at least one signature, a transfer device is arranged in-between the feed devices for the book blocks and the device for the further conveying of such a book block, wherein this transfer device supplies the book blocks to at least one other processing station. The transfer device is provided with a translation device for taking over or clamping in the book block, wherein this translation device executes at least one rotary or quasi-rotary translation movement. The translation device itself operates in at least two spatial dimensions for the transfer of the book block, wherein the translation movement occurs with a uniform or a changeable movement speed. The center axis for the translation device occupies an optional position in space, relative to the further processing station.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The European patent document EP 1 645 434 A1 discloses an arrangement for the timed processing of book blocks, composed of printed sheets, wherein these are frequently composed either of individual sheets or folded signatures. The aforementioned publication proposes assigning a lifting device provided with end stop to the feed element. With the aid of the lifting device, a supplied book block is pivoted from a horizontal position to a vertical position and is then transferred with the help of an adjustably driven end stop to the clamp of the perfect binder. With this sequence of operational steps, book blocks supplied while positioned horizontal can be transferred without problem and avoiding additional changeover movements to a perfect binding station. In the process, the book block is placed into the upright position by the lifting device and is inserted from below into a perfect binder clamp. The lifting movement is initiated before a book block arrives at the end stop, wherein the adjustability of the end stop can also be utilized for adjusting the format of the supplied book block. However, it has turned out that with such an operating sequence, the cycle time or the cadence is subject to relatively strong limitations. As a result, it is no longer possible to achieve higher timing rates because the underlying sequence is configured such that a return lift is first required before a new book block is advanced, meaning before it can be taken over. 
     In principle it has turned out that a book block can be supplied along an advancing plane only over the course of a plurality of processing cycles for which a longer feed section is required. 
     Several solutions are already disclosed for correcting this problem. However, these solutions on the whole did not satisfy since a partial improvement in each case could be achieved only with additional structural measures, which in turn had a negative effect on the susceptibility of the system. 
     For example, it was necessary to assign a guide element that is positioned at a distance to the guide rails forming the guide plane in order to prevent the possible tilting to one side of the book block at the end stop. This guide element supports and guides the book block on the opposite side. 
     To be sure, the book blocks can be pivoted with the aid of a gear assembly that is drive-connected to the end stop from the horizontal position on the feed element to a vertical position in which it rests on the book block spine, but this can be done only if corresponding additional guide rails are provided. 
     To prevent a tilting, the different book block thicknesses furthermore require an adjustment of the distance between the guide plane formed with the guide rails and the guide element. Unfortunately, this can be achieved with respect to kinematics only if a traction mechanism is provided. 
     It must furthermore be considered that at the instant of feeding the book block, meaning when the aforementioned lifting device is in the starting position, the guide rails must advantageously be positioned below the conveying center of the conveying elements, which are supported gliding on supports, to avoid friction between the book blocks and the guide rails, wherein this requires additional measures. 
     As a result of these point-by-point considerations, we can state that all the modifications disclosed so far involve a relatively large expenditure and have not always yielded the initially expected results, so that we now feel pressured to take new paths and provide new suggestions for developing an arrangement for the timed processing of book blocks composed of at least one printed sheet. It may be taken into consideration here that the book blocks may be composed of loose sheets, meaning the printed sheets are not securely joined to each other. Of course, it is also possible to use book blocks where the printed sheets are joined ahead of time. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is an object of the present invention to correct the disadvantages of the prior art and to show advantageous new paths. The above an other objects are accomplished according to one aspect of the invention wherein there is provided an arrangement for the timed processing of book blocks, composed of at least one printed sheet or at least one signature, which, in one embodiment, includes at least one book block feed device; at least one processing station; and at least one transfer device, coupled to the at least one book block feed device to further convey the book blocks from the at least one transfer device to the at least one processing station, wherein the transfer device comprises at least one rotary or quasi-rotary translation device to take over the book blocks, wherein the at least one translation device operates in at least two dimensions to further convey the book blocks, wherein the at least one translation device has a uniform or changeable movement speed, and wherein the center axis of the at least one translation device occupies an optional position in space, relative to the at least one processing station. 
