Patent Publication Number: US-2010119333-A1

Title: Punching and binding system and elements thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/294,359, filed Dec. 6, 2005, currently pending, and entitled “PUNCHING AND BINDING SYSTEM AND ELEMENTS THEREOF,” which claimed the benefit of priority from U.S. application Ser. No. 11/133,311, filed May 20, 2005, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,628,103 on Dec. 8, 2009, and entitled “PUNCHING AND BINDING SYSTEM AND ELEMENTS THEREOF,” which claimed the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/572,747 filed May 21, 2004 and entitled “PUNCHING AND BINDING SYSTEM AND ELEMENTS THEREOF,”. U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/613,509, filed Sep. 28, 2004 and entitled “CAM-DRIVEN PUNCHING APPARATUS,” U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/635,443, filed Dec. 14, 2004 and entitled “BINDING SYSTEM AND ELEMENTS THEREOF,” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/663,877, filed Mar. 22, 2005 and entitled “BINDING SYSTEM AND ELEMENTS THEREOF.” The entire content of each of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to combination document punching and binding systems and more particularly to punching and binding systems that utilize comb-type binders. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Combination paper punching and binding machines are known in the art. However, most current machines that are utilized in an office environment are specifically designed for one size of paper. In the United States, the majority of machines are configured to handle only letter size (8.5″×11″) paper. In Europe, the majority of machines are configured to handle metric A4 size (8.27″×11.69″) paper. In today&#39;s business world, however, it is not uncommon for an office to routinely handle both letter size and metric A4 size paper. As such, in order to have the capability to bind stacks of both sizes of paper, separate machines are required. Although some machines are configured to handle both sizes of paper, the spacing of the punches is optimized for one size or the other. This yields a good quality bound book for one size, but not the other. 
     In addition, most machines that are used in an office environment cannot handle a large number of papers at one time. This is due to their compact size and limited power. The power required to punch through many sheets of paper at one time is significant because, in most machines, multiple holes are punched simultaneously. This limits the amount of paper that can be processed at one time. Although machines can be designed with increased power, increasing the power of a machine necessarily increases the size and cost of the machine. 
     Moreover, desktop type binding machines that also have the capability of punching the holes, in the papers prior to the binding operation typically require significant operator interaction. A typical machine first requires the operator to lift the lid of the machine to the open position. The operator must find the correct size of binding element for the particular document that is about to be bound. The operator may select the “covers” setting on the machine, insert the covers into the machine, pull a lever to punch the covers, and then release, the lever. The covers must then be removed from the machine. The operator may then select the “document” setting on the machine, insert the document to be bound into the machine, pull the lever to punch the document, release the lever, and then remove the document. The covers are then placed on the document. The binding element is carefully loaded by hand onto the machine so that the binding element can be opened with a lever. The covered document must be loaded onto the opened binding element, sometimes in stages if the document is too thick. Once all of the pages of the document are loaded onto the binding element, the lever may be released to close the binding element. The document is now bound. 
     In view of the current state of the art, the inventors have endeavored to provide a wide variety of improvements to punching and/or binding apparatus. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present application discloses a wide variety of improvements in the punching and binding art. These improvements include: 
     a synchronized translating punching mechanism; 
     a binding element applicator that moves linearly to uncurl the fingers of a binding element; 
     a removable punch device for a punching mechanism; 
     a binding element with an advantageous pitch, and a book bound by such a binding element; 
     a cam-driven punching apparatus designed to accommodate the use of internal bore punches; 
     a movable paper clamp for a binding or punching and binding apparatus; 
     the ability to control movement of such a paper clamp depending on the size of a binding element; 
     a binding apparatus with a controller for controlling a position of a paper clamp to align punched holes with fingers of the binding element; 
     a pusher for properly positioning a binding element in a binding element insertion device; 
     a binding element that loads in only one orientation; 
     counting the number of punching cycles to signal for emptying of waste; 
     a user interface that displays information for guiding interaction with an apparatus; 
     a user interface with a display having a first portion for displaying information to guide the user&#39;s interaction and a second portion for indicating the current step being performed; 
     displaying an error message if the sensed size of the binding element does not correspond to the thickness of the stack being bound; 
     an indicator that provides information instructing the user which size binding element to insert; 
     a visual display that provides information about the binding apparatus while it is operating; 
     a cover for a stack of documents with holes arranged at an advantageous pitch; 
     an interlock device for locking a lid of a binding apparatus during operation; and 
     chad removers for disengaging chads from the punches. 
     Other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features of the invention are shown in the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like elements. The drawings form part of this original disclosure, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a binding system of at least one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a frame of a binding apparatus of the binding system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of one embodiment of a punch drive unit of the binding apparatus of the binding system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the punch drive unit of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view of the punch drive unit of the binding apparatus taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a power source and a flywheel of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional front view of the punch drive unit of the binding apparatus taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a crankshaft of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional front view of the punch drive unit of the binding apparatus taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of a portion of a translation mechanism of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of another portion of the translation mechanism of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 12  a cross-sectional front view of the punch drive unit of the binding apparatus taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded view of another shaft of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 14  a cross-sectional front view of the punch drive unit of the binding apparatus taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a partial top perspective view of one embodiment of a binding element apparatus as it is applies a binding element to a stack of paper; 
         FIG. 16  is an end view of a punch of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the punch taken along line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternative end to the punch of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an end view of a punch mount of the apparatus of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the punch mount taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of internal components of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a rear perspective view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a front perspective view of a frame of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 24  is an exploded view of a paper support base assembly of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a front right perspective view of a punch drive unit of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a partial exploded view of a top portion of the punch drive unit of  FIG. 25 , taken from a front left perspective; 
         FIG. 27  is a partial exploded view of a bottom portion of the punch drive unit of  FIG. 25  taken from a front left perspective; 
         FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of the punch drive unit taken along line  28 - 28  of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view of the punch drive unit taken along line  29 - 29  of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view of the punch drive unit taken along line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional view of the punch drive unit taken along line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional view of the punch drive unit taken along line  32 - 32  of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view of the punch drive unit taken along line  33 - 33  of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a close-up rear top perspective view of a portion of the punch drive unit of  FIG. 25  with a cover removed; 
         FIG. 35  is a close-up rear bottom perspective view of the portion of the punch drive unit of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a front perspective view of a binding element applicator of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 37  is an exploded view of a portion of the binding element applicator of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 38  is an exploded view of another portion of the binding element applicator of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a schematic of a metric A4 paper that has been punched with the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a schematic of an 8.5″×11″ letter paper that has been punched with the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of another embodiment of internal components of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 42  is another perspective view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 41 ; 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 41 , with a punch drive unit in an engaged position; 
         FIG. 44  is a perspective view of a punching apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 45  is another perspective view of the punching apparatus of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 46  is a top view of the punching apparatus of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 47  is a side view of the punching apparatus of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 48  is rear view of the punching apparatus of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 49  is a perspective view isolating the document support and select parts of the drive system of the punching apparatus of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 50  is a front view of the document support used in the punching apparatus of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 51  is a cross-section taken along line  51 - 51  in  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 52  is a side view of a punch used in the punching apparatus of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 53  is a cross-section taken along line  53 - 53  in  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 54  is a perspective view of the punch shown in  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 55  is a side view showing a cross-section of the document support and one punch to show the punch in the withdrawn position prior to punching the stack of documents; 
         FIG. 56  is a side view similar to  FIG. 55 , but showing a camming portion of a cam engaging the punch in a camming action to move the punch in a punching direction to form a hole in the stack of documents; 
         FIG. 57  is a perspective view of an alternative cam that can be used in the punching apparatus of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 58  is a perspective view of yet another alternative cam that can be used in the punching apparatus of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 59  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 55 , but showing an alternative punch; 
         FIG. 60  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 59 , but showing the alternative punch of  FIG. 59 ; 
         FIG. 61  is a top view showing selected parts of an alternative embodiment; 
         FIG. 62  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  62 - 62  in  FIG. 61 . 
         FIG. 63  is a top rear left perspective view of another embodiment of a binding apparatus of the present invention, with a cover removed; 
         FIG. 64  is a front left perspective view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 63 ; 
         FIG. 65  is a top front right perspective view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 63 ; 
         FIG. 66  is a top front right perspective view of a paper clamp of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 63 ; 
         FIG. 67  is a top rear right perspective view of the paper clamp of  FIG. 66 ; 
         FIG. 68  is a bottom view of the paper clamp of  FIG. 66 ; 
         FIG. 69  is a right side view of the paper clamp of  FIG. 66 ; 
         FIG. 70  is a top rear left perspective view of a binding element insertion device of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 63 ; 
         FIG. 71  is a bottom front right perspective view of the binding element insertion device of  FIG. 70 ; 
         FIG. 72  is a top view of the binding element insertion device of  FIG. 70 ; 
         FIG. 73  is a rear view of the binding element insertion device of  FIG. 70 ; 
         FIG. 74  is a cross-sectional view of the binding element insertion device along line  74 - 74  in  FIG. 72 ; 
         FIG. 75  is detail A of  FIG. 74 ; 
         FIG. 76  is a top front right perspective view of a binding element loading device of the binding element insertion device of  FIG. 70 ; 
         FIG. 77  is a bottom right perspective view of the binding element loading device of  FIG. 76 ; 
         FIG. 78  is a top view of the binding element loading device of  FIG. 76 ; 
         FIG. 79   a  is a front view of an embodiment of a large binding element to be used in the binding apparatus of  FIG. 63 ; 
         FIG. 79   b  is a front view of an embodiment of a medium binding element to be used in the binding apparatus of  FIG. 63 ; 
         FIG. 79   c  is a front view of an embodiment of a small binding element to be used in the binding apparatus of  FIG. 63 ; 
         FIG. 80  is a top view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 63  with the cover in place; 
         FIG. 81  is a schematic view of a controller of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 63 ; 
         FIG. 82  is a cross-sectional view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 63  as a plurality of papers are being loaded into the apparatus; 
         FIG. 83  is the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 82 , after the plurality of papers have been loaded, but before the papers have been punched; 
         FIG. 84  is the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 82 , after the papers have been punched and the paper clamp has moved the papers upward, as the binding element insertion device is moved into position relative to the paper clamp; 
         FIG. 85  is detail B of  FIG. 84 ; 
         FIG. 86  is the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 82 , with the paper clamp and the binding element insertion device in position, with a plurality of fingers of the binding element fully extended; 
         FIG. 87  is detail C of  FIG. 86 ; 
         FIG. 88  is the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 82 , with the papers bound by the binding element, and the bound papers being removed from the apparatus; 
         FIG. 89  is a top view of another embodiment of the binding apparatus with a user interface, with the apparatus in a standby state; 
         FIG. 90  is a top view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 89 , with a lid in an open position; 
         FIG. 91  is a top view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 89 , with the plurality of papers being loaded into the apparatus; 
         FIG. 92  is a top view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 89 , with the plurality of papers loaded in the apparatus and the user interface instructing the user to press an input device; 
         FIG. 93  is a top view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 89 , with the user interface instructing the user to load the binding element into the apparatus; 
         FIG. 94  is a top view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 89 , with the user interface providing the user with information regarding the size of the binding element to load into the apparatus; 
         FIG. 95  is a top view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 89 , with the user interface providing an error message to the user indicating that the wrong sized binding element has been loaded, and the correct size that should be loaded; 
         FIG. 96  is a top view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 89 , after the binding element has been properly loaded, with the user interface instructing the user to move the lid to a closed position; 
         FIG. 97  is a top view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 89 , with the user interface again instructing the user to press the input device; 
         FIG. 98  is a top view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 89 , with the user interface providing information about the status of the internal operations of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 99  is a top view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 89 , with the user interface instructing the user to move the lid to the open position; 
         FIG. 100  is a top view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 89 , with the user interface instructing the user to remove the bound plurality of papers from the apparatus; 
         FIG. 101  is a top view of the binding apparatus of  FIG. 89  showing the bound plurality of papers being removed from the apparatus; 
         FIG. 102  is a top view of one embodiment of a pre-punched cover that may be used with the apparatus shown in the Figures; 
         FIG. 103  is a top view of another embodiment of a pre-punched cover that may be used with the apparatus shown in the Figures; 
         FIG. 104  is a top perspective view of a punch receiving block of a punching mechanism of the apparatus of  FIG. 63 ; 
         FIG. 105   a  is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the punching mechanism of  FIG. 104  in the apparatus of  FIG. 63  with a punch in a rest position; 
         FIG. 105   b  is a view of detail D of  FIG. 105   a;    
         FIG. 106   a  is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the punching mechanism of  FIG. 105   a  with the punch in a punching position; 
         FIG. 106   b  is a view of detail E of  FIG. 106   a;    
         FIG. 107  is a perspective detailed view of a chad removal device of the punching mechanism of  FIG. 104 ; 
         FIG. 108   a  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 89  with a lid in an open position; 
         FIG. 108   b  is a view of detail F of  FIG. 108   a;    
         FIG. 109  is a flow chart of a method of operation of the apparatus of  FIG. 89 ; and 
         FIG. 110  is a flow chart of a binding sequence of the method of  FIG. 109 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  generally shows a binding system  10  of at least one embodiment of the present invention. The system includes an apparatus  12 ,  212 ,  412  for performing a hole punching operation and a binding operation on a stack of paper  14 , and a binding element  16  that is connected to the stack of paper  14  during the binding operation to yield a bound book  18 . 
     The apparatus  12  includes a housing  13  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and a frame  20  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) that is disposed within the housing  13 . The apparatus  12  also includes a punch drive unit  19 , an example of which is shown in  FIGS. 3-14 , that is disposed within the housing  13  and is supported by the frame  20 . A paper support base is also supported by the frame and includes a surface on which the stack of paper  14  can be placed when the stack of paper  14  is loaded into the apparatus  12 . The paper support base is structured such that when the stack of paper  14  is in a punching position, the stack of paper  14  is generally horizontal, and an edge  26  of the stack of paper  14  is oriented in a linear direction  28 . Alternatively, the stack of paper  14  may be held at another angle. Details of at least one embodiment of the paper support base that may be part of the apparatus  12  are discussed below. 
     The stack of paper  14  includes at least two sheets of paper (the term paper is being used herein in a very generic manner to encompass all types of material which may be bound as leafs of a book, and is not limited to pulp or fiber based materials). The term document may also be used to generically describe materials to be bound together. Thus, the terms “paper” and “document” may be used herein interchangeably and should not be construed as being limited to fiber based materials or synthetic materials, but should be construed as referring to materials to b bound together. The size of the paper may be standard letter size (8.5″×11″), metric A4 size (210 mm×297 mm), ledger size (11″×17″), or metric A3 size (297 mm×420 mm). When ledger or metric A3 sizes are used, the edges of the short sides may be oriented in the linear direction  28 . For example, when a stack of paper  14  that includes ledger paper is being used in the apparatus  12 , the 11″ side may be placed on the surface of the support base such that the 11″ side is oriented in the linear direction  28 . It should be understood, however, that the apparatus  12  could be used or designed for use with any size paper with any edge thereof in the linear direction  28 , and the ones mentioned herein are the ones most widely available. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3-14 , the punch drive unit  19  includes a frame  21  that is substantially shaped as a ‘C.’ This gives the frame  21  a large strength to weight ratio and a superior stress distribution, thereby allowing the frame  21  to be strong, while minimizing the weight of the apparatus  12 . However, the C-shape of the frame  21  is not necessary, and is only preferred. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the punch drive unit  19  of the apparatus  12  also includes at least one punch  30  that is constructed to punch through the stack of paper  14 . In at least one embodiment, the punch  30  is operatively connected to a power-operated punch drive mechanism  32 . The term “punch drive mechanism” is a generic structural term used to describe mechanisms for driving punches and is being used herein consistent with that definition. Although only a single punch  30  is shown in  FIGS. 3-14 , it is understood that a plurality of punches may be used. For example, two, three, or six punches may be mounted either side-by-side, or in a spaced apart configuration so that two, three, or six holes may be created upon a single stroke of the punch driver mechanism  32 . An embodiment that includes six punches is described below. 
     At least one embodiment of the punch drive mechanism  32  is discussed below and is illustrated in the figures. The punch driver mechanism  32  is operatively connected to a power source  34 , such as an electric motor. It is also contemplated that the power source  34  may be battery powered, or may operate off of direct current or alternating current, or may be hydraulically or otherwise driven. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source  34  preferably, but not necessarily, powers the punch driver mechanism  32  continuously, such that the punch driver mechanism  32  continuously moves, as further explained below. 
     The punch driver mechanism  32  is operable to reciprocally drive the punch  30  through a plurality of drive strokes and a plurality of return strokes. During the drive stroke, the punch driver mechanism  32  drives the punch  30  through the edge  26  of the stack of paper  14 . During the return stroke, the punch driver mechanism  32  withdraws the punch  30  from the edge  26  of the stack of paper  14 . A punch cycle includes one drive stroke and one subsequent return stroke. At the end of the punch cycle, a hole  36  is formed in the edge  26  of the stack of paper  14 . Also, it is contemplated that the punch  30  may be rotated like a drill so that the punch drills the stack of paper  14  rather than presses through the stack of paper  14 . All references to “punching” are intended to also include “drilling,” where applicable. 
     The apparatus  12  further includes a power-operated translation mechanism  38  that is constructed to affect relative translational movement between the paper support base and the punch  30  in the linear direction  28 . The term “translation mechanism” is a generic structural term used to describe mechanisms for translating an object, such as the punch drive mechanism,  32  in a linear direction, and is being used herein consistent with that definition. An exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the translation mechanism  38  is discussed below. The translation mechanism  38  and the punch driver mechanism  32  are synchronized such that, when the stack of paper  14  is in the punching position, the translation mechanism  38  affects the relative translational movement between the paper support base and the punch  30  during the hole punching operation in an indexing manner, as will be discussed below. 
     During the hole punching operation, after each occurrence of the punch  30  being withdrawn from the stack of paper  14  on the return stroke, the translation mechanism  38  affects the relative translational movement by a predetermined distance  40  in the linear direction  28  prior to each occurrence of the punch  30  engaging the stack of paper  14  during the next punch cycle. In other words, with respect to each punch cycle, the translation mechanism  38  operates to affect this relative translational movement by the predetermined distance  40  after the time the punch  30  has withdrawn from the stack of paper  14 , but before the punch  30  re-engages with the stack of paper  14 . This causes the stack of paper  14  to be punched along the edge  26  such that a series of holes  36  are spaced apart essentially evenly with a pitch  42  in the linear direction  28 . When there is a single punch  30 , the predetermined distance  40  is equal to the pitch  42 . 
     The synchronization of the punch driver mechanism  32  and the translation mechanism  38  may be controlled and executed in a number of ways, including but not limited to the use of servomechanisms and servomotors that may be operatively connected to a common controller that operates both the punch driver mechanism  32  and the translation mechanism  38  in a synchronized manner, such as a programmed controller. In the illustrated embodiment, a mechanical transmission gears the translation mechanism  38  to the power source  34  driving the punch driver mechanism  32 , but this construction is only an example and should not be considered limiting. Additionally, although the illustrated embodiments show the translation mechanism  38  moving the punch  30  relative to a stationary paper support base, the reverse could be done and the paper support base could be moved relative to a stationary punch. Further, although the illustrated embodiment shows the punch drive mechanism  32  and the translation mechanism  38  as being housed together and sharing a common power source, they could be distinct units and use separate power sources if desired. 
