Abstract: An image forming system with a finisher connected to a copying machine via an inverting unit. The finisher has a stapling section which staples sheets stacked on a tray with a stapler and a folding section which folds a sheet with folding rollers. In a confidential mode, a sheet on which an image with confidential or private contents has been copied is transported to the finisher with its image-formed side facing down and is folded in two with the image inside. Then, in the stapling section, the folded sheet is stapled along a side opposite the fold.

Abstract: An apparatus for finishing sheets is provided with a sheet conveyor to convey a sheet in a predetermined sheet conveyance direction on a sheet conveyance path; and a stapling device to conduct an edge stapling processing to put staple pins into an edge portion of sheets and a center stapling processing to put staple pins at a central portion of sheets, the stapling device having a plurality of staplers arranged in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction, each of the plurality of staplers constructed in a two-divided piece structure including a driving mechanism provided one side of the sheet conveyance passage so as to put the staple pins into the sheets and a receiving mechanism provided the other side of the sheet conveyance passage so as to clinch the staple pins, and at least one of the plurality of staplers movable in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction.

Abstract: A sheet finisher includes: a sheet stacking section on which sheets are stacked; a pair of folding rollers for pressing and conveying the sheets; a roller driving device for driving the pair of folding rollers; a protruding member which is protruded toward a nipping position of the pair of folding rollers to fold the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking section in two; and a protruding member driving device for driving the protruding member to protrude toward the nipping position. When the protruding member driving device drives the protruding member toward the nipping position, the roller driving device is suspended to drive the pair of folding rollers to be conveyed.

Abstract: A method for handling a material sheet in a sheet-wise booklet making system, including the steps of advancing a sheet to a movable clamping drive at a first position, clamping the sheet in the clamping drive at the first position, moving the clamping drive in a non-linear path to a second position, establishing a fold in the sheet with a folding device, moving the clamping drive in a non-linear path to a third position, and delivering the folded sheet to a collecting device, such that a leading side and a trailing side of the folded sheet are respectively delivered to a frontside and a backside of the collecting device.

Abstract: When a user sets, from a user interface window using a bookbinding application, instructions of dividing a document into a plurality of parts and stapling each part of the document, a printer driver generates one job in which the staple attribute of a binder corresponding to each part is set to “ON” or “OFF”, and issues the job for a printer. With this operation, the user can perform staple designation to an arbitrary part of the document, and can realize a plurality of staple processes in one print job.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having: image forming means for visualizing image data read out by image reading means and forming it onto transfer materials; post-processing means for executing a post-process including a stapling process, a folding process, and/or a sorting process in order to execute a book-binding process to the transfer materials on which the image data has been formed; and a trimmer for executing a trimming process to a bundle of the transfer materials subjected to the binding process by the post-processing means, wherein when the trimming process by the trimmer is executed, the image forming means sets a non-image forming area including a processing portion to which the trimming process is executed and a valid image forming area excluding the non-image forming area onto the transfer material and forms the image data read out by the image reading means into the valid image forming area of the transfer material.

Abstract: A crease plow folder for folding a sheet or continuous web of sheets comprises a non-twisting, holding and transporting mechanism for holding and transporting the sheet or continuous web of sheets in a non-twisting fashion during folding of the sheet. The crease plow folder first creates, at a score line in the sheet or sheets, a rolling fold by directing the sheet or sheets between a centerline-twisted bar and a pressure bar. The rolling fold is then converted into a creased fold by moving the sheet or sheets between a crease roller and an idler roller, thereby generating a change in direction that results in the crease. A controller and associated sensors are included for monitoring the progress of the sheet through the plow folder and for detecting any skewing of an entering sheet.

Abstract: A dual mode stapling system with a first mode for plurally stapling a set of sheets parallel to one edge and a second mode for corner stapling at an angle to a set of sheets, with a single stapler mounted for linear movement by a simple linear repositioning system to selected stapling positions, but selectively further movable by the same linear repositioning system into a transition area where the stapler is automatically pivoted into the second stapling mode for corner stapling by a camming member which engages and pivots the stapler. A spring automatically reverse pivots the stapler back to the first stapling mode position when the linear repositioning system is reversed. The linear repositioning system may be a single reversable stepper motor driven leadscrew.

