Bookbinding: process and apparatus – Process – Of adhesive binding
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-07
2001-08-14
Wellington, A. L. (Department: 3722)
Bookbinding: process and apparatus
Process
Of adhesive binding
C156S578000, C222S420000, C412S009000, C412S037000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06273661
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to print media binding and more specifically to a method and apparatus for automated application of an adhesive to a stack of print media to “staple” or otherwise provide a binding of the stack.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In any collated, multi-page output hard copy, such as from an office printer, facsimile machine, copier, scanner having an automated document feeder, or the like, the end-user often desires an automated stapling or binding of each copy.
Some copiers have a built-in stapler which the end-user loads periodically with metal staples; each copy set, if not too high a stack, is manually aligned and inserted at one corner and the staple is electromechanically driven through the inserted edge or corner. Many high-priced, high-speed, copiers include a fully automated stapling-device, also using metal staples, in conjunction with an automated collator provided for collating and stacking the output. Each of such known apparatus are limited in the type and the position of binding of the copy set.
Adhesive-type binding has also been used to bind sheet media. U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,001 (Holmberg) proposes a prefabricated bindable sheet, with a solvent-activated adhesive on an edge. U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,356 (Bandy et al.) proposes a pivot-head fluid applicator useful in painting glue strips on web material. Gun-type glue sprayers are often used in medical applications; see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,759,171 (Coelho et al.). Hot melt glue guns are also known in the art; see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,661 (Otto). Roll-on application of glue for binding books is also known in the art; see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,353 (Ehlermann).
None of the prior art solutions provides a simple method nor apparatus for forming a “liquid staple” in a printer output. There is a need for a more flexible print media binding method and apparatus in a printed stack or copy set output. (The term “copy set” is used hereinafter to designate any stack of two or more sheets output, whether from a printer, facsimile machine, copier, scanner, or the like; no limitation on the scope of the invention is intended by the inventor nor should any be implied.)
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the present invention provides a device for binding a stack of sheet print media including: a cartridge having a plurality of nozzles for spraying a liquid adhesive; individually selectable drop generating devices adjacent each of said nozzles; and electrical controls for selectively firing drops of adhesive from each of said nozzles.
In another aspect, the present invention provides for a a method for binding a stack of sheet print media output by a hard copy printing apparatus, including steps of: collating and aligning a stack of output sheets; determining at least one position for binding the stack; firing a plurality of individual drops of glue from an ink-jet pen adapted for containing and firing droplets of said glue and thereby forming a predetermined adhesive binding at said at least one position.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a hard copy apparatus having an output means for collating and aligning sheet print media into a stack having a height dimension, including: a glue-jetting mechanism having a self-contained supply of liquid adhesive and a plurality of individually selectable set of nozzles; a controller for coordinating jetting of drops of glue from selected nozzles onto said stack based on said height dimension.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a glue jetting device including: a glue containment housing; a supply of glue within the housing; a thermal printhead mounted to the housing and fluidically coupled to the supply of glue; and a connector for transmitting control signals to said thermal printhead.
Some of the advantages of the present invention are:
it provides end-user selectively in the position of binding a copy set;
it can provide a liquid staple that can be removed without leaving holes in the print media;
it provides ability to bind relatively large copy sets;
it allows more than just single point binding;
it is adaptable to a wide variety of implementations;
it is a low cost solution to a wide variety of binding problems; and
it can conform to a wide variety of types of copy sets.
The foregoing summary and list of advantages is not intended by the inventor to be an inclusive list of all the aspects, objects, advantages and features of the present invention nor should any limitation on the scope of the invention be implied therefrom. This Summary is provided in accordance with the mandate of 37 C.F.R. 1.73 and M.P.E.P. 608.01 (d) merely to apprise the public, and more especially those interested in the particular art to which the invention relates, of the nature of the invention in order to be of assistance in aiding ready understanding of the patent in future searches. Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following explanation and the accompanying drawings, in which like reference designations represent like features throughout the drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4556353 (1985-12-01), Ehlermann
patent: 4665492 (1987-05-01), Masters
patent: 4669661 (1987-06-01), Otto
patent: 4975011 (1990-12-01), Holmberg
patent: 5129356 (1992-07-01), Bandy et al.
patent: 5194299 (1993-03-01), Fry
patent: 5605575 (1997-02-01), Anderson
patent: 5632853 (1997-05-01), Montandon, Jr. et al.
patent: 5634758 (1997-06-01), Leu
patent: 5720850 (1998-02-01), Otten
patent: 5759171 (1998-06-01), Coelho et al.
patent: 6074048 (2000-06-01), Hotomi et al.
patent: 6165406 (2000-12-01), Jang et al.
Carter Monica
Hewlett--Packard Company
Wellington A. L.
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for binding print media does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for binding print media, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for binding print media will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2461710