Abstract: A rotary die cutter, comprising a frame, an anvil roll revolvably attached to the frame, a die roll revolvably attached to the frame and positioned in operable contact with the anvil roll, and a drive mechanism for revolving the anvil roll and the die roll. The apparatus further includes an engagement mechanism for selectively engaging and disengaging the drive mechanism from driving the anvil roll and the die roll. The engagement mechanism preferably includes a single revolution clutch that is released by energizing a solenoid. The invention further includes a method of die cutting product comprising the steps of turning a motor, feeding the product sheet between an anvil roll and a die roll and unlatching a clutch to engage the motor with the anvil roll and die roll.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading stacked article groups into cartons in a continuous motion cartoner assembly. The barrel cam loading apparatus or article group transport mechanism is particularly suited to loading article groups that are unstable or whose articles tend to spin and kick article out of the carton.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the input of articles at the start-up phase of a packaging machine of the type having at least one article conveyance lane and an article grouping mechanism constructed and arranged to meter articles moving in the conveyance lane into predetermined groups, comprising:(a) at least one stop post aligned for extension into the conveyance lane, the stop post further being disposed at an infeed end of the article grouping mechanism;(b) means to actuate the stop post, whereby the stop post is extendible and retractable in the article conveyance lane, the stop post impeding travel of articles in the lane when extended and permitting travel of articles in the lane when retracted; and(c) means to coordinate actuation of the means to actuate with operation of the article grouping mechanism.