Abstract: The invention combines the binding techniques described in application Ser. No. 09/320,060 titled Binding Sheet Media Using Imaging Material with a buckle chute type folding device to form self mailers and other folded and bound or sealed document. The device for folding and binding sheet media using imaging material as the binder includes a buckle chute, a binder downstream in the paper path from the buckle chute, an input driver proximate to and upstream in the paper path from the buckle chute, and an exit driver proximate to and between the buckle chute and the binder in the paper path. The input driver directs the media sheet into the buckle chute and, in cooperation with the buckle chute, buckles the media sheet along a fold line. The exit driver receives the media sheet from the buckle chute, folds the media sheet along the fold line and directs the media sheet towards the binder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding documents by individually binding each media sheet to previously bound media sheets using imaging material as the binding material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding documents by individually binding each media sheet to previously bound media sheets using imaging material as the binding material.

Abstract: A fuser assembly comprising of a roller having a heat absorptive outer layer on an inner core of a thermally isolating material and a radiant heating element positioned adjacent and external to the outer layer of a roller.

Abstract: A multiple bin output device for use with an image forming device. The output device comprises a plurality of removable bins configured to receive sheets output by the image forming device. The output device can either move a selected bin into position to receive a sheet or the device can guide a sheet into a selected removable but otherwise stationary bin.

Abstract: A sheet finishing apparatus includes a media path configured to receive a sheet of media moving along the media path. A creasing tool is located proximate to the media path and is configured to form a crease in the sheet of media. The apparatus also includes a sheet folding device configured to fold the sheet of media along the crease. The creasing tool is preferably configured to operably move from a first position wherein the creasing tool is retracted away from the media path, to a second position wherein the creasing tool can contact a sheet of media moving along the media path and thereby form a crease in the sheet.

Abstract: A method of binding a plurality of sheets into a bound sheet stack. The method includes providing a first sheet and a second sheet. At least one of the sheets has a protective coating applied to a least a portion of the sheet. The first and second sheets are overlaid so that at least a portion of the protective coating on one of the sheets contacts the other sheet. A binding energy is then applied to a binding region on the first and second sheets to thereby bind the sheets into a sheet stack. The binding region includes at least a portion of the protective coating on at least one of the sheets, and which is in contact with the other sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding documents by individually binding each media sheet to previously bound media sheets using imaging material as the binding material.

Abstract: A post print finishing device that incorporates an imaging material binder into the post print handling and finishing functions. In one exemplary embodiment, the finishing device includes a flipper module, an accumulator module and a binder module. The binder module binds sheets together by reactivating imaging material applied to binding regions on the sheets by a printing device. The flipper module receives a sheet leading edge first and discharges the sheet trailing edge first. That is to say, the flipper module flips the sheet before discharging the sheet for further processing. The accumulator module stacks the sheets, presents the sheets to the binder for binding and then discharges the bound stack to the output bin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding documents by individually binding each media sheet to previously bound media sheets using imaging material as the binding material.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which utilize robotic analysis of acoustic data captured during operation of a device to evaluate the operation of such device. An acoustic capture sensor is implemented within a device, such as a paper handling device, automobile, or any other device that generates detectable sound as a by-product of its operation. The acoustic capture sensor captures sound produced by the operation of the device and converts the captured sound from analog to digital. The captured sound is communicated to a processor-based device that is operable to process the sound to evaluate the operation of the device. The processor-based device may be communicatively coupled to a data storage device that has empirical sound data stored therein. In this manner, the processor-based device may compare sound captured by acoustic capture sensor(s) within a device with the stored empirical sound data to analyze the device's operation.

Abstract: A device for binding a stack of media sheets using imaging material as the binding agent. The binding device includes a tray for supporting the stack and a heated platen or some other type of imaging material activator near the tray. A press coupled to the activator is operative between a first position in which the activator is separated from the stack to a second position in which the activator contacts and compresses the stack at the binding region. A spring or other biasing mechanism operatively connected between the press and the activator biases the activator against the stack when the press is in the second position. The biasing mechanism allows pressure to be maintained on the stack to reactivate the imaging material without continuing to power the press down against the stack even as the stack shrinks under the reactivating pressure. Hence, power can be diverted if necessary or desirable from the press to activator to reduce the overall power consumption of the binding device.