     In at least one embodiment, the punch driver mechanism  32  also includes a flywheel  44 , shown in  FIGS. 3-7 , that is driven by the power source  34  and is operatively connected to the punch  30 . The flywheel  44  is rotatably driven and is configured to store kinetic energy during rotation and to transfer energy to the punch  30  as the punch  30  engages the stack of paper  14  during the drive stroke. This enables the punch driver mechanism  32  to require less power, as the flywheel  44  will store kinetic energy prior to engaging the stack of paper  14 , and then release that kinetic energy upon engaging the stack of paper  14  to assist in driving the punch  30  through the stack of paper  14 . In the illustrated embodiment wherein an electric motor is used as the power source  34 , the flywheel  44  may allow the motor to be approximately one-sixth the size of a motor that would be used in the absence of the flywheel  44 . Also, the flywheel  44  may be used to manually cycle the apparatus  12  and back the punch  30  out from the stack of paper  14  in the event that power is lost to the apparatus  12  (i.e., by manually grasping and rotating the flywheel  44  to cycle the punch  30  back through a return stroke). Energy may be transferred from the flywheel  44  to the punch  30  through a series of gears and belts. While several gears are shown in the figures, it is contemplated that more or less gears and/or belts may be used in practicing the invention, and also the presence of gears and/or belts could be omitted such that the power source transmits force directly to the punch  30 . Additionally, in the broader aspects of the invention, the flywheel  44  is an optional feature and should not be considered limiting in any way. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate a portion of one embodiment of the punch drive mechanism  32 . As shown, the punch driver mechanism  32  may include a crank shaft  46  with an elongated link  48  disposed in between coaxial first and second portions  47 ,  49  of the crank shaft  46 . The elongated link  48  includes a first end  50  and a second end  52 . The first end  50  is operatively connected to the crank shaft  46  such that when the crank shaft  46  rotates, the second end  52  of the elongated link  48 , which is operatively connected to a punch piston  53 , moves in a substantially radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the crank shaft  46 . 
     As shown, the elongated link  48  is operatively connected to a rotatable transfer member  54  and a disc  56  by a connecting member  58 . The rotatable transfer member  54  and the disc  56  may be gears, pulleys, or any other type of rotatable member. As explained below, the disc  56  receives the force from the power source  34  through other gears constituting a transmission and provides the driving force to the punch  30  via the elongated link  48 . The connecting member  58  extends from the disc  56 , through the elongated link  48 , and to the rotatable transfer member  54 . In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting member  58  connects to the rotatable transfer member  54  and the disc  56  at connecting points  60  that are offset (i.e., eccentric) from the centers of the rotatable transfer member  54  and disc  56  (which are coaxial with the first and second portions  47 ,  49  of the crank shaft  46 ). This way, as the rotatable transfer member  54  and the second disc  56  rotate in tandem, the first end  50  of the elongated link  48  will travel circumferentially and the second end  52  will travel radially outwardly, inwardly, and outwardly as the rotatable transfer member  54  and disc  56  complete one revolution. This causes the punch piston  53  to move upward and then downward in a piston-like motion. The punch piston  53  moves upward during the drive stroke and downward during the return stroke. In  FIGS. 5 and 9 , the elongated link  48  is shown in its fully radially outward position. This position corresponds to the punch  30  being fully inserted into the stack of paper  14  and is the transition point between the drive stroke and the return stroke. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , another rotatable member  61  is disposed on the second portion  49  of the crankshaft  46 . As shown, a bushing  63  is provided so that the rotatable member  61  may rotate independently of the crankshaft  46 . The rotatable member  61  may be a gear, pulley, or any other type of rotatable member. As explained below, the rotatable member  61  is part of the drive train or transmission that drives the punch  30 . 
     Preferably, the rotatable transfer member  54  includes a contact portion  62  that is spaced radially from an axis about which the rotatable transfer member  54  rotates. The rotatable transfer member  54  is rotated continuously during the hole punching operation as the punch driver mechanism  32  continuously moves the punch  30  through the drive and return strokes. The function of this contact portion  62  will be discussed below in relation to the translation mechanism  38 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the translation mechanism  38  includes a rotatable drive member  64  that has a plurality of engagement surfaces  66  that are spaced radially from an axis about which the rotatable drive member  64  rotates. The engagement surfaces  66  are angularly spaced apart from one another essentially evenly. As will be discussed in further detail below, the translation mechanism  38  is constructed such that rotating the drive member  64  in an amount equal to the angular spacing of the engagement surfaces causes the translation mechanism  38  to affect the relative translational movement between the punch  30  and the paper support base by the predetermined distance  40 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer member  54  and the drive member  64  are constructed and arranged with respect to one another such that as the transfer member  54  is continuously rotated during the hole punching operation, the contact portion  62  repeatedly engages one of the engagement surfaces  66  at a point after each occurrence of the punch  30  being withdrawn from the stack of paper  14  on the return stroke to rotate the drive member  64  an amount equal to the angular spacing of the engagement surfaces  66 . Then, the contact portion  62  disengages the engaged one of the engagement surfaces  66  to cease rotation of the drive member  64  at a point prior to each occurrence of the punch  30  engaging the stack of paper  14  on the subsequent drive stroke. This operation is repeated continuously with the contact portion  62  engaging the engagement surfaces  64  sequentially. This synchronizes the punch drive mechanism  32  and the translation mechanism  38 . 
     Specifically, as mentioned above, rotating the drive member  64  in an amount equal to the angular spacing between the engagement surfaces  66  will cause the translation mechanism  38  to affect the relative translational movement between the paper support base and the punch  30  by the predetermined distance  40 . By arranging the contact portion  62  and the engagement surfaces  66  with respect to one another as described, synchronization is achieved wherein the translational movement occurs only during the time period between withdrawal of the punch  30  from the stack of paper  14  and re-engagement of the punch  30  with the stack of paper  14 . 
     Although the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 10  shows the transfer member  54  and the drive member  64  to be two components of a Geneva wheel, any type of intermittent gearing may be used to synchronize the punch drive mechanism  32  and the translation mechanism  38 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 10 , the drive member  64  is disposed on a shaft  68  such that the shaft  68  rotates when the drive member  64  rotates. A gear  70  is disposed on the shaft  68  adjacent to the drive member  64  such that the gear  70  rotates with the drive member  64  and the shaft  68 . Known techniques in the art may be used to attach the drive member  64  and the gear  70  to the shaft, including but not limited to the use of matching grooves in the shaft  68  and drive member  64  and the gear  70 , along with keys to key the drive member  64  and the gear  70  to the shaft  68 . 
     Additional optional gears  72 ,  74  may also be disposed on the shaft  68 . As shown, the gears  72 ,  74  may be attached to the shaft  68  with bushings  76 ,  78 , which allows the gears  72 ,  74  to rotate independent from the rotation of the shaft  68 . In the illustrated embodiment, the gears  72 ,  74  are both operatively connected to the rotatable member  61  that is disposed on the crank shaft  46 , as explained below, and are not considered to be part of the translation mechanism  38 . Instead, these gears  72 ,  74  are part of the transmission or drive train that couples the power source  34  to the punch drive mechanism  32 , and will be discussed below. These gears  72 ,  74  are mounted on shaft  68  for more compact packaging, and this construction is optional and should not be considered limiting. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate another portion of the translation mechanism  38  which, includes a shaft  80 , and a pair of rotatable members, including a first rotatable member  82  and a second rotatable member  84 . The shaft  80  includes external threads in a screw-like configuration and remains fixed to the apparatus frame  20  and extends in the above-mentioned linear direction  28  so as to be parallel to the edge of the stack of paper  14  in its punching position. The rotatable members  82 ,  84 , which include matching internal threads in a nut-like configuration that intermesh with the external threads of the shaft  80 . The rotatable members  82 ,  84  are rotatably attached to the punch drive unit  19  such that they are able to rotate about and translate along the shaft  80  to move the entire punch drive unit  19  in the linear direction  28 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the first rotatable member  82  is operatively connected by intermeshed teeth to the gear  70  that is driven by the drive member  64  such that when the drive member  64  rotates, the first rotatable member  82  rotates about the shaft  80 . Because the shaft  80  remains fixed and does not rotate, the rotation of the first rotatable member  82  causes the first rotatable member  82  to translate along the shaft  80  and move the punch drive unit  19  in the linear direction  28 . The design of the shaft  80  and the first rotatable member  82 , and particularly the relative gear pitches/ratio, are such that when the drive member  64  rotates intermittently, the rotation of the first rotatable member  82  causes the punch drive unit  19  of the apparatus to move a distance equal to the predetermined distance  40 . 
     The connection between the gear  70  and the first rotatable member  82  may be provided by gearing, a belt, or any other structure that provides translation from one rotating member to another rotatable member. As shown, the first rotatable member  82  includes a spur gear  86  fixed thereon and the gear  70  has axially extending splines on its peripheral edge for driving the gear  86  and hence the member  82 . The second rotatable member  84  is disposed on the shaft  80  such that is may interact with other rotatable members and gears to provide additional support to the punch drive unit  19  of the apparatus  12  so that translation in the linear direction  28  is smooth, accurate, and precise. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate another shaft  90  that is part of the drive train of the punch drive unit  19  of the apparatus  12 . A gear  92  is fixedly disposed on the shaft  90  so that it rotates with the shaft  90  and is operatively connected, by intermeshed teeth, to the gear  74  that is disposed on the shaft  68 . A pulley  96 , or gear, is disposed on the outside of the frame  21 , as shown in  FIG. 14 , and may be connected to the power source  34  and/or flywheel  44  directly by, for example, a belt (not shown). 
     In operation, the drive train of the illustrated embodiment drives the punch  30  in the following manner. The power source  34  and flywheel  44  are connected to the pulley  96 , by a toothed belt or otherwise, so as to cause the pulley  96  to rotate. This in turn rotates the shaft  90  and the gear  92  that is disposed on the shaft  90 . Rotation of the gear  92  causes rotation of the gear  74 . However, because the gear  74  is disposed on the bushing  78 , this rotation does not cause the shaft  68  to rotate. Rotation of the gear  74  causes rotation of the rotatable member  61  as they are also intermeshed. Similarly, because rotatable member  61  is disposed on the bushing  63 , this rotation does not cause the second portion  49  of the crank shaft  46  to rotate. Rotation of the rotatable member  61  next causes rotation of the gear  72  by their intermeshing. The bushing  76  likewise does not allow the rotation of the rotatable member  61  to cause rotation of the shaft  68 . Rotation of the gear  72  next causes rotation of the disc  56  by their intermeshed teeth, which then drives the elongated link  48 , and, hence, the punch  30 , and causes rotation of the transfer member  54 , as discussed above. The members of the drive train are designed with the proper gear ratios so as to provide the punch  30  with the power needed to punch through a large stack of paper  14 , yet allow for an overall compact design. By utilizing bushings and allowing gears to rotate independently of the shafts on which they are mounted, a significant amount of space is saved. 
     The apparatus  12  may further include a binding element retainer (not shown) that is constructed to receive the binding element  16  in an application position. In the application position, the binding element  16  extends in the linear direction  28  such that when the stack of paper  14  is in the punching position, a spine  102  of the binding element  16  is essentially parallel to the edge of the stack of paper  26  and fingers  104  of the binding element  16  are adjacent to the edge of the stack of paper. 
     Preferably, the spine  102  of the binding element  16  includes at least one notch  103  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) that corresponds to a protrusion (not shown) in the binding element retainer such that the binding element  16  may only be loaded into the binding element retainer in one orientation. This ensures that the binding element  16  is loaded into the binding element retainer in the proper orientation. The overall size of the binding element  16  will correspond to the height of the stack of papers  14  to be bound together. In at least one embodiment, the width of the spine  102  of the binding element  16  is consistent, independent of the overall size of the binding element  16 . Thus, a large binding element will have the same size spine  102  and longer fingers  104  as compared to a small binding element. However, it is contemplated to have other designs, such as where the spine  102  also increases in width as the stack of paper  14  increases in thickness. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , a binding element applicator  106  includes a leading portion  108 , a trailing portion  110 , and an intermediate portion  112  that connects the leading portion  108  and trailing portion  110 . The leading portion  108  and the trailing portion  110  are offset with respect to one another. 
     The binding element applicator  106 , the paper support base, and the binding element retainer are mounted to enable relative translational movement between the binding element applicator  106  and both the paper support base and the binding element retainer in the linear direction  28  during the binding element application operation. The binding element retainer remains fixed relative to the paper support base in the linear direction  28 . It is also contemplated that the binding element applicator could be fixed and that the paper support base and the binding element retainer could be moved relative to the stationary binding element applicator. 
     The binding element applicator  106  is positioned relative to the paper support base and the binding element retainer such that both the leading portion  108  and trailing portions  110  are oriented essentially in the linear direction  28 . When the stack of paper  14  is in the punching position and the binding element  16  is in the application position, the leading portion  108  is in alignment with the fingers  104  of the binding element  16  and spaced apart from the edge of the stack of paper  26 . Also, the trailing portion  110  is oriented in the linear direction  28  immediately adjacent the edge of the stack of paper  26 . 
     The binding element applicator  106  is configured such that, when the binding element  16  is in the application position and the stack of paper  14  is in the punching position, affecting the relative translational movement between the binding element applicator  106  and both the binding element retainer and the paper support base in the linear direction  28  such that the binding element applicator  106  travels along an entire length of the binding element  16  with the leading portion  108  leading and the trailing portion  110  trailing performs the binding element application operation in a manner to be discussed below. In the illustrated embodiment, the binding element applicator  106  is mounted to the punch drive unit  19  so that the punch drive unit  19 , and particularly the translation mechanism  38  therein, will move the binding element applicator  106  in the linear direction  28  relative to the binding element retainer and the paper support base. 
       FIG. 15  shows how the binding element application operation is performed in a schematic manner with other structures removed for clarity. During the binding element application operation, the leading portion  108  sequentially engages and uncurls the resilient fingers  104  against the bias of the fingers  104 . The uncurled fingers  104  are then sequentially received over the intermediate portion  112  and transferred to the trailing portion  110 . The trailing portion  110  then sequentially aligns free ends of the uncurled fingers  104  with the holes  36  punched in the stack of paper  14 . The trailing portion  110  then sequentially disengages from the uncurled fingers  104  to enable the resilient fingers  104  to resiliently deflect into the holes  36  punched in the stack of paper  14 . At the end of the binding element operation, the binding element  16  is attached to the stack of paper  14 , thereby creating the bound book  18 , which can then be removed from the apparatus  12 . 
     As can be appreciated from  FIG. 3 , the leading portion  108  is on one side of the punch  30  and the trailing portion  110  is on the other side in the linear direction  28 . The arrangement is such that the leading portion  108  engages the binding element fingers  104  and then the trailing portion  110  deposits those fingers  104  into the holes  36  formed by the punch  30 . In this construction, it is required to always translate the punch  30  and the binding element applicator  106  in the same direction, and they must be returned in the opposite direction back “home” for performance of another operation. 
     Alternatively, two binding element applicators  106  may be mounted to the punch drive unit  19  on a pivoted member. In this alternative, the trailing one of the binding element applicators  106  would be pivoted down into an operative position and the leading one would be raised. In both applicator members, the leading portion  108  would be aimed towards the punch  30  and the trailing portion  110  would be aimed away. The operation could then be performed with the punch drive unit  19  traveling in one direction so that the operative, trailing binding element applicator  106  performs the binding element application operation. At the end of the punch drive unit&#39;s  19  travel, the pivoted member could be pivoted so that the other applicator member  106  is operative and the first one inoperative. This would enable a subsequent operation to be performed with the punch drive unit  19  traveling in the opposite direction, thus avoiding the need for the punch drive unit  19  to return “home” between operations. 
     It should be understood that the binding element applicator  106  could be entirely independent from the punch drive unit  19  and would have its own power source. Further, the use of the applicator member  106  is optional in some variations, and the structure disclosed should not be considered limiting in any way. 
     The apparatus  12  may further include a stop member (not shown) that is movable between a paper loading position and an operating position. When the stop member is in the loading position, it defines a stop surface that extends in the linear direction  28  and essentially perpendicularly and adjacent to the surface of the paper support base for enabling the edge  26  of the stack of paper  14  to be abutted against the stop surface so as to facilitate locating of the stack of paper  14  in the punching position with the edge  26  of the stack of paper  14  oriented in the linear direction  28  in proper relation to the punch  30  and the binding element retainer. When the stop member is in the operating position, it is disengaged from the stack of paper  14  in the punching position so as to allow the binding element applicator  106  to move along the edge  26  of the stack of paper  14  in the linear direction  28 . 
     As an optional feature, the punch  30  is part of a removable punch device  118 . The removable punch device  118  includes the punch  30 , shown in  FIGS. 16-18 , and a punch mount  120 , shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . The punch mount  120  includes a peripheral wall  122  that defines a punch receiving bore  124 . The punch  30  is received within the punch receiving bore  124 . The punch mount  120  is constructed to be removably mounted to the punch piston  53  for enabling removal and replacement of the punch device  118 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the punch mount  120  may also include a protrusion  125  that acts as a key so that the punch mount  120  can only be installed in the punch piston  53  in only one orientation, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the punch piston  53  including a recess that is configured to receive the protrusion  125 . This ensures that the punch  30  is properly oriented relative to the stack of paper  14  to be punched when the removable punch device  118  is inserted into the punch piston  53 . 
     The punch mount  120  also includes a seat  126  that extends into the bore  124  and engages an end  128  of the punch  30  that is opposite a cutting end  130  thereof. The seat  126  is constructed to transmit force to the punch  30  when the punch driver mechanism  32  moves the punch device  118  through the drive stroke to punch through the stack of paper  14 . The seat  126  is constructed to mechanically fail when the force being transmitted from the seat  126  to the punch  30  exceeds a predetermined threshold selected as corresponding to an overload condition in the punch driver mechanism  32 . 
     The punch  30  may be designed such that it has a cross section that is substantially oval in shape. Other shapes are contemplated, including but not limited to rectangular, circular, and trapezoidal. In at least one embodiment, the cross section of the punch  30  is substantially a “D” shape. 
     The punch  30  is preferably made of a high strength steel and may include a coating to increases the hardness of the punch  30 , while decreasing the friction of the punch  30 . It is desirable to have a punch  30  with high hardness and low friction so that the force needed to cut through the stack of paper  14  is as low as possible. It is contemplated that a diamond like carbon (“DLC”) may be used to increase the hardness and decrease the friction of the punch  30 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the cutting end  130  of the punch  30  may include an angle θ so that when the punch  30  comes into contact with the stack of papers  14 , a leading edge  131  of the cutting end  130  contacts the stack of papers  14  first, thereby initiating a cut in the stack of papers  14  before the remainder of the cutting end  130  contacts the stack of paper  14 . Preferably, the angle θ is about 15 degrees. The cutting end  130  may also be beveled on the inside, as shown in  FIG. 18 . It is also contemplated that the cutting end  130  may include a double bevel, as shown in  FIG. 16 , such that the inside and the outside of the cutting end  130  are angled. This provides a cutting end with a very fine contact surface. Such a design will reduce the amount of force that is needed to cut through the stack of paper  14 , as compared to a cutting end  130  without the bevels. This design may be applied to any punch described in this application (or any other punch for that matter). 
