Product feed system for a compensating stacking machine and method of using same

The present invention relates generally to the field of automated stacking machines, and, more particularly, to stacking machines that use compression and can use compensation in forming the stacks. A machine and method is disclosed for stacking product, including but not limited to, cardboard, magazines, newspapers, newspaper supplements, flyers, press signatures, and softcover books. The stacking machine includes an infeed assembly for receiving a product stream or flow. The infeed assembly includes a belt jogger assembly for aligning and distributing product as it enters the machine. A transport assembly delivers product from the infeed assembly to a stacking assembly.