Abstract: An output bin that uses gravity to urge the sheets into alignment along two edges and thereby help form a fully aligned stack. In one embodiment, the bin includes a first panel facing each sheet as the sheet is output from the printing device, the first panel having a top, a bottom and a side; a second panel disposed along the bottom of the first panel, the second panel tipped relative to a leading edge that leads each sheet out of the printing device; and a third panel disposed along the side of the first panel. Each sheet dispensed into the output bin slides over the first panel until a leading edge of the sheet contacts an upper portion of the second tipped panel. The sheet then tips in the direction of the third panel and rests with the leading edge supported by the second panel and a side edge supported by the third panel.

Abstract: A sheet flow direction changing mechanism having a roller system comprised of three rollers and a sheet stopping device and so adapted and arranged that a sheet passing through said mechanism is (1) driven in a first direction by passing between a center roller and a top roller, (2) stopped and then (3) directed into a nip between the center roller and a bottom roller and thereby driving the sheet in a second direction.

Abstract: An output bin that uses gravity to urge the sheets into alignment along two edges and thereby help form a fully aligned stack. In one embodiment, the bin includes a first panel facing each sheet as the sheet is output from the printing device, the first panel having a top, a bottom and a side; a second panel disposed along the bottom of the first panel, the second panel tipped relative to a leading edge that leads each sheet out of the printing device; and a third panel disposed along the side of the first panel. Each sheet dispensed into the output bin slides over the first panel until a leading edge of the sheet contacts an upper portion of the second tipped panel. The sheet then tips in the direction of the third panel and rests with the leading edge supported by the second panel and a side edge supported by the third panel.

Abstract: Binding sheet media using imaging forming material applied to binding regions on sheets of paper or other print media. In one embodiment of the invention, imaging material is applied to facing sides of the sheets to bind them together. In a second embodiment, the imaging material in the binding region is re-activated as each sheet or a group of sheets as they come out of the printer. In a third embodiment, the imaging material is used to bind the sheets in a booklet along a fold line. In this third embodiment of the invention, imaging material is applied to a binding region along the fold line of each sheet. The sheets are then assembled for binding along the fold line and the imaging material in the binding region is re-activated to bind the sheets into a booklet.

Abstract: A sheet material transfer guide is described in the context of a sheet material handling system including a first sheet material processing device and a second sheet material processing device. The transfer guide includes an outfeed mechanism on the first sheet material processing device, and an infeed mechanism on the second sheet material processing device adapted to receive sheet material from the outfeed mechanism on the first sheet material processing device. An angularly adjustable guide mechanism is secured between the infeed mechanism of the first sheet material processing device and the outfeed mechanism of the second sheet material processing device. The guide mechanism can include a ramp member pivotably mounted on a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly can be provided as a pivot member secured to the ramp member, with a pair of pivot member support assemblies mounted adjacent to respective opposite sides of the ramp member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding documents by individually binding each media sheet to previously bound media sheets using imaging material as the binding material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding documents by individually binding each media sheet to previously bound media sheets using imaging material as the binding material.

Abstract: A device for binding a stack of media sheets using imaging material as the binding agent. The binding device includes a tray for supporting the stack and a heated platen or some other type of imaging material activator near the tray. A press coupled to the activator is operative between a first position in which the activator is separated from the stack to a second position in which the activator contacts and compresses the stack at the binding region. A spring or other biasing mechanism operatively connected between the press and the activator biases the activator against the stack when the press is in the second position. The biasing mechanism allows pressure to be maintained on the stack to reactivate the imaging material without continuing to power the press down against the stack even as the stack shrinks under the reactivating pressure. Hence, power can be diverted if necessary or desirable from the press to activator to reduce the overall power consumption of the binding device.