Abstract: A method of binding folded signature sections together into a book comprised of a signature comb element having teeth which are inserted through perforations in the fold of the signatures and the teeth having tabs which secure the signature comb in slots between two or more spine tapes. The spine tapes adjustably lock into the hinge of the covers by a tooth and pawl mechanism, further interlocking one or more signatures to the spine of the book and securely fasten together the signatures and book cover.

Abstract: A method of binding books comprising the steps of holding in place a text hull (1) comprising the pages of two books (2, 3) the gutters (5, 19) of the two books being located on opposite edges of the text hull to one another, binding the opposite edges of the text hull adjacent the gutter of the pages; and dividing the text hull to separate the two books from one another.

Abstract: The invention includes novel unibody binder constructions and the process of making same. The binder is composed of two plastic sheets comprising such material as polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, polypropylene, polyvinyl acetate or other similar plastics. An uncompromised single piece of board or similar rigid material, such as chipboard, microflute board, corrugated board, fiberboard, etc., or a synthetic substrate, is then coated with a glue such as a resin glue, a U.V. adhesive, etc., on both sides and sandwiched between the plastic sheets. This sandwich is then formed into the unibody construction by welding the entire outer perimeter. At the time of welding, the air between the plastic sheets and the board is pressed or vacuumed out. To create the hinges on the binder, the unibody construction is then hydraulically creased to the extent necessary by using three moving blades to provide living hinges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a photo album leaf from a media having a front and back side. The apparatus includes a processing path along which the media moves through the apparatus; a digital printer disposed along the processing path for printing images on the front side of the media, the images being composed so as to define a segment having a fold line about which the segment is folded so as to form the leaf; a processing section disposed after the printer along the processing path for processing the media on which the images have been written; a removal mechanism for removing the protective release layer from the segment; a folding mechanism for folding the segment so as to form an album leaf.

Abstract: A cover-feeder for isolating the uppermost cover, in each case, of a flat stack which is continuously advanced, with lateral alignment and as far as a front-edge stop, in an imbricated formation on a transport belt belonging to a feed table, the cover-feeder having a series of separating suction devices belonging to a suction head, which suction head can be pivoted to and fro, for lifting the cover off the stack, and having a drawing-off arrangement for taking over the cover and transferring it to a forwarding conveyor.

Abstract: A bookbinding machine having an inner-book transporting system, consisting of a conveyer, preferably a roller chain with individual links that engage movably in one another, running around deflecting wheels, and of a multiplicity of clamps, at points of articulation of the conveyer, for clamping-in stacks of leaves, which clamps are disposed at equal mutual distances from one another and so as to be movable, drivewise on the conveyer means, and are guided in tracks on a machine frame, having an entry and an exit and having a number of processing stations along rectilinear conveyer paths, wherein the machine frame (1) has, in the region of the processing stations, a path section (A, B) in a length corresponding to a grid arrangement (R) with a defined basic dimension (x), and processing stations in the form of functional modules (4) in a breadth corresponding to the grid arrangement (R).

Abstract: In a method for adhesive attachment of a cover and a binding strip on the flanks of a spine of an book block comprised of bound printed sheets, the book block is transported in a transport direction on a circulating transport device. A binding strip is placed onto the book block spine such that lateral strip parts project laterally past the spine. The cover is moved into a proper position relative to the book block spine in accordance with the cycle of the book block and in the transport direction of the book block. At least one of the lateral strip parts is loaded on a side facing away from the cover with a pressing element. The cover and the book block pass through a pressing device in order to connect the cover and the book block to one another.

