System and method for packaging oriented containers

A system for use with a packaging machine for orienting containers in a container carrier, the system comprising:

• an inlet conveyor;
• an orientation wheel connected with respect to the inlet conveyor to receive a plurality of unoriented containers, the orientation wheel for rotating the unoriented containers into a proper orientation;
• a transfer belt connected with respect to the orientation wheel, the transfer belt for transferring an oriented container in a fixed rotational position from the orientation wheel to the packaging machine, the transfer belt having a plurality of tactile fingers spaced to receive the oriented containers, wherein the plurality of fingers are aligned in two groups of two or more fingers, each two groups for engaging one oriented container;
• and
• a mechanism positioned within the packaging machine for applying the container carrier over two or more oriented containers.

A system for use with a packaging machine for orienting containers in a container carrier, the system comprising:

• an inlet conveyor;
• an orientation wheel connected to the inlet conveyor to receive a plurality of unoriented containers, the orientation wheel adapted to rotate each unoriented container into a proper orientation resulting in a plurality of oriented containers;
• a transfer belt connected to the orientation wheel, the transfer belt having a contacting surface moving at a same approximate speed as the orientation wheel and adapted to contact and grip a sidewall of the oriented container with sufficient force so as to maintain rotational orientation of the oriented container and transfer each oriented container in a fixed rotational position from the orientation wheel to the packaging machine;
• and
• a mechanism positioned within the packaging machine for applying the container carrier over two or more oriented containers.