     The punch device  118  may further include a flexible tube  132  that is operatively connected to the bore  124  at one end and to a paper waste container at the other end. As paper slugs are pushed into the bore  124  after each punch cycle, the paper slugs (i.e. the punched chads compressed together) enter the flexible tube  132  and are eventually emptied into the paper waste container. A small fan (not shown) may be used to create air flow to assist in moving the paper slugs from the punch device  118  to the paper waste container. 
     A cover  138  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) may also be used as part of the system  10 . Although it is contemplated that a two-piece cover may be used as part of the system  10 , in at least one embodiment, the cover  138  is a single piece that is configured to surround the stack of paper  14  on at least three sides. The cover  138  is typically wider than the stack of paper  14 . Therefore, it is desirable to center the stack of paper  14  within the cover  138  before the punching operation is started so that the finished product will have a professional appearance. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the apparatus  12  may also include a door  140  that allows the apparatus  12  to be closed. A centering and clamping mechanism (not shown) may be operatively connected to the door  140  such that when the door is closed, the cover  138  and the stack of papers  14  are held in place by the centering and clamping mechanism. The centering and clamping mechanism may also allow for the centering of the stack of paper  14  relative to the cover  138 . Of course, two mechanisms may be provided with one for centering and one for clamping. It is also contemplated that the centering and clamping mechanism may not be operatively connected to the door  140 . Instead, the operator may manually adjust the centering and clamping mechanism prior to closing the door  140 . 
     The apparatus  12  may further include a start sequence mechanism  150 . The start sequence mechanism  150  allows for the operator to initiate the punching and binding cycle. The start sequence mechanism  150  may be a button, a switch, or any other type of mechanism that allows the operator to initiate the sequence. As an optional feature, the start sequence mechanism  150  is operatively connected to an interlock device (not shown) that prevents the sequence from initiating if the door  140  to the apparatus  12  is open. Preferably, the interlock device also includes a sensor to sense whether the stack of paper  14  is present in the apparatus  12  so that if the apparatus  12  is empty, the apparatus  12  will not operate even if the apparatus  12  is on and the start sequence mechanism  150  has been activated. 
       FIGS. 21-38  illustrate another embodiment of the apparatus  212 . As shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the apparatus  212  includes a frame  214 , a paper support base  216 , a punch drive unit  218  and a binding element applicator  220 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , the paper support base  216  includes a paper support plate  222  and a paper support tray  224  that is supported by the paper support plate  222 . The paper support plate may be rigidly attached to the frame  214  and the paper support tray  224  may be rigidly attached to the paper support plate  222 . The paper support base  216  further includes an optional clamp  226  that may include an elongated plate  228  and a pair of support columns  230 . As shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the clamp  226  may be operatively connected to the paper support plate  222  to enable the stack of paper  14  to be clamped down and held between the clamp  226  and the paper support tray  224 . As shown in  FIG. 22 , the paper support tray  224  includes a surface  232  on which the stack of paper  14  rests. 
     The clamp  226  may be adjusted to accommodate stacks of paper  14  of different heights. As shown in  FIG. 22 , the elongated plate  228  may be received by a pair of posts  233  which assist in locating the elongated plate  228  and securing the elongated plate  228  at the proper height. 
     A pair of lateral positioning structures  235  are provided to correctly position the stack of paper  14  relative to the punch drive unit  218  so that the holes  36  will be properly positioned, regardless of the size of the paper in the stack of paper  14 , as further explained below. 
     As an optional feature, the paper support base  216  may further include a stop member (not shown) that is movable between a paper loading position and an operating position. When the stop member is in the loading position, it defines a stop surface that extends in the linear direction  28  and essentially perpendicularly and adjacent to the surface  232  of the paper support base  216  for enabling the edge  26  of the stack of paper  14  to be abutted against the stop surface so as to facilitate locating of the stack of paper  14  in the punching position with the edge  26  of the stack of paper  14  oriented in the linear direction  28 . This way, when the operator loads the stack of paper  14  into the apparatus  212 , the edge  26  of the stack of paper  14  is properly located with ease. The stop member may then be manually moved to the operating position so that is out of the path of the punch drive unit  218 . Alternatively, the stop member may be actuated so that it is automatically moved to the operating position when the apparatus  212  is closed, or when the operator initiates the punching operating, as further explained below. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates an example of the punch drive unit  218  that may be used in the apparatus  212 . The punch drive unit  218  includes a frame  234 , a cover  236 , a power source  238 , a flywheel  240 , a power-operated punch driver mechanism  242 , and a waste paper bin  244 . 
       FIGS. 26 and 27  show the punch drive unit  218  in further detail. The frame  234  of the punch drive unit  218  includes rail mounts  246  that allow the frame  234  to slide along rails  248  that extend in the linear direction  28  so as to be parallel to the edge of the stack of paper  14  and are mounted within the frame  214  of the apparatus  212 , as shown in  FIG. 23 . The rails  248  are configured to support the weight of the entire punch drive unit  218  and also allow the punch drive unit  218  to slide freely with little or no frictional resistance. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 26 and 28 , the punch drive unit  218  of the apparatus  212  also includes a punch  250  that is constructed to punch through the stack of paper  14 . An exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the punch drive mechanism  242  is discussed below and is illustrated in the figures. The punch driver mechanism  242  is operatively connected to the power source  238 , such as an electric motor. As with the previous embodiment, it is also contemplated that the power source  238  may be battery powered, or may operate off of direct current or alternating current, or may be hydraulically or otherwise driven. The power source  238  continuously powers the punch driver mechanism  242  such that the punch driver mechanism  242  continuously moves, as further explained below. 
     Similar to the previous embodiment, the punch driver mechanism  242  is constructed to be operable to reciprocally drive the punch  250  through a plurality of drive strokes and a plurality of return strokes. During the drive stroke, the punch driver mechanism  242  drives the punch  250  through the edge  26  of the stack of paper  14 . During the return stroke, the punch driver mechanism  242  withdrawals the punch  250  from the edge  26  of the stack of paper  14 . A punch cycle is defined to include one drive stroke and one subsequent return stroke. At the end of the punch cycle, a hole  36  is formed in the edge  26  of the stack of paper  14 . 
     The apparatus  212  further includes a translation mechanism  252 , shown in  FIGS. 28 , and  33 - 35 , that is constructed to affect relative translational movement between the paper support base  216  and the punch  250  in the linear direction  28 . An exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the translation mechanism  252  is discussed below. The translation mechanism  252  and the punch driver mechanism  242  are synchronized similarly to the embodiment discussed above, such that when the stack of paper  14  is in the punching position, the translation mechanism  252  affects the relative translational movement between the paper support base  216  and the punch  250  during the hole punching operation in an indexing manner, as will be discussed below. 
     During the hole punching operation, after each occurrence of the punch  250  being withdrawn from the stack of paper  14  on the return stroke, the translation mechanism  252  affects the relative translational movement by a predetermined distance  40  in the linear direction  28  prior to each occurrence of the punch  250  engaging the stack of paper  14  during the next punch cycle. In other words, with respect to each punch cycle, the translation mechanism  252  operates to affect this relative translational movement by the predetermined distance  40  after the time the punch  250  has withdrawn from the stack of paper  14 , but before the punch  250  re-engages with the stack of paper  14 . This causes the stack of paper  14  to be punched along the edge  26  such that a series of holes  36  are spaced apart essentially evenly with a pitch  42  in the linear direction  28 . When there is a single punch  250 , the predetermined distance  40  is equal to the pitch  42 . 
     The synchronization of the punch driver mechanism  242  and the translation mechanism  252  may be controlled and executed in a number of ways, including but not limited to the use of servomechanisms and servomotors that may be operatively connected to a common controller that operates both the punch driver mechanism  242  and the translation mechanism  252  in a synchronized manner, such as a programmed controller. In the illustrated embodiment, a mechanical transmission gears the translation mechanism  252  to the power source  238  driving the punch driver mechanism  242 , but this construction is only an example and should not be considered limiting. Additionally, although the illustrated embodiments show the translation mechanism  252  moving the punch  250  relative to a stationary paper support base, the reverse could be done and the paper support base could be moved relative to a stationary punch. 
     In at least one embodiment, the punch drive unit  218  also includes a flywheel  240  that is driven by the power source  238 , as shown in at least  FIG. 29 , and is operatively connected to the punch  250 . As explained above with respect to the previous embodiment, the flywheel  240  is rotatably driven and is configured to store kinetic energy during rotation and to transfer energy to the punch  250  as the punch  250  engages the stack of paper  14  during the drive stroke. This enables the punch driver mechanism  242  to require less power, as the flywheel  240  will store kinetic energy prior to engaging the stack of paper  14 , and then release that kinetic energy upon engaging the stack of paper  14  to assist in driving the punch  250  through the stack of paper  14 . The flywheel  240  may allow the power source  238 , which may be an electric motor, to be approximately one-sixth the size of a power source that is used in the absence of the flywheel  240 . Also, the flywheel  240  may be used help store power during a manual cycle of the apparatus  212  and back the punch  250  out from the stack of paper  14  in the event that power is lost to the apparatus  212  (i.e., by manually grasping and rotating the flywheel  240  to cycle the punch  250  back through a return stroke). Energy may be transferred from the flywheel  240  to the punch  250  through a series of gears and belts. While several gears are shown in the figures, it is contemplated that more or less gears and/or belts may be used in practicing the invention. Additionally, in the broader aspects of the invention, the flywheel  240  is an optional feature and should not be considered limiting in any way. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the flywheel  240  drives a pulley  254  with a belt (not shown). The pulley  254  is disposed outside of the cover  236  of the punch drive unit  218  and is fixedly connected to a first shaft  256  that is connected to the frame  234  and disposed inside of the cover  236 . As shown in  FIGS. 27 and 30 , a bearing  258  may be used to provide support to the shaft  256  as it extends through the cover  236  and also provide a seal between the inside of the cover  236  and the outside of the cover  236 . A first gear  260  is disposed on the first shaft  256  such that is turns with the first shaft  256 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 27 and 31 , a second gear  262  and a third gear  264  are disposed on a second shaft  266  that is oriented parallel to the first shaft  256  and is disposed completely within the cover  236 . The second and third gears  262 ,  264  are designed to mesh with the first gear  260  such that rotation of the first gear  262  causes rotation of the second and the third gears  262 ,  264 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 27 and 30 , the first gear  260  has an inner portion  261  and an outer portion  263 . Both portions  261 ,  263  each include a plurality of teeth (not shown) disposed circumferentially. The plurality of teeth disposed on the inner portion  261  mesh with a plurality of teeth (not shown) disposed on an outer portion  265  (as shown in  FIGS. 27 and 31 ) of the second gear  262 , while the plurality of teeth disposed on the outer portion  263  mesh with a plurality of teeth (not shown) disposed on an inner portion  267  (as shown in  FIG. 31 ) of the third gear  264 . The second and the third gears  262 ,  264  are connected to the second shaft  266  via bushings so that rotation of the second and third gears  262 ,  264  do not cause the second shaft  266  to rotate. 
       FIGS. 27 ,  28  and  32  illustrate a portion of the punch drive mechanism  242 . As shown in  FIG. 32 , the punch driver mechanism  242  may include a fourth gear  268  and a fifth gear  270  that are disposed on a crank shaft  272 . The fourth and fifth gears  268 ,  270  are configured to mesh with the second and third gears  262 ,  264 , respectively, in a similar way that the first gear  260  meshed with the second and third gears  262 ,  264 , as described above. A rotatable disc  274  is disposed such that its center of rotation is aligned with the crank shaft  272 , although the rotatable disc  274  does not necessarily have to be disposed on the crank shaft  272 . The rotatable disc  274  may be a gear, a pulley, or any other type of rotatable disc. A connecting member  276  connects the fourth gear  268  and the rotatable disc  274  such that the fourth gear  268  and the rotatable disc rotate together. As shown in  FIGS. 27 and 32 , the connecting member  276  connects to the fourth gear  268  and the rotatable disc  274  at a point radially outward from the center of the fourth gear  268  and rotatable disc  274 . An elongated link  278  is disposed on the connecting member  276 . The fourth gear  268  drive the elongated link  278 . 
     The elongated link  278  includes a first end  280  and a second end  282 . The first end  280  is operatively connected to the connecting member  276  such that when the fourth gear  268  rotates, the second end  282  of the elongated link  278  moves in a substantially radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the crank shaft  272 . As the fourth gear  268  and the rotatable disc  274  rotate in tandem, the first end  280  of the elongated link  278  will travel circumferentially and the second end  282  will travel radially outwardly, inwardly, and outwardly as the fourth gear  268  and the rotatable disc  274  complete one revolution. 
     The second end  282  of the elongated link  278  is connected to a punch piston  284  such that the punch piston  284  moves with the second end  282 . Thus, as the fourth gear  268  rotates, the punch piston  284  will move upward and downward within a tube  286  that extends upward from the frame  234 . The punch  250  is attached to the punch piston  284  in such a way that it may be removed from the punch piston  284  and replaced, if necessary. The punch  250  of this embodiment may be of the same design as the punch  30  of the previously described embodiment. 
     In at least one embodiment, the fifth gear  270  includes a contact portion  288  (shown in  FIG. 35 ) that is spaced radially from an axis about which the fifth gear  270  rotates. The fifth gear  270  is rotated continuously during the hole punching operation as the punch driver mechanism  242  continuously moves the punch  250  through the drive and return strokes. This contact portion  288  is similar to the previous embodiment and drives the translation mechanism  252 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 33-35 , the translation mechanism  252  includes a rotatable drive member  290  that has a plurality of engagement surfaces  292  that are spaced radially from an axis about which the rotatable drive member  290  rotates. The engagement surfaces  292  are angularly spaced apart from one another essentially evenly. The translation mechanism  252  is constructed such that rotating the drive member  290  in an amount equal to the angular spacing of the engagement surfaces causes the translation mechanism  252  to affect the relative translational movement between the punch  250  and the paper support base  216  by the predetermined distance  40 . 
     In this embodiment, the fifth gear  270  and the drive member  290  are constructed and arranged with respect to one another such that as the fifth gear  270  is continuously rotated during the hole punching operation, the contact portion  288  repeatedly engages one of the engagement surfaces  292  after each occurrence of the punch  250  being withdrawn from the stack of paper  14  on the return stroke to rotate the drive member  290  an amount equal to the angular spacing of the engagement surfaces  292 . Then, the contact portion  288  disengages the engaged one of the engagement surfaces  292  to cease rotation of the drive member  290  prior to each occurrence of the punch  250  engaging the stack of paper  14  on the subsequent drive stroke. This operation is repeated continuously with the contact portion  288  engaging the engagement surfaces  292  sequentially. This synchronizes the punch drive mechanism  242  and the translation mechanism  252 . 
     Specifically, as mentioned above, rotating the drive member  290  in an amount equal to the angular spacing between the engagement surfaces  292  will cause the translation mechanism  252  to affect the relative translational movement between the paper support base and the punch  250  by the predetermined distance  40 . By arranging the contact portion  288  and the engagement surfaces  292  with respect to one another as described, synchronization is achieved wherein the translational movement occurs only during the time period between withdrawal of the punch  250  from the stack of paper  14  and re-engagement of the punch  30  with the stack of paper  14 . 
     Although the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 34 and 35  show the fifth gear  270  and the drive member  290  to be two components of a Geneva wheel, any type of intermittent gearing may be used to synchronize the punch drive mechanism  242  and the translation mechanism  252 . 
       FIGS. 34 and 35  also illustrate another portion of the translation mechanism  252  which includes a shaft  294 , and a rotatable member  296 . The shaft  294  includes external threads in a screw-like configuration and remains fixed to the apparatus frame  214  and extends in the above-mentioned linear direction  28  so as to be parallel to the edge of the stack of paper  14  in its punching position. The rotatable member  296 , which includes matching internal threads in a nut-like configuration that intermesh with the external threads of the shaft  294 . The rotatable member  296  is rotatably attached to the frame  234  of the punch drive unit  218  such that it is able to rotate about the shaft  294  while moving the entire punch drive unit  218 . 
     The rotatable member  296  is operatively connected to the drive member  290  via a sixth gear  298  that is disposed about the rotatable member  296  such that when the drive member  290  rotates, the rotatable member  296  rotates about the shaft  294 . Because the shaft  294  remains fixed and does not rotate, the rotation of the rotatable member  290  causes the rest of the punch drive unit  218  to move in the linear direction  28 . The design of the shaft  294  and the rotatable member  296 , and particularly the relative gear pitches/ratio, are such that when the drive member  290  rotates intermittently, the rotation of the rotatable member  296  causes the punch drive unit  219  of the apparatus to move a distance equal to the predetermined distance  40 . 
     The cover  236  also functions to contain a volume of oil that provides constant lubrication to the gears and shafts that are contained within the cover  236 . The bearing  258  provides a seal so that oil will not be able to leak out of the cover  236 . Also, gaskets may be provided between the cover  236  and the frame  234  so that oil cannot leak at the interface between the cover  236  and the frame  234 . For example,  FIG. 28  shows a gasket  295  that may be disposed adjacent an opening  297  for that receives the threaded shaft  294 . 
     The waste paper bin  244  may be connected to the punch  250  by way of a connector  300  that is inserted into the punch piston  284 . Preferably, suction is provided such that paper waste created by the punching operation with be pulled out of the punch  250  and through the connector  300  and to the waste paper bin  244  via a flexible tube, or any other suitable structure. Also, in at least one embodiment, a hose (not shown) may be provided between a compartment that contains the power source  238  and the waste paper bin  244  such that suction may be provided by the properly configured flywheel  240 . As shown, the waste paper bin  244  is sized such that it may hold a considerable amount of waste paper so that many cycles may be performed by the apparatus  212  before the waste paper bin  244  needs to be emptied, thereby minimizing operator interaction. 
     An air vent  302  may be disposed on the punch drive unit  218  and designed to allow air to escape the otherwise sealed punch drive unit  218 , but not allow air to enter the punch drive unit  218 . This way, as the punch piston  284  operates, a small vacuum will be created as the punch piston  284  moves downward within the tube  286 . When the punch piston  284  moves upward within the tube  286  towards the stack of paper  14 , it will displace air. The displaced air can then escape the punch drive unit  218  through the air vent  302 . This allows a vacuum to be maintained within the punch drive unit  218 , thereby allowing the oil contained within the cover  236  to remain within the cover  236 . 
     The binding element applicator  220  of the apparatus  12  is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 36-38 . The binding element applicator is constructed to receive the binding element  16  in an application position. In the application position, the binding element  16  extends in the linear direction  28  such that when the stack of paper  14  is in the punching position, a spine  102  of the binding element  16  is essentially parallel to the edge of the stack of paper  26  and fingers  104  of the binding element  16  are adjacent to the edge of the stack of paper. 
     As illustrated, the binding element applicator  220  includes a binding element receiving assembly  312 , shown in detail in  FIG. 37 , and an actuating assembly  314 , shown in detail in  FIG. 38 . The binding element receiving assembly  312  includes a back plate  316 , a center plate  318 , and a binding element manipulating portion  320 . A first plurality of fingers  322  extend from the manipulating portion  320  and are spaced along an edge of the manipulating portion  320  at a pitch essentially equal to the predetermined distance  40  (i.e., the predetermined distance by which the translation mechanism  252  moves the punch  250 ). A first plurality of slots  324  are disposed in a top portion  321  of the manipulating portion  320  such that they extend from the first plurality of fingers  322  towards an opposite edge of the top portion  321  of the manipulating portion  320 , as shown in  FIG. 37 . A second plurality of fingers  326  are formed on a first movable plate  323  such that they protrude out of the first plurality of slots  324 . The second plurality of fingers  326  are substantially shorter than the first plurality of fingers  322  and are preferably formed as inverted “L” shapes, as shown in  FIG. 36 , so that they will be able to engage the fingers  104  of the binding element  16 . 
