Abstract: Apparatus for binding a plurality of sheets having aligned holes with a binding wire includes two bending elements which are pivotably connected to one another, one of the bending elements having a recess for partially accommodating the binding wire, the other of the bending elements having a projection such that upon placing the binding wire in the recess with the binding wire passing through the holes in the sheets and effecting pivotal movement between the two bending elements, the projection engages and bends the binding wire to thereby effect binding of the plurality of sheets by the binding wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feed deflection apparatus for at least partially folded newspapers or magazines. A pair of arrester cylinders (1) and a pair of acceleration cylinders (2) are coplanar but at an angle of 90.degree. relative to each other. A paper subjected to compression by the tail between the pair of arrester cylinders (1) is stopped by decelerating the cylinders (1). At the moment said paper has stopped, the pair of acceleration cylinders (2) takes hold of the paper's edge and accelerates it to a new speed directed at an angle of 90.degree. relative to the previous direction. The apparatus can be used for assembling or disassembling piles of papers. A particularly practical application is feeding papers from a printing machine to an after-treatment trimmer.

Abstract: A heat-sealing apparatus includes a casing, a pair of lower and upper binding members for vertically binding a portion of a heat-fusible wrapper therebetween, a heater attached to a binding face of the lower binding member which is in turn fixed to the casing. The heater is operable to heat-fuse the portion of the wrapper. The apparatus further includes a switching mechanism for switching over the upper binding member between a binding position where the upper binding member is pressed against the binding face of the lower binding member and a releasing position where the upper binding member is retracted in an upper-rear direction away from the binding face of the lower binding member. The upper binding member is a heat-resistant elastic pressing roller rotatable about an axis extending along a length of the heater.

Abstract: A paper binding instrument for binding a sheaf of papers without the use of metal staples including punching edges and auxiliary punching edges. The punching edges can make small holes in a sheaf of paper continuing from punched foot parts of a small width and punched head parts of a large width. The punching edges push down head pieces which were the head parts through the sheaf of papers while leaving punched pieces corresponding to the foot parts. The auxiliary punching edges can make auxiliary small holes facing in different directions from the facing directions of the small holes that are formed with the punching edges.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with xerographic equipment or the like automatically applies a plastic U-shaped spline binder strip from a cassette housing a plurality of strips onto a first edge of a document set clamped to a planar surface. A binding strip cassette storage holds a plurality of binding strips for single-file automatic installation onto a series of document sets generated by the xerographic equipment. A spreader member disposed between the cassette storage and the document set opens finger portions of the binding strip as it translates from the cassette and onto the document set.

Abstract: A delivery device for a book binding machine is provided with a first conveyor belt (19) arranged for movement in a vertical direction between a book delivery station and a book transfer station and a second conveyor belt (40) located in a fixed position so as to be on the same level as the first conveyor belt (19) and in alignment with the first conveyor belt (19) at the book transfer station. The first conveyor belt (19) receives a book block (12) from an clamp (11) at the book delivery station and lowers to the book transfer station so as to transfer the book block to the second conveyor belt (40), then returns to the book delivery station in order to receive the book block from the following clamp.

Abstract: Successive stacks of overlapping paper sheets are delivered by tongs to an assembling station where the sheets of successive stacks are connected to each other by circular binders including rims having a T-shaped or an L-shaped cross-sectional outline and being receivable in T-shaped or L-shaped marginal recesses of the sheets. The binders are delivered into and are held in the form of a row in equidistant sockets provided in part in stationary and in part in movable supports at the assembling station. Portions of sheets of a stack at the assembling station are deformed against the adjacent binders to thus introduce the binders into discrete recesses of each sheet, and the thus obtained stationery products are removed from the assembling station longitudinally of the row of sockets.

Abstract: A control circuit for a binding apparatus using a binder covers having resistance heating strips in a heat activated adhesive includes a power control to output a constant power to the heating strip. A duty cycle of the power signal supplied to the heating strip is controlled dependent upon the resistance of the strip. Fault detection circuitry indicates an open circuit in the resistance strip and interrupts the power supply. A stress test is performed by a high voltage generator which emits a high voltage pulse at the start of the binding cycle to stress the connections in the binder cover and thereby cause failure of any weak connections before the binding cycle is underway. A timer circuit is also disclosed.

