Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for preparing side-stitched documents. The apparatus includes means for feeding a series of sheets to be included in said document in a paused, timed, preselected order, a downstream, in-line accumulating station to receive the sheets, first clamping means associated with the accumulating station for grasping a complete assembly of sheets on the side opposite the side to be stitched, and means for moving said clamped assembly to a downstream, in-line stitching station.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for preparing side-stitched (and preferably taped) documents which lie flat when opened on a flat support surface, such as a desk.

Abstract: A paper handling system is used in combination with a duplicator of the type having a printing station and means for conveying printed sheets from the printing station. The paper handling system includes a gravity feed accumulator for receiving sheets from the sheet conveying means and collecting them in a set, a finishing station positioned at the lower level of the accumulator for receiving collected sets from the accumulator and including a stapling device for binding together the sheets of the set, an elevator which communicates with the finishing station to receive bound pamphlets therefrom, and a stacking device which is positioned above the finishing station and communicates with the elevator for receiving pamphlets and arranging them in a stack. The stacking device includes an upper level stacking station, a discharge station located beneath the stacking station, and a movable tray which is capable of being indexed between the upper level and the discharge station.

Abstract: The utility of a document exposing system for a copying machine that has a separate exposure platen for bulky documents with a cover containing a transport mechanism, is improved by providing for the platen cover to swing up and away from the platen by being pivoted on a horizontal hinge axis that is remote the rear edge of the platen and by providing for the single sheet document feeder to pivot away from the side of the platen by turning about a vertical axis located behind the back edge of the platen. Thus, an open, unobstructed volume over and at the side of the platen is provided whereby pages of extremely large bound volumes may be copied.