Abstract: Methods for binding books are provided. In such methods a cover made of a flexible material is provided and a block-book is formed joining a number of signatures and applying glue along the spine of the signatures. The book-block is coupled with the cover, obtaining a bound book. The spine of the bound book is rounded off, in order to give the book an outwardly convex spine. The rounded shape of the spine is maintained for a time interval sufficient to allow drying of the glue within the bound book, and finally the book is trimmed. Books made by such methods are also provided.

Abstract: A device (15) for centering a tubular fabric (10) comprises a central fixed supporting portion (16) located within the fabric. A pair of oscillating arms (17) each having an end mounted to said central fixed portion (16), are kept divaricated against the tubular fabric. A motor driven roller unit (18) is secured to the free end of each oscillating arm (17) and has an electric motor (19). Motors (19) control rotation, in the same direction of rotation, of respective supporting members (21) each fitted with a plurality of idle rollers (22). The rollers (22) are angularly equally spaced around their respective supporting member (21) and are free to rotate about respective axes of rotation transverse to the direction of advancement of the fabric. Rotation of supporting members (21) in the same direction causes the fabric to rotate, while oscillating arms (17) keep the fabric stretched.

Abstract: A system for opening fabrics in rope-form comprises a combination of a spreader device, and a centering device downstream of the spreader device a distance of 250 to 750 mm. The spreader device comprises two double spirally scored spreader rolls rotatably driven in the opposite direction to the fabric feed direction. The centering device comprises a pair of parallel centering rolls with means to vary their inclination to the direction of movement of the fabric, as needed.