Methods and apparatus for conveying packages in a manner minimizing jams

A conveying apparatus for conveying packages comprising:

• an upstream conveying surface for conveying packages with inner edges of the packages traveling along a reference line, said upstream conveying surface having a first width measured from said reference line to an outer edge of said upstream conveying surface,
• a downstream conveying surface having a second width measured from said reference line to an outer edge of said downstream conveying surface,
• an intermediate conveying surface situated between said upstream and downstream conveying surfaces for transferring packages from said upstream conveying surface to said downstream conveying surface, said intermediate conveying surface having a third width measured from said reference line to an outer edge of said intermediate conveying surface, and
• a drop-off zone situated adjacent said outer edge of said intermediate conveying surface for receiving packages which fall therefrom,
• said first width being greater than each of said second and third widths, and said third width being less than one-half of said second width, so that said downstream conveying surface tends to receive only packages which are arranged in single file and which are of a width less than said second width.