Abstract: An apparatus for removing containers from a splice plate between two conveyors employs a sensor to indicate when substantially all of the containers have moved from the first conveyor onto the splice plate. A pusher bar assembly is then activated by the sensor to push any remaining containers on the splice plate onto the second conveyor. In one embodiment, the pusher bar assembly includes a first pair of pulleys mounted above and adjacent to opposite ends of the splice plate that are driven by a motor, a second pair of pulleys mounted a predetermined horizontal distance from the first pulleys, a pair of belts extending around the first and second pulleys, and a pusher bar secured between the belts so that the pusher bar moves with the belts in a path extending around the pulleys. The upper portion of this path allows the pusher bar to be moved out of the way, so as not to interfere with passage of the containers over the splice plate during normal operation of the conveyors.