     One embodiment includes a system along with the necessary technical infrastructure, for which the critical speeds of the feeding method can be regular or irregular, can involve an acceleration or delay, can behave either synchronous or asynchronous, and can have adaptive accelerations or delays. The final purpose of the measures according to the embodiment may therefore be seen as a maximizing of the timing rates along with a careful handling of the print medium. 
     It is furthermore an object of the invention to propose measures for removing the individual book blocks as quickly as possible from the book block feed device, for example, by using a transfer device, which securely creates a space for the subsequently arriving book block. This has a positive effect on the cycle times and also allows maximizing the output. 
     A further object is to ensure a careful transfer of the book blocks along the conveying path, for example from the book block feed device to the transfer device and from there to the book channel. 
     The book blocks may be generated with the aid of a digital printing press, where such a digital printing press allows the sequential printing of the pages for a book block or a book. The sequential printing of a book block means that the digital printing press may start with the printing of the first sheet, which is followed sequentially and immediately by the printing of the other sheets for completing the book or the book block. Digital printing presses may operate without a fixed printing form and can therefore operate in the above-presented manner. Following the printing operation, the successively printed sheets can then either be stacked to form a book block, or they can be folded with the aid of a suitable folding machine into signatures and then stacked to form book blocks. 
     The book blocks to be transferred may be loose stacks composed of individual printed sheets or folded signatures. However, they can also be secured for the transport so that the individual printed sheets or the signatures cannot slide relative to each other. This can also be understood to mean a fixation in-between the layers with respect to the stacked printed sheets or signatures, or a temporary fixation, and that this fixation does not have a system-relevant effect in the completely processed and finished printed product or the product which is processed further. As a result, the compactness of the book block can be ensured during the transport. 
     With respect to the transfer device, an object of the normal or adaptive acceleration or delay is to influence the translational speeds of the transfer device within implemented movement profiles. The movement profiles can include various curve functions, as well as dwell times or stop times. In principle, an object may be to allow the movement speed to follow a specific progressive-movement profile, which is composed of one or more separate curve functions, or of curve functions that are superimposed relative to each other, in connection with the transfer process as well as in view of the otherwise relevant speeds within the arrangement, in particular also in view of the movement speeds of the book block feed device and the book channel. 
     According to one embodiment, the book block is not supplied and inserted directly into the clamp, but is transferred to an upstream-arranged book channel. A book channel of this type is disclosed in the art and may be used, for example, in connection with a gathering machine. A book channel of this type is known from gathering machines as a gathering channel that can be used to convey signatures, bound books and loose or secured book blocks with the aid of gripper fingers or other auxiliary mechanisms inside the channel. 
     According to another embodiment, the arrangement distances itself from a device moving in a purely linear or quasi-linear direction for supplying the book blocks from one station to the next station and that it proposes supplying the book blocks with the aid of a rotary or quasi-rotary translation movement to the book channel before they are conveyed further to a processing station. As a result, it may be possible to sustainably increase the timing or throughput rates while, at the same time, permitting a careful handling of the loose book blocks. 
     For the present case, the term translation refers to a movement where all points of the moving body are moving in the same direction. 
     The term quasi-rotary translation is in principle is understood to mean a movement for conveying the book block along a curved path. However, at least one linear movement can also be superimposed on the curved movement in one axis, or it can expand or superimpose the rotary movement at an optional location, wherein a movement of this type can also be generated by an outside mechanism, for example a robot-type arm. Accordingly, it is not absolutely required to implement the linear movement sequence before or after the rotary movement, but it can also be implemented in-between. Such combinations are always useful at locations where the space conditions or already existing units restrict the clearance spaces. It is furthermore advantageous that this linear movement can occur in a horizontal, vertical or also slanted position, which additionally ensures a high flexibility for the arrangement according to the invention. 
