trays are indexed at predetermined pitch on a tray conveyor . as the trays are conveyed , a turning guide engages a leading tray portion , turning the tray and urging it transversely downward and / or into buckets on an adjacent bucket conveyor or cartons on an adjacent carton conveyor . a cam is disposed rearward of each tray on the tray conveyors and the turning trays pivot about that cam . a hold - down prevents trays climbing over the turning guide . pressure relief and tray indexing are provided upstream of the tray conveyor . apparatus and methods are disclosed .