US 2006/0263131 A1 · System for book printing and assembly using a pre-bound page block

Abstract

A printing apparatus configured to print on the pages of a block of printable pages that are pre-bound by a binding along a binding-edge of each page. The pages of the block are arranged in two interconnected stacks that are joined by the flexible binding. Printing is performed on the top surfaces of each of the stacks, and then a top page is redeployed from one stack to the other. During the redeployment process, the page is turned, thereby revealing an unprinted side of the page. Since the height of each of the stacks changes each time a page is redeployed, the printing apparatus includes two height-adjustable stack support tables each associated with a corresponding one of the two stacks. The support tables are configured to adjust their height so as to maintain the planar relationship of the top surfaces of each of the stacks. After printing, the printed pages are removed separated from the unprinted pages. A bookcover is then attached to the printed pages to complete the book.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for producing printed material, the method comprising:

(a) providing a block configured from a plurality of blank pages that are pre-bound by a binding along a binding-edge of each page;
(b) arranging said block so as to form two adjacent stacks interconnected by said binding, such that at least one of a plurality of the printable pages is deployed in a first stack and a remainder of said plurality of the printable pages are deployed in a second stack, and printable top surfaces of said first stack and said second stack are co-planar;
(c) generating relative movement between a printing device and said printable top surfaces so as to print on said top surface of at least one of said first stack and said second stack;
(d) redeploying a top page of said second stack to said first stack so as to produce new said printable top surfaces;
and
(e) repeating steps (c) and (d) as required to print a number of pages required.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System for book printing and assembly using a pre-bound page block

Life of this patent

System for book printing and assembly using a pre-bound page block

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20