Abstract: Folding of stapled documents is accomplished by using magnetic force to manipulate the document. The magnetic force is applied to the staples in the document and results in movement of the document when the magnetic force is applied. Since the magnetic force is applied at the staples, paper handling operations, such as folding are accomplished with the document aligned in accordance with a staple line. Magnetic force can further be used to transport documents to desired locations, such as individual output bins.

Abstract: A folded, bound printed product comprising a plurality of printed subproducts is produced in that an initial product is printed sequentially in such a manner as to produce a series of printed subproducts which are to be arranged one after the other, the initial product has a weakening line or the printed subproducts are provided with a weakening line, and the printed subproducts are collated, folded and bound.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus comprises a center-stapling mean, a center-folding mean, and a stacking tray for stacking a discharged sheet or sheet bundle, staples at the center of a sheet bundle conveyed from a sheet output apparatus with the center-stapling mean, folds the stapled sheet bundle into two with the center-folding mean, and discharges the sheet bundle to stack on the stacking tray. Folding rollers 451 and 452 discharge the sheet bundle folded into two by the center-folding mean from the side folded into two. In this state, an opening/closing end fence 311 orients a discharging direction of sheet bundle folded into two downward in vertical direction, turns over the sheet bundle, and stacks the sheet bundle on a tilted lower side stacking tray 301.

Abstract: A sheet finisher includes: a stacking member for aligning a plurality of recording sheets each on which an image has been recorded and for stacking the plurality of recording sheets thereon; a cover sheet feeding member having a cover sheet loading section for loading a cover sheet, for feeding the cover sheet stacked on the cover sheet loading section to the stacking member; a stapling member for stapling the cover sheet and the recording sheets stacked on the stacking member; and a folding member for folding the cover sheet and the recording sheets into two. The cover sheet feeding member, the stacking member and the folding member are substantially vertically arranged in the order from an upper portion to a lower portion of the sheet finisher.

Abstract: A sheet perforation device for use in an image forming apparatus eliminates inconveniences such as imperfect punching due to too small a sheet size and completion of image formation without notifying the user that the punching could not be performed despite the user's instruction for punching. Punching setup is made and a starting instruction is given through an operating section. Based on the relationship between a selected sheet size and the spacing of holes to be formed by a punching unit, a determination is made as to whether the punching can be correctly performed, and, if it has been determined that the correct punching will fail, a warning message is displayed on the operating section. If the user gives a starting instruction again after recognizing the warning message, image forming operation is started while the punching setup is automatically canceled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding a single sheet of paper into a booklet. The method includes depositing adhesive along a linear path on the single sheet of paper and folding the sheet by making a plurality of folds parallel to a first direction, thereby forming a plurality of interconnected panels. The lateral edges of the panels are cut off so that the panels are no longer interconnected. A fold is made along a line coincident with the linear path to form the booklet. The booklet may be further folded with close folds to obtain a compact outsert. Apparatus for performing the folding patterns is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention checks the paper size of input document images one by one, and cancels the stapling process when the documents have different widths in the main scanning direction.

Abstract: In a sheet bundle folding apparatus for folding a bundle of sheets in two, a stick-out plate for sticking the bundle of sheets is adapted to reliably stick the bundle of sheets folded while being held between rollers for folding the bundle of sheets in a folding position therefor. A first folding roller is positionally fixed. A second folding roller is movable toward and away from the first folding roller. The stick-out plate sticks the bundle of sheets and pushes it into between the first and second folding rollers. At this time, the rollers of the stick-out plate roll along a groove. The forward roller is fitted in the groove with a correction allowance above it, and is downwardly biased by a spring. The stick-out plate follows the folding position for the bundle of sheets.

