Abstract: The invention concerns a system and a method for preferably on-line providing stapled and folded booklets with a square back. The system comprises means (1a, 1b) for feeding a booklet (H) forwardly and in reverse Furthermore, there is a stopper (2a) for stopping a fed-in booklet, two elongated bars (4, 5) adapted to clamp the booklet (H) between them, and displaceable means (9) for engaging a booklet clamped between the elongated bars (4, 5) for lending the back of the booklet square shape. In the method, a booklet (H) is fed in between two elongated bars (4, 5) to a stopper (2a), whereafter the elongated bars (4, 5) clamp the booklet (H), a movable member (9) is urged against the back of the booklet (H) so as to make it square-shaped, the elongated bars (4, 5) are moved apart, and the completed booklet is fed out in reverse.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding documents by individually binding each media sheet to previously bound media sheets using imaging material as the binding material.

Abstract: A device for binding a stack of media sheets using imaging material as the binding agent. The binding device includes a tray for supporting the stack and a heated platen or some other type of imaging material activator near the tray. A press coupled to the activator is operative between a first position in which the activator is separated from the stack to a second position in which the activator contacts and compresses the stack at the binding region. A spring or other biasing mechanism operatively connected between the press and the activator biases the activator against the stack when the press is in the second position. The biasing mechanism allows pressure to be maintained on the stack to reactivate the imaging material without continuing to power the press down against the stack even as the stack shrinks under the reactivating pressure. Hence, power can be diverted if necessary or desirable from the press to activator to reduce the overall power consumption of the binding device.

Abstract: An indexible turret delivers successive stacks of a series of stacks of overlapping paper sheets to an adhesive applying or coating station where the elongated spine of a freshly delivered stack assumes a predetermined position. An elongated carriage is movable longitudinally of the spine at the coating station and carries two mirror symmetrical nozzles one of which is activated to supply a coat of adhesive to the spine at the coating station while the carriage moves in one direction and the other of which is activated to apply a coat of adhesive to the spine of the next stack of the series while the carriage moves in the opposite direction. The nozzles have elongated slots extending transversely of the spine at the coating station, and each nozzle is mounted in a discrete frame and is adjustable in and/or with such frame transversely of as well as toward and away from the spine at the coating station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for punching and binding sheets (F), the machine comprising first means for punching and second means for binding. This machine is characterized by the facts that the first and second means are in the form of blocks (2, 3) that are independent, removable, and interchangeable, and that the punch block (2) is fitted with means (60-63) for adjusting the size of the margin of the sheets (F), i.e. the spacing between the line of holes (P) and the nearest parallel edge.

Abstract: An encoded binder strip having an adhesive matrix and an encoded pattern formed on a surface of the matrix to identify the type of binder strip. The encoded pattern includes relatively high reflectivity regions and relatively low reflectivity regions. Preferably, the encoded pattern is read as the binder strip is fed into a binding machine, with the encoded pattern controlling operation of the machine.

Abstract: A method for preparing a book spine comprises delivering a plurality of products against a spine stop so as to define a spine, the plurality of products contacting a wall having a first section and a second section. The spine stop is moved away from the spine and the printed products are bent by moving the second section pivotally with respect to the first section. Also disclosed is device for preparing a book spine comprising a plurality of pockets, each pocket having a wall having a first section and a second section, the second section being pivotal with respect to the first section. Each pocket further includes a packer and a spine stop removably located at a lower end of the second section for contacting a spine end of the products, the second section and the packer supporting the products for pivotal movement.

Abstract: The subject invention is an improved paper clamping and insertion device. The clamping device comprises of two members connected by an elastic material where each member together with the elastic material can fit through a hole punched by the insertion device or any other standard paper punch. The insertion device consists of a U shaped upper support structure housing a punch and lower support structure housing a magazine of clamping devices. Operation of the insertion device will result in the punch descending and punching the paper sheets. After the punch has penetrated the sheets it then engages one of the clamping devices legs and withdraws it through the punched hole simultaneously the second leg of the clamping device is separated from the magazine and is positioned on the underside of the sheets. Further upward movement of the punch releases the top leg of the clamping device, which in turn is positioned by the elastic member to securely hold the papers between the two legs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a binding element for binding a stack of documents comprised of loose sheets, having a spine piece and two side pieces, the side pieces being arranged essentially perpendicular to the spine piece. The binding element is made of a shape memory material or has at least part of the binding element made of a shape memory material.