     According to another embodiment, during the transfer operation, the rotary or, if applicable, the quasi-rotary translation movement is not necessarily restricted to a two-dimensional movement. Rather, during the feeding operation, the aforementioned translation movements can also easily occupy the third dimension, if necessary, in view of the fact that at least during the complete transfer process the layers of the individual folded sheets must optimally be handled so that they cannot slide relative to each other, for example, meaning such that they can retain their compact shape during the complete process. Relative to the feed plane leading to the book channel, the rotary or quasi-rotary translations can assume any position per se, meaning, for example, horizontal or vertical or angled, where intermediate combinations are possible as well. 
     According to a further embodiment, the system is configured to allow a continuous as well as an intermittent feeding of the book blocks, which in turn expands or widens the applicability and flexibility of the system. This may be necessary, for example, if measuring/control stations are provided in the processing flow, which trigger interventions based on quality considerations without this having a negative effect on the product-related flow cadence. However, that is not always the case in particular for a conventional linear feed where quality-indicated interventions for the most part have a negative effect on the product-related cadence. 
     According to one embodiment, the system may include structural measures for which the geometry is selected such that it is in principle unnecessary to adjust the feed devices to the respective book block format. In turn, this has the advantage that even the smallest batches can be processed without requiring major conversions. 
     As mentioned above, the system according to the various embodiments for the first time may make it possible to achieve the type of comprehensive quality, which until now could not be achieved consequently with the prior art systems, which frequently was the result of a compromise because it would excessively lower the throughput rates. 
     Since the system according to the invention is flexible, as compared to a strictly timing-related, continuous feeding of the book blocks to the transfer device for the transfer process, it may be possible without problem to provide measuring/control stations prior to the rotary movement, which are adjusted to narrow tolerances and, upon exceeding a specific tolerance limit, are activated and in turn activate corresponding transfer-out mechanisms. The dimensional controls in this case relate in particular to the book block format and may be directed toward the height, width and thickness of the respective book block. In addition, they also comprise an identifying feature for the book block. 
     According to one embodiment, the measuring/control stations can also forward the measuring data to the following processing station, for example for the precise adjustments of the following processing machines. As a result, the measuring/control stations not only take on a purely static control function for an actual condition, but they also forward production-relevant information to the down-stream arranged processing machines. 
     According to another embodiment, the rotary as well as the quasi-rotary translation movements can be accelerated or delayed either in a uniform or non-uniform manner, wherein we point to the above explanations for the effects of such a speed change. 
     According to a further embodiment, the book blocks moving along the feed section can be positioned either transverse or in longitudinal direction, without this negatively affecting the timing rates. For example, optimally adjusting the position of the book block in front of the perfect binder does not influence the timing rate predetermined by the translation. This high flexibility is caused by the wide range of embodiment options for the translation devices used in the area of the transfer device, meaning the movement sequence of the translation can control the transfer of the book block to the book channel such that the following processes, e.g. the application of the binder, can occur under continuous optimum processing conditions. 
     Emphasized herein is the fact that the different options for configuring the transfer devices used all have a congruent finality and accordingly are all subject matters representing a uniform inventive idea. 
     Owing to the high flexibility of the rotary translation, it is also possible to provide additional control mechanisms along the path to the transfer station, which can monitor the quality, wherein these can be focused onto the position and inner consistency of the book blocks. 
     According to one embodiment, the takeover element belonging to the transfer device, for example taking the shape of a fork-type structure, takes over the advancing of the book blocks during the translation and is subjected to a angular movement immediately before the transfer, which forces the book block to assume a slanted position in the takeover element, so that the book block can purposely slide toward the end stop within this takeover element. A slanted positioning of this type among other things has a stabilizing effect on the book blocks mass, wherein this effect is accompanied by an increase in the ability of the body to stay put. However, the slanted position can also exist from the start and does not necessarily have to be imposed during the process at a suitable location, meaning specifically during the course of the rotary or quasi-rotary movement. 