Abstract: A digital image forming apparatus is equipped with image input means, image signal storage means and image forming means. The image signal storage means stores image data of a plurality of documents per page. The image forming means forms images on copy paper sheets based on the image data read from the image signal storage means. The digital image forming apparatus is also provided with a saddle stitching mode wherein the image data stored in the image signal storage means is transmitted in sequence to the image forming means so that images are formed on the copy paper sheets in a page order indicated by a page array of saddle stitching corresponding to a total page number of the documents. The digital image forming apparatus is further equipped with mode specification means which make it possible to specify a mode for the spread page that is different from that for the remaining pages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding a single sheet of paper into a booklet. The method includes depositing adhesive along a linear path on the single sheet of paper and folding the sheet by making a plurality of folds parallel to a first direction, thereby forming a plurality of interconnected panels. The lateral edges of the panels are cut off so that the panels are no longer interconnected. A fold is made along a line coincident with the linear path to form the booklet. The booklet may be further folded with close folds to obtain a compact outsert. Apparatus for performing the folding patterns is also provided.

Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material includes a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip of material includes a splice defined by the two ends of the strip. The two ends of the strip are held together by yarn stitches passing through and bridging the strip ends.

Abstract: A post-processing mechanism for a printer or the like includes a curved paper path. Post-processing operations such as stapling or other binding are performed either within the curved paper path or during the withdrawal of a document from the curved paper path. The curved paper path permits such post-processing operations to be performed within a limited space, while reducing the complexity of the post-processing mechanism and reducing the complexity of operations performed by the post-processing mechanism.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a staple/punch device which staples/punches a sheet output from the image forming apparatus in a predetermined area relative to an output sheet receiving unit of the apparatus, staple and/or punch position designating devices which designate a staple and/or punch position for the output sheet and a staple and/or punch instructing device which gives a staple and/or punch instruction to the staple/punch device. When the designated staple/punch position is out of the predetermined area, a staple/punch instruction deleting device can delete the staple/punch instruction.

Abstract: A rotating stitcher 4 for driving U-shaped wire stitches 43 into printed products 3 being conveyed along a linear path, wherein a stapling closing device 5 cooperates with the stitcher 4, for closing the wire stitches 43. The rotating stitcher 4 has stitching heads 7 which are hinged around a rotating support 6. A control device guarantees that the stitching heads 7 are swung into a position where the direction of displacement E of the stitch plunger 10 is at right angles to the direction of transport A of the products 3 to be stitched. This takes place before or during entry of the stitching head 7 into the stitching area. While the wire stitches are driven in and stitched, the stitching heads 7 are held in this position and thus move linearly in the stitching area. The heads 32 of the stapling closing device 5 are guided in the same way, so that they move linearly during stapling, just like the allocated staple head 7.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus for stapling multiple sheets with a stapling means and delivering the sheets in folio, comprising two rollers for folding the sheets in folio and projecting means for projecting between the two rollers to fold the sheets in sandwiching the sheets between the two rollers. One roller of the two rollers, at least, is made movable, and a cam member is further provided capable of correcting a projecting position by the projecting means according to traveling of the roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a device for assembling and producing of booklets. Each booklet having a cover that comprises two cover sheets and a spine disposed inbetween. A glue string is applied to the inner surface of the spine, and a sheet bundle inserted between the cover sheets of said cover and affixed at one end side edge to the inner surface of the spine by means of the glue string.

Abstract: In a stapler for variably stapling a set or stack of sheets manually inserted through the stapler entrance path with different orientations, there is a sheet guide system with movable guide members automatically differently repositioned into different sheet guiding positions in the entrance path by the sheet stack insertion and its angle of insertion, including switching in between a corner angled stapling alignment position and a linear sheet edge aligned stapling position, respectively differently positioning the sheet stack for stapling. It may include a base plate, a pair of guide elements movably mounted on the base plate, and a fixed registration wall. The guide members in the corner angled stapling position may present opposing converging 45 degree angled edge registration surfaces to the inserted sheet stack. For edge stapling, the same guide members and/or the registration wall may present one, or two straight edge registration surfaces to the inserted stack.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus capable of selectively stapling one of opposite corners of the sheets, as well as a side of the sheets.

