Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a reading unit; a feeding unit; a carriage; a motor-side transmission gear for transmitting power from a motor; a carriage-side transmission gear for transmitting the power to the carriage; a feeding unit-side transmission gear for transmitting the power to the feeding unit; a switching gear switched between a meshing state with the carriage-side transmission gear at a carriage-side position and a meshing state with the feeding unit-side transmission gear at a feeding unit-side position; and a control device for performing: a first switching process for meshing the switching gear with the feeding unit-side transmission gear; a second switching process for meshing the switching gear with the carriage-side transmission gear; and an initialization process of the reading unit.

Abstract: A sheet binding processing apparatus for avoiding the residual of binding member is provided. The sheet binding processing apparatus comprises a sheet insertion port through which a sheet bundle formed of a plurality of sheets S is inserted, a movable stapler for binding the sheet bundle inserted through the sheet insertion port, and a manual stapling sheet sensor for detecting, at a predetermined detection time interval, existence or non-existence of the sheet bundle in the sheet insertion port. When the manual stapling sheet sensor detects the existence of the sheet bundle, the sheet binding processing apparatus gives permission to bind the sheet bundle by the movable stapler.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a reading unit, a feeding unit, a carriage holding the reading unit, a motor, a motor-side transmission gear, a feeding unit-side transmission gear, a carriage-side transmission gear, a switching gear which switches between a meshing state of meshing with the feeding unit-side transmission gear at a feeding unit-side position and a meshing state of meshing with the carriage-side transmission gear at a carriage-side position, a restraint member which applies a restraint force for restraining the switching of the switching gear, and a motor control unit which when switching the switching gear between the carriage-side position and the feeding unit-side position, executes a large torque control of controlling the motor to generate a switching torque which is larger than a moving reading torque to be generated by the motor at a time of document reading when executing a moving reading.

Abstract: A book binding machine includes a collating machine, a perfect binder and a transfer device disposed between the collating machine and the perfect binder. The collating machine and the perfect binder are actuated by a common control device. In each case, one transport segment is assigned to a respective book block clamp by the control device. The control device also has a program which, if a defective or missing book block clamp is detected, actuates the collating machine in such a way that no book block is collated for that book block clamp. A method for operating a book binding machine is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments relating to verifying a printed work comprises a correct number of pages. Associated with a stack comprising one or more pages is an identifier that may be used to obtain an expected thickness of the pages in the stack. A sensor may then measure an actual thickness of the pages in the stack. Before binding the pages in the stack, the expected thickness of the stack may be compared to the actual thickness of the stack in order to verify the stack comprises the correct number of pages.

Abstract: Disclosed are a scanner and an image reading apparatus including the same. The scanner can include a transparent plate, a scanning unit configured to scan a document on the transparent plate, a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is positioned in a first document zone that is associated with an area in which a first document type is to be positioned based on a first alignment reference point provided on the transparent plate. The second sensor is positioned in a second document zone that is associated with an area in which a second document type of a different size is positioned based on a second alignment reference point provided on the transparent plate. The first document zone and the second document zone are non-overlapping zones. The document type and/or orientation can be determined based on the detection signals from the first and second sensors.

Abstract: A method collates multiple-layer brochures containing a plurality of n signatures having a gathering and stitching machine. Here, in a first step, the depositing of a first signature takes place by a first feeder into a first transport segment and, in a second step, the depositing of a second signature takes place by a second feeder into a second transport segment. Correspondingly further depositing of further signatures can take place by further feeders into further transport segments. Finally, depositing of an n-th signature takes place by an n-th feeder into an n-th transport segment. The signatures which are deposited on a gathering element in this way are transported through the stitching station and the trimming station and are delivered in the delivery station. A gathering and stitching machine performs the method and has a control unit which has a machine program for collating multiple-layer brochures having a plurality of n signatures.

Abstract: With an arrangement for the timed processing of a book block, consisting of at least one printed sheet or at least one signature, a transfer device is arranged in-between the feed devices for the book blocks and the device for the further conveying of such a book block, wherein this transfer device supplies the book blocks to at least one other processing station. The transfer device is provided with a translation device for taking over or clamping in the book block, wherein this translation device executes at least one rotary or quasi-rotary translation movement. The translation device itself operates in at least two spatial dimensions for the transfer of the book block, wherein the translation movement occurs with a uniform or a changeable movement speed. The center axis for the translation device occupies an optional position in space, relative to the further processing station.

