Apparatus for and method of gathering 1-up and 2-up signatures for saddle stitching

Apparatus for gathering printed signatures for saddle stitching includes an endless gathering chain divided by pusher lugs into 2-up signature receiving areas, with each receiving area divided by a short pusher leg into a leading segment and a trailing segment, each adapted to receive a 1-up signature. At least one 1-up signature is first fed into at least one of the segments of each receiving area, and at least one 2-up signature is then fed into each receiving area overlying the 1-up signatures. The last signature is usually a 2-up cover; additional 1-up signatures may have been fed into trailing segments on top of any 2-up signature before the cover is fed, and a 1-up wrapper may be fed onto the trailing part of the 2-up cover.