Abstract: A picking mechanism may include a mechanical reference system for establishing the approximate number of sheets that will be “picked” from a larger stack each time the picking process occurs. A pick moves toward the stack of paper to insert itself between two sheets of paper at a level in the stack that is determined by the place the pick resides relative to the stack. In the preferred embodiment, the pick resides at said position because it is positioned at a adjustably fixed relationship to a reference member and the reference member rests on the top of the stack of paper when the pick is in a retracted position. Thus, the vertical distance between the reference member (and the top of the stack) and the point (edge) of the pick determines how many sheets will be picked at a time.

Abstract: A crimper for spiral-binding coil comprises at least one, and preferably multiple, crimping assemblies including crimping elements that move generally parallel to each other to preferably cut, bend and/or reform an end of the coil for retaining the coil in the book or pamphlet. The movement of the crimping elements may be rotational in parallel planes, or translational in parallel lines. Preferably, multiple sets of crimping elements may be interchanged easily and without tools, for example, by being located on rotating members and are circumferentially spaced apart so that one set is used at a time. For each diameter of coil filament within the range of coil diameters for which a particular crimping set is designed, a member of the crimping assembly is adjusted to change the size/dimension(s) of the space into which the newly-cut end of the coil is forced, preferably adjusting that space to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the coil filament.

Abstract: Embodiments of an punch machine and a quick-change die assembly are shown and described. The die assembly may be quickly installed and removed from the punch machine, without bolting or unbolting of either machine housing or the die assembly itself. The die assembly is slid into the machine through a hole in the machine housing and into a position which mates part of the die assembly with the push-bar. A clamp, with a handle outside the machine, is then pivoted against the die assembly. The push-bar is adapted to be self-supporting without being bolted to the die assembly, keeping the push-bar in place without manual adjustment and alignment. The die assembly preferably includes a die, pin retainer, and punch pins, and preferably includes a flexible, pivotal, or hinged pin strap to secure the pins to the retainer.

Abstract: A combination inserter and binder machine for wire loop element is easily adjustable for a wide range of diameters of element, preferably without the use of tools or changing of the tool surfaces that perform the closing. The user inserts a stack of punched paper onto a table so that the paper edge slides into the open wire element that is held in place between an upper and lower tool. The upper tool is actuated to move down relative to the lower tool to close the wire element. The surfaces of the upper and lower tools that are presented to the element are preferably V-shaped at an angle or range of angles that are found to be effective for handling the wide variety of diameters. The adjustments made prior to changing to a different diameter of wire ensure that all the paper will slide into the elements smoothly without hanging up or sliding above or below the element.

Abstract: Embodiments of features for a paper punch machine are shown and described. Preferably, these features, which may be called “accessories” whether they are built-in original equipment manufacture or retrofit equipment, assist in proper paper alignment and punch control. A first accessory is an improved paper stop that is both grossly-adjustable and finely-adjustable, by a preferred combination of a biased sliding mechanism, followed by a fine-tuning mechanism gradually laterally moving the paper stop by causing a threaded shaft to rotate after the paper stop is already in the preferred “gross-adjustment” position. This way, the paper stop is brought close to the proper marking on the housing appropriate for a particular paper or die assembly, and then exact adjustment may be made in very small and precise amounts.

Abstract: Embodiments of an punch machine and a quick-change die assembly are shown and described. The die assembly may be quickly installed and removed from the punch machine, without bolting or unbolting of either machine housing or the die assembly itself. The die assembly is slid into the machine through a hole in the machine housing and into a position which mates part of the die assembly with the push-bar. A clamp, with a handle outside the machine, is then pivoted against the die assembly. The push-bar is adapted to be self-supporting without being bolted to the die assembly, keeping the push-bar in place without manual adjustment and alignment. The die assembly preferably includes a die, pin retainer, and punch pins, and preferably includes a flexible, pivotal, or hinged pin strap to secure the pins to the retainer.

Abstract: Embodiments of an punch machine and a quick-change die assembly are shown and described. The die assembly may be quickly installed and removed from the punch machine, without bolting or unbolting of either machine housing or the die assembly itself. The die assembly is slid into the machine through a hole in the machine housing and into a position which mates part of the die assembly with the push-bar. A clamp, with a handle outside the machine, is then pivoted against the die assembly. The push-bar is adapted to be self-supporting without being bolted to the die assembly, keeping the push-bar in place without manual adjustment and alignment. The die assembly preferably includes a die, pin retainer, and punch pins, and preferably includes a flexible, pivotal, or hinged pin strap to secure the pins to the retainer.

Abstract: Embodiments are shown and described of an automatic feeder for handling and inserting media, such as paper, into a hole punch machine or other media processing apparatus. The preferred feeder may accomplish a sequence of steps and preferably includes the apparatus, programming, and methods to accomplish the steps, which preferably handle the paper or other media substantially vertically. A generally vertical pile of paper is advanced forward perpendicularly to the plane of the paper sheets, and then a front portion of the pile is picked by a stabber pushing up in-between the sheets. The picked stack of papers is moved vertically downward into a punching die assembly, and then is ejected laterally to a tray. The picking assembly is designed for a high degree of accuracy. The invented feeder system preferably includes features that allow loading and unloading of the feeder without shutting down the feeder or shutting down the hole punch.

Abstract: Embodiments of an punch machine and a quick-change die assembly are shown and described. The die assembly may be quickly installed and removed from the punch machine, without bolting or unbolting of either machine housing or the die assembly itself. The die assembly is slid into the machine through a hole in the machine housing and into a position which mates part of the die assembly with the push-bar. A clamp, with a handle outside the machine, is then pivoted against the die assembly. The push-bar is adapted to be self-supporting without being bolted to the die assembly, keeping the push-bar in place without manual adjustment and alignment. The die assembly preferably includes a die, pin retainer, and punch pins, and preferably includes a flexible, pivotal, or hinged pin strap to secure the pins to the retainer.

Abstract: Embodiments of an punch machine and a quick-change die assembly are shown and described. The die assembly may be quickly installed and removed from the punch machine, without bolting or unbolting of either machine housing or the die assembly itself. The die assembly is slid into the machine through a hole in the machine housing and into a position which mates part of the die assembly with the push-bar. A clamp, with a handle outside the machine, is then pivoted against the die assembly. The push-bar is adapted to be self-supporting without being bolted to the die assembly, keeping the push-bar in place without manual adjustment and alignment. The die assembly preferably includes a die, pin retainer, and punch pins, and preferably includes a flexible, pivotal, or hinged pin strap to secure the pins to the retainer.