Abstract: A control circuit for a binding apparatus using a binder covers having resistance heating strips in a heat activated adhesive includes a power control to output a constant power to the heating strip. A duty cycle of the power signal supplied to the heating strip is controlled dependent upon the resistance of the strip. Fault detection circuitry indicates an open circuit in the resistance strip and interrupts the power supply. A stress test is performed by a high voltage generator which emits a high voltage pulse at the start of the binding cycle to stress the connections in the binder cover and thereby cause failure of any weak connections before the binding cycle is underway. A timer circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: The system disclosed herein includes a pair of polymeric elongated edge-binding strips, each of which includes upstanding staple-like members extending from the strip adjacent the center and the ends thereof. Staple deforming depressions are positioned adjacent each staple-like member. In use a pair of edge-binding strips are positioned opposite each other and are used to bind a series of stacked sheets. In such a case, the strips are arranged to face other with staples from one strip aligned with depressions and another strip and vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus and cartridge for use in binding prepunched sheets into a booklet using curled-finger ring-type edge binders. The binders include an opening tool which is drawn through the binder for spreading curled binder finger from the binder spine to form a document receiving gap. Binder/tool combinations are carried in the cartridge which includes a binding position or slot. The cartridge is to be positioned in an apparatus having a recessed base for receiving the cartridge and a cover which includes a paper receiving slot. The base defines a slot for alignment with the cartridge binding position slot. In the opened position, the terminus of the cover slot is aligned with the base slot. When the cartridge is in position and the cover opened, a booklet can be formed at the binding position by a binder being opened, apertured paper deposited in the cover slot and binder, and removal of the opening tool to permit the binder to close on the apertured paper.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus and method for binding prepunched and apertured materials together with a curled-finger ring-type edge binder using an elongated tool. The tool includes leading, intermediate and trailing sections. The leading section is longer than the binder, but not as wide. The intermediate section which uncurls the fingers taperingly joins the leading and trailing sections. The trailing section is longer and wider than the binder, holds the fingers open, aligns the prepunched paper relative to the fingers and can form an upwardly-facing paper receiving gap. The back end of the trailing section is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tool for releasing the fingers so as to allow each finger to release its potential energy, extent or snap through the aperture and thus bind the paper together.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for use in binding, which apparatus includes a base and a cover member hingedly connected to each other. The cover member includes a binding-receiving compartment positioned above a portion of the base. A pair of spaced electrical contacts are positioned in the base below the binder-receiving compartment for receiving and connecting to the binder-receiving contact. The base includes an electric circuit compartment for housing an electric circuit adapted to apply a current to said conductors upon contact with the book for a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a binder cover system for binding loose pages to a cover. The cover includes a spine and a front and back cover hingedly connected thereto, there being applied an electrically conductive layer to an insulator layer which carries an electrically conductive layer and which is secured to said spine and a heat-activatable adhesive layer to said conductive layer. Electrically conductive rivet-like means extend through said spine insulating layer and said electrically conductive layer and are connected by said electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: A power sheet punching apparatus is provided in which a reversing drive operates initially to drive punches through a stack of sheets and thereafter to reverse direction of the drive to withdraw the punches from the sheets. Should the drive be insufficient to drive the punches through the sheets and a jam occurs, an automatic timer operates to thereafter stop the drive and reverse the drive to withdraw the punches from the sheets, thereby providing an automatic non-jamming punch mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic reverse system for a shredder machine automatically causes reversal of the shredder motor when the system becomes jammed. A centrifugal switch connected with a starter winding of the drive motor disconnects power feed thereto when the motor is rotating above a predetermined speed. A manually actuated switching circuit in combination with the centrifugal switch initially energizes the system for forward operation. When a jam occurs, the centrifugal switch together with the switching circuit automatically causes a reversal in the direction of rotation of the motor, the reverse operation continuing until the operator manually actuates a switch to deenergize the system or when an automatic switch halts reverse rotation after a predetermined time period.

Abstract: An improved laminator with a novel heating control system is disclosed for particular employment with laminating packets formed of an article to be laminated positioned between top and bottom leaves. When the packet is aligned in a ready position within the laminating machine, heating elements in a heating zone of the laminating machine are activated while the packet is stationary. When the heating zone attains a first temperature, movement of the packet is initiated in the heating zone. During passage through the heating zone, when the heating zone attains a second temperature, power to the heating elements is cycled so as to maintain the second temperature substantially constant. Also, to further minimize temperature overshoot, power to the heating elements is temporarily removed when the first temperature is attained. With the system of the invention, the dual problems of temperature overshoot and insufficient lamination of lead ends of the packet is avoided.