EP0471788B1 - Appareil et procede de reliure d'un livre - Google Patents

Appareil et procede de reliure d'un livre Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0471788B1
EP0471788B1 EP90908754A EP90908754A EP0471788B1 EP 0471788 B1 EP0471788 B1 EP 0471788B1 EP 90908754 A EP90908754 A EP 90908754A EP 90908754 A EP90908754 A EP 90908754A EP 0471788 B1 EP0471788 B1 EP 0471788B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tape
stack
platen
cover
backup
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP90908754A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP0471788A4 (en
EP0471788A1 (fr
Inventor
Kevin P Parker
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication date
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Priority to EP95200210A priority Critical patent/EP0654360B1/fr
Publication of EP0471788A1 publication Critical patent/EP0471788A1/fr
Publication of EP0471788A4 publication Critical patent/EP0471788A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0471788B1 publication Critical patent/EP0471788B1/fr
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42C—BOOKBINDING
    • B42C9/00—Applying glue or adhesive peculiar to bookbinding
    • B42C9/0056—Applying glue or adhesive peculiar to bookbinding applying tape or covers precoated with adhesive to a stack of sheets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the field of apparatus and method for binding a book and more particulary, to automatic bookbinding apparatus which utilize a binding tape comprised of a substrate which carries an adhesive.
  • Apparatus for binding books utilizing a binding tape carrying heat and/or pressure actuated adhesives are well known.
  • US-A-3,928,119 and US-A-3,911,517 disclose a bookbinding machine for binding a stack of sheets.
  • the stack of sheets to be bound is first positioned on a movable plate and clamped between a pair of guides.
  • a binding tape is positioned under the movable plate, below the spine of the book.
  • the binding tape is supported intermediate two moveable heated platens and above a fixed heated platen.
  • the moveable plate is moved away from the book and the book is translated downward, towards the binding strip.
  • the spine of the book engages the binding strip and forces the strip down between the two moveable heated platen until the center of the strip contacts the fixed heated platen.
  • the moveable heated platens are positioned apart a distance slightly greater than the width of the book so that the periphery of the binding tape will fold over the front and rear book covers.
  • the moveable platens are then forced together so as to seal the periphery of the binding strip to the front and back cover sheets using heat and pressure.
  • the fixed heated platen functions to melt the central binding tape adhesive so as to wet the spine of the book (the edges of the sheet) with adhesive.
  • the moveable platens are then retracted and the bound book is removed and permitted to cool.
  • a further bookbinding apparatus is disclosed in US-A-3,531,358.
  • the stack of sheets to be bound is gripped between a pair of opposing clamps.
  • a binding tape having heat and pressure sensitive adhesive is positioned on top of a pair of heated moveable platens.
  • the stack is then lowered on the binding tape so that molten adhesive contacts the edges of the sheets.
  • the pair of opposing platens then separate a distance slightly wider than the stack and the stack is forced down between the opposing platens thereby causing the peripheries of the binding tape to fold up against the front and back covers of the stack.
  • the opposing platens are then forced against the stack so as to seal the tape to the covers.
  • the platens are then opened so that the bound book may be removed.
  • a principal disadvantage of the bookbinding apparatus of the type previously discussed is that such apparatus are not capable of reliably binding relatively thin books.
  • the folding of the binding tape is accomplished by exerting force through the stack or book itself. If the stack is thin, the stack does not have sufficient rigidity to fold the tape. This is especially true in the event a binding tape having relatively thick adhesives is used, since such tapes are somewhat rigid and do not fold as readily as other types of tapes.
  • US-A-4 552 497 also pertains to apparatus for binding books.
  • a tape used to bind a stack of sheets is first secured to the bottom cover by movement of a car.
  • a roller is then used to press the tape to the back of the book and the top cover by moving along a path for bonding the tape.
  • US-A-4 151 037 there is described a binding apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a method of binding a plurality of sheets arranged in a stack according to the preamble of claim 35 is also known from US-A-4 151 037.
  • a first cover of the book is forced against an end of an adhesive binding tape by application of force from a clamping bar.
  • a guide shoe is driven along the underside of the stack of paper so as to press the binding tape over the entire length of the stack.
  • the tape is applied to the spine and remaining cover the stack by utilizing an impression roller.
  • the impression roller is driven along a path defined by a guide.
  • This known apparatus is similar to the apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned US-A-4 552 497. An apparatus of this type is not suitable for effectively utilizing heat-activated adhesives.
  • the apparatus of the invention is characterized by the features claimed in the characterizing part of claim 1 and the invention provides a method according to the characterizing part of claim 35.
  • a platen assembly with at least one substantially flat platen surface is provided for forming the first and second cover seal successively.
  • the platen assembly and stack support means are controlled by a control means, such as a micro-processor.
  • the control means causes the relative positions of the stack support means and platen assembly to be such that the tape is applied under pressure to form the entire first seal simultaneously on the first cover of the stack.
  • the control means then causes the relative positions of the stack support means and the platen assembly to be such that binding tape is also sealed simultaneously to the entire second cover of the stack by application of pressure.
  • the present invention overcomes the above-noted shortcoming of conventional bookbinding apparatus. Because the book is substantially supported throughout the binding sequence, books of narrow thickness can be reliably bound. This and other advantages of the subject invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following Best Mode of Carrying Out the Invention together with the drawings.
  • a binding tape which includes a flexible tap substrate having an adhesive is utilized.
  • the adhesive is preferably heat activated, although pressure sensitive adhesives can also be used.
  • the apparatus includes means for supporting the stack of sheets.
  • the support means includes a pair of clamps which grip the stack.
  • the binding tape is positioned relative to the stack utilizing a tape positioner means.
  • Platen means is also provided for applying the tape to the stack of sheets.
  • the platen means, and stack support means are controlled by a control means, such as a microprocessor.
  • the control means causes the relative positions of the stack support means and platen means to be such that the tape is applied under pressure to form a first seal on the first cover of the stack.
  • the first cover seal is made substantially simultaneously along the entire length of the first cover.
  • the control means also causes the relative positions of the stack support means and the platen means to be such that binding tape is sealed to the second cover of the stack by application of pressure.
  • the second cover seal is also made substantially simultaneously along the entire length of the second cover.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of the subject binding apparatus showing the housing and a thick binding tape to be used for binding a thick book.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of a narrow binding tape of the type to be used in the subject binding apparatus.
  • Figure 3 is an elevated cross-sectional view of a relatively thick bound book using the wide binding tape of Figure 1.
  • Figure 4 is an elevated cross-sectional view of a relatively thin bound book using a binding tape depicted in Figure 2.
  • Figure 5 is an elevated cross-sectional view of the subject binding apparatus showing key elements including the front clamp, rear clamp, tape positioner, cool platen and rotating platen.
  • Figure 6 is an elevational perspective view of the underside of the carriage assembly of the subject binding apparatus showing key elements, including the front and rear clamps, the front and rear backup bars and the lead screw for driving the clamps.
  • Figure 7 is an elevated cross-sectional view of the subject binding strip showing key elements, including the tape positioner gear (in phantom), the cool platen, binding tape feed bar and the rotating platen.
  • Figure 8 is an elevated cross-sectional view showing the carriage assembly of the subject binding apparatus rotated upwards to an open position.
  • Figure 9A is a front cross-sectional view of the movable platen assembly in the operating position with the assembly held down by the stop brackets.
  • Figure 9B is a side view of the movable platen assembly in the operating position and in the open position (in phantom).
  • Figure 10 is a cutaway view of the binding tape feed mechanism of subject binding apparatus.
  • Figure 11 is an elevational cross-sectional view showing the front and rear clamps gripping a book during the preliminary stage of the binding sequence.
  • Figure 12 is a simplified schematic representation of the various electromechanical drive elements of the subject binding apparatus.
  • Figure 13 shows the tape guide pivot arm of the Figure 10 tape feed mechanism in a closed position so as to prevent manual feeding of an additional binding tape.
  • Figure 14 shows the tape feed mechanism of Figure 10 with a relatively narrow binding tape in the process of being fed into the subject apparatus.
  • Figure 15 shows the tape feed mechanism of Figure 10 with a relatively wide binding tape in the process of being fed into the subject apparatus.
  • Figure 16 shows the tape positioner during the initial stages of the binding process wherein the tape positioner is pivoted upwards to ensure that the binding tape is properly loaded in the tape feed bar.
  • Figure 17 shows the stage of the binding sequence wherein the seal of the binding tape to the back cover of the book is being formed.
  • Figure 18 shows the stage of the binding sequence immediately following the formation of the first seal, with the book being backed away from the heated platen.
  • Figure 19A shows the stage of the binding sequence just after the rotating platen has been rotated to a horizontal position and the book has been translated towards the heated platen to the over platen position which causes the binding tape to fold under the book.
  • Figure 19B shows the stage of the binding sequence where the book has been translated from the over platen position ( Figure 19A) to the fold position.
  • Figure 19C shows the melt to fold stage of the binding sequence for very thin books, which is intermediate the over platen position ( Figure 19A) and the over platen position ( Figure 19B).
  • Figure 20 shows the stage of the binding sequence just after the rotating platen has been rotated to a vertical position so as to fold the binding tape and to effect the seal between the binding tape and the front cover of the book.
  • Figure 21 shows the final stage of the binding sequence wherein the rotating platen is rotated to the horizontal position and the bound book is transferred from the heated platen to the cool platen (in phantom).
  • Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of the tape feed mechanism showing the inner and outer tape position sensors and the tape width sensor.
  • FIG 23 is a simplified block diagram of the control circuitry of the subject binding apparatus, including the programmed Central Processing Unit, the three drive motors and other primary components.
  • Figures 24A - 24E show the various positions of the front and rear clamps of the carriage assembly during the initial stages of a typical binding sequence.
  • Figures 25A and 25B are a timing diagram which show the position of the various binding apparatus mechanical components during a typical binding sequence.
