IE51090B1 - Apparatus for binding apertured sheets together - Google Patents

Abstract

An improvement on commercial machines which bind documents using plastic strips. The punch mechanism (37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43) may be automatically actuated when the paper sheets are properly aligned on a punch platen (36) or actuated manually at the user's discretion. Distance of the holes from the edges of the sheets may be indexed. The binding mechanism improvements include interchangeability of height of the pressure bar (106) and speed of binding mechanism, depending on thickness of book to be bound or as selected by user, means (133) for automatically starting the motor drive (116, 117, 118) of the binding mechanism and pressure bar (106) when it has been manually placed or moved onto the document to be bound, automatic lifting of the pressure bar (106) when the binding cycle has been completed, a resistance-heated knife construction (161) which reaches operating temperature more rapidly, controls and minimizes the heated knife (163) temperature fluctuations, maintains a more uniform temperature profile of the knife, improvements in the mounting of the timing cams of the machine and improved means for securing and positioning the cooling and forming fingers in place. In a modification, means is provided for binding a "wrap-around" cover which extends rearward of the spine of the book and then is folded forward around the binding strips for the book. The means comprises a removable backstop (88a) for the spine edges of the sheets to be bound, a platen (258) and roller (263) to support the lowermost of the wrap-around covers and a rack to support the uppermost of the wrap-around covers during the binding procedure. The knife structure (161a) is modified to avoid interference with the modified means.

Description

This invention relates to a new and improved binding machine and comprises improvements on commercially available machines. Reference is made to U.S. Patent Specification Nos. 3,811,146 and 4,079,647 on a machine for binding books, many of the mechanisms of which are incorporated in the present invention.

Generally, the invention relates to a system for binding together either temporarily or permanently, pluralities of sheets of paper, each formed with a series of spaced apertures adjacent one margin thereof using a first strip having studs which correspond in spacing to the apertures in the sheets and a second strip formed with holes aligned with the holes in the sheets to receive the studs. The present machine, as well as the predecessor machines, incorporates a pressure bar which applies pressure on the sheets of paper while pressing the strips towards each other, a knife, preferably heated, which cuts off the excess lengths of the studs and forms heads on the ends of the studs and, again preferably, means for cooling and setting the heads resembling rivet heads on the studs. Such machines have proven commercially successful.

Another example of such a machine is shown in U.S. Patent Specification No. 3756625. This machine incorporates a screw jack mechanism which is driven by an electric motor to drive the pressure bar into its upper position. This takes a considerable time and necessitates expensive components.

According to the invention there is provided apparatus for binding apertured sheets together using a first strip, a plurality of thermoplastic studs projecting from and spaced longitudinally along said first strip and a second strip formed with holes spaced longitudinally of said second strip at intervals complementary to said studs, said apparatus comprising 51ft SO a frame having a pair of spaced sides and a platen to support said sheets with their apertures aligned with said holes with said first strip above said sheets with said studs extending through said apertures and said hole and protruding below said second strip, a pressure bar, cooperating means on said sides and bar for guiding movement of said bar from a first position above said platen to a second position adjacent said platen and resting on top of said first strip, actuating means for pressing said pressure bar against said first strip, a motor driving said actuating means, a means for lifting said pressure bar back to said first position, said lifting means comprising a first segmental gear fixed to a shaft driven by said motor, a first link pivotably connected to said pressure bar and a crank oscillatable on said frame, a second segmental gear fixed to said crank and engaging and being oscillatable by said first gear for only a short arc of the rotation of said first gear at the end of the binding cycle, a linkage including a second link pivoted to said frame and to the free end of said first link; said crank having means to engage said second link when said second gear is turned to pivot said second link and thereby lift said first link and lift said pressure bar to said first position.

The apparatus may further comprise a switch mounted on the bottom edge of said pressure bar positioned to be closed when said pressure bar rests on said first strip, said switch being wired when closed to energise said motor.

In the apparatus, further said platen may have a depression at its rear edge shaped to receive said second strip, a vertical backstop at the rear of said depression, mounting means mounting said backstop on said frame for horizontal movement relative to said frame, means biasing said backstop for forward movement whereby when a second strip is placed in said depression said backstop is pushed rearwardly a distance dependent upon the width of said second strip and said backstop restrains rearward movement of said sheets supported by said platen so that the apertures in said sheets are aligned with said holes in said second strip.