Abstract: A kit for making an original holder is disclosed. In the kit, a holder 10 of A4 size with a paper fastener 7 is divided into two and provided as two members 11 and 12. The member 11, consisting of a front panel 1 isolated from other portions of the holder cover, is a substantially flat paper sheet and generally rectangular in standardized lengthwise A4 size which is adapted to be passed through common personal printers easily. The member 12 consists of the rest of the holder cover and a paper fastener 7. The rest of the cover is made with a single paper sheet in which a back panel 2, a spine panel 3, a pleat 4 and a joint portion 5 are defined by folding the sheet, and the paper fastener 7 is secured on the pleat 4. A double-coated adhesive tape 6 is adhesively bonded on the outside surface of the joint portion 5 along a line a—a. Upon making the holder 10 with this kit, the member 11 is fed through a printer and any desired designs are printed thereon.

Abstract: A conveyer carries in series sheets of card or the like, having rectangular central apertures. When a layer of adhesive has been applied, a portion of flexible strip, which is wider than the central aperture, is applied to the central part of the lower face of each sheet. There is deposited on the lower face of this strip portion a layer of adhesive which is narrower than the central aperture, and a strip of card or the like is then applied to this layer. The inlet and outlet margins of each sheet are then sheared along parallel cutting lines which intersect the central aperture at right angles. When the corners have been trimmed, the margins of the sheets can then be turned over and stuck to the lower face.

Abstract: A gatherer-stitcher used for gathering various folded sheets is additionally equipped with one or a plurality of devices for applying adhesive, so that the gathered sheets can be bonded to one another directly on the gatherer-stitcher.

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: 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: According to one aspect, the invention relates to a method of stacking covers for the fabrication of booklets. Each cover includes two cover sheets and an interconnecting spine. Applied to the inner surface of the spine is a binding device that includes a binding agent. The covers are mutually stacked with the inner surface of the spine of one cover lying against the outer surface of the spine of an adjacent cover. According to the invention, a deactivatable separating device is provided between the binding agent and the outer surface of the spine of an adjacent cover, so as to prevent adhesion between the spines of respective covers. According to another aspect of the invention, a cover of this kind is provided with a binding device that includes a binding agent (104) and a separating device (105) disposed on the surface of the binding agent that lies remote from the spine (103), this separating device preferably having a form of woven material affixed to the binding agent (104).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of board books including the folding of sheets into a four-page spread at a folding machine with each sheet having a pair of folds facing in one direction and a reverse integral fold facing in the opposite direction. At the folding machine, the second and third pages of the spread are adhered together to form an integral, four-page spread. These four-page spreads are placed into the feeding hoppers of a board book bindery line and adhesive is applied to one of the pages as the four-page spread is delivered to the conveyor. The integral four-page spreads, and any other spreads on the conveyor, are adhered to form a book block and a cover is added to complete the board book. The resulting board book has the pair of fold lines located at the book backbone and the integral reverse fold line is at the outer edge of the central page of the respective, four-page spreads in the board books.

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 binder assembly system, without a metal spine but only paper or paper-like material at its channel spine (15), for binding together a series of sheet materials (20), using an “hard cover” book-like, single-piece binding cover (10), made up of a number of main, structural parts, including two, side boards (11A & 11B), a sheet (12) of book covering material, and a centrally located, special paper spine element (13), with an internal, paper cover (14) which over-lies the combined width of the side boards and the paper spine element, all of which when combined together form the book-like binder cover using pre-heating and forming step(s). The various cover parts are pre-assembled together in their respective positions. The channel area of the cover is first pre-heated to facilitate forming in the range from about one hundred and fifty to four hundred (˜150-400) degrees Fahrenheit and dwell times from about two to about thirty (˜2-30) seconds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for producing booklets, each of which comprises a cover (A) that has two cover sides, a spine between the cover sides, a glue string applied to the inner surface of the spine, and a sheet bundle inserted between the two cover sides. A plurality of covers each having an applied glue string are placed in the immediate vicinity of each other, in a readiness position. The sheet bundle (B) is then combined with one of the covers (A), so as to enclose the sheet bundle in the cover with one side edge of the bundle facing towards the glue string. The glue string is then actuated in an actuator (8), so as to bind this side edge of the bundle (B) to the inner surface of the spine. According to the invention, the sheet bundle (B) is combined with the cover (A) by moving the sheets of the bundle one by one, or as a complete bundle, to the cover in its readiness position by means of a powered transporter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for producing books on-demand. An electronic bookstore in accordance with the subject invention can receive an electronic text file of a book and then print and bind a copy of the book. A user may browse an electronic catalog, for example over the Internet, and place an order for a book which can be picked up at a conveniently located electronic bookstore shortly after placing the order. The subject invention reduces costs and waste associated with conventional production and distribution of print matter. Advantageously, the subject invention allows books with smaller audiences to be published at a reasonable price. An electronic bookstore in accordance with the subject invention can have access to literally millions of books and can print and bind any selected book in a few minutes.

