ALIGNING LUG LOADER

摘要

A virtual lug loader includes a lug loader for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor, wherein the workpieces are transversely oriented relative to the flow direction. The lug loader includes an array of overlapping pairs of endless conveyors for conveying the workpieces downstream, wherein each pair of endless conveyors in the array include first and second endless conveyors spaced laterally apart across the flow direction and aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array forms a continuous upper surface in the flow direction for supporting the workpieces. At least one pair of endless conveyors in the array includes independently actuable first and second drives independently operable to drive the corresponding first and second endless conveyors to advance an upstream end of a workpiece relative to a downstream end of the workpiece to correct workpiece skew.