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 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 image-forming apparatus is provided with a bookbinding device having a binder receiving portion. The binder receiving portion is provided with a heat source for heating an adhesive or with an electrode for electrifying the electric heating member on a bottom portion thereof so that a plurality of papers disposed in a binder can be adhered to the inner surface of the back cover of the binder by heating and melting the adhesive with the heat source or the electric heating member. The heat source or electrode is swingably mounted in the binder receiving portion for movement between a bookbinding position and a retracted position. An operating mechanism is provided for moving the heat source or electrode from the retracted position to the bookbinding position upon insertion of the binder into the binder receiving portion.

Abstract: A book binding apparatus and method secures pages of a document in a U-shaped channel. The apparatus automatically adjusts the binding jaws of the apparatus to the current size of the channel prior to the binding force being applied to the channel. The operating forces generated by the apparatus in deforming the channel are limited by generating small amounts of deformation in the channel for each pull of an operating handle, and by using multiple pulls of the handle to completely secure the pages into the channel. A debinding apparatus and method, using the same mechanism as the binding apparatus, debinds the pages from the channel.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus is provided with a bookbinding device having a binder receiving portion. The binder receiving portion is provided with a heat source for heating an adhesive or with an electrode for electrifying the electric heating member on a bottom portion thereof so that a plurality of papers disposed in a binder can be adhered to the inner surface of the back cover of the binder by heating and melting the adhesive with the heat source or the electric heating member. The binder receiving portion is provided with a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the heat source or electrode, and an operating mechanism for causing the cleaning mechanism to clean the heat source or electrode either when the binder receiving portion is pivoted from a non-use position to a use position or when a binder is inserted into the binder receiving portion.

Abstract: A sheet binder for binding sheets by adhering the sheets to a back of a cover member by a heat-fusible adhesive. The sheet binder includes a supporting member for supporting the cover member having the back, to an inner surface of which the heat-fusible adhesive is applied, a heat generating member disposed in the proximity of the supporting member, and an alternate magnetic field generating device for generating an alternate magnetic field to heat the heat generating member.

Abstract: An apparatus for binding page edges with heat includes a cover portion which has the approximate shape of a truncated pyramid and which has a longitudinal opening which is at least partially closed by a pivotably mounted wall is provided. The apparatus includes a longitudinal heat-conducting element of a length generally corresponding to the length of the page edges to be bound. The apparatus further includes an actuator or starting signal to activate an electrical switch when the edges to be bound are contacted with the heating element, indicating that the heating process has started and continues to heat depending on the thickness of the leaves to be bound. The electrical switch is then disconnected, thereby generating a signal indicating the completion of the heating and binding process.

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: A document finisher includes a printing station for printing on the binding of a book. The printing station in one embodiment prints on the binder tape before the book is bound. In a second embodiment, the printer prints on the binding after the book is bound. The printing stations are space efficient and designed to be easily incorporated with preexisting stations in document finishers. Ink jet printers and impact-type printer may be utilized.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus is provided with a bookbinding device having a binder receiving portion. The binder receiving portion is provided with a heat source for heating an adhesive or with an electrode for electrifying the electric heating member on a bottom portion thereof so that a plurality of papers disposed in a binder can be adhered to the inner surface of the back cover of the binder by heating and melting the adhesive with the heat source or the electric heating member. A binder-insertion hole of the binder receiving portion is provided with a cover to prevent foreign matter from entering the binder receiving portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a book binding mechanism for performing a book bind operation using front sheets of a plurality of sizes which can bind a bundle of sheet members recorded by said image forming apparatus, and have limitations on the numbers of recorded sheet members to be bound. The image forming apparatus further has output means for outputting sheet number data according to a bundle of sheet members; judge means for judging whether or not the sheet number data output from said output means is larger than a range of the limitation; detect means for, when the judged result from said judge means is affirmative, dividing the sheet number data, and detecting a divided sheet number value which falls within the range of the limitation; and control means for controlling to perform a book bind operation in units of the sheet numbers detected by said detect means.