     The first movable plate  323  also includes a plurality of angled slots  325  that are disposed on an angle relative to the first plurality of slots  324 . A plurality of protrusions  327  extend through the plurality of angled slots  325  and are connected to a second movable plate (not shown) that is disposed behind the first movable plate  323  relative to the top portion  321 . The second movable plate is configured to move along the direction of the first plurality of slots  324 . As the second movable plate moves downward and away from the first plurality of fingers  322 , the first movable plate  323  moves first towards one side of the manipulating portion  320 , due to the plurality of angled slots  325 . When the protrusions  327  reach the end of the angled slots  325 , the first movable plate  323  travels with the second movable plate substantially downward such that the second plurality of fingers  326  move downward within the first plurality of slots  324 . This movement of the second plurality of fingers  326  relative to the first plurality of fingers  322  is well known in the art, as evidenced by, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,796, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     The back plate  316  and the top portion  321  of the manipulating portion  320  may be rigidly connected to a pair of arms  328  at one end of the arms  328 . Opposite ends of each arm  328  are connected to a rod  330  in such a way that if the rod  330  rotates, the arms  328  pivot. Each end of the rod  330  is operatively connected to a bearing  332  that is rigidly connected to the frame  214 . A pair of stops  334  are also fixed to the frame  214  and aligned with the arms  328  such that the arms  328  are restricted from pivoting any further in that direction, as shown in  FIG. 22 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 38 , the actuating assembly  314  of the binding element applicator  220  also includes a first motor  336  that is attached to the back plate  316  of the receiving portion  312  of the binding element applicator  220 . The first motor  336  is operatively connected to a pair of gears, including a first gear  338  and a second gear  340 . The second gear  340  is disposed on a shaft  342  such that when the second gear  340  rotates, the shaft  342  rotates. The shaft  342  is connected to the back plate  316  by a plurality of bearings  344 . Disposed on each end of the shaft  342  are a pair of gears  346  that are connected to the shaft  342  such that they rotate when the shaft  342  rotates. The pair of gears  346  are operatively connected to a pair of racks  348 , as shown in  FIGS. 22 and 37 , that are disposed on the center plate  312  of the binding element receiving portion  312  and affect the movement of the second movable plate. Because the second movable plate includes the protrusions  327  that extend into the angled slots  325  on the first movable plate  323 , the second plurality of fingers  326  may be manipulated by the first motor  336 . 
     The actuating assembly  314  further includes a second motor  350  that is supported by a bracket  352  that is connected to the frame  214 . A second bracket  354  may also be used to support the second motor  350 , as shown in  FIGS. 22 and 38 . The second motor  350  is operatively connected to the back plate  316  of the binding element receiving portion  316  with a pair of links  356 ,  358  and a mounting bracket  360 . The mounting bracket  360  is attached to the back plate  316  and the links  356 ,  358  are rotatably connected to each other and to the mounting bracket  360  such the links  356 ,  358  may pivot relative to each other as the second motor  350  drives one of the links  356 . This configuration allows the second motor  350  to move the entire binding element applicator  220  towards the stack of paper  14  as the stack of paper  14  rests on the paper support base  216 . 
     In operation, the binding element  16  is placed on the first plurality of fingers  322  of the binding element applicator  220  (also referred to as a binding element insertion device—either term may be used interchangeably) such that the spine  102  faces away from the paper support base  216  and the fingers  104  of the binding element  16  face towards the paper support base  216  and point substantially upward. A binding element bin (not shown) may be operatively connected to the first plurality of fingers  322  such that the binding element  16  may be placed in the bin and the binding element will be placed on the first plurality of fingers  322  in the proper orientation automatically. Once the binding element  16  is properly placed on the first plurality of fingers  322 , the first motor  336  operates to cause the second plurality of fingers  326  to move over and then downward within the slots  324 , thereby causing the second plurality of fingers  326  to move the fingers  104  of the binding element  16  away from the spine  102  and open the binding element  16 . The second motor  350  operates to cause the binding element applicator  220  to move towards the stack of paper  14  that is supported by the paper support base  216 . 
     The actual distance traveled by the second plurality of fingers  326  will depend on the diameter of the binding element  16  used. For example, binding elements  16  with larger diameters will require the second plurality of fingers  326  to travel further than binding elements  16  with smaller diameters. It is contemplated that a sensor (not shown) may be used to sense the size of the binding element  16  by either sensing its size directly, or sensing some other indicator on the binding element  16  itself, such as holes or notches. The sensor may then communicate a signal to the first motor  336 , thereby causing the first motor  336  to operate for the appropriate amount of time. It is also contemplated that the operator of the apparatus  212  may be able to select the size of the binding element  16  by moving a switch or by programming the apparatus  212  by know procedures. 
     As shown in  FIG. 22 , the surface of the paper support base  232  includes a plurality of notches  362  that allow the punch  250  of the punch drive unit  218  to punch holes  36  in the stack of paper  14  and also allow the fingers  104  of the binding element  16  to align and pass through the holes  36  in the stack of paper  14 . After the punch drive unit  218  has made a pass along the edge of the stack of paper  26  and punched the holes  36  in the stack of paper  14 , the punch drive unit  218  remains at one end of the frame  214 . The first motor  336  of the binding element application  220  causes the second plurality of fingers  326  to engage the fingers  104  of the binding element  16  to open. The binding element applicator  220  may then be moved into position by the second motor  350  to align the fingers  104  of the binding element  16  with the holes  36 . The first motor  336  may then be reversed to rotate the first gear  338  in the opposite direction, thereby causing the second plurality of fingers  326  to retract back towards the first plurality of fingers  322 . This allows the fingers  104  of the binding element  16  to relax and close into a substantially curled position. The second motor  350  may then move the binding element applicator  220  away from the stack of paper  14 , leaving the binding element  16  installed on the stack of paper  14 , thereby yielding a bound book  18 . 
     In operation, the operator places the stack of paper  14  inside the cover  138 , if a cover is desired, and places the stack of paper  14  on the paper support tray  224  of the paper support base  216  so that it abuts the stop member. The stack of paper  14  is properly positioned in the apparatus  212  and then firmly clamped into place with the clamp  226 . The operator also inserts the binding element  16  of the proper size into the binding element retainer, or directly onto the binding element applicator  220 . The operator closes the door  140  and initiates the punching and binding operation by contacting the start sequence mechanism  150 . The stop member moves out of the way, and the punch driver unit  218  sequentially punches holes  36  at the predetermined distance  42  along the edge  26  of the stack of paper  14  until all holes are punched. The binding element applicator  220  opens the binding element  16  and moves toward the stack of paper  14 . The fingers  104  of the binding element  16  are lined up with the holes  36  and inserted into the holes  36  in the stack of paper  14 . The binding element applicator  220  releases the binding element  16  as it retracts away from the stack of paper  14 . At the end of the operation, the operator opens the door  140  to the apparatus  12  and removes the bound book  18 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 39 and 40 , the pitch  42  has been selected particularly for both metric A4 paper  370  and 8.5″×11″ letter paper  372  so that the same apparatus  12 ,  212  may be used to punch and bind both sizes of paper with suitable results (other pitches may be used, such as those described hereinbelow). For example, it has been determined that using a pitch  42  of about 16.5 mm, allows eighteen holes  36  to be punched in a stack of paper  14  that includes metric A4 paper  370  and seventeen holes  36  to be punched in a stack of paper  14  that includes 8.5″×11″ letter paper  372 . As shown in  FIG. 39 , this pitch  42  also allows the holes  36  in the metric A4 paper to be centered such that offsets  374  from a top edge  376  and a bottom edge  378  are substantially the same and are about one-quarter of the pitch  42 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 40 , for 8.5″×11″ letter paper, the offset  374  may be the same one-fourth of the pitch  42  at one end, but an offset  380  at the other end will be less than one-fourth of the pitch  42 . However, the less than one-fourth of the pitch  42  is still considered to be an acceptable amount by those skilled in the art. Of course, the apparatus  12 ,  212  may be configured to hold the 8.5″×11″ letter paper  372  such that the offsets  374 ,  380  are the same at each end. Such a configuration will yield offsets  374 ,  380  that are both less than one-fourth of the pitch  42 . 
     As part of the system  10 , the fingers  104  of the binding element  16  are spaced apart at the pitch  42 . Thus, the fingers  104  of the binding element  16  have a pitch of about 16.5 mm. Because a different number of holes are required between the metric A4 paper and the 8.5″×11″ letter paper, the binding element  16  may include eighteen fingers  102  for use with the metric A4 paper and seventeen fingers  102  for use with the 8.5″×11″ letter paper. It is contemplated that different indicators may be placed on the binding elements  16  to indicate paper size, as well as diameter, such that the indicators may be sensed by sensors within the apparatus, as discussed above. 
     Yet another embodiment of the apparatus  412  is shown in  FIGS. 41-43 . In this embodiment, the apparatus  412  is similar to the apparatus  212  shown in  FIGS. 21-38 , except a frame  414  of the apparatus  412  is arranged so as to elevate a paper support base  416  a greater distance. Also, the apparatus  412  includes a punch drive unit  418  that includes at least one punch  450 , where the at least one punch  450  is actually a plurality of punches  450 . Specifically, this embodiment includes six punches  450 . Other features of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 21-38 , including the binding element applicator  220 , may be used in this embodiment and will therefore not be described in detail here. 
     As shown, the six punches  450  are spaced apart such that the distance between each punch  450  is a multiple of the pitch  42 , as defined above. More specifically, each punch  450  is spaced apart, on center, a distance of three times the pitch  42 , e.g., 49.5 mm for a 16.5 mm pitch. In this embodiment, the punch drive unit  418  moves the predetermined distance  40  between strokes, and the predetermined distance  40  equals the pitch  42 . 
     In a configuration (not shown) where there are a plurality of punches  450  that are spaced apart at a distance, on center, equal to the pitch  42 , the punch drive unit  418  would move the predetermined distance  40  between strokes, where the predetermined distance  40  would be equal to a multiple of the pitch  42 . For example, in a configuration with two punches  450 , the predetermined distance  40  would be equal to two times the pitch  42 . In a configuration with three punches  450 , the predetermined distance  40  would be equal to three times the pitch  42 , and so on. 
       FIGS. 41 and 42  show the punch drive unit  418  in its at-rest position. When the punch drive unit  418  is in this position, the stack of paper  14  may be placed on the paper support base  416  and removed from the paper support base  416  without interference from the punches  450 . At least one motor  420  may be used to actuate the punch drive unit  418  from the at-rest position to the operating position shown in  FIG. 43 . 
     The punch drive unit  418  is configured to drive all six punches  450  at one time. As the punches  450  retract from engagement with the stack of paper  14 , a translation mechanism  452  begins to move the punch drive unit  418  the predetermined distance  40 . As discussed above in the previously described embodiments, the translational movement is completed before the punches  450  contact the stack of papers  14  during the next stroke. By using a plurality of punches  450 , the entire operation takes less time, i.e., about one sixth of the time as compared to the previously described embodiments. Of course, additional power is needed in this embodiment to drive all six punches  450  through the stack of paper  14  at the same time. Thus, variations of the gearing shown in the previous embodiments may be modified, and the use of multiple motors may be used for driving the punches  450  individually or in sub-groups. 
       FIGS. 44-56  illustrate a punching apparatus  1010  constructed in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus  1010  is of the cam-driven type and designed to accommodate the use of internal bore punches  1012 . The general purpose for the apparatus  1010  is to punch a plurality of holes in an edge portion  1014  of a stack of documents  1016  for receipt of a binding element for binding the stack together. Such documents may include, but are not limited to, business reports, photographs, presentations, plastic films, a cover leaf for the front and/or back of the stack, or any other conceivable substrate that one would want punch holes in for the purpose of receiving a binding element for binding them together. The apparatus  1010  may include a binding apparatus  1018 , but may also be a standalone punching apparatus that does not include the binding apparatus  1018 . In that event, the user would use a separate binding apparatus for applying a binding element to the holes of the stack, or may even apply the binding element manually. 
     The apparatus  1010  comprises a frame  1020 . A housing is provided to house the internal components of the apparatus  1010 . The frame  1020  may have any suitable construction for mounting the various components of the apparatus  1010 , and may be made from metal, any other suitable material, or any combination of materials. The frame  1020  is only shown in part and the housing is not shown at all so that the internal components of the apparatus can be clearly seen. It can be readily appreciated that the housing would be configured so as to house the internal components, yet provide access to components needed for operation. For example, the housing would have an open area on its top wall to enable the user to load the stack of documents into the document support member  1022 , discussed below. Also, the housing may be removable, or have a removable or openable section, such as a lid, for enabling a user to access the internal components of the apparatus  1010 . This would be desirable for periodically replacing dulled punches, or removing document segments (i.e., chads) that have been punched out from document stacks. 
     The document support  1022  provides a document supporting surface configured to receive the stack of documents  1016  in a punching position, shown throughout the Figures. In this punching position, the edge portion  1014  of the stack  1016  of documents extends in a longitudinal direction. The edge of the stack being punched could be either the long side, e.g., the 11 inch side in a stack of 8.5 inch×11 inch documents, or the short side, e.g., the 8.5 inch side in such a stack, and thus the term longitudinal direction does not refer to the long side of a stack, but rather refers to the direction in which the punches are arrayed. In the illustrated embodiment, the document support  1022  has two opposing walls  1024 ,  1026  and an edge alignment wall  28  extending between the two opposing walls  1024 ,  1026  in the longitudinal direction. As the illustrated embodiment is designed to be “top loading” (i.e. the stack of documents are in a generally vertical orientation when in the punching position, as illustrated), the two opposing walls  1024 ,  1026  extend generally vertically and the edge alignment wall  1028  extends generally horizontally. The document supporting surface in that case is defined by both the first wall  1024  and the edge alignment wall  1028 . The edge alignment wall  1028  supports the stack  1016  from the bottom, and the first wall  1024  provides some support to help maintain the stack  1016  upright, as well as supporting the stack  1016  against movement in the punching direction during the punching operation. 
     As an optional feature, a vertical guide (not shown) may be provided. This guide would extend generally vertically above the document support  1022  to provide additional support to the document stack  1016  and help keep it upright in its generally vertical orientation. Possibly, two parallel guides could be provided for this purpose. One of the guides would preferably have its surface aligned with the surface of the first wall  1024  to ensure that the stack  1016  is properly seated against the first wall  1024 . 
     The edge alignment wall  1028  enables an end of the edge portion  1014  to be abutted against it for aligning ends of the documents in the stack  1016  in a plane parallel to the punching and longitudinal directions. This can best be seen in  FIGS. 55 and 56 . The punching direction is the direction in which the punches  1012  move during the punching operation, and in those Figures it is in the right to left direction. The longitudinal direction is the direction in which the edge portion  1014  of the stack  1016  is oriented, and in those Figures that direction is perpendicular to the drawing. The plane in which the edge alignment wall  1028  aligns the ends of the documents in the stack is the plane defined by the surface of the edge alignment wall  1028  (which is horizontal in the illustrated embodiment). 
     The document support  1022  further comprises a perpendicular edge alignment wall  1030  provided at a longitudinal end thereof. The wall  1030  enables a longitudinal end of the edge portion  1014  to be abutted against it for aligning the ends of the documents in the stack  1016  in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the punching direction. This plane is defined by the surface of the perpendicular edge alignment wall  1030  against which the stack is abutted (which is vertical in the illustrated embodiment). This wall  1030  is an optional feature, but is preferred to ensure that the documents in the stack are completely aligned to provide for a quality end product. The wall  1030  may be a separate structure attached by a fastener  1032 , such as a screw or bolt, or it may be formed integrally as part of the document support  1022 . 
     Preferably, but not necessarily, the spacing between the first and second walls  1024 ,  1026  is selected to correspond to the maximum capacity of the apparatus  1010 . That is, the spacing corresponds to the thickest stack  1016  of documents that the apparatus  1010  is designed to punch. Such a design feature is beneficial for preventing a user from putting too thick of a stack  1016  into the document support member  1052 , as exceeding maximum capacity could result in the failure or fatiguing of various components of the apparatus  1010 . Of course, the apparatus  1010  may be design to have any desired capacity, but for any given apparatus  1010  there will be a maximum capacity. Thus, it is desirable, but not necessary to design the spacing between the walls  1024 ,  1026  to limit the thickness of the stack  1016  loaded into the document support  1022 . Other ways of achieving this may also be used. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the second wall  1026  of the two opposing walls  1024 ,  1026  has a plurality of openings  1034  formed therethrough in the punching direction and facing towards the first opposing wall  1024 . This is best seen in  FIGS. 49-51 ,  55 , and  56 . The number of openings  1034  corresponds to the number of punches  1012 . The punches  1012  and the openings  1034  are arranged such that the punching ends  1036  of the punches  1012  travel through the openings  1034  as the punches  1012  are moved in the punching direction during the punching operation, discussed below. Each of the openings  1034  has an internal shape matching an external shape of the punching end  1036  of an associated punch  1012 , thereby guiding the punching ends  1036  as the punches  1012  are moved in the punching direction during the punching operation. This configuration may also serve to prevent any deflection or off-center movement of the punching ends  1036  during the punching operation, which in turn helps to ensure that the force applied to the punches  1012  is effectively used and also helps to ensure that the holes being formed are cleanly punched. 
     The first wall  1024  also has a plurality of openings  1038  respectively aligned with the openings  1034  in the second wall  1026 . The openings  1038  in the first wall enable the punching ends  1036  of the punches  1012  to travel entirely through the edge portion  1014  of the stack  1016 . Specifically, the punching ends  1036  can enter into the openings  1038 , as shown in  FIG. 56 , thus ensuring a complete punching of the stack  1016 . While this is an optional feature, the use of these openings  1038  is an improvement over using a solid wall  1024 , acting as an anvil surface, because the edge of the punching ends  1036  may become dulled by repeated contact with the solid wall. Alternatively, a solid wall could be used, or the wall could be provided with a deformable material that accommodates some movement of the punching ends  1036  beyond the stack  1016 . 
     Preferably, but not necessarily, the openings  1038  have an internal shape matching the external shape of the punching ends  1036  of the punches  1012 . This ensures that as the punching ends  1036  enter these openings  1038 , the ends of the holes being formed do not become flared. Specifically, if the openings  1038  were oversized relative to the punching ends  1036 , as the punching ends  1036  move through the stack  1016  and into the openings  1038 , portions of the documents at the ends of the holes may be deformed slightly into the openings  1038 , thus creating a slight flare. By matching the openings  1038  to the punching ends  1036 , this flaring is prevented because the wall  1034  supports the portions of the documents surrounding the holes, and there is no space in the openings  1038  to accommodate the flaring. 
