Binding line book tracking system and method

A method of tracking books in a binding line, comprising the steps of:

• transporting books along a first binding line section to a book exit station in an independently operable manner relative to a second binding line section;
• transferring books from said book exit station of said first binding line section to a book entry station of said second binding line section;
• tracking books leaving said book exit station and entering said book entry station through time and space between said first and second binding line sections;
• and
• transporting books along said second binding line section from said book entry station in an independently operable manner relative to said first binding line section;
• said books being transported along said first binding line section in asynchronous relation to said books being transported along said second binding line section.

A method of tracking books in an asynchronous multi-section binding line, comprising the steps of:

• transporting books along at least one first binding line section to a book exit station in an independently operable manner relative to at least one second binding line section;
• mechanically transferring books from said book exit station of said first binding line section(s) to a book entry station of at least one of said second binding line section(s);
• electronically tracking books leaving said book exit station and books entering said book entry station through time and space between said first and second binding line section(s);
• and
• transporting books along said second binding line section(s) from said book entry station thereof in an independently operable manner relative to said first binding line section(s).

An asynchronous multi-section binding line, comprising:

• at least one first binding line section including means for transporting books therealong to a book exit station;
• at least one second binding line section including means for transporting books therealong from a book entry station;
• mechanical means for transferring books from said book exit station of said first binding line section to said book entry station of said second binding line section;
• said means for transporting books along said second binding line section(s) being independently operable relative to said means for transporting books along said first binding line section(s);
• and
• electronic means associated with books leaving said book exit station and books entering said book entry station for tracking books through time and space between said first and second binding line sections.

An asynchronous multi-section binding line, comprising:

• a first binding line section including means for transporting books therealong to a book exit station;
• first mechanical means for transferring books from said book exit station of said first binding line section to a book entry station of a second binding line section;
• first electronic means associated with books leaving said book exit station of said first binding line section and books entering said book entry station of said second binding line section for tracking books through time and space between said first and second binding line sections;
• said second binding line section including means for transporting books therealong to a book exit station;
• said means for transporting books along said second binding line section being independently operable relative to said means for transporting books along said first binding line section;
• second mechanical means for transferring books from said book exit station of said second binding line section to a book entry station of a third binding line section;
• and
• second electronic means associated with books leaving said book exit station of said second binding line section and books entering said book entry station of said third binding line section for tracking books through time and space between said second and third binding line sections;
• said third binding line section including means for transporting books therealong to a book exit station;
• said means for transporting books along said third binding line section being independently operable relative to said means for transporting books along said second binding line section.