Cross loading apparatus for use with cartoning systems

A lateral transfer apparatus for use in a continuous packaging system of the type wherein article groups comprising at least one article being transported in a longitudinally oriented stream are loaded into open sides of synchronized article packages traveling in a second longitudinal stream, comprising:

• a) a frame structure;
• b) an article group transport stream wherein each article group is disposed on a dead plate and aligned for entry into a package, wherein the dead plate has an elongated, laterally oriented slot of a predetermined width;
• c) a plurality of transfer elements disposed at predetermined longitudinally spaced intervals, said transfer elements being for laterally moving article groups which are being longitudinally transported in said article group transport stream;
• d) means to longitudinally move said transfer elements;
• e) means to laterally move said transfer elements;
• and
• f) a stabilization member disposed on each said transfer element for mating insertion into said dead plate slot during lateral extension of said transfer elements.

A lateral transfer apparatus for use in an article processing system of the type wherein articles or article groups are transported in one or more longitudinally oriented streams, comprising:

• a) a frame structure;
• b) a plurality of transfer elements disposed at predetermined longitudinally spaced intervals, said transfer elements being for laterally moving articles which are being longitudinally transported in at least one stream of the article processing system, each said transfer element including a contact member for contact with the article, a support member connected to said contact member, and a control member for directing the lateral movement of said transfer elements, said control member including at least one cam follower connected to said support member and controlling lateral movement of said transfer elements;
• c) means to longitudinally move said transfer elements, said longitudinal movement means being connected to said support member;
• and
• d) a cam track assembly having a predetermined configuration for laterally moving said transfer elements, said cam track assembly being cooperatively mated said with at least one cam follower, said cam track configuration providing a constant rate of lateral extension to said transfer elements throughout a majority of a total extension path of each said transfer element, said cam track configuration further providing a decreased rate of lateral extension at a predetermined segment of said transfer element extension path for making smooth contact with the article.