Abstract: Disclosed is a compressive album manufacturing apparatus in that independent areas for performing an aligning process, a heat providing process, a compressing process, and a cooling process respectively are formed in the multistage compressive album manufacturing apparatus, so that each process, which is done by hand, is merged into one, thereby rapidly manufacturing the bulk of compressive albums.

Abstract: A binding structure for binding a bundle of sheets and that includes a base and a pair of opposed position legs that are integrally formed with and extend from respective sides of the base. The pair of legs and base together defines a retention area in which the bundle of sheets is held. The pair of legs is constructed and arranged with a resilient bias toward each other, but separable to enable the bundle of sheets to be held therebetween under a biasing force. The legs each have at least one inwardly directed rib arranged for contact with opposed sides of the bundle of sheets, and a thermal adhesive layer is disposed on the base and upon which the bundle of sheets rests, to be later formed in a thermal binding machine.

Abstract: In a sheet finisher including an adhesive coating section, a movement mechanism, a control section that controls actions of the adhesive coating section and of the movement mechanism, is capable of multiple coating on a spine of a sheet bundle by causing the movement mechanism to move the adhesive coating section reciprocally and relatively with respect to the spine, and is capable of conducting a preparation process to cause the rotary adhesive supplying section to rotate for a prescribed period of time in a rotation direction corresponding to a movement direction of the adhesive coating section under a condition of no coating of the adhesive on the spine of the sheet bundle, after the movement direction of the adhesive coating section and the rotation direction of the rotary adhesive supplying section are switched, following the reciprocating movement in the case of the multiple coating.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a system and method for treating a printed flexible book cover prior to book binding. In the embodiments, a liquid (e.g., water or a water-oil solvent mixture) can be applied (e.g., by a liquid applicator, such as a spray nozzle, sponge, brush, etc.) to the spine portion only of the book cover so that it pools on the surface. After a predetermined amount of time, the liquid can be removed (e.g., by a liquid remover, such as a vacuum, blower, heater, etc.). Allowing the spine portion of the book cover to soak in the liquid for this predetermined amount of time ensures that the liquid saturates the spine portion. Saturating the spine portion of the book cover alters the surface structure and, thereby enhances adhesion of an adhesive material (e.g., glue or tape) during a subsequent book binding process even in the presence of fuser oil.

Abstract: In a bookbinding apparatus provided with a coating device having a coating roller to coat an adhesive onto a spine of a sheet bundle by moving relatively the coating roller and the spine in both forward and backward movement while making the coating roller and the sheet bundle to face each other, the coating device includes: a first regulating member provided downstream of the coating roller in the forward movement, which regulates a thickness of a layer of the adhesive coated on the spine of the sheet bundle; and a second regulating member provided downstream of the coating roller in the backward movement, which regulates a thickness of a layer of the adhesive coated on the spine of the sheet bundle.

Abstract: A glue applicator for applying an adhesive to the spine of a book block or to adjacent areas of a book block of stacked printed sheets being conducted past the glue applicator includes a tank holding liquid adhesive, into which at least one glue applicator roll dips to take up the adhesive and to transfer it to the spine of the book block, the roll being driven in the same travel direction as the book block, wherein the glue applicator roll works together with a doctor blade which is installed above the surface of the glue in the tank, and wherein the doctor blade determines the thickness of the adhesive film to be transferred to the spine of the book block through variation of its distance from the glue applicator roll, and where an actuating element for the doctor blade is positively connected to a cam disk, which is driven by a motor.