  • Figures 26A - 26D is a simplified flow chart of the primary software program for controlling the Central Processing Unit.
  • Figures 27A - 27B is a simplified flow chart of the Initialize subroutine used in the primary software program of Figures 26A - 26D.
  • Figure 28 is a simplified flow chart of the Eject Tape subroutine used in the primary software program of Figures 26A - 26D and in other subroutines.
  • Figure 29 is a simplified flow chart of the Edit Cycle subroutine used in the primary software program of Figure 26A - 26D.
  • Figure 30 is a simplified flow chart of the Start Tape subroutine used in the primary software program of Figures 26A - 26D.
  • Figure 31 is a simplified flow chart of the First Feed subroutine used in the Start Tape subroutine of Figure 30.
  • Figure 32 is a simplified flow chart of the Final Feed subroutine used in the primary software program of Figures 26A - 26D.
  • FIG. 1 shows the subject binding apparatus enclosed in a housing 30.
  • Housing 30 includes a control panel having a display 32 and control buttons 34 to be used by the operator.
  • Housing 30 is provided with a large opening on the top panel for receiving a book 36 to be bound or edited.
  • the term book as used here is intended to mean a collection or stack of sheets, either bound or unbound.
  • the subject apparatus includes a book guide 38 for supporting the book during the binding or editing sequence.
  • An opening 40 is formed in housing 30 for receiving a binding tape, generally designated by the numeral 32. Details regarding to construction of the binding tape 32 are disclosed in U.S.P. No.4,496,617, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
  • the operator preferably stands in front of the machine, with tape opening 40 located to the right. For purposes of the present description of the invention, motion towards the operator is forward motion and motion away from the operator is rearward motion.
  • Binding tape 32 also depicted in Figure 2, includes a flexible substrate 32a having a length which is equal to the length of the book to be bound and a width which is substantially greater than the thickness of the book to be bound.
  • a pair of narrow outer adhesive strips 32b are formed along the periphery of substrate 32c, for making contact with the front and back sheets of the book which will form the front and back book covers.
  • a wide central adhesive strip 32c is formed intermediate the peripheral strips 32b for contacting the edges of the book sheets so as to form the spine of the book.
  • Peripheral adhesive strips 32b are preferably a high tack, heat activated adhesive having high viscosity.
  • Central adhesive strip 32c is preferably a low tack heat activated adhesive. The central adhesive should be of low viscosity to ensure that the edges of the pages to be bound are thoroughly wetted by the adhesive.
  • Figure 3 shows a section of a book bound utilizing the wide width binding tape 32 of Figure 1.
  • the substrate 32a extends around the edge of the bound pages, with the peripheral high tack adhesive strips 32b securing the substrate to the front and back sheets 36a and 36b, respectively, which form the front and back covers.
  • the central, low viscosity adhesive 32c wets the edges of the remaining sheets thereby securing the sheets to the substrate so as to form an integral bound book.
  • Figure 4 shows a bound book which is substantially thinner than the book of Figure 3.
  • a narrow width binding tape is used as shown in Figure 2.
  • Intermediate or medium width binding tape is preferably used for books of medium width.
  • the subject binding apparatus binds a book by first gripping the book to be bound.
  • a seal is formed between the unfolded binding tape by applying one of the peripheral adhesive strips 32b to sheet 36b which will be the back cover of the book. Both pressure and heat are used to effect the seal.
  • the position of the seal on the back cover will depend on the thickness of the book with respect to the width of the tape. The thicker the book the lower the first seal on the back cover 36b.
  • the substrate is folded at a right angle so that the central adhesive strip 32c will contact the edges of the sheets which form the book. Heat and pressure are applied for several seconds so as to melt the central adhesive and thoroughly wet the edges of the sheets.
  • the substrate is folded a second time so that the remaining peripheral adhesive strip 32b will come into contact with sheet 32a which will form the front cover of the book. Heat and pressure are applied to form the second seal, thereby completing the binding sequence.
  • FIG. 8 shows some of the details of the construction of the subject binding apparatus.
  • Housing 30 is removed to disclose a lower base assembly, generally designated by the numeral 42, and an upper carriage assembly, generally designated by the numeral 45.
  • the carriage assembly 45 which includes a carriage frame 50, is pivotally mounted on the base assembly 42 and is shown pivoted up in an open position to facilitate servicing.
  • the carriage assembly 45 includes a front clamp 46 and a rear clamp 44, both of which are mounted for movement on the carriage frame 50 (Figure 8). Front and rear clamps 46 and 44 are independently guided on guide shaft 52 which is mounted on carriage frame 50. Guide shaft 52 extends through openings in mounting block 54 secured to front clamp 46 and in mounting block 56 secured to rear clamp 44. The bearing for supporting guide blocks 54 and 56 are not depicted.
  • the carriage assembly includes a carriage drive motor 58 ( Figure 8) mounted on frame 50 for driving the front and rear clamps.
  • Motor 58 is a conventional stepping motor.
  • Motor 58 drives a lead screw 60 by way of pulleys 62 and 64 and drive belt 66.
  • Pulley 64 ( Figure 6) is mounted on lead screw 66, with lead screw 60 engaging a drive nut 68 secured to mounting block 54 of the front clamp.
  • front clamp 46 may be driven directly in either a forward or reverse direction by motor 58.
  • the rear clamp 44 is coupled to the front clamp 46 by way of a pair of clamp springs 70.
  • Springs 70 tend to force the two clamps together so as to grip a book positioned intermediate the clamps.
  • the front and rear clamps function generally to grip the book and translate the book horizontally during the binding sequence.
  • a boss 71 is mounted on carriage frame 50 to limit movement of rear clamp 44 in the forward direction (towards the operator).
  • Rear clamp 44 carries a stop member 73 which limits movement in the forward direction when the member engages boss 71. Boss 71 and stop member 73 cause the rear clamp 44 to separate from the front clamp 46 so that a book may be inserted between the two clamps.
  • Front clamp 46 and rear clamp 44 include vertical grip members 72 and 74, respectively, for gripping the book to be bound.
  • the surface of the grip members is preferably covered with a textured coating to prevent the book from slipping during the binding sequence.
  • a front backup bar 76 is mounted on front clamp 46 by way of support arms 78. Support arms 78 are pivotally mounted on the underside of the front clamp by way of pivot pins and bearings 80.
  • a front cam shoe 82 is secured to the front backup bar 76. Front cam shoe 82 engages a rotating platen, to be described later, which causes the front back up bar to pivot between an engaged position wherein the bar is contacting the book to be bound and a non-engaged position where the bar is displaced from the book.
  • Sets screws 83 are provided for adjusting the position of the front backup bar when in the engaged position.
  • a rear back up bar 84 is mounted on rear clamp 44 by way of support arms 86. Support arms 86 are pivotally mounted on the underside of rear clamp 44 by way of pivot pins and bearings 88.
  • a pair of rear cam shoes 91 is secured to the rear backup bar 84. Cam shoes 90 engage a rotating platen, as will be described, which causes the bar to pivot from an engaged position contacting the book to be bound to a non-engaged position displaced from the book.
  • Set screws 90 are provided for adjusting the position of the rear backup bar when in the engaged position.
  • the carriage assembly 45 includes three optical sensors, including a book sensor 92 mounted on the right extreme edge of front grip member 72.
  • Sensor 92 is preferably a reflective optical sensor wherein a light emitting diode is positioned adjacent a photo-transistor. The sensor is actuated when a reflective surface such as a book, reflects light from the diode back to the photo-transistor.
  • Book sensor 92 will be actuated when the user has properly placed a book between the front and rear grip members 72 and 74, as will be described.
  • a carriage home sensor 94 is mounted on carriage frame 50 for sensing when front clamp 46 is in the home position.
  • Sensor 94 is a slot type optical sensor having light emitting diode spaced apart from and facing a photo-transistor. The photo-transistor will be normally illuminated by the diode until an element such as a flag is positioned in the sensor slot so as to block light to the transistor.
  • Front clamp 46 carries a flag 96 which will actuate sensor 94 when the front clamp is in the home position, as will be described later.
  • the carriage assembly 45 further includes a clamp sensor 98 which is actuated when the front and rear clamps have clamped a book.
  • Clamp sensor 98 is mounted on frame 50 and is a slot type sensor actuated by a flag 100 carried on back clamp 44.
  • the base assembly 42 includes a tape feed mechanism for receiving the binding tape and various platens for forming the book seals.
  • the base assembly includes a base frame 102 for mounting the various components which comprise the base assembly.
  • the base assembly 42 includes a cool platen 104 which is rigidly secured to base frame 102. Cool platen 104 supports the book during the initial and final stages of the binding sequence.
  • a movable platen assembly is positioned on frame 102 adjacent fixed cool platen 104.
  • Cool platen 104 includes a horizontal surface for receiving the book.
  • a tape positioner shaft 108 is located immediately below cool platen 104.
  • the positioner shaft is rotatably mounted on frame 102 and is driven in either direction by a tape positioner gear 109 ( Figure 7).
  • the positioner shaft 108 carries a tape feed bar 110 by way of a support arm 111 which supports the binding tape during the initial stage of the binding sequence.
  • Tape feed bar 110 is provided with a slot or groove 113 which receives tape, as will be described.
  • Moveable platen assembly 106 includes a heated platen 112 and a rotating platen 114.
  • heated platen is heated to approximately 915°C (420°F) by a conventional heating element 116 mounted inside the heated platen.
  • Heated platen 112 is supported at either end by direct connection to end brackets 118.
  • the heated platen includes a top surface 112a which engages the binding tape during the binding sequence.
  • Rotating platen 114 preferably made of solid aluminum, is positioned adjacent heated platen 112 and is also supported by end brackets 118.
  • a pair of pivot 114 plates 120 are secured to the ends of rotating platen for rotatably mounting the platen on brackets 118.
