Abstract: In binding a cover sheet together with a sheet bundle, ever-accurate spine-creasing irrespective of bundle thickness is made possible. A sheet stacker stacks sheets into bundles, an adhesive applicator applies adhesive to a spine part of the sheet bundles, and a cover-sheet binder binds cover sheets together with the spine parts. The cover-sheet binder is constituted from a left-and-right pair of spine-creasing press members arranged free to shift between standby and spine-creasing positions; a shifter that reciprocates the spine-creasing press members between the standby and spine-creasing positions; and a controller. The controller functions to vary, in accordance with sheet bundle thickness, any of: (1) the standby position of the press members; (2) the start time of an operation whereby the press members are shifted from the standby to the spine-creasing position; or (3) the traveling speed of the press members in shifting from the standby to the spine-creasing position.

Abstract: A machine for inserting plastic pre-formed helical coils into aligned holes at an edge of respective collated books for binding the books is adjustable to accommodate different thickness books and respective different diameter and pitch of coil. The machine has a platen having an edge comb at which the edge of the book is presented and a coil drive for rotating the helical coil parallel to the edge of the platen. Two spine formers support the book such that its spine takes up a curved shape in side elevation and a clamp with an edge comb clamps the book on to the platen. Both the edge comb of the platen and of the clamp are provided as insert portions attachable to the respective element for easy replacement of the pitch. The location of the coil drive is automatically adjusted by measuring the coil diameter with a gauge. The clamp moves along an arc which automatically adjusts the clamping location for thickness of the book.

Abstract: Disclosed is a paper processing unit for a binding device that can improve moving efficiency of a sheet of papers and prevent side binding error of the sheet of papers.

Abstract: Systems and methods of dispensing adhesive in a bookbinding system are described. Sheets may be bound into bound text bodies having respective spines exposed for adhesive application and characterized by multiple length dimensions and multiple thickness dimensions. In one aspect, a sheet binding system comprises an adhesive dispenser that is configured to dispense across the thickness dimension of a text body spine solid sheet adhesive having one of multiple effective widths that is sized to correspond substantially to the length dimension of the text body spine. In accordance with this approach, books of different lengths (or heights) may be readily bound with solid sheet adhesive that may be contained within a single, replaceable cartridge housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining when adhesive in a replaceable adhesive dispenser is nearly spent are described. In one aspect, a bookbinding system includes a receptacle for receiving a plug-in cartridge housing of an adhesive dispenser that contains a length of solid sheet adhesive wound into a roll, and an adhesive quantity interrogator that is configured to obtain an indication of the length of solid sheet adhesive remaining within the plug-in cartridge housing. In another aspect, an adhesive dispenser includes a plug-in cartridge housing that is configured to plug into a receptacle of a bookbinding system, a length of solid sheet adhesive that is disposed within the plug-in cartridge housing and wound into a roll, and an indicator of the length of solid sheet adhesive remaining within the plug-in cartridge housing.

Abstract: A hole-punching process for a sheet-wise booklet maker, including a hole punching device, a clamp, and a drive system. While a folded booklet sheet is being held stationary on its leading side, the drive system advances the trailing side of the folded sheet, thereby forcing the folded edge of the sheet into a hole punching device. The operation of the drive system is based on sheet information associated with the folded sheet, which includes information such as the order number of the folded sheet within the to-be-assembled booklet and the accumulated thickness of other sheets to be positioned within the folded sheet. Position information is also determined, indicating the instantaneous distance between the folded edge of the sheet with a hole punch in the hole punching device.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus for a booklet maker is described which provides a compact and low cost booklet maker for desktop publishing. The booklet maker includes a sheet receiving tray for receiving a stack of sheets to be stapled into a booklet, a stapler unit arranged to staple the stack of sheets, and a trimming system for trimming the sheets in a sheet wise manner. The trimming system includes first and second pick and separate mechanisms arranged to separate each of the sheets in the stack of sheets and first and second cutters arranged to cut each of the separated sheets after the have been separated by the first and second pick and separate mechanisms. A controller positions the sheets and controls the trimming system to cut each of the separated sheets at a location determined based on a trimming schedule. The trimming schedule varies the position of the cut depending on a position of the sheet in the booklet and a thickness of the sheets.

