Abstract: A method and machine for feeding plastic thread from a bulk spool, forming the thread into a spiral configuration, and inserting the spiral into a perforated sheet group so that it may be cut and bent to form a spiral binder. The machine and process is continuous and includes a first section in which the thread is softened as it moves around a mandrel, a second section where the formed thread is cooled and a final section at which the coil is fed into a perforated sheet group.

Abstract: A method and construction for binding wide groups of sheets such as calendars so that they may be opened without sheet offset and completely folded back. The method comprises the steps of forming a series of elongated openings along one edge of the sheet group, providing flat binding strips, and feeding the binder strips toward the apertures while simultaneously deforming the binding strips just before they enter the apertures so as to cause them to have a coiled shape, whereby the binding strips will be fed in curved fashion through the apertures and their ends will overlap to form individual circular coils.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting and forming spiral wire binders in a manner which insures uniform cutting and crimping of the coil ends and alignment of the inbent crimps. The method comprises the steps of feeding the spiral wire into the book its full length, stopping the feeding operation for a predetermined time delay and finally severing and crimping the coil ends. The apparatus comprises means responsive to completion of the feeding operation for stopping the feed and initiating actuation of a timer, and cutting and crimping the coil ends in response to running out of the timer.

Abstract: A pair of die rolls of novel construction are disclosed which act upon a continuous wire having a preliminary zig zag formation in order to impact the bends in the wire and thus narrow the formation, preparatory to use of the wire as a ring binder. Each roll has a continuous spiral groove with a first section of progressively narrowing width which is substantially wider than the wire bend which it accommodates, and a second section of constant width. A knob or projection is formed on at least one side wall of the groove in each roll at the juncture of the first and second sections, which impacts the wire bend as it passes, giving it a set.

Abstract: A system for forming zigzag wire binder material in a continuous strip, storing the strip as it leaves the forming station, and severing lengths as needed at an adjacent station at which the binder lengths are inserted in books. The invention permits the binder strip forming mechanism and the binder cutting and inserting unit to be at a single location because the storage mechanism placed between these two units is responsive to speed differences between the strip forming and binder inserting units to temporarily stop one unit or the other until the length of binder strip in the storage unit is brought within a certain range. The inserting unit has novel means for forcing the opposite ends of the binder loops into the book holes, making the unit especially useful for heavy count books. This novel inserting means includes two series of pins which move in opposite directions to force the loops into the holes.

Abstract: An improvement in coil binding machines of the type having front and rear clamps for the book spine during insertion of the spiral wire. The improved machine permits the book to be placed in position for clamping with the operator either sitting or standing, and with the book being inserted vertically, horizontally, or at any intermediate angular position. The invention comprises a pair of arcuate plates on opposite sides of the machine which support the coil binding mechanism therebetween and are rotatably adjustable so that the facing surfaces of the two clamps are either vertical, horizontal or angularly disposed. A table is secured adjacent the rear clamp so that the book may be placed thereon. The side plates are provided with locking means for their adjusted position.

Abstract: A system for perforating the edges and then spiral binding relatively thick books at a rapid rate. The system overcomes the relative difficulty of perforating, as compared with spiral binding, thick books by splitting the path for the perforating step into two paths and perforating simultaneously on both paths. The perforated books are then placed on a transverse leg of the system so that they combine into a single row which is fed to the spiral binder.

Abstract: Groups of spaced, aligned articles such as tape rolls are fed in succession to a station at which a heat-shrinkable film wrap is placed around the group of articles and sealed in a manner permitting looseness in the wrap. The group is then fed to a table conveyor leading to a heat shrink oven. To maintain positioning of the articles before reaching the table conveyor, a swinging gate maintains frictional engagement with the package.

Abstract: A fixture for cutting and inwardly bending the ends of spiral binders. The fixture comprises a body having parallel sides formed by a milled slot, the lower end of one side having an arcuate inward extension. A cutter pivotally mounted between the body sides has a complementary portion adjacent the curved extension and another portion spaced from the other side. The construction enables the end of a small diameter spiral having a large pitch to be trimmed in a manner which bends the end of the spiral inwardly a sufficient distance to bridge the gap to the next turn, thus preventing snags when books are stacked.