Abstract: A method of binding folded signature sections together into a book comprised of a signature comb element having teeth which are inserted through perforations in the fold of the signatures and the teeth having tabs which secure the signature comb in slots between two or more spine tapes. The spine tapes adjustably lock into the hinge of the covers by a tooth and pawl mechanism, further interlocking one or more signatures to the spine of the book and securely fasten together the signatures and book cover.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a book block with a rounded or a rounded and pressed back includes adhering a first plurality of narrow retaining strips along outer leaves and back of the book block. Additional retaining strips may be applied transversely across the back of the book block in the region of the top and bottom of the back of the book block. Thereafter, the book block may be rounded or rounded and pressed. It is believed that application of the retaining strips prior to the rounding and pressing operations reduces the forces of resistance in the rounding and pressing operations.

Abstract: Binding sheet media using imaging forming material applied to binding regions on sheets of paper or other print media. In one embodiment of the invention, imaging material is applied to facing sides of the sheets to bind them together. In a second embodiment, the imaging material in the binding region is re-activated as each sheet or a group of sheets as they come out of the printer. In a third embodiment, the imaging material is used to bind the sheets in a booklet along a fold line. In this third embodiment of the invention, imaging material is applied to a binding region along the fold line of each sheet. The sheets are then assembled for binding along the fold line and the imaging material in the binding region is re-activated to bind the sheets into a booklet.

Abstract: A glue spreader for spreading glue to a back or adjacent area of a book block of gathered printed pages conveyed past the glue spreader on a conveyor includes a tub for holding the glue. At least one application roller, drivable in the same direction and at the same speed as the book block, is submerged in the tub in order to take up the glue and transfer the glue to the back of the book block. A blade coater is adapted for arrangement above the glue level in the tub at a changeable distance to the application roller. An actuation element is coupled to the blade coater for adjustment of the blade coater for determining a thickness of a glue film to be transferred to the book block back based on the changeable distance to the application roller. A controllable electric motor has a drive element and the actuation element of the blade coater is operatively connected to the drive element of the controllable electric motor.

Abstract: A device for threading a binding thread along a transfer path between a thread spool and a sewing needle of a stitching unit of a thread stitching machine configured for binding a book in sheets at a groove side of the book in sheets has manipulation devices for manipulating the thread along the transfer path. A thread guiding device forming the transfer path is provided and correlated with at least one of the manipulation devices. A compressed air source is connected to the thread guiding device. The thread guiding device performs at least one of the functions of drawing in the thread and transporting the thread in a transport direction by compressed air supplied by the compressed air source.

Abstract: Binding device wherein a support structure (2) houses a pack of sheets provided with through-holes (133) aligned along a rectilinear edge of the pack. The structure moreover carries a binding member comprising a flat sheet-like rectangular member (100) showing, along a side thereof (100a), a plurality of flexible tongues (107) arranged combwise and a closure member (110) extending along the side (100a). The binding device is provided with a bending wall (70) mobile with respect to the pack and adapted to realize the bending of tongues portions projecting from the pack on an end flat member forming a first face of the same pack. A pressing device (90) further realizes bending of the closure member (110) to arrange the closure member (110) on bent tongues (107) and on the end flat member (130b) thereby forming a bound fascicle.

Abstract: A binding assembly structured to secure a plurality of material sheets having a series of binding aperture on a corresponding series of binding elements of the type that include a wide perimeter flange. The binding assembly includes an alignment assembly which maintains the binding elements generally vertically oriented, a guide assembly which positions an edge of the material sheet in generally aligned relation with a perpendicular axis region of the binding elements, a displacement assembly which urges the material sheet and the binding elements into coupled engagement with one another at the corresponding binding apertures on the material sheet, and an actuation assembly which initiates operation of the displacement assembly.