     The document support  1022  has a third wall  1040  spaced from the second wall  1026  in a direction opposite the first wall  1024 . The third wall  1040  has a plurality of openings  1042  formed therethrough in the punching direction and respectively aligned with the openings  1034  formed through the second wall  1026 . The punches  1012  and the openings  1042  on the third wall  1040  are arranged such that the driving ends  1044  of the punches  1012  travel through the openings  1042  as the punches  1012  are moved in the punching direction during the punching operation. Each of the openings  1042  of the third wall  1040  has an internal shape matching an external shape of the driving end  1044  of an associated punch  1012 , thereby guiding the driving ends as the punches are moved in the punching direction during the punching operation. Like the openings  1034  in the second wall  1026 , this configuration may also serve to prevent any deflection or off-center movement of the driving ends  1036  during the punching operation, which in turn ensures that the force applied to the punches  1012  is used effectively to drive the punches  1012  and also helps to ensure that the holes being formed are cleanly punched. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the document support  1022  has a solid base  1046  and the walls  1024 ,  1026 , and  1028  extend vertically from the base  1046  and are formed integrally therewith. Preferably, the document support  1022  is made from a rigid metal, but other suitable materials may be used. 
     Also, the document support  1022  and walls  1024 ,  1026 ,  1028 , and  1040  may have any length in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, this length is over 11 inches, so that 8.5 in.×11 in. documents can be accommodated lengthwise. More preferably, the length is sufficient to accommodate 8.5 in.×11 in. documents lengthwise. However, any other suitable length may be used, and these examples are provided as common examples. 
     The illustrated document support  1022  should not be regarded as limiting and it may have any construction or configuration. For example, the document support  1022  could be oriented at an angle, so that the stack  1016  is received at an angle in an inclined orientation in its punching position. Likewise, the document support  1022  could be oriented so that the stack  1016  is oriented horizontally in its punching position. In such a horizontal orientation, only one surface would need to serve as the document supporting surface  1022 , as the edge portion  1014  of the stack  1016  would be resting on the same surface which the punches will force it against. Any other variations on the document support may be practiced within the scope of the invention, and the term document support is a generic structural term intended to encompass all such structures that serve to provide support to the stack  1016  during the punching operation. 
     The plurality of punches  1012  are provided in a row extending in the longitudinal direction. These punches  1012  are respectively aligned with the openings  1034 ,  1038 , and  1040 , as discussed above. As mentioned above, each punch  1012  comprises a punching end  1036  and a driving end  1044 . The punch end  1036  is configured to punch through the stack  1016  of documents in the punching direction, which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This punching action forms the plurality of holes in the edge portion  1014  of the stack of documents  1016 . The punching end  1036  may be made of a thin tubular metal wall and its free edge may be sharpened to facilitate penetration of the documents, which in turn reduces the amount of force that needs to be applied to the punches. The drive end  1044  may be made of a thicker tubular metal wall to facilitate receiving the driving force from the cams, as discussed below. The punching end  1036  may be welded, threaded, press-fit, or otherwise attached to the driving end  1044 . Likewise, the structures could be made a one-piece unit if desired. 
     Each punch also has an internal bore  1048  extending therethrough from the punching end  1036  to the driving end  1044 . The bore  1048  is open to the punching end  1036  for enabling document segments punched from the stack  1016  of documents to pass therethrough as the punch  1012  is driven through the edge portion of the stack of documents. 
     The punches  1012  are preferably equally spaced from one another so that the pitch of the holes formed in the document stack  1016  is essentially equal throughout its length. One preferred pitch is essentially 16.5 mm, as is discussed above. Another desirable pitch is essentially 25.8 mm. Although other pitches may be used, a pitch of 16.5 mm or 25.8 mm is desirable because the spacing between the opposing ends of the document stack and the punched holes will have an aesthetically pleasing appearance on both A4 and 8.5 inch×11 inch documents, particularly when the long side of the documents are punched. That is, the spacing between the punched holes at the opposing ends of the series of holes will be adequately spaced from the ends of the document stack, and the spacing will not be too far from or too close to the ends of the documents, irrespective of whether A4 or 8.5 inch×11 inch documents are used. With a 16.5 mm pitch, the long side of a stack of A4 documents would be punched with eighteen holes, and the long side of a stack of 8.5 inch×11 inch documents would be punched with seventeen holes. With a 25.8 mm pitch, the long side of a stack of A4 documents would be punched with twelve holes, and the long side of a stack of 8.5 inch×11 inch documents would be punched with eleven holes. Other pitches that are suitable for this purpose are described herein. 
     Other details concerning the punches  1012  will be provided after discussing the punch drive system  1050 . 
     The punch drive system  1050  of the apparatus  1010  comprises a shaft  1052  extending in the longitudinal direction, one or more cams  1054  fixed on the shaft  1052 , and a driver  1058  for selectively rotating the shaft  1052 . In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more cams includes a plurality of cams  1054  fixed on the shaft  1052  in a row extending in the longitudinal direction. The number of cams  1054  corresponds to the number of punches  1012 , and each cam  1054  is associated with a respective punch  1012 . Each cam  1054  is positioned adjacent the driving end  1044  of its associated punch  1012 . Further, each cam  1054  has a camming portion  1056  configured to apply force to its associated punch in the punching direction by engaging the driving end  1044  thereof in a camming action as the shaft  1052  is rotated. This camming action drives the punching ends  1036  of the punches through the edge portion  1014  of the stack of documents  1016  to form the plurality of holes. As can be seen best in  FIGS. 47 ,  49 ,  55  and  56 , the shaping of these camming portions  1056  is eccentric with respect to the rotational axis of the shaft  1052  and they extend radially with respect to the shaft  1052 . 
     At least two of the cams  1054  are mounted to the shaft  1052  with their camming portions  1056  angularly offset from another such that their camming portions  1056  engage the driving ends  1044  of their associated punches  1012  in the camming action at different times during the rotation of the shaft  1052 . This reduces the number of punches  1012  being driven into the stack  1016  at any one time, which in turn reduces the amount of torque that needs to be applied to the shaft  1052  to effect punching. Some of the camming portions  1056  may be angularly aligned with one another so that multiple punches  1012  are driven into the stack  1016  at the same time, but it is preferred to minimize the number of angularly aligned camming portions  1056  to reduce number of punches being driven at any one time (although some may be driven at the same time), and hence reduce the amount of torque that needs to be applied to the shaft  1052 . Preferably, a majority of the cams  1054  are mounted to the shaft  1052  with their caroming portions  1056  angularly offset from one another. More preferably, all the cams  1054  are mounted to the shaft  1052  with their camming portions  1056  angularly offset from one another, as is shown in the illustrated embodiment. 
     Whatever the arrangement of the cams  1054  and their camming portions  1056 , it is desirable to provide one angular section of the row of cams  1054  where no camming portions  1056  are provided. This angular section ensures that all the punches  1012  can be withdrawn from the stack  1016  at the same time, thus allowing the stack  1016  to be removed from the document support  1022 . Likewise, this will allow an unpunched stack  1016  to be placed into the document support  1022 . This section can be best seen in the side view of  FIG. 47 , where the section is located in the upper right quadrant of the row of cams  1054 . 
     To key the cams  1054  onto the shaft  1052 , the shaft  1052  has a polygonal cross-section and the openings in the cams  1054  have matching shapes. When the cams  1054  are received on the shaft  1052 , the interface between the shaft  1052  and the cam openings will prevent rotation of the cam  1054  relative to the shaft  1052 . Other ways of keying the cams  1054  onto the shaft  1052  may be used, and this example is not intended to be limiting. 
     As can be seen in the Figures, the shaft  1052  is rotatably supported at its axial ends on a pair of journal supports  1055 . These journal supports  1055  are fixedly mounted to the frame  1020 . However, any other suitable arrangement for supporting the shaft  1052  may be used. 
     Other arrangements of the cams  1054  may be practiced, and the illustrated embodiment is not intended to be limiting. For example, the cams  1054  could have the same general configuration, but be made wider to engage and drive multiple punches  1012  at once, thus resulting in fewer cams  1054  each associated with multiple punches  1012 . Also, the shaping of these wider cams could be altered so that their camming portions  1056  are angularly offset with respect to one another, thus also resulting in fewer cams  1054 , but avoiding having the same cam  1054  driving more than one punch  1012  at a time. Further, there could be one single cam associated with all the punches  1012  and having a plurality of camming portions  1056  formed thereon. Preferably, these camming portions  1056  would be angularly offset with respect to one another, as discussed above. However, for a low capacity apparatus, or one with few punches  1012 , this single cam could have one continuous camming portion  1056  extending longitudinally along its length for engaging all the punches  1012 . This would simplify manufacturing and assembly, although it would increase the amount of torque that needs to be applied to the shaft  1052 , as all the punches  1012  would be driven at once. Other such variations may be practiced within the scope of the invention, and these alternatives are not intended to be limiting. 
     Preferably, the driver  1058  includes a motor  1060  coupled to the shaft  1052  for selectively rotating the shaft  1052 . To increase the torque output by the motor  1060 , the driver includes a reduction transmission  1062  coupling the motor  1060  to the shaft  1052 . The motor  1060  is preferably electrically powered, and may be controlled by a controller (not shown). The motor  1060  may be of any type, and suitable motors  1060  are well known. Thus, specifics of the motor  1060  are not detailed in this application. The reduction transmission may also be of any type, and the one illustrated uses a variety of intermeshed gears to increase the torque being applied to the shaft  1052 . Similarly to the motor  1060 , suitable reduction transmissions are well known, and thus the specifics of the transmission  1062  are not detailed in this application. The choice of the motor  1060  and transmission  1062  would be determined by the amount of torque required to drive the shaft  1052  for performing the punching operation. This torque in turn is dictated by the maximum capacity of the apparatus  1010 , the force required to drive each punch  1012  through a stack  1016  of that maximum capacity, and the number of punches  1012  being driven into the stack  1016  at any one time. 
     In the Figures, the motor  1060  and transmission  1062  are mounted on support structure  1063 , which may be part of the frame  1020 . However, any suitable mounting bracket or other structure may be used. For example, the support structure  1063  may be formed as a one-piece integral structure with other parts of the apparatus, such as the frame  1020 , the journal supports  1055 , the document support  1022 , and any other structures. However, the invention is not intended to be limited in this respect to any particular construction. 
     As mentioned above, the motor  1060  may be controlled by a controller. This controller is preferably operates to control the motor  1060  such that the motor  1060  rotates the shaft  1052  through a single rotation during each punching operation. A single rotation ensures that all the punches  1012  are driven through the document stack  1016 , but avoids the need for repeating the driving of each punch  1012 . This control may be achieved in any suitable manner. For example, the shaft  1052  could be provided with a slit plate on an axial end thereof, and an optical sensor coupled to the controller could monitor the rotation of the shaft  1052  and stop rotation once a single full rotation is completed. In one embodiment, the slit plate could have a single slit that aligns with and is sensed by the optical sensor when the angular section of the cams  1054  with no camming portions  1056  is positioned adjacent the punches  1012 . The controller would cease rotation of the shaft  1052  each time this single slit is encountered, thus ensuring that each punching operation includes a single full rotation of the shaft  1052 , and also ensuring that the angular section with no camming portion  1056  is positioned adjacent the punches  1012  at the end of each rotation. This allows all the punches  1012  to be withdrawn from the stack  1016 , thus allowing the punched stack  1016  to be removed and a new stack  1016  to be loaded into the document support  1022 . Such monitoring of the shaft  1052  may also be accomplished by a Hall effect sensor, mechanical switches/contacts or any other suitable device. Likewise, instead of monitoring the shaft  1052 , any gear in the transmission  1062  or the rotation of the motor  1060  could be monitored. Further, the controller could simply be designed to rotate the motor  1060  a sufficient number of times to achieve a single rotation with no positional feedback from a sensor. 
     The controller may be coupled to a control panel provided on the exterior of the housing. Such a control panel would have a manual switch that the user engages the signal the controller to commence the punching operation. However, any suitable way of commencing punching may be used. 
     In some variations of the invention, it is possible to use a manual lever or crank as the driver  1058  for effecting rotation of the shaft  1052 . Such a lever or crank would preferably, but not necessarily be coupled to the shaft  1052  by a reduction transmission, such as transmission  1062  or any other suitable transmission. This alternative may have applicability to low cost, low capacity punching apparatuses  1010 . 
     The apparatus  1010  further comprises a plurality of springs  1064  associated with the punches  1012 . As can be seen in the Figures, the number of springs  1064  equals the number of punches  1012 . Each spring  1064  biases an associated punch  1012  opposite the punching direction to withdraw the punches  1012  from the edge portion  1014  of the stack  16  of documents after the camming action. Specifically, as the punch  1012  is caromed and the peak of the camming portion  1056  moves past it, the associated spring  1064  will bias the punch  1012  opposite the biasing direction to withdraw it from the stack  1016 . Any suitable metal or non-metal spring may be used. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the driving end  1044  of each punch  1012  is wider than the punching end  1036  to define a shoulder  1066  therebetween (see  FIGS. 52-54 ). Each spring  1064  is a coil spring received over the punching end  1036 . These springs  1064  each have one end engaged with the shoulder  1066  of an associated punch  1012 , and an opposite end engaged with the second wall  1026  of the document support  1022 , or some other fixed surface of the apparatus  1010 . However, the illustrated springs  1064  are not intended to be limiting and any other suitable arrangement may be used for biasing the punches  1012  opposite the punching direction to withdraw them from the stack  1016  after punching the same. 
     As can be seen best in  FIGS. 52-56 , at least one relief opening  1068  is provided for each associated punch  1012  and camming portion  1056 . The relief opening  1068  is communicated to the internal bore  1048  at least when the camming portion  1056  is engaged in the caroming action with the driving end  1044  of the punch  1012  for enabling the document segments passing through the internal bore  1048  to exit the internal bore  1048 . This relief opening  1068  may have any configuration and may have any location, such as on the cam portion  1056 , on its associated punch  1012 , or be defined partly by both. In the illustrated embodiment, the driving end  1044  of each punch  1012  has a pair of spaced apart walls  1070  defining at least one opening  1068  facing to a side of the punch  1012 . This opening  1068  defined by the spaced apart walls  1070  provides the relief opening for each punch by enabling the document segments passing through the internal bore  1048  to exit therefrom. The ends of the walls  1070  are engaged by the camming portions  1056  of the cams  1054  in the camming action as the shaft  1052  is rotated to thereby drive the punching end  1036  thereof through the edge portion  1014  of the stack  1016  of documents. 
     In the illustrated punch  1012 , the spaced apart walls  1070  define a pair of such openings  1068  facing to opposing sides of the punch  1012 , thus providing a pair of relief openings  1068  for each punch  1012 . However, the punch  1012  could have only a single relief opening  1068 . Other variations on the construction of this relief opening can be used. For example, the driving end  1044  could be closed off, and the relief opening could be provided as a bore in the side of the punch  1012  that communicates with the bore  1048 . Preferably, a contour inside the bore  1048  would be provided to urge the segments laterally out from that relief opening. Thus, the relief opening in this alternative would not interface with the cam portion  1056 . However, the illustrated construction with spaced apart walls  1070  does have the advantage of using the contour of the camming portion  1056  to facilitate discharge of the punched document segments (i.e., chads). Specifically, as the segments reach the driving end  1044  of the punch  1012  and contact the surface of the camming portion  1056 , the contour of the camming portion  1056  will urge the segments to move laterally out of one of the openings  1068 . Generally, the document segments will be urged in the direction the cam  1054  is rotating, as the sloped surface of the camming portion  1056  facing in that direction is the surface that is engaged with the driving end  1044  as the punching end  1036  is being driven through the stack  1016 . It is during this time that the document segments are advanced through the bore  1048 , because the new segments being punched will displace the segments already received in the bore and force them towards the driving end  1044 . This avoids the manufacturing challenge associated with providing a contour inside the bore  1048 , but it is still within the scope of the invention to use such a construction. 
     By providing the relief opening  1068  for each punch  1012 , the invention achieves the significant advantage of enabling punches with internal bores to be used in the context of a cam-driven punching apparatus. The relief opening  1068  allows each camming portion  1056  to engage the driving end  1044  of its associated punch  1012  without interfering with the ability of the punched document segments to exit from the internal bore  1048  as the punch  1012  is being driven through the stack of documents  1016 . This is beneficial because, generally, the punched segments in the bore  1048  are tightly compressed and it is only during the time that the punch  1012  is being driven that these segments are moved through the bore  1048  by the entering of new ones via the open end of the punching end  1036 . Thus, providing the relief opening  1068  allows the punched segments at the driving end  1044  to exit the bore  1048 , so that the newly punched segments can enter at the punching end  1036 . This allows the punching apparatus  1010  to punch through a stack of documents with a lower force while still using a cam-driven construction. 
     As another alternative, a wider bore (not shown) could provided in the driving end  1044  in direct alignment with the bore  1048  in which the punched segments are tightly compressed. As the punched segments are passed into this wider bore, they will no longer be tightly compressed against the interior surface of a bore, and can more easily exit from the punch  1012 . Such a wider bore would also be considered a relief opening. Although this approach could be used in other contexts, this would be better applied to an apparatus where the stack is received horizontally or at an inclined angle, as then the punches  1012  may be oriented with this wider bore facing at least partly downwardly to allow the segments received in the wider bore to just fall out by gravity as the caroming portion  1056  disengages the driving end  1044 . 
     In some constructions, a beneficial feature would be to provide a device for neatly collecting the punched segments discharged from the relief opening. For example, such a device could be a removable tray disposed vertically beneath the punches  1012 . In such a construction, the user could just pull the tray out from the housing and empty the same periodically. Likewise, a sloped surface could be provided underneath the punches  1012  to receive the discharged segments and guide them to a collection area or tray at the side of the apparatus where they can be discarded periodically by the user. Any suitable device for managing the punched segments may be used, and the invention is not intended to be limited in this respect. 
     For example, a mechanical sweeper could be used to push the punched segments out towards the side of the machine, where an easily accessible receptacle may be located. Such a sweeper may be mechanically linked to the shaft  1052  so as to push the punched segments once per rotation of the shaft  1052 . Instead of providing a receptacle for receiving the punched segments, a clear window could be provided on the side of the apparatus so the user can see the punched segments, and tell when the segments need to be removed. Also, a “breakaway” door could be used at the side of the apparatus, and it would push open when the punched segments pile up against it and the action of the sweeper applies enough force to open the door. Further, a sensor, such as an optical sensor or mechanical sensor, could be used to determine when the punched segments have collected above a certain level. This sensor could be used with a sweeper, or without it. Other variations are possible, and the use of such devices for managing the punched segments is not necessary. 
     As yet another alternative, the relief openings could be provided on the camming portions  1056  of the cams  1054 .  FIGS. 57 and 58  show two non-limiting variations of this. In each of these Figures, the camming portion  1056  of each cam  1054  has a pair of spaced apart walls  1072  defining a segment receiving space  1074  open both radially and circumferentially with respect the cam  1054 . The walls  1072  are configured to apply the force to the associated punch  1012  by engaging the driving end  1044  thereof in the camming action as the shaft  1054  is rotated. When the camming portion  1056  engages the driving end  1044  of its associated punch  1012  in the camming action, the internal bore  1048  of the punch  1012 , which is open to the driving end  1044  thereof, becomes aligned with the segment receiving space  1074  of the camming portion  1056 . This allows the document segments passing through the internal bore  1048  during the punching operation to exit the internal bore  1048  into the segment receiving space  1074 . The segment receiving space  1074  provides the relief opening for each camming portion by enabling the document segments entering the segment receiving space to exit circumferentially therefrom. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 57 , a transverse wall  1076  connects the two walls  1072 , thus providing additional structural strength to the camming portion  1056 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 58 , this transverse wall  1076  is omitted. The advantage of the embodiment of  FIG. 57  is that it is stronger, but it should be mounted to the shaft  1052  so that the segment receiving space  1074  faces in the direction the cam  1054  is rotated during punching to ensure that the punched segments can be received therein. The embodiment of  FIG. 58 , while omitting the strengthening transverse wall  1076 , can be mounted in either orientation, as its segment receiving space  1074  faces in both directions. However, these examples are not intended to be limiting, and any other configuration for providing a relief opening may be used. For example, other shapes may be used. Likewise, instead of providing the opening on just the cam or just the punch, it may be defined partly by the punch, and partly by the cam. A variety of other constructions may be used. 
