RECIPROCATING STITCHER ASSEMBLY

A binding apparatus includes a plurality of feed stations (10, 12, 14) which stack sheets on an inclined conveying surface (16). A conveyor (20) continuously conveys the stacks along a workpath (w) to a stitcher assembly (B). The stitcher assembly includes a frame assembly (100) having a stitcher head mounting bar (130) and a clincher mounting bar (136) on which stitcher heads and clinchers are mounted in cooperative relationship. A power take-off assembly (54) rotates a stitcher assembly transverse drive shaft (250) in coordination with advancement of the conveyor. The stitcher assembly transverse drive shaft rotates lever arms (260, 262) which are connected by connecting links (264, 266) with a stationary structure such that the frame assembly is cyclically reciprocated longitudinally along the workpath. A stitcher head actuating assembly (270) and a clincher actuating assembly (290) are driven by the stitcher assembly transverse drive shaft to cause the mounted stitcher heads and clinchers to be actuated at the same point in each reciprocation cycle. A register or dog member (160) which is connected with the frame assembly for reciprocation therewith engages a trailing edge of each stack and positions it in a selected registration with the stitcher during the stitch insertion. In this manner, a stitch is inserted in the same location in each conveyed stack.