Abstract: A simplified desktop book binder method and apparatus wherein the sheets to be bound are accurately aligned by the binder tape itself. In particular, the conventional binder tape is formed into an L-shape. Alignment is achieved since the inside corner of the L and the edge of the bundle of sheets of paper are in contact. The tape is dropped into a correspondingly shaped slot in the binder apparatus and the paper bundle is placed on top of the tape, the edge of the bundle being automatically aligned against the corner of the tape. The free end of the long leg is wrapped tightly around the paper bundle. In an alternative arrangement, a form is substituted for the bundle of paper, the form being covered with Teflon tape. Since the glue will not adhere to the Teflon, the form may be removed after binding leaving the covers and binding tape with glue inside the spine, thus allowing the user to make folders as desired.

Abstract: An encoded binder strip having an adhesive matrix and an encoded pattern formed on a surface of the matrix to identify the type of binder strip. The encoded pattern includes relatively high reflectivity regions and relatively low reflectivity regions. Preferably, the encoded pattern is read as the binder strip is fed into a binding machine, with the encoded pattern controlling operation of the machine.

Abstract: An encoded binder strip having an adhesive matrix and an encoded pattern formed on a surface of the matrix to identify the type of binder strip. The encoded pattern includes relatively high reflectivity regions and relatively low reflectivity regions. Preferably, the encoded pattern is read as the binder strip is fed into a binding machine, with the encoded pattern controlling operation of the machine.

Abstract: A bookbinding system and method of binding books including a cover/spine assembly having a relatively rigid cover section with a length and width at least as great as that of the stack of sheets to be bound and a spine section having a width greater than the height of the stack. The cover/spine assembly and the spine section are secured together along the length of the cover section so that the spine section can be folded along a first edge with respect to the cover/spine assembly. A heat activated matrix is disposed on the spine section including a central adhesive band and an outer band disposed between the central adhesive band and a second edge of the spine section. Binding is carried out by placing the stack over the cover section and folding the spine section over the edge of the stack. Preferably a second relatively rigid cover section is placed on top of the stack so that the outer adhesive band on the spine section will extend over second cover section.

Abstract: A bookbinding structure and method. The bookbinding structure is used to bind pages together in existing, commercially available binding machines. The bookbinding structure has a heat activated adhesive matrix for binding the pages. To attach a wrap-around book cover once the pages have been bound with the bookbinding structure, an adhesive on the outer surface of the bookbinding structure may be exposed by removing a release liner covering the adhesive. The book cover may then be adhered to the exposed adhesive either by a heat method or by applying pressure over the adhesive, depending on the particular type of adhesive of the bookbinding structure. The book cover may be printed with information and/or graphics prior to being wrapped around the pages of the book.

Abstract: A bookbinding structure and method. The bookbinding structure is, used to bind pages together in existing, commercially available binding machines. The bookbinding structure has a heat activated adhesive matrix for binding the pages. To attach a wrap-around book cover once the pages have been bound with the bookbinding structure, an adhesive on the outer surface of the bookbinding structure may be exposed by removing a release liner covering the adhesive. The book cover may then be adhered to the exposed adhesive either by a heat method or by applying pressure over the adhesive, depending on the particular type of adhesive of the bookbinding structure. The book cover may be printed with information and/or graphics prior to being wrapped around the pages of the book.

Abstract: A bookbinding system and method of binding books including a cover/spine assembly having a relatively rigid cover section with a length and width at least as great as that of the stack of sheets to be bound and a spine section having a width greater than the height of the stack. The cover/spine assembly and the spine section are secured together along the length of the cover section so that the spine section can be folded along a first edge with respect to the cover/spine assembly. A heat activated matrix is disposed on the spine section including a central adhesive band and an outer band disposed between the central adhesive band and a second edge of the spine section. Binding is carried out by placing the stack over the cover section and folding the spine section over the edge of the stack. Preferably a second relatively rigid cover section is placed on top of the stack so that the outer adhesive band on the spine section will extend over second cover section.

Abstract: A printer and method of printing on a substrate such a binder strip used for binding a stack of sheets. A platen provides support for the strip, with the strip being supported on the platen at opposite ends by strip supports. A print head mechanism is mounted adjacent the platen so that the mechanism can move relative to the platen. A ribbon having ink is disposed intermediate the print head mechanism and the platen, with a print head controller being provided which causes the print head mechanism to print the desired matter on the substrate.

Abstract: A printer having a platen for supporting a binder strip to be printed, a ribbon positioned adjacent the platen and print head mechanism having print pins, driver coils associated with each print pin and a heating element for heating the print pins. A driver applies energy to the coils such that a drive force is applied to the print pins up to the time the pins force the ribbon against the binder strip and for a fixed time thereafter. The driver is controlled by a print head controller so as to carry out printing on the binder strip.

Abstract: A printer for printing on a binder strip and having a platen for supporting the binder strip, a print head mechanism and a print head controller. An interface unit is provided which includes indicia formed on the housing of the unit indicative of the spine of a bound book. The indicia includes three regions that represent three zones of the spine, with the three regions each having as associated visual indicator and switch for enabling a user to select a spine zone. A user can enter text, using a keyboard, to be printed on spine zone when the visual indicator associated with the spine zone has been made active using the associated switch.

Abstract: An adhesive binding strip for binding pages in the form of a book. The adhesive binding strip includes an elongated substrate made of a formable material. A band of heat-activated adhesive runs down the central portion of the substrate. A matrix of heat-activated adhesive is placed on the substrate around all edges of the adhesive band. The matrix is spaced apart from the longitudinal edges of the substrate to form longitudinal regions where tapered adhesive sections of the matrix are disposed. The tapered sections have an average thickness which is at least two-thirds that of the remainder of the adhesive matrix. The adhesive band, which has a low viscosity under activation conditions, binds the pages of a book to each other and to the substrate. The adhesive matrix has a high viscosity under activation conditions, serves to bind the entire substrate to the book, while preventing the adhesive band from running out from under the substrate during the binding process.