Abstract: Systems and methods of managing consumables used in a bookbinding system are described. In one aspect, a bookbinding consumables quantity interrogator is configured to obtain information relating to usage of one or more consumables in a bookbinding system, and a processor is configured to compute usage statistics for the one or more bookbinding consumables based upon usage information obtained by the bookbinding consumables quantity interrogator.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus for a booklet maker is described which provides a compact and low cost booklet maker for desktop publishing. The booklet maker includes a sheet receiving tray for receiving a stack of sheets to be stapled into a booklet, a stapler unit arranged to staple the stack of sheets, and a trimming system for trimming the sheets in a sheet wise manner. The trimming system includes first and second pick and separate mechanisms arranged to separate each of the sheets in the stack of sheets and first and second cutters arranged to cut each of the separated sheets after the have been separated by the first and second pick and separate mechanisms. A controller positions the sheets and controls the trimming system to cut each of the separated sheets at a location determined based on a trimming schedule. The trimming schedule varies the position of the cut depending on a position of the sheet in the booklet and a thickness of the sheets.

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 binding machine and method for spirally binding a sheaf of papers into a book uses an adjustable speed drive to rotate a flexible plastic spiral element into respective holes in the book. The book has a plurality of holes in a row adjacent one edge of the book to receive the leading edge of the spiral bonding elements. A cylindrically shaped mandrel is spaced apart from a glidable block. The plastic pre-formed spiral binding element is fed onto the mandrel from the distal end thereof, with the leading edge of the binding element facing and spaced apart from the book. A pair of leading edge spreaders, one of which has a guidance groove, engages the plastic spiral to spread its coils just enough to permit it to enter the successive holes of a sheaf to be bound. A trailing spreader at the opposite end insures that the last hole is accommodated with a portion of the spiral coil.

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: A book binding orientation locator method and apparatus includes a pair of upper and lower platforms in pivotal arrangement. The lower platform has a plurality of vacuum suction cups connected to a vacuum line for adhering to an upper cover of a book. Upon lifting the upper platform relative to the book, and depending upon how the lower platform pivots relative to the upper platform, the book-binding side of the book may be determined.

Abstract: Servers (4a, 4b) respectively define printing informations (2b, 3b) inclusive of identifying informations ID1, ID2 of a paper block (2) and a cover (3) whereas printing machines (1a, 1b) respectively perform a printing operation on the paper block (2) and the cover (3). Information readers (6a, 6b) respectively read the printing informations of the paper block (2) and the cover (3) so as to supply the information thus acquired to a book-binding controller (7). Based on either of the informations thus supplied, the book-binding controller (7) supplies a book binding apparatus (20) or (80) with a control signal (CS) of settings for the book binding process. Additionally, the control signal (CS) of the settings for the book binding process is outputted when the ID1 and ID2 are in correspondence. Based on the printing information of the paper block, respective quantities of movement of the laterally movable members (31, 32, 42, 43, 61, 62) are automatically regulated.

Abstract: In a copier with a stapler and a sorter, an image read with a reader unit and a mark indicating a binding position designated from an operation unit are displayed on a CRT, and after an operator checks the binding position, the image is printed out on a sheet by a printer unit and the printed sheets are stapled at the designated position with a stapler. In this manner, the sheets are prevented from being stapled at a different position from that the operator desires.

Abstract: A paper supplying apparatus has a rotatable member around a horizontal axis, a pair of clamp plates supported by this rotatable member mutually parallel and in face-to-face relationship for clamping a book block in between, and guide plates each attached to an associated one of these clamp plates, extending downward from the clamp plates to a lower edge part of the book block when the book block is held vertically. Such a paper supplying apparatus can be removably connected to a book binding machine by attaching a guide rail to an outer wall of the book binding machine and a runner to the paper supplying apparatus. The runner is slidably engageable with the guide rail, allowing the paper supplying apparatus to move along the guide rail selectably towards or away from the book binding machine.

Abstract: When a surface sheet manufacture mode is selected, a CPU calculates a size of a back sheet portion of a surface sheet, on the basis of a sheet thickness detected by a sheet thickness detect portion, a consumed toner amount calculated by an estimate circuit and the number of transfer materials counted. After the predetermined number of imaged transfer materials are outputted, a transfer material having a size accommodating with the calculated size of the back sheet portion, whereby information for determining the size of back sheet portion of the surface sheet can be inputted correctly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tape heating apparatus in which both side portions of a bind tape can positively be adhered to front and rear surfaces of a sheet bundle without creating any swollen portions. When a thickness of the sheet bundle is smaller than a predetermined value, side heaters perform a first heating/pressurizing operation at a position in the vicinity of a bound edge of the sheet bundle and then performs a second heating/pressurizing operation at a position spaced apart from the bound edge of the sheet bundle by a predetermined distance. In the first heating/pressurizing operation, portions of a thick hot melt adhesive layer existing on the front and rear surfaces of the sheet bundle are melted to be flattened, to thereby eliminate swollen portions. In the second heating/pressurizing operation, thin hot melt adhesive layers are melted, to thereby positively adhere both width-wise side portions of the bind tape to the front and rear surfaces of the sheet bundle.