Abstract: A punching processing unit punches holes in a paper bundle delivered from a preprocessing device. A bookbinding unit includes a cartridge for stocking a plurality of rings, and performs a ring binding by binding the paper bundle with the rings. A detecting unit detects an abnormality of a ring in the cartridge. A control unit exchanges a signal with the preprocessing unit each time when detection information obtained by the detecting unit changes. When any one of the rings is determined as abnormal and an execution of ring binding is set, the control unit inhibits the ring binding.

Abstract: A bookbinding apparatus for bookbinding a sheet by applying adhesive including, an adhesive tank for storing adhesive; first and second heaters for heating the adhesive; a first adhesive temperature sensor for detecting temperature of the adhesive at a first position; a second adhesive temperature sensor for detecting temperature of the adhesive at a second position; an agitation member for agitating the adhesive in the adhesive tank; and a control device, wherein the control device operates, the agitation member after the heaters are turned on, then turns off the second heater and continues to have the first heater on after the second heater has been turned off when the second adhesive temperature sensor detects that adhesive temperature has reached a first temperature that is higher than an application temperature, and then completes a warm-up when the first adhesive temperature sensor detects that adhesive temperature has reached the application temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for creating a product flow according to a predefined sequence (S). The products (A, B, C) are fed from different feed flows of a grouping path (G) and there, according to the sequence (S), are deposited onto a conveyor (10, 10) with a closed revolving path (U). According to the invention a repair function is realised in which the products (A, B, C) are then only transferred from the conveyor to a further-processing station if the sequence (S) is correct and all products (A, B, C) are present with the desired quality. Otherwise, the products (A, B, C) are led by the continuously operated conveyors (A, B, C) back to the grouping path (G). Here, the error is corrected by way of the deposition of the missing product (A, B, C), whilst the deposition of new products (A, B, C) is interrupted. For error correction, one may previously provide a discharge of a defect or wrong product (A, B, C).

Abstract: A bookbinding apparatus which is capable of suppressing volatile components of an adhesive causing abnormal odor from leaking out of the bookbinding apparatus, to thereby reduce discomfort to nearby operators and an operator exchanging a deodorizing filter. The bookbinding apparatus 100 is connectable to an image forming apparatus 101 and carries out bookbinding by bonding a plurality of sheets outputted from the image forming apparatus 101 with the adhesive 300. An adhesive heater 302 heats the adhesive 300 and a temperature sensor 301 detects a temperature of the adhesive 300. An adhesive temperature controller 303 controls a heating temperature of the adhesive 300 by the adhesive heater 302, based on the temperature of the adhesive 300 detected by the temperature sensor 301 and a target temperature.

Abstract: Bookbinding apparatus facilitating, in the event it is halted during operation, the removal of any sheave left remaining inside, to eliminate the risk of sheets scattering. A sheet bundler/stacker bundles printed sheets into sheaves. Along a binding process path are provided a sheave transporter for transporting the sheaves and, at the downstream end of the bundler/stacker, an adhesive applicator in an adhesive-application position and a front-cover binder in a front-cover binding position. A sheave exiting-conveyor conveys sheaves from the front-cover binder into a storage stacker. A sheet-position recognizer detects/monitors the position of a sheave in the binding process path. If the bookbinding operations are interrupted, the position of any sheave left in the binding process path is determined by the sheet-position recognizer, and when the apparatus is restarted the order of the binding processes is altered depending on the position in which the sheave is left behind.

Abstract: Bookbinding unit eliminating the necessity of a user, in placing collated inner leaves onto a tray, pre-measuring the bundle thickness, and the danger of fingers getting pinched during the placement. Furnished with: inner-leaf tray; coversheet tray; gripping conveyor gripping and transporting bundles of leaf-tray sheets; coversheet conveyor feeding coversheet-tray covers and placing them in a binding location; adhesive applicator applying adhesive to bundle spine-portion endfaces; cover binder binding bundles and covers together; and controller encasing bundles in covers to form booklets. A first detector, in the inner-leaf tray, detects thickness of bundles therein, and a second detector, in the gripping conveyor, detects thickness of the gripped bundles. The controller prohibits the gripping conveyor from conveying inner leaves out from the inner-leaf tray when the thickness of a sheet bundle detected by the first detector is more than a predetermined thickness.

