Abstract: A paper-processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a paper-transferring section (10) containing a transfer path (11) for transferring a sheet of paper (3) to a prescribed position and a transfer path (12) to which the transfer route is switchable from the transfer path (11), a punch-processing section (20) for punching two or more holes for binding in one end of the sheet of paper (3) transferred thereto, and a control section (50) for controlling the paper-transferring section (10) and the punch-processing section (20) wherein the control section (50) controls the paper-transferring section (10) to decelerate and stop the transfer of the sheet of paper (3) at the prescribed position of the transfer path (11), to switch the transfer route for the sheet of paper (3) from the transfer path (11) to the transfer path (12), and to deliver the sheet of paper (3) in a reverse direction thereof.

Abstract: A machine and method are provided for making a lay-flat book or album with multiple pages. The machine includes a base with first and second supports. Paper forming the book pages is creased and placed front face down upon the supports and held in position by a vacuum. An adhesive is applied to the back of one page, and then the supports pressed together to adhere the pages together. Hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders move the supports, as controlled by electrical or electronic circuitry in a control panel. Thus, a semi-automatic process is provided for gluing the book pages together.

Abstract: A bookbinding apparatus which forms a sheet bundle by aligning a plurality of sheets fed from an image forming apparatus and prepares a booklet by applying adhesive on a spine of the sheet bundle, the bookbinding apparatus includes: a storage member for storing the adhesive; a rotating member for rotating in contact with the adhesive in the storage member; a heater for melting the adhesive in the storage member and for heating the adhesive so as to reach a preset temperature; and a control device for controlling the preset temperature, at a termination of the bookbinding job, to switch from a first preset temperature for a time of bookbinding to a second preset temperature which is below the first preset temperature and equal to or above a melting point of the adhesive.

Abstract: A bookbinding apparatus having: a coating device for coating adhesive onto a spine of a sheet bundle; a first moving device which moves the coating device along the spine of the sheet bundle; a second moving device which moves the coating device in a substantially perpendicular direction to a surface of the spine; and a control device, wherein the control device controls the first moving device to move the coating device along the spine from near a one corner of the spine of the sheet bundle toward another corner until the coating device reaches to near the another corner of the spine of the sheet bundle, then controls the second moving device to separate the coating device away from the spine of the sheet bundle and keeps the coating device for a predetermined duration after separating

Abstract: A bookbinding apparatus which forms a booklet by coating adhesive onto a spine of a sheet bundle, the bookbinding apparatus comprising: an adhesive tank which stores adhesive; a supplying section which supplies solid adhesive to the adhesive tank; a melting section which melts the solid adhesive supplied to the adhesive tank; a coating section which coats the adhesive onto the spine of the sheet bundle; and a controller which controls the supplying section to supply the solid adhesive from the supplying section to the adhesive tank when an amount of adhesive that has been coated by the coating section reaches equal to or more than a predetermined value.

Abstract: In a bookbinding machine, an image forming apparatus, a prebinding apparatus and a bookbinding apparatus are coupled on line in this order. In the prebinding apparatus, a sheet aligning section, a slitting section which cuts off margins at both side portions of a sheet of paper, a cutting section which cuts off top and bottom margins, and a creasing section are arranged in this order. The prebinding apparatus is provided with a control section which sorts out supplied sheets of paper into those which need an SCC step and those which do not, and performs the SCC step only on the sheets of paper that need the SCC step.

Abstract: A glue container receiving hot-melt adhesive, an applicator roll, an apparatus casing, and disposed therein, a cooling unit and its control unit, for cooling a post-cover-sheet-processed sheaf, are provided. The control unit is configured to halt the cooling unit when adhesive is being applied to a sheaf with the applicator roll, and to actuate it after adhesive application. The control unit: (1) cools the apparatus casing interior by actuating the cooling unit when a sheaf is conveyed toward a glue application position; (2) halts the cooling unit when adhesive is being applied to a sheaf conveyed into the glue application position; and (3) reactivates the cooling unit after adhesive application. Thus controlling the apparatus-internal temperature appropriately in applying a hot-melt adhesive to a sheaf, and binding the sheaf together with a cover, etc. enables secure binding adhesion in a short time frame, without bookbinding defects such as missing leaves.

Abstract: In an apparatus for cutting to length sections of a spine insert (1) that is unwound from a supply reel and for bringing together the spine inserts with infed cover boards (8) in a roller applicator (5, 6) for the mechanized production of book cases, the invention proposes that the pair of cut length transport rollers (3.1) for drawing forward a defined drawing-off length (L) of the spine insert (1) and for positioning the spine insert in the cutting device (9) and the pairs of feed rollers (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) for transporting the cut-to-length spine inserts (1) into the roller applicator (5, 6) through a transport channel (2) can be driven independently of one another, wherein the pairs of feed rollers (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) can be intermittently driven in a cyclic fashion with a constant stroke (HZ) while the pair of cut length transport rollers (3.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a book block with a rounded or a rounded and pressed back includes adhering a first plurality of narrow retaining strips along outer leaves and back of the book block. Additional retaining strips may be applied transversely across the back of the book block in the region of the top and bottom of the back of the book block. Thereafter, the book block may be rounded or rounded and pressed. It is believed that application of the retaining strips prior to the rounding and pressing operations reduces the forces of resistance in the rounding and pressing operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding documents by individually binding each media sheet to previously bound media sheets using imaging material as the binding material.