Abstract: A paper supplying apparatus has a rotatable member around a horizontal axis, a pair of clamp plates supported by this rotatable member mutually parallel and in face-to-face relationship for clamping a book block in between, and guide plates each attached to an associated one of these clamp plates, extending downward from the clamp plates to a lower edge part of the book block when the book block is held vertically. Such a paper supplying apparatus can be removably connected to a book binding machine by attaching a guide rail to an outer wall of the book binding machine and a runner to the paper supplying apparatus. The runner is slidably engageable with the guide rail, allowing the paper supplying apparatus to move along the guide rail selectably towards or away from the book binding machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for the thermal binding of sheets includes at least one support (5-5a-5B) for a binding element (3). The binding element has a binding back on which an amount of glue (4), which melts under the influence of heat, is provided. A heating element (6) co-operating with the support (5-5A-5B) or forming part thereof, a detection device (7) to detect the presence of the binding element (3) in the apparatus (1) and a control/switching device (8), which is connected to the detection device (7) and is connected to the heating element (6) in order to switch it on and/or off, are also included. The detection device (7) is applied underneath the support (5-5A-5B).

Abstract: A binding apparatus is provided with a tape reel on which a bind tape of a small tape width size is wound, and a tape reel on which a bind tape of a large tape width size is wound. When the tape reels and are set, the width size of each bind tape is read by means for detecting a width size discrimination mark (ring) formed on each tape reel and is memorized by width size memory means. The thickness of a bundle of sheets is measured by the use of a clamp member for clamping the bundle of sheets aligned on an aligning tray, and is memorized by thickness memory means. A bind tape of a tape width size corresponding to the thickness memorized by the thickness memory means is selected from among the sizes memorized by the width size memory means, and a carriage is moved to the tape reel on which a bind tape of the same size is wound.

Abstract: An adhesive film which reliably completely covers the spine side of a book block, prior to mating with a cover, is applied by an applicator roller which is controlled to rotate at speeds which are a function of the book block linear velocity and the location of the book block relative to the roller. The applicator rotational speed is determined from stored information and, depending on book block location, will either be greater or less than book block velocity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the application of glue onto the back of a book block processed in a book binding machine and bound by gluing, wherein the thickness of glue application is measured. At least the glue layer applied to the book block back travels partially through at least one measuring range formed by a ray bundle and directed transversely of the travel path of the book blocks. The apparatus includes a transmitter and corresponding receiver which together operate as a measurement transducer. The transducer forms a measuring range extending transversely of the travel path of a book block. The transmitter and receiver are arranged in the book binding machine and the book blocks are moved past the measuring range in such a way that at least the glue layer applied to the book block back partially extends into the measuring range.

Abstract: The device includes an elongated electrical heating unit (20) whose length matches the length of an elongated opening in the device, and has a switching system to activate an electrical circuit at the moment when sheets to be bound are placed on the heating unit (20). Heating unit (20) is wired in series with a switch (11) in the switching system and a heating current switch (31). Means are provided to keep this heating current switch (31) turned on when the switching system is turned on. The device includes a comparator (34) whose input is connected to a temperature sensor (26); when a predetermined upper temperature limit (T.sub.max) is reached it turns off the heating current switch (31). There is also a provision so that after the heating current switch (31) is turned off it is kept off until the switch (11) in the switching system has been switched off and then on again.

Abstract: A book-binding apparatus conveying a bind tape in front of a tape heater and an aligned sheet bundle is urged against the bind tape pre-heated by the tape heater to glue a plurality of sheets by melted adhesive on the bind tape. An aligning time for the sheet bundle is calculated on the basis of attributes of the sheets being aligned and a conveyance start timing for the bind tape is changed in accordance with the calculated aligning time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a reading unit for reading an image on a document, a storage unit for storing image data output from the reading unit, an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium on the basis of the image data stored in the storage unit, a discrimination unit for discriminating whether or not a hole is present in the document read by the reading unit by analyzing the image data stored in the storage unit, and a control unit for, when the discrimination unit determines that the hole is present, controlling the image forming unit to form an image while masking an image in an area where the hole is present.