Abstract: A binding machine and method for spirally binding a sheaf of papers into a book uses an adjustable speed drive to rotate a flexible plastic spiral element into respective holes in the book. The book has a plurality of holes in a row adjacent one edge of the book to receive the leading edge of the spiral bonding elements. A cylindrically shaped mandrel is spaced apart from a glidable block. The plastic pre-formed spiral binding element is fed onto the mandrel from the distal end thereof, with the leading edge of the binding element facing and spaced apart from the book. A pair of leading edge spreaders, one of which has a guidance groove, engages the plastic spiral to spread its coils just enough to permit it to enter the successive holes of a sheaf to be bound. A trailing spreader at the opposite end insures that the last hole is accommodated with a portion of the spiral coil.

Abstract: A device for binding a stack of media sheets using imaging material as the binding agent. The binding device includes a tray for supporting the stack and a heated platen or some other type of imaging material activator near the tray. A press coupled to the activator is operative between a first position in which the activator is separated from the stack to a second position in which the activator contacts and compresses the stack at the binding region. A spring or other biasing mechanism operatively connected between the press and the activator biases the activator against the stack when the press is in the second position. The biasing mechanism allows pressure to be maintained on the stack to reactivate the imaging material without continuing to power the press down against the stack even as the stack shrinks under the reactivating pressure. Hence, power can be diverted if necessary or desirable from the press to activator to reduce the overall power consumption of the binding device.

Abstract: A punch unit, in particular for making a punch for the binding comb of a ring binding is set-up of a circular shaped blade 1 and a counter die 19. The circular blade 1 is rotatably beard concerning an axis of rotation 27. At the circumference of the blade 1 cutting elements 2 are arranged. This cutting elements 2 raise over a fictive rolling circle 21. The surface of the counter die 19 is arranged perpendicular at the distance of the rolling circle radius rW to the axis of rotation 27 of the circular blade 1 and show one or several opening in which in each case intervenes at least one cutting element 2 of the circular blade 1.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a binding element (1) for binding a stack of documents (3) comprised of loose sheets (2), having a spine piece (4) and two side pieces (5, 6), said side pieces (5, 6) being arranged essentially perpendicular to the spine piece (4).

Abstract: A punch and binding machine including a punching mechanism and a binding mechanism for punching and binding a stack of sheets by spreading the curled fingers of an elastic binder. The binding mechanism has a longitudinal extension in parallel to the edge of the sheets and a binding handle. The punching handle for operating the punching system has the binding handle mounted to it so the binding handle can be rotated with respect to the punching handle. The binding mechanism may be a separate unit unattached to the punching mechanism.

Abstract: A structure of a multiple punch-bind machine includes a cutter set, linking plate, wire binding device and plastic ring binding device, and which are mounted on a base equipped with arm, the arm has more than a cutter set, one of which is linked to the arm and the rest cutter sets are linked with the linking plate and with the wire binding device or the plastic ring binding device hence punch holes in a different sizes, shapes, distance for binding.

Abstract: A hole-punching and binding apparatus for papers includes a hole-punching device drivable to move along a vertical direction. The hole-punching device includes a cutter seat carrying thereon a number of cutters that are equidistantly spaced in a row to punch a row of holes in a stack of papers. Each cutter being freely movable in a row of compartments in the cutter seat so as to optionally follow a hole-punching travel of the cutter seat under control of a slidable shield. A lever-like resilient load-on plate is used to press and thus close open ends of helical coils and to help the user extend the helical coils through a stack of punched papers. The coil-closing device is drivable to move along a horizontal direction. The coil-closing device cooperates with a fixed plate to turn the open ended helical coils into closed ended helical coils.

Abstract: A clip driver is used for driving elastic clips each having a back portion, and abutment portions for clipping edge portions of sheet-members between the opposite ends of the abutment portions.

Abstract: An automatic feeding station (10) for receiving a plurality of binding elements (70), packaged in a continuous bandolier strip (74), and feeding same into an inserter station (12), for the automatic edge binding of a stack of sheets. The feeding station (12) comprises a housing consisting of a pair of vertically oriented end walls (14,16), and a pair of downwardly extending, angularly disposed walls (18, 20) converging at the bottom of the housing. A first such angular wall (18) defines the feed path for the bandolier strip (74) consisting of a pair of continuous plastic films (76, 78) joined at spaced apart intervals to define plural, laterally oriented pockets or cavities (80) to receive the binding elements (70) in a spaced apart, parallel relationship.

