SHEET GRIPPING APPARATUS

This invention concerns a sheet gripper for sheet processing machines, especially for single- and multi-color printing presses of random printing processes as well as for numbering machines, coaters, folders, and similar apparatus. To permit interchange of one of several sheet grippers for another without removing the gripper spindle from the machine, the sheet gripper Is formed with an open portion whichencloses the gripper spindle through a maximum arc of 180.degree. and is fixedly retained in radially centered relation against the gripper spindle by a gripper lifter or carrier, also referred to as a drive dog, which is fixedly secured to the gripper spindle as by means of a screw or other removable fastener which extends through the drive dog or carrier and into the gripper spindle. A compression spring located to one side of the gripper spindle and an adjustment screw located to the opposite side thereof both cooperate with contact surfaces of both the sheet gripper and the drive dogto permit adjustment for centering of the sheet gripper.