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.