Abstract: An improved continuous feed book turning apparatus and method for receiving improved book blocks of gathered signatures and for transferring the book blocks into book block clamps ready for edge milling and gluing. The invention takes advantage of efficiency benefits derived from improved signatures as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,866. The improved signatures gathered into book blocks are moved continuously into the apparatus in an upstanding orientation with each longer binding edge upright to substantially increase feed rate. However, the book turning apparatus must rotate each such improved book block through about 90.degree. to present a downwardly facing binding edge for clamping, edge milling, and gluing.

Abstract: A sheet supply inlet (4) receives sheets (3) one by one from a printing machine (2). A sheet gathering and registering mechanism (20) comprises a pair of sheet feed rollers (24A, 24B) arranged in the neighborhood of the sheet supply inlet (4) for successively supplying each sheet (3) from the sheet supply inlet (4) to the sheet stitching station (5) so as to lay the sheets (3) one above another in the sheet stitching station (5), and a guide plate (26) arranged adjacent to the sheet feed rollers (24A, 24B) for swing movement in such a manner that the guide plate (26) pushes the rear end of the top sheet (3) toward the stopper (12; 13) until the front end of the top sheet (3) abuts against the stopper (12;13) each time the sheet is supplied to the sheet stitching station (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tape heating apparatus in which both side portions of a bind tape can positively be adhered to front and rear surfaces of a sheet bundle without creating any swollen portions. When a thickness of the sheet bundle is smaller than a predetermined value, side heaters perform a first heating/pressurizing operation at a position in the vicinity of a bound edge of the sheet bundle and then performs a second heating/pressurizing operation at a position spaced apart from the bound edge of the sheet bundle by a predetermined distance. In the first heating/pressurizing operation, portions of a thick hot melt adhesive layer existing on the front and rear surfaces of the sheet bundle are melted to be flattened, to thereby eliminate swollen portions. In the second heating/pressurizing operation, thin hot melt adhesive layers are melted, to thereby positively adhere both width-wise side portions of the bind tape to the front and rear surfaces of the sheet bundle.

Abstract: A binding apparatus is provided with a tape reel on which a bind tape of a small tape width size is wound, and a tape reel on which a bind tape of a large tape width size is wound. When the tape reels and are set, the width size of each bind tape is read by means for detecting a width size discrimination mark (ring) formed on each tape reel and is memorized by width size memory means. The thickness of a bundle of sheets is measured by the use of a clamp member for clamping the bundle of sheets aligned on an aligning tray, and is memorized by thickness memory means. A bind tape of a tape width size corresponding to the thickness memorized by the thickness memory means is selected from among the sizes memorized by the width size memory means, and a carriage is moved to the tape reel on which a bind tape of the same size is wound.

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: A staple wire supply roll is positioned on a threading-in device that can be moved out of a stapling apparatus, and the leading end of the wire is transported by means of a thread-in transport device, through a flexible guide tube, to a stapling device. A sensor positioned on the stapling device signals the end of the threading-in operation when the leading end of the staple wire passes by. By pushing the threading-in device into the apparatus, the staple wire transport device of the stapling device is set in motion, as a result of which the leading end of the staple wire is transported to a location which positions the leading end of the wire in device. The staple wire is transported, in accordance with the thickness of the sheet stack measured by a sensor, by a stepping motor, which at the same time drives a radial cam unit.

Abstract: The device includes an elongated electrical heating unit (20) whose length matches the length of an elongated opening in the device, and has a switching system to activate an electrical circuit at the moment when sheets to be bound are placed on the heating unit (20). Heating unit (20) is wired in series with a switch (11) in the switching system and a heating current switch (31). Means are provided to keep this heating current switch (31) turned on when the switching system is turned on. The device includes a comparator (34) whose input is connected to a temperature sensor (26); when a predetermined upper temperature limit (T.sub.max) is reached it turns off the heating current switch (31). There is also a provision so that after the heating current switch (31) is turned off it is kept off until the switch (11) in the switching system has been switched off and then on again.

Abstract: A book-binding apparatus conveying a bind tape in front of a tape heater and an aligned sheet bundle is urged against the bind tape pre-heated by the tape heater to glue a plurality of sheets by melted adhesive on the bind tape. An aligning time for the sheet bundle is calculated on the basis of attributes of the sheets being aligned and a conveyance start timing for the bind tape is changed in accordance with the calculated aligning time.

