Abstract: A retracting bridging conveyor is provided to bridge the space between the output edge of a packaging machine sealing head work area structure and a fixed product output conveyor. This bridging conveyor operates to position a plurality of roller rods concurrently in consecutive locations thereby bridging across the particular space while in the horizontal plane of the path of the package/product flow, whereby a motion in the direction of the output conveyor is imparted to a package entered onto it. The invention, when timing and sequencing of operations require, then withdraws the plurality of roller rods below the horizontal plane of the path of the package/product flow.

Abstract: A fluid-operated cylinder operates a rack which is in constant mesh with a pinion gear. The pinion gear is mounted on the power input shaft of a fluid-operated jaw clutch, having toothed driving and driven elements, and arranged to engage only when the rack is driven in one direction so that the output shaft of the clutch has intermittent rotary motion in one direction. The rack extends through a stop block and includes an axially adjustable collar which abuts the stop block at one limit of movement of the rack. At the same time, a switch actuator on the rack contacts the actuator of a switch mounted on the stop block to reverse the direction of the rack. In order to adjust the driving stroke of the piston rod in the air cylinder, and hence the driving stroke of the rack, the stop block is provided with a toothed mounting surface and can be selectively positioned along a similarly-toothed mounting plate.