Abstract: The set-up procedure for a bookbinding machine is accomplished through the use of a portable computer with an integral data transceiver. Adjustable machine element position information is entered into the portable computer and transmitted to the machine control via a wireless data link and an operator/machine interface. Actual machine element position is sensed and transmitted to the portable computer where it is displayed. Using the portable computer and data link, the operator may serially proceed from one functional machine station to the next to perform the set-up.

Abstract: A bookbinding apparatus includes pasting means for pasting a bookbinding spine cover sheet on a sheet set; printing means for printing an image on the bookbinding spine sheet; and inputting means for inputting data to be used for printing the image by the printing means; wherein when the data are inputted through the inputting means, the sizes of the image to be printed on the bookbinding spine cover sheet by the printing means can be optionally selected.

Abstract: A perfect binding apparatus having a plurality of pockets, each of which releasably engage a book to be bound. The pockets are sequentially passed over a glue pot by means of a conveyor chain coupled to each pocket. A hot melt adhesive is applied to the bottom edge of each book as it passes over the glue pot. Gravity, along with the liquidity of the glue, causes a portion of the adhesive to fall away from the book as the pocket transports the book downstream from the glue pot, thereby forming undesirable adhesive stringers. A plurality of heaters are positioned downstream from the glue pot and mounted at an elevation at which the bottom edge of the book just clears the top edge of the heater as the book passes over the heater. The heaters are kept at a temperature which is in excess of the melting point of the adhesive, therefore the stringers are continuously melted and removed from the books as they pass over the heaters.

Abstract: A finishing machine is proposed for printed sheets delivered individually in rapid succession by a reproduction machine such as a printing press or a copier. The machine renders possible the manufacture in a production line in a completely automatic manner of brochures, leaflets or booklets without trimming edges. The machine comprises as its main part a station for takeover of the delivered sheets; a device for controlled retardation of the sheets received from the take-over station; a station for horizontal stacking of the retarded stacks; means for the alignment of the stacked sheets; a device for gripping the stack of aligned sheets a device for pivoting of the gripped stack from a horizontal position to an on-edge position; and a device for encasing the stack in a cover.

Abstract: A method and an operator interchangeable apparatus with fast warm up time for coating flowable and pasty materials onto a workpiece, especially for the application of glue and other adhesive substances to the back of signatures in bookbinding and the like, uses a first internally heated rotating roller for applying the material which is partly immersed in a bath thereof and a second internally heated roller to smooth and doctor the adhesive on clamped stacks of pages that have passed over the first roller. Production rates suitable of in-line use with reproduction equipment are achieved with no buildup on the edges. The relative velocity of the surface of the adhesive on the first roller is maintained at the same velocity as the clamped stack of pages. A mechanical adjustment device and method that provides for ease of interchangeability. A control device for proportioning the electrical power to the heating elements for the two rollers.

Abstract: An automatic book binding machine for cut-sheets includes a main body, a belt conveyor mounted on the main body and a feeder mounted on the main body and adapted to feed cut-sheets. A front cover of the cut-sheets has an identification mark for identifying one book from other books. A detection sensor is mounted on the belt conveyor for detecting one end of the cut-sheets. A nozzle mounted on the belt conveyor is controlled by the detection sensor to automatically apply a linear band of glue along one edge of the cut-sheets. A first mark sensor is mounted on the belt conveyor to sense a detectable mark on one of the cut-sheets and control the nozzle to stop applying glue to the cut-sheet. A second mark sensor is mounted on the belt conveyor to sense the detectable mark and control the nozzle to resume application of glue to the cut-sheet.