  • Rotating platen 114 has a first surface 114a which is used to form the first seal to the book cover. A second surface 114b is used to form the second seal to the remaining book cover.
  • Rotating platen 114 is shown in Figure 7 in a horizontal position where surface 114c of the platen is in intimate contact with surface 112b of the heated platen. Thus, when rotating platen 114 is in the horizontal position, heat is transferred from the heated platen to the rotating platen by conduction.
  • pivot plates 120 which supports the rotating platen carries a pivot pin 122 and the other carries a pivot shaft 124.
  • Pivot pin 122 and coaxial pivot shaft 124 are arranged such that rotating platen 114 rotates about an axis located at the junction of platen surfaces 112a and 114b.
  • a spring 126 is disposed around pivot shaft 124 to bias the rotating platen to the horizontal position so that rotating platen 114 will normally be heated by the heated platen 112.
  • Rotating platen 114 has sufficient heat retention properties to provide the desired heating when the two seals are formed, at which times the platen is rotated to the vertical position.
  • the movable platen assembly 106 is mounted on base frame 102 so that the assembly may be slightly translated in either the vertical or horizontal direction.
  • a pair of platen springs 134 are provided, each having one end secured to the base frame and the remaining end secured to the end bracket 118 below shaft 128.
  • Moveable platen assembly 106 may be manually pivoted about shaft 128 from an operating position to an open position to facilitate servicing of the machine.
  • a pair of stop bearings 119 are rotatably mounted at opposite ends of the platen assembly.
  • Platen springs 134 ( Figure 7) have a tendency to pivot the forward portion of the platen assembly upwards about pivot shaft 128.
  • a pair of stop brackets 121 secured to base frame 102, normally engage stop bearings 119 thereby limiting upward movement so that the assembly will remain in the operating position.
  • Rotating platen 114 is rotated by a lever arm 136 secured to pivot shaft 124 ( Figure 7).
  • Lever arm 136 has a lower bearing surface 136a which engages an outer cam bearing 138 (shown in phantom).
  • Outer cam bearing is secured to the tape positioner gear 109 by way of an arm support 140.
  • cam bearing 138 rotates with the positioner gear 109 in an arc coaxial with the gear.
  • the tape positioner shaft 108 is also driven by the gear.
  • Lever arm 136 further has an upper cam bearing surface 136b which engages an inner cam bearing 142 also mounted on positioner gear 109.
  • Cam bearing 142 is positioned closer to the axis of rotation of gear 109 than outer cam bearing 138, with the radius of curvature of the inner cam bearing arc being less than that of the outer cam bearing.
  • Positioner gear 109 may be driven in either direction, as represented by arrow 144. Gear 109 is driven by a smaller drive gear 146, which is, in turn, driven by a tape positioner motor (not depicted in Figure 7). In the event positioner gear 109 is driven in direction A, indicated by arrow 144, outer cam bearing 138 will engage lower surface 136a of lever arm 136 causing the rotating platen 114 to pivot from a horizontal position to a vertical position.
  • Positioner gear 109 also carries a positioner flag 115 which operates in conjunction with a positioner home sensor 117.
  • Sensor 117 is a slot type optical sensor mounted on the base frame 102. The sensor 117 is activated when flag 115 enters the sensor slot. As will be subsequently described, sensor 117 provides a reference point for controlling the position of tape positioner gear 109.
  • the base assembly 102 further includes a tape feed mechanism for properly positioning the binding tape.
  • the base frame 102 includes an opening 150 for receiving the tape. The end of the tape is manually inserted in the opening with the adhesive strips facing upwards. Once the presence of the tape is detected by the tape feed mechanism, the mechanism automatically draws the tape into the apparatus and positions the tape for binding.
  • the feed mechanism includes a tape guide assembly, generally designated by the numeral 152.
  • a principal function of the tape guide assembly is to align the end of the binding tape 32 with the slot 113 in the tape feed bar 110.
  • Tape feed bar 110 has a fluted section (not designated) at the end of the bar to guide the tape into slot 113.
  • the assembly includes a tape guide pivot arm 154 which is pivotally mounted on shaft 156 which is secured to the base assembly frame.
  • Tape guide 158 includes an inner pair of tabs 158a which define a slot therebetween generally coplanar with groove 113 of the tape feed bar 113.
  • the guide further includes an outer pair of tabs 158b, which define a slot therebetween which is coplanar with the slot defined by inner tabs 158a and groove 113 and spaced apart from the inner tab.
  • An idler roller 160 is rotatably mounted on guide 158, with the periphery of the roller being aligned slightly past the slots defined by tabs 158a and 158b.
  • Coplanar groove 113 and the slots defined by tabs 158a and 158b define a tape feed path. When a binding tape 32 is inserted in the tape feed path, the tape will contact the idler roller 160.
  • Tape guide 158 also includes a blocking tab 158c which extends from outer tab 158a and which is generally parallel with respect to pivot arm 154. Blocking tab 158c functions to block the opening 40 in the housing ( Figure 1) to enable a binding tape to be inserted only when needed.
  • the tape feed mechanism further includes a feed roller 162 mounted on one end of a drive shaft 164.
  • the drive shaft 164 is rotatably mounted on the base assembly frame by way of ball bearings (not shown).
  • a pulley 166 is mounted on the other end of the drive shaft 164.
  • Pulley 166 carries a drive belt 168 which is driven by a tape feed motor 210 (not shown in Figure 10) mounted on the base frame.
  • Tape guide assembly 152 is pivoted about shaft 156, between a tape drive position and a disengage position, by a solenoid 170.
  • the assembly is normally held in the no feed position by a guide assembly spring (not depicted).
  • Solenoid 170 is mounted on the base assembly frame 102 by way of a mounting bracket 172.
  • the solenoid actuator 174 is coupled to the free end of pivot arm 154 by way of a spring 176.
  • solenoid 170 When the tape guide assembly is in the disengaged position, solenoid 170 is off. As can be seen in Figure 13, the guide assembly spring (not depicted) retains the assembly in the disengaged position, with the idler roller 160 displaced from the feed roller 162. Blocking tab 158c is positioned to prevent a binding tape from being inserted in the tape feed mechanism.
  • solenoid 170 is turned on causing actuator 174 to retract thereby pulling the lower portion of pivot arm 154 towards the solenoid by way of spring 176.
  • the force applied by solenoid 170 causes the tape guide assembly to pivot to the tape drive position, as depicted in Figure 14.
  • Blocking tab 158c is depressed below the opening 150 to permit a binding tape 32 to be manually inserted in the tape feed mechanism.
  • the tape feed bar 110 will be rotated by tape positioner shaft 108 so that the feed bar will be positioned opposite the tape guide 158.
  • the position of the feed bar 110 with respect to the tape guide is a function of the width of the binding tape to be used which, in turn, is a function of the thickness of the book 36 to be bound.
  • a thin book, typically less than 1.27cm (1/2 inch) thick will be bound with a narrow binding tape having a width of approximately 3.02cm (1 3/16) inches.
  • a medium width book having a thickness ranging from approximately 1.27cm to 2.54cm (1/2 inch to 1 inch) will be bound with a medium width tape of 4.29cm (1 11/16 inches).
  • a relatively thick book having a thickness ranging from 2.54cm to 3.81cm (1 inch to 1 1/2 inches) will be bound with a wide tape of approximately 5.56cm (2 3/16 inches).
  • the position of feed bar 110 in Figure 14 corresponds to a book having a thickness which utilize a binding tape of medium width.
  • the user Upon prompting by display 33 ( Figure 1), the user inserts a medium width binding tape 32, positioning the tape, with the adhesive strips up, on tape guide 158.
  • a sensor will detect the presence of the tape and will cause the tape feed motor to turn on thereby causing the feed roller 162 to rotate. Rotation of the feed roller 162 will cause the binding tape to be gripped between the feed roller and idle roller 160 thereby causing the binding tape to be drawn along grove 113 of tape feed bar 110. The feed roller will rotate until the tape is fully inserted in the feed bar.
  • the display 32 will indicate to the operator that a wide binding tape is to be inserted.
  • tape feed bar 110 will be positioned relative tape guide 158 to accommodate the width of a wide tape.
  • the feed bar will be positioned relatively close to tape guide 158 in the event the book to be bound is thin. In that event, the display will prompt the operator to insert a narrow binding tape.
  • Figure 22 shows the three sensors associated with the tape feed mechanism together with the book position sensor 92.
  • a binding tape is fully fed into the binding apparatus when the end of the tape coincides with the end-of-book line 178.
  • Line 178 represents the position of the right end of the book when the book is properly positioned between the front and rear clamps 46 and 44.
  • book sensor 92 mounted on the front clamp, will not be actuated unless the book is properly positioned between the clamps. The book must be in a right-justified position so that the end of the book will coincide with line 178.
  • An outer tape sensor 184 is positioned on tape feed bar 110 to detect the presence of a tape between opening 150 in housing 102 and feed roller 162.
  • An inner tape sensor 182 is positioned on tape guide 158 to the left of the feed roller 162. Thus, sensor 182 will detect the presence of the tape when it has been fed past feed roller 162.
  • Sensor 182 is a reflective type sensor and sensor 184 is preferably a slot type optical sensor which is more accurate than a reflective sensor.
  • the inner tape sensor 182 and tape width sensor 180 can be mounted on the base assembly frame immediately below the tape guide 158.
  • Sensor 182 detects the presence of tape by way of an opening in the lower outer tab 158b. A corresponding opening is located in the upper tab 158b so that light will not be reflected unless tape is present.
  • Sensor 182 detects the presence of tape at the periphery of inner tab 158a.
  • the tape feed mechanism includes a third sensor, a tape width sensor 180 mounted on tape guide 158.
