Abstract: A rod feeding and placement mechanism for use in apparatus for making hanging file folders comprises a magazine wherein a plurality of flat, elongated, metal rods are vertically stacked, one above another. A pair of laterally spaced-apart, horizontally disposed, slightly convergent, contra-rotating de-stacking screws located below the magazine engage the lowermost rod in the stack and advance or feed it laterally along a rod-path. Another pair of laterally spaced-apart, horizontally disposed contra-rotating top screws above the de-stacking screws then receive the rod from the de-stacking screws and advance or feed it further along the rod-path to an at-rest position located above a flat paperboard blank. Guide rails and magnetic strips support the rod as it advances along the rod-path. The rod is releasably maintained for a moment in the at-rest position by permanent magnets.

Abstract: A machine for making hanging file folders, each of which folders comprises a folded paperboard blank and a pair of support rods fastened to the upper edges of the folded blanks and includes a rod applicator mechanism comprising a conveyor for moving an unfolded flat blank having glue patterns thereon along a path; a mechanism for momentarily interrupting or stopping movement of the blank along the path; a pair of rod-dispensing magazines adjacent the path; and rod transfer mechanisms for transferring rods from the magazines and applying them to the glue patterns while the blank is stopped, whereafter blank movement resumes. The conveyor includes a pair of separable rollers between which the blank passes and by which it is advanced when the rollers are closed. The mechanism for momentarily interrupting movement of the blank effects momentary separation of the rollers and includes a stop member temporarily movable into the path of movement of the blank to arrest its progress after the rollers separate.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for applying ultraviolet light reactive ink to several surfaces of egg cartons, and for rapidly drying the ink thereon by ultraviolet light so that the cartons can be immediately stacked and without subjecting the articles to heat damage during drying. A conveyor moves the unfolded egg cartons along a predetermined path at a selected predetermined rate of speed. Printing means apply ink to the cartons. Heat-emitting ultraviolet lamps dry the ink. Fluid motors move the lamps between a position close to the cartons and a position away from the cartons. A control responsive to the rate of speed of carton movement maintains the lamps in the close position to dry the ink when the cartons move at the predetermined rate of speed and move the lamps away from the cartons to continue the ink drying but to prevent heat damage when carton speed decreases. In one embodiment, a single drying unit is located downstream of several printing stations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for denesting cartons including a carton denester for receiving a stack of cartons, such as pulp egg cartons, and for separating the cartons so that they can be conveyed to carton handling apparatus. The carton denester includes a relief plate which is supported at an inclined relationship and which receives a stack of cartons against its inclined surface. The carton denester further includes a feed screw assembly connected to the lower end of the relief plate and generally perpendicular to it to support the bottom of the stack of cartons. The feed screw assembly includes a pair of rotatable feed screws which are received on opposite sides of the stack of cartons and which include helical grooves to receive the flanges of the bottom carton of the stack and to cause the bottom carton to be pulled away from the remainder of the stack upon rotation of the feed screws.