       FIGS. 59 and 60  show another alternative arrangement for the punch. The punch  1012   a  of  FIGS. 59 and 60  is generally similar to punch  1012  discussed above, and thus the same reference numerals will be used in  FIGS. 59 and 60 , but with an “a” added. The punch  1012   a  has spaced apart walls  1070   a  that define a pair of relief openings  1068   a , similarly to the previous embodiment. However, instead of having the end surfaces of the walls  1070   a  sloped on opposing sides, the end surfaces  1071   a  of the walls  1070   a  are sloped from one side to the other at an angle relative to the punches&#39; axis, as can be seen in  FIGS. 59 and 60 . This is beneficial because it allows the camming portion  1056  to maintain more contact with the sloped end surfaces  1071   a  at or near the axis of the punch  1012   a  (which axis extends in the punching direction), thereby focusing the force delivered to the punch  1012   a  along that axis. The sloped end surfaces  1071   a  illustrated in  FIGS. 59 and 60  are shown as being flat, but may be made slightly convex or concave, if desired. Of course, the end surfaces  1071   a  should be angled so that they face towards the camming portion  1056  approaching it so that the camming portion  1056  can properly engage it in a camming action. 
       FIGS. 61 and 62  show another alternative embodiment for the cam. Because the cam  1054   a  in  FIGS. 61 and 62  is generally similar to cam  1054 , similar reference numerals will be used in  FIGS. 61 and 62 , but with an “a” added. The punch shown is punch  1012   a , discussed above, but the cam  1054   a  can be used with any other punch, such as punch  1012 , also discussed above. Like cam  1054 , cam  1054   a  has a camming portion  1056   a . However, in addition to camming portion  1056   a , the cam  1054   a  also has a punch clearing protrusion  1057   a  extending radially therefrom. The protrusion  1057   a  is configured to pass between the walls  1070   a  of punch  1012   a  so as to clear any punched segments that may have become stuck between the walls  1070   a . This is beneficial for allowing the punched segments from the punches  1012   a . The protrusion  1057   a  may be located forwardly of the camming portion  1056   a  in the camming portion&#39;s direction of travel, or it may be located rearwardly of the camming portion  1056   a  in its direction of travel. While  FIGS. 61 and 62  only show one cam  1054   a , this is simply for convenience and clarity, and the protrusion  1057   a  may be provided on all the cams. Also, the protrusion  1056   a  may have any shape or configuration for clearing out punched segments from between the walls  1070   a  of the punch  1012   a  (or any other punch that is used). 
     As mentioned above, the punching apparatus  1010  includes an optional a binding apparatus  1018 . This binding apparatus  1018  is constructed to open and apply a binding element (not shown) having an elongated spine and a plurality of fingers to the edge portion  1014  of the document stack  1016  after punching the edge portion  1014 . Such a binding element may, for example, be a comb binding element with resilient fingers spaced at pitch essentially equal to the pitch of the punched holes, it may be binding element with relative rigid fingers that snap together at their ends, or it may have any other construction or configuration. Suitable binding apparatuses  1018  are well known for accomplishing this function, and any suitable power-operated or manually driven type may be used. 
     The fingers of such a binding element would have a pitch essentially matching the pitch of the punched holes. Thus, as discussed above, a binding element having fingers with a pitch of essentially 16.5 mm would be used to bind a stack of documents punched with holes at a pitch of essentially 16.5 mm. Likewise, a binding element having fingers with a pitch of essentially 25.8 mm would be used to bind a stack of documents punched with holes at a pitch of essentially 25.8 mm. The resulting product would be a bound book comprising (a) a stack of documents having a series of holes punched through an edge thereof; the series of holes being spaced apart at the appropriate pitch, and (b) a binding element comprising an elongated spine and a series of fingers spaced apart essentially evenly in the longitudinal direction of the spine with a matching pitch, the fingers extending into and through the holes in the edge of the stack to bind the stack of documents together. The pitch may be the 16.5 mm or 25.8 mm pitch mentioned above, or any other pitch, such as those described hereinbelow. 
     Other binding elements, such as spiral, wire, double loop wire, etc., may be used to secure documents together. Such binding elements may be applied manually, or using an apparatus, such as apparatus  1018 . 
     The housing described above may also be constructed to conceal various components of the binding apparatus  1018 , yet have open areas for loading of the document and the binding element. This is not necessary, but any suitable construction may be used. 
     As an optional feature, a clamp or other device may grasp the punched stack of paper and move the same into an operative position in the binding apparatus  1018 . In this operative position, the stack would be positioned in the binding apparatus for receipt of the bonding element. Such a clamp or other device is beneficial to avoid the need for the user to handle the punched stack when moving it to the binding apparatus  1018 . As mentioned above, this feature is optional and not necessary. 
       FIGS. 63-65  show another embodiment of a binding apparatus  2010  of the present invention. In  FIGS. 63-65 , a cover and outer housing of the binding apparatus  2010  has been removed for clarity. The apparatus  2010  is constructed and arranged to bind a plurality of papers or other documents  2012  together with a binding element  2014 , as will be discussed in greater detail below. The documents may be of any type, and may include covers, index separators with tabs for separating sections, etc. The apparatus  2010  includes a frame  2015  having a base  2016  that supports a punching mechanism  2018 , a paper clamp  2020 , and a binding element insertion device  2022 . 
     The punching mechanism  2018  includes a punch receiving block  2023  that receives a plurality of punches  2024 , each of which is operatively connected to a common shaft  2026  via a cam  2028 , as shown in  FIG. 63 . Each of the plurality of punches  2024  is spaced apart by a predetermined distance such that a plurality of holes may be punched through the plurality of papers, or other documents or substrates  2012  near an edge thereof. The punch receiving block  2023 , shown in greater detail in  FIG. 104 , includes a plurality of substantially cylindrical openings  2025  that are sized to allow each of the punches  2024  to move along a longitudinal axis LA of each opening  2025 . Each of the openings  2025  guide each of the plurality of punches  2024  from a rest position, shown in  FIGS. 105   a  and  105   b  to a punching position, shown in  FIGS. 106   a  and  106   b , and back to the rest position. The punch receiving block  2023  also includes a second plurality of openings  2027  at an end opposite the openings  2025  that receive the plurality of punches  2024 , as shown in  FIGS. 104 ,  105   b , and  106   b . Each of the second plurality of openings  2027  is also aligned on each of the longitudinal axes LA, as shown in  FIG. 104 . A plurality of chad removal devices  2029 , or chad removers, may also be provided as part of the punching mechanism  2018  and may be received by the second plurality of openings  2027 , as shown in  FIGS. 105   b  and  106   b . The chad removal devices  2029  are discussed in more detail below. 
     Returning to  FIG. 63 , the plurality of papers  2012  are arranged in a stack. As the shaft  2026  rotates, the cams  2028  rotate such that they drive each of the punches  2024  sequentially. A plurality of springs  2031 , shown in  FIGS. 105   b  and  106   b , may be provided to bias the punches  2024  in a position away from the plurality of papers  2012 , thereby allowing the punches  2024  to return to such a position when the rotation of the cam  2028  allows for such movement. The shaft  2026  is operatively connected to a motor  2030 . A series of gears  2032  may be used between the motor  2030  and the shaft  2026  so that the proper speed reduction between the motor  2030  and the shaft  2026  may be realized. The shaft  2026  is supported by a pair of supports  2034  that extend upward from the base  2016  so that the cams  2028  may fully rotate without interference by the base  2016 . Bearings may be used to connect the shaft  2026  to the supports  2034 . A tray  2036  is disposed beneath the shaft  2026  and is supported by the base  2016 . The tray  2036  is positioned so that pieces of paper that are displaced by the punches  2024  may be collected. The tray  2036  is removable so that it may be emptied from time to time, as will be discussed in further detail below. 
       FIG. 107  shows a more detailed view of one of the chad removal devices  2029 . The device  2029  includes a substantially circular frame  2033  and a plurality of resilient bristles  2035  that extend generally radially inwardly from the frame  2033 . The bristles  2035  are sized so that a punch receiving opening  2037  is created. The punch receiving opening  2037  is smaller than the end of the punch itself so that the bristles  2035  may engage the end of the punch  2024  and create a slight resistance. This allows the bristles  2035  to grasp any chads of paper (i.e., punched segments) that are attached to the punch  2024  after the punch  2024  has punched through the plurality of papers  2012 . Such chads may be ones that are compressed together and extend from the lead end of the punch  2024 . As the punches  2024  are withdrawn in the return direction, the bristles  2035  will grasp the exposed chards and prevent them from passing through the opening  2037 . This prevents the chads from falling off in the paper stack  2012  as the punches  2024  are moved in the return direction, and hence interfering with a subsequent binding operation. 
     The punching mechanism  2018  is discussed in greater detail above in regard to the embodiment of the apparatus  1010  illustrated in  FIGS. 44-56 . Therefore, further details of the punching mechanism  2018  of this embodiment will not be discussed herein. However, it is not necessary to use the punching mechanism  2018  illustrated, and any suitable punching mechanism for hole punching may be used. For example, some embodiments may use a V-shaped rack of punches that are driven linearly into the document stack, or some embodiments may use the single punch approach described above in regard to the punch drive unit  212  of  FIGS. 25-33 . Likewise, rotating paper drills, or any other suitable mechanism may be used. Thus, the illustrated punching mechanism  2018  is not intended to be limiting. Moreover, the term “punching mechanism” is used as a generic structural term to describe mechanisms that form holes in a document stack using, for example, the approaches mentioned above, or any other approach. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 63-65 , the paper clamp  2020  is constructed and arranged to clamp the stack of papers  2012 . The paper clamp  2020  is also supported by the pair of supports  2034  at a position that is near the punches  2024 . The paper clamp  2020  is movable relative to the base  2016  along or parallel to a first axis  2038 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first axis  2038  is substantially vertical, but in other embodiments, it may be horizontal or otherwise. The paper clamp  2020 , shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 66-69 , includes a first plate  2040  and a second plate  2042  that are disposed substantially parallel to each other, as well as to the first axis  2038 . The first plate  2040  and the second plate  2042  are movable relative to one another so that the paper clamp  2020  may accommodate paper stacks  2012  with a range of varying thicknesses. It is contemplated that up to about 125 papers  2012  of a typical thickness may be bound with the apparatus  2010  of the present invention. However, the apparatus  2010  may be able to accommodate more or less than this amount, depending on its design. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first plate  2040  is operatively connected to the second plate  2042  via a plurality of posts  2044  that are disposed substantially at the corners of the plates  2040 ,  2042 . Each post  2044  includes a head  2046  and a body portion  2048  that is connected to the head  2046  (best seen in  FIGS. 66-69 ). The head  2046  contacts the second plate  2042  and provides a stop so that the post  2044  will not pull through the second plate  2042 . The body portion  2048  extends through holes located in the second plate  2042  and the first plate  2040 . As shown in  FIG. 67 , a spring  2050  is disposed on the body portion  2048  of the post  2044  on a side of the first plate  2040  that is opposite the second plate  2042 . The spring  2050  is held in position by a stop  2052  so that the spring  2050  biases the first plate  2040  towards the second plate  2042 . Although only one spring  2050  and stop  2052  are shown in  FIG. 67 , it is understood that the spring  2050  and the stop  2052  may be provided on each post  2044  in the same or similar manner. 
     As shown in  FIG. 67 , an optional hole punch receiving flange  2053  is connected to the first plate  2040  so that the flange  2053  extends below the bottom edge of the first plate  2040 . The flange  2053  includes a plurality of slots  2055  that align with the plurality of punches  2024  when the paper clamp  2020  is in the punching position. The slots  2055  are sized so that the punches  2024  can pass through to the stack of papers  2012  without contacting the flange  2053 , and are open at the bottom edge of the flange  2053  so that the binding element  2014  may be inserted without any obstruction from the flange  2053 . The flange  2053  is designed to provide some stiffness to the edge of the stack of papers  2012  during the punching process so as to allow for easier withdrawal of the punches  2024  from the stack  2012 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 68 , a plurality of shaft supports  2054  are disposed on the first plate  2040 . The shaft supports  2054  may be attached to the first plate  2040  by known methods, such as by welding, or with the use of fasteners or rivets, or any combination thereof. The shaft supports  2054  are constructed and arranged to receive a shaft  2056  that may rotate freely within the shaft supports  2054 . The shaft supports  2054  may be lined with bushings or any other type of material that enhances rotation of the shaft  2056  relative to the shaft supports  2054 . At least one cam  2058  is disposed on the shaft  2056 . In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of cams  2058  are used, with one cam  2058  being provided on each end of the shaft  2056 . As shown in  FIG. 69 , the cam  2058  is eccentric, i.e., the axis of rotation of the cam  2058  is not in the center of the cam  2058 . Also disposed on the shaft  2056  is a gear  2060  that operatively connects the shaft  2056 , and, hence, the cams  2058  to a motor  2062  via another gear  2064 . As shown, the motor  2062  is also supported by one of the shaft supports  2054 . 
     Each cam  2058  is also operatively connected to the second plate  2042  near an edge  2066  thereof. As shown, a spacer  2068  is provided on the second plate  2042  near each edge  2066 . The biasing of the springs  2050  located on the posts  2044  push the first plate  2040  towards the second plate  2042 , causing the cams  2058  to contact the spacers  2066 . Upon rotation, the eccentricity of the cams  2058  pushes the first plate  2040  away from the second plate  2042  to open the paper clamp  2020 . To close the paper clamp  2020 , the cams  2058  may be rotated back (or rotated further past the peak of their eccentricity) so that the springs  2050  can force the first plate  2040  back towards the second plate  2042 . This will clamp a stack  2012  received between the two plates  2040 ,  2042 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 67 , a sensor  2057  for sensing the position of the first plate  2040  relative to the second plate  2042  is disposed on the first plate  2040  near the shaft  2056 . The sensor  2057  includes a plurality of switches  2059 , each of may be an associated finger (not shown) on the shaft  2056  in such a way so as to determine the rotational position of the shaft  2056 . Also, the shaft  2056  may have matching indicators disposed thereon that interact with each of the fingers. Each of the three switches  2059  corresponds to a condition of the paper clamp  2020 , such as fully closed, fully open, and partially open. Since three switches are used, three angularly spaced fingers would be used to contact the appropriate switch at different angular positions of the shaft  2056 . By being able to sense the condition of the paper clamp  2020  in terms of how open it is, a controller  2170 , which will be discussed in greater detail below, may be used to manipulate the size of the opening of the clamp  2020  during different parts of a cycle. For example, at the beginning of the cycle, when the stack of papers  2012  is to be loaded, the paper clamp  2020  may be moved to the fully open position. When the apparatus  2010  is in a stand-by mode, the paper clamp  2020  may be moved to a partially open position, or even a closed position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 63 , a thickness sensor  2061  may be attached to one of the supports  2034  in a position near a bottom edge of the first plate  2040 . Indicators (not shown) that correspond to the position of the first plate  2040 , and therefore the thickness of the stack of papers  2012 , may be disposed on the first plate  2040  so that as they pass by the thickness sensor  2061  as the paper clamp  2020  closes, the thickness sensor  2061  may sense, within a range, the thickness of the stack of papers  2012 . For example, if there are 61-90 pieces of paper  2012  being clamped, only one of the indicators will have passed over the sensor  2061 . 
     If there are 31-60 pieces of paper  2012  being clamped, the first plate  2040  will be closer to the second plate  2042 , and a second indicator will pass over the sensor  2061 , and so on. For example, the sensor  2061  may be a momentary switch and the indicators associated with the first plate  2040  may be a series of projections or bumps on the bottom edge of the first plate  2040 . As the plate  2040  moves, these bumps or projections will contact the switch, and the position of the plate  2040  (and hence the thickness of the stack  2012 ) can be monitored by monitoring the engagement of the switch by the bumps or projections. As other alternatives, a potentiometer connected to the plate  2040  or a Hall effect sensor on the shaft  2056  could be used to monitor movement of the plate  2040 . Generally, any type of sensor may be used to monitor the relative movement between the plates  2040 ,  2042 . The thickness sensor  2061  is also in communication with the controller  2170 , as will be discussed in further detail below. 
     Moreover, the functionalities of sensor  2057  and sensor  2061  may be combined into a single sensor that monitors relative movement of the plates  2040 ,  2042 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 66 , a plurality of guiding brackets  2070  may be attached to the second plate  2042  by known methods. As shown in  FIG. 65 , the brackets  2070  are constructed and arranged to receive posts  2072  that are mounted on a platform  2074  supported by the supports  2034 . Holes in the brackets  2070  are sized so that the brackets  2070  may slide along the posts  2072 . The posts  2072  assist in guiding the brackets  2070 , and, hence, the paper clamp  2020 , along a plane that is parallel to the first axis  2038 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 68  is another bracket  2076  that is disposed between the guiding brackets  2070 . The bracket  2076  is constructed and arranged to interact with a rotatable post  2078  such that when the rotatable post  2078  rotates, the bracket  2076 , and, hence, the second plate  2072  will move along the first axis  2038 . Rotation of the rotatable post  2078  in one direction causes the second plate  2072  to move in a first direction, while rotation of the rotatable post  2078  in the opposite direction causes the second plate  2072  to move in a direction that is opposite the first direction. To provide this action, the post  2078  is externally threaded and the bracket  2076  is internally threaded. This is often referred to as a drive screw connection. The rotatable post  2078  is operatively connected to a reversible electric motor  2080  via gearing so that the motor  2080  powers the rotation of the rotatable post  2078 . As shown in  FIG. 65 , the motor  2080  may be mounted on the platform  2074 . Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the motor  2080  is configured to move the entire paper clamp  2020  along the first axis  2038 . Of course, the paper clamp  2020  is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 65 , a sensor  2081  for sensing the position of the paper clamp  2020  along the first axis  2038  is disposed on the platform  2074  and is operatively connected to the second plate  2042 . This sensor  2081  is similar to the sensor  2057  that senses the position of the first plate  2040  relative to the second plate  2042  in that the sensor  2081  gives the controller  2170  information, so that the controller  2170  may cause the paper clamp  2020  to be moved in different positions along the first axis  2038  during different parts of the cycle. For example, the sensor  2081  may be configured to sense when the clamp  2020  is in a fully upward position, for paper loading, or a fully downward position for paper punching. Any suitable other type of sensor may be used. 
     An optional paper sensor (not shown) may be constructed and arranged to sense whether or not the papers  2012  have been inserted into the paper clamp  2020 . The paper sensor may be in communication with the controller  2170  so that the controller  2170  may execute certain programs, based on what condition is sensed, as will be explained in more detail below. The paper sensor is preferably an optical sensor, by may be a contact switch, or any type of sensor that is configured to sense the presence of the papers  2012 . 
