COMPACT BOOK BINDING MACHINE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device, system and a method for automatic books binding and in particular, to such a device, system and method in which automatic book binding is provided with a compact device comprising a vertically rotatable drum.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional book manufacturing included a number of individual stages to bring about the finished products, that involved a great deal of planning and individual processing, including printing the book block, cover, trimming the pages to size, binding and pressing the cover onto the book block. The book binding process is preceded by a manual and lengthy set up process for each individual books to account for book dimension, where the individual process for example printing press, binding machines are individually set up to accommodate the specific dimension of a book and stages of book binding. Current technological advancement and

development in particular with printing technology has led to the production of printing on demand systems (herein referred to as 'POD'). And cost effective short runs of books, booklets, photo albums and etc (range from a single copy and up to few hundred copies).

Development of POD systems requires automation for each of the different stages in the book manufacturing process. Typically POD systems produce soft cover bound books that comprise a stacked plurality of text printed pages (herein referred to as a book block) having one edge which is referred to as the spine with a cover of a suitable cover stock that is generally thicker (heavier) than the text pages comprising the book block.

A milling station is used to prepare the spine of the book block to be milled and/or roughened by a driven blade so as to improve the spines' ability to accept the adhesive that would bind the cover to the spine of the book block. Prior to the application of adhesive the pages of each book block are usually jogged by specially developed machines so as to insure that the edges of the pages are properly aligned with one another.

Then, the book block is transported to an adhesive application station where adhesive is applied to the spine. The book block was then moved to a binding station at which the cover had been positioned and the spine of the book block with adhesive applied thereto was brought into engagement with the inside of the cover at a desired location and the cover was clamped to the book block proximate the spine so as to adhesively bind the cover to the book block. The adhesive application station may be provided with a rotary adhesive application wheel or drum that is at least partially immersed in a bath of cold or hot melt adhesive that may then applied to the spine of the book block.

The cover, which is usually pre-printed, has a front portion that overlies the front of the book block, a back portion that overlies the back of the book block, and a center portion spanning across the spine of the book block. During the binding process a suitable adhesive is applied between and/or directly on the spine of the book block and/or the inside face of the center portion of the cover, as described above. The cover is then folded around the front, spine, and back of the book block and is firmly clamped to the book block proximate the spine during assembly. In this manner, the adhesive is firmly pressed between the spine of the book block and the inner face of the center portion of the cover to properly adhere and/or couple the cover to the book block while simultaneously adhering and/or coupling the pages to one another .

Optionally, the bound book may then be transferred to a trimming station at which excess margins were trimmed from one or more and preferably from three sides of the book so as to produce a book of a predetermined finished size . SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the background by providing a device, system and method for a compact automatic book binding device. The compact book binding device most preferably for binding a book block to a cover about a spine, for binding printed matter for example including but not limited to books, albums, booklets, magazines, or the like.

An optional embodiment of the present invention provides for coupling and/or integrating the compact book binding device with other devices for processing printed matter for example including but not limited to, a manual printer, digital printers, inkjet printers, book trimming device, POD system, the like or any combination thereof.

An optional embodiment of the present invention overcomes the background art by providing a compact binding device that preferably maintains the book block spine in a stationary position while the varying activity required for book binding are preformed around the spine. One such activity performed about the spine while the spine remains stationary may for example include but is not limited to, milling of the spine prior to application of an adhesive, applying adhesive to the spine, pressing a cover onto the spine, any combination thereof, or any of processing station for processing the book block while binding.

Sensors within the context of this application may be defined in terms of its function. Sensors within the context of this application may be realized and/or otherwise provided in various form and/or based on varying technologies for example including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, chemical, organic, biomechanics, magnetic, MEMS, ultrasonic, infrared (IR), optical, acoustic, ultrasonic, nanosensors, or the like and any combination thereof. An optional embodiment of the present invention provides for a compact book binding device for binding a book block, the device comprising:

a) A housing comprising a plurality of concentric book binding stations including:

i) a receiving station for receiving the book block and book cover; and

ii) a milling station for milling the spine of the book block; and iii) an adhesive application station for applying an adhesive to the spine; and

iv) cover binding station for binding said cover to said spine forming a bound book; and

b) wherein said housing comprises at least one recess forming at least one of said receiving station, delivery station, book cover station, and any combination thereof; and

c) wherein said housing includes a vertically rotatable drum provided for rotating said book block between said plurality of book binding stations, the drum rotates about a horizontal axle, and wherein the drum includes a plurality of concentric arms about the axle wherein each arm comprises an elevating platform that may be displaced along the length of the arm for receiving and maneuvering the book block about the drum.