Abstract: A stapling arrangement of a stapling and gathering machine includes a stapling carriage which is seated on a machine frame and travels with a gathering chain for stapling printed products carried by the gathering chain. At least one stapling head travels with the stapling carriage and with a bending device. A drive mechanism is provided for the stroke of the stapling carriage and the strokes of a shaping element and a punch of the stapling head. The drive mechanism includes a first drive for the stroke of the stapling carriage, and a second drive for the strokes of the shaping element and the punch, and for a movement of the bending device. The first drive can be exchanged independently of the second drive for adaptation to the pitch of the gathering chain. The stapling arrangement can also be converted quickly and easily to a different chain pitch by a semi-skilled operator.

Abstract: A printed product (70) is produced from a plurality of product parts (71, 73, 75) consisting each of a plurality of sheets folded inside each other, by collating the folded product parts in a stack and by stitching the stack along a stitching line running parallel to the spine of the product with a distance from the spine chosen such that the innermost sheet of each product part is fixed by the stitching. Between the product parts (71, 73, 75) and/or on the outer sides of the stack of product parts, additional products (72, 74) and/or cover leafs or cover sheets may be added and fixed to the product parts with the same stitching.

Abstract: A stapling attachment is positioned on a movable carriage. The stapling attachment can be pivoted relative to the carriage. At a predetermined position of the travel path of the carriage a capture mechanism engages a bolt disposed eccentrically with respect to a pivot axle of the stapling attachment. The stapling attachment is automatically pivoted into an oblique position through the reverse movement of the carriage so that a staple may be inserted at an oblique angle of a sheet stack.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assisting an individual, particularly a physically and/or mentally handicapped person, in performing a paper manipulating task includes a base which supports a paper manipulating unit, such as an electric stapler, hole punch, folding mechanism or the like, as well as a platform. In the most preferred form, the platform is vertically adjustable relative to the base in order to enable positioning the platform at a height commensurate with a paper receiving zone associated with the selected paper manipulating unit. A paper tray, selected from a group of trays depending on the particular paper manipulating task desired to be performed, is provided atop the platform for movement between a paper loading position, wherein one or more sheets of paper are arranged in the tray, and an operating position, wherein the one or more sheets are delivered to the paper manipulating unit.

Abstract: A method with which multi-leaf printed products (50) are produced which printed products consist of a plurality of sheets folded inside each other. Especially if this kind of printed products are to be produced from a plurality of product parts, groups of loosely superimposed sheets or sheets loosely folded inside each other are to be manipulated. This manipulation is facilitated by producing intermediate products or product parts (30, 30') respectively which are easier to handle. They consist of an outer sheet (31, 31') with a first fold (34, 34') and of inner sheets (32) all sheets (31/32, 31'/32') being folded a second time in a second fold (33, 33') perpendicular to the first fold (34, 34'). The product parts (30, 30') are especially suitable for a further processing by collecting or inserting because they can be opened easily in the middle. The increased stability of the product parts in which the individual sheets hardly shift relative to each other also have advantages when collated.

Abstract: A user sets a function of corner stapling, two-point stapling or punching on an operation panel of a copying machine, as a process for a paper after copying. Then, the copying machine determines whether or not a function of folding the paper after copying is set, for setting a position for corner stapling, two-point stapling or punching on a portion suitable for each folding method. The user can set the paper folding function and the stapling or punching function in a combined manner, and the facility of the copying machine is improved.

Abstract: In a finisher for an image forming apparatus, when a staple mode is selected, sheets are sequentially stacked on a stacker while being turned over. In a corner staple mode, a stapler staples the sheets stacked on the stacker at the side facing the first page of the sheet stack. The stapled sheet stack is driven out to a first tray. In a center staple mode, after the sheet stack has been stapled, it is folded double at its center by a fold edge, then pressed by a press roller pair, and then driven out to a second tray.

Abstract: A finisher is provide with a folding device which includes paired folding rollers which nip a loop of a sheet formed by a first folding stopper and give a first folding to the sheet, and paired folding rollers, which are disposed in a conveying path between a conveying path, which is located on an upstream side in a conveying direction of the sheet toward the paired folding rollers at the first folding, and a conveying path, in which a second folding stopper is disposed, and nip a loop of the sheet formed by the second folding stopper and give a second folding to the sheet, and sets a distance between the paired folding rollers and the first folding stopper at approximately three quarters of a length of the sheet in the conveying direction when the sheet is folded in three or in a cross section like a letter Z. The finisher temporarily stores the sheet in a state that one side for folding as an image formed surface faces downward and the other side for stapling approximates closely to the stapler.

