Punching and binding system and elements thereof

US7665943B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Esselte Business BVBA · BE

Inventors

• Paul Lemens · Scottsdale, US
• Ronald J. Hoffman · Phoenix, US
• David Miller · Phoenix, US
• Jeppe Glaser · Scottsdale, US
• David A. Muckridge · Glendale, US
• David Aitchison · Phoenix, US
• Robert Leack · Scottsdale, US
• Christopher Holman · Mesa, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 6, 2005
• Grant date: Feb 23, 2010
• Expiry date: Jan 23, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T83/9423
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for punching and binding a stack of papers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a paper clamp and a binding element insertion device that are movable relative to each other. The binding element insertion device is configured to receive and detect binding elements of different sizes. The apparatus also includes a punching mechanism, a controller, and a user interface. The controller controls movement of the paper clamp and the binding element insertion device based on the size of the binding element needed to bind the stack of papers together. The user interface is configured to provide information to a user of the apparatus and to receive input from the user before, during, and after the punching and binding operation.