Abstract: A unit having a plurality of bins for holding inclined stacks of sheets to be collated having a reciprocating arrangement supported by the unit which arrangement includes rigid push rods for pushing simultaneously one sheet from the top of each stack of sheets. The push rods and bin construction are so arranged that the frictional pads on the rod ends do not engage the bin surface when the bin is empty. A portion of the reciprocating arrangement may be tilted to permit lifting the push rod ends to the upper region of the bins to facilitate loading.

Abstract: A collapsible rack is disclosed which comprises a plurality of partition members which are pivotally joined together at their bases with linking members to form an expandable lazy tong structure. A plurality of guide means which are each secured to and integral with the linking members are provided for guiding stacks of sheets placed in the rack. The guide means define slanted guide surfaces which extend between the bases of adjacent partition members. The guide surfaces all have a substantially common orientation on the linking members. The guide means also serve the function of improving the rigidity of the structure, defining back-up surfaces that insure the proper support of the sheets and fan the sheets into oblique relationship with each other enabling convenient removal of the sheets.

Abstract: An electrically operated stapling device is disclosed. Staples are driven into the article to be stapled by a simple driver blade which is powered by a current actuated solenoid. In the preferred embodiment, the solenoid is provided with a plurality of pulses which are derived from alternate half-cycles of an AC power source which powers the stapling device. The circuit produces two pulses by defining a window in each of the successive output cycles of the power source. The current then initiates the generation of an enabling signal which lasts for a predetermined period of time which begins during the window. During this period of time, alternate half-cycles of the power source are coupled to the solenoid, thereby causing the driver blade to drive the staple into the article to be stapled.

Abstract: A binder carrying handle for ready insertion in and support of a bound volume of sheets in which the handle is engageable with posts in the binder volume. The handle is flexible and shaped to facilitate its insertion and removal.

Abstract: A loose leaf binder comprising a backbone having two hinged halves and a flexible displaceable end portion, a flexible displaceable arm linkage mounted on said backbone so that the backbone end portion and linkage cooperate in engaging and disengaging relationship to form multiple positions of the binder including fully opened and fully closed. The binder is capable of being opened by applying opposing forces to the backbone halves and displacing forces to the arm linkage or by applying forces to the backbone halves alone.