Apparatus and method for applying adhesive to books

An apparatus comprising:

• means for moving books in a spaced apart relationship along a predetermined path along which each book receives at least one length of adhesive;
• a first roller rotatable about its longitudinal central axis and having an outer cylindrical surface for receiving lengths of adhesive;
• a second roller rotatable about its longitudinal central axis and having a outer cylindrical surface for receiving lengths of adhesive;
• a first glue gun for applying adhesive to said outer surface of said first roller, the adhesive being applied to said outer surface of said first roller being of lengths equal to first lengths of adhesive to be applied to the books, the first lengths of adhesive being spaced apart by first nonadhesive lengths, the first nonadhesive lengths being equal to the spacing between adjacent first lengths of adhesive on the books, a first length of adhesive being transferred from said outer surface of said first roller to a book when the book moves along said predetermined path and into contact with the first length of adhesive;
• and
• a second glue gun spaced apart at a predetermined distance from said first glue gun for applying adhesive to said outer surface of said second roller, the adhesive being applied to said outer surface of said second roller being of lengths equal to second lengths of adhesive to be applied to the books, the second lengths of adhesive being spaced apart by second nonadhesive lengths, the second nonadhesive lengths being equal to the spacing between adjacent second lengths of adhesive on the books, a second length of adhesive being transferred from said outer surface of said second roller to a book when the book moves along said predetermined path and into contact with the second length of adhesive.

A method for applying lengths of adhesive to books spaced apart from one another, said method comprising the steps of:

• moving the books in a spaced apart relationship along a predetermined path along which each book receives a length of adhesive;
• supporting a roller for rotation about its longitudinal central axis so that its outer cylindrical surface of said roller rotates in said predetermined path;
• applying adhesive to said outer surface of said roller as said roller rotates about its longitudinal central axis, the adhesive being applied to said outer surface of said roller being of lengths equal to lengths of adhesive to be applied to the books;
• spacing the lengths of adhesive apart by nonadhesive lengths, a nonadhesive length being equal to the spacing between adjacent lengths of adhesive on the books;
• and
• transferring a portion of a length of adhesive from said outer surface of said roller to a book when the book moves along said predetermined path and into contact with the portion of the length of adhesive.