     One advantage of the invention as it relates to the system includes the fact that it also has advantages for the peripheral systems, which are responsible for the product flows. As a result, printed products from a plurality of product flows or from divided product flows can be advanced, meaning a plurality of feeding stations can converge toward the rotary or quasi-rotary translation of the operating transfer device, so that parallel-operated transfer devices can also be provided as needed. This has the effect of an increase in the production, which is causally connected to an increased productivity of the arrangement according to the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a device for feeding book blocks to a rotary-driven transfer device, including a measuring/control station, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a stylized representation of the feed device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a complete drive assembly for the rotary-driven transfer device, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a more detailed look at a takeover element, showing the slot guidance for the gripper finger, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a transfer device at a specific circulation position, in which the takeover elements are located at the poles, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a transfer device at a specific circulation position in which one of the transfer forks is operatively connected to a link mechanism, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a different rotary-driven transfer device, having transport arms that are effective perpendicular to the book channels, whereas the transfer device itself rotates in the manner of a carrousel, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a different rotary-driven transfer device that rotates horizontally, relative to the book channel, and is provided with grippers, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  depicts another transfer device, embodied as paddle-wheel type inlet star, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a conveying section between the book block feed device and the takeover element, wherein this section consists of a transport belt and a downstream arranged transfer plane and wherein the latter is roller-driven, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  depicts a detailed view of the measuring/control station that is arranged upstream of the transfer device in the book channel and comprises a transfer-out device, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 12-13  depict a mechanism showing the dynamic of a transfer-out operation, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  depicts an easy to operate device for transferring book blocks to a processing station, wherein the transfer device is activated in this case, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows an arrangement A that essentially consists of a feed device  60  for book blocks  61 , an in-between arranged control unit  50 , a transfer device  10 , and a conveying section  70  for conveying the book blocks to a processing station that is not shown in further detail herein (see  FIG. 7 ). 
     To ensure uniformity for the terms used herein, the feed device  60  is henceforth called a “book block feed device” and the conveying section  70  for conveying the book blocks downstream of the transfer device is referred to as “book channel.” 
     This Figure only shows the basic components of an arrangement A of this type, wherein the individual components are shown and described in further detail in the following Figures. Thus, the transfer device  10  is shown and described in more detail in  FIGS. 3-6  while the control station  50  is described in further detail with the explanations provided for  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 2  contains a stylized representation of  FIG. 1  and is only intended to show the main components of the arrangement A, namely the transfer device  10 , the book block feed device  60 , and the book channel  70 . Particularly easy to see in this Figure is the completed takeover  62  of a book block  61  by a component of the transfer device  10 . 
       FIG. 3  shows details of the design for the previously mentioned transfer device  10 , which forms the central component, between the feed device  60  for the book blocks  61  and the book channel  70  which connects to the further processing stations. 
     The transfer device  10  shown here in  FIG. 3  carries out a purely circular movement in a plane, starting with a rotating main center axis  12 . This main center axis  12  is operatively connected to a planet gear  13 , which is known per se and which drives with the aid of a circular movement a square, star-shaped rotor  14 , wherein the four corner points of this rotor  14  carry respectively one shaft  14   a - 14   d  that is operatively connected to a peripheral gearwheel  15  of the planet gear  13 . These shafts form the respective starting points for holding a takeover element  16 , which in turn is embodied in the manner of a console having a fork-type support plane  17  which forms the support surface for the further transport of the book blocks  61 , wherein this support plane  17  may be designed to accommodate a single book block  61 . During the rotational movement of the rotor  14 , each takeover element  16  together with the support plane  17  assumes initially a preferably quasi-horizontal position over most of its peripheral movement. It means that the support planes  17  are not positioned strictly horizontal, but are already positioned at a slight inclination that coincides with the inclination of the book channel  70 . However, the support planes  17  per se can also occupy a position that is parallel to the book block feed device or horizontal thereto. 
     The respectively assumed position is directly connected to the optimum takeover and subsequent transfer of the book blocks  61 , meaning to the sequence of operations for the book block feed device  60  as well as the book channel  70 . The goal here is to push the book blocks supplied by the book block feed device  60  carefully onto the support plane  17  and to transfer these book blocks carefully from the support plane to the book channel  70 . 
