Virtual lug loader

A method for loading workpieces on a lugged conveyor having an array of pairs of endless conveyors, each pair of endless conveyors including a first and a second endless conveyor spaced laterally apart and substantially aligned in a flow direction, wherein said array forms a continuous upper surface in said flow direction for supporting the workpieces translating downstream in said flow direction, and wherein at least one pair of endless conveyors in said array includes independently actuable first and second drives independently driving corresponding said first and second endless conveyors respectively, the method comprising the steps of

• a) creating gaps between the workpieces by accelerating the workpieces as they are translated downstream on the array, and
• b) when one or more of the workpieces are skewed from their transverse orientation, using said first or second drives corresponding to said at least one of said each pair of endless conveyors to correct the skewed workpiece to an un-skewed position oriented transversely to the flow direction.