Optionally, the concentric arms are provided with at least two or more sensors for automatically measuring the book block dimensions selected from the group for example including but not limited to: spine height, book block (width) thickness, book block length or any combination thereof.

Optionally the elevating platform disposed on the concentric arms may be provided with at least one or more sensors for automatically measuring the length of the book block.

Optionally the displacement of the elevating platform provides for measuring the book block length. Optionally, the displacement of the elevating platform may be provided with at least two or more sensors including a down sensor and an up sensor.

Optionally a photoelectric sensor may be provided for measuring the spine height.

Optionally an ultrasonic sensor may be provided for measuring the book block thickness.

Optionally the plurality of concentric arms about the are evenly spaced about the horizontal axle.

Optionally the drum comprises at least two and up- to six arms concentrically spaced.

Optionally the housing comprises a book block inlet recess for accepting the book block, an outlet recess for delivering the bound book, a book cover inlet recess for accepting

Optionally the inlet recess and the outlet recess are disposed about the same surface.

Optionally the inlet recess and the outlet recess are disposed about different surfaces.

Optionally the housing comprises a book block inlet recess for accepting the book block, an outlet recess for delivering the bound book, a book cover inlet recess for accepting a book block.

Optionally the drum may be locked and unlocked into position at the different book binding stations.

Optionally the drum may be position at the different book binding stations with at least one or more sensors selected from the group for example including but not limited to lock sensor, unlock sensor, drum position sensor, or any combination thereof.

Optionally the at least one or more sensor may be disposed about each of the station and/or the book binding stations. Optionally the drum may be locked and unlocked into position by coupling a controllable latch with a corresponding locking recess about the drum.

Optionally each of drum arms comprises at least one locking recess. Optionally the cover binding station comprises an inlet for receiving a printed cover.

Optionally the cover binding station comprises a cover press for clamping or pressing the cover onto a book block in at least two directions comprising press and pinch.

An optional embodiment of the present invention provides for a book kiosk or book on demand system comprising:

a) a printer for printing a the book content including text and graphics; and

b) a compact book binding device according to an optional embodiment of the present invention.

Optionally, the system may further comprise a book trimming device.

Optionally the book block and the cover are provided individually.

Optionally the book block may be printed with the printer and the cover may be provided by an auxiliary device.

Optionally the book block and the cover are printed with the printer.

An optional embodiment of the present invention provides a method for binding a compact book binding device according to an optional embodiment of the present invention, comprising:

a) Receiving and securely fastening a book block oriented such that the spine may be in the up position about the periphery of a clamp arm; and

b) Receiving a cover; and

c) Sizing the book height and thickness with at least two sensors; and

d) Sizing the length of the book block with the elevating platform; and e) rotating the drum to a spine milling station and for milling the spine; and

f) rotating the drum to a adhesive applying station where appropriate adhesive may be applied to the spine;

g) rotating the drum to a cover binding station for coupling the cover to the book block in at least two direction including press and pinch; and

h) rotating the drum to a book delivery station for delivering the book.

Optionally the method may utilize detecting book block thickness, length and width provides for adjusting the ensuing stations to accommodate the book.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Implementation of the method and system of the present invention involves performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of preferred embodiments of the method and system of the present invention, several selected steps could be implemented by hardware or by software on any operating system of any firmware or a combination thereof. For example, as hardware, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In any case, selected steps of the method and system of the invention could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 A is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary compact book binding device according to an optional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. IB is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary print on demand and/or book kiosk system comprising the compact book binding device according to an optional embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary portion of a milling station according to an optional embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A-F are schematic illustrative diagrams of an exemplary compact book binding device according to an optional embodiment of the present invention; FIG 2D-F show varying views and dimension of book binding device according to an optional embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3A-C are schematic illustrative diagrams showing varying perspective cutaway views of an exemplary compact book binding device according to an optional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A-B are schematic illustrative diagrams showing a close up view of the drum according to an optional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A-C is a schematic illustrative diagram showing a side view of an exemplary elevating platform according to an optional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustrative diagram showing a perspective view of a cover binding station according to an optional embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is of a device, system and a method for book binding in a compact device utilizing a vertically rotating drum and/or vertical index table about a horizontal axle. Optionally the book binding device may form part of a larger print on demand system and/or a book kiosk comprising automatic printing and trimming facilities. Optionally the device may be coupled and/or integrated with other devices and /or systems for processing printed matter, for example including but not limited to a printing press, manual printer, digital printer, digital printing press, trimming device, the like, or any combination thereof.