     The support planes  17  at first maintain the initially assumed horizontal or quasi-horizontal position. Seen this way, the circular rotating takeover elements  16  follow a movement sequence that resembles the course of a giant wheel equipped with freely suspended cabins. 
     The book blocks  61  are conveyed further while positioned on the support plane  17  and, in the final phase of a cycle, are transferred to the book channel  70 . As previously mentioned, this transfer should take place with the utmost care, which represents an essential aspect of ensuring the quality. For that purpose, the dynamic for this transfer can be configured such that the support plane  17  initially occupies an intermediate position above the book channel  70  and, starting from this intermediate position, initiates an acceleration in the direction of the book channel  70 , such that it subsequently approaches the book channel  70  in the end phase of the operation with decreasing, adapted speed and in a quasi-asymptotic manner, thereby ensuring that the conditions for the maximum careful transfer of the book block  61  are met. An acceleration of this type can be realized in a careful manner if a gripper finger located in the intermediate plane is accelerated and moves the book block into the book channel  70 , wherein the relative speed differences must be kept low during the transfer of the product to the book channel. 
     The support plane  17  is delimited by two adjacent walls  18 ,  19 , which may be positioned at approximately a right angle to each other. This right-angle positioning corresponds to the peripheral geometry of the book block  61 , wherein the corner formed by the adjacent walls  18 ,  19  forms an optimum end stop for the book block  61 , as will be discussed in further detail later on. 
       FIG. 4  shows the configuration of a single takeover element  16 . This element is provided in the region of the wall  19  with a slot  11 , having a width that continues over the complete support plane  17 . A gripper finger (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) is operatively connected to this slot  11 , such that it permits a careful pushing of the book block  61  from the aforementioned support plane  17  into the book channel  70 , which is not shown in further detail herein. 
       FIG. 5  shows a simplified representation of the transfer device  10  according to  FIG. 3  with the takeover elements  16  positioned at the poles. It is again easy to see that the support plane  17  of each takeover element  16  occupies a quasi-horizontal position, which is also obvious from the drawing. The drawing furthermore shows that the takeover elements  16  rotate in counter-clockwise direction  20  and are operatively connected to a book channel  70 , arranged below, for which the movement direction  22  is counter to the rotational direction  20  of the transfer device  10 . Fixedly mounted and uniformly spaced-apart gripper fingers  23  are effective in movement direction of the book channel  70  and carefully push the respective book block from the support plane  17  on the takeover element  16  onto the book channel  70 , directly positioned underneath. For this purpose, the takeover element  16  is provided with a continuous slot  11 , extending parallel to the movement direction of the book channel  70  (see  FIG. 4 ), wherein this slot is adapted to the thickness of the gripper finger  23  and can be seen particularly well in  FIG. 4 . 
     The assumed horizontal position of the individual support planes  17 , relative to the book channel  70  underneath, experiences a time-related position change during each rotation, which is started by a link mechanism  24  that grips the respective takeover element  16  just before it reaches the lowest position on the book channel side and imposes on the takeover element  16 , rotating past it at this location, a partial angle-changing movement around the shaft  14   c , as shown in  FIG. 6 . A roller  25  that is connected to the takeover element  16  ensures that the complete distance of the link mechanism  24  is traced. The position change relative to the support plane  17  can therefore also be triggered by a complementary drive element, for example a motor or a cam gear. 
     Owing to the fact that the takeover element  16  in the described region changes its former position relative to the book channel  70  creates more space, so that the gripper finger  23   a  passing by immediately underneath does not collide with the arriving takeover element  16 , meaning it cannot hit the support plane  17  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The support plane  17  resumes its original horizontal or quasi-horizontal position only after completing the angle movement predetermined by the link mechanism, which directly coincides with the point in time in which the following gripper finger  23   b  is used for pushing the book block  61 , positioned on the support plane  17 , onto the book channel  70  to be conveyed to the further processing station. A strict, timing-related interdependence must exist between the existing angle speed of the rotary translation, meaning the cadence of the individual takeover element  16 , and the interval-related use of each gripper finger  23   a ,  23   b.    
