Patent ID: 7497438
Filing Date: 2009-03-03
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A method of adding stackable items, one at a time, to the bottom of a stack in a stacker, wherein the stackable items have a moving direction toward the stacker, said method comprising the steps of: providing at least one rotational element rotatable about a rotational axis, the rotational axis substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the stackable items, the at least one rotational element having an outer peripheral surface wherein the at least one rotational element has at least one slot breaking into the outer peripheral surface and dimensioned for receipt of one stackable item at a time; providing a stopping surface positioned in relationship to the at least one rotational element; causing at least a portion of a stackable item to enter into one of the at least one slot in the at least one rotational element; rotating the at least one rotational element toward the stopping surface so as to disengage the stackable item that has been entered into the slot of the at least one rotational element and to cause a section of the outer peripheral surface of the at least one rotational element to engage an underside surface of the stack, lift the stack upward and deposit the stackable item at the bottom of the stack; wherein the stackable item is caused to enter into the slot by a driving mechanism when the at least one rotational element is stationary, said method further comprising the step of providing an input sensing device positioned in relationship with the driving mechanism for sensing when the stackable item is in a position suitable for receipt by the at least one slot at a point relative to the driving mechanism so as to start said rotating after a period of time based on said sensing; and wherein said rotating is paused after a further finite period of time so as to allow a subsequent stackable item to enter the subsequent one of the at least one slot in the at least one rotational element.