Abstract: A binding device includes an L-shaped frame including two uprights, a crossbar-shaped platen interconnecting the upright, a central screw having a bottom end secured to the platen, and a rectangular table having two rear corners secured to bottoms of the uprights; a base including two arcuate openings each formed along an edge of an upper portion of the side, and two adjustment knobs secured to both sides of the table proximate a front end of the table; and a heater releasably secured to a rear end of the table and a vertical section of the frame and including a front heating area. The adjustment knobs are adapted to slide in a range defined by two ends of the opening. The platen is adapted to lift and lower by operating the screw and press one or more books to be bound on the table. A book binding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A book binding apparatus for binding a stack of sheets, including a cover element having a first cover section that corresponds to the dimensions of the sheets and a first section of pressure sensitive adhesive and an associated release liner disposed along a first edge of the first cover section. A flap member is attached to the first cover section and is movable between a closed position disposed over the first pressure sensitive adhesive layer and an open position moved away from the layer. A second adhesive layer and associated release liner is disposed on an inner surface of the flap member. The binding apparatus may be used in combination with second cover section and associated binder spine element having heat activated adhesive to bind the stack of sheets. The spine element is folded around the edge of the stack to be bound and is secured in place by the first section of pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A binding system for binding a plurality of text bodies in a continuous manner includes an adhesive strip applier, a heating device, and a cooling device. A transporting system transports a plurality of text bodies to the adhesive strip applier which applies a preformed adhesive strip to the moving text body. The heating device heats the adhesive strip and melts the adhesive strip into contact with the text body and the cooling device cools the adhesive to form a bound text body.

Abstract: A system for binding sheets into a bound text body includes a non-linear sheet cutter configured to cut sheets to form pairs of sheets each sheet in the pair having a non-linear edge. A sheet collector forms a text body from the pairs of sheets with the non-linear edges of the sheets adjacent one another and an adhesive applicator applies adhesive to the non-linear edges for binding the text body into a bound text body. The system for binding sheets increases the spinal area exposed for adhesive penetration on a text body to increase the binding strength of the bound text body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for binding a text body are described. A multi-function sheet binder is configured to heat a preformed solid hot melt adhesive to a melting temperature, form the melted adhesive by pressing the melted adhesive into a spine of a text body and folding down edges of the melted adhesive into contact with the text body, and actively cool the formed adhesive. A spot heater is configured to heat one or more localized areas of a solid hot melt adhesive to a temperature sufficient to tack the hot melt adhesive to a text body spine. An adhesive former is configured to press a localized region of a preformed heated solid hot melt adhesive into a spine of a text body and to fold down edge regions of the preformed solid hot melt adhesive into contact with the text body.

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 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 printer includes a roller assembly for feeding sheets of print media along a feed path. A print head is positioned downstream of the roller assembly for carrying out a printing operation on the sheets of print media. An adhesive application mechanism is positioned downstream of the print head and includes first and second aligned adhesive applicators that are positioned on opposite sides of the feed path and are configured to apply adhesive simultaneously to the sheets of media as the sheets pass between the applicators along the feed path, such that the sheets each have aligned strips of adhesive on respective sides. A support structure positioned downstream of the adhesive application mechanism defines a floor onto which sheets to be bound are conveyed and a wall that extends from the floor to define a stop for the sheets that are fed onto the floor.

Abstract: A binding element including a metal sheet and an intermediate layer secured to the metal sheet. A first glue adheres a first surface of the intermediate layer to the metal sheet, and has a predetermined melting temperature. A second glue is provided on a second surface of the intermediate layer opposite the first surface, and has predetermined melting temperature. The melting temperature of the first glue is higher than the melting temperature of the second glue.

Abstract: A post print finishing device that incorporates an imaging material binder into the post print handling and finishing functions. In one exemplary embodiment, the finishing device includes a flipper module, an accumulator module and a binder module. The binder module binds sheets together by reactivating imaging material applied to binding regions on the sheets by a printing device. The flipper module receives a sheet leading edge first and discharges the sheet trailing edge first. That is to say, the flipper module flips the sheet before discharging the sheet for further processing. The accumulator module stacks the sheets, presents the sheets to the binder for binding and then discharges the bound stack to the output bin.

