Abstract: A drive control system for a binding line having first and second separate binding-line segments, includes a first motor for driving the first binding-line segment, a second motor independent of the first motor for driving the second binding-line segment, and a controller coupled to the first and second motors. The controller is operable in an independent or asynchronous mode for controlling the first and second motors so that the first and second binding-line segments operate independently, and is also operable in a synchronous mode for controlling the first and second motors so that the first and second binding-line segments operate in synchronism with one another.

Abstract: A method of and system for reducing aliasing effects in a digital reproduction of an original image are disclosed. A first set of pixels extending along a first direction in the digital reproduction and satisfying an edge condition is found and a second set of pixels lying on a first line and extending along the first direction are identified from the first set of pixels and from the sampled values associated with pixels lying in at least one additional line extending along a second direction transverse to the first direction. The sampled values for the pixels lying on the first line are modified toward a first value and the sampled values for pixels defining a second line adjacent the first line are modified toward a second value.

Abstract: A system, which converts a continuous tone value undergoing conversion to an output value, generates first and second errors and an output. The first error is based upon (i) the continuous tone value undergoing conversion, (ii) output values corresponding to previously converted continuous tone values, output values predicted for continuous tone values yet to be converted, and an output value having an assumed first level for the continuous cone value undergoing conversion, and (iii) a matrix value based upon the continuous tone value undergoing conversion. The second error is based upon (i) the continuous tone value undergoing conversion, (ii) the output values corresponding to the previously converted continuous tone values, the output values predicted for the continuous tone values yet to be converted, and an output value having an assumed second level for the continuous tone value undergoing conversion, and (iii) the matrix value based upon the continuous tone value undergoing conversion.

Abstract: An image described in a page description language program is processed by an external image processing module, which may perform screening or color correction on the image. The processed image is then returned to the page description language program to be incorporated into a raster description of an output page. An image operator contained in the page description language program is redefined such the image operator transforms the image for compatibility with the external processing module and then invokes the external module to process the image.

Abstract: A package for a compact disc having a rear panel and a front panel associated with the rear panel. The front and rear panels are substantially parallel to each other and have a space disposed between them in which an insert panel is disposed. The front panel has an aperture formed therein which is adapted to receive the compact disc. The insert panel has a central aperture formed therein which is adapted to accommodate the compact disc therein. The aperture formed in the front panel of the compact disc enclosure may be sized to expose at least a portion of the central hole of the compact disc when the compact disc is disposed in the central aperture of the insert panel. The aperture formed in the front panel may also include a finger slot which exposes a portion of a peripheral edge of the compact disc so that the compact disc can be grasped exclusively by its edges, thus eliminating the need to grasp either face of the disc.

Abstract: A system for developing a plan for distribution of items from an origin to a plurality of destinations uses an indication of an estimated number of books to be sent to the destinations to obtain a first total cost estimate representing the total cost of distributing the estimated number of items from the origin to the destinations using a first distribution system. The system obtains a second total cost estimate representing the total cost of distributing the estimated number of items from the origin to the destinations using a combination of the first and second distribution systems and compares the first cost estimate to the second cost estimate. If the first cost estimate is greater than the second cost estimate, a distribution plan is obtained from an indication of an actual number of items to be distributed whereby at least one of the items is to be sent to its destination using the first and second distribution systems.