Abstract: A paper pad securement clip for use with a paper pad having a plurality of paper sheet members and optionally including a backing member. The paper pad presents a base surface and an upper surface with the individual sheet members edge glued together. The paper securement clip has a base member secured with respect to the lower end and an upper member secured with respect to the upper end. The base member includes a base member end and a first obliquely angled tip member. A first abutment surface is defined thereon also. The upper member defines an upper member end and a second obliquely angled tip having a second abutment surface. The first and second abutment surfaces are operative to secure the individual paper sheet members of the paper pad together with respect to one another and facilitate removal of individual sheets therefrom. The pad securement device optionally includes a removal arm extending outwardly therefrom defining a cutting edge thereon.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing 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 paper inserted between the two cover sheets, one side edge of the sheaf being connected to the inside of the spine by means of the binding agent, which is activated by an activation device such that the side edge of the sheaf of paper inserted in the cover will adhere to the binding agent, characterized in that the cover (1) is parted from the activation device (9), or vice versa, by a first poweroperated transport means (44, 46, 47) so that the binding agent (5) is brought to solidify.The invention also relates to a machine for manufacturing booklets according to the above method.

Abstract: A press for stitching book block sections employs a transport system for transporting book sections to a stitching station. Carriages are mounted to an endless conveyor. A saddle is pivotally mounted to each of the carriages. The book sections are received on the saddle and transported to the stitching station in a continuous fashion. The pivotal swing of the saddles is controlled by rollers engaging cam paths as the conveyor is circulated.

Abstract: An improved book block transport channel has adjustable lateral guide members, which define the channel width, and an adjustable skid plate with support finger projections outwardly in two opposed directions. The skid plate support fingers are received in slots in the guide members and define a discontinuous channel floor adjacent the guide members. The openings in the channel floor and the slots are partly bridged by guide rails which are mechanically coupled to a respective guide member and to the support fingers which are received in the slots in that guide member.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously or sequentially edge binding a sheaf of papers and separately laminating single sheets. A heat applying assembly includes a body of heat conducting material having a generally horizontal elongated slot extending through the body and two pairs of rollers, one at an input end of the slot and the other at an output end thereof for feeding a document between two thermoplastic sheets through the slot. Upper and lower imbedded heating coils apply heat above and below the slot for fusing the thermoplastic sheets to effect lamination of the document. The body of heat conducting material provides an upper surface slanted at an acute angle with respect to the horizontal. A rigid guide surface oriented by an equal angle with respect to the vertical provides for gravity retention of a sheaf of paper to be edge bound against the aforementioned upper surface, a heat setting adhesive being introduced along the common end of tyhe sheaf of papers thereby binding the papers along a spine.

Abstract: A bindery system captures pages of a bound or unbound book in a hard or soft cover case with a metal U-shaped channel which in turn is bonded to the inside spine surface of the hard or soft covers.

Abstract: Bundles of presized wood veneer strips are prepared for longitudinal edge adhesive by vertical alignment of the veneer strip face planes on a horizontal machine bed surface between open clamp jaws. Upon satisfactory alignment of the strip edges on the bed surface, the clamp jaws are closed on the bundle and translated from the bed surface to an adhesive transfer roll transverse plane. As the roll traverses the bundle length, adhesive is coated upon the veneer strip bottom edges. After completing the adhesive application pass, the clamp jaws are opened on manual command to release the veneer strip bundle for manual inversion. While the clamp jaws are open, the adhesive transfer roll is returned to the starting position. The clamp jaws are manually returned to the bed surface position and the opposite edge set of the inverted bundle is aligned against the bed surface and the process is repeated.

Abstract: An apparatus for binding page edges with heat, wherein adhesive is attached to at least one such page edge is provided. The apparatus includes an elongated heat-conducting bar of a length generally corresponding to the length of the page edges to be bound and has a longitudinal slot below for receiving a PTC resistance heating element connected to a power source disposed between two electrically conductive fillets.