Abstract: Systems and methods of dispensing adhesive in a bookbinding system are described. Sheets may be bound into bound text bodies having respective spines exposed for adhesive application and characterized by multiple length dimensions and multiple thickness dimensions. In one aspect, a sheet binding system comprises an adhesive dispenser that is configured to dispense across the thickness dimension of a text body spine solid sheet adhesive having one of multiple effective widths that is sized to correspond substantially to the length dimension of the text body spine. In accordance with this approach, books of different lengths (or heights) may be readily bound with solid sheet adhesive that may be contained within a single, replaceable cartridge housing.

Abstract: A method for binding together a plurality of paper sheets. The binding process comprises providing a book binding sheet coated on one side with hot-melt adhesive, orienting and securing sheets of paper that will comprise the book to be bound relative to the binding sheet, securing the leading edge of the binding sheet to the front of the book to be bound, severing the secured portion from the remaining binding sheet material, wrapping the binding severed strip around the spine and rear cover and heating the adhesive to produce a permanent bond with the edges of the spine and covers.

Abstract: A bookbinding structure for binding a stack of sheets including an elongated substrate having a first surface on which a first, heat activated, adhesive matrix is disposed and a second surface on which a second, pressure activated adhesive is disposed. The first adhesive matrix will be used to binding an edge of the stack so as to form a bound book with no cover. The second adhesive matrix includes first and second spaced-apart segments which extend along the length of the substrate. First and second release liners are disposed over the first and second adhesive segments, with the release liners remaining in place until the stack of sheets have been bound with the bookbinding structure. One of the release liners is manually removed from the bound stack and the stack is positioned in a cover assembly with the edge of the stack being positioned opposite a spine section of the cover assembly.

Abstract: A post print finishing device that incorporates an imaging material binder into the post print handling and finishing functions. In one exemplary embodiment, the finishing device includes a flipper module, an accumulator module and a binder module. The binder module binds sheets together by reactivating imaging material applied to binding regions on the sheets by a printing device. The flipper module receives a sheet leading edge first and discharges the sheet trailing edge first. That is to say, the flipper module flips the sheet before discharging the sheet for further processing. The accumulator module stacks the sheets, presents the sheets to the binder for binding and then discharges the bound stack to the output bin.

Abstract: A stack of pages is bound along a first edge thereof to form a book using an adhesive having a melting temperature and an elongated strip having an adhesive atop at least a portion of a first side. The strip has two opposed ends and an electrical resistivity between the ends and is dimensioned to substantially cover the first edge of the stack, with the first side against the first edge of the stack. An electrical current is introduced to pass along the strip between the ends. The current should be sufficient to create enough heat in the strip to achieve a temperature at least as great as the melting temperature, enabling the melted adhesive to bind the stack of pages together along the first edge. Apparatus are also provided for supporting, holding, and clamping the page stack prior to and during the binding process.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for increasing the binding strength of a bound text body by increasing the spinal surface area exposed for adhesive penetration greater than an area corresponding to the product of the sheet height dimension, the sheet thickness dimension and the number of sheets. In one aspect, sheet-wise conditioning of the binding area is performed prior to the application of adhesive to increase the bond area between sheets of the text body. In another aspect, the spinal surface area exposed for adhesive penetration is increased as adhesive is applied.

Abstract: Systems and methods for binding a text body are described. A multi-function sheet binder is configured to heat a preformed solid hot melt adhesive to a melting temperature, form the melted adhesive by pressing the melted adhesive into a spine of a text body and folding down edges of the melted adhesive into contact with the text body, and actively cool the formed adhesive. A spot heater is configured to heat one or more localized areas of a solid hot melt adhesive to a temperature sufficient to tack the hot melt adhesive to a text body spine. An adhesive former is configured to press a localized region of a preformed heated solid hot melt adhesive into a spine of a text body and to fold down edge regions of the preformed solid hot melt adhesive into contact with the text body.

