In 1980, Mekatronics brought out the MD-16, a micro-processor- controlled book-measuring unit, a substantial improvement over the 1180-BSC Jack had invented a decade earlier. In 1981, the HANDI-BIND™ marketed by a Mekatronics affiliate, Advanced Binding Methods, Inc., introduced a one-step temporary binding system for use by libraries to protect periodicals and other materials from wear and damage by patrons until the materials are scheduled to be sent to the bindery. In order to improve bonding of pages in the double-fan adhesive binding process, Jack developed a spine- notching machine, the MEKANOTCH™, first offered to binders in 1982. (See "Mekanotch," by Werner Rebsamen, The New Library Scene, April 1994.) This machine greatly improved double-fan adhesive bindings because notches in the book block increased the spine area to absorb more glue into the paper fibers, which in turn permitted the binding of all types of paper.

In 1983, shortly after the introduction of the IBM PC, the new Gem™ computerized cover lettering system was devised. This machine was PC driven and newly designed to apply knowledge Jack had acquired in the robotics industry. In 1984, the Cat™ (Computer-Aided Trimming device) made it possible, with the addition of digital controls, to retrofit old cutters. A software program for automating technical binding instructions was introduced in 1984 as the ABLE™ system (Advanced Bindery Library Exchange). In 1987, produc-tion of the LOTEK™ case-making gauge with an automatic cord cutting attach-ment began at the Mekatronics plant. The redesigned self-adjusting VERSAMATIC™, made available in 1990, eliminates manual glue cleaning, making increased production possible.

The ULTRABIND™ machine was a major step forward in bindery automation when it was introduced in 1991. This revolutionary machine elimi-nates manual procedures required in the past and greatly speeds production and improves quality. This machine gives the modern bindery a very different look. In 1994, Jack perfected the MEKABIND™, a double-fan adhesive binding machine that was developed to increase the ability of the binder to bind books as thick as 3 1/2". The ULTRABIND™ processes books up to a thickness of 2 1/4". Productivity was more than doubled by the introduction of the MEKATWIN™ in 1994, which integrated the spine milling and notching operations. Production was also begun on the ROLL-IN™ turning-in machine in 1994. This machine turns cover material over the edges of boards in just two easy steps and facilitates higher bindery output. The ROLL-IN PLUS™ turning-in machine quickly followed. This machine turns in all fours sides of covers in a fully automatic seven-second cycle.

In 1999, Jack introduced the new C3 (Cover Component Center), a combination of the SID™ (Spine Inlay Dispenser) and a new board shear. The development of the SID™ promises to eliminate the manual matching of spine inlays and covers. Mistakes made in manual matching can affect the integrity of the union of a book block with its cover. The C3 will automatically measure the height, width and thickness of a book block and cut boards of exactly the right dimensions on a board shear equipped with a power gauge. These machines will increase the rate of production and the labor a book block and cut boards of exactly the right dimensions on a board shear equipped with a power gauge. These machines will increase the rate of production and the labor saved can be utilized elsewhere.

This incredible array of ingenious and increasingly sophisticated equipment that has revolutionized bindery methods is largely the product of one man, Jack Bendror. He has helped binders keep pace with the information explosion of our time by finding ways to apply the latest technology to bindery operations. As demands for higher output and lower labor costs have increased, Jack's automated machines have brought about great changes in the library binding industry.