Apparatus Patents (Class 412/9)
  • Publication number: 20100047039
    Abstract: A manufacturing system for manufacturing a personalized photo book includes a computer configured to receive image data from a user, a digital offset printer configured to print a first image on a book page in response to the image data received from the user, a digital silver-halide printer that can print a second image on a book cover in response to the image data received from the user, and a book binder configured to bind the book page and the book cover to form a personalized photo book.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Sean Kevin Anderson, Jennifer Marie Dean, Kenneth Ray Niblett, JR., Russ Ennio Muzzolini
  • Patent number: 7658585
    Abstract: A binding-in and pressing machine (1) with a plurality of pressing stations (60) and heated joint forming rails situated on a reciprocating carriage (50). An alignment station (20) is provided for aligning the book case joints (2a) at the height of the joint forming rails (49a, b), including a height-adjustable alignment table (21) with rails (22, 23) for supporting the book (2) on the outer edges of its spine and guide elements (28, 6) for centering the book on the alignment table. A separate pre-forming station (40) is also provided that comprises the forming rail (51), clamping plates (41a, b), and joint rails (48a, b) that engage into the book case joints (2a) and counteract a downward movement of at least the book case joints (2a). The books (2) aligned in the alignment station (20) are transferred into the pre-forming station (40) while being clamped in lateral regions near the joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kolbus GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Carsten Brommer, Torsten Meineke
  • Publication number: 20090311077
    Abstract: Notch grooves are formed on the edge of sheets in a sheet bundle. There are a plurality of patterns of the notch grooves. A pattern of the notch grooves different according to the settings of the job executed in the bookbinding apparatus is formed on the edge of the sheet bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Norishige KATO
  • Patent number: 7619756
    Abstract: A printer is disclosed. The printer includes a print media supply station for storing print media. The printer further includes a print engine station arranged to receive print media from the print media supply and to print on the print media. A binding assembly station is also included which is configured to apply adhesive along an edge of each sheet of print media after printed upon, and to compile the print media into a bound stack. A receptacle station receives the bound stack. The print media supply station, the print engine station, the binding assembly station and the receptacle station are arranged vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
  • Patent number: 7614838
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for producing cases with rounded corners. According to this method, the corner edge (10) that protrudes in the region of a rounded corner (9) is initially uprighted and turned over and subsequently pressed on the cover boards (7a, b, c) together with the turning-over and pressing-on of the lateral edge (11a) of an adjacent lateral border, in the same station (1). The apparatus comprises at least one rounded corner tool (3) that is arranged in the same station (1) in the which the lateral edges (11a, b) of opposed lateral borders that lie parallel to one another are uprighted, turned over, and pressed on the cover. The rounded corner tool (3) can be moved (b) toward the center of the case and out of the effective range of the lateral turn-in device (24) immediately before the turning-over and pressing-on movement (c, d) of the lateral turn-in device (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Kolbus GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Günter Geldmeier, Frank Tautz, Gerhard Lintelmann
  • Publication number: 20090232527
    Abstract: A paper coloring apparatus includes a coating apparatus which coats colored water on both faces of a paper sheet where an image has been formed by an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Toshio SHIDA
  • Patent number: 7572090
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a printed end product containing a single printed product or several printed products, collected astraddle and supplied sequentially, and bound by stitching, the printed products are collected in a predetermined sequence required for forming the printed end product along a common conveying path. Subsequently, the printed products are stitched. A circulating collecting support is provided which is supplied by a feeding device with spread-apart printed products. After the collecting step is complete, the collected printed sheets are moved on the conveying path to the stitching location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Müller Martini Holding AG
    Inventor: Günther Silberbauer
  • Publication number: 20090175704
    Abstract: A book binding machine for producing printed products, such as books, magazines or brochures, includes individually driven processing stations, such as a book spine processing station, a glue application station, a cover feeder and a pressing station, which are connected by a transport system that has a multiplicity of clamps for clamping-in book blocks. The clamps are driven individually, in particular by linear motors or servomotors, and are guided on a guide track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AG
