Package rectifying apparatus

A package rectifying apparatus for rectifying a plurality of packages transported in a package transport direction, the apparatus comprising:

• rectifying and transport means for positioning a trailing end of a first package over a leading end of a second package so as to position the first and second packages in a relationship in which there is an amount of overlap between the trailing end of the first package and the leading end of the second package, and
• overlap amount adjusting means for adjusting the amount of overlap between the first and second packages,
• the rectifying and transport means comprising
• a transport mechanism for supplying a plurality of packages in succession,
• holding means for receiving a first package transported by the transport mechanism and for retaining the trailing end of the first package above the leading end of a second package while the first package is brought to a standstill, and
• overlapping means for driving the transport mechanism to transport the second package so as to bring the leading end of the second package under the trailing end of the first package retained by the holding means,
• the overlap amount adjusting means comprising
• position adjustment means for adjusting the position of the first package with respect to the package transport direction, the position adjustment means comprising:
• a sensor for detecting a position to which at least the first package is transported by the transport mechanism and for generating a signal in response thereto,
• stop means, responsive to the signal generated by the sensor, for halting operation of the transport mechanism to thereby bring the first package to a predetermined stop position, and
• feed control means for driving the rectifying and transport means to thereby feed the first package a predetermined distance from the stop position.