     The link mechanism  24  can furthermore be designed such that the respective takeover element  16  can execute a movement to occupy a slanted or more slanted position in addition to the angle movement, thus forming a diagonal to the corner formed with the adjacent walls  18 ,  19  so that the book block  61  can if need be slide toward the right-angle corner formed by the two walls  18 ,  19  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) and is stopped there in a stable position. The link mechanism  24  can furthermore have a toothed or undulating surface, such that the movement sequence of the support plane  17  that is operatively connected to the link mechanism  24  is subjected to a vibrating movement. However, the traced surface can also be embodied that vibrations are transmitted to the support plane  17  during the tracing operation. In both cases, this has a positive effect on the position to be occupied by the book blocks, wherein this slanted stop position for the book blocks  61  can also be planned from the start as the normal position, so that no link mechanism or other auxiliary unit are needed for initiating this slanted position. In any case, such a slanted position has a stabilizing effect on the book block  61  mass, which is tied to an increase in its ability to persist. The compactness of the book block, ensured in this way, has a positive effect on the quality later on when the book block passes through the following processing stations. 
     In this connection, the slanted positioning of the takeover element  16  on purpose, caused by the effect of the link mechanism  24 , can be replaced by using the above-mentioned strategy, meaning to keep the takeover element  16  in the position above the book channel  70  until the respective gripper finger  23  for picking up at this location has passed through the critical zone. 
     The change in the angle position of the book block can also be effected at a different optional location. In that case, a different mechanism would offer itself, e.g. via a motor shaft or a cam mechanism inside the rotor, which can be superimposed on the normal translation of the transfer device. 
     The configuration and rotary sequence of the transfer device according to the preceding  FIGS. 3-6  are only intended as examples. It is possible without problems to use a transfer device according to the arrangement B shown in  FIG. 7 . This transfer device  30 , which is operationally arranged downstream of and above the book block feed device  60  and the book channel  70 , may be provided at the poles with a rotating rotor  31 . A clamping device  32  that is effective in vertical downward direction is furthermore also arranged at these poles and grips respectively one book block  61  from the book block feed device  60  and moves it with the aid of a 90° angle movement into the plane for the book channel  70 . The clamping effect is then released in this plane, such that the book block  61  can be conveyed via the book channel  70  to a different processing station  90 . During the rotation, the clamping device  32  may execute a downward movement  33  in the direction of the book channel  70  to deposit the book block  61  carefully into the book channel  70 , for which the rotary movement of the rotor  31  is connected to a linear component. 
     The processing station  90  is only indicated in  FIG. 7 . The transfer device  30  shown therein operates according to a different principle than the above-described transfer device  10  ( FIGS. 3-6 ). We do not want to discuss in further detail herein the design options for such a clamping device  32 . In addition, the rotational movement sequence of the transfer device  30  shown in  FIG. 7  resembles that of a carousel, meaning a book block  61  is taken over at a specific point and the same book block  61  is transferred to the book channel  70 , following a specific angular movement, such that it can be transported to a different processing station. 
     The clamping devices  32 , located at the poles, can maintain the book block position with the aid of a planet gear, as previously described in connection with  FIG. 1 . However, it is also conceivable that during the 90° rotation—wherein this angle can also be different—the original book block position if necessary can be rotated further, for example by an additional angle of 90°, resulting in two connected rotary movements. 
     The advantages of this arrangement B must be seen in the fact that the number of effective clamping devices  32  as well as the angular speed can be varied without problems to take into consideration the given circumstances. In most cases, the operation may be based on a 90° timing rate, meaning a 90° rotary angle. However, a slanted-angle disposition of the transfer device  30  is also possible and, in particular, is recommended if the book blocks  61  must be supplied or must be conveyed further via a slanted plane. In all cases, the book block is transferred carefully, does not experience internal bending and retains the predetermined compactness or shape. 