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: The present invention concerns an apparatus and a method for securing an item to a cover of printed material. According to one aspect of the present invention, the item is displayed in such a manner so as to enable the item to be viewed through the cover but also reduce the appropriation of the item from the cover before the printed material reaches the end user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering signatures to a binding line, the apparatus and method preferably comprising a printer feeder apparatus and method for providing personalized information in a variety of locations upon a selected one of a plurality of signatures types before the signatures are fed to the binding line.

Abstract: A book production line which has a plurality of processing stations and a transportation device for receiving the book blocks from an intake and conveying the book blocks to the processing stations is presented. The book production line includes individual modules with processing stations including functions such as straightening and pre-shaping, rounding and pressing, gluing and fumigating, gluing, backing and heading and suspending of book blocks. Optionally, a processing station may be provided for pressing and shaping the books and the individual modules can be separately operated via independent operating panels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a cover to a signature. The apparatus includes a cover applicator for securing covers to signatures, a signature supplier positioned to provide at least one signature to the cover applicator, a cover feeder positioned to feed covers in separated relation to the cover applicator, and a printer positioned between the cover feeder and the cover applicator. The printer is oriented to print onto a surface (e.g., an inner surface) of a cover fed from the cover feeder. The apparatus can further include an item feeder positioned to feed items in separated relation to the cover applicator, and an adhesive applicator positioned to deposit adhesive between the item and the cover. For example, the printer can be oriented to print on a printed area of a cover fed from the cover feeder, and the item feeder can be oriented to deposit an item onto the printed area. Preferably, the apparatus further includes an item printer positioned to print on an item fed from the item feeder.

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: A printer for printing on a binder strip and having a platen for supporting the binder strip, a print head mechanism and a print head controller. An interface unit is provided which includes indicia formed on the housing of the unit indicative of the spine of a bound book. The indicia includes three regions that represent three zones of the spine, with the three regions each having as associated visual indicator and switch for enabling a user to select a spine zone. A user can enter text, using a keyboard, to be printed on spine zone when the visual indicator associated with the spine zone has been made active using the associated switch.

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 apparatus for attaching an item to printed material, including a cover applicator for securing covers to signatures, a signature supplier positioned to provide at least one signature to the cover applicator, and a cover feeder positioned to feed covers in separated relation to the cover applicator. An item feeder is positioned to feed items in separated relation to the cover applicator, and an adhesive applicator is positioned to deposit adhesive between the item and the cover. In one embodiment, a first adhesive applicator applies a temporary adhesive between the item and the cover, and a second adhesive applicator deposits a second adhesive between the item and the signature. In another embodiment, a first cover feeder feeds outer covers and a second cover feeder feeds inner covers. The first adhesive applicator applies a temporary adhesive between the item and the outer cover, and the second adhesive applicator deposits a second adhesive between the item and the inner 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 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 computer based book manufacturing, distributing and retailing system for the high speed reproduction of a single copy of a book is disclosed. The system is especially adapted for direct consumer sales since the manufacture of a selected book can take place at the point of sale. A master module includes a computer having a database of books to be selected, the books preferably being stored in a digital book-description format. Upon selection of a particular book from the database, a single copy of the book (including the text and a color cover) is printed by means of high speed raster printing engines. The system includes a binder for binding the text pages and the cover into a book.

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: In order to maintain the quality of lifts in a binding line, particularly while they are being conveyed and/or accumulated between the stacker and palletizing robot, a binding line lift index system is provided. The system includes a rotary index table having a plurality of lift index stations each of which is adapted to receive a lift of books from a stacker at an infeed index position and each of which is designed to minimize relative motion between books in a lift as the lift index stations are moved in index fashion from the infeed index position to an outfeed index position remote from the stacker. For this purpose, and particularly for loose lifts of saddlestitched books, the lifts are compressed at an intermediate index position between the infeed and outfeed index positions.

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: A machine for binding sets of sheets with a wire binding element of the kind having a series of curved prongs with points and roots. The machine comprises a holding mechanism for holding the binding element in a predetermined position. A selectively movable guide plate is located adjacent to and at a constant preset distance from the binding element points. The guide plate is also located to receive perforated edges of the sheets thereagainst so that the sheets' perforations can be aligned with the points in order to aid in guiding the perforated sheets into assembly with said binding element. A first adjustment mechanism is provided for moving the guide plate relative to the binding element points. The first adjustment mechanism permits the position of said guide plate to be adjusted relative to the points so as to maintain the constant pre-set distance between said guide plate and the points for any sized binding element.

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: 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. A registration arrangement maintains the alignment of the covers upon the conveyor line.