Abstract: Stapling devices, which form staples from a staple wire transported from supply rolls, are arranged in a stapling apparatus. The supply rolls are associated with a threading-in device which is mounted displaceably on the stapling apparatus. Transport mechanisms as well as feed-in and guide mechanisms are associated with each supply roll. Flexible guide tubes connect the threading-in device to the respective stapling device. The threading-in device can be moved into a position pulled out of the stapling apparatus device, in which the supply rolls can easily be inserted. The leading end of the wire is pushed, in simple and conveniently visible fashion, between a transport roller pair by way of a guide element and a funnel-shaped feed-in tube.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a original stacking tray capable of stacking a plurality of originals; feeding means for feeding the original one by one; means for detecting sizes of the originals; image forming means for reading an image of the original and for forming an image on a sheet having a corresponding size as the original; means for folding the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming means, into a size; means for selecting operation or non-operation of the folding means; stacking means for stacking the sheet folded or not folded by the folding means; and control means operative in a mixed original mode in which the originals on the stacking tray have different sizes, the control means, in the mixed original mode, effects the image formations on the sheets having sizes corresponding to the sized detected by the detecting means and causes the folding means to operate when the size is large and causes the stacking means to discharge both of the folded and non-folded sheets to the s

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is mounted in a copying machine or a printer and is adapted to serve the purpose of bundling and stapling a plurality of copied or printed sheets, automatically encasing the stapled bundle of sheets with a cover specially designed for enclosure, and binding the cover. The apparatus has an image memory, an image signal processing part, an image producing part, a sheet accumulating part, a cover storing part, a cover delivering part, a cover supporting part, a sheet delivering and inserting part, a heating part, and a CPU.

Abstract: A finishing apparatus comprising a transport section for transporting sheets discharged from a copying machine, a tray for stacking sheets thereon, and a finishing section for transporting a set of collected sheets from the tray and for stapling the sheet set. Folding rollers for folding a sheet in two or centrally folding the sheet are provided in a sheet transport section. Sheets, in a two-folded condition or with a center fold line formed thereon, are discharged onto the tray. Sheets which have been centrally formed with the fold line are subjected to stapling on or along the fold line.

Abstract: A device with a collecting station collects copy sheets which can be provided with a Z-fold in a folding station. The folding station is situated in a transport path for unfolded copy sheets which leads to the collecting station. The folding station is formed by a first pair of folding rollers, the folding nip of which is situated in the transport path, and a second pair of folding rollers, the folding nip of which is situated in a folding path branching off from the transport path. The direction of rotation of the folding rollers is reversible.

Abstract: A method for folding printed sheets into a closed, secured outsert including the steps of binding two or more different printed sheets together to form a booklet having a bound edge and a spaced opposite free edge. A first fold is formed in the booklet, parallel to the free edge, to position the free edge between the first fold and the bound edge. One or more additional intermediate folds may also be provided. An adhesive is dispensed onto a section of the booklet and a final fold encloses the free edge and the adhesive to provide a closed, secured outsert. The folds divide the booklet into several panels of approximately equal width, which are substantially superimposed on top of each other. A closed, secured outsert is disclosed. The outsert includes a booklet made from two or more printed sheets which are provided into a number of panels which are then substantially superimposed onto each other.

Abstract: A folded medical outsert and method and apparatus for making same. The outsert consists of a printed sheet provided with a series of parallel fold lines. A first cross fold divides the sheet in half. Two off-center cross folds are then provided with an adhesive securing the last folded flap in place. The apparatus for folding the printed sheet includes a parallel folder and a cross folder to form the first and second cross folds. An adhesive applicator dispenses an adhesive before a knife folder performs the third cross fold. The method for forming the outsert includes the steps of forming a series of parallel fold lines. The first cross fold is then formed perpendicular to the parallel fold lines to divide the sheet into half. The second cross fold is then formed in the sheet following which an adhesive is dispensed onto the sheet. The third cross fold is then formed between the first cross fold and the second cross fold to provide a closed secured outsert.