  • the function of sensor 180 is to verify that a tape 32 has been inserted of the proper width. It is not possible to insert a tape of greater width than prescribed since the tape feed bar 110 will be positioned too close to the tape guide 158 to permit the tape to be inserted. It is, however, possible to insert a tape which is narrower than prescribed. For example, if the apparatus has measured a book and determined that a wide tape should be used, it is possible for the user to incorrectly insert either a medium or narrow width tape. In that event, either sensor 180 or 184 will not detect the presence of the tape since the tape will not be sufficiently wide to simultaneously actuate both sensors. The display will issue an error message if an attempt is made to use a tape narrower than prescribed.
  • Figure 12 is a simplified schematic diagram of the principal drive components of the subject binding apparatus.
  • the components for controlling the operation of the apparatus are collectively represented by element 185.
  • Tape position motor 204 drives the tape positioner gear 109 and the carriage drive motor 58 drives lead screw 60.
  • Tape feed motor 210 drives tape feed roller 162 and solenoid 170 actuates pivot arm 154 of the tape feed mechanism.
  • FIG 23 is a simplified block diagram of the control circuitry of the subject binding apparatus.
  • the circuitry includes a central processing unit or CPU 186.
  • An 8 bit CPU sold by Intel under the designation 80C451 has been found suitable for this application.
  • Various memory devices, represented by memory 188, are used in conjunction with CPU 186 for storing, among other things, the program for controlling the subject binding apparatus.
  • Some of the memory devices which comprise memory 188 include an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM) which will retain data in the absence of memory power.
  • EPROM electrically programmable read only memory
  • CPU 186 has several internal input/output devices so that the CPU can be directly interfaced with the various sensors drivers and the like which comprise the subject binding apparatus.
  • the various CPU input/output lines are represented by elements 190, 192 and 194.
  • CPU 186 will monitor the hot platen heating element 116 to verify that the platen has reached operating temperature.
  • a thermostat 196 mounted on the hot platen is used for controlling the platen temperature.
  • the heater is preferably isolated from the CPU by an optical coupler (not depicted).
  • CPU also controls the front panel display 32 and is responsive to inputs provided by the operator by way of control buttons 34.
  • button 34a labeled “BIND” is used when a book is to be bound.
  • Button 34b labeled “EDIT”, is used when it is desired to add sheets or delete sheets from a previously bound book.
  • button 34c labeled “OPEN”, is used to open front and rear clamps 46 and 48 to a maximum position.
  • Block 198 includes the various components, associated with carriage assembly 45.
  • Carriage drive motor 58 is a conventional stepping motor which provides drive in both directions.
  • Motor 58 is controlled by a bipolar motor control 200.
  • Motor control 200 is preferably comprised of commercially available integrated circuit devices.
  • a dual full-bridge driver circuit sold by SGS under the designation L998N can be directly coupled to the stepper motor and has been found suitable for the present application.
  • the driver circuit is used in conjunction with a current controller also sold by SGS under the designation L6506.
  • the driver circuit together with the current controller form a constant current drive for stepping motor 58 and interface directly with CPU 186, as represented by element 194.
  • the carriage assembly sensors include clamp sensor 98, home sensor 94 and, as previously noted, book sensor 92.
  • the outputs of these sensors are coupled to CPU 186, as represented by element 194.
  • the tape positioner components are depicted in block 202.
  • the tape positioner motor 204 is a conventional stepping motor which functions to drive positioner gear 109 in either direction in response to commands from CPU 186.
  • Motor control 206 is a bipolar control for tape positioner motor 204 and is similar in construction to control 200.
  • the tape positioner home sensor 117 output is coupled to CPU 186, as represented by element 192.
  • Tape feed motor 210 which drives tape feed roller 162 is a conventional stepping motor.
  • a motor control 212 similar in construction to controls 200 and 206, provides bipolar control for motor 210 in response to commands from CPU 186.
  • Solenoid 170 which actuates tape guide pivot arm 154, is driven by a conventional discrete transistor circuit, represented by element 214. Solenoid 170 is actuated in response to commands from CPU 186, as represented by element 194.
  • the program for controlling the operation of the subject binding apparatus is stored in memory 188 ( Figure 23).
  • the detailed source code for such a program would vary depending upon, for example, the exact physical dimensions of the binding apparatus, including gear ratios, pulley ratios and the like. It is believed that a description of the operation of the subject binding apparatus utilizing flow charts, timing diagrams and drawings is preferable to disclosure of a particular source code for the purpose of enabling one of ordinary skill to practice the subject invention.
  • Figures 24A-24E depict the preliminary sequence for binding a book.
  • Figure 24A is a schematic representation of the front and rear clamps 46 and 44 of the carriage assembly. The clamps are shown clamped together in an uncalibrated position, with carriage drive motor 58 positioning the clamps towards the rear of the apparatus. In this position, neither the carriage home sensor 94 nor the carriage clamped sensor 98 are actuated.
  • Motor 58 is first caused to drive lead screw 60 in a forward direction, as shown in Figure 24B, which pulls the front clamp 46 forward.
  • Rear clamp 44 is pulled with the front clamp by carriage springs 70.
  • Rear clamp 44 will continue to follow the front clamp until stop member 73 on the rear clamp contacts boss 71.
  • flag 100 will actuate clamp sensor 98.
  • Motor 58 will continue to drive the front clamp 46 in a forward direction as shown in Figure 24C.
  • the rear clamp 44 will not move forward because member 73 is contacting boss 71.
  • Front clamp 46 will continue to move forward expanding springs 70 until the carriage home sensor 94 is actuated by flag 96 carried on the front clamp.
  • Front and rear clamps 46 and 44 are now in the carriage home position.
  • Motor 58 will continue to drive front clamp 46 a predetermined number of steps from the carriage home position until the front and rear clamp are separated a maximum amount as shown in Figure 24D.
  • the carriage assembly is then in the open wide position and ready to accept a book of maximum thickness.
  • Flag 96 is of sufficient width that the carriage home sensor 94 will remain actuated when the front clamp travels from the carriage home position of Figure 24C to the open wide position.
  • the drive motor 58 will then reverse direction thereby causing the front clamp 46 to be driven rearward towards the book 36.
  • the rear clamp 44 will be forced rearward.
  • flag 100 on the rear clamp will clear clamp sensor 98 thereby indicating that the book is clamped.
  • the number of steps required by motor 58 to advance the front clamp from the open wide position to the clamped position is indicative of the thickness of the book to be bound. This information is stored and used to determine whether a narrow, medium or wide tape is to be inserted. In addition, the information is used for controlling the tape positioner, as will be described.
  • Figures 25A and 25B are a timing diagram depicting the position of the various mechanical components throughout an exemplary binding sequence for a book approximately 1.27cm (one half inch) thick. The sequence takes something less than approximately 20 seconds.
  • the top waveform 216 ( Figure 25A) represents the position of front clamp 46 throughout the binding sequence.
  • the second from top waveform 218 represents the position of rear clamp 44 during the bind sequence.
  • the next waveform down, waveform 220 represents the state of carriage drive motor 58.
  • the condition of tape feed solenoid 170 is indicated by waveform 222 and the state of tape feed motor 210 is represented by waveform 224.
  • the position of tape positioner gear 109 is represented by the angle of rotation of the gear from the home position, as determined by sensor 117. This angle is represented by waveform 226.
  • the positions of rear cam shoe 91 and front cam shoe 82 are represented by waveforms 230 and 232, respectively.
  • FIG. 25A and 25B The timing diagram of Figures 25A and 25B will be periodically referred to in the following description of the operation of the subject binding apparatus.
  • a flow chart of the primary program stored in memory 188 is depicted in Figures 26A - 26D.
  • the beginning of the binding sequence is represented by element 234 of Figure 26A.
  • An initialization subroutine is first entered, as shown by block 236.
  • the initialization subroutine is depicted in the flow diagram of Figures 27A and 27B.
  • Block 340 represents power on.
  • a self-test sequence is carried out to confirm operation of the binding apparatus electronics.
  • the various stepping motors are initialized or placed in a proper state. Since the heated platen 112 will not yet have reached operating temperature, the message "HEATING" will be shown on front panel display 33 as indicated by block 346.
  • the state of the three control buttons 34a, 34b and 34c are then examined, as represented by element 348. If all three buttons are simultaneously depressed, the system enters a diagnostic mode, as indicated by block 350.
  • the diagnostic mode forms no part of the subject invention and will not described.
  • the program enters an eject tape subroutine as shown by element 352.
  • This subroutine which will be described later, is precautionary and functions to remove any binding tape which may be present in tape feed bar 110 from a previous binding sequence.
  • Solenoid 170 is then turned off thereby causing the tape guide assembly 152 to pivot away from feed roller 162, as shown by block 354 into the disengaged position. This enables blocking tab 158C (Fig. 13) to prevent premature tape feeding.
  • tape positioner gear 109 is set to the home position utilizing sensor 117, as shown by block 356. In this position, tape feed bar 110 is displaced from the heated platen ( Figure 5) so that the feed bar will remain cool and not tend to melt the tape adhesive during tape feeding.
  • the display will then show a "READY” message as indicated by block 240.
  • the states of "EDIT” button 34b, "BIND” button 34a and “OPEN” button 34c will then be periodically examined to determine whether an operator has depressed any of the buttons, as indicated by elements 242, 244 and 246, respectively.
  • the book 36 initially rests on cool platen 104.
  • the operator then actuates the "BIND" button 34a, which will be detected as indicated by element 244 of the Figure 26A flow chart.
  • the book is then clamped as represented by block 250 of the flow chart.
  • Clamping is accomplished by causing the carriage drive motor 58 to be driven in the reverse direction as represented by waveform 220 of the Figure 25A timing diagram.
  • waveform 216 of the timing diagram indicates that the front clamp will be driven from the open position in a rearward direction for approximately 3.81cm (one and one half inches) until the front clamp engages the book.