Abstract: A finisher connected to a copying machine produces a bound booklet by inserting papers from the copying machine into a cover with an adhesive layer of a hot-melt adhesive which is coated on the inner surface of near a spine interconnecting a front board and a back board, and heating the cover and a sheaf of papers, and joining them by adhesion. Thus, the series of operations ranging from the preparation of documents through the bookbinding can be facilitated and expedited.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a booklet, such as for instance an ID, which booklet is provided with a number of sheets of paper and a cover material, each sheet having a front and a reverse side, each side comprising two pages, which method comprises connecting the sheets of paper to each other along a line between the pages, attaching the cover material to the outside of the booklet, and making a fold in the sheets of paper to form a back of the booklet, and bringing the booklet to the correct size, characterized in that the method further comprises attaching a band, which can be attached in the booklet in the same manner as in which the paper sheets are attached to each other, and mechanically attaching a plate to the band, the plate being at least partially made of synthetic material, and having a front and a reverse side, each side comprising one page. Booklet, manufactured according to a method according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a device for assembling and producing of booklets. Each booklet having a cover that comprises two cover sheets and a spine disposed inbetween. A glue string is applied to the inner surface of the spine, and a sheet bundle inserted between the cover sheets of said cover and affixed at one end side edge to the inner surface of the spine by means of the glue string.

Abstract: A binder/trimmer is disclosed in which a book block is placed in a carriage, jogged to align the pages, and then transported to a milling station in which the spine of the book block is milled to roughen the spine, then to an adhesive application station at which a suitable adhesive is applied to the spine, and thence to a binding station at which the spine of the book is brought into engagement with the center portion of a cover and at which a binding clamp forces the cover against the outer faces of the book block proximate the spine, and then to a trimming station. At the trimming station, the book is deposited in a nest and is positioned relative to a trimming blade which is actuated to trim a first edge of the book to a predetermined dimension. The book is then rotated to trim second and third edges thus resulting in a perfect bound book accurately trimmed to a predetermined size. A method of binding and trimming a perfect bound book is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for affixing book pages to a book cover is disclosed having a sheet of paper with at least one waxy side and two stickers, each having a first side, the first side being sticky and removably affixed to the waxy side of the sheet of paper. In the preferred embodiment, the two stickers are separated by a distance to accommodate the thickness of pages of a book. The apparatus also has a means for easy removal of the stickers from said sheet and is preferably done by having the sheet of paper extending beyond each of the stickers to allow for easy separation of the stickers from the sheet of paper. The stickers may be attached to the book pages by a variety of means such as staples, channel binding, or otherwise.

Abstract: A binding system in an output system having a plurality of discrete functional modules is disclosed. The output system includes an accumulator module in which sheet material is accumulated in respective jobs to be bound. The binding system includes a cover feed module adapted and constructed to input one of a plurality of different covers into the output system. The binding system further includes a binding module connected to the cover feed module and to the accumulator module. The binding module is adapted to receive a cover from the cover feed module and a job to be bound from the accumulator module, and to place the job to be bound inside the received cover in a desired registration, and to bind the materials within the cover. The cover feed module can include a cover selection mechanism with a measuring arrangement to determine at least one size parameter of the job to be bound.