Abstract: A sheet-bundle conveying device receives a plurality of sheets and conveys a bundle of the sheets. The device includes a first tray having a contact portion where the leading edges of the sheets contact, and being swingable between a first position, inclined so that the contact portion is lowered, for receiving the sheets and a second position for transferring the received sheet bundle, and a second tray for receiving the sheet bundle from the first tray moved to the second position and for rectilinearly moving in a state of conveying the sheet bundle.

Abstract: A binding machine for spirally binding a sheaf of papers into a book uses an adjustable speed drive to rotate a flexible plastic spiral element into respective holes in the book. The book has a plurality of holes in a row adjacent one edge of the book to receive the leading edge of the spiral bonding elements. A cylindrically shaped mandrel is spaced apart from a glidable block. The plastic pre-formed spiral binding element is fed onto the mandrel from the distal end thereof, with the leading edge of the binding element facing and spaced apart from the book. A spring is mounted on the slidable block for engaging and adjustably press the spiral binding element on the mandrel so that the upper portion of the binding element is spaced from the top of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are provided for checking completeness of a book block intended for an adhesive binding, wherein an adhesive binding machine includes a conveyor defining a conveying path along which the book block is conveyed. A plurality of processing stations are arranged along the conveyor for processing the book block. A measuring device is disposed along the conveyor and is adapted to check completeness of the book block by measuring the thickness of the book block. The measuring device includes measuring elements arranged opposite each other on both sides of the conveying path. The measuring elements are separated by a distance to define a measuring segment and arranged for exerting a defined contact pressure onto the flanks of the spine of the book block.

Abstract: A printer for printing on a binder strip and having a platen for supporting the binder strip, a print head mechanism and a print head controller. An interface unit is provided which includes indicia formed on the housing of the unit indicative of the spine of a bound book. The indicia includes three regions that represent three zones of the spine, with the three regions each having as associated visual indicator and switch for enabling a user to select a spine zone. A user can enter text, using a keyboard, to be printed on spine zone when the visual indicator associated with the spine zone has been made active using the associated switch.

Abstract: A bind tape abutted against a bound edge of a sheet bundle for book-binding the sheet bundle includes a tape substrate and an adhesive layer coated on one surface of the tape substrate to bond the sheet bundle. The bind tape is provided at both longitudinal end portions thereof with areas on which the adhesive layer is not coated.

Abstract: A method of make-ready of a bindery apparatus includes the steps of providing indicia relating to the size of the signature on the apparatus to locate inner and outer ends of pocket guides for pocket machines to obtain a proper bow of the signatures and a proper location of the signatures for feeding to a rotary gripper mechanism. Indicia are provided on the rotary gripper mechanism relating to the drop of the signature onto a saddle. Information from a previous run of the same signature is used to set the rotary gripper mechanism to time the signature drop. Indicia are also provided for locating a first gathering conveyor to allow setting of signature pushing lugs to a position related to the length of the signature, while the gathering conveyor is at a predetermined reference position. Similarly, indicia related to the length of the signature are used to position pushing lugs on a second conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for making books, brochures and similar products with a perfect binding. Signatures are continuously gathered in a specific sequence in a direction of conveyance, to form loose signature blocks. The loose signature blocks are collected by holders that include a mechanism that applies a compression force to the signature blocks. The signature blocks are transferred, with the compression force still applied to the signature blocks, in an approximately perpendicular feeding movement to a circulating clamping arrangement which is driven in the same direction as the direction of conveyance.

Abstract: A bookbinding apparatus includes pasting means for pasting a bookbinding spine cover sheet on a sheet set; printing means for printing an image on the bookbinding spine sheet; and inputting means for inputting data to be used for printing the image by the printing means; wherein when the data are inputted through the inputting means, the sizes of the image to be printed on the bookbinding spine cover sheet by the printing means can be optionally selected.

