Abstract: An apparatus and related method for feeding/turning successive cartons along the flow path of a packaging line is provided. An intermediate conveyor section between in-line feed and take away conveyors defines the substantially horizontal flow path. A plurality of elongated O-ring belts feed and turn the cartons. A separate side running chain having a straight operative run carries a plurality of extensible fingers; one selected finger engaging and capturing a leading corner of each successive carton to assist in turning. The O-ring belts are driven at differential speed. The combined feeding and turning action of the carton, assisted by retarding engagement of the carton corner by the finger assures positive and efficient feeding/turning of the cartons. A microprocessor is provided to control the driving of stepper/servo motors for the various components. The O-ring belts are driven by the single servo motor with a plurality of increasing size pulleys on a common shaft to provide the progressive speeds.

Abstract: A conveyor system to precisely feed articles, such as food product containers, includes a series of conveyors to phase and control the articles along the flow path for further processing downstream. A supply conveyor establishes the initial flow. A phasing conveyor receives the articles in closely spaced relationship and a photoelectric sensor detects each one of the articles at this point along the path. A variable speed motor drives the phasing conveyor in response to the sensor in order to shift each article into its proper position to match the moving segment or flight of the target conveyor. A transfer conveyor operating at the speed of the target conveyor accelerates each article to establish a gap from the next upstream article.