Abstract: A cylinder folding apparatus for a web-fed rotary printing press utilizes solid cutting and a collecting cylinders to cut a paper web into signatures. A hollow folding drum is provided with an interior folding blade cylinder whose axis of rotation is offset from that of the folding drum. A pair of folding rollers are placed adjacent the folding drum. A stapling device may also be placed adjacent the hollow folding drum. The folding apparatus is intended to cut thick signatures at high production speeds as well as to produce stapled tabloid products.

Abstract: A system for preparing mail products demographically delivered to a conveyor line according to subscriber information includes an arrangement for folding each of the mail products at least once, externally applying a self-adhesive label around each of the mail products after each of the mail products has been folded, and printing customized and address information on each of the mail products before and after folding, respectively.

Abstract: There is provided, within a printing system, a system for binding a set of individually folded N-up prints. The binding system includes a folding device for folding each of the N-up prints, one at a time, such that each individually folded N-up print includes a folded edge. The binding system further includes a stacker for receiving the set of individually folded N-up prints when delivered thereto and a binding device for applying an adhesive layer to the stacked set of individually folded N-up prints. The adhesive layer contacts each of the folded edges of the individually folded N-up prints so as to provide a secure binding relationship between each of the individually folded N-up prints. During the printing and binding mode, if a different type of substrate is detected in the substrate tray other than the type selected, operation of the binding system is inhibited.

Abstract: There is provided a printing system having a finishing apparatus for receiving and processing a job, with the finishing apparatus having an adjustable finishing component adapted to perform a finishing operation on one or more print media sheets. The printing system includes a controller for receiving a programmed finishing parameter, the programmed finishing parameter indicating a manner in which the job is to be finished. The printing system further includes an actuator for moving the adjustable finishing component in a selected direction. In operation, the controller receives the programmed finishing parameter and converts it into a set-up signal, the set-up signal varying as a function of the programmed finishing parameter. In turn a set-up image is generated with the set-up signal and the set-up image, which includes a target indicator, is used, in conjunction with the actuator, to adjust the adjustable finishing component.

Abstract: A multi-layered printed product is cross cut and stapled by being fed past a gripping and folding blade cylinder and cooperating binding and cutting cylinders. The binding and cutting cylinders have parallel but offset axes of rotation and define envelopes of rotation which intersect each other at a point which is before, in the direction of travel of the printed product, the point at which the binding and cutting cylinders cooperate with the gripping and folding blade cylinder.

Abstract: A recording apparatus having a finisher capable of binding a stack of sheets in either of an edge bind mode and a center bind mode which are predominant over other binding modes. Sheets are stacked in the same position in both of the edge and center bind modes. In the edge bind mode, the papers are bound at the position where they are stacked. In the center bind mode, the papers are bound after being moved a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A signatures finishing system for on-line center folding of sets of signature sheets outputted by a reproduction system; by sequentially individually fully folding the signature sheets in a folding rollers nip as they are outputted and reversing the nip at a position in which the opposite ends of the sheet engage the opposite sides of a closely adjacent saddle compiler to sequentially stack the folded signature sheets on the saddle compiler to form plural sheet compiled pre-folded signature sheet booklets, and then, after stapling, ejecting the compiled folded signatures booklet from the saddle compiler through the same folding rollers nip to a booklet output system which may perform edge trimming and stacking of the booklets ejected through the folding rollers nip.

Abstract: The stitching or stapling heads, which act together in a stitching zone (C) with the supports that carry printed products to be wire-stitched, have a circular orbit. The stitching heads are guided so as to maintain their more or less vertical position during their orbit. Within the stitching zone (C), each stitching head is thus approximately aligned with its respective support and is therefore in the preferred position for driving the staples into the printed products. When the stitching heads encounter the supports, they are pushed back radially inward against the resistance of compression springs. This causes a slight flattening in the orbit of the stitching heads in the stitching zone (C) and slightly prolongs the time available for the stitching heads to act together with the supports in the stitching process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming books comprising pages of coated paper interspersed with pages of newsprint paper.