  • the rear clamp will move away slightly from the home position thereby causing the clamp sensor 98 to change state, as depicted in Figure 24E and as shown in phantom in Figure 11.
  • Drive motor 58 will then be turned off as indicated by waveform 220.
  • the distance required by the front clamp to travel from the reference position (in this case from the open wide position) to the clamped position is indicative of the thickness of the book 36.
  • a value representing the book thickness is computed and stored, as represented by block 252 of the Figure 26A flow chart.
  • the reference position is determined by the thickness of the book last bound. For example, if the previous book called for a narrow tape, the reference position for the next bind would be the open narrow position. Similarly, if the previous book called for a medium tape, the reference position would be the open medium position.
  • the book sensor 92 is then examined to determine whether a book has been inserted, and, if so, inserted properly. Assuming that the book sensor does not sense a book, block 268 indicates that the carriage assembly will be opened. A "JUSTIFY” message will then be displayed for about 2 or 3 seconds as shown by blocks 270 and 272. The sequence will then cause a "READY” message to be displayed, as indicated by elements 238 and 240.
  • element 280 of the Figure 26B flow chart indicates that a start tape subroutine is entered into.
  • the subroutine accomplishes loading of the binding tape 32.
  • the start tape subroutine is illustrated in Figure 30 flow chart. First, a determination is made as to whether there is presently a tape in the tape feed bar 111 by examining the inner and outer tape sensors 182, 184 and the tape width sensor 180. It is possible that a tape was inserted during a previous binding sequence, as will be described later.
  • any of the three sensors detect the presence of a tape, a determination is made as to whether the tape was properly started. In the event the inner sensor 182 detects the presence of tape and the outer sensor 184 does not, an anomaly has occurred. As represented by element 450, a determination is made if such an anomaly has occurred, and if so, attempt is made to eject the tape by entering an eject tape routine represented by block 445, which will subsequently be described.
  • the display will show an "INSERT (X) TAPE" message with X being either “N” (narrow), “M” (medium) or “W” (wide) depending on the measured width of the book.
  • INSERT (X) TAPE TAPE
  • X being either "N” (narrow), “M” (medium) or “W” (wide) depending on the measured width of the book.
  • the 1.27cm (one half inch) thick book would dictate a narrow tape.
  • tape positioner gear 109 will rotate to a position which corresponds to the width of the tape to be fed.
  • the tape feed bar 111 will be positioned next to and spaced apart from tape guide 158 a distance which corresponds to the width of the tape to be fed into the machine as depicted in Figure 14 for a narrow tape and Figure 15 for a wide tape.
  • the timing diagram of Figure 25A shows the rotation of positioner gear 109 in waveform 226 at point 226(a) to the narrow tape position.
  • the tape positioner gear 109 drives the tape feed bar 110 by way of shaft 108, as previously described. Note that the narrow tape requires a rotation from the home position of approximately 20 degrees, whereas the wide tape requires no rotation.
  • the tape feed solenoid 170 is actuated as represented by block 434. Actuation of solenoid 170 causes the pivot arm 154 to pivot down to the tape drive position, as shown in Figure 14. Thus, the idler roller 160 will engage feed roller 162.
  • Curve 222 of the Figure 25A timing diagram, at point 222(a) illustrates actuation of the solenoid.
  • a timer is turned on which will limit the maximum time that the tape feed motor 210 will be permitted to run, as represented by block 438.
  • the program will then proceed to execute a first feed subroutine, as indicated by blocks 440.
  • the first feed subroutine flow chart is depicted in Figure 31. As indicated by elements 458 and 460, a "PUSH IN TAPE" message is displayed to prompt the operator to push the tape into the machine so that it will be gripped between idler roller 160 and feed roller 162.
  • the timer associated with the tape feed motor is examined to determine whether it has timed out. If the timer has timed out, thereby indicating that a user has only partially inserted a tape for more than a predetermined amount of time, the sequence defaults to the main program, as indicated by elements 464, 472 and 474.
  • tape feed motor 210 will advance a single step, as indicated by block 466.
  • the motor is driven in this manner so as to slowly grip the tape and withdraw the tape from the operator's hand.
  • This step in the binding sequence is depicted by the tape motor feed waveform 224 in the Figure 25A timing diagram at point 224(a).
  • the tape feed motor 210 Each time the tape feed motor 210 has completed a step, the inner tape sensor 182 and outer tape sensor 184 are examined to determined whether the tape has been fed into the machine a sufficient distance so as to be detected by the inner tape sensor 182. As indicated by element 468, the tape feed motor will continue to single step until both sensors 182 and 184 detect tape.
  • the tape feed motor will advance twenty steps, as indicated by block 470, thereby insuring that the tape has been inserted sufficiently to actuate inner tape sensor 182. The sequence then returns to the start tape subroutine of Figure 30.
  • block 442 indicates that the timer which limits the amount of time the tape feed motor will run (block 438) is stopped. A determination is then made as to whether the inner tape sensor 182 has detected the presence of tape as represented by element 443. If the first feed subroutine was successful, all three tape sensors will detect the presence of tape.
  • the inner sensor will be actuated. If it is not actuated, the eject tape subroutine will be entered, as shown by block 445.
  • a "BINDING" message will be displayed indicating that the binding sequence has commenced.
  • a final feed subroutine is then entered as indicated by block 284.
  • the final feed subroutine which is depicted in Figure 32, completes the tape feeding sequence.
  • the tape feed motor 210 is then speeded up so that the remainder of the tape will be quickly fed into the binding apparatus.
  • the change in tape feed speed is illustrated in the Figure 25A waveform 224 at point 224(b). The speed is increased by stepping the motor of a faster rate.
  • a tape feed counter is set to zero.
  • the tape feed counter is incremented, as represented by block 484.
  • the purpose of the counter is to limit the amount of time that the tape feed motor will be permitted to run as high speed. This feature would, for example, cause the motor to eventually drop back to the low speed in the event a partially inserted tape has become lodged in the machine.
  • the motor has a large amount of torque and is less susceptible to being forced out of control by external forces such as a lodged tape. The increased torque also enables the motor to more easily free lodged tapes.
  • the tape is driven a fixed distance, approximately 1 inch and the motor decelerated until the end of the tape comes to rest at line 178.
  • Waveform 224 of Figure 25, at point 224(c) shows the tape feed motor turning off after the tape has been fully fed. The sequence will then return to the main program.
  • the sequence would have proceeded to element 494. This is an anomalous condition. A determination is made as to whether the tape speed is high. If so, the tape speed is set to slow, as indicated by block 496, and an attempt is made to feed the tape at the slower speed by returning to block 480 of the sequence. If the tape is not successfully fed at the slow speed, elements 498 and 500 indicate that an "ERROR FEEDING" message will be displayed and the binding sequence terminated.
  • block 285 of Figure 26B of the main program indicates that tape feed solenoid 170 will be turned off. This action is depicted by waveform 222 of Figure 25 it point 222(b) and causes the blocking tab 158C to prevent feeding of an additional tape during the remainder of the sequence.
  • the tape positioner gear 109 is rotated until the outer edge of the tape contacts the rear cam shoes 91 as shown in Figure 16. This action tends to force tape 32 completely into slot 113 of the tape feed bar 110 if the tape is not seated correctly.
  • the positioner gear is rotated so as to seat the tape.
  • the amount of positioner gear rotation required to cause the edge of tape 32 to contact the cam shoes 91 is a function of the width of the tape. Greater rotation is required, for example, in the event a narrow tape is being used in comparison to a wide tape.
  • Waveform 226 of Figure 25A at point 226(b) shows the positioner gear 109 rotated approximately 100 degrees for a narrow tape.
  • the tape positioner gear 109 is then rotated to the position for forming the first seal between the tape and the book, as indicated by block 288.
  • the first seal is made to the back cover 36b of the book ( Figure 16).
  • the exact position of the gear is a function of the measured width of the book and the thickness of the tape being used. A straightforward computation is made based upon the two values so that the tape will be sealed to the back cover 36b at the proper distance from the lower edge of the book.
  • the objective is to have equal amounts of tape covering the front and back covers once the binding sequence has been completed.
  • Figure 16 shows the tape feed bar 110, in phantom, at the position for accomplishing the first seal.
  • Waveform 226 at point 226(c) shows the rotation of tape positioner gear 109 required to position the tape feed bar at the first seal position.
  • the carriage assembly is brought to the first seal position as represented by block 290 ( Figure 26B). This is accomplished by driving both the front and rear clamps 46 and 44 rearward as represented by the carriage motor drive waveform 220 at point 220(a), the front clamp waveform 216 and the rear clamp waveform 218.
  • the book is driven off the cool platen 104 towards the rotating platen 114, which is still in the vertical position.
  • the front and rear backup bars 76 and 84 will move with the front and rear clamps.
  • the rear cam shoe 91 of the rear backup bar will eventually contact the vertical rotating platen 114 and ride up over the platen as shown in Figure 17.
  • the rear cam shoes 91 and backup bar 84 will pivot upwards on rear support arm 86 as indicated by waveform 230 at point 230(a).
  • the edge of tape 32 will be positioned intermediate book 36 and vertical rotating platen 114.
  • the height of the tape relative the to book will be such that equal amounts of tape will extend over the front and back covers of the book once the binding sequence is completed.
  • the front and rear clamps 46 and 44 continue to drive the book rearward towards rotating platen 114 until the platen is engaged and pressure applied to the platen.
  • the moveable platen assembly 106 will be deflected rearward when pressure is applied causing platen springs 134 to expand slightly. This rearward movement is depicted in phantom in Figure 17.
  • the carriage assembly then stops with both pressure and heat from rotating platen being applied to tape 32.
  • the lower portion of book 36 will deflect slightly towards front backup bar 76. Bar 76 will prevent further movement of the book and will provide support for the book during the first seal.
  • the positioner gear 109 is rotated as represented by block 292. This rotation causes the tape feed bar to pivot away from the hot rotating platen 114 so that the bar will not become heated so as to interfere with tape loading during subsequent binding sequences.