Abstract: An apparatus for binding documents utilizes generally U-shaped or C-shaped resilient slip binders. A hopper device feeds the slip binders from its reservoir to a buffer conveying device which supplies an insertion module with the slip binders. The binding apparatus is design for use in a high speed electronic publishing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a process of bookbinding is provided which permit automatic back-bonding of bookbinding by folding a plurality of paper sheets in two with the wrong sides of the plurality of paper sheets, i.e., the sides not bearing any characters or drawings thereon, as the outer sides and applying together the folded paper sheets on the wrong sides thereof. The bookbinding apparatus includes folding facilities for folding each paper sheet in two with the wrong side as the outer side, stacking facilities for stacking the folded paper sheets by feeding the paper sheets successively to a predetermined position on a plate-like member, and adhesive applying facilities for applying adhesive material to the wrong side of each folded paper sheet fed to the predetermined position. The folded paper sheets fed to the plate-like member are thus bonded together successively on the wrong sides thereof.

Abstract: A jig for perforating paper sheets and for binding said paper sheets perforated on a ring binder is provided. For perforating, paper sheets retaining plate 21 attached pivotally to the guide portion 20 is opened, the surface of the paper sheets positioning portion 28 and the surface of the paper sheets placing portion is flush with each other by locating the former adjacent to the front edge 36 of the latter and paper sheets to be perforated are positioned, thereafter, the paper sheet retaining plate is closed to clamp the paper sheets and the paper sheets positioning portion is turned to protrude the paper sheets from the front edge 36 of the paper sheets placing portion 19 for perforating.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for binding together sheet-like articles such as photos or documents. The system includes a back cover, a front cover and a spine member attached to one cover. Such spine member has an "edge-binding" medial portion and a cover-adhering strip. Such strip attaches to the other cover after the articles are placed between the covers for binding. The cover-adhering strip and the medial portion (both overlaid with a protective release liner removed just prior to strip use) are divided by a lateral cut into at least two portions. With one hand, a user of the system may securely hold the covers and articles aligned and using the other hand, remove the release liner and in sequence, fold over the slit-divided medial portion and the strip portion to contact the article edges and the other cover, respectively. The system adheres to and secures the articles and the covers together. A method for binding sheet-like articles is also disclosed.

Abstract: In order to ensure that inserts in a book or magazine will reach the intended recipient, a binding line includes a plurality of packer boxes along a binding line conveyor. The binding line can actuate at least some of the packer boxes to gather signatures from them in order to build groups of signatures into books. The binding line also includes a feeder for feeding at least one insert for association with all or specific ones of the books wherein the inserts are affixed within the books at a point along the binding line. In order to ensure that the inserts in the book or magazine will reach the intended recipient, the inserts may be directly affixed in the books, placed in envelopes that are affixed in the books, or placed in bags that are affixed in the books.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for supporting a group of sheet-like articles such as photos or documents for binding. The apparatus includes first and second holding members defining a first slot therebetween. This first slot has a first fixed dimension. The apparatus also includes a third holding member spaced from the second holding member and defining a second slot therebetween. The second slot has a second fixed dimension. The holding members preferably extend away from a base member. Additionally, the apparatus can include a back member extending across the holding members. The apparatus can be used to align the edges of the articles and support the articles for binding.

Abstract: A book binding apparatus comprises a sheet entrance portion for receiving a sheet, a sheet convey path for conveying the sheet from the first sheet entrance portion, a first discharge opening disposed downstream of the sheet convey path for discharging the sheet out of the apparatus, sheet storing means for temporarily storing the sheet branched from the sheet convey path by branching means, binding means for binding the stored sheets, transfer means for conveying the bound sheet bundle, and a second discharge opening for discharging the conveyed sheet bundle out of the apparatus.

Abstract: A book binding apparatus comprises a convey means for conveying a sheet on which an image was formed by an image forming means, a plurality of sheet supporting means for supporting a sheet bundle to align ends of the sheets, a switching means for selecting one of the sheet supporting means to send the sheet conveyed by the convey means to the selected sheet supporting means, a bind means for adhering a bind tape to an end of the sheet bundle, and a move means for moving the aligned end of the sheet bundle supported by the sheet supporting means to the bind means.

Abstract: Apparatus for binding a plurality of sheets having aligned holes with a binding wire includes two bending elements which are pivotably connected to one another, one of the bending elements having a recess for partially accommodating the binding wire, the other of the bending elements having a projection such that upon placing the binding wire in the recess with the binding wire passing through the holes in the sheets and effecting pivotal movement between the two bending elements, the projection engages and bends the binding wire to thereby effect binding of the plurality of sheets by the binding wire.