Method and apparatus for maintaining confidential printed-sheet output

An apparatus and method to provide confidentiality for the message content in copy received from an electrographic device is disclosed. Confidentiality is communicated to the apparatus by utilizing a confidentiality code mark on the first and last sheets of a set of copy for which privacy is desired. The confidentiality or non-confidentiality of the copy may also be communicated by using a last sheet of copy containing predetermined code marks. In one embodiment, the apparatus receives sheets of copy output from the elctrographic device and directs sheets of copy that are not confidential in nature into one output tray for removal. The apparatus directs sheets of copy that are confidential in nature into an assembly station for binding. After the last sheet of the confidential document is delivered to the assembly station, the bundle of copy sheets is advanced into a storage tray. The sides of the bundle of copy sheets are bound during its travel. In an alternative embodiment, all sheets of copy are directed to the assembly station. The bundle of sheets are bound according to their confidential or non-confidential nature which is communicated through the use of specifically coded cover sheets. Accordingly, confidentiality of the message content of any document is provided by the method of utilizing cover sheets of the document that contain a confidentiality code mark, but do not contain any sensitive information, and by having the sides of the reproduced document bound along its edges.