Abstract: A bookbinding system and method of binding books including a cover/spine assembly having a relatively rigid cover section with a length and width at least as great as that of the stack of sheets to be bound and a spine section having a width greater than the height of the stack. The cover/spine assembly and the spine section are secured together along the length of the cover section so that the spine section can be folded along a first edge with respect to the cover/spine assembly. A heat activated matrix is disposed on the spine section including a central adhesive band and an outer band disposed between the central adhesive band and a second edge of the spine section. Binding is carried out by placing the stack over the cover section and folding the spine section over the edge of the stack. Preferably a second relatively rigid cover section is placed on top of the stack so that the outer adhesive band on the spine section will extend over second cover section.

Abstract: A system for the perfect binding of a book block (14) within a soft paper cover is disclosed in which the center portion (18) of the cover is sized relative to the thickness of the book to be bound. An activatable adhesive is applied to the inner surface of the center portion of the cover. The book block is inserted into the cover such that the spine (S) of the book block is generally in register with the adhesive. The cover is forcibly compressed onto the book block by pressing members (60a, 60b).

Abstract: A book is provided, especially for children, having a cover and a content including several pages, on which pictures and/or text are found. In order to ensure that children approach a book of this type with great enthusiasm, this book is individualized, in that the owner of the book appears in the book him-/herself. Since mentioning by name in the continuous text would lead to undesirable empty spaces, or even to unwanted line, paragraph and page breaks, however, areas are provided in the pictures, which are already present in the book, for applying a photographic representation of the owner of the book.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying end papers to the front and rear sides of inner books which are continuously moving along a transport path includes end paper channels extending along the transport path and feeders for isolating individual end papers from stacks and delivering the end papers into the channels for simultaneous conveyance with the inner book. The feeders position the end papers such that they are oriented substantially parallel with the sides of the inner book while delivering the end papers into the channels in the direction of inner book movement. The moving end papers are overtaken by the mechanisms which impart movement to the books and the simultaneous moving end papers and inner books are subsequently pressed together to bond the end papers to the inner book.

Abstract: A low cost, high speed, high resolution laser printer method and apparatus for re-writable media is presented. A method for finishing of printed sheets into booklets is described. Novel mechanical operations permit the manufacture of a very low-cost, off-line booklet maker for use with desktop laser and ink jet printers. The technology can scale to medium-speed, in-line booklet manufacture. The method is novel because most of the finishing operations are performed on a sheet-by-sheet basis using precision paper positioning and a transverse tool carrier that cuts, scores, folds, punches, and staples the sheets. To form a finished saddle-stitched booklet, each sheet is cut to length determined by its sequence in the booklet and paper thickness, scored, punched (if required), folded, accumulated in a stack, and stapled. The sheet-wise method allows finishing operations to be done with low-cost tools and low actuation forces.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing books or brochures with a book block of printed sheets which are thread-stitched at the side of the fold, wherein the method includes successively and in a predetermined sequence supplying the printed sheets spread in the middle and with the side portions thereof directed downwardly to a stitching saddle which interacts with a stitching device arranged at a right angle relative to the fold of the printed sheets. The printed sheets are positioned on the stitching saddle in accordance with the stitching position and are subsequently transferred to the stitching device for sewing the printed sheets into book blocks. The method further includes aligning the trailing edge of a supplied printed sheet on the stitching saddle flush on the right hand side in accordance with one of the top edge and the bottom edge of a book block which has at least been partially sewed by the stitching machine.

Abstract: In order to provide a bookmark for a book, a method of making a book includes the step of applying a releasing adhesive to an inner surface of a front or rear cover having an initially greater width. The outer portion of this cover is then folded inwardly along a fold line so as to be in generally confronting relation with the inner surface of that cover to cause the width after folding to generally correspond to the width of the other cover. The outer portion of that cover is folded along the fold line so as to place the releasing adhesive in adhesive contact with confronting surfaces of both the folded outer portion and the remainder of that cover to adhesively secure them together after they have been folded into confronting relation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing book blocks from various printed sheets composed of a plurality of quarto sheets which are inserted into one another, wherein the printed sheets are successively pulled fold first along a conveying path from a stack of printed sheets by a gripping unit of a feeder and are subsequently gathered with their flat sides placed against each other into book blocks. The gripping unit which grasps the printed sheets approximately at the fold thereof produces a deformation or injury which extends at least partially through the quarto sheets, so that the respective quarto sheets are secured relative to each other and displacements relative to each other are prevented.

Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of a book, wherein an adhesive is applied to the side faces of an inner book, the inner book is subsequently cased into a book cover and the book cover folds are shaped by the application of heat and pressure, adhesive is additionally applied to the book cover in the regions which are to be formed into the folds before the joining together of the cover and inner book and, optionally, the fold regions of the book cover and/or inner book are heated before the application of adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for producing books on-demand. An electronic bookstore in accordance with the subject invention can receive an electronic text file of a book and then print and bind a copy of the book. A user may browse an electronic catalog, for example over the Internet, and place an order for a book which can be picked up at a conveniently located electronic bookstore shortly after placing the order. The subject invention reduces costs and waste associated with conventional production and distribution of print matter. Advantageously, the subject invention allows books with smaller audiences to be published at a reasonable price. An electronic bookstore in accordance with the subject invention can have access to literally millions of books and can print and bind any selected book in a few minutes.

Abstract: A two-piece cover for binding a stack of loose sheets into a booklet or brochure is disclosed. The cover includes a front cover panel and a rear cover panel. The rear cover panel includes a cover portion and a spine portion. The spine portion includes a front side and a back side, and is adapted to be folded to securely bind the stack of loose sheets within the cover. The spine portion includes a plurality of score lines respectively defining fold sections. The cover further includes a first second and third adhesive strips respectively coupled to the back side of the first fold section, the back side of the fourth fold section, and the front side of the fifth fold section. In use, the spine portion is folded along the third score line to create a recess between the second fold section and the third fold section into which the loose sheets of paper may be placed and secured.

Abstract: A method of bookbinding comprising the steps of a) applying a film comprising at least one hot melt polyamide at an application temperature of between about 175.degree. C. and about 190.degree. C. to the backbone of a book block said film having a tensile strength greater than about 400 psi and a Young's modulus of less than about 12,000 psi and b) covering said book block having said film of polyamide with a book cover having a portion thereof in substantially parallel relation to said film.

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: The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method of bookbinding in which the clamp for the book block is braced at least while it is stationed at a cover applicator, whereby to permit the applicator to apply high forces to the book when positioning the cover. This in turn permits the use of pressure-unstable adhesives, such as adhesive emulsions, and leads to semi-finished books that are handleable and can be subjected to further processing immediately after formation.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a book, the book consisting of a cover and an inner book, the book cover is permanently shaped by the formation of folds in the articulation region thereof prior to being joined to the inner book. In the course of forming the folds in the cover, the covering material thereof is caused to undergo plastic flow and to be shaped so that beneficial stresses are created in the fold defining regions. The back of the cover may also be permanently shaped substantially simultaneously with the formation of the folds.

Abstract: A puzzle book having a front cover, a back cover, a plurality of pages disposed between the front and back covers, and a puzzle disposed on the exterior side of the front cover. The puzzle is composed of a plurality of interlocking puzzle pieces which are disposed in a cavity formed in the exterior side of the front cover. Each of the puzzle pieces has a portion of a printed image formed thereon and a plurality of interlocking portions. The cavity in which the puzzle pieces are disposed may have a shape defined by an internal perimeter of a border area, and the border area may have a plurality of interlocking portions which mate with the interlocking portions of the puzzle pieces to help hold the puzzle pieces within the cavity when the front cover of the puzzle book is opened. The puzzle book may also be provided with a single sheet of transparent material which covers at least a portion of the puzzle and which is removable from the front cover.