Abstract: A digital copying apparatus capable of forming a binding at an appropriate position with respect to a copy image irrespective of an orientation of an original document. The digital copying apparatus detects orientations of the original document, an original image and a copy sheet, and rotates original image data in accordance with the detected orientations so as to accord the orientations of the original image and a copy image. When the rotated original image data is formed on the copy sheet as the copy image, formation of the copy image is controlled to provide a binding at the relative position in relation to the copy image by shifting the copy image with respect to the copy sheet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a binding apparatus to bind loose sheets in covers of which the spines are provided on their insides with a thermoplastic adhesive in order to form volumes, said apparatus comprising a frame with two mutually adjustably spaced rest walls forming an insertion shaft for the covers, said insertion shaft being provided at the bottom with a heating and with a cooling system. To be able to process substantial quantities of volumes to be bound, the insertion shaft 11 is extended at least on one side and the cooling system 20 is received in this extension and a conveyor assembly 27 with revolving drive 30 is provided to move the covers 9 placed into the insertion shaft 11 from the heating system 19 to the cooling system 20.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for feeding strips having a fusion adhesive coating on one of their surfaces to an advancing transport unit, in particular a sheet-stack binding apparatus where loose sheets are bound to form brochures or books. The method is carried out in that a thickness range of a sheet stack to be bound is associated with a specific width of a strip coated with a fusion adhesive, in that the association is effected in that the thickness of the sheet stack to be bound is determined or in that a selectable predetermined value is provided and in that the sheet-stack thickness value preselected or determined is used to control a drive mechanism (5, 6) which transfers the strip associated with the thickness range of the sheet stack to be bound from separate standby positions (7') of a number of strips (1c, 1d) of different widths to a handling position (12').

Abstract: An apparatus for intergrating plural printed documents into a stacked relationship, such as a magazine, catalog and the like. The apparatus includes a printer for applying customized messages to the magazine, such as the inside cover. This printer is controlled by a controller located remote from the assembly apparatus and at a distance exceeding 150 feet from the printer. A communication interface is provided comprising a line driver/receiver interface for amplifying and shielding the signals required to control the printer, preferably signals indicative of the document position of the document with respect to the printer. A non-standard data format protocol is maintained, and the interface is transparent to the apparatus. The controller is located within a control room with an acceptable environment for operation of the controller, this environment having an acceptable temperature and humidity.

Abstract: Spine strip stock material, being withdrawn from a supply reel, is cut into pieces of the desired length and the pieces are subsequently fed into positionally accurate contact with cover boards which are moving on a conveying system. High cutting and feeding accuracy are achieved by a servomotor control system which, in response to sensing the motion of the cover boards, stops the infeed of the stock material, clamps and cuts the stationary stock material, feeds the cut spine strip pieces to a waiting position and then moves the pieces from the waiting position into contact with the cover boards.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a device capable of identifying an image orientation to allow adequate processing to be executed and a device capable of binding sheets by determining a binding position. When an image orientation cannot be identified on the basis of a predetermined reference object, it is identified on the basis of another object. When the image orientation of a reference image and the image orientations of the other images are not coincident, an adequate procedure is executed to avoid an undesirable result. An orientation of a document image matching a predetermined adequate binding position is surely and accurately determined.

Abstract: Plastic binding strips, one strip having studs which fit through holes in sheets to be bound, the other strip having holes to receive the studs are bound in a machine which compresses the strips toward each other, then cuts of excess stud length and forms rivet heads on the stud ends to bind the strips together. The present improvement over such machines uses a motor to drive linkages previously manually actuated. The binding motor drives linkages on either side of the machine which cause a transverse pressure bar to apply a pre-selected compressive force on the strips, then to initiate the movement of the knives which cut off the studs and form heads thereon and finally release the compressive force. The cutting and head forming functions are performed by springs which pull a transverse rod rearward of the machine to push rearward a support for the knives. A second motor drives a linkage which returns the pressure bar to its upward position as the binding cycle is completed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for preparing a preprinted book cover for application to a book block in a perfect binding system A double-walled tubular attachment strip is adhesively attached to the cover spine portion of successive covers in a continuous process. Covers are fed onto a conveyor at a constant speed with a spacing between covers and adhesives is applied to the spine areas. Simultaneously a continuous double-walled attachment strip with a longitudinal lap joint in one wall is formed without adhesive from a source of paper web stock and pressed, lap joint down, onto the cover spines to form a continuous string of covers. The attachment strip is cut by laser cutting beam between each cover while the covers are moving. The double-walled attachment strip is formed by pulling the web under constant tension through side scoring wheels, hold-down shoes, and forming devices which have surfaces to fold the edges of the moving web through 180.degree.

Abstract: A book binding process and apparatus are shown wherein polyurethane adhesive (PUR) attaches a crepe portion of a book binding to a book block and hot glue attaches the crepe portion to the book cover. The PUR delivery system includes an inclined trough positioned adjacent a polyurethane adhesive delivery roll. A polyurethane adhesive source delivers polyurethane adhesive upon the inclined surface of the trough and the polyurethane adhesive is metered onto the roller as a function of the separation of the leading edge of the trough and the roller.

