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.