Patent ID: 6042320
Filing Date: 2000-03-28
Classification: B42B

Abstract:
An automated spiral binding feeder system for feeding a helically formed binding element into an inserter station containing a stack of papers having a plurality of prepunched holes aligned along an edge of each paper in said stack, said binding element capable of insertion through said aligned holes to bind said papers in a book-like fashion, where each said binding element is packaged individually in spaced apart relationship along a bandolier strip consisting of a pair of continuous plastic sheets, with said binding elements positioned therebetween, joined together between adjacent said binding elements;said feeder system comprising a housing having first and second angularly disposed walls converging toward a horizontally positioned binding element pusher mechanism, where said bandolier strip containing binding elements is automatically fed along first said wall toward said binding element pusher mechanism, said pusher mechanism mounted for reciprocal movement for releasing said binding element from said bandolier strip and transmitting same out of said inserter station;a plastic sheet cutting blade associated with said binding element pusher mechanism for cutting one said plastic sheet,a horizontally disposed slot along said second wall for receiving and removing said binding element free bandolier sheets; and,a motor for reciprocally moving said binding element pusher mechanism, whereby said binding elements are individually caused to exit said feeder system into said inserter station.