    Inventor: Lutz Richter
  • Patent number: 7556254
    Abstract: A first signal line is provided for transmitting to each of a plurality of paper feeders an output signal from a printing paper sensor provided in the uppermost paper feeder among the plurality thereof. In response to an output signal that has been transmitted via the first signal line, a halting unit causes a halt to processing that is for transporting printing paper in each of the paper feeders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Wada
  • Publication number: 20090110516
    Abstract: A paper-processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a paper-transferring section (10) containing a transfer path (11) for transferring a sheet of paper (3) to a prescribed position and a transfer path (12) to which the transfer route is switchable from the transfer path (11), a punch-processing section (20) for punching two or more holes for binding in one end of the sheet of paper (3) transferred thereto, and a control section (50) for controlling the paper-transferring section (10) and the punch-processing section (20) wherein the control section (50) controls the paper-transferring section (10) to decelerate and stop the transfer of the sheet of paper (3) at the prescribed position of the transfer path (11), to switch the transfer route for the sheet of paper (3) from the transfer path (11) to the transfer path (12), and to deliver the sheet of paper (3) in a reverse direction thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: MAX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takao Hasegawa, Naoki Kojima, Atsushi Kurabayashi
  • Publication number: 20090102110
    Abstract: An image forming system includes a printing unit which prints an image on a recording sheet and a wrap bookbinding unit which performs wrap bookbinding of a batch of recording sheets including a plurality of document sheets on which images are printed by the printing unit. In the image forming system, a thickness detection unit detects a thickness of the batch of recording sheets. A wrap bookbinding control unit causes, when the detected thickness of the batch of recording sheets exceeds a thickness threshold value, the wrap bookbinding unit to perform wrap bookbinding to create two or more volumes. A relevant information printing control unit causes the printing unit to print an image of relevant information, indicating a relationship of the two or more volumes, on a cover sheet used to wrap each volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Endoh, Tadashi Nagata
  • Publication number: 20090097945
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for binding a single printed sheet with top and bottom binders to form a single sheet calendar. The apparatus includes a binder feeding mechanism for positioning the top and bottom binders relative to the single printed sheet. The apparatus includes first and second spaced, parallel binding units for respectively securing the top and bottom binders to the single sheet, with the first binding unit having an upper member and a lower member to define a sheet-receiving channel there between. At least one of the upper member or the lower member is heated, and at least one of the upper member or the lower member is controllably movable relative to the other of the upper member or the lower member, to secure one of the binders to the single sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: SLIDECO NV
    Inventor: Murray B. Blumberg
  • Publication number: 20090086222
    Abstract: A printer is disclosed. The printer includes a print media supply station for storing print media. The printer further includes a print engine station arranged to receive print media from the print media supply and to print on the print media. A binding assembly station is also included which is configured to apply adhesive along an edge of each sheet of print media after printed upon, and to compile the print media into a bound stack. A receptacle station receives the bound stack. The print media supply station, the print engine station, the binding assembly station and the receptacle station are arranged vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
  • Publication number: 20090087283
    Abstract: A machine and method are provided for making a lay-flat book or album with multiple pages. The machine includes a base with first and second supports. Paper forming the book pages is creased and placed front face down upon the supports and held in position by a vacuum. An adhesive is applied to the back of one page, and then the supports pressed together to adhere the pages together. Hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders move the supports, as controlled by electrical or electronic circuitry in a control panel. Thus, a semi-automatic process is provided for gluing the book pages together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: KELLY WILLAUER
  • Patent number: 7467450
