Abstract: There is provided a decoloring device including a decoloring unit, a first sheet conveying unit, a first sheet feed unit, a thickness detecting unit, a decolorability determining unit, and a second sheet feed unit. The first sheet conveying unit conveys the sheet to the decoloring unit. The first sheet feed unit feeds the sheet to the first sheet conveying unit. The decolorability determining unit determines whether or not the sheet which is subject to thickness detecting is decolorable by the decoloring unit based on a detection result in the thickness detecting unit. A second sheet feed unit is disposed at a downstream side in relation to the thickness detecting unit and at an upstream side in relation to the decoloring unit in a sheet conveying path by the first sheet conveying unit and feeds the sheet to the first sheet conveying unit.

Abstract: A pressing structure for a hole-punching unit includes an axle, two wrenching pieces, a pole and two pressing pieces, wherein the axle is axially attached to a case of the hole-punching unit, with one end of the axle axially connecting to a control knob, each wrenching piece connecting to the axle near its end, the pressing piece having a spring coil disposed at its middle and pivotally connected to the pole, and the pressing piece having a pair of lapping portions extending from a first side of the spring coil, and a pair of suppressing portions extending from a second side of the spring coil, the lapping portions leaning against an upper edge of the wrenching piece for the control knob to drive the wrenching piece to move synchronously, so as to let the suppressing portions to press the hole-punching assembly and to fasten the hole-punching assembly.

Abstract: A rectangular opening/closing bar is formed, which is inserted in the curl ring of the ring binder to bind papers. The tip end of the opening/closing bar 28A is provided with an instruction portion 28a to raise and open ring pieces in turn while inserting the opening/closing bar 28A. Further, the opening/closing bar may have swollen portions on both ends of the opening/closing bar 28A to enable the bar slide smoothly in the curl ring. And it may be provided with a guide plate 28D perpendicular to the side wall 28b of the opening/closing bar 28A of the swollen portions side. In order to enhance the workability of the opening/closing bar, it may be preferable to use an auxiliary device for positioning the ring binder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for opening a binding element for receiving perforated sheets, the binding element comprising a spine and a plurality of relatively spaced ring elements arranged side by side, with the free ends of the ring elements resiliently engaging the binder spine when closed. A low-cost device for opening a binding element is provided. The device includes a front section, a rear section having at least the same length as the binding element and being dimensioned such that, when the device is inserted into the binding element, the ring elements successively come into contact with the outer areas of the rear section, and that the free ends of the ring elements are spaced at least up to a specified distance from the spine, and a curved surface area provided at least in the rear section and being partly engaged by the inner surfaces of the ring elements.

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: To remove binding strips of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,369,013 from the book or document bound thereby, a debinding machine is used. The machine has a platen on which the spine of the book is supported and a perpendicular back plate against which one face of the book is forced, one binding strip fitting into a gap between the lower edge of the back plate and the platen. Pulling a handle causes a knife blade to enter behind the aforesaid book face and the strip, cutting the studs so that the strip is severed from the book. The other studs may then be pulled out of the holes in the sheets of the book by pulling away the remaining strip.

Abstract: An auxiliary binder for booklets consists of an adhesive laminate configured as a bow tie or dog bone. In one embodiment of the invention, a polyester base sheet is adhesively coated and receives thereon a backing sheet having a strip die cut longitudinally thereon. Removal of the strip of the backing sheet allows positioning of the auxiliary binder, and subsequent removal of portions of the backing sheet allows the binder the be affixed to the booklet. In another embodiment of the invention, an adhesively coated base sheet receives a reinforced strip longitudinally along a center portion thereof. The reinforced strip has its own carrier and release liner which, when removed, allows the reinforcement to be adhered to a booklet. Subsequent removal of a liner covering the remainder of the adhesive of the base sheet allows the base sheet to be further secured to the booklet.

Abstract: An apparatus and technique for strengthening and reinforcing book bindings. A laminate having a polyester face sheet is coated on one side with adhesive. A backing sheet is releasably secured to the adhesive. The backing sheet is split down the center thereof to define a removable center strip with adjacent side strips on each side thereof. These three strips facilitate the method of application of the laminate to reinforce and secure a book binding.

Abstract: An apparatus and technique for strengthening and reinforcing book bindings. A laminate having a polyester face sheet is coated on one side with adhesive. A backing sheet is releasably secured to the adhesive. The backing sheet is split down the center thereof to define a removable center strip with adjacent side strips on each side thereof. These three strips facilitate the method of application of the laminate to reinforce and secure a book binding.