Abstract: A nested book assembly for a child is composed of a first book having a front cover, a back cover, and a plurality of pages attached between the two covers and a second book having a front cover, a back cover, and a plurality of pages attached between the two covers. The second book has a shape which substantially corresponds to the shape of a cavity formed in the front cover of the first book so that the second book may be frictionally retained within the cavity. The nested book assembly may include one or more puzzle pieces which are frictionally retained within one or more cavities formed in one or more of the books, the overall shape of each of the puzzle pieces substantially corresponding to the shape of a respective one of the cavities in which the puzzle pieces may be frictionally retained.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high speed apparatus for stacking books received from a delivery conveyer and accounting for the books and the operation of the stacker as part of a manufacturing data and control system. The apparatus is formed of an input conveyer system, a stacking region, sets of forks for intercepting a predetermined number of the books to form a stack, mechanical apparatus such as pairs of chains for moving the sets of forks in and out of the common pathway stacking region, and a real-time control device for controlling the timing and movement along the substantially common pathway of the sets of forks. The forks are in substantially the same dimensions of vertical attitude and horizontal plane when within the stacking region when each stack is being formed and the sets of forks could theoretically overtake each other during a cycle since they are in the above-noted substantially common pathway.

Abstract: A personalized coupon generating and processing system includes a coupon dispensing source that communicates with responsive consumers through a communications interface. The availability of preselected coupons is communicated to the consumers by an availability communications means, and consumer responses are communicated to the coupon dispensing source by consumer response means. Consumer requested coupons are personalized and distributed to the responsive consumers. Redemption of the coupons is communicated to the coupon dispensing source by redemption data means.

Abstract: In order to avoid ergonomic problems such as carpel tunnel syndrome while improving productivity, an apparatus for feeding signatures to a patent bound binding line is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pocket adjacent a binding line for receiving signatures to be delivered to the binding line. It also includes a signature feeder for feeding signatures from a source in a generally vertical direction to a signature receiving and transferring mechanism. The signature receiving and transferring mechanism has a signature receiving end positioned in generally vertically spaced relation to the source and a signature transferring end positioned generally adjacent to the pocket. The signature receiving and transferring mechanism has a signature conveyor for conveying signatures in a continuous stream from the signature receiving end to the signature transferring end for delivery into the pocket.

Abstract: In order to automate the palletizing of bundles of books in an efficient manner, an automated method and system is provided for achieving the objective of having mail bundle positions of substantially equal accumulative height. The method includes dividing the pallet into a grid consisting of a plurality of mail bundle positions adapted to receive one or more book mail bundles in rows and columns. The books are gathered into book mail bundles for placement on the grid of the pallet in accordance with a book gathering program. The books are gathered to form book mail bundles having a preselected minimum and maximum number of books with any grouping of books in numbers between the minimum and maximum number being divided into one or more book mail bundles of various sizes. The books are also gathered such that any grouping of books in numbers greater than the maximum number is divided into one or more book mail bundles having a number of books between the minimum and maximum.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for converting a continuous tone value to an output value having a first level or a second level. A first error magnitude is generated based upon continuous tone values already converted, continuous tone values not yet converted and an output value having the first level assumed for the continuous tone value undergoing conversion. A second error magnitude is similarly generated except that an output value having the second level is assumed for the continuous tone value undergoing conversion. If the first error magnitude is less than the second error magnitude, then the continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to the output value having the first level and, otherwise, the continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to the output value having the second level. The error corresponding to the converted lineary value is diffused in a predetermined manner to neighboring continuous tone values which have not yet been converted.

Abstract: A book according to the present invention has a front cover and a back cover joined by a spine. A plurality of pages are bound to each other and to the cover near the spine. All or nearly all of the pages have a lay flat hinge so that the book will lie flat when opened. The lay flat hinge comprises a weakened portion, a first non-weakened portion between the weakened portion and a head of a page, and a second non-weakened portion between the weakened portion and a foot of the page. The weakened portion allows the book to lie flat when opened and the first and second non-weakened portions prevent pages from being easily torn from the book and prevent the weakened portion from being visible along edges of the book.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus to strip material from material cores. The apparatus of the invention comprises a frame; a belt attached to the frame; means for rotationally driving the belt; and means for biasing material to be stripped against the belt. According to the invention, the belt is an endless conveying belt, driven by a motor, gear box controlled with an A/C variable frequency drive. The material being stripped is biased against the belt by a plurality of positioning members rotatably attached to the frame. The positioning members are spaced at intervals along the length of the conveying belt such that the distance between ecah positioning member is greater than the diameter of the expiring material core being stripped. Each positioning member and the rotating belt meet to create a nip. An expiring core is placed on the rotating conveying belt and the leasing edge of the material is self-threaded into the nip.