    Abstract: A book block transport system with a plurality of book block clamps (1) each having a supporting frame (2) that is supported in guides and carries an inner clamping jaw (3) and a pivot frame (4) that is suspended on a shaft (6) of the supporting frame (2) extending parallel thereto for accommodating an outer clamping jaw (5). The pivoting movement for opening and closing the outer clamping jaw (5) is controlled by a cam track, with a spring element (13) that generates the clamping force between the inner and outer clamping jaws (3 and 5). A book stop catch (30, 40) is carried on the book block clamp (1) for aligning the book block supplied by an infeed device. In order to reliably and flawlessly transfer and align the book blocks supplied by an infeed device, the book stop catch (30, 40) is arranged on the book block clamp (1) such that it can be moved relative to the inner clamping jaw (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Kolbus GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Rygol, Christoph von Freden
  • Patent number: 7448837
    Abstract: In a bookbinding apparatus (1) comprising an adhesive tank (23) for retaining therein an adhesive melted by heat, a roller (24) ratatably supported with the adhesive tank so as to dip a lower portion thereof in the adhesive retained in the adhesive tank, for applying the adhesive to a sheet stack along a lateral edge thereof, and a holding unit (18) capable of holding the sheet stack, an adhesive tank carrier (76, 78), the movably constituted adhesive tank (23) and the roller (24) are disposed at a stand-by position located outside a longitudinal end face of the sheet stack held by the holding unit (18) in a stand-by stage so that the adhesive tank is contactlessly heated to melt the adhesive, and are moved together from the stand-by position in a longitudinal direction of the sheet stack substantially through an entire area under a back face thereof in a bookbinding stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Duplo Seiko Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuichi Oota
  • Publication number: 20080267734
    Abstract: A bookbinding apparatus having: a coating device for coating adhesive onto a spine of a sheet bundle; a first moving device which moves the coating device along the spine of the sheet bundle; a second moving device which moves the coating device in a substantially perpendicular direction to a surface of the spine; and a control device, wherein the control device controls the first moving device to move the coating device along the spine from near a one corner of the spine of the sheet bundle toward another corner until the coating device reaches to near the another corner of the spine of the sheet bundle, then controls the second moving device to separate the coating device away from the spine of the sheet bundle and keeps the coating device for a predetermined duration after separating
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Masahiro KANEKO
  • Publication number: 20080267733
    Abstract: A book binding system comprising an image forming apparatus for forming images on a sheet, a book binding apparatus having a coating section for coating adhesive onto the spine of a sheet bundle and forming a booklet by coating adhesive and binding a plurality of sheets on which images have been formed at the image forming device, and a coating control section for controlling a coating amount of the adhesives of the coating section in accordance with the sheet type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Norishige KATO
  • Publication number: 20080260497
    Abstract: A method of producing perfect-bound printed products formed from several printed products, includes feeding printed products, which are gathered to form loose book blocks, are fed by feeders, which are arranged along a conveying line and are driven at least approximately with synchronous timing, to a conveyance device that has receiving devices that follow one another at regular intervals, and are transferred by this conveyance device into a gluing machine. The gluing machine, which is arranged downstream of the conveyance device and also has a conveying function, is run until it is empty in the event of an interruption of a processing operation by discontinuing further feeding of printed products to the receiving devices of the conveyance device and further feeding of loose book blocks to the gluing machine while the gluing machine is emptying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Christian Abegglen, Theo Hug, Christophe Vaucher, Konrad Boos
  • Patent number: 7393171
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Chun Fu Fu
  • Patent number: 7354233
    Abstract: In a bookbinding machine, an image forming apparatus, a prebinding apparatus and a bookbinding apparatus are coupled on line in this order. In the prebinding apparatus, a sheet aligning section, a slitting section which cuts off margins at both side portions of a sheet of paper, a cutting section which cuts off top and bottom margins, and a creasing section are arranged in this order. The prebinding apparatus is provided with a control section which sorts out supplied sheets of paper into those which need an SCC step and those which do not, and performs the SCC step only on the sheets of paper that need the SCC step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Duplo Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Oki, Masatoshi Takahashi, Yuichi Misawa
  • Patent number: 7281706
    Abstract: A gatherer stitcher having a gatherer chain configuration includes roof segments forming a ridge region and drivers having respective stop surfaces and being mounted so as to be adjustable between an operating position and a position pivotable away therefrom. An auxiliary driver is restricted to the ridge region and carried by a respective roof segment directly adjacent the stop surfaces. The auxiliary driver, in the operating position of the adjustable driver, forms a combined stop surface together with the adjustable driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Kinne, Andreas Steinert, Siegmar Tischer, Randolf Voigtländer