     The linear translation of the clamping device  32  can be effective per se either toward the top or the bottom. The same is true for the clamping device shown in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a different arrangement C, illustrating a different transfer device  40 . The goal of this device is to configure the feeding of the book blocks  61  by the feed device  60  so that the book blocks can be supplied directly to a clamping device  41 , wherein this clamping device  41  during the initial gripping of the book block  61  is located in a corresponding plane with a book block feed device  60 , thus making it possible to directly supply the book blocks  61  to the transfer device  40 . The transfer device  40  basically functions in a similar manner as the one shown for the arrangement A (see  FIGS. 3-6 ), meaning once the supplied book block  61  is gripped by the clamping device  41 , a rotary movement starts with the same technical features as already explained for the arrangement B ( FIG. 7 ). However, the book blocks  61  in this case are transferred directly to the book channel  70  because the opening of the clamping device  41  is already sufficient to ensure a pickup and further transport of the book block  61 . According to  FIG. 8 , the rotary movement of the transfer device  40  ensures that the book block  61  is transferred from a higher supply plane to a lower-positioned transport plane. Of course, a diametrically opposite configuration is also possible, in which the book block is transferred from a lower plane to a higher plane. 
     The arrangement C shown in  FIG. 8  can also be configured such that the arms forming the clamping device  41  are in the lowest position when they are right above the book channel  70 . Once the direction of rotation for the takeover element in clockwise direction is initiated, the book block can be deposited in movement direction of the gripper finger. The advantage of such a conforming movement sequence must be seen in that the speed of the book block relative to the gripper finger or to an end stop bar can be reduced to an optimum speed, such that the relative speed approaches zero and a secure, careful transfer of the book block is ensured. 
       FIG. 8  also shows the design variant where the transfer of the book block to the book channel  70  occurs not only at an angle of 90° relative to the transfer location, but where it is also possible without problem to transfer the book blocks at an angle of 180°, relative to the transfer location, meaning diametrically opposite thereto. That is to say, the book channel  70  in that case effectively operates while completely below the transfer device  40 , which in turn allows it to operate with an optimized relative operating speed between the angular speed for the book block and the belt speed of the book channel. The conforming movement sequences between the rotational direction of the transfer device and the movement direction of the book channel were discussed in further detail in the previous paragraph. 
     A different transfer device is shown in  FIG. 9 , wherein this variant is referred to as arrangement D. The transfer device  80  shown in this Figure consists of a bucket-wheel type intake star  80 , which individually accepts the supplied book blocks  61  into the therefore provided intermediate spaces  81  and initially conveys these further in the same rotary plane as a result of the rotation. Upon completing an angle of rotation of approximately 90°, the book block  61  is then pushed out of the bucket-wheel type intake star  80  and is taken over by a book channel  70 , arranged essentially at a right angle to the book block feed device  60 , and is conveyed to the further processing location, wherein a different angle of rotation is also possible. The arrangement D is consequently configured such that the book blocks  61  are already positioned upright while inside the book channel  70 , which is advantageous for the further processing since the book blocks  61  do not need to be repositioned to the upright position, for example inside a perfect binding station. 
     In connection with the above-described transfer devices, we also want to emphasize that these are particularly useful for providing maximum discharge cadences. As a result of the extraordinary compactness of these devices, it is possible to operate two or more transfer devices along the same book channel, which can accordingly be supplied with book blocks and fully utilized, wherein the discharge cadence for a following, jointly used book channel can also be increased multiple times. 
     With respect to the transfer devices discussed and shown in  FIGS. 3-6 ,  7 ,  8  and  9 , we must emphasize that the various embodiments on the whole have a congruent finality and are therefore subject matters that absolutely represent a uniform inventive idea. 
