Abstract: The present invention includes an automated binding machine configured for binding a stack of perforated sheets with a binding element. The automated binding machine includes a support member supporting the stack of perforated sheets, a binding element feeder, a plurality of binding elements supported by the binding element feeder, a receiving member configured to receive a first binding element from the plurality of binding elements and to insert at least a portion of the first binding element through the stack of perforated sheets, and a binding mechanism configured to engage the inserted portion and couple the inserted portion to a non-inserted portion of the first binding element.

Abstract: The present invention includes an automated binding machine configured for binding a stack of perforated sheets with a binding element. The automated binding machine includes a support member supporting the stack of perforated sheets, a binding element feeder, a plurality of binding elements supported by the binding element feeder, a receiving member configured to receive a first binding element from the plurality of binding elements and to insert at least a portion of the first binding element through the stack of perforated sheets, and a binding mechanism configured to engage the inserted portion and couple the inserted portion to a non-inserted portion of the first binding element.

Abstract: A punch assembly for punching a plurality of consecutive sheets each having a first edge and a second edge generally opposite the first edge includes a punch and a transport assembly having a feeding path for feeding the first edge of a sheet in a feeding direction relative to the punch for punching thereof, and a removal path different from the feeding path for removing the sheet from the punch in a removal direction generally opposite to the feeding direction relative to the punch such that the second edge becomes a leading edge.

Abstract: A binding machine is operable to hyper-deflect the rings of a binding element against non-planar surfaces to achieve an advantageously forward presentation of free ends of the rings for ergonomic and convenient insertion of a perforated stack of sheets. An embodiment of the binding machine has a base, a plurality of stationary hooks fixed to the base, and a comb member which is pivotally mounted to the base. The comb member may be fixed to a shroud which is mounted to effect the pivotal movement of the comb member. Additionally, this shroud may be axially shifted. When the binding element is supported against the comb member, the axial and pivotal motions of shroud respectively cause (1) engaging of rings of the binding element with the stationary hooks and (2) uncurling deflection of the rings.

Abstract: An apparatus and cartridge for use in binding prepunched sheets into a booklet using curled-finger ring-type edge binders. The binders include an opening tool which is drawn through the binder for spreading curled binder finger from the binder spine to form a document receiving gap. Binder/tool combinations are carried in the cartridge which includes a binding position or slot. The cartridge is to be positioned in an apparatus having a recessed base for receiving the cartridge and a cover which includes a paper receiving slot. The base defines a slot for alignment with the cartridge binding position slot. In the opened position, the terminus of the cover slot is aligned with the base slot. When the cartridge is in position and the cover opened, a booklet can be formed at the binding position by a binder being opened, apertured paper deposited in the cover slot and binder, and removal of the opening tool to permit the binder to close on the apertured paper.

Abstract: A binding mechanism for use in binding punched and apertured material is disclosed herein. The mechanism includes a comb having teeth or tines for holding a binding element having a plastic-type backbone and curled binding fingers. A slidable hook mechanism is used to engage and uncurl the binding fingers so that the punched and apertured material can be bound thereon. The comb is mounted so as to be transversely slidable from an original position to a second position. A biasing spring is provided for returning the comb from the second position to the original position. This slidable comb cooperates in minimizing damage in the event these binding fingers are inoperatively jammed or wedged between the hook and the comb.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus for use in thermally binding documents. The apparatus includes a housing which defines a document receiving aperture. Biased supports are associated with the housing and in alignment with the aperture for compressing documents along an edge to be bound and for defining a predetermined binding position. A heater is associated with the housing and is positioned adjacent the predetermined position and support for heating the edge of the documents to be bound.