Most preferably the compact book binding device provides a device that maintains a book block spine in a stationary clamped position while the different binding processes for example including but not limited to spine milling, applying adhesive to the spine, and finally binding a cover are performed about the spine while the spine itself remains in a stationary clamped position.

Most preferably the compact book binding device provides a device that comprises an autonomous set up and/or calibration process such that the device measures each book block to be bound and automatically adjusts the different binding process steps according to at least one or more of the book block dimensions. The principles and operation of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. The following reference labels listed below are used throughout the drawings to refer to objects having similar function, meaning, role, or objective.

50 book block;

52 spine;

54 cover;

100 compact book binding device;

102 housing;

104 motor;

106 horizontal axle;

108 controlling electronics;

108b control button;

110 drum/vertical index table;

110a drum arm/index table fixtures;

110L drum locking Latch;

HOr drum locking recess;

110s drum sensor;

112 elevating platform;

112d elevating platform directional arrow;

112s elevating sensor;

114 book block clamp;

116 clamp actuator;

118 clamping apparatus;

120 receiving station;

120s book block sensor;

130 milling station; 140 adhesive application station;

150 cover binding station;

150i cover inlet;

150m coupling motor;

150p pinching platform; and

160 delivery station; and

200 printing device;

300 trimming device;

500 POD system and/or book kiosk

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1A is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary compact book binding device 100 according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. Compact book binding device 100 comprises a housing 102, optionally housing 102 having dimension of about 1 cubic meter, more preferably less than 1 cubic meter. Optionally housing 102 may be provided with dimension of about 60 cm length, 60 cm width and 1 meter height. Optionally housing 102 may be provided with dimensions of about 107.8 centimeter length, 91.2 centimeter width and 98.4 centimeter height, for example.

Compact book binding device 100 most preferably provides for binding a printed book block 50 with a plurality of stations disposed internally to device 100 and within housing 102. Most preferably device 100 provides for processing a printed book block 50 that forms a spine 52 over which a cover 54 is bound to form a bound book. Most preferably device 100 is oriented to receive a printed book block where the book block spine is oriented externally toward the periphery of housing 102, and most preferably at the peripheral edge of arm/fixture 110a. Most preferably spine 52 is oriented such that it provides for allowing all processing stations to work around and about the spine 52 while it remains stationary and clamped within arm 110a. Most preferably device 100 comprises a book block receiving station 120 for receiving and/or delivering a book block, a spine milling station 130, an adhesive applying station 140 for applying an adhesive to the spine, and a cover binding station 150 for binding a cover to the spine. Optionally device 100 may further comprise a delivery station 160 for delivering a bound book block.

Most preferably device 100 is controlled and rendered functional with appropriate controlling electronics module 108 comprising power supply and controller for powering and controlling device 100.

Compact book binding device 100 most preferably centers about a vertically rotatable drum 110 that is optionally and preferably centered internally within housing 102. Vertically rotatable drum/vertical index table 110 may interchangeably be referred to and/or provided in the form of a vertical index table. Most preferably rotatable drum 110 comprises at least one and more preferably plurality of concentric arm 110a, interchangeably referred to as index table fixtures 110a, provided for maneuvering a book block between the various stations, in the vertical plane 106d about horizontal axle 106.

Optionally drum 110 may be provided with up to six concentric arms 110a. Optionally drum 110 may be provided with 2 or 3 or 4 or 6 arms 110a. Most preferably arms 110a are evenly distributed about drum 110, for example a drum comprising six arms 110a may be evenly disposed such that each arm is disposed 60 degrees apart from one another.

