Slotter wheel mechanism having dynamically retractable slotter blades

Slotter wheel apparatus for slotting of box blanks at spaced locations along the length of the blanks as the blanks are sequentially advanced along a path of travel, said apparatus comprising:

• a rotatable body presenting an axial length and a peripheral margin;
• motor means operably coupled with said body for rotating said body at a rotational speed;
• at least one slotter blade presenting an elongated cutting edge oriented substantially perpendicularly to said axial length of said body;
• means operably coupling said blade with said body and including structure for shifting of said blade during rotation of said body between an extended slotting position wherein the blade cutting edge is located outboard of said body peripheral margin for slotting of said blank, and a retracted, blank-clearing position wherein said blade cutting edge will pass said blank without slotting thereof;
• and
• rotatable anvil means adjacent said rotatable body and operable with the rotatable body to define a region therebetween for receiving the box blank as the box blanks are sequentially advanced along said path of travel,
• said anvil means presenting an opening for reception of said slotter blade when the slotter blade is moved from said retracted position thereof to said extended position thereof,
• said blade shifting structure comprising
• a spider presenting at least one outwardly extending arm;
• means rotatably securing said spider to said body;
• at least one spider arm-engaging member oriented for engaging said spider arm during rotation of said body;
• means for releasably holding said spider at respective rotated positions thereof;
• and
• means operably coupling said spider with said blade for, upon rotation of the spider, effecting corresponding movement of said blade between said extended and retracted positions thereof.