  • Publication number: 20070218162
    Abstract: A book molding system including a bottom mold portion, a top mold portion, a core retainer bar and a hinge mechanism. At least one of the bottom mold portion and the top mold portion has a molding recess formed therein. The hinge mechanism pivotally attaches the bottom mold portion, the top mold portion and the core retainer bar so that the core retainer bar is intermediate the bottom mold portion and the top mold portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: AMS RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert J. Berkenes, Tom Roy Skoog
  • Publication number: 20070212199
    Abstract: Bookbinding apparatus facilitating, in the event it is halted during operation, the removal of any sheave left remaining inside, to eliminate the risk of sheets scattering. A sheet bundler/stacker bundles printed sheets into sheaves. Along a binding process path are provided a sheave transporter for transporting the sheaves and, at the downstream end of the bundler/stacker, an adhesive applicator in an adhesive-application position and a front-cover binder in a front-cover binding position. A sheave exiting-conveyor conveys sheaves from the front-cover binder into a storage stacker. A sheet-position recognizer detects/monitors the position of a sheave in the binding process path. If the bookbinding operations are interrupted, the position of any sheave left in the binding process path is determined by the sheet-position recognizer, and when the apparatus is restarted the order of the binding processes is altered depending on the position in which the sheave is left behind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: NISCA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinya Sasamoto
  • Patent number: 7168903
    Abstract: The invention relates to a punching/binding machine comprised of a frame (1), a matrix (3), a rake (4), a comb (2), a cutting knife (5) and a control lever with which the cutting knife (5) and/or the comb (2) can be displaced relative to the matrix (3) and/or to the rake (4). A machine requiring a minimal number of production components is obtained when the control lever (15, 14) is provided with the frame (1) as one piece and when it is engaged with at least one driving element (6) which, in turn, is separately or simultaneously engaged with the cutting knife (5) and/or with the comb (2) in order to effect said displacement. Advantages with regard to cost and operation are achieved with a combined punching/binding machine of the aforementioned type that is based on a frame consisting of two interconnected V's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: 3T Supplies AG
    Inventor: Horst Hild
  • Patent number: 7170619
    Abstract: A user sets a desired print function for a printer having a print function. In accordance with the set print function, whether a printer control command recognized by the printer is generated by an application for a host computer or a printer driver is determined. If an additional function of the printer driver, e.g., an N-page print function, a printing/bookbinding function, or the like is set, the printer driver generates a printer control command. If no additional function is set, the application generates a printer control command. The generated printer control command is output from the system spooler of the host computer to the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junichi Miyata
  • Patent number: 7153076
    Abstract: Apparatus for forming and applying a wrap sheet to a hardcover for a bound book, including a planar guide having a width and length selected such that the planar guide can be uses as a template for cutting the wrap sheet. A reticule is disposed on the planar guide, with the guide being preferably transparent in at least the region of the reticule, for aligning the guide over the uncut wrap sheet. Anti-skid members are disposed on one side of the planar guide so that the guide will not tend to move during the cutting. A lip member is disposed on a surface of the guide, opposite the anti-skid members, which is used to assist in aligning the guide over the hardcover so that the guide can also be used for positioning and securing the cut wrap sheet onto the hardcover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Powis Parker Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P Parker, Wayne Kasom, Camellia M. George
  • Patent number: 7147422
    Abstract: A method and a device for making book covers using surface material and cover pieces to be glued onto it. Cover pieces are positioned in the desired location in clamp, that can be rotated around axis, and the pieces are supported by means of stoppers into the desired position. After this, the cover pieces are rotated around axis, while still in the clamp, onto the adhesive surface of surface material sheet, and are pressed onto it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Maping KY
    Inventors: Iisakki Huotari, Jaakko Huotari, Henri Huotari, Markku Siikamaki, Lauri Huotari
  • Patent number: 7134822