  • the rotation of the positioner gear 109 which is depicted at location 226(d) of Figure 25A. The positioner is rotated such that the rotating platen will remain in the vertical position when the book is subsequently backed off.
  • the first seal is formed in about 1 second. During this time, the applied heat and pressure is sufficient to cause the high tack, heat-activated adhesive strip 32b disposed between the back cover 36b and the tape substrate 32a to form a bond.
  • the carriage assembly is pulled forward as shown in Figure 18. This is accomplished by momentarily driving the carriage drive motor in the forward direction, as indicated by waveform 220 in Figure 25A at point 220(b).
  • the binding tape 32 is exclusively supported by book 36 at this stage.
  • the binding tape will be folded under book 36 by rotating platen 114 so that the low viscosity central adhesive strip 32c will contact the lower edge 36c of the book which will form the spine.
  • the tape positioner gear 109 goes to a pull down position.
  • the gear is rotated back to the home position and slightly past the home position so that inner cam bearing 142 ( Figure 7) will engage the upper surface 136b of lever arm 136, thereby forcing platen assembly 106 down slightly.
  • the rotating platen will be pivoted to the horizontal position, as indicated in the waveform 228 at point 228(b).
  • the location of positioner gear 109 in the pull down position is shown at point 226(e) of waveform 226 in Figure 25A.
  • Figure 19A shows the position of book 36 relative to platens 114 and 112 when the carriage is in the over platen position.
  • the book 36 is carried rearward over platen 114, with the force the platen causing binding tape 32 to fold under spine 36c of the book so that the central adhesive 32c of the tape will contact spine 36c of the book is in the over platen position when the rear cover 36b of the book is positioned in the center of surface 114b of platen 114.
  • the tape positioner gear 109 is then rotated from the pull down position (block 298) to the home position, as represented by waveform 226 at point 226(f).
  • the carriage drive motor 58 will pause briefly when the tape positioner gear is driven, since the motor controller or CPU 186 is capable of controlling only one motor at a time. This action causes the platen 114 to apply a slight upward force to book 36. The book is then driven further back towards the fold position, as will be described. At this time, a tension will be exerted on binding tape 32, causing the tape to be pulled tightly around the edge of the book.
  • the carriage assembly will continue to drive book 36 rearward until the book reaches the fold position, as shown by block 314.
  • front cover 36a is positioned slightly to the right of front surface 112c of platen 112.
  • the front cover will be slightly to the right of the pivot axis of rotating platen 114.
  • the action required to place the carriage assembly is the fold position is illustrated by the carriage drive motor waveform 220 at point 220(c).
  • the tape positioner gear 109 is then driven from the home position to a rotate platen position, as represented by block 316. This is shown by waveform 226 at point 226(g) of Figure 25A. This action causes rotating platen 114 to pivot from the horizontal position to the vertical position, as shown in Figure 20 about pivot pin 122. Also at this time, heat from heated platen 112 will commence melting the central adhesive strip 32C of the binding tape. As indicated by block 318, heat is applied for approximately 7 seconds. The two platens will also apply upward pressure against the book so that both pressure and heat are applied.
  • block 320 indicates that the carriage assembly is driven slightly in the forward direction as shown in phantom in Figure 20. This can be seen by waveform 220 at point 220(d) of Figure 25A. The movement forces the book against surface 114a of platen 114. Front clamp 46 of the carriage assembly continues to be driven in the forward direction, but rear clamp 44 is restrained from further movement by book 30. The continued movement of forward clamp 46 causes the carriage springs 70 ( Figure 6) to expand slightly, so that platen 114 will apply heat and pressure to the edges of the binding tape.
  • Rear backup bar 84 provides support for the book when the second seal is formed. In this position, front clamp 46 is no longer engaging the book and the book is free to be forced upward by the platen assembly a distance which corresponds to the thickness of the tape. Thus, the book will be at the proper vertical position for transfer back to cool platen 104, as will be described.
  • solenoid 326 is actuated thereby causing the tape guide 158 ( Figure 14) to pivot to the engaged position for tape feeding.
  • the display 33 will then depict an "Insert Tape For Next Bind” message, prompting the user to insert a tape, as indicated by block 327.
  • the tape positioner will then go to a narrow, medium or wide position, depending upon the width of the tape being presently used, as shown by block 328.
  • the tape feed bar 110 and the tape guide 158 then define a tape feed path which corresponds to the width of the tape to be fed.
  • the tape position is brought from the pull down position to the home position so that platen 114 will rise slightly so as to apply force to the binding tape 32. Heat and pressure are then applied for about 2 seconds so that the central adhesive 32c is melted in the region where the first fold is to be made.
  • the tape positioner is then returned to the pull down position, as represented by block 308, thereby removing the applied force.
  • the sequence then returns to block 310 where the remaining binding steps are carried out in the same manner as for a thicker book.
  • the carriage clamps are then opened to either a narrow, medium or wide position, depending upon the thickness of the book which was just bound, as shown by block 333.
  • the front and rear clamps 44 and 46 provide more support for the book in the open narrow position. This feature also speeds up the binding process for a large number of books of the same thickness since a significant amount of time is required for the clamps to travel from the open wide position to a clamped position for a narrow book.
  • the eject tape routine is entered for the purpose of removing a tape which may be present in the tape feed bar.
  • the subroutine, which will be described later is represented by block 262.
  • solenoid 170 of the tape feed mechanism is turned off (block 264) so that the blocking tab 158c is positioned to prevent feeding of tape ( Figure 11).
  • An edit cycle subroutine is then entered, as shown by block 266.
  • FIG. 29 A flow chart for the edit cycle subroutine is depicted in Figure 29. As represented by elements 402 and 404, and "EDIT PREP" message is first displayed. This indicates that the preliminary editing steps are to commence. As indicated by block 406, the tape positioner gear 109 is driven to the pull down position whereby the platen assembly 106 is lowered to a position slightly below cool platen 104 on which the bound book is resting. The rotating platen 114 is in the horizontal position. Next, the carriage is brought to the fold position, such as depicted in Figure 19B, as indicated by block 408. The front and rear clamps 46 and 44 move rearward, transferring the bound book from cool platen 104 to the heating platen 112.
  • the tape positioner gear 109 is then driven to the home position, as represented by block 410, so that platen 112 will apply an upward force to the book. There is then a 7 second pause (block 412) to permit the central adhesive strip 32c to remelt. The carriage assembly is then returned to the home position (block 414) so that the book will return to the cool platen 104.
  • the carriage is then opened to the narrow, medium or wide position depending on the thickness of the book to be edited as indicated by block 418.
  • An "EDIT NOW" message is then displayed as shown by block 420.
  • the message is displayed for about 2 seconds and the sequence returns to the main program as indicated by block 422 and element 424. (Why two display blocks?)
  • the central adhesive 32C will be melted.
  • the front and rear cover seals will not be effected.
  • the user can then remove one or more sheets from the book by gripping the sheets and pulling the sheets from the book.
  • One or more sheets can be added by placing the sheets at the desired locations and forcing the edges of the sheets into the molten central adhesive. As described below, any added sheets will have to be bound.
  • the eject tape subroutine used in the primary program (block 262, Figure 26A), the start tape subroutine (block 445, Figure 30) and the initialize subroutine (block 352, Figure 27A), functions to remove tape that may be present in the binding apparatus.
  • the eject tape subroutine flow chart is shown in Figure 28. As indicated by elements 376 and 378, a determination is first made as to whether either outer tape sensor 184 ( Figure 22) or tape width sensor 180 detects the presence of tape in feed bar 110. If neither sensor is actuated, a determination is made as to whether the inner tape sensor 182 senses tape (element 394). If no tape is sensed here, there is no tape present, and the sequence returns to the program which called for the subroutine, as indicated by element 400.
  • the tape feed mechanism solenoid 170 ( Figure 10) is turned on (block 380).
  • idler roller 160 will engage feed roller 162.
  • the tape feed motor 210 is turned on so as to drive the feed roller 162 in the reverse direction. If a tape has been pinched between roller 160 and 162, the tape will be driven for approximately 7.62cm (3 inches) in the reverse direction. As set forth below, this may cause the end of the tape to protrude out of the apparatus through opening 150 so that the tape can then be manually removed.
  • a "REMOVE TAPE" message is then displayed. Once the tape has been manually removed, none of the tape sensors will detect the presence of tape. As indicated by elements 392 and 400, the sequence will then return to the calling program.
  • the tape can also be manually removed in the event the inner tape sensor does not detect the presence of tape (element 384), while either the outer, tape sensor or the tape width sensor do detect tape (element 378).

Landscapes

  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Folding Of Thin Sheet-Like Materials, Special Discharging Devices, And Others (AREA)
  • Paper (AREA)

Claims (42)

  1. Appareil pour relier une pluralité de feuilles disposées en une pile (36) utilisant une bande de reliure (32) qui comprend un substrat de bande flexible (32a) comportant un adhésif (32b, 32c), la bande (32) étant reliée aux première et seconde feuilles de couverture (36b, 36a) de la pile (36) et engageant un bord de la pile (36), de façon à former un dos de livre, ledit appareil comprenant:
       un moyen de support de la pile (44, 46, 104, 76, 84, 198) pour supporter la pile (36) de feuilles, ledit moyen de support de la pile (44, 46, 104, 76, 84, 198) comprenant un premier élément de serrage (44) pour engager la première feuille de couverture (36b) de la pile et un second élément de serrage (46) pour engager la seconde feuille de couverture (36a) de la pile, ledit premier élément de serrage (44) étant mobile par rapport audit second élément de serrage (46),
       un moyen de positionnement de la bande (108, 109, 110, 111, 202) pour placer la bande (32) par rapport à la pile (36), et
       un moyen (106, 112, 114) pour appliquer la bande (32) sur la pile (36) de feuilles de façon à former le dos du livre, un premier scellement de la couverture et un second scellement de la couverture,
       caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen (106, 112, 114) comprend un assemblage de plateaux (106), au moins une surface des plateaux étant essentiellement plate (112a, 114a, 114b) pour former les premier et second scellements de la couverture successivement, et comprenant, en outre,
       un moyen de commande (185, 60, 128) pour commander la position relative dudit moyen de support de la pile (44, 46, 104, 76, 84, 198) et dudit assemblage de plateaux (106), de façon à sceller en premier lieu la bande de reliure (32) à la première couverture (36b) par l'application d'une pression, la totalité du premier scellement de la couverture étant réalisée simultanément, et pour sceller, ensuite, la bande de reliure (32) à la seconde couverture (36a) par l'application d'une pression, la totalité du second scellement de la couverture étant également réalisée simultanément.