Drum 110 optionally and preferably provides for rotating a book block 50 about a plurality of book binding stations while most preferably

maintaining spine 52 in a fixed position within the arm preferably utilizing a clamp 118. Most preferably vertical index table 110 rotates vertically from the various book binding stations for example including but not limited to milling station 130, adhesive application station 140 and cover binding station 150 therein most preferably providing for binding a printed book block 50 with a cover 54 about spine 52 in a compact device housing 102. . Most preferably drum 110 is vertically rotatable, as shown with directional arrow 106d, about a horizontal axel 106 that is driven with a motor 104 and controlled and powered with electronics 108. Optionally the face of drum 110 may be provided in any geometric shape for example including but not limited to circular, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagon, polygonal, or the like. Optionally and preferably the face of drum 110 may be decided according to the number of arms 110a. Optionally and preferably the face of drum 110 may be decided according to the number of arms 110a or the number of stations disposed within binding device 100.

Optionally and preferably vertical index table/drum 110 may be provided with at least one and more preferably a plurality of sensors 110s. Optionally sensors 110s may be disposed about any portion of drum 110, most preferably about arms 110a. Sensors 110s may for example include but is not limited to position sensors, lock sensors, drum position sensor, lock position sensor, unlock position sensor, lock sensor, any combination thereof or the like.

Optionally and preferably drum 110 may comprise at least one and most preferably a plurality of elevating platforms 112 about individual drum arms 110a. Optionally and preferably each arm 110a is provided with an elevating platform 112. Optionally and preferably elevating platform 112 is provided to position book block 50 and spine 52 to a processing position by sliding along the radial axis of vertical table 110, for example as depicted with directional arrows 112d. The term processing position refers to a position within drum 110 and drum arms 110a that provides for accurately binding the book block 50 to a cover 54 about spine 52.

Most preferably an elevating platform is maneuverable bout the drum 110 radial axis between the drum periphery or perimeter and the drum center defined by axle 106, as depicted by directional arrow 112d. Elevating platform 112 may comprise at least one or more sensors 112s. Optionally sensors 112s may for example include but is not limited to directional sensors, position sensors, up sensor, down sensor or the like. Most preferably each drum arm 110a may be provided with at least one or more clamp apparatus 118 comprising book block clamp arms 114 and a clamp actuator 116. Optionally and most preferably clamp apparatus is further coupled and/or otherwise associated with elevating platform 112. Most preferably clamp apparatus 118 provides for clamping, grasping, fastening and/or otherwise securely holding a book block 50 within clamp arms 114 preferably controlled with a clamp actuator 116. Most preferably clamp apparatus 118 retains and/or holds a book block 50 through the entire binding process. Optionally and preferably clamp 118 may be a spring operated clamp. Optionally clamp 118 by default is in a closed and/or clamped configuration.

Optionally and most preferably clamp apparatus 118 and elevating platform 112 provide determining and/or otherwise measuring a book block dimensions including length, height (combining for page size), and width (thickness). Most preferably such book block dimension is provided automatically by device 100 characterizes and provides for automatically setting up, adjusting and/or conforming the book binding process to the printed book block being bound.

Optionally device 100 may be operated in a standalone mode that may be manually operated by a user as shown in Figures 2A-C. Optionally device 100 may be operated in an in-line manner as part of a POD system, as described in Figure IB.

An optional embodiment of the present invention for device 100 provides its manual standalone operation, where a printed book block 50 is manually fed into device 100 via receiving station 120 as shown in Figure 2 A, where most preferably station 120 acts both to manually load and unload the book block. Optionally and preferably in order to receive book block 50 index table 110 rotates to align an index table fixtures 110a with station 120. Then a clamp actuator 116 is utilized to open book clamp 118 and elevate elevating platform 112 to receive a book block 50. An operator places book block 50 within clamp 118 between clamp arms 114 and onto the elevating platform 112, most preferably book block 50 is oriented such that spine 52 is on the outer and/or peripheral edge of fixture 110a. Optionally book block 50 is manually placed within clamp 118. Optionally the book block may be placed to one side of the book clamp 118 to position the book block spine 52. Most preferably the position of book block 50 and spine 52 is verified so that spine 52 is positioned correctly, for example with a sensor, position sensor, and/or actuator according to varying technology as is known and accepted in the art. Next an operator and/or user activates device 100 for example with activation actuator 108b, where elevating platform initiates to slide down about radial axis 112d toward index table center 106. Next, elevating platform 112 stops sliding when an indicator, for example provided in the form of a sensor, position sensor, and/or actuator or the like, indicates that book block spine 52 is correctly positioned at the processing position. Book block clamp 118 is then clamped shut to close and hold the book block 50 in position for the remainder of the binding process.