Abstract: An assembly for applying hot melt adhesive to the backbone of a book block to attach a cover includes a bath of hot melt glue heated to approximately 350.degree. F. A metal wheel is submerged in the bath. The metal wheel is rotated and scrapers meter the hot melt adhesive on the surface of the metal wheel. The metal wheel transfers the hot melt adhesive to flexible adhesive distribution wheel. The flexible wheel is fabricated of a silicone rubber with iron oxide capable of withstanding the elevated temperatures of the hot melt adhesive while maintaining its flexibility. In addition, the cut and mold of the wheel results in greater flexibility of the wheel, allowing the wheel to flex to engage completely the backbone of each book block to apply the adhesive fully and completely.

Abstract: In order to reduce operating costs while enhancing the overall operating efficiency of an industrial plant, a method for automating a plant or warehouse using portable gantry robots is provided. Work stations for the robots are organized along rows in various parts of the plant where work is present. An overhead rail system is provided over the work stations wherein at least some overhead rail system have sections of displaceable rails. A transporter is provided for transporting the portable robots between rail systems or locations within a rail system. The transporters have a section of transfer rails which are identical in size to the displaceable rail section. A displaceable rail section is displaced following which the transfer rail section is locked into plance. The transfer rail section may also be aligned at one end of an overhead rail system. The robots are then added or removed from the overhead rail system while the transfer rail section is aligned with the overhead rail system.

Abstract: A binding line including at least first and second binding line sections. The first binding line section is adapted to transport books therealong to a book exit station and the second binding line section is adapted to transport books therealong from a book entry station. The binding line includes a book transferring mechanism or subsystem for moving books from the book exit station of the first binding line section to the book entry station of the second binding line section as well as devices associated with book leaving the book exit station and books entering the book entry station for tracking books during transfer from the first binding line section to the second binding line section. The first binding line section can run at the same or a different speed than the second binding line section. In addition, the binding line can include asynchronous or synchronous multiple first and/or second binding line sections.

Abstract: In order to maintain mailstream sequence, even in the event of a reorder, a collating system is provided which includes a plurality of signature feeders. The signature feeders are provided for delivering a plurality of different signatures to each of a plurality of points along a conveyor to thereby form a plurality of books in the form of a stream of books carried by the conveyor. The collating system also includes an accumulator system downstream of the signature feeders having an input point for receiving each of the books from the conveyor and an output point for discharging each of the books to the conveyor in the same order it was received. A rejecting mechanism is provided for rejecting a defective one of the books from the conveyor at a point upstream of the accumulator means to thereafter cause there to be an opening in the stream of books where the defective one of the books has been rejected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for individually printing signatures during delivery to a bindery line where a plurality of signatures are provided at a feeding station for delivery to a binding line conveyor. The signatures are transferred by a transfer conveyor which extends from a point near the feeding station to a point near a binding line conveyor. A main drum assembly preferably moves the signatures one at a time from the feeding station to the transfer conveyor which follows a path to a delivery drum assembly where the signatures are delivered one at a time from the transfer conveyor to the binding line conveyor. The transfer conveyor is adapted to receive one signature at a time from the main drum assembly after which the transfer conveyor carries the signatures to the delivery drum assembly which delivers signatures one at a time for deposit on the binding line conveyor.

Abstract: A gravure printing press includes a scavenger located adjacent a pinch formed by an impression roller and a printing cylinder. The scavenger captures air drawn to the printing clinder which has become laden with solvent from ink on an outer surface of the cylinder, to minimize the dispersion of the solvent laden air to the area surrounding the press.