Abstract: Selective collating and binding processes for manufacture of digest-size mail order catalogs, magazines or other materials. Such "books" are most economically collated and bound in pairs on a "2-up" line that simultaneously produces two output streams of books. Mail order retailers and others require that the books be organized according to postal zones for favorable mail rate treatment. They also frequently prefer that various sets of customers receive various editions of the book; repeat buyers, for instance, may receive a more complete edition of a catalog than other buyers. Similarly, two or more mailers may desire that their mailing be combined, so that two or more sets of catalogs are packaged together for the same postal zones in order to receive favorable mail rate treatment. Processes of the present invention provide selective binding and collating on a 2-up line of such different catalogs, different editions of the same catalog, or different editions of different catalogs, or "versions.

Abstract: In an apparatus for making a booklet or album formed of a plurality of photographs bound by a cover sheet, many photographs are inserted between a pair of nipping plates in an insertable situation and are held loosely in an upright state on a photograph receiving member. In the insertable situation, the receiving member is vibrated and the photographs are straightened at lower ends and one side edges. The straightened photographs are nipped by a pair of nipping plates from both sides and moved to a bonding position above an adhesive layer on the cover sheet. Thereafter, a pressure roller is rolled in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive layer to press the cover sheet upwardly in order to attach the lower ends of the phographs to the adhesive layer. This cover sheet is bent in a channel shape by a V-shaped groove formed on a bending block along a rim on each side of the photographs.

Abstract: A binding system including a method for binding sheets in which a stack of the sheets is shingled to disclose narrow side surface portions along their spine edges, a uniform layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is adhered to those spine edges and narrow side surface portion after which the spine edges are moved into alignment at a right angle to the side surfaces of the sheets to re-form the pressure sensitive adhesive along the spines of the sheets, and a flexible backing is adhered over the re-formed adhesive along the spine edges and at the side surfaces of the sheets to retain the spine edges of the sheets in that alignment. The system also includes a novel cover structure which facilitates the method and includes cover plates, the pressure sensitive adhesive and the backing; and a novel device for holding and positioning the sheets during binding.

Abstract: A binding provided with stationary transparent pockets which can receive sheets of any type of materials, such as sheets of paper, cardboard, photographs, samples of floor or wall coverings, and the like. The cover of the binding comprises a transparent double sheet of the same material as the pockets. This sheet is heat-sealed together with pockets in the zone of folding, while two cardboard sheets are glued to the inside of the double sheet in the zone comprising two flat surfaces.

Abstract: A bindery system captures pages of a bound or unbound book in a hard or soft cover case by crimping a metal U-shaped channel which is bonded to the inside spine surface of the hard or soft covers.

Abstract: An apparatus which adhesively binds a set of sheets by applying a strip having an adhesive on one surface thereof to the spine of the set. The strip is supported on a heated platen which softens the adhesive. The spine of the set of copy sheets is pressed into the adhesive on the strip. The depth of penetration of the spine into the adhesive is controlled so as to form a layer of adhesive between the spine and the strip having a predetermined thickness. As the spine of the set of copy sheets is moved into contact with the adhesive on the strip, it is damped to absorb a substantial portion of the kinetic energy of the set of sheets to reduce the deflection and distortion of the set of sheets.

Abstract: One type of bookbinding strip consists of a male strip with plural flexible studs projecting therefrom and a female strip with complementary holes and grooves in the outer surface thereof extending from each hole. The studs are inserted through holes in the punched paper, then through the holes in the female strip. The present invention compresses the strips toward each other with the paper therebetween and then, upon manual actuation of a lever, causes blocks carrying rollers to bend 90.degree. the portion of the studs projecting beyond the female strip, causing these portions to snap into the grooves. Since the grooves on each end of the strip extend toward the middle of the strip, two blocks are used, each moving inward toward the center upon actuation of the lever.