    Abstract: A guide apparatus for applying a cover to a bound stack of sheets, including a base unit which defines a book receiving surface and a first alignment member having a lower cover stop disposed along a reference line, and a first upper cover stop also disposed along the first reference line. A first book stop is included defining a stack engaging surface which is positioned intermediate the cover engaging surfaces of the first upper and lower cover stops and with said stack engaging surface extending a distance past said first reference line towards the book receiving surface. The first upper and lower cover stops are positioned to engage top and bottom cover sections of the cover, with the stack engaging surface being positioned to contact the edge of the stack so as to precisely align the stack with respect to the top and bottom cover sections in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Powis Parker Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Parker, Evelyn Steiner, Wayne Kassom
  • Patent number: 7134823
    Abstract: A book pressing machine (1) comprises a pressing station for pressing the book cover (2b) on to the book block (2a), which pressing station includes a pressing table (4) and a pressing plate (5) movable perpendicularly to the pressing table (4) for all-over pressing of the book (2) with the book (2) lying flat, and comprises means (15a,b) for aligning the book (2) in the pressing station and an endless conveyor belt (6) which conveys the book (2) in and out, the upper belt section of which rests on the upper face of the pressing table (4) as a support for the book (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Kolbus GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Albrecht, Björn Hoffmann, Christoph Schmücker
  • Patent number: 7120384
    Abstract: Disclosed is a paper processing unit for a binding device that can improve moving efficiency of a sheet of papers and prevent side binding error of the sheet of papers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignees: KRDC Co., Ltd., Gradco Ltd.
    Inventors: Umehara Kenji, Yeon-Kawan Chung, Seong-Kyoon Noh
  • Patent number: 6966108
    Abstract: A system for assembling a wrap-around type binder includes a riveting apparatus including a riveting station, for assembling a ring/shield/frame/hinge plate assembly to binder covers. The ring assemblies are moved to the riveting station along one path, and the binder or notebook covers are fed to the riveting station along another path. The riveting station includes locating and forming pins and at least one magnet for holding the hinge plates, and a carriage for holding rivets and for driving them through the covers and expanding the rivets on the forming pins to securely mount the hinge plates and associated rings, shields and frames to the binder covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Jay K. Sato, Paul Whaley, James Gregory Lane
  • Patent number: 6966553
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device of compact design for preparing adhesive bindings of blocks and brochures as well as to a process that can be carried out by means of a device according to the present invention, wherein it has a linear conveying system with clamping rails moving to and fro, whereby the blocks are conveyed in at least two steps. Processing operations are performed on the block during the resulting phases of movement and stop phases. The clamping rails have different shapes at the contact surface toward the block depending on the requirement of the stations fed by them. The complete unit makes possible the universal production of commemorative volumes, brochures and folded brochures and comprises for this purpose the application of end papers, the folding and the application of covers. The end papers are fed flush to the finished spine after the processing of the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Horst Rathert
  • Patent number: 6902367
    Abstract: A binding machine with a tape enlarges a loop formed at an end of a tape to a predetermined size by the travel of the tape. The loop enlarged to the predetermined size is contracted, to bind a material to be bound in the loop. The binding machine comprises nick formation means for forming a nick for inducing fracture at a side edge of the tape having the loop enlarged to the predetermined size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hataya
  • Patent number: 6899505
    Abstract: A binding machine with a tape comprises a table for putting a material to be bound, a tape passage groove formed on the table, and a guiding member in an arch shape provided above the tape passage groove. A loop formed by a tape of a predetermined size is formed along the guiding member. There is provided a tape receiving member which can be displaced to first and second positions. At least a part of the tape receiving member at the first position advances into the loop, to prevent the top of the loop from hanging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hataya
  • Patent number: 6887025