  2. L'appareil de la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de support (44, 46, 104, 76, 84, 198) comprend un premier élément d'appui (84) monté de façon mobile entre une position d'appui dans laquelle le premier élément d'appui (84) supporte la pile (36) quand ledit second scellement de la couverture est fabriqué et une position déplacée, déplacée par rapport à ladite position d'appui et un second élément d'appui (76) monté de façon mobile entre une position d'appui dans laquelle le second élément d'appui (76) supporte la pile (36) quand ledit premier scellement de la couverture est fabriqué et une position déplacée, déplacée par rapport à ladite position d'appui.
  3. L'appareil de la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que ledit assemblage de plateaux (106) est également un moyen pour faire en sorte que lesdits premier et second éléments d'appui (84, 76) se déplacent entre lesdites positions d'appui et déplacée.
  4. L'appareil de la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que lesdits premier et second éléments d'appui (84, 76) sont montés (78, 86) sur lesdits premier et second éléments de serrage (44, 46), respectivement.
  5. L'appareil de la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments d'appui (84, 76) sont montés de façon à pivoter sur lesdits éléments de serrage (44, 46).
  6. L'appareil de la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments d'appui (84, 76) comprennent des surfaces à cames (82, 91) qui engagent ledit assemblage de plateaux (106), faisant en sorte que lesdits éléments d'appui (84, 76) se déplacent à partir de ladite position d'appui jusqu'à ladite position déplacée.
  7. L'appareil de la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments d'appui (84, 76) se déplacent à partir de ladite position déplacée jusqu'à ladite position engagée, par le biais de la force de gravité.
  8. L'appareil de la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que le moyen de support de la pile (44, 46, 104, 76, 84, 198) est également un moyen pour déplacer la pile (36) entre une position de chargement de la pile et une position de reliure, en réponse audit moyen de commande (185, 60, 128) et comprend un plateau de support (104) qui supporte le bord de la pile (36) quand la pile est dans la position de chargement.
  9. L'appareil de la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de positionnement de la bande (108, 109, 110, 111, 202) est mobile entre une position de chargement de la bande et une première position de scellement de la couverture, dans laquelle la bande (32) est placée de façon adjacente à la première couverture (36b) et ledit moyen de commande (185, 60, 128) commande en outre ledit moyen de positionnement de la bande (108, 109, 110, 111, 202), de sorte que quand ledit moyen de positionnement de la bande est dans ladite première position de scellement de la couverture, la position de la bande (32), par rapport à la première couverture (36b), est fonction de l'épaisseur de la pile (36).
  10. L'appareil de la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de commande (185, 60, 128) réalise ledit premier scellement de la couverture en faisant en sorte que ledit moyen de support de la pile (44, 46, 104, 76, 84, 198) déplace la pile (36) de ladite position de chargement de la pile à ladite position de reliure, en faisant en sorte que ladite position de la bande se déplace de ladite position de chargement de la bande jusqu'à ladite première position de scellement de la couverture, de sorte que la bande (32) se trouvera entre ladite première couverture (36b) et ledit assemblage de plateaux (106) et faisant en sorte, ainsi, que ledit moyen de support de la pile (44, 46, 104, 76, 84, 198) force la pile (36) contre la bande (32) et ledit assemblage de plateaux (106), réalisant ainsi ledit premier scellement de la couverture.
  11. L'appareil de la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de commande (185, 60, 128) réalise ledit second scellement de la couverture après avoir réalisé ledit premier scellement de la couverture en faisant en sorte que ledit moyen de support de la pile (44, 46, 104, 76, 84, 198) déplace la pile (36) par rapport audit assemblage de plateaux (106) de sorte que ledit assemblage de plateaux repliera la bande (32) autour du bord de la pile (36) et par dessus la seconde couverture (36a) et fera en sorte, ainsi, que ledit moyen de support de la pile (44, 46, 104, 76, 84, 198) force la pile (36) contre la bande (32) et ledit assemblage de plateaux (106) réalisant ainsi ledit second scellement de la couverture.
  12. L'appareil de la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce que ledit assemblage de plateaux (106) comprend un premier plateau (112) et un second plateau (114) mobile, par rapport audit premier plateau (112), entre une position de scellement de la couverture et une position de repliement.
  13. L'appareil de la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de commande (185, 60, 128) fait en sorte que ledit second plateau (114) se déplace jusqu'à ladite position de scellement de la couverture, où lesdits premier et second scellements de la couverture sont réalisés et jusqu'à ladite position de repliement, où la bande (32) est repliée autour du bord de la pile (36).
  14. L'appareil de la revendication 13, caractérisé en ce que le moyen de commande (185, 60, 128) fait en sorte que ledit second plateau (114) se déplace entre ladite position de scellement de la couverture et ladite position de repliement au moyen dudit moyen de positionnement de la bande (108, 109, 110, 111, 202).
  15. L'appareil de la revendication 14, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de positionnement de la bande (108, 109, 110, 111, 202) comprend un moyen de support de la bande (110) qui supporte la bande (32) le long d'un premier bord, de sorte que l'adhésif de la bande, pour former le premier scellement de la couverture au niveau d'un second bord de la bande (32), est exposé audit assemblage de plateaux (106, 112, 114).
  16. L'appareil de la revendication 15, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de positionnement de la bande (108, 109, 110, 111, 202) comprend un arbre de positionnement de la bande (108) et un bras de support (111) qui relie ledit élément de support de la bande (110) audit arbre de positionnement de la bande (108) et ledit moyen de positionnement de la bande (108, 109, 110, 111, 202) est déplacé à partir de ladite position de chargement de la bande jusqu'à ladite première position de scellement de la couverture par rotation dudit arbre de positionnement de la bande (108).
  17. L'appareil de la revendication 16, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément de support de la bande (110) se déplace le long d'un arc ayant un rayon qui est égal à la longueur dudit bras de support (111).
  18. L'appareil de la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que l'adhésif de la bande est un adhésif activé par la chaleur et ledit premier plateau (112) est un plateau chauffé.
  19. L'appareil de la revendication 18, caractérisé en ce que ledit premier plateau (112) est chauffé électriquement et ledit second plateau (114) est chauffé par ledit premier plateau (112), par conduction thermique.
  20. L'appareil de la revendication 19, caractérisé en ce que ledit second plateau (114) est chauffé par ledit premier plateau (112) quand ledit second plateau (114) est dans ladite position de repliement.
  21. L'appareil de la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de support (44, 46, 104, 76, 84, 198) comprend un premier élément d'appui (84) monté de façon mobile entre une position d'appui dans laquelle le premier élément d'appui (84) supporte la pile (36) quand ledit second scellement de la couverture est réalisé et une position déplacée, déplacée par rapport à ladite position d'appui et un second élément d'appui (76) monté de façon mobile entre une position d'appui dans laquelle le second élément d'appui (76) supporte la pile (36) quand ledit premier scellement de la couverture est réalisé et une position déplacée, déplacée par rapport à ladite position d'appui,
       ledit assemblage de plateaux (106) comprenant un premier moyen de plateau (112) pour forcer la bande (32) contre la pile (36), de façon à former le dos du livre et un second moyen de plateau (114) pour forcer la bande (32) contre les première et seconde feuilles de couverture, au moins une surface des plateaux étant essentiellement plate (112a, 114a, 114b), de façon à former les premier et second scellements de la couverture, respectivement, et
       ledit moyen de commande (185, 60, 128) commandant ledit moyen de support de la pile (44, 46, 104, 76, 84, 198), ledit moyen de positionnement de la bande (108, 109, 110, 111, 202) et lesdits premier et second moyens de plateaux (112, 114), de façon à former le dos du livre, le premier scellement de la couverture et le second scellement de la couverture, les premier et second scellements de la couverture étant formés à des moments différents.
  22. L'appareil de la revendication 21, caractérisé en ce que ledit second moyen de plateau (114) est également un moyen pour faire en sorte que lesdits premier et second éléments d'appui (84, 76) se déplacent entre lesdites positions d'appui et déplacée.
  23. L'appareil de la revendication 22, caractérisé en ce que lesdits premier et second éléments d'appui (84, 76) sont montés sur lesdits premier et second éléments de serrage (44, 46), respectivement.
  24. L'appareil de la revendication 23, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments d'appui (84, 76) sont montés de façon à pivoter sur lesdits éléments de serrage (44, 46).
  25. L'appareil de la revendication 24, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments d'appui (84, 76) comprennent des surfaces à cames (82, 91) qui engagent ledit second moyen de plateau (114), faisant en sorte que lesdits éléments d'appui (84, 76) se déplacent de ladite position d'appui jusqu'à ladite position déplacée.
  26. L'appareil de la revendication 25, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments d'appui (84,76) se déplacent de ladite position déplacée jusqu'à ladite position engagée sous l'action de la force de gravité.
