Abstract: A method and system is provided for automatically controlling inventory. One or more point-of-sale businesses records sales and receipts for each item of inventory and transmits that information periodically (for example daily) to a database in a computer. This computer has software that acts as a “virtual buyer” in the sense that it implements set(s) of rules for the items and determines a target inventory for each item at each location. This information is then compared to each current inventory that is also kept current in a database. If the current inventory for that item at that location is less than the target inventory, then an order for more units of that item is generated to bring the current inventory up to the target inventory. Also, if the current inventory exceeds the target inventory for an item at one or more of the point-of-sale businesses, then instructions to return units of that item to the point-of-distribution may be generated.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for automatically controlling inventory. One or more point-of-sale businesses records sales and receipts for each item of inventory and transmits that information periodically (for example daily) to a database in a computer. This computer has software that acts as a “virtual buyer” in the sense that it implements set(s) of rules for the items and determines a target inventory for each item at each location. This information is then compared to each current inventory that is also kept current in a database. If the current inventory for that item at that location is less than the target inventory, then an order for more units of that item is generated to bring the current inventory up to the target inventory. Also, if the current inventory exceeds the target inventory for an item at one or more of the point-of-sale businesses, then instructions to return units of that item to the point-of-distribution may be generated.

Abstract: An improved process of attaching a book body to a case at the hinge to form a hard bound book. A liquid thermoplastic bonding agent is applied to the body or case at the hinge area. The bonding agent is allowed to dry and form a solidified layer. The body is then inserted into the case so that the portion to which the agent has been applied is located at the hinge of the completed book. The dried bonding agent is heatable upon exposure to an alternating electric field and melts to form the attachment at the hinge area. Pressure applied to the hinge area assists in forming the attachment and reduces the thickness and heat generation of the layer.

Abstract: An improved technique of forming the hinge joint of a hard bound book. An adhesive is applied over the animal glue on the hinge area of the cover and allowed to dry. Thereafter, the body, coated with a synthetic resin, may be joined to the hinge area to bind the book. Priming the animal glue with the adhesive overcomes the bonding incompatibility which has heretofor existed between the animal glue and the synthetic resins and which has resulted in a weakening of the hinge.