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.