An optional embodiment of the present invention provides for automatic feeding and in-line loading of a book block 50 within device 100, for example as illustrated in Figure IB. For example, a POD system 500 comprises printing machine 200 print a book block on a book block inlet buffer, once a book block 50 is ready for binding, an optional sliding unit directs book block 50 to loading inlet 120 where most preferably an inlet actuator positions book block 50 within book block clamp 118.

Optionally milling station 130, for example as shown in Figure 1C, provides for milling spine 52 so as to improving the ability of spine 52 to accept an adhesive. Optionally milling is provided at varying depth optionally up to about 2 millimeters (mm). Milling station 130 may for example be provided in the form of a disc 132 with cutters and/or blades 134 provided to mill and/or roughen book block spine edge 52. For example a milling disc may rotate a milling spindle over spine 52, therein sliding along its length, while spine 52 remains stationary. Optionally the spine 52 is milled at an angle, optionally the milling angle may be controlled. Optionally the milling angle may be determined as a function of the book block 50 dimensions. Optionally station 130 may be further equipped with a milling refuse collection apparatus for example in the form of a vacuum or the like refuse collection system.

Optionally adhesive application station 140 is provided to function with a plurality of adhesive types for example including but not limited to wax based, water based, hot adhesive, cold adhesive, melt adhesive, a polyurethane adhesive (herein referred to 'PUR') or the like as is known in the art. Most preferably station 140 applies the required amount of adhesive to spine 52 sufficient to bind to cover 54. Most preferably an adhesive application actuator will slide along the book block spine 52 to apply the correct volume of adhesive. Optionally the volume of adhesive may be determined based on the size of book block 50 and/or spine 52, for example including but not limited to book height, length, and/or width. Optionally adhesive actuating unit may be provided with a rotary adhesive application drum that may be partially immersed in a melt adhesive bath.

Optionally cover loading unit 150 is provided for loading cover 54 into device 100 and/or system 500. Cover 54 may optionally and preferably be and/or are typically soft and pre-printed. Cover 54 comprises an outer face (54o) that overlies the front of the book block, an inner face (54i) that overlies the back of the book block, and a center portion (54c) spanning across the spine of the book block. Optionally and preferably cover 54 is manually loaded where an operator places cover 54 within the cover inlet 150i tray to allow cover 54 to slide within cover binding station 150 to its location and or destination so as ensure that cover 54 is aligned with book block 50 to ensure that cover binds over spine 52 about its center portion 54c. Optionally the cover 54 location may be determined based on the size of book block 50 and/or spine 52, for example including but not limited to book height, length, and/or width. Most preferably location of cover 54 in any of its portions for example center portion 54c is determined with the assistance of at least one or more sensors, and/or actuators.

Optionally cover 54 is coupled within cover binding station 150 with use of vacuum and/or appropriately sized clamps.

Optionally cover 54 may be fed automatically, for example as part of POD system 500 of Figure IB, that may be configured to work with a cover storage stock and/or cover magazine.

Most preferably the binding process comprises, cover 54 is maneuvered to a binding position, where an actuator folds cover 54 around the front and back surfaces of book block 50, about the center portion 54c. Cover 54 is the preferably firmly clamped onto the book block 50 about the spine 52 and cover center portion 54c. Most preferably this allows for the adhesive to be firmly pressed between spine 52 and inner face of the center portion 54c to properly adhere cover 54 to the book block 50 and the pages to one another.

Optionally and preferably cover 54 is firmly clamped onto book block 50 with at least two clamps, from either side of the book spine 52 most preferably pinching the book cover to allow it to securely cure the adhesive.

Optionally delivery station 160 also may be referred to as an unloading station that may be utilized when configuring the system to be part of a POD system, for example as described in Figure IB, system 500.

