Abstract: A plurality of binding elements, each of a substantially uniform thickness, the fingers being looped over and coupled to the spine such that the inner surface of the fingers is disposed against the inner surface of the spine by an adhesive when assembled. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface of the binding element is resistant to a more permanent attachment to the adhesive such that the plurality may be stacked together, and successively decoupled or removed for insertion into a stack. The binding elements may include score lines or bends in the fingers to provide a rounded closed loop structure; optional gussets in the bends inhibit straightening of the fingers. The fingers optionally include variations in cross-section along the length to relieve certain stresses to inhibit the looped finger. The binding elements optionally include structure for facilitating interaction with an automating binding process.

Abstract: An improved thermal laminating film includes a tackified resin. The film can be manufactured by extruding the tackified resin onto a base layer of the film.

Abstract: A plurality of binding elements, each of a substantially uniform thickness, the fingers being looped over and coupled to the spine such that the inner surface of the fingers is disposed against the inner surface of the spine by an adhesive when assembled. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface of the binding element is resistant to a more permanent attachment to the adhesive such that the plurality may be stacked together, and successively decoupled or removed for insertion into a stack. The binding elements may include score lines or bends in the fingers to provide a rounded closed loop structure; optional gussets in the bends inhibit straightening of the fingers. The fingers optionally include variations in cross-section along the length to relieve certain stresses to inhibit the looped finger. The binding elements optionally include structure for facilitating interaction with an automating binding process.

Abstract: The invention includes a combination of coupling clip structure and a plurality of binding elements for binding stacks of perforated sheets for delivery to an automated machine. The combination comprises at least two binding elements, and at least one coupling clip discrete from said at least two binding elements. At least one of the coupling clip or the binding element(s) comprises at least one recess, at least a portion of at least one said binding element being disposed in said recess in the coupling clip and/or at least a portion of the coupling clip being disposed in said recess in the binding element, the coupling clip coupling the at least two binding elements together in a predetermined adjacent spatial relationship. The coupling clip may be separated from the binding elements by the automated machine. The invention further includes a method of coupling a plurality of binding elements together with at least one coupling clip for delivery to an automated machine.

Abstract: A universal sled for adapting an existing sheet processing station for use with a sheet handling system, a sheet handling system including an existing sheet processing station, and a method of performing the same. The sled is supported on and moveable relative to a platform of the existing sheet processing station. The sled includes a plurality of parallel support surfaces that collectively form a sheet support surface that may be intermeshed with a plurality of parallel support surfaces that form a sheet support surface of a cart, the sheet support surfaces of the cart being intermeshable with the support surfaces of other modules of the system.

Abstract: An automated punching arrangement for punching successive sheets or lifts from an input stack of sheets, and arranging those sheets in an output stack. The automated punching arrangement receives the stack at an input platform that automatically advances the stack into the machine where a picker picks a sheet or successive lifts from the stack and delivers them along an input path into direct registration in a die set. Punched sheets are advanced out of the punch at a 90° angle from the input path along an output path, and inverted by an inverter to the output stack on an output platform. The punched stack of sheets is then advanced out of the machine. The machine includes automated set up including reading of dedicated identifying markers on die sets and resulting adjustment of the die set position within the machine and of the back plate within the die set.

Abstract: A sheet or sheet stack handling system for performing at least one operation on successive sheets or stacks of sheets, and interface for the same, wherein the document handling system includes at least two modules selected from a group consisting of an elevator transfer station, a modular transfer station, a storage station, a transportation cart, and a modular processing station. When more than one modular processing station are coupled to form the document handling system, the system may be utilized to perform a series of operations on successive sheets or stacks of sheets. Alternately, the individual processing stations or a group of the processing stations may be utilized to perform only certain functions on the sheets. The modules each contain a plurality of parallel, spaced, elongated support surfaces that form a sheet support surface.

Abstract: A set feeding apparatus (10) separates an uppermost set of paper sheets from a staggered stack of sets (36) with a platform (34) that biases the stack toward a carriage (42) that is moveable with respect to the stack. The carriage includes a cam-activated pic and a knife head that combine to raise the uppermost set from the stack. A plow then engages the raised portion of the uppermost set to move the set off of the stack.

Abstract: A die pin retainer subassembly for use in a die assembly that slidably engages with a die punching machine comprises an elongated retainer, which includes at least one hole for receiving a die pin, and an elongated retaining bar disposed over the enlarged head of the die pin. At least one of the retainers on the retaining bar is in the form of a channel and the retainer and the retaining bar are sized and configured to nest along the lateral direction to minimize any relative lateral movement.

Abstract: The invention includes binding elements (30) which are coupled together by coupling structure (22) to facilitate storage and automated feeding, handling and/or binding operations. The coupling structure (22) may be in the form of, for example, extraneous structure such as a cartridge or runners disposed between the individual elements, the coupling structure (22) may be in the form of a continuous length of binding element (30) itself. Extraneous coupling structure (22), such as runners are severed from the binding elements (30), or the continuous length of binding elements is cut to size either before, during, or after the feeding, handling and binding operations. Extraneous coupling structure (22) may also be attached to the binding elements (30) by way of a flexible connector which provides a degree of tolerance in the relative positions of the binding element and the coupling structure or other structure used to feed the elements into an automated process.

Abstract: A die pin retainer subassembly for use in a die assembly that slidably engages with a die punching machine comprises an elongated retainer, which includes at least one hole for receiving a die pin, and an elongated retaining bar disposed over the enlarged head of the die pin. At least one of the retainers on the retaining bar is in the form of a channel and the retainer and the retaining bar are sized and configured to nest along the lateral direction to minimize any relative lateral movement.