In the apparatus, further, said backstop may be removable from said mounting means for replacement with a backstop of different heights to accommodate different thicknesses of stacks of sheets .

Xn the apparatus, further, said actuating means for said pressure bar may comprise a vertically reciprocating member adjacent said frame, a bracket connecting said pressure bar to said reciprocating member, said bracket being replaceable with a bracket of different length, the difference in length corresponding to the differences in height of said backstops.

The apparatus may further comprise an electric circuit for said motor having means to drive said motor at fast or slow speeds and a manual switch in said circuit selective to drive said motor at either of said speeds.

In the apparatus, further, said motor may be of variable speeds and have manually selective means for varying the speed of said motor at least between a slow speed and a fast speed, sensor means for sensing the height of said sheets on said platen, and an electric circuit including said manually selective means, said motor and said sensor means to override 51Ο8ϋ said manually selective means to drive said motor at slow speed when the height of said sheets exceeds a predetermined height.

The apparatus may further comprise a cutter bar having a plurality of knife blades positioned to cut off portions of said studs protruding below said second strip, means to move said blades from a first position remote from said studs to a second position whereby said blades cut off said portions of said studs, heating means for said cutter bar, said heating means comprising a resistance heated strip between first and second heat insulators on one side of said cutter bar to form a sandwich, a third heat insulator above said sandwich, a cover above said third heat insulator, a fourth heat insulator below said cutter bar, said support being below said fourth heat insulator, means securing said cover, said cutter bar, said sandwich, said third and fourth heat insulators and said support together, temperature sensing means sensing the temperature of said cutter bar, and an electric circuit including said sandwich and said temperature sensing means to maintain said blades at a preselected temperature.

S10S0 - 6 Othor objects of tho present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings in which similar characters of reference represent corresponding parts in each of the several views.

In the Drawings: Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the apparatus with the upper exterior casing and certain parts removed for clarity purposes.

Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5 are sectional views taken substantially along the lines 2—2, 3—3, 4 — 4 and 5—5, respectively of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 3 showing the pressure bar return mechanism in various positions of its cycle of operation.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a portion of the bind backstop and associated mechanism where a short stack of paper is to be bound.

Fig. 7A is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing a taller backstop. Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 8—8 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary plan view showing the knife structure in retracted position and the bridge.

Fig. 9A is a fragmentary plan view of a heater element for the knife structure with portions broken away to reveal internal construction.

Fig. 9B is a fragmentary side elevational view of a portion of the structure of Fig. 9A.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line 10—10 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially 'along the line 11—11 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line 12—12 of Fig. 11. - 7 Fig. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the lines 13-13 of Fig. 9 showing a normal size binding strip.

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 13 showing use of a 5 wider than standard size binding strip used when paper sheets contain apertures farther distances from the edges.

Fig. 15 is a view taken along line 15-15 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 16 is a schematic simplified wiring diagram of the machine.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary view of a cooling finger and its environment.

As is set forth in prior U.S. Patent 3,811,146 among others, the present invention is intended to bind paper 21 formed with spaced apertures 22 along one spine edge thereof. In accordance with the present invention, provision is made to locate the apertures 22 at either of two distances from the spine edge of the sheets of paper 21. If the sheets 21 are standard computer print-out sheets, the apertures 22 are spaced a greater distance from the spine edge of the paper than for ordinary or standard document binding.

In accordance with the present invention, a first strip 24 of plastic having studs 23 spaced at the same intervals as the apertures 22 is provided. The strips 24 may be of two widths depending upon the spacing of the apertures 22 from the edges of the sheets 21. There is also used in accordance with this system of binding a second strip 26 formed with holes 22 and counterbores or countersinks 28. Typical specifications for the material, sizes, etc., of the strips 24 and 26 are set forth in U.S. Patent 3,811,146.

The machine of the present invention comprises a base on which fits an ornamental molded casing 32 which houses the mechanisms hereinafter described. Within the sides of the - 8 casing 32 are vertical side plates 33 which are the main supports for most of the mechanisms hereinafter set forth.

The side plates 33 are interconnected by various transverse, horizontal cross members 34.

The machine heretofore described performs the function of binding the paper 21 between the strips 24, 26.

