Abstract: The invention provides a group of standardized plastic binding elements that include two, three, four, five, or seven fingers that are spaced along the spine at precise locations to accommodate the perforations spaced according to specific standardized loose-leaf hole patterns. The binding elements preferably have spines likewise corresponding to at least the length of specific standardized paper sizes, i.e., 8.27 inches (21 cm), 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) 11 inches (28 cm), 11.69 inches (30 cm), 14 inches (39.5), and 16 inches (40.5 cm). The fingers of the binding elements either secure together or to the spine when in the closed position, or the binding elements are held in the closed position by other structure such that the binding elements may be utilized to bind a stack of standard, loose-leaf sheets without the use of a binding machine.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary punch assembly for punching successive sheets of paper, the assembly comprising a first punch pin roller and a second roller which form a nip therebetween. The first punch pin roller has a plurality of punch pins protruding therefrom and is driven, while the second roller has a resilient surface and is freely rotating. As a sheet is passed through the nip between the rollers, the punch pins penetrate the paper as the pins work against the resilient surface of the second roller to pierce the holes.

Abstract: A punching station that utilizes low cost, interchangeable, linearly operating die sets, and may be disposed in line with a printer to punch individual sheets as they proceed through the printer. Sheets exiting a printer or other machine are rapidly accelerated along a circuitous path in the punching station, and then into position between the die plates of a linearly actuated die. The sheet is stopped and punched, and then rapidly accelerated out of the punch to exit the punching station. Each sheet is accelerated to a speed that is typically greater than the speed of the sheet as it exits the printer. Die sets having different pin sizes and configurations are interchangeable within the punching station in order to permit rapid die changes, and the die pins are preferably made of powdered metal to yield low cost die sets.

Abstract: A binding element that may he readily molded, and utilized to bind a range of sizes and thicknesses of stacks of sheets. The elements are molded in a flat sheets with elongated fingers extending from an elongated spine either as individual binding elements, or as an extended length that is then cut to size during an automated assembly process. The elongated fingers are inserted into the prepunched openings in the stack of sheets. The free ends of the fingers are then coupled to the spine, shortening the closed finger loop to an appropriate length for the thickness of the stack of sheets. The excess finger is cut from the finding element and discarded. The actual process steps may be performed in various orders, either sequentially or simultaneously.