Abstract: A bookbinding apparatus for producing a booklet by coating an adhesive onto a back side of a bundle of sheets and by pasting a book cover onto the back side of the bundle of sheets, comprises: an oblique cutout portion forming section to form a cutout on an edge of each sheet of the bundle of sheets in such a way that an oblique cutout portion is formed along the width of the back side of the bundle of sheets; a sheet bundle accommodating section to accommodate the bundle of sheets on which the oblique cutout portion is formed; a coating section to coat an adhesive on the back side of the bundle of sheets accommodated in the sheet bundle accommodating section; and a bookbinding section to paste a book cover on the adhesive-coated back side of the bundle of sheets so as to produce the booklet.

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 method and an arrangement are provided for checking completeness of a book block intended for an adhesive binding, wherein an adhesive binding machine includes a conveyor defining a conveying path along which the book block is conveyed. A plurality of processing stations are arranged along the conveyor for processing the book block. A measuring device is disposed along the conveyor and is adapted to check completeness of the book block by measuring the thickness of the book block. The measuring device includes measuring elements arranged opposite each other on both sides of the conveying path. The measuring elements are separated by a distance to define a measuring segment and arranged for exerting a defined contact pressure onto the flanks of the spine of the book block.

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: 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 method and an apparatus for indicating suitable binding times for a file or files placed in a file binding apparatus. The suitable binding time is comprised of the time (t.sub.0 -t.sub.2 ; t.sub.3 -t.sub.5 ; t.sub.6 -t.sub.8) required to heat the heating plate of the binding apparatus to a predetermined maximum temperature governed by the switch-off temperature (T2) of a thermostat, and the time taken for the heating plate to cool to a similarly predetermined switch-on temperature (T1) of the thermostat, determined by a lower temperature. The suitable binding time is determined by utilizing the switch-off and switch-on temperatures of the thermostat, wherein the thermostat output signal controls an indicating device which indicates the aforesaid suitable binding time.

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 debinding apparatus for inclusion in a machine adapted to bind together sheets formed with first apertures spaced longitudinally on one edge thereof. The machine uses a first narrow thermoplastic strip which has studs projecting therefrom and spaced complementary to the first apertures in the sheets and a second narrow strip formed with second apertures spaced complementary to the first apertures in the sheets. The machine has a frame and a platen for supporting the second strip with the sheets superimposed on the second strip and the studs of the first strip extending through the first and second apertures and protruding below the second strip. In addition, the machine includes a plurality of cutting elements, heating elements for heating the cutting elements, and a mechanism for moving the cutting elements to cut off excess stud length and to initiate the formation of heads on the ends of the studs.

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.

Abstract: A sheet binding apparatus includes a tray for supporting a set of sheet materials; a punch for punching the sheet materials on the supporting tray; a conveyor for conveying the sheet materials punched by the punch; a binder for binding the sheet materials conveyed and by the conveyer; a controller for sequentially controlling the punch, the conveyor and the binder.

Abstract: A sheet binding apparatus includes a support for supporting a set of sheets; a puncher for punching the sets of sheets on the support; binder for binding the sheets by penetrating a ring member through punched holes of the sheets punched by the puncher; a detector for detecting a size of the ring member supported on the binder; a changing device for changing a degree of opening of the ring member in accordance with a size of the ring member; a conveyer for conveying the set of sheets punched by the puncher to the ring member supported on the binder; a second support for supporting the binder for movement between an automatic mode position wherein the binder receives the set of sheets conveyed by the conveyer and a manual mode position wherein the set of sheets can be received without use of the conveyer; a second detector for detecting the manual mode position of the binder and for prohibiting conveyance of the sheets by the conveyer; ring controller for controlling the degree of opening of the ring member du

