Abstract: Prepaid printing services are obtained and provided using remote and host computers. A card or diskette for printing services is purchased and using a remote computer, the host computer is accessed by e-mail or the like. Application software and printer drivers are downloaded from the host to the remote, and the prepaid printing services are actually installed as a print option on the print menu of the remote computer. Document composition and printing to fulfill the printing services request can be by any conventional techniques, and debiting and invoicing are typically practiced simultaneously with document shipment.

Abstract: A cardboard carton is constructed that is particularly useful for holding a stack of paper so that individual cut sheets from the stack may be readily removed. The carton bottom has an open top and substantially open ends and closed sides, while the carton top has a Z-fold top panel, and one or more tear strips between adhesive connecting the carton top to the carton bottom and the main part of the carton top. The carton bottom, with its open top facing downwardly, is either moved over a stack of paper, or formed over the stack of paper. Then it is rotated 180.degree. about a horizontal axis (as by pivoting a U-shaped continuous conveyor about a horizontal axis), and conveyed to a station where it is moved with respect to a carton top so that the open bottom of the carton top goes over the carton bottom, and then is glued in place. Two opposite flaps on the carton lid may be glued to the bottom surface of the carton bottom panel to provide a lifting space beneath the carton.

Abstract: A cardboard carton is constructed that is particularly useful for holding a stack of paper so that individual cut sheets from the stack may be readily removed. The carton bottom has an open top and substantially open ends and closed sides, while the carton top has a Z-fold top panel, and one or more tear strips between adhesive connecting the carton top to the carton bottom and the main part of the carton top. The carton bottom, with its open top facing downwardly, is either moved over a stack of paper, or formed over the stack of paper. Then it is rotated 180.degree. about a horizontal axis (as by pivoting a U-shaped continuous conveyor about a horizontal axis), and conveyed to a station where it is moved with respect to a carton top so that the open bottom of the carton top goes over the carton bottom, and then is glued in place. Two opposite flaps on the carton lid may be glued to the bottom surface of the carton bottom panel to provide a lifting space beneath the carton.

Abstract: A cardboard carton lid is constructed so that the carton may be securely packed and shipped without the necessity for plastic strapping, and using lower strength paperboard than is conventionally provided, yet allow the carton lid to be reused. The lid has elongated side panels with first and second parallel lines of weakness (e.g. perforations) formed in them. The bottom, fastening portion of the side panels is secured--as by adhesive--to the carton body side walls. A blank, and enlarged grasping portion in the carton lid side panels at the lines of weakness allow a user to grasp the strip between the lines of weakness and detach the lid from the securing portions of the side panels. The lid can be reused after detachment. The carton is packed with nondeformable material such as business forms which extend above the top edge of the carton.

Abstract: Packing apparatus provides for essentially automatic packing of a cardboard carton at a significantly reduced cost compared to conventional strapping equipment and procedures. The carton preferably used with the packing apparatus includes a cardboard carton lid that is constructed so that the carton may be securely packed and shipped without the necessity for plastic strapping, and using lower strength paperboard than is conventionally provided, and is used with a carton body having side walls. The lid has elongated side panels with first and second parallel lines of weakness (e.g. perforations) formed in them. The bottom, fastening portion, of the side panels is preferably secured to the carton body side walls by cam elements of the apparatus moving the side panels outwardly from the carton side walls, and apparatus for applying adhesive to them while in that position. The carton is packed with nondeformable material such as business forms which extend above the top edge of the carton.