As has previously been stated, the binding mechanism of the present machine resembles, in many respects, that of U.S. Patent No. 3,811,146, and where the elements of the present machine are substantially the same as those of the preceding machine, they are not herein described in detail.

Extending horizontally across the width of the machine and supported by cross-members 34 is a binding platen 86, having at its rearward edge a depression or recess 87, at the level of the top of transverse bridge 84 which is secured at opposite ends to the side-plates 33. This depression 87 is shaped to receive strip 26. Rearward of depression 87 is a stop 88 which limits inward movement of sheets 21 supported by platen 86. As has been stated, the present machine may be provided with parts which are interchangeable to accommodate different heights of stacks of paper, such as, for example, a two-inch maximum stack and a three-inch maximum stack.

Therefore, the stop 88 is a changeable part for the machine.

Stop 88 has a rearward and outward extension 89 formed with horizontal slots 91. Pins 92 fit through the slots 91 and are anchored in side plates 33. An ear 93 on extension 89 extends behind the rear edge of plate 33 and receives a spring 94 which is connected at its opposite end to spring anchor 96 on the side of plate 33 opposite extension 89. The function of spring 94 is to bias the stop 88 forward so that - 9 pressure is applied to strip 26 when it is placed in depression and so that the tabs 99 (an extension of 88) contact side plate 33 to limit its forward movement. This is the normal position of the stop 88.

For certain types of sheets, the apertures 22 are punched at a greater distance fran the spine edge of the sheets. When the latter sheets are used, a wider strip 26 is used than normal. Placing such a wider strip in the depression 87 forces the stop 88 rearwardly against the force of the springs 94. Hence, when the sheets 21 are pushed rearwardly to contact the stop 88, the holes therein are in proper relationship to the holes in the strip 26.

For purposes hereinafter described in detail, it will be noted that there is formed a depression 98 on top surface of to provide clearance for the switch plunger, so it will not accidentally actuate the electrical circuitry to start the binding cycle.

Edge guide 101 on platen 86 is transversly moveable to accommodate different widths of sheets 21.

The first step in the operation of the binding mechanism, therefore, is to place a strip 26 of proper width, depending upon the positioning of the apertures 22 for the sheets 21 with which it is to be used, into the depression 87, thereby positioning backstop 88 correctly. Locating pin 102 (see Fig. 11) fits into a hole (not shown) in strip 26 to locate strip 26 laterally in depression 87. A stack of sheets 21 is then placed on the platen 86 against the edge guide 101 and against stop 88, thereby aligning the apertures 22 with the holes 27 in strip 26. Second strip 24 is then installed by inserting studs 23 through apertures 22 and 27. - 10 A transverse horizontal, vertically moveable pressure bar 106 is provided. Again, to accommodate different maximum height stacks of sheets, the pressure bars 106 are interchangeable. Such interchangeability is preferably provided by using different brackets 107 which may be an integral part of pressure bar 106 and which are mounted to rack 110 on each side of the machine. A roller 108 fits into a slot 109 in side plate 33 and, at the top of the slot 109, there is a rearward offset 111. When the roller 108 is in the offset 111, the pressure bar 106 is held in upward position. However, when pressure bar 106 is lifted and moved forwardly so that the roller 108 slides down the slot 109, the bottom edge 112 of pressure bar 106 is brought into contact with the top of strip 24. Recessed into bottom edge 112 is a switch 113 which, when its actuator contacts strip 24, initiates the binding cycle of the machine. The function of depression 98 in the flange surface 97 is to prevent closing of switch 113 when the pressure bar 106 is in retracted position, with roller 108 in the offset 111.

Binding motor 116 is mounted on side plate 33 and, by means of a belt-drive 117, is connected to drive transverse horizontal hexagonal camshaft 118. Shaft 118 is supported between the plates 33 by bearings (not shown) and is held in place by snap ring retainers 119 at either edge.

Horizontal transverse floating shaft 121 carries pinions 122 which mesh with the teeth of the racks 110. Also on shaft 121 is ratchet wheel 123 which is engaged by pawl 124, biased into engagement with the ratchets 123 by springs 126. Pawl 124 is pivoted on pivot 127 to spring anchor 131. 81Q80 - ii Shaft 121 is supported on either side of the machine byspring anchors 131, pivoted on pivots 132 which are mounted to the plates 33. On the forward ends of spring anchors 131 are flat springs 133 which carry cam followers 134 which are engaged hy pressure cams 136 on shaft 118.

