Apparatus and method for loading food articles

A loading apparatus, comprising:

• a first conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles;
• an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the first conveyor;
• an apron shelf positioned between the food conveyor and the indexing conveyor to facilitate the transfer of food articles from the food conveyor to the indexing conveyor;
• and
• a buffer mechanism operably connected to the apron shelf to move the apron shelf between a first position and a second position.

A loading apparatus, comprising:

• a food conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles at a first operating speed;
• an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the food conveyor;
• a transfer wheel positioned between the food conveyor and the indexing conveyor;
• a timing mechanism associated with the transfer wheel and the food conveyor so that the transfer wheel is rotated at a second operating speed that corresponds with the first operating speed;
• and
• a buffer mechanism operably connected to the transfer wheel to move the transfer wheel and at least a portion of the timing mechanism between a first position and a second position.