Optionally and preferably once a book block 50 is bound to cover 54 the drum 110 rotates to delivery station 160, first a clamp 118 is opened to release the book. Then the bound book is lifted, spine side up with elevating platform 112 and transported for further processing for example trimming or the like for sizing the book to its final size.

Figure IB is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary print on demand and/or book kiosk system 500 comprising the compact book binding device 100 according to an optional embodiment of the present invention, for example as described in Figure 1 A. Most preferably system 500 comprises a human interface, for example a computer processor and display for storing, processing, displaying and/or otherwise interfacing with a user for example for selecting a book to print, a printing device and/or system 200 for printing a book block and a compact book block binding system 100 for binding the printed book block. Optionally system 500 may further comprise a book trimming device and/or station 300 for trimming a bound or unbound book block.

Figures 2A-C show an illustrative schematic depiction of an optional compact book binding device lOOaccording to an optional embodiment of the present invention also illustrating the book binding process in its interaction with a user. Figure 2 A shows device 100 where a book block is manually fed into device for biding about a book block receiving station 120. Figure 2B shows the next step in the binding process where device 100 is manually provided with a book cover about a dedicated cover inlet 150i, for example. Figure 2C depicts the end of the process where a the book block shown in Figure 2A is now bound with the cover depicted in Figure 2B forming a bound book, that is optionally and preferably delivered to a user via a delivery station 160, optionally in the form of a recess about housing 102. Optionally the bound book may be delivered to the housing 102 recess forming receiving station 120. Optionally the cover may be fed via receiving station 120. Optionally the book binding process may be fully automated not requiring any manual manipulation or feeding, for example a cover may be automatically fed to device 100 via a dedicated cover stack or a book block may be automatically fed from a dedicated printer or press for example printer 200 described in Figure IB. Optionally device 100 may form part of a system, for example kiosk/POD 500 as described in Figure IB, therein the process of paper feeding and printing may be automated about the different segments of system 500. Now referring to Figures 3-6, collectively provide illustrative diagrams of varying views of an optional embodiment of the compact book binding device 100 according to the present invention is illustrated.

Figure 3 A provides a perspective cut away view of device 100 where housing cover 102 has been removed revealing the inner working of device 100 along with the frame of housing 102. Most preferably housing 102 houses device 100 in a compact manner as shown and provides a framework for securely fitting different stations forming the compact binding device 100.

Figure 3B provides a further cut away close up perspective view of device 100 from the cover binding station 150, revealing the cover inlet 150i provided to optionally and preferably received a cover for biding, for example as shown in Figure 2B.

Figure 3C shows a face on cut away view of device 100 showing the different stations comprising device 100, including receiving station 120 provided for receiving a book block for binding, drum 110 provided for maneuvering a book block about the varying binding stations, milling station 130, adhesive application station 140, cover binding station 150, delivery station 160.

Figure 3C illustrates device 100 comprising a single elevating platform 112 about one of its drum arms 110a, this is illustrative without the intent of being limiting as optionally and preferably each drum arms 110a may be provided, associated and/or otherwise coupled with an elevating platform 112.

Figure 4 A provides a close up face on view of device 100 with housing 102 and housing frame removed, providing a close up view of the components and stations of book binding device 100 and in particular drum 110. Drum 110 most preferably comprises a plurality of arm 110a that are preferably evenly distributed about axle 106 of vertically rotating drum 110. Most preferably a book block 50 is received at a drum arm 110a via receiving station 120. A book block 50 fed through station 120 is received about elevating platform 112 and clamping arms 114. Most preferably book block is received where the spine is oriented up toward the periphery of drum 110 and such that spine 52 is stationary while book block 50 is moved within device 100, allowing the different stations to process the spine 52 while spine 52 remains stationary.

Optionally clamping apparatus 118 and in particular clamp arms 114 provide for determining the book thickness (width). Optionally and preferably sensors disposed about arm 110a, optionally about clamp arm 114 and more preferably about elevating platform 112, provide for determining the book block height. Most preferably once book block is securely fasted and rests on elevating platform 112, platform 112 is maneuvered 112d toward the center of drum 110. Most preferably while platform 112 is maneuvered 112d, book block 50 dimensions for example length is measured and/or otherwise sensed, for example with sensors 112s, therein providing the full dimensions of the book block. Optionally and most preferably each station automatically adjusts its parameters according to the received book block 50 dimension to optimize the binding process with device 100.