    Abstract: A combination inserter and binder machine for wire loop element is easily adjustable for a wide range of diameters of element, preferably without the use of tools or changing of the tool surfaces that perform the closing. The user inserts a stack of punched paper onto a table so that the paper edge slides into the open wire element that is held in place between an upper and lower tool. The upper tool is actuated to move down relative to the lower tool to close the wire element. The surfaces of the upper and lower tools that are presented to the element are preferably V-shaped at an angle or range of angles that are found to be effective for handling the wide variety of diameters. The adjustments made prior to changing to a different diameter of wire ensure that all the paper will slide into the elements smoothly without hanging up or sliding above or below the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Performance Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren E. Buhler, Frank L. Bagrosky
  • Patent number: 6880818
    Abstract: An apparatus which can shingle a series of products and a method relating thereto, the apparatus, in one embodiment, having first upper and lower moving surfaces to receive a product, a second upper moving surface at an exit end of the first moving surfaces, the second upper surface being angled downwardly, a deflector to deflect the leading edge of the product moving along the second upper moving surface, and a second lower moving surface located below the deflector to receive a product. The device provides a positive control for the product and eliminates the use of delivery fan (fly) systems. Also provided are devices to reform various combinations of copies as used in the printing industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventors: Edward Desaulniers, John Lovaghy, Robert Classen
  • Patent number: 6866459
    Abstract: Systems and methods for registering a cover with respect to a text body to create bound documents with floating and attached spines are described. In one embodiment, a text body having a front end, two opposed side ends, and a spine end that is located opposite to the front end is formed from two or more sheets, and a single-piece cover is registered with respect to at least one end of the text body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert L. Cobene, Steven W. Trovinger, Raymond G. Schuder, John P. Ertel
  • Patent number: 6858695
    Abstract: A curable casemaking adhesive, books and related articles bound thereby. In one embodiment, a UV curable hot melt adhesive is used to form the case, which is preferably also embossed. In another embodiment, a moisture curable hot melt adhesive is used to form the case, which is preferably also embossed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Schmidt, Jr., Michael T. Gefri, James W. Nowicki
  • Patent number: 6838641
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing bound written material with representative covers, for marketing texts, magazines, construction plans, collections of drawings, contracts, offers and promotional literature (catalogues) as required in small to medium sizes. A heatable ceramic surface with an integrated heating element has several inductive and thermal sensors on its underside, for detecting covers with a metal inlay and for controlling the heat output. Said inductive sensors are partially also supplemented with sensors with microswitches, optical sensors and additionally, a pressure sensor if the device is to be used for binding covers consisting of non metallic materials at the same time. The very short time for heating up the ceramic heating surface made technically possible by the invention and the use of the stored temperature is made optimal use of through an internal flap system which is motor-operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Copy-Lein GmbH
    Inventor: Torsten Lein
  • Publication number: 20040165969
    Abstract: A binding assembly for generating bound documents includes a support structure that defines a floor onto which sheets to be bound are conveyed. A wall extends from the floor to define a stop for the sheets that are fed onto the floor. Each sheet has a strip of adhesive proximate a leading edge of the sheet. A vibration imparting mechanism is operatively engaged with the support structure and is operable to vibrate the support structure. A binding mechanism is arranged on the support structure and is displaceable with respect to the support structure to act on each sheet fed into the support structure such that the sheets are adhered together with the strips of adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20040165970
    Abstract: A binding mechanism for generating bound documents includes a support structure that 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. Each sheet has a strip of adhesive proximate a leading edge of the sheet. Binding members are pivotally mounted with respect to the wall. The binding members are pivotal between an operative position in which the, or each, binding member bears against a leading portion of an uppermost sheet positioned on the floor and an inoperative position in which the, or each binding member is displaced from said uppermost sheet so that a subsequent sheet can be positioned in the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20040157021
    Abstract: A curable casemaking adhesive, books and related articles bound thereby. In one embodiment, a UV curable hot melt adhesive is used to form the case, which is preferably also embossed. In another embodiment, a moisture curable hot melt adhesive is used to form the case, which is preferably also embossed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Robert C. Schmidt, Michael T. Gefri, James W. Nowicki
  • Patent number: 6773216