     Generally, the paper clamp  2020  may have any construction or configuration, and the illustrated construction is not intended to be limiting. For example, other mechanisms may be used to move the paper clamp  2020  parallel to the first axis  2038 , other mechanisms may be used to move the plates  2040 ,  2042  relative to one another, or other types of sensors may be used to detect the thickness of the stack of papers  2012  or the presence of the stack of papers  2012  in the clamp  2020 , or such sensors may even be eliminated. Also, limit switches may also be used to sense the position of the paper clamp  2020  relative to, for example, the supports  2034  and base  2016 . 
     The binding element insertion device  2022  is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 70-75 . In the illustrated embodiment, the binding element insertion device  2022  includes a base  2082  that supports a binding element loading device, which is generally indicated at  2084 . The binding element loading device  2084  is constructed and arranged to receive the binding element  2014  and includes a support  2086  on which the binding element  2014  rests when it is received by the binding element loading device  2084 . 
     The binding element loading device  2084  also includes a pusher  2088  that moves relative to the support  2086 . At least one plunger  2090  (two are shown in the figures) biases the pusher  2088  in a direction toward the first axis  2038 . The plunger  2090  includes a spring, or any other type of resilient member, for providing a suitable biasing force. The pusher  2088  includes a recessed portion  2092  that is configured to be engaged by a person&#39;s hand. 
     This way, when loading a binding element  2014  into the binding element loading device  2084 , the user may pull the pusher  2088  away from wall  2094  against the bias of the plungers  2090  via the recessed portion  2092 , insert the binding element  2014 , and release the pusher  2088 . The pusher  2088  then pushes the binding element  2014  against the wall  2094  that extends upward from the base  2082 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 75 , the pusher  2088  includes an optional plow-like surface  2089  with a radius that allows for increased contact with the binding element  2014 . The curved, plow-like surface  2089  is configured to assist in placing the binding element  2014  in the proper position for alignment with the stack of paper  2012 . For example, the surface  2089  helps to slightly lift the binding element  2014  and provides a spine  2100  of the binding element  2014  with support. In the illustrated embodiment, the curvature of the surface  2089  essentially matches the external curvature of part of the binding element  2014  and includes a lower portion to help lift the binding element upwardly to a proper location. Preferably, the locating of the binding element  2014  is such that the bottom longitudinal edges of the spine  2100  at the joined edges of the fingers  2098  is engaged with the wall  2094 . More preferably, the locating is such that both longitudinal edges of the spine  2100  are engaged with the wall  2094 . The wall  2094  includes a plurality of slots  2096  that are constructed and arranged to allow a plurality of fingers  2098  that are attached to the spine  2100  of the binding element  2014  to pass through the wall  2094 , while preventing the spine  2100  from passing through the wall  2094 . The interaction of the pusher  2088  and the wall  2094  essentially clamps the binding element  2014  into the proper position for being attached to the stack of papers  2012 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 73 , the slots  2096  of the wall  2094  and the fingers  2098  of the binding element  2014  are spaced apart at a distance d of about 25.85 mm. The binding element  14  has a pitch of about 25.75 mm to about 25.95 mm, and more preferably has a pitch of about 25.85 mm. It has been found by the inventors that a pitch of 25.85 mm allows for 8.5″×11″ paper and A4 paper to be bound on the same apparatus  2010  with acceptable spacing between the longitudinal ends of the stack and the end holes in the stack for either size paper. With a pitch of about 25.85 mm, each binding element  2014  used to bind 8.5″×11″ paper includes eleven fingers  2098 , and each binding element  2014  used to bind A4 paper includes twelve fingers  2098 . Such a pitch is unique, because conventional apparatus and binding elements are specifically designed for each size of paper, i.e., the pitch of a binding element for 8.5″×11″ paper is different than the pitch of the binding element for A4 paper. 
     The entire binding element insertion device  2022  is movable relative to the base  2016  of the apparatus  2010  along a second axis  2102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second axis  2102  is substantially parallel to the base  2016  and is substantially perpendicular to the first axis  2038 . As shown in  FIG. 71 , a rack  2104  is disposed at an underside of the base  2082  of the binding element insertion device  2084 . The rack  2104  interacts with a pinion  2106  that is operatively connected to a motor  2108 , as shown in  FIG. 64 . The motor  2108  is supported by one of the supports  2034  so that it is stationary relative to the base  2016 . The motor  2108  rotates the pinion  2106  in one direction, such that the rack  2104  and the binding element insertion device  2022  moves in a first direction along the second axis  2102 , towards the first axis  2038 . When the motor  2108  rotates the pinion  2106  in the opposite direction, the rack  2104  and the binding element insertion device  2022  moves in a second direction along the second axis  2102 , away from the first axis  2038 . Interaction of the binding element insertion device  2022  and the paper clamp  2020  during operation of the apparatus  2010  will be discussed in further detail below. 
     The binding element insertion device  2022  also includes a plurality of finger pullers  2110  that are disposed adjacent to the plurality of slots  2096  in the wall  2094  on a side of the wall  2094  that faces the paper clamp  2020 . The plurality of finger pullers  2110  are constructed and arranged to engage the plurality of fingers  2098  of the binding element  2014  and extend the fingers  2098  away from the spine  2100  so as to “open” the binding element  2014 . The plurality of finger pullers  2110  are connected to a single puller plate  2112  so that the finger pullers  2110  all move together. 
     As shown in  FIG. 71 , a motor  2116  is mounted to the base  2082  of the binding element insertion device  2022 . The motor  2116  is operatively connected to a pinion  2118  that interacts with a rack  2114 . The rack  2114  is connected to a slide plate  2126 . The motor  2116  causes the pinion  2118  to rotate in a first direction, which causes the rack  2114  and the slide plate  2126  to move toward the paper clamp  2020 . As shown in  FIGS. 70 and 72 , a plurality of guides  2120  are each connected to the plate  2126  with a pair of fasteners  2122 . Each pair of fasteners  2122  passes through a slot  2124  that is located in the finger plate  2112 . The slots  2124  are disposed at an angle α, as shown in  FIG. 72 . This way, as the slide plate  2126  is moved in the direction toward the paper clamp  2020 , the guides  2120  will cause the finger plate  2112  to first move in a substantially lateral direction, which causes the finger pullers  2110  to engage the fingers  2098  of the binding element  2014 . Further movement of the slide plate  2126  and the guides  2120  will then cause the finger plate  2112  to move substantially along the second axis  2102 , which allows the finger pullers  2110  to pull the fingers  2098  to the open, extended position. When the motor  2116  reverses direction, the pinion  2118  rotates in a direction that is opposite the first direction, so that the rack  2114  and the slide plate  2126  move away from the paper clamp  2020 . This allows the fingers  2098  of the binding element  2014  to relax and recoil so as to “close” the binding element  2014 . When the finger plate  2112  returns to its original position, the finger pullers  2110  will shift laterally back their original position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 77 , the binding element insertion device  2022  also includes a sensor  2130  for sensing the size of the binding element  2014  that has been inserted into the binding element loading device  2084 . Any suitable sensor for detecting binding size may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor  2130  includes a first switch  2132 , and a second switch  2133  that are spaced apart so that three different binding element sizes may be detected. For example, a “large” binding element  2134  is illustrated in  FIG. 79   a . The large binding element  2134  has a notch  2136  that is located so that it corresponds to the first switch  2132  when the large binding element  2134  is put into the binding element loading device  2084 . When the large binding element  2134  is put into the binding element loading device  2084 , the second switch  2133  is depressed, but the first switch  2132  is not depressed, because the first switch  2132  is received by the notch  2136 . The depression of the second switch  2133  indicates that the binding element  2014  that has been inserted into the binding element insertion device  2022  is a large binding element  2134 , the significance of which will be described in further detail below. 
     Similarly, a “medium” binding element  2138  is shown in  FIG. 79   b  and also includes a notch  2140 . However, the notch  2140  in the medium binding element  2138  is located at a different position than the notch  2136  in the large binding element  2134 . The position of the notch  2140  in the medium binding element  2138  corresponds to the second switch  2133  in the sensor  2130 . This way, when the medium binding element  2138  is put into the binding element loading device  2084 , the first switch  2132  is depressed and the second switch  2133  is received by the notch  2140  in the medium binding element  2138 . The depression of the first switch  2132  indicates that the binding element  2014  that has been inserted into the binding element insertion device  2022  is a medium binding element  2138 , the significance of which will be described in further detail below. 
       FIG. 79   c  shows an embodiment of a “small” binding element  2142 . As illustrated, the small binding element  2142  does not have a notch. This way, when the small binding element  2142  is inserted into the binding element loading device  2084 , both the first switch  2132  and the second switch  2133  are depressed. The depression of both switches  2132 ,  2133  indicates that the binding element  2014  that has been inserted into the binding element insertion device  2022  is a small binding element  2142 , the significance of which will be described in further detail below. Thus, not only does the sensor  2130  sense what size of binding element  2014  has been inserted, it senses whether a binding element  2014  has been inserted at all. 
     Of course, the sensor  2130  may be configured to sense more or less than three different binding element sizes. The three binding element sizes discussed above are but one example and are not intended to be limiting in any way. For example, the sensor  2130  may be configured to sense four or more different sizes of binding elements. Other sensors, such as bar code, optical, or other types of sensors could be used. The illustrated sensor should not be regarded as limiting. 
     The binding elements  2014  themselves may each be labeled with an indicator I, or mark, that gives some indication to the user as to what size it is, such as a graphical indicator, as shown in  FIGS. 79   a - c . For example, binding elements  2142  of the “small” size may include the letter “S” along its spine, “medium” binding elements  2138  may include the letter “M” along its spine, and “large” binding elements  2134  may include the letter “L” along its spine. Moreover, additional indicators, such as “XS” for extra-small binding elements and “XL” for extra-large binding elements may also be used. It is also contemplated that numbers, or combinations of numbers and letters may be used to distinguish the different sizes of binding elements. For example, the numbers 1, 2, and 3 could be used in place of S, M, L. Likewise, different colors for the different sizes may also be used, either alone, or in combination with a graphical indicator described above. It is also contemplated that similar indicators and/or color schemes may also be used to distinguish binding elements  2014  to be used to bind 8.5″×11″ paper from binding elements  2014  to be used to bind A4 paper. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 79   a  and  79   b , the plurality of fingers  2098  on each binding element  2134 ,  2138 ,  2142  are disposed equidistantly along each spine  2100 . However, the spacing between the last or outermost finger  2098  and the end of the spine  2100  at one end  2144  is different than the spacing between the last or outermost finger  2098  and the end of the spine  2100  of the opposite end  2145 . This difference in spacing helps to ensure that the binding element  2014  is inserted in the correct orientation. As shown in  FIG. 73 , the slots  2096  in the wall  2094  are disposed so that a first slot  2095  at one end of the wall  2094  is closer to the wall  2093   a  than a second slot  2097  is to an opposite wall  2093   b . Walls  2093   a  and  2093   b  are sidewalls of the binding element loading device  2084 . Specifically, the spacing between wall  2093   b  and slot  2097  is equal to or greater than the spacing X between the spine end and the last finger  2098  at end  2144  of the binding element  2014 ; and the spacing between wall  2093   b  and slot  2095  is less than the spacing X. This allows the binding element  2014  to be properly loaded in only one orientation (i.e., with end  2144  adjacent wall  2093   b ), because the plurality of fingers  2098  of the binding element  2014  will not line up properly with the plurality of slots  2096  in the wall  2094  if the binding element  2014  is loaded backward (i.e., with the end  2144  adjacent wall  2093   a ). This is also illustrated in  FIG. 72 . If the binding element  2014  were to be loaded improperly and the plurality of fingers  2098  were able to extend through the plurality of slots  2096  in the wall  2094 , the plurality of fingers  2098  would be opened upside down, thereby making it difficult to line the plurality of fingers  2098  with the plurality of holes in the papers  2012  and attaching the binding element  2014  to the papers  2012  properly. 
     Other structures for ensuring proper loading of the binding element  2014  may be used and the illustrated embodiment should not be regarded as limiting. 
     In order to accommodate all three sizes of binding elements  2134 ,  2138 ,  2142 , the binding element insertion device  2022  interacts with the controller  2170 . Once the size of the binding element  2014  has been sensed, the controller  2170  determines how far the finger pullers  2110  should move to fully open the binding element  2014 . Also, the movement of the binding element insertion device along the second axis  2102  relative to the paper clamp  2020 , and the first axis  2038 , is also dependent on the detected size of the binding element  2014 . For example, if the binding element  2014  is the large binding element  2134 , the controller  2170  will signal the motor  2116  to move the finger pullers  2110  a longer distance than if the binding element  2014  is the small binding element  2142 , because the fingers  2098  of the large binding element  2134  are longer than the fingers  2098  of the small binding element  2142  and more movement is needed to fully open the large binding element  2134 . Similarly, as will become more apparent below, the binding element insertion device  2022  will not have to move as far when moving along the second axis  2102  toward the paper clamp  2020  when the large binding element  2134  is used. Thus, the controller  2170  will use the information received from the sensor  2130  to control the two motors  2116 ,  2108  that affect the opening of the binding element  2014  and the positioning of the binding element  2014  with respect to the papers  2012  to be bound. 
     Generally, the binding element insertion device  2022  may have any construction or configuration and the construction illustrated is not intended to be limiting. Instead, the term “binding element insertion device” may be regarded as a generic structural term to describe a mechanism that insert the fingers of a binding element into the punched holes in a stack of documents. For example, the binding element insertion device may use a different mechanism for engaging and opening the fingers, a different binding element pusher (or it may be omitted), or different sensors for detecting the size of the binding element (or no sensors may be used at all). 
     One embodiment of the apparatus  2010  with a cover  2150  is shown in  FIG. 80 . The cover  2150  includes a lid  2152  that is hingedly mounted to the rest of the cover  2150  so that the user may open the lid  2152  to insert the stack of papers  2012  in the paper clamp  2020 . A second lid  2154  may also be hingedly mounted to the rest of the cover  2150  so that the user may open the lid  2154  to insert the binding element  2014 . It is also contemplated that the lid  2154  that provides access to the binding element loading device  2084  may be slidably mounted such that it interacts with the pusher  2088 , e.g. the recess portion  2092 . This way, the user may pull on a handle  2156  that is disposed on the lid  2154  to load the binding element  2014 . Of course, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, it is contemplated that a single lid may be used to provide access to both the paper clamp  2020  and the binding element insertion device  2022 . An interlock device  2158  may also be provided to lock the lids  2152 ,  2154 , or the single lid, in the closed position once operation of the apparatus  2010  has begun. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 80  is a user interface  2160  that is configured to provide the user with information about the stage of the process, which will be discussed below in greater detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface  2160  includes a plurality of visual indicators  2162  that may indicate whether the papers  2012  have been loaded properly, may tell the user which size of binding element  2014  to insert, based on the measured thickness of the stack of papers  2012 , and may also alert the user when the bound product is ready to be taken out of the apparatus  2010 . The user interface  2160  also includes a plurality of input devices  2164 , such as buttons, that the user may use to give instructions to the apparatus  2010 . One of the indicators  2166  may be used to alert the user when an error has occurred in the apparatus  2010  so that the user may take corrective action. 
     The user interface  2160  is in communication with the controller  2170 , as shown schematically in  FIG. 81 . The controller  2170  is also in communication with all of the motors  2030 ,  2062 ,  2080 ,  2108 ,  2116 , the sensors  2057 ,  2061 ,  2081 ,  2130 , and the interlock device  2158 , discussed above, that are located within the apparatus  2010 . Hence, the controller  2170  controls the entire punching and binding method, which is discussed in further detail below. The controller  2170  includes a central processor  2172  that is capable of receiving and executing commands that may be programmed and stored in memory  2174 . The controller  2170  may be hard-wired into the apparatus  2010  and thus physically connected to the motors and sensors of the apparatus, or the controller  2170  may use wireless technology to communicate with these components, or a combination of hard-wired and wireless connections may be used. Details of the controller  2170  are not discussed herein, as any controller may be used to carry out the functions of the apparatus  2010 . The illustrated controller  2170  is not intended to be limiting in any way. 
     When the user would like to bind a stack of papers  2012  together with a binding element  2014 , the user starts by opening the lid  2152  of the apparatus  2010 . The paper clamp  2020  is already in an open position, and the user places the papers  2012  in the paper clamp  2020  and ensures that the papers  2012  are properly aligned with each other in the stack. The paper sensor senses the presence of the papers  2012  and sends a signal to the controller  2170  so that the controller  2170  will be ready to send a signal to the motor  2062 . The user may press the button  2164  at the user interface  2160  to indicate that the user is ready to proceed with the binding operation. The depression of the button  2164  sends a signal to the controller  2170 , which signals the motor  2062  to rotate the gear  2064  so that the cams  2058  rotate and allow the first plate  2040  to move towards the second plate  2042 . As the first plate  2040  moves toward the second plate  2042  to clamp the stack of papers  2012 , the thickness sensor  2061  senses the thickness of the stack of papers  2012 , and sends a signal to the controller  2170 . The controller  2170  sends a signal to the user interface  2160  so that an indicator  2162  may tell the user what size binding element  2014 , e.g. small  2142 , medium  2138 , or large  2134 , to insert into the apparatus  2010 . The user chooses the correct binding element  2014 , opens the lid  2154 , pulls back the pusher  2088 , and inserts the binding element  2014  into the binding element loading device  2084 . The users releases the pusher  2088 , and if the binding element  2014  has been inserted with the proper orientation, the pusher  2088  will push the plurality of fingers  2098  through the plurality of slots  2096  in the wall  2094 . The sensor  2130  senses which size binding element  2014  has been inserted, and compares the sensed size to the size that was signaled to the user. If these sizes are not the same, an error message is sent to the user interface  2160  at the error indicator  2166 , thereby alerting the user that a binding element  2014  of the wrong size has been inserted into the apparatus  2010 . The apparatus  2010  will not operate until a binding element  2014  of the correct size has been inserted, in the correct orientation, into the binding element loading device  2084 . 
     When the binding element  2014  of the correct size for the thickness of the stack of papers  2012  being held by the paper clamp  2020  has been properly loaded, the controller  2170  sends a signal to the user interface  2160  that tells the user to close the lids  2152 ,  2154  of the apparatus  2010 . As an optional feature, once the lids  2152 ,  2154  have been closed, interlocks actuate so that the lids  2152 ,  2154  cannot be opened until either the binding apparatus  2010  has finished its cycle, or the cycle has been safely aborted. 
       FIGS. 82-88  illustrate the internal operation of the binding apparatus  2010 . As shown in  FIG. 82 , the papers  2012  are loaded into the paper clamp  2020 , and the binding element  2014  is loaded into the binding element insertion device  2022 .  FIG. 83  shows the position of the papers  2012  when the papers  2012  are being clamped by the paper clamp  2020  and are ready to be punched by the plurality of punches  2024 . As shown in  FIG. 83 , the binding element loading device  2084  is located away from the punches  2024 . 