Abstract: Hinge joints are impressed in a book cover through the use of a heated tool, having the profile of the desired joint, and the joint is thereafter immediately stabilized. Joint stabilization is accomplished by rapid reduction of the temperature of the joint areas while maintaining the application of compressive force.

Abstract: A while you wait process which takes a book buyer's picture and inserts it, with a caption, onto the back of a purchased book's paper-cover. The customer looks into a video camera and/or supplies a photograph, which is scanned into a computer. The book's cover is also entered into the computer and is there edited to incorporate the picture and the text of a caption. The customized cover is then achieved on the store's printer. Alternatively, a publisher provides paper book-covers containing spaces free of text and graphics. The customer's captioned pictures are then printed onto these voids.

Abstract: A soft cover, lay flat book in which a non-adherent, unreinforced coating of a volatile liquid carrier and powdered material is disposed over the glue along the backbone of the book block prior to the assembly of the cover, and the cover is adhered or otherwise secured to the book block only between the front and rear leaves and outer surface portions of the book block so that the backbone is movable independently of the spinal cover when the book is opened and closed.Alternately, the coating may be applied to the spinal portion of the cover and a laminate film affixed over the inner surface of the cover, again allowing independent movement of the backbone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding books wherein a stack of pages are collated and aligned together. This stack is covered, top and bottom, with end pages which now comprise the first and last pages of the stack. Each end page includes a self-adhesive or sticky-back surface that is temporarily covered with a protective sheet. This stack is inserted within a clasp that is subsequently crimped, thereby securely binding the stack together. The crimped stack is then placed within an outer case or covering whereupon the protective sheet is removed and adhesive is exposed and applied to the case in order to secure or bind the pages to the case. Final compression of the case insures proper adhesion.

Abstract: A bookbinding method includes feeding body signatures 2a, from a plurality of body signature feeders 4 disposed in parallel, to conveyor 1 below the body signature feeders 4 and stacking the body signatures 2a on the conveyor 1; obtaining a back-saddle-stitched book a of the body signatures 2a by back-saddle-stitching a back portion of the stacked body signatures 2a from below; spraying paste 9 along a predetermined width on a back surface of the back-saddle-stitched book a; feeding a cover signature 2a from a cover signature feeder 10 to the top of the back-saddle-stitched book a; pressing a back side of the cover signature 2a via pressing apparatus 11 and bonding the cover signature 2a to a back side of the back-saddle-stitched book a; and cutting head, tail and fore edge margins via a three-side trimmer to obtain a saddle-stitched bound book.

Abstract: An apparatus for the adhesive binding includes a plurality of receiving parts which are arranged one behind the other in a circulation direction. A printed product is introduced at a feed location in each receiving part. The receiving parts are driven continuously in the circulation direction, and the printed products are machined upon being transported past a plurality of machining stations. The machining stations necessary for the adhesive binding are arranged one behind the other. The adhesively bound finished products are removed, in a discharge region, from the receiving parts in order to be further transported.

Abstract: An apparatus for registering a cover with a book block. The apparatus includes a book block holder, a cover feeder, and a lateral positioning device for laterally positioning a cover fed from the cover feeder. A cover position sensor positioned to detect a lateral position of the cover. A control mechanism is operatively interconnected with the cover position sensor. An adjusting device is provided for adjusting a relative lateral position between the lateral positioning device and the book block holder.

Abstract: A method is provided for attaching a cover sheet by adhesive bonding to a spine of a book block formed of bound printed sheets, wherein after a binding process a plurality of such book blocks follow one another on a transport path at regular distances. The book blocks are arranged to be in a transverse position on the transport path. The cover sheets are clamped so that each cover sheet presents a spine portion and preformed cover side portions extending from the spine portion so that the cover side portions are freed of deformation after the spine portion of the cover sheet has been pressed to the spine of the book block. The book blocks are fed, respectively, an inner side of a clamped cover sheet oriented for adhesive bonding, facing the spine of the book block. The inner side of the cover sheet is pressed to the spine of the book block and to lateral flanks of the spine of the book block.

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