Binding machine

A book binding machine for binding sets of pages by gluing and the application of a cover, comprising a frame defining a straight guide path supporting a carriage which is adapted to be loaded with a set of pages and is coupled with a drive member adapted to reciprocate the carriage along the path, the said frame supporting in relation to the path a carriage loading station for charging the carriage with a set of such pages so as to be supported vertically by the carriage, a routing station for routing the back surface of the set of pages, a gluing station for applying adhesive to the routed back surface of the set, an encasing station for applying the cover on the back routed surface to which adhesive has been applied, in a cover and a discharge conveyor, said machine further comprising:

• a movable hood carried by the frame, covering the aligned stations and defining, for the carriage, an elongated passage window, parallel to the path and whose length is equal to the course of reciprocating movement of the carriage,
• and a band of relatively flexible material fixed and held taut at both ends of the carriage, having a width in excess of the window and guided by the frame so that a part thereof always shuts off the window at both ends of the carriage whatever the position thereof, said band extending in a plane under the window and above the stations.