Abstract: An apparatus and cartridge for use in binding prepunched sheets into a booklet using curled-finger ring-type edge binders. The binders include an opening tool which is drawn through the binder for spreading curled binder finger from the binder spine to form a document receiving gap. Binder/tool combinations are carried in the cartridge which includes a binding position or slot. The cartridge is to be positioned in an apparatus having a recessed base for receiving the cartridge and a cover which includes a paper receiving slot. The base defines a slot for alignment with the cartridge binding position slot. In the opened position, the terminus of the cover slot is aligned with the base slot. When the cartridge is in position and the cover opened, a booklet can be formed at the binding position by a binder being opened, apertured paper deposited in the cover slot and binder, and removal of the opening tool to permit the binder to close on the apertured paper.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus and method for binding prepunched and apertured materials together with a curled-finger ring-type edge binder using an elongated tool. The tool includes leading, intermediate and trailing sections. The leading section is longer than the binder, but not as wide. The intermediate section which uncurls the fingers taperingly joins the leading and trailing sections. The trailing section is longer and wider than the binder, holds the fingers open, aligns the prepunched paper relative to the fingers and can form an upwardly-facing paper receiving gap. The back end of the trailing section is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tool for releasing the fingers so as to allow each finger to release its potential energy, extent or snap through the aperture and thus bind the paper together.

Abstract: A copying apparatus includes a sorter which has a plurality of bins, a binding unit for binding the sheets taken-out from each of the bins, a first path for transporting the sheets ejected from a copying machine to the sorter, a second path for transporting the sheets to the binding unit. Sheets are conducted to the first path when a sorting mode is selected, but to the second path regardless of the selection of the sorting mode when the input number of copy sets is 1. Further, the copying apparatus includes a first roller and a second roller for taking-out the sheets from the bins, wherein, the second roller is moved down to pinch the sheets on the bin in cooperation with the first roller when the bin reaches the sheet take-out position, and then the sheets on the bin are taken-out to the binding unit by the rotation of the rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening a book having a plurality of pages held in assembled relation with adjacent foredges substantially in contact with one another. The apparatus includes a rotatable pin for initiating separation of pages of the book by contacting and entering the book at one end of the adjacent foredges to thereby cause one of the pages to be separated from a next adjacent of the pages at a selected location in the book. Additionally, at a ribbon inserting station, a ribbon inserter can be provided to insert a ribbon into the selected location in the book between the one of the pages and the next adjacent of the pages. The apparatus may also include a knife assembly downstream of the rotatable pin which is adapted to maintain separation of the pages upon entering the book at the selected location for any purpose such as accommodating insertion of a ribbon by the ribbon inserter. With this arrangement, the book opening apparatus is well suited for opening a book without damage to the pages thereof.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for use in binding, which apparatus includes a base and a cover member hingedly connected to each other. The cover member includes a binding-receiving compartment positioned above a portion of the base. A pair of spaced electrical contacts are positioned in the base below the binder-receiving compartment for receiving and connecting to the binder-receiving contact. The base includes an electric circuit compartment for housing an electric circuit adapted to apply a current to said conductors upon contact with the book for a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: An apparatus which adhesively binds a set of sheets by applying a strip having an adhesive on one surface thereof to the spine of the set. The strip is supported on a heated platen which softens the adhesive. The spine of the set of copy sheets is pressed into the adhesive on the strip. The depth of penetration of the spine into the adhesive is controlled so as to form a layer of adhesive between the spine and the strip having a predetermined thickness.

Abstract: A removable and reattachable table of contents for bound volumes is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the index is the table of contents page of a soft-bound periodical or magazine and is removably attached to the magazine by a series of perforations along one edge. The page additionally carries a releasable self-stick adhesive so that the page can be reinserted and reattached at other desired locations in the volume to provide both a readily available table of contents and a marker at the desired location.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a system of counterfoil binding, fit in particular to classify documents in the form of loose sheets; it includes a number of thin superposed strips (2), which are bound together by any convenient means and covered, on either side, with an adhesive layer (1), characterized by the fact that the whole of the adhesive surface (1) is covered with a coating (3) in which is provided at least a line (4) of least resistance making it possible to partially remove the film (3a) as to substitute for it at least part of the loose sheet to be classified (7); in this way the sheet lies in the prolongation of the detached part (3b) of the film.