As shaft 118 revolves, follower 134, which engages pressure cam 136, is increasingly depressed, thus pulling rack 110 downward and causing pressure bar 106 to be forced against strip 24 until a predetermined pressure is reached, whereupon spring 133 flexes, and despite continued turning of cam 136, no greater pressure is applied to the strip 24.

To prevent unacceptable variations in acoustical noise levels caused by applying varying loads to the D.C. bind motor 116 as each cam performs its function as they rotate through the binding cycle, there is provided on shaft 118 a counter-pressure cam 211 which assures uniform loading onto motor 116. Cam follower 212 is mounted on spring 213 and fastened by attachment 214 to one of the cross-members 34.

The follower 212 exerts a pressure on the cam 211 which counter-balances the forces imposed on the system by the binding mechanisms.

One novel feature of the present invention is the provision of means which automatically returns the pressure bar 106 to upper position. Return arm 141 is angular and is pivoted at pivot 142 to side plate 33. On its forward end there is a gear segment 143 consisting of approximately two teeth. Fixed for movement with the shaft 118 is a meshing gear segment 3- θ 9 θ - 12 crank 144, also having approximately two teeth. Adjustably positioned on the lower end of return arm 141 is a roller 146. The rest position of arm 141 is determined by stop 147. Pivoted to plate 33 is a first pressure bar link 148 which is pivoted to second pressure bar link 149 by pivot 151. The upper end of link 149 is connected to the pressure bar by the same means as connects roller 108. There is a stop 152 fixed on plate 33 which limits clockwise movement of link 149 as viewed in Pig. 3.

As the binding cycle is completed, rotation of shaft 118 causes the driver gear segment 144 to mesh with gear segment 143, and this causes counter-clockwise rotation of return arm 141 about pivot 142. Roller 146 engages link 148 and oscillates it around the shaft of gear segment 143, and this causes link 149 to raise the pressure bar to upper position and drop the roller 108 into offset 111, causing pressure bar 106 to remain at rest position until the operator initiates the next binding cycle of the machine. Meanwhile, continued rotation of shaft 118 brings the gear segments 143 and 144 out of mesh with each other. Whereupon, return arm 141 drops to initial position with its lower end resting on stop 147.

Carried on shaft 118 is a cam 153 which engages the actuator of switch 154 after the gear segments 143 and 144 have ceased to mesh. Switch 154 stops the rotation of bind motor 116. sioeo - 13 10 After the sheets 21 have been clamped between the strips 24, 26, continued turning of shaft 118 causes cutting of the excess lengths of the studs 23 projecting below the bottom strip 26. Mounted behind the depression 87 is a knife structure 161. Structure 161 comprises a cutter 162 having blades 163 projecting forwardly and spaced about the same distance as the studs'23.

Above and below cutter 162 are heating elements 164 which are resistance heating sandwiches which are elevated in temperature when current flows therethrough. Heater element 164 is composed of several layers sandwiched together. The central conductor is cut from a sheet approximately 0.007 inches thick metal such as Inconel. The pattern is composed of right angle bent, structures, as best shown in Fig. 9A, consisting of ends 155 parallel to the length of cutter 162 interconnected by longitudinal stretches 156 transverse thereto. To make provision for the bolts which bolt knife structure 161 together, holes 158 are formed in the heater element 164 and there are extended sections 157 to accommodate the space for the holes 158. On the top and bottom of the members 155-157 are sheets of asbestos cloth 159.

On the outsides of the sheets 159 are sheets of mica 172 of a thickness of about 0.015 inches. As shown in Fig. 9B, on the side of the heater elements 155-157 closest to cutter 162 there· .is but one sheet '172 whereas on the opposite side there are several sheets 172. On each end of element 164 there is an outward extension 173 of nickle bonded to the outermost stretch 156. Extension 173 is surrounded by a glass fiber sleeve 174 which surrounds also the end of the conductor 175 and the connector between the conductor and element 173.

In a preferred heater element 164, at either end the widths of 155 and 156 are less than they are at the center. Thus at the end shown in Fig. 9Λ the stretches 156 are approximately - 14 51090 0.052 inches in width and the spacing between these widths is about 0.042 inches. At the center, however, the width of the member 156 is 0.054 inches whereas the spacing between the members 156 remains 0.042. The width change, although slight in dimension, alters the electrical resistance of the metal and consequently the heat or watt density. Hence more heat is generated at the ends of the sandwich but there is more heat loss at the ends. Thus there is a balancing which creates a uniform temperature across the entire length of the knife blades 163.