Abstract: Adhesive systems comprised of one or more photoinitiators and one or more adhesives capable of radiation-induced reaction are useful in one-step or multi-step perfect binding of books and other printed articles. The adhesive may be a low viscosity mixture of a monomer and/or polymer which is cross-linkable by UV or stronger electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A post print finishing device that incorporates an imaging material binder into the post print handling and finishing functions. In one exemplary embodiment, the finishing device includes a flipper module, an accumulator module and a binder module. The binder module binds sheets together by reactivating imaging material applied to binding regions on the sheets by a printing device. The flipper module receives a sheet leading edge first and discharges the sheet trailing edge first. That is to say, the flipper module flips the sheet before discharging the sheet for further processing. The accumulator module stacks the sheets, presents the sheets to the binder for binding and then discharges the bound stack to the output bin.

Abstract: The invention combines the binding techniques described in application Ser. No. 09/320,060 titled Binding Sheet Media Using Imaging Material with a buckle chute type folding device to form self mailers and other folded and bound or sealed document. The device for folding and binding sheet media using imaging material as the binder includes a buckle chute, a binder downstream in the paper path from the buckle chute, an input driver proximate to and upstream in the paper path from the buckle chute, and an exit driver proximate to and between the buckle chute and the binder in the paper path. The input driver directs the media sheet into the buckle chute and, in cooperation with the buckle chute, buckles the media sheet along a fold line. The exit driver receives the media sheet from the buckle chute, folds the media sheet along the fold line and directs the media sheet towards the binder.

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 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: Reactive hot melt polyurethane adhesives are useful in the graphic arts area, and in particular, for bookbinding applications such as casemaking, casing-in, gluing-off or thread-securing, facing, slip cases, lining-up, tightbacking, and bonding sides and joints; and for puzzle and gameboard lamination.

Abstract: A process for producing protective covers for magazines is optimized for low cost and fast turnaround. A variety of techniques are employed within this process, each of which provides a cost or time advantage compared to conventional fabrication techniques. To optimize turnaround time, the glue that is used to adhere the protective cover to the magazine is formulated to be extremely aggressive and extremely fast drying. To assure consistent aggression and drying, the gluing process is regulated by the source of glue, based on the availability of glue at the appropriate application temperature. To further assure consistent aggression, particularly with high-gloss or relatively thin magazines, the gluing process includes an optional brushing of the exterior spine of the magazine to provide a suitable surface area to which the glue adheres.

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 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: 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: 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: 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: Reactive hot melt polyurethane adhesives are useful in the graphic arts area, and in particular, for bookbinding applications such as casemaking, casing-in, gluing-off or thread-securing, facing, slip cases, lining-up, tightbacking, and bonding sides and joints; and for puzzle and gameboard lamination.

Abstract: An office binder, having a surface made of board, paper, coated paper, paperboard, or plastic film, on which a transparent film is attached over part of it surface via attachment surfaces in order to form a film pocket. A method for equipping the office binder, having a surface made of board, paper, coated paper, or plastic film, with a film pocket, in which a film having an adhesive side is laid onto the surface and is attached over part of the surface via adhesive attachment surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tape heating apparatus in which both side portions of a bind tape can positively be adhered to front and rear surfaces of a sheet bundle without creating any swollen portions. When a thickness of the sheet bundle is smaller than a predetermined value, side heaters perform a first heating/pressurizing operation at a position in the vicinity of a bound edge of the sheet bundle and then performs a second heating/pressurizing operation at a position spaced apart from the bound edge of the sheet bundle by a predetermined distance. In the first heating/pressurizing operation, portions of a thick hot melt adhesive layer existing on the front and rear surfaces of the sheet bundle are melted to be flattened, to thereby eliminate swollen portions. In the second heating/pressurizing operation, thin hot melt adhesive layers are melted, to thereby positively adhere both width-wise side portions of the bind tape to the front and rear surfaces of the sheet bundle.