Abstract: A binding line including at least first and second binding line sections. The first binding line section is adapted to transport books therealong to a book exit station and the second binding line section is adapted to transport books therealong from a book entry station. The binding line includes a book transferring mechanism or subsystem for moving books from the book exit station of the first binding line section to the book entry station of the second binding line section as well as devices associated with book leaving the book exit station and books entering the book entry station for tracking books during transfer from the first binding line section to the second binding line section. The first binding line section can run at the same or a different speed than the second binding line section. In addition, the binding line can include asynchronous or synchronous multiple first and/or second binding line sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for binding sheaves of papers into covers such as to form booklets, each booklet comprising a cover made up of two cover sheets, a spine therebetween, and a binding agent attached to the inside of the spine, as well as a sheaf of papers inserted in the cover, one side edge of the sheaf being connected to the inside of the spine. The binding takes place by means of the binding agent being activated by an activation device such that the edge of the sheaf of papers will be connected to the inside of the spine via the binding agent. Each cover acts on a sensing means, which senses the presence or non-presence of indication means connected to the cover and which actuates means for influencing the further course of the method. The invention also relates to a cover provided with indication means sensed in the above described manner.

Abstract: An electric circuit interlock system which senses the position of the plurality of doors associated with a machine enclosure, the enclosure providing a safety guarding. The electric safety interlock system disables a main drive motor system when any one of the plurality of access doors is ajar. A manual override jog button is integrated into the electric safety interlock system at each of the plurality of access doors for jogging the main drive motor system. When any more than one of the plurality of access doors are open, each and every associated manual jog buttons must be actuated simultaneously to jog the main drive motor system (logical AND).

Abstract: A binding line including at least first and second binding line sections. The first binding line section is adapted to transport books therealong to a book exit station and the second binding line section is adapted to transport books therealong from a book entry station. The binding line includes a book transferring mechanism or subsystem for moving books from the book exit station of the first binding line section to the book entry station of the second binding line section as well as devices associated with book leaving the book exit station and books entering the book entry station for tracking books during transfer from the first binding line section to the second binding line section. The first binding line section can run at the same or a different speed than the second binding line section. In addition, the binding line can include asynchronous or synchronous multiple first and/or second binding line sections.

Abstract: A cartridge system for carrying an edge binder and for use with a binding apparatus is disclosed for use in preparing bound booklets from prepunched sheets, usually paper. The cartridge is constructed to cooperate with the binding apparatus to carry and deliver binders for use in forming a booklet and to indicate to the apparatus as by location of conductive adhesive pads, the contents of the cartridge. Structure on the cartridge can operate the apparatus to control the thickness of delivered prepunched sheets. The apparatus includes a tool for opening the binder, a guide for delivering paper, and a support for the cartridge to deliver the binder. The tool, paper guide and cartridge support are angularly related to each other and to the horizontal.

Abstract: An air blower assembly for a spa having a vent valve in the outlet passage from the blower, with a bi-metallic coil for opening the valve and venting the outlet when the temperature reaches a preselected danger level. The valve comprises two telescoped tubular members having elongated vent ports movable angularly into alignment, the inner member being rotatably supported on the assembly for adjustment of the set point and the outer member being rotatable about the inner member by the coil.

Abstract: Apparatus for discriminating signature sets of abnormal total thickness from signature sets having normal total thickness in a saddle-wired preparing apparatus. The discriminating apparatus includes means for electrically detecting the movement of sensor wheels which are adapted to discriminate a signature set of normal thickness from one having abnormal thickness, means for timing the output of this detected signal through a mechanical detector, and solenoid means for switching a stitcher and a deflector lever.

Abstract: A machine wherein the sheets are held together by adhesive has an indexible turret with radially extending equidistant pockets for reception of stacks of sheets from a feeding device. The pockets transport the stacks past an aligning device, thereupon past an adhesive applying device which coats one edge face of each stack with a layer of adhesive, past a strip applicator which attaches a flexible strip to each adhesive-coated edge face, thereupon past a strip folder which converts each strip into a U-shaped body, and finally to a removing device which removes the thus formed pads from the pockets and transports them in a direction which at least substantially coincides with the direction of delivery of stacks to the pockets.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mechanism for moving unfinished books along a raceway and for selectively moving defective books from the raceway onto a second, powered conveyor. The raceway has an inclined surface, and the reject mechanism moves defective books up the inclined surface onto the powered conveyor. The reject mechanism includes a divert conveyor with a chain in continuous motion synchronized with the movement of the books on the raceway. When it is desired to move a book from the raceway onto the powered conveyor a selected pair of pins mounted on the divert conveyor chain are extended to engage an edge of the book and move it up the inclined surface and onto the divert conveyor.