Abstract: A male bookbinding member comprises a relatively thin, narrow strip having studs projecting therefrom at intervals. The ends of the studs are formed as male paper punches. A female paper punch comprises a female bookbinding strip having holes at the same intervals as the studs. Individual or small batches of paper (or other sheet material) are brought into position overlying the female punch. The male member advances toward the sheets punching them in cooperation with the female strip. The paper remains on the studs. The operation is repeated until all the sheets of the book are on the studs. The strips are forced together, excess stud lengths cut off and heads formed on the ends of the studs to rivet the book together or the strips are held together by other means. Alternatively, a hardened female punch die is used and the female binding strip brought into contact with the studs after the sheets are assembled thereon.

Abstract: A perfect binder wherein a horizontal table defines an endless oval track for a series of articulately connected tongs each of which has a fixed jaw and a pivotable jaw. The pivotable jaws are articulately connected to discrete levers each of which is pivotable between a first end position in which the work-engaging portions of the jaws cooperate to clamp a stack of sheets between them, and a second end position in which the work-engaging portion of the pivotable jaw is remote from the work-engaging portion of the fixed jaw. Coil springs are provided to urge the levers to either of their end positions. A first fixed cam is provided along the track to pivot the levers to their operative positions before the freshly inserted stacks reach the first treating station, and a second cam is provided adjacent a further portion of the track to pivot the levers to the other end positions in which the treated stacks of sheets can be released or withdrawn.

Abstract: In a delivery unit for bookbinding machines, book blocks released by the transport grippers of an adhesive-binding apparatus are transported by a conveyor along a downward-inclined linear path segment which is followed immediately by a horizontal path segment. The conveyor comprises an endless chain drive, routed around reversing sprockets, which transport carrier plates are positioned on the chain at regular intervals. The carrier plates are comprised of individual plate links which are pivotally interconnected but which support each other so that they cannot sag in the loading direction. The leading side of each carrier plate is pivotally coupled to the chain drive, while its trailing side is coupled to the chain drive via a slide-guide.

Abstract: Binding equipment is disclosed which binds loose sheets in covers which have thermoplastic adhesive at their backs to bind the sheets when such adhesive is heated. The equipment has two mutually spaced and parallel support walls to support the loose sheets within the covers. One of the walls is fixed and the other is movable within the frame supporting the walls. A support for the back of the cover is provided underneath the movable wall. This support is provided with a heater to activate the thermoplastic adhesive. The carriage mounting the movable wall moves along a displacement plane which slants upwards towards the fixed support wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a web of plastic film at predetermined locations and in a Z-shaped manner. The apparatus, by use of a mechanism for supplying the web material, has a pair of film feeding arms supplying the web material to the folded end portions in such a manner that the web material is pressed from front and rear surfaces different from each other, guided and supplied to the folded end portions, the web material is alternately guided around folded end holding members linearly movable at least from one side in the widthwise direction of the web material out of and into the respective folded end portions.

Abstract: A finishing apparatus is adapted to receive sheets that are to be formed into booklets from a copier/duplicator or other reproduction apparatus. The sheets are fed along a sheet transport in the finishing apparatus to an assembly station where they are jogged and formed into booklets. The sheets of the booklet may be secured together by staples, an adhesive, or other binding means. The finisher has a covering having an opening directly above support that receives a stack of booklet covers. The covers are fed from the support to the sheet transport for delivery to the assembly station in timed relation to the sheets of the booklet so that the covers are inserted at the front and/or back of the booklet.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a plurality of sheets are attached to one another to form a booklet thereof. The sheets are compiled to form a set which is then advanced to a stapling apparatus and/or a binding apparatus. The set of sheets may be secured to one another by either stapling, binding, or a combination of both.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously or sequentially edge binding a sheaf of papers and separately laminating single sheets. A heat applying assembly includes a body of heat conducting material having a generally horizontal elongated slot extending through the body and two pairs of rollers, one at an input end of the slot and the other at an output end thereof for feeding a document between two thermoplastic sheets through the slot. Upper and lower imbedded heating coils apply heat above and below the slot for fusing the thermoplastic sheets to effect lamination of the document. The body of heat conducting material provides an upper surface slanted at an acute angle with respect to the horizontal. A rigid guide surface oriented by an equal angle with respect to the vertical provides for gravity retention of a sheaf of paper to be edge bound against the aforementioned upper surface, a heat setting adhesive being introduced along the common end of .[.tyhe.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.