Abstract: A low mass electrical heater for rapid heating of a heat reactivatable adhesive, such as used in laminating machines or book binding machines, incorporates a low mass, low heat capacity metal plate. The plate is constructed of either magnesium or aluminum and has a thickness of less than 0.1 inch. An electrical insulating layer comprising silicone rubber is bound to one surface of the metal plate and a resistance type heating element is arranged in a pattern on the insulating layer. The heating element preferably has a high watt density of greater than 20 watts/in..sup.2. A fast-acting temperature sensor is arranged between the heating element and the first silicone layer. The sensor preferably is a thermistor having a thickness of less than 0.06 inches. When the electrical heater is used in a book binder, the heater is mounted on a pivoting means and the book binding to be heated has its backbone positioned on a heat transfer surface of the heating element metal plate.

Abstract: A two-state oven type laminating apparatus including two heater systems operating at different temperatures whereby conventional polyester-polyethylene combinations may be laminated relatively bubble-free and without distortion of the polyester.

Abstract: An identification card pouch is disclosed for use with a paper stock card having a photograph positioned thereon. The pouch has front and back covering leaves which are placed against the front and back surfaces of the identification card. A heat reactivatible adhesive is coated on the inside surfaces of the front and back leaves to permit lamination of the covering leaves to the identification card. A bond promoting patterned layer is arranged on the heat reactivatible adhesive on the front leaf to form treated and untreated areas. The treated areas adhere to the photograph while the untreated areas adhere to the paper card stock.

Abstract: A two-state oven type laminating apparatus including two heater systems operating at different temperatures whereby conventional polyester-polyethylene combinations may be laminated relatively bubble-free and without distortion of the polyester.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permanently binding sheets of paper into a cover inexpensively and quickly is disclosed. Hot melt adhesive dots are placed near a center fold on one inside surface of a cover in alignment with pre-punched holes in paper sheets to be bound. An opposite surface of the cover is folded over and upon the dots and heat is applied causing a top of each dot to adhere to the adjacent cover surface, thus locking the paper sheets to the cover adjacent the center fold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permanently binding a plurality of sheets along one edge by embedding them in a thermally activatable adhesive. The sheets are slashed in the presence of the adhesive in a manner providing contact of the adhesive with the sides as well as the edges of the sheets to be bound providing a permanent securement of each sheet. Apparatus accomplishing the binding operation is included and a novel cover marketable as a universally usable binder element is also encompassed in the invention.

Abstract: A novel ring binder for securing a plurality of perforated sheets in a loose-leaf fashion, wherein the ring element is generally circular and has a generally radial slit permitting it to open for the insertion of sheets, and wherein the terminal ends of the ring are each provided with radially inwardly directed projections whereby individual sheets of bound paper are restrained against ready removal from the ring; a novel method of manufacturing such rings is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permanently binding sheets of paper into a cover inexpensively and quickly is disclosed. The cover has a top and bottom leaf with a center fold therebetween and a folding score on each leaf near the center fold. An elongated strip of heat reactivatible adhesive is applied to the inner surface of one or both of the leaves between the folding score on the leaf and the center fold. A plurality of sheets are positioned adjacent the strip or strips of adhesive and the entire assembly is then fed into a laminator machine which heats and presses the heat reactivatible adhesive to cause it to flow back towards the sheets. As the adhesive cools the ends of the sheets are held in intimate contact between the leaves near the center fold.

Abstract: A machine for making a thin booklet by binding loose sheets into an adhesive cover, the machine including a vertically disposed groove-shaped heater unit adapted to receive the folded edge of the adhesive cover and further including a roll pinching station disposed closely adjacent the heater unit and adapted to receive therebetween the adhesive cover and sheet assembly, the roll pinching station including a pair of rolls which are biased against each other and serve to squeeze the edge of the adhesive cover assembly to effect an equal distribution of the adhesive along the edges of the sheets being bound in the adhesive cover.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permanently binding a plurality of sheets along one edge by embedding them in a thermally activatable adhesive. The sheets are slashed in the presence of the adhesive in a manner providing contact of the adhesive with the sides as well as the edges of the sheets to be bound providing a permanent securement of each sheet. Apparatus accomplishing the binding operation as well as a novel universally usable cover and method of use thereof are encompassed in the invention.

Abstract: Apparatus for binding linear polyethylene covered books using a source of infrared heat energy applied externally at the backbone of a polyethylene cover to reactivate the hot melt adhesive on the cover.