Optionally and preferably each drum arm 110a is flanked by drum recesses HOr and corresponding sensors 110s provided for locking, and/or positioning drum 110 within device 100 about the individual stations 130, 140 and 150.

Most preferably once book block 50 is received, as described above, drum 110 rotates clockwise 106d about axle 106 utilizing motor 104, controlled with electronics module 108, arriving milling station 130. Milling stationl30 schematically illustrated provides for milling book block spine 52 to increase surface area for the adhesive and cover to improve the binding. Optionally and most preferably the book block spine remains stationary within elevating platform 112 by clamp 118 while milling station 130 is brought into contact with the spine 52 for milling.

Milling station 130 may for example be provided in the form of appropriate milling blades, or the like, for example as shown in Figure 1C. Optionally and preferably control of the amount of milling, the length of time, the depth of milling, milling angle, or the like milling parameters may be automatically determined according to the book block dimension determined at receiving station 120.

Following milling at station 130, book block 50 is rotated with drum 110 toward the adhesive application station 140. Most preferably adhesive application station 140 provides for applying at least one and/or more curable adhesive appropriate for binding books to the spine, for example in the form of wax based, water based, hot adhesive, cold adhesive, melt adhesive, PUR adhesive or the like. Optionally once drum 110 is in place adhesive is applied to the milled spine 52 of book block 50. Optionally and preferably control of the volume of adhesive to apply, how to apply the adhesive, the curing time, depth of adhesive application, or the like adhesive parameters may be automatically determined according to the book block dimension determined at receiving station 120, for example with platform sensors 112s, as previously described. Optionally an adhesive application actuator (not shown) may be provided to automatically apply the adhesive to the book block, for example in the form of an adhesive roller that is rolled along the length of spine 52, or in the form of an adhesive injector that injects adhesive along the length of spine 52.

Next a cover received via an appropriate inlet, for example inlet 150i, is coupled and/or otherwise fixed with the book block about the spine utilizing the binding station 150. Optionally station 150 comprises a press and/or appropriate motor and/or actuator for pressing cover 54 on the book block 50 about the spine 52. Optionally a cover 54 is pressed onto a book block with motor 150m, to press cover into place about the spine. Most preferably the location and appropriate location of cover 54 about spine 52 is determined and automatically set up according to book block 50 dimension, most preferably determined in receiving station 120 as previously described.

Following binding the bound book may be delivered to an optional dedicated delivery station 160 for example for further processing or to receiving station 120, other device and/or a user or the like.

Figure 4B provides a close up view of an optional embodiment for controllably locking and unlocking drum 110 in a particular position, optionally about housing 102 or housing frame. Most preferably drum 110 position control is provided with a controllable latch 110L coupling and /or mitigating with a corresponding locking recess 1 lOr about drum 110. Figure 4B further schematically depicts a plurality of drum sensor 110s disposed about drum 110.

Figures 5A shows a side view of an optional drum index fixture/arm 110a revealing both the clamp arms 114 and elevating platform 112, that may be controllably maneuvered along the radial axis 112d between axle 106 and the periphery of drum 110 as shown with directional arrow 112d. Most preferably clamping arms 114 provide for securely holding a book block while platform 112 provides for elevating the book block.

Figure 5B and 5C provide a perspective view of the receiving station 120 and specifically showing the clamping apparatus 118 comprising clamping arms 114 and actuator 116 in its down position.

Figure 6 shows a schematic illustrative diagram showing a cover binding station where a cover 54 is bound to a book block 50 about its spine 52. Optionally a book block is aligned, most preferably automatically most preferably according to book block 50 dimension, where the spine now milled in station 130 and comprising adhesive in station 140, is received onto a book cover about binding recess 150r, configured with respect to the size of the spine 52. Optionally cover 54 is further pressed and pinched against arm 110a comprising the book block 50, most preferably with an actuator 150m optionally in the form of a motor. Once cover 54 is bound to the book block 50, optionally following appropriate curing time, the vertical index table/drum 110 is activated to maneuver the bound book toward the delivery station 120 or optionally the delivery station

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiment, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not described to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Having described a specific preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Further modifications of the invention will also occur to persons skilled in the art and all such are deemed to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.