Abstract: An apparatus for the thermal binding of sheets includes at least one support (5-5a-5B) for a binding element (3). The binding element has a binding back on which an amount of glue (4), which melts under the influence of heat, is provided. A heating element (6) co-operating with the support (5-5A-5B) or forming part thereof, a detection device (7) to detect the presence of the binding element (3) in the apparatus (1) and a control/switching device (8), which is connected to the detection device (7) and is connected to the heating element (6) in order to switch it on and/or off, are also included. The detection device (7) is applied underneath the support (5-5A-5B).

Abstract: A binding apparatus is provided with a tape reel on which a bind tape of a small tape width size is wound, and a tape reel on which a bind tape of a large tape width size is wound. When the tape reels and are set, the width size of each bind tape is read by means for detecting a width size discrimination mark (ring) formed on each tape reel and is memorized by width size memory means. The thickness of a bundle of sheets is measured by the use of a clamp member for clamping the bundle of sheets aligned on an aligning tray, and is memorized by thickness memory means. A bind tape of a tape width size corresponding to the thickness memorized by the thickness memory means is selected from among the sizes memorized by the width size memory means, and a carriage is moved to the tape reel on which a bind tape of the same size is wound.

Abstract: A paper processing apparatus that can efficiently bind a cover and a set of sheets and does not reduce the productivity of the copying process in the previous step.The paper processing apparatus includes a binding unit, a packet collating chamber and conveyance rollers. The rotational shaft of a conveyance roller has a spiral-shaped blade member that encircles said rotational shaft and has a heater inside. The packet is supplied from the packet collating chamber to the binding unit where it is carried in a particular direction as the conveyance rollers rotate. During this conveyance, the adhesive substance that is applied to the cover in advance melts and the packet becomes bound.

Abstract: A book-binding apparatus conveying a bind tape in front of a tape heater and an aligned sheet bundle is urged against the bind tape pre-heated by the tape heater to glue a plurality of sheets by melted adhesive on the bind tape. An aligning time for the sheet bundle is calculated on the basis of attributes of the sheets being aligned and a conveyance start timing for the bind tape is changed in accordance with the calculated aligning time.

Abstract: A cover-less binder assembly system for binding together a series of sheet materials, such as, for example, paper for business reports and the like by an office worker, with the binding typically being done along one edge using a simple, cover-less and guide-less spine (10). A separate, temporary guide (20) is temporarily provided for initially guiding the sheet material or papers into the binding spine or member to be adhered thereto, after which the combination of the spine (with the edge-inserted sheet materials) and the temporary guide are placed in a heating unit for binding the sheet materials to the spine with hot melt glue. Thereafter the bound materials are removed from the separate guide, which can thereafter be re-used in connection with other materials to be bound and a different spine. A preferred guide member includes two diverging side panels (22) forming a "V" shape leading into a trapezoidal-shaped bottom in which the spine is positioned but otherwise unattached or connected.

Abstract: A customized insert sheet is laminated by heat and pressure between a plastic cover sheet and a major portion of a folder sheet. A heat activatable adhesive strip may thereafter be applied to an adhesive strip receiving channel adjacent a side edge of the plastic cover sheet, and edge portions of a stack of sheets may then be affixed to the adhesive strip receiving channel by heating the adhesive strip. The cover sheet is affixed to a side edge portion of the folder sheet to reduce wrinkling of the cover sheet upon lamination.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a binding function. A container, having a binding mechanism located in the bottom end thereof, is attached to the housing of the image forming apparatus. A guide member movable between a first positions in which the guide member is adjacent to the bottom end of the container, and a second position in which the guide member projects beyond the insertion opening of the container is provided to support a binder which is loaded in the container.

Abstract: This invention is a binding case for use in an office-type, small-volume, binding operation employing the hot-melt adhesive binding method. The invention is a design and method which cause the excess hot-melt adhesive which expresses laterally from each side of the adhesive strip to be directed in such a way that the excess adhesive does not adhesively bind the book block to the front or rear cover and does not bring about the destruction in appearance or functionality which such undesirable binding would cause. The invention involves a diverting element which forms a channel for the excess adhesive so that the excess adhesive does not bind the book block directly or functionally to the covers.

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: 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.