Abstract: A mismatch detection system comprising a book block assembly line, a plurality of book block sensors, a case cover assembly line, and an infeed sorter. The book block assembly line may be operable to output conforming book blocks and divert nonconforming book blocks. The plurality of book block sensors may be operable to detect a unique identifier (UID) of the nonconforming book blocks diverted by the book block assembly line. The case cover assembly line may be operable to output case covers. The infeed sorter may be operable to receive the conforming book blocks and the case covers, group one book block and once case cover into a pair, detect whether the conforming book block and case cover of the pair match, divert any of the case covers that do not match, and output a matching pair to a book binding device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically correcting book portion mismatches in a book binding operation. First sensor outputs relate to a first book portion sequence along a first assembly channel, and second book portion sequence along a second assembly channel, each leading into a book binding stage. A mismatch state between first and second book portions is predicted based on the respective sequences and a defined book assembly batch, responsive to which an intervention event is selected and executed. One such intervention event includes selective routing of the first and/or second book portion associated with predicted mismatch states into a correction channel and reinsertion of the first and/or second book portion into the respective assembly channel corresponding to a modified version of the respective sequence. In some embodiments, a further sensor may be provided at the book binding stage entry for further confirmation/control feedback regarding matched book portions.

Abstract: A system for automated book binding may include a staging platform configured to receive book covers, with first and second walls extending perpendicular to the staging platform, the first wall oriented parallel to the second wall. A controller, in at least an automatic trim adjustment mode, determines one or more book covers as being present upon the staging platform, automatically directs inward movement of at least one of the walls until sensing contact by one or more of the at least one of the walls with the one or more book covers, automatically withdraws the at least one of the walls from a point of contact with the book covers, wherein an operating window is defined by a distance between the walls at the point of contact, and, in sequence, transferring each of the book covers via a lifting arm upward from the staging platform and to a binding unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for manufacturing embossed laminated hardcover book cases and embossed laminated hardcover books. The method of manufacturing an embossed laminated hardcover book case may comprise: receiving a book printing request from a user; printing a desired cover design on a cover sheet based at least in part on the received book printing request; applying a laminate sheet to the cover sheet using a laminating apparatus; embossing the laminate sheet using a textured roller of the laminating apparatus to define an embossed laminated cover sheet; providing a spine board and front and rear cover boards based at least in part on the received book printing request; and combining the spine board, the front and rear cover boards, and the embossed laminated cover sheet to define the embossed hardcover book case. Adding a book block converts the case into an embossed laminated hardcover book.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for providing a rotatable perfect binding separated step solution configured to maximize efficiency for one-off book printing. The multi-clamp binding apparatus includes a rotatable body, a plurality of fixed operation stations associated with the rotatable body, and a plurality of clamps coupled to the rotatable body. Each of the clamps may retain at least one workpiece. The rotatable body may rotate each of the plurality of clamps to one or more of the plurality of fixed operation stations. In operation, a book block is received at an in-feed location of the perfect binding apparatus. The book block is stored within a holding apparatus of the perfect binding apparatus. The book block is then rotated between a plurality of fixed operation stations. At least one operation is performed upon the book block at each of the plurality of fixed operation stations.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are described for providing a multiple process workflow. The system includes a first process device configured to convey at least a portion of a printed element and an apparatus. The apparatus includes a storage section, an input section configured to receive the at least a portion of the printed element, a gripper configured to selectively transport the at least a portion of the printed element from the input section to the storage section and to selectively transport the at least a portion of the printed element from the storage section, and an output section configured to selectively transfer the at least a portion of the printed element from the storage section. The system further includes a second process device configured to perform at least one operation on the at least a portion of the printed element.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for providing a rotatable perfect binding separated step solution configured to maximize efficiency for one-off book printing. The multi-clamp binding apparatus includes a rotatable body, a plurality of fixed operation stations associated with the rotatable body, and a plurality of clamps coupled to the rotatable body. Each of the clamps may retain at least one workpiece. The rotatable body may rotate each of the plurality of clamps to one or more of the plurality of fixed operation stations. In operation, a book block is received at an in-feed location of the perfect binding apparatus. The book block is stored within a holding apparatus of the perfect binding apparatus. The book block is then rotated between a plurality of fixed operation stations. At least one operation is performed upon the book block at each of the plurality of fixed operation stations.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for print media buffering and sorting. An apparatus for performing at least one of buffering and sorting during an operation includes a storage section, an input section configured to receive at the storage section at least a portion of a printed element, a gripper associated with the input section, the gripper configured to selectively transport the at least a portion of the printed element from the input section to the storage section and to selectively transport the at least a portion of the printed element from the storage section, and an output section configured to selectively transfer the at least a portion of the printed element from the storage section.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for print media buffering and sorting. An apparatus for performing at least one of buffering and sorting during an operation includes an enclosure, a storage section within the enclosure, an input section configured to receive at the enclosure at least a portion of a printed element, a gripper associated with the input section, the gripper configured to selectively transport the at least a portion of the printed element from the input section to the storage section and to selectively transport the at least a portion of the printed element from the storage section within the enclosure, and an output section configured to selectively transfer the at least a portion of the printed element from the enclosure.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for print media buffering and sorting. An apparatus for performing at least one of buffering and sorting during an operation includes an enclosure, a storage section within the enclosure, an input section configured to receive at the enclosure at least a portion of a printed element, a gripper associated with the input section, the gripper configured to selectively transport the at least a portion of the printed element from the input section to the storage section and to selectively transport the at least a portion of the printed element from the storage section within the enclosure, and an output section configured to selectively transfer the at least a portion of the printed element from the enclosure.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for providing a rotatable perfect binding separated step solution configured to maximize efficiency for one-off book printing. The multi-clamp binding apparatus includes a rotatable body, a plurality of fixed operation stations associated with the rotatable body, and a plurality of clamps coupled to the rotatable body. Each of the clamps may retain at least one workpiece. The rotatable body may rotate each of the plurality of clamps to one or more of the plurality of fixed operation stations. In operation, a book block is received at an in-feed location of the perfect binding apparatus. The book block is stored within a holding apparatus of the perfect binding apparatus. The book block is then rotated between a plurality of fixed operation stations. At least one operation is performed upon the book block at each of the plurality of fixed operation stations.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for print media buffering and sorting. An apparatus for performing at least one of buffering and sorting during an operation includes an enclosure, a storage section within the enclosure, an input section configured to receive at the enclosure at least a portion of a printed element, a gripper associated with the input section, the gripper configured to selectively transport the at least a portion of the printed element from the input section to the storage section and to selectively transport the at least a portion of the printed element from the storage section within the enclosure, and an output section configured to selectively transfer the at least a portion of the printed element from the enclosure.