The cutter 162 temperature is sensed by means of a thermistor 165 that is inserted within the cutter and is retained under tension by spring wire 160. Above and below each heating element 164 is an insulator 166, and on top of top insulator 166 is a cover 167. Below the lower insulator 166 is a support bar 168 to which is attached a support bracket 169 insulated therefrom by a high temperature insulator 171. Each support bracket 169 is connected to pivot arm 176 which is pivoted about transverse horizontal eccentric shaft 177. The outer ends 178 of shaft 177 are received in brackets 179, dependent from bridge 84 and held in place by keeper plate 180. On the forward ends of pivot arm 176 are cam followers 182 which engage cutter cams 183 on camshaft 118. The cams 183 cause the knife support bar 168 to . move about shaft 177 as a center and cut off the excess lengths of the studs 23.

To prevent build-up of plastic particles on the blade 163, a pair of vertically-spaced apart, transversely-extending wiperwires 216 is mounted on holders 217 affixed to bridge 84. The blades 163 reciprocate between the wires 216, and the latter wipe off any accumulation of plastic particles. The wipers 216 are supported and tensioned by coil springs on either end. The wipers are of flexible plastic tubes with non-sticking surface δΧΟίΐο - 15 characteristics loosely encasing wires 216. This enables a relative rotating motion of the tubes with the wires that assures a more positive wiping and cleaning action.

Extending forwardly from shaft 177 is lift arm 186 5 carrying at its forward end follower 187 which engages lift cams 188 on shaft 118. The function of cam 188 is to cause the support bar 168 to be raised to deform the heated ends of the severed studs 23 and initiate the forming of heads thereon. 51080 - 16 Cooling fingers 191 (see Figs. 11 and 17) correspond in spacing transversely of the machine to studs 23. Each finger 191 has a first noncircular cross-section lower end 202, a circular cross-section portion 205 above portion 202, a second non-circular cross-section) portion 192 above portion 205, a reduced diameter circular sectioni 203 above portion 202 and an enlarged cross-section upper portion 204 above portion 203. The surface at the upper end 205 is angular to the center line of finger 191.

Channel 193 reciprocates upwardly-rearwardly from the 10 retracted position of Fig. 11 to a raised position with angular surface at the upper end 205 immediately below recess 87 in bridge 84 which is suitably apertured for passage first of blades 163 and then of fingers 191. The lower flange 221 of channel 193 is formed with first non-circular holes 223 complementary 15 to ends 202. The upper flange 222 is formed with second holes 194 complementary to second portion 192. Springs 196 between flanges 221 and 222 surround fingers 191.

By inserting end 202 first through hole 194, then through spring 196 and then through hole 224 (as section 192 fits through hole 194) until section 203 is even with second hole 194 and then twisting finger 191 through 90°, lower end 202 locks behind flange 221. Spring 196 bears against section 192 and biases finger 191 upwardly-rearwardly. If finger 191 encounters resistance, spring 196 flexes so that finger 191 yields with a reciprocating sliding motion, rather than the finger remaining immobile and breaking. Spring 196 restores finger 191 to projected ponitidn when resistance to movement has been removed.

Extending forwardly from each end of channel 193 is bracket 197 which carries on its forward end cam followers 198 which engage cooling cams 199 on camshaft 118. As the cam 199 rotates, after the cutter blades 163 have been raised and S1090 - 17 lowered by reason of the shape of cams 188, the channel 193 is raised, causing the angular surface at the upper ends 205 of cooling fingers 191 to engage and set the heads at the ends of the studs and cool the same so that the strips are locked together a fixed distance apart. Bifurcations 201 extending downward from bracket 197 straddle and slip into grooves in shaft 118 to maintain the positioning of fingers 191 within slots in bridge 84.

The individual cams 136, 153, 183, 188, 199, 211 are formed with hexagonal holes through their hubs to receive shaft 118 and are located laterally by suitably-placed E-clips 120 fitting in grooves in shaft 118. By removing end clips 119 and the clips 120, the shaft 118 may be pulled axially outwardly, the cams dropping off. To facilitate proper replacement, each cam hub 136, 153, 181,- 188, 199, 211 has either a projection or depression 215 and these are aligned as the shaft 118 is inserted, insuring proper cam positioning of their profiles.