    Abstract: A binding apparatus facilitates a convenient, one-stage load-and-close binding system. The apparatus has a base and a pivotable former door movable between open and closed positions. A series of hooks are provided to hold an open binder relative to the base for loading sheets onto the open binder ringlets. The apparatus has three former surfaces or bars, including parallel, opposed first and second former bars, as well as an adjacently-positioned third former bar oriented generally perpendicularly to the first and second former bars. Generally, the binding apparatus operates to squeeze a wire binder between the opposed first and second forming bars to close the wire ringlets. The free ends of the wire ringlets are maintained in proper alignment against the third former bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: General Binding Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip Michael Crudo, Samuel Paul Amdahl, Thomas Battisti, Wayne Howard Rothschild
  • Publication number: 20040120795
    Abstract: A stapling device for binding an article having a hole structure with a stapling medium having a loop structure corresponding to the hole structure is provided. The stapling device includes a supporting portion, a movable portion and a transmission portion. The supporting portion is used for holding the stapling medium. The movable portion is disposed adjacent to the supporting portion and moved in a first direction to sustain against the loop structure and in a second direction to prop open the loop structure after the stapling medium is held by the supporting portion, thereby allowing the open loop structure to hook in the hole structure of the article. The transmission portion is coupled to the movable portion, and transmits the movable portion to move in the first direction and the second direction in response to a force exerted thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Pei-Yuan Lee
  • Patent number: 6752578
    Abstract: Systems and methods of binding sheets by activating a microencapsulated binding agent are described. Each sheet to be bound has an exposed binding surface region near a spine edge. A frontside adhesive system is disposed over the frontside binding surface region and comprises a binding agent that is encapsulated in a plurality of microcapsules. The adhesive system is non-tacky to enable the sheets to be stacked and individually processed until the binding agent is released from the microcapsules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: John P. Ertel, Akinobu Kuramoto, Robert L. Cobene
  • Patent number: 6739626
    Abstract: A spiral coil is used when stacking a plurality of sheets each having a plurality of holes punched at a constant pitch, and binding the sheets by inserting the spiral coil therethrough. The spiral coil has a different pitch from that between the holes of the sheets. The spiral coil may be densely wound or have a different pitch from that of the sheets. A bookbinding device is prepared for inserting the spiral coil through the holes in the sheets. The bookbinding device has the same pitch as that between the holes, and has an engaging portion at an end thereof for engagement with the spiral coil. The bookbinding device is inserted through the holes such that the spiral coil follows it and is plastically deformed, thereby binding the sheet. The spiral coil after the plastic deformation is held at a pitch after the deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Carl Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Mori, Fumio Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6739817
    Abstract: Binding device wherein a support structure (2) houses a pack of sheets provided with through-holes (133) aligned along a rectilinear edge of the pack. The structure moreover carries a binding member comprising a flat sheet-like rectangular member (100) showing, along a side thereof (100a), a plurality of flexible tongues (107) arranged combwise and a closure member (110) extending along the side (100a). The binding device is provided with a bending wall (70) mobile with respect to the pack and adapted to realize the bending of tongues portions projecting from the pack on an end flat member forming a first face of the same pack. A pressing device (90) further realises bending of the closure member (110) to arrange the closure member (110) on bent tongues (107) and on the end flat member (130b) thereby forming a bound fascicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Prima S.r.l.
    Inventors: Francesco Rebora, Marcello Vecchi
  • Patent number: 6739818
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a post print finishing device that incorporates a spiral binder module into the post print handling and finishing functions. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the binder module binds sheets together by inserting a metal piece that serves as the binder and then bends the metal so as to function as a spiral binder. An accumulator module is included to stack the sheets, present the sheets to the binder for binding and then discharges the bound stack to an output bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Jaime De La Torre Aguirre
  • Patent number: 6736581
    Abstract: A book clamp for a book binding machine has a first clamp member and a second clamp member. The second clamp member is adapted to the first clamp member and the second clamp member comprises a flexible spring plate which is coupled to the second clamp member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Robert Paul Cassoni, Alan Hardy Bailey