Abstract: An improved apparatus for the loading of pallets with tiers of cartons. The apparatus of the present invention utilizes three star wheels, one to divide a feed line or single file of cartons into two rows and a pair of star wheels rotatable about axes normal to the path of the cartons in the two rows for varying the position of cartons on conveyors forming the tiers. The tiers, after being formed, are stacked on a pallet. The pallets are supported on an elevator to be lowered from the tier-forming station. New pallets are introduced at the tier-forming station while a loaded pallet is being discharged from the palletizing machine. The machine which forms the tiers is in an elevated position and each tier is formed in the tier-forming station by cartons fed from each side of the tier.

Abstract: Lift mechanism adapted to receive a pallet containing a plurality of tiers of containers thereon and move said pallet vertically approximately the height of a tier of containers to be depalletized whereby a sweep arm engages the tier of containers between parallel, spaced apart guide rails and a removable restraining arm engages the tier of containers on the opposite side to substantially encircle the tier and urge it on to a conveyor belt. As the tier of containers is urged on to the conveyor belt the restraining arm is removed just prior to the mingling of the tier of containers with containers already present on the conveyor belt.