  27. L'appareil de la revendication 22, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de support de la pile (44, 46, 104, 76, 84, 198) est également un moyen pour déplacer la pile (36) entre une position de changement de la pile et une position de reliure, en réponse audit moyen de commande (185, 60, 128) et comprend un plateau de support (104) qui supporte le bord de la pile (36) quand la pile est dans la position de chargement.
  28. L'appareil de la revendication 27, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de positionnement de la bande (108, 109, 110, 111, 202) est mobile entre une position de chargement de la bande et une première position de scellement de la couverture dans laquelle la bande (32) est placée de façon adjacente à la première couverture (36b) et ledit moyen de commande (185, 60, 128) commande en outre ledit moyen de positionnement de la bande (108, 109, 110, 111, 202) de sorte que quand ledit moyen de positionnement de la bande est dans ladite première position de scellement de la couverture, la position de la bande (32) par rapport à la première couverture (36b) est fonction de l'épaisseur de la pile (36).
  29. L'appareil de la revendication 21, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de support de la pile (44, 46, 104, 76, 84, 198) est également un moyen pour déplacer la pile (36) entre une position de chargement de la pile et une position de reliure, en réponse audit moyen de commande (185, 60, 128) et comprend un plateau de support (104) qui supporte le bord de la pile (36) quand la pile est dans la position de chargement et dans lequel ledit moyen de commande (185, 60, 128) est également un moyen pour commander ledit moyen de support de la pile (44, 46, 104, 76, 84, 198) de sorte que le livre est déplacé en sens inverse jusqu'auxdites positions de chargement de la pile, après la formation du dos de livre, du premier scellement de la couverture et du second scellement de la couverture.
  30. L'appareil de la revendication 29, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de commande (185, 60, 128) commande ledit moyen de support de la pile (44, 46, 104, 76, 84, 198) de sorte que le bord de la pile (36) est aligné avec une surface portante dudit plateau de support (104) après la formation du dos du livre, du premier scellement de la couverture et du second scellement de la couverture.
  31. L'appareil de la revendication 30, caractérisé en ce que ledit premier élément de serrage (44) pour engager la première feuille de couverture (36b) de la pile (36) et ledit second élément de serrage (46) pour engager la seconde couverture (36a) de la pile (36) sont montés sur lesdits premier et second éléments de serrage (44, 46), respectivement, ledit premier élément de serrage étant mobile par rapport audit second élément de serrage (46).
  32. L'appareil de la revendication 31, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de commande (185, 60, 128) commande également ledit premier moyen de plateau (112) est fait en sorte que le bord de la pile (36) est aligné avec ladite surface portante en faisant en sorte que les premier et second éléments de serrage (44, 46) libèrent la pile (36) et en faisant en sorte que ledit premier moyen de plateau (112) déplace la pile (36) dans la position alignée.
  33. L'appareil de la revendication 21, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de commande (185, 60, 128) comprend un moteur de commande unique (204) pour commander ledit moyen de positionnement de la bande (108, 109, 110, 111, 202) et lesdits premier et second moyens de plateau (112, 114).
  34. L'appareil de la revendication 33, caractérisé en ce que le second moyen de plateau (114) est monté de façon à pivoter par rapport audit premier moyen de plateau (112) et en ce que le moyen de positionnement de la bande (108, 109, 110, 111, 202) comprend un mécanisme de positionnement (109) commandé par ledit moteur de commande unique (204), ledit mécanisme de positionnement (109) comprenant une paire de paliers à cames, séparés l'un de l'autre (138, 142) et ledit moyen de positionnement de la bande (108, 109, 110, 111, 202) comprenant en outre un bras de levier (136), comprenant une paire de surfaces des paliers à cames (136a, 136b) pour engager ladite paire de paliers à cames (138, 142) dudit mécanisme de positionnement (109), de sorte que ledit second moyen de plateau (114) peut être pivoté par rapport audit premier moyen de plateau (112) quand l'un desdits paliers à cames (138, 142) engage une desdits surfaces à cames (136a, 136b) et, de sorte que ledit second moyen de plateau (114) est déplacé jusqu'à une position abaissée quand l'autre desdits paliers à cames (138, 142) engage l'autre desdites surfaces à cames (136a, 136b) après la formation du premier scellement de la couverture et avant la formation du dos du livre.
  35. Une méthode pour relier une pluralité de feuilles disposées en une pile, utilisant un substrat de bande flexible qui comporte un adhésif, ladite méthode comprenant les étapes de:
       supporter la pile (36) de feuilles en utilisant un premier et second éléments de serrage (44, 46) pour engager les première et seconde feuilles de couverture (360, 36a), respectivement,
       placer la bande (32) par rapport à la pile (36),
       appliquer la bande (32) contre la pile (36) de feuilles, formant de ce fait un premier scellement de la couverture et un second scellement de la couverture, et
       replier la bande (32) autour d'un bord de la pile (36), de façon à former un dos de livre après que le premier scellement de la couverture ait été formé,
       caractérisée en ce que l'on force en premier lieu la bande (32) et la première feuille de couverture (36b) ensemble, de façon à former la totalité du premier scellement de la couverture essentiellement simultanément, en utilisant un assemblage de plateaux (106), au moins une surface étant plate (114a, 114b, 112c), et
       en ce que l'on force ensuite la bande (32) et la seconde feuille de couverture (36a) ensemble, de façon à former la totalité du second scellement de la couverture également essentiellement simultanément, en utilisant la surface plate en question (114a, 114b, 112c).
  36. La méthode de la revendication 35, caractérisée en ce que ledit premier scellement de la couverture est formé simultanément sur toute la longueur de la première feuille de couverture (36b).
  37. La méthode de la revendication 36, caractérisée en ce que ledit second scellement de la couverture est formé simultanément sur toute la longueur de la seconde feuille de couverture (36a).
  38. La méthode de revendication 37, caractérisée en ce que ladite étape de repliement de la bande (32) est mise en oeuvre en utilisant ledit assemblage de plateau (106) utilisé pour former lesdits premier et second scellements de la couverture.
  39. La méthode de la revendication 38, caractérisée en ce que les étapes de former lesdits premier et second scellements de la couverture et ladite étape de repliement sont mises en oeuvre en utilisant un assemblage de plateaux unique (106) et en ce que ledit assemblage de plateaux (106) est mobile entre une position de scellement de la couverture et une position de repliement, les étapes de formation des premier et second scellements de la couverture étant mises en oeuvre avec ledit assemblage de plateau (106) dans ladite position de scellement de la couverture et l'étape de repliement de la bande (32) étant mise en oeuvre avec ledit assemblage de plateaux (106) dans ladite position de repliement.
  40. La méthode de la revendication 39, caractérisée en ce que les étapes de formation des premier et second scellements de la couverture et l'étape de repliement de la bande (32) sont mises en oeuvre sous la commande d'une unité de traitement (186).
  41. La méthode de la revendication 39, caractérisée en ce que l'étape de formation du premier scellement de la couverture comprend l'étape de limiter le mouvement dudit livre en plaçant un second élément d'appui (76) adjacent à la seconde feuille de couverture (36a), opposée audit plateau (106) et l'étape de formation du second scellement de la couverture comprend l'étape de placer un premier élément d'appui (84) adjacent à la première feuille de couverture (36b), opposée audit plateau (106).
  42. La méthode de la revendication 41, caractérisée en ce que l'étape de formation du premier scellement de la couverture comprend l'étape d'enlever ledit premier élément d'appui (84) de la position adjacente à la première feuille de couverture (36b) et l'étape de formation du second scellement de la couverture comprend l'étape d'enlever ledit second élément d'appui (76) de la position adjacente à ladite seconde feuille de couverture (36a).
EP90908754A 1989-05-10 1990-05-03 Appareil et procede de reliure d'un livre Expired - Lifetime EP0471788B1 (fr)

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DE1536499C3 (de) * 1966-04-26 1973-12-13 Planatolwerk Willy Hesselmann Chemische Und Maschinenfabrik Fuer Klebetechnik, 8200 Rosenheim Vorrichtung zum Klebebinden von Blattstapeln
US3715260A (en) * 1970-12-17 1973-02-06 Usm Corp Apparatus for binding sheets
US3911517A (en) * 1973-08-29 1975-10-14 Xerox Corp Pusher linkage, inserter
US3928119A (en) * 1974-05-30 1975-12-23 Xerox Corp Bookbinding machine
DE2708066C3 (de) * 1977-02-24 1981-04-23 Bielomatik Leuze Gmbh + Co, 7442 Neuffen Vorrichtung zum Anbringen von mit Klebstoff versehenen Einfaßstreifen zum Binden von Blattlagen
DE3220694A1 (de) * 1982-06-02 1983-12-08 Claus Koenig Kg, 8520 Erlangen Vorrichtung zum klebebinden von blattstapeln
US4496617A (en) * 1983-06-01 1985-01-29 Parker Kevin P Adhesive binding strip
US4552497A (en) * 1984-05-21 1985-11-12 The Mead Corporation Apparatus and method for preparing multipage, taped, side-stitched documents
SE457244B (sv) * 1987-03-02 1988-12-12 Bind O Matic Ab Foerfarande och anordning foer att binda loesa ark i en bindemedelsfoersedd paerm
DE3805830A1 (de) * 1988-02-25 1989-08-31 Peter Lazar Vorrichtung zur erfassung der dicke eines papierstapels

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EP0654360B1 (fr) 1997-10-22
DE69021876D1 (de) 1995-09-28
DE69031634D1 (de) 1997-11-27
DE69021876T2 (de) 1996-03-28
ATE126758T1 (de) 1995-09-15
JP3145700B2 (ja) 2001-03-12
EP0471788A4 (en) 1992-05-20
DE69031634T2 (de) 1998-03-26
EP0654360A2 (fr) 1995-05-24
EP0471788A1 (fr) 1992-02-26
JPH04505296A (ja) 1992-09-17
EP0654360A3 (fr) 1995-07-19
WO1990013436A1 (fr) 1990-11-15

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