     Once the papers  2012  have been punched by all of the punches  2024 , the motor  2080  rotates the rotatable post  2078  such that the paper clamp  2020 , with the punched papers  2012  therein, is raised along the first axis  2038 . The binding element insertion device  2022  is powered along the second axis  2102  by the motor  2108  toward the first axis  2038 , as shown in  FIGS. 84 and 85 . Either as the binding element insertion device  2022  is moving, or shortly after it has stopped in its binding element insertion position, the motor  2116  moves the plurality of finger pullers  2110  so that the plurality of fingers  2098  of the binding element  2014  are pulled into their open, extended position, as shown in  FIGS. 86 and 87 . The motor  2080  moves the paper clamp  2020  downward along the first axis  2038  to a position that is above the punching position, as shown in  FIGS. 86 and 87 , and at a position that places the punched holes in alignment with tips of the plurality of fingers  2098  of the binding element  2014 . The controller  2170  controls the precise stopping location of the paper clamp  2020 , as the location is based on the size of the binding element  2014  being used. For example, if the binding element  2014  is the large binding element  2134 , the paper clamp  2020  will not need to move down as far as it would if the binding element  2014  is the small binding element  2142  because the tips of an uncurled large binding element will be somewhat higher. 
     Once the paper clamp  2020  and the binding element insertion device  2022  are in their proper positions, based on the size of the binding element  2014 , the motor  2116  reverses so that the finger pullers  2110  may return to their original position, thereby releasing the fingers  2098  of the binding element  2014 . Because the fingers  2098  of the binding element  2014  are aligned with the holes in the papers  2012 , the fingers  2098  pass through the holes, back toward the spine  2100 , thereby binding the papers  2012 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 88 , the paper clamp  2020  moves upward along the first axis  2038 , and the binding element insertion device  2022  moves away from the first axis  2038  along the second axis  2102 . The motor  2062  causes the paper clamp  2020  to open so that the bound papers  2012  may be removed from the apparatus. The binding element insertion device  2022  is ready to be loaded again. Once the bound papers have been removed from the apparatus  2010 , the controller  2170  signals the motor  2080  to move the paper clamp  2020  back to the position shown in  FIG. 82 , so that it is ready to receive a new set of papers to be bound, even if the thickness of the papers is different from the thickness of the previously bound set. 
     The controller  2170  may also be programmed to count the number of cycles that have been completed so that it may provide a signal to the user interface  2160  that indicates that the tray  2036  should be emptied. Because information about the thickness of the papers  2012  that are punched and bound in the apparatus  2010  is provided to the controller  2170 , the count may be weighted to provide a more accurate signal. 
       FIGS. 89-101 ,  108   a , and  108   b  illustrate another embodiment of a binding apparatus  2200 . In this embodiment, the internal features in the apparatus  2010  described above may also be used. As shown in  FIG. 89 , the apparatus  2200  includes a housing  2202  that protects the internal assemblies, such as the frame  2015 , the punching mechanism  2018 , the paper clamp  2020 , and the binding element insertion device  2022 . 
     A lid  2204  is operatively connected to the housing  2202  so that the lid  2204  may be moved between a closed position  2206 , as shown in  FIG. 89 , and an open position  2208 , as shown in  FIG. 90 . The lid  2204  may be hinged so that the lid  2204  may pivot between the closed position  2206  and the open position  2208 , or the lid  2204  may be configured to slide relative to the housing  2202 . The illustrated embodiment is not intended to be limiting in any way. Any configuration is contemplated, so long as a paper opening, generally shown at  2210 , and a binding element opening, generally shown at  2212 , are accessible by the user when the lid  2204  is in the open position  2208 . An interlock device  2214 , shown in  FIGS. 108   a  and  108   b , may be used to lock the lid  2204  in the closed position  2206  so that the user cannot access the inside of the apparatus  2200  once the punching an binding operations have begun. Likewise, the interlock device  2214  is configured to not allow the apparatus  2200  to operate if the lid  2204  is in the open position  2208 . The interlock device  2214  may be of the type that includes a solenoid  2216  and arm arrangement, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art. Any interlock device may be used, and the one illustrated is not intended to be limiting in any way. The interlock device  2214  is in communication with a controller  2221 , which controls the various motors, discussed above, within the apparatus. 
     As shown in the Figures, the user interface  2220  is provided on the housing  2202  in a location that is convenient to the user. As shown, the user interface  2220  is generally located on the top of the apparatus  2200 . It is also contemplated that the user interface  2220 , or even parts of the user interface  2220 , described in further detail below, may be located on the front or the side of the apparatus  2200 . The user interface  2220  is in communication with the controller  2221 . The controller  2221 , like the controller  2170  discussed above, is in communication with the various sensors and motors throughout the apparatus  2200 . The controller  2221  may be a microprocessor with suitable software for controlling the operations of the apparatus  2200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 90 , the user interface  2220  generally includes three portions, including a visual display portion  2222 , at least one input device  2224 , and at least one indicator  2226 . The visual display  2222  is configured to provide information to the user to help guide the user through a plurality of steps during operation of the apparatus  2200 . For example, the visual display  2222  may include a screen  2228  that displays different steps of the process, either through the use of word, symbols, or preferably animation. The screen  2228  may be an LCD display or may be a small monitor, and a display driver (not shown) may be used to display items on the screen  2228 . When the apparatus  2200  is powered down, or in the “off” condition, the screen  2228  is preferably blank. When the apparatus  2200  is powered up, or in the “on” condition, the screen  2228  preferably provides information as to the state of the apparatus  2200 , such as “standby,” “loading,” “punching,” “binding,” “unloading,” etc. 
     For example, after the apparatus  2200  has been turned on, the screen  2228  may show an animation representative of the lid  2204  being opened, thereby communicating to the user that the lid  2204  should be moved from the closed position  2206  to the open position  2208 . After the user has opened the lid  2204 , a lid sensor (not shown) that has sensed the movement, or has sensed that the lid  2204  is now in the open position  2208 , will provide a signal to the controller  2221 , which signals the screen  2228  to generate an image that informs the user to insert the papers  2012  into the paper opening  2210 , as shown in  FIG. 90 . In the illustrated embodiment, the image may be an animation representative of the papers  2012  being inserted into the apparatus  2200 . Alternatively, a still image of the papers  2012  being inserted into the apparatus  2200  may be used. In addition to providing the image, the screen  2228 , or another part of the visual display  2222 , may also provide an indication  2229  as to which step in a sequence of steps is being performed. For example, as shown in  FIG. 90 , the numeral “1” is shown to indicate that loading of the paper  2012  is the first step. Any other sequence of indications (e.g., A, B, C, or I, II, III, etc.) may be used, with each indicator in the sequence corresponding to the main phases of operation for the apparatus  2200 . Upon prompting, the user may load the papers  2012  through the paper opening  2210 , as shown in  FIG. 91 . 
     After the paper  2012  has been loaded, and the presence of the paper  2012  has been detected, the controller  2221  may signal the screen  2228  so that the screen  2228  indicates that the user needs to press one of the input devices  2224  to proceed, as shown in  FIG. 92 . A first input device  2230  may be shaped differently from a second input device  2232  to indicate to the user that they provide different function. The first and second input devices  2230 ,  2232  may also be color coded. For example, the first input device  2230  may be substantially circular in shape and be colored green, thereby indicating that the user should press the first input device  2230  to signal to the apparatus  2200  to continue. The second input device  2232  may be substantially rectangular in shape and be red in color, thereby indicating that the user should press the second input device  2232  to abort the operation of the apparatus  2200 . Of course any combination of shapes and color may be used, and the shapes shown and colors described herein are merely examples, and are not intended to be limiting in any way. As shown in  FIG. 92 , the indicator on the screen  2228  may be a pictorial representation of the first input device  2230  so that the user knows to engage the first input device  2230  to proceed. After the user has engaged the first input device  2230 , the paper clamp  2020 , discussed above, may clamp the paper  2012  and the sensor  2061 , also discussed above, may sense the thickness of the paper  2012  and provide the sensed information to the controller  2221 . The controller  2221  may then communicate the appropriate information, such as the size of the binding element  2014  that should be inserted into the binding element opening  2212 , to the screen  2228  so that the screen  2228  may provide the information to the user, as shown in  FIGS. 93 and 94 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 94 , a still or animated image representative of the binding element  2014  being inserted into the apparatus  2200  is displayed to indicate to the user to insert the binding element  2014  into the apparatus  2200 . As seen in  FIG. 94 , an indication of the size of the binding element  2014  to be inserted is displayed. In  FIG. 94 , the indication is shown as an “L,” indicating that a large binding element  2014  should be used. The images of  FIGS. 93 and 94  may be alternated repeatedly while waiting for the binding element  2014  to be inserted. Also, instead of displaying separate images, the images of  FIGS. 94 and 95  may be combined and displayed together. Any suitable imagery or information may be used. 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 93 and 94  is the indication  2229  that loading the binding element  2014  may be designated as step “ 2 ” in the process. Again, such an indication keeps the user informed as to the status of the overall process. The user may then select the indicated binding element  2014  and load the binding element  2014  into the binding element opening  2212  in the housing  2202 . If the sensor  2130 , described above, senses that the binding element  2014  that was inserted into the binding element opening  2212  was not the correct size, or was not loaded in the proper orientation, an error message may be displayed on the screen  2228 , as shown in  FIG. 95 , so that the user may take corrective action. The user will not be prompted to proceed past this step (step “ 2 ”) until the proper sized binding element  2014  has been inserted into the apparatus  2200  in the proper orientation. 
     Once the sensor  2130  senses that the correct binding element  2014  has been loaded properly, the screen  2228  may display the next action to be taken by the user. As shown in  FIG. 96 , the screen  2228  indicates that the lid  2204  should be returned to the closed position  2206 , and that the process has proceeded to the next step, illustrated as step “ 3 ” in the Figure. This is done by displaying a still or animated image representative of the lid  2204  being closed, thereby indicating to the user to move the lid  2204  to the closed position  2206 . Once the lid sensor senses that the lid  2204  has been moved to the closed position  2206 , the controller  2221  instructs the screen  2228  to display the next image. As shown in  FIG. 97 , the screen  2228  then shows the first input device  2232 , thereby indicating to the user that the first input device  2232  should be engaged to proceed with the binding operation. Once the first input device  2232  has been pressed at this stage of the process, the lid  2204  becomes locked with the interlock device  2214 . This prevents the lid  2204  from being moved from the closed position  2206  while the punching mechanism  2018  and the binding element insertion device  2022  are in operation. 
     The screen  2228  may then be programmed to provide an animation of the punching and binding operations as they are taking place. As shown in  FIG. 98 , the visual display  2222  may also provide additional information at the same time, such as a countdown timer  2236  that provides the user with information on how much time before the finished product will be ready to be pulled out of the apparatus  2200 . Such a timer  2236  allows the user to complete other tasks while waiting on the binding operation to be completed. 
     Once the binding operation has been completed, the screen  2228  may indicate to the user that the paper  2012  has been successfully bound with the binding element  2014  and, as shown in  FIG. 99 , the lid  2204  may be moved to the open position  2208 . When the lid sensor senses that the lid  2204  is in the open position  2208 , the controller  2221  may instruct the screen  2228  to display an animated image of a bound document being pulled out of the apparatus  2200 , as shown in  FIG. 100 , thereby instructing the user to remove the document from the apparatus  2200 .  FIG. 101  shows a bound document  2237  being removed from the apparatus  2200 . After the sensor (described above) senses that the paper  2012  has been removed from the paper clamp  2020 , the program may start again and the visual display  2222  may once again inform the user to load a new stack of papers  2012 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 95 , the indicator portion  2226  of the user interface  2220  may include a schematic  2238  of the apparatus and a plurality of indicators  2240  that correspond to plurality of possible errors that may occur during operation of the apparatus  2200 . In essence, the indicators  2240  are arranged to provide the user with a graphical state of the binding apparatus. For example, if the lid  2204  is in the open position  2208  and needs to be moved to the closed position  2206 , one of the indicators  2240  may flash or may be provided as a red light. This provides a more direct indication to the user that action should be taken before the process may proceed. Other indicators that provide information regarding the proper loading of the paper  2012  and the binding element  2014  may also be provided. As shown in  FIG. 95 , when an error is indicated to the user, an indicator  2241  that corresponds with the loading of the binding element  2014  may light up and even flash, further indicating to the user that an error has occurred and action should be taken before the apparatus  2200  can continue with the binding operation. 
     In the embodiment of the apparatus  2200  shown in  FIGS. 89-101 , in addition to the binding element indicator  2241 , the plurality of indicators  2240  includes a paper clamp error indicator  2242  (shown in  FIG. 96 ) that alerts the user when the paper clamp  2020  has not functioned properly, a tray indicator  2243  that alerts the user when the tray  2036  should be removed from the apparatus  2200  and emptied, and an internal error indicator  2244  that alerts the user when some other error within the apparatus has occurred. Of course, greater or fewer indicators  2240  may be used. The illustrated indicator portion  2226  is not intended to be limiting in any way. 
     Pre-punched covers  2260  to be bound with the papers  2012  may also be provided. As shown in  FIG. 102 , one embodiment of the pre-punched cover  2260  is a single cover  2262  that is configured to cover only one side of the stack of papers  2012 . The single cover  2262  includes a plurality of holes  2264  at an edge thereof. The each hole  2264  is sized to receive one of the fingers  2098  of the binding element  2014 . The plurality of holes  2264  are substantially equidistant from each other at a pitch of about 25.85 mm. Such a pitch substantially corresponds to the pitch of the fingers  2098  of the binding elements  2014 . 
     Another embodiment of a pre-punched cover  2260  is a wrap-around cover  2266 , shown in  FIG. 103 , that covers three sides of the stack of papers  2012 , e.g. the front, back, and spine of the bound stack of papers  2012 . The wrap-around cover  2266  is preferably made from a single substrate  2268  and includes two sets of holes  2270 ,  2272  that are disposed toward the center of the substrate  2268 . Within each of the two sets of holes  2270 ,  2272 , the plurality of holes are substantially equidistant from each other at a pitch of about 25.85 mm. A crease  2274  is preferably provided in between the two sets of holes  2270 ,  2272  so that the cover  2266  may be easily folded along the crease  2274 , and aligned with the stack of paper  2012  before being loaded into the apparatus  2200 . The holes  2270 ,  2272  are positioned so as to allow the punches  2024  to pass through them as the punches  2024  punch the stack of paper  2012 . As shown in  FIG. 103 , additional creases  2276 ,  2278  may also be provided to generally define the size of the final, bound product. Different wrap-around covers  2266  of different sizes may be used in conjunction with the different sizes of binding elements  2014  so that the finished product may have a more finished appearance. The covers  2260  may be made from a pulp-based product, such as cardboard, or may be made from a plastic. 
     A method for binding a plurality of papers is generally shown in  FIG. 109  at  2300 . The method starts at  2302 . At  2304 , the user moves the lid  2204  of the apparatus  2200  from the closed position  2208  to the open position  2210 . The lid sensor senses that the lid  2204  is in the open position  2208 . Such sensing allows the controller  2221  to prevent operation of the punching mechanism  2018  and the binding element insertion device  2022 , as long as the lid  2204  is in the open position  2208 . Such sensing also allows the controller  2221  to begin execution of a preprogrammed set of instructions  2250 , which are described in conjunction with the method  2300 . It is understood that the some of the preprogrammed instructions may be displayed to the user via the visual display  2222  discussed above, and some of the preprogrammed instructions are executed internal to the apparatus  2200  and provide for various sensing and movement within the apparatus  2200 , as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     At  2306 , the visual display  2222  instructs the user to load the paper  2012  into the paper opening  2210 , and the user then loads the paper  2012  into the paper opening  2210 . The paper sensor senses that the paper  2012  has been loaded into the paper clamp  2020 . The controller  2221  then instructs the visual display  2222  to instruct the user to engage the first input device  2230 . In addition, the first input device  2230  may optionally provide an indication to the user that the user should engage the first input device  2230 , such as by flashing a green light. The user engages the first input device  2230  at  2308  so that the thickness of the papers  2012  may be measured. The controller  2221  then signals the paper clamp  2020  to close. The sensor  2061  senses the thickness of the papers  2012  and communicates the thickness to the controller  2221 , which determines which predetermined size, e.g. S, M, L, or XL, of binding element  2014  should be used to bind the loaded papers  2012  together. At  2310 , the visual display  2222  instructs the user which size binding element  2014  to insert into the apparatus  2200  through the binding element opening  2212 . The user inserts the binding element  2014  into the binding element opening  2212  at  2312 . The sensor  2130  senses the size of the binding element  2014  that has been inserted and communicates the size information to the controller  2221 . The controller  2221  determines whether the correct size of binding element  2014  has been inserted at  2314 . If the incorrect size has been inserted, the visual display  2222  displays an error message, and the indicator portion  2226  indicates that an error has occurred in the binding element opening  2212  at  2316 . The user removes the incorrect binding element  2014 , and the method  2300  returns to  2312 . If the correct size binding element  2014  has been inserted, the method  2300  proceeds to  2318 , where the visual display  2222  instructs the user to move the lid  2204  to the closed position  2206 . As instructed, the user moves the lid  2204  to the closed position  2206 . Once the lid sensor senses that the lid  2204  is in the closed position  2206 , the visual display  2222  instructs the user to engage the first input device  2230  to proceed with the punching and binding operation at  2320 . After the user has instructed the apparatus  2200  to proceed by engaging the first input device  2230 , the interlock device  2214  locks the lid  2204  in the closed position  2206  at  2322 , and the punching and binding operation commences at  2324 . During the punching and binding operation, the visual display  2222  provides status information to the user at  2326 , such as the time remaining before the binding operation will be complete. Upon completion of the punching and binding operation, the interlock device  2214  unlocks the lid  2204  at  2328 , the visual display  2222  instructs the user to open the lid  2204 , and the user opens the lid  2204 . Once the lid sensor senses that the lid  2204  is in the open position  2208 , the visual display  2222  instructs the user to remove the bound document from the apparatus  2200  at  2330 . After the user removes the bound document from the apparatus  2200 , the method ends at  2332 . Of course the method  2300  disclosed above may include additional steps or may not include one of the steps described. The illustrated method is not intended to be limiting in any way and is intended to describe but one possible method to bind the papers  2012  together using the apparatus  2200  described herein. 
       FIG. 110  illustrates the punching and binding operation  2324  of the method  2300  of  FIG. 109  in greater detail. The punching and binding operation  2324  starts at  2402 . At  2404 , the stack of paper  2012  is punched with the punching mechanism  2018  in the manner described above. After all of the holes have been punched, the paper  2012  is lifted by the paper clamp  2020  above home position at  2406 . At  2408 , the binding element insertion device  2022 , or comb mechanism, moves into the binding position, as described above. The binding element  2014 , or comb, is opened at  2410 . The stack of paper  2012  is then lowered by the paper clamp  2020  to the appropriate position to receive or accept the binding element  2014  at  2412 . Next, the binding element  2014  is inserted into the paper  2012  by the binding element insertion device  2022  at  2414 . At  2416 , the binding element insertion device  2022  returns to its home position, and at  2418 , the bound document is moved by the paper clamp  2020  to a position at which the bound document may be removed from the apparatus  2200 . The bound document is released by the paper clamp  2020  at  2420 . The punching and binding operation  2324  ends at  2422 . 
     The foregoing illustrated embodiments have been provided solely for illustrating the structural and functional principles of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting. To the contrary, the present invention is intended to encompass all modifications, alterations, substitutions, and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the following claims. 
     All of the various features and mechanisms described with respect to the specific embodiments may be interchanged with the various embodiments described, or may be used with other variations or embodiments.