Abstract: A check book issuing machine including a check blank storing section for storing check blanks, a blank storing section for storing front covers, divider papers and back covers, take-out means for taking out blanks from the storing sections in an order such as a front cover, seven check blanks, a divider paper, three check blanks and a back cover, a MICR character printer for printing print data consisting of MICR characters, a printer for printing predetermined data on the surfaces of the check blanks, a printed data reader for reading out data consisting of MICR characters printed on the surface of the check blanks, a blank stacker for stacking ten of checks, one front cover, one divider paper and one back cover therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a plurality of individual books in a predetermined sequence includes a main conveyor having a plurality of spaced collating stations for receiving signatures. A plurality of feeders selectively feed signatures to the spaced collating stations as the main conveyor moves the plurality of spaced collating stations past the plurality of feeders to form the plurality of individual books in the predetermined sequence. A rejector rejects a defective book from the sequence of books leaving a space in the sequence of books. A reorderer causes the plurality of feeders to rebuild the rejected book. A first transferor transfers the sequence of books to a second conveyor to convey the sequence of books away from the main conveyor. The first transfer means is inhibited from transferring the reordered book from the main conveyor to the second conveyor.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for use with an image-forming apparatus, and includes a binder receiving portion for receiving a binder having papers and an adhesive therein, and a heating member for causing heating and melting of the adhesive in the binder when the binder is fully inserted in the binder receiving portion in order to adhere the papers in the binder. The heating member includes a contact element mounted in a bottom portion of the binder receiving portion and adapted to be contacted against by a contact portion of the binder. A power supply is provided to operate the heating member. A paper supply table is mounted to the binder receiving portion for use in feeding paper into the image-forming apparatus, and the paper supply table includes paper regulating guides which are adjustable in their relative positions to guide different sized papers into the image-forming apparatus.

Abstract: In order to improve binding line output by reducing equipment downtime effects, a book accumulator for a binding line is provided. The binding line book accumulator includes a book accumulating table for accumulating books from and returning books to a binding line in first-in first-out fashion, and it also includes a first diverter for diverting books from the binding line to the book accumulating table and a second diverter for diverting books from the book accumulating table to the binding line. In addition, a control is provided for selectively and independently operating the first and second diverters upon demand in response to a variety of factors.

Abstract: A sheet material binding apparatus for binding sheet materials with a cover material by a heat-adhesive bonding agent includes a heating plate on which the spine of the covering material having the bonding agent is placed, the heating plate being used for heating the bonding agent; a guide for supporting the covering material and the sheet materials vertically on the heating plate; a guide driver for moving the guide in a direction of a thickness of a set of the sheet materials to facilitate setting and removing of the covering material and the sheet materials; and a controller for controlling the guide driver.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus equipped with a binding function includes an image forming unit for forming an image onto a sheet, a binding unit provided adjacent to the image forming unit, and a malfunction detector for detecting malfunction in the operation of the binding unit. The binding unit is provided with a binding condition display, and the image forming unit is provided with an alphanumeric character display and a device for instructing the start of an image forming operation. A detected malfunction is indicated by at least one of these displays. Upon detection of a malfunction by the malfunction detector, operation of the binding unit stops, or the entire operation of the apparatus stops.

Abstract: A binding apparatus for binding sheet materials with a covering material having a heat-adhesive agent at its bottom portion by bonding the bottom portion of the covering member and edges of the sheet materials includes a holder for holding the covering material and the sheet materials sandwiched by the covering material; a heater for heating the adhesive agent; a switch for switching power supply to the heater; a detector for detecting setting of the covering material in the holder; and a temperature controller. The temperature controller supplies power to provide a first temperature when the covering material is not set in the holder, supplies power to the heater to provide a second temperature higher than the first temperature when the covering material is set in the supporting member, and supplies the power to the heater to provide the first temperature after the covering member is taken out from the holding member.

Abstract: A book bind device has a supplier for supplying a front sheet used in a book bind operation of sheet members, a conveyor for guiding a plurality of sheet members on which an image is formed into the front sheet, and book binder for performing the book binding operation by coupling the supplied front sheet and the bundle of sheet members therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying covers to books of signatures transported along a binding line includes cover feeders for feeding at least two covers upon a conveyor line and a fastening arrangement for joining the covers in substantially superimposed registration on the signatures at a covering station on the binding line. A spacer bar is supported on the conveyor line for temporarily separating the covers before they are joined to the signatures.