OSO - 18 At the commencement of operation, tho operator pushes the main switch 236 which is located on one of the control panels pn the aides of the machine. Although prepunched paper or papor punched by another machine may be used in connection with tho binding portion of the machine, it will be assumed, for tho purpose of this specification, that it i3 desired to punch appropriate holes 22 in sheets 21. One determination of the operator is the spacing of the apertures 22 from the spine edge of paper 21, depending upon whether regular paper or computer printout paper, etc., is being used. This selection is made by means of selector elide 51 on the control panel, as has heretofore been described, and this moves the slide and the switch-actuator 72 inward and outward to determine how far into tho throat 1^1 the spine edges of papers 21 may be inserted.

Another decision to be made by the operator is whether punching is to be done automatically or under manual control. This selection is made by means of the punch-modo switch 237 on tho control panel. Assuming that a manual mode has been selected, the operator then inserts the sheets into the throat ij.1 resting on the platen 36 and preferably against the edge guide 73. Thereupon, the operator pushes the punch manual switch 238, and this energizes the punch motor 61 which reciprocates the punchplate 1|2 so that the pins I4.3 punch the holes in the paper 21.

At the end of one cycle, the cam 78 actuates the switch 79 which de-energizes motor 61.

Assuming that the punch operation will bo automatic, punchmode switch 237 is properly set for such operation. Tho selector slide 51 is positioned for the proper dosired distance of the eioao - 19 apertures from the spine edge of the paper. The sheets 21 are then laid on the platen 36 and inserted into the throat 41 and against the edge guide 73. When both switches 71 and switch 77 are closed by reason of proper positioning of paper 21, the motor 61 is energized, and the punching cycle is performed, continuing until the cam 78 opens switch 79 and turns off motor 61.

The first binding choice of the operator involves the bind-mode switch 241 which is for standard or rapid speed of binding. It is not desirable to use the rapid mode when the paper stack is high. Hence, paper height switches 243 are located with their actuators extending into the path of the pressure bar rollers 108. Unless the pressure bar has been lowered sufficiently so that the rollers 108 clear the actuators for switches 243, the machine overrides the operator's selection of the bind-mode as per switch 241.

The operator inserts a proper strip 26 into the depression 87, depending upon the spacing of the apertures 22 from the spine edge of the sheets 21. If the wider strip 26 is selected, the stop 88 is pushed rearward; if the narrower strips 26 are selected, spring 94 pulls the stop 88 forward. In any event, the spine edge of the paper 21 is pushed against the stop 88 and also against the edge guide 101. It will be observed from the foregoing discussion that different heights of stacks of paper may be accommodated. For example, the stop 88 may be at a height to accommodate either two-inch or threeinch stacks of paper. This selection is made at the factory or by a field serviceman and is not ordinarily performed by the operator. It is assumed that an appropriate stop 88 and also an appropriate pressure bar bracket 107 have been selected and these are coordinated. 510.9 0 - 20 The operator observes the ready light 242, also on the control panel which turns on when the heaters 164 have sufficiently heated the cutter 162, as determined by a thermistor 165. Prior to the cutter 162 being heated, wait light 244 signals the operator that the binding cycle is not operable.

Sheets 21 are placed on the platen 86 and pushed against the stop 88 and edge guide 101. The studs 23 of strip 24 are then inserted in holes 22 and 27 and strip 24 is pushed down. The operator then grips pressure bar 106 and pulls it forwardly out of the offset 111 and then downwardly so that the roller 108 rides in the slot 109. When the bottom edge 112 of pressure bar 106 contacts the male strip, switch 113 is closed, and this energizes the bind motor 116 which continues to cycle the camshaft 118 through one cycle.

The cycle of operation of the binding function of the machine has been heretofore described in detail in connection with| the description of the various components thereof and is not here repeated. Completion of the cycle of revolution of the camshaft 118 returns the pressure bar to upper and retracted position through the operation of the elements 141-152.

Cam 153 actuates switch 154 to de-energize the bind motor ll(i at the completion of the sequence of operations.