Abstract: A section feeder for a book binding machine is provided with a pair of parallel guide plates (11A), (11B) attached to a base (10) in order to form a section conveying path therebetween, the section conveying path extending from a section supply station to a section delivery station, parallel guide slits (12A), (12B) formed on the guide plates, an elevating rod (14A), (14B) horizontally extending from the outside of each guide plate into the section conveying path through each guide slit (12A), (12B), the elevating rods associated with the same guide plate being movable all at once in such a manner that they reciprocate along said guide slits and enter into the section conveying path upon reaching the section supply station and retreat from the section conveying path upon reaching the section delivery station, the elevating rods associated with the different guide plates alternately moving upwardly and downwardly, whereby sections are lifted without tilting by a flat section support surface formed on the eleva

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: 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: 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: Apparatus and method for binding a book utilizing a binding tape having a flexible substrate and a heat activated adhesive. The binding tape is forced against the front cover of the book utilizing a heated platen, so as to form a front cover seal simultaneously along the length of the front cover. The platen then folds the tape around the edge of the book so as to form the spine of the book. The platen then forces the remaining portion of the tape against the back cover so as to form a back cover seal simultaneously along the length of the back cover.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for binding a book utilizing a binding tap having a flexible substrate and a heat activated adhesive. The binding tape is forced against the front cover of the book utilizing a heated platen, so as to form a front cover seal simultaneously along the length of the front cover. The platen then folds the tape around the edge of the book so as to form the spine of the book. The platen then forces the remaining portion of the tape against the back cover so as to form a back cover seal simultaneously along the length of the back cover.

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: A machine for the adhesive binding of sets of pages comprises a control device with:a sensor to sense the thickness of the set of pages placed on the carriage and held gripped between the jaws thereof, said sensor being arranged to provide a signal representative of the thickness of the set of pages which is so gripped, anda regulating unit for modifying the speed of the motor means in response to an output signal from the sensor.

Abstract: An external electronic measuring apparatus 2 in which a sample book block 1 is clamped and the thickness is then determined as a displacement-dependent actual value. The apparatus further includes a microprocessor 20 in which the actual displacement value is evaluated, and is stored as a required value, and a control unit 19 for transmitting the required value to the actuators 44, 45, as an actuating variable. The measuring apparatus possesses a clamping device 8, 9 which can be driven by a motor, and which enables two or more actual displacement values to be determined, these values being functions of differing compressive forces which serve to hold the book blocks in the bookbinding machine 42. These actual displacement values are defined by switch arrangements 20, 38, 13, and 39, as pressure points P1, P2 . . . Pn, and are determined, as actual displacement values, by means of a displacement measuring facility 31-35, in a sequentially controlled procedure.

Abstract: A sheet binding apparatus, for attaching loose sheets to one or more folders, has a completely automatic binding process after insertion of the folder(s). This is carried out by a heating assembly, the current supply to which is controlled by a micro-processor having inputs received from a starter device of light detector type, a temperature detector device of thermistor type and a timer device. The timer device is activated by the micro-processor when the temperature detector device indicates working temperature at the heating assembly. In one aspect of the binding process it is also related to the thickness of the folder(s) to be bound. This is carried out by a current control device acting on the supply circuit for the heating assembly in such a way that the thicker the folders inserted, the more current is allowed to the heating assembly.

Abstract: A book sewing machine has an inserter for plates for indicating the planes of separation between the books. Each plate is disposed in the separation plane in correspondence with the top of the adjacent face of the contiguous books on that side of the books facing the loader. The machine also has a gluer for applying a layer of glue to the backs of the books which advance towards the discharge zone. Close to the latter is a separator constituted by a cutting blade which traverses the pile of books so that it cuts the layer of glue on the backs and simultaneously cuts the thread connecting the last book to the next book, thus effecting the separation. An operating cycle of the separator device is started each time a control circuit is given an enabling signal by a detecting device for detecting the passage of a plate. The position of the detection device preferably coincides with that of the cutting blade which may be a separate element or which may be part of the plate.

Abstract: An automatic machine for perforating and comb binding blocks of loose sheets. The control of the movements of the punching and binding mechanisms is centralized. The machine is capable of making perforations and thus bindings which are either continuous or in the form of portions separated in a manner which can be preset as desired. Feed of the sheets to be perforated and bound is effected by chains provided with fixed brackets with corresponding movable tabs which can withdraw into or project out of the conveying surface. The movement of the tabs is coordinated with that of the chains and of the punching mechanism. The feed of the comb binding to the coupling station is effected by two independent brake-friction units, controlled separately by presettable digital controls.

Abstract: A copying machine/finisher system is disclosed as having a rotary sorter arranged to receive a stream of copy sheets produced by a processor in conjunction with an automatic document handling apparatus of the type which produces multiple copies of a document sheet placed at an exposure station. The sorter collates the stream into booklets as the sorter is rotated in an indexing manner. An adhesive binder and a stapler are selectively positioned to effect binding while the booklets are still in the bins of the sorter. Binding is effected in timed relationship with sheets still entering the sorter. The sorter/finishing apparatus may also be a stand alone system.

Abstract: An improvement on commerical machines which bind documents using plastic strips. The punch mechanism may be automatically actuated when the paper sheets are properly aligned on a punch platen or actuated manually at the user's discretion. Distance of the holes from the edges of the sheets may be indexed.