       FIG. 10  shows a simplified representation of the area directly surrounding a book block feed device  60 , downstream of a measuring/control station  50  (see  FIG. 1 ), in which the removal of a book block  61  is triggered following the detection of a defect. The herein provided transfer-out location  95  in principle functions and can be activated in different ways. According to  FIG. 10 , this transfer-out location  95  is activated through a telescoping behavior of the conveying belt along the book block feed device  60 , meaning that a section  91  of the conveying belt moves backward internally, thus exposing the area for the removal. For further details we point to  FIGS. 11-13 . Following the transfer-out location  95 , the book block feed device  60  consists of a grid-type plane  92  which can be configured in different ways. The elements of the grid-type plane  92  may consist of driven, rotating rollers  94 , positioned on one side and at a mutual distance  93  to each other, which are designed to result in a careful transport of the book blocks  61 . It therefore makes sense to provide an adhering surface coating for the rollers  94  to ensure the friction between the rollers and the book blocks. With sufficiently high friction, the book block can be delayed just prior to reaching the end position at the takeover, so that it does not bounce back and/or spring back at the end stop  18  and such that the consistency of the book block is not lost. In principle, the rotation of the tubes [sic]  94  can thus also be configured individually, such that different vector forces act upon the book blocks  61 , which can induce a deliberate change in direction during the transport. 
       FIG. 11  can be used to illustrate further advantages of the invention in connection with the transfer devices and the different configuration variants for the book channel described in the previous Figures. This  FIG. 11  above all shows the feeding of the book blocks  61  to a transfer device, which is not shown in further detail herein. Prior to reaching this transfer device, the book blocks  61  pass through a measuring/control station  50  where different quality tests are carried out, in particular with respect to width, thickness, length etc. of the tested book block  61 . 
     An identification of the book block  61  can also take place at this location, e.g. with the aid of a bar code/data matrix code/transponder/RF ID or the like. However, the identification can also take place downstream or upstream of the measuring/control station  50 . If a book block  61  does not pass the quality control test, it is removed from the sequence, for example as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , whereupon a gap is created in the book block flow. However, that is not really a problem because the transfer devices operating based on a rotary translation can maintain the predetermined throughput rate, which is not the case with a fixed design of a feed device. 
     Through adaptive accelerations or delays, which can be effective within the rotary movement of a transfer device as well as relative to the transport speeds within the book block feed devices  60  or the book channels  70 , wherein these accelerations and delays in the speed follow a specific curve function, it is possible to smooth out interferences in connection with the transfer or the further conveying of the book blocks  61 , as well as to influence the cadence during the transfer of the book blocks  61  to the following processing station. The curve function of one of the above-described transfer devices can furthermore be influenced without problem in one direction by using a linear feed device, not shown in further detail herein, especially if it is necessary to close a gap in the product flow, for example if there are numerous transfer-out operations triggered by the measuring/control station  50  or if the speed for the effective curve function is slowed down during the takeover or transfer-out of a book block. 
     With respect to this curve function, it must be mentioned here that the translation follows a movement profile composed of different adaptive curve functions and/or dwell times. One characteristic of the curve function according to the invention is that it can assume a uniform speed course if necessary. The discontinuities can be planned such that maintaining the originally intended cadence is ensured. 
     As previously explained with respect to  FIG. 10 ,  FIGS. 12 and 13  are intended to show the sequential steps for removing a book block  61  from the further processing, as indicated in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 12  in principle corresponds to the components according to  FIG. 10 . A transfer-out location  95 , shown herein as a telescoping transport belt, is provided in front of the grid-type plane  92 . With the aid of a special command issued by the measuring/control station  50  (see  FIG. 11 ), the transfer-out location is activated and a defective book block  61  is removed from the further transport. The interruption in the original cadence, shown in  FIG. 13 , is designed to illustrate the interruption interval and is figuratively illustrated as the distance  96 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a simple feed device  60  for supplying the book blocks  61  to a transfer device  10 . The processing station that is not shown in further detail herein normally contains book blocks  61  which are then supplied to further processing steps. As can be seen from this Figure, the book blocks  61  arriving from the book channel  70  already occupy a vertical, upright position, which coincides with the following processing operations. This Figure furthermore shows the installation of a measuring/control station  50 . 
     The book block production machines can include a digital printing press and a stacking device for stacking the printed sheets, wherein a logistic system or a buffering system can furthermore be installed upstream of these components. 
     While several embodiments of the invention are described above, it should be understood that the foregoing is presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the invention should not be limited by the above-described embodiments, but should instead be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.