Referring to Fig. 16, the essential electrical components, of the machine are illustrated schematically and in simplified form. For practical purposes the following are representative values of components illustrated: 51080 n 1 2.5 K (max.) 2, 6 1 K 3 l.S κ U 10 K c 2 100 Micro f. . (125 V) 5 10 (200 V) 6 10 ( 25 V) 7 10 ( 50 V) Q 2 Triac CR 1 Bridge network 7, 8 IN I4.OOI4. K Switching relays RT 1 Thermistor - 1 milliamp A 1 CA 3059 Strips I6I4. - comparable to: Cat. No. ST 1018 Of Hotwatt, Inc., Danvers, Mass, Cat, No, HF-l^lll. of Ogden, Inc,, Arlington Heights, Ill.

Cat, No. S-II4.05 of Chromalox, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Where the term switch is used herein, it will be understood that various sensors may be substituted.

Claims (5)

1. Apparatus for binding apertured sheets together using a first strip, a plurality of thermoplastic studs projecting from and spaced longitudinally along said first strip and a second strip formed with holes spaced longitudinally of said 5 second strip at intervals complementary to said studs, said apparatus comprising a frame having a pair of spaced sides and a platen to support said sheets with their apertures aligned with said holes with said first strip above said sheets with said studs extending through said apertures and said 10 holes and protruding below said second strip, a pressure bar, cooperating means on said sides and bar for guiding movement of said bar from a first position above said platen to a second position adjacent said platen and resting on top of said first strip, actuating means for pressing said pressure 15 bar against said first strip, a motor driving said actuating means, and means for lifting said pressure bar back to said first position, said lifting means comprising a first segmental gear fixed to a shaft driven by said motor, a first link pivotably connected to said pressure bar and a crank 20 oscillatable on said frame, a second segmental gear fixed to said crank and engaging and being oscillatable by said first gear for only a short arc of the rotation of said first gear at the end of the binding cycle, a linkage including a second link pivoted to said frame and to the free end of 25 said first link; said crank having means to engage said second link when said second gear is turned to pivot said second link and thereby lift said first link and lift said pressure bar to said first position. - 23

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a switch mounted on the bottom edge of said pressure bar positioned to be closed when said pressure bar rests on said first strip, said switch being wired when closed to energise said motor.

3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein further said platen has a depression at its rear edge shaped to receive said second strip, a vertical backstop at the rear of said depression, mounting means mounting said backstop on said frame for horizontal movement relative to said frame, means biasing said backstop for forward movement, whereby when a second strip is placed in said depression said backstop is pushed rearwardly a distance dependent upon the width of said second strip and said backstop restrains rearward movement of said sheets supported by said platen so that the apertures in said sheets are aligned with said holes in said second strip.

4. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, wherein further said backstop is removable from said mounting means for replacement with a backstop of different height to accommodate different thicknesses of stacks of sheets. 5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein further said actuating means for said pressure bar comprises a vertically reciprocating member adjacent said frame, a bracket connecting said pressure bar to said reciprocating member, said bracket being replaceable with a bracket of different length, the difference in length corresponding to the differences in height of said back stops. - 24 sieso 6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an electric circuit for said motor having means to drive said motor at fast or slow speeds and a manual switch in said circuit selective to drive said motor at either of 5 said speeds. 7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein further said motor is of variable speeds and has manually selective means for varying the speed of said motor at least between a slow speed and a fast speed, sensor means for sensing 10 the height of said sheets on said platen, and an electric circuit including said manually selective means, said motor and said sensor means to override said manually selective means to drive said motor at slow speed when the height of said sheets exceeds a predetermined height. 15 8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a cutter bar having a plurality of knife blades positioned to cut off portions of said studs protruding below said second strip, means to move said blades from a first position remote from said studs to a second position whereby 20 said blades cut off said portions of said studs, heating means for said cutter bar, said heating means comprising a resistance heated strip between first and second heat insulators on one side of said cutter bar to form a sandwich, a third heat insulator above said sandwich, a cover above said third heat 25 insulator, a fourth heat insulator below said cutter bar, said support being below said fourth heat insulator, means securing said cover, said cutter bar, said sandwich, said third and fourth heat insulators and said support together, temperature stoao - 25 sensing means sensing the temperature of said cutter bar, and an electric circuit including said sandwich and said temperature sensing means to maintain said blades at a preselected temperature.

5. 9. Apparatus according to claim 1 for binding apertured sheets together, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.