Patent ID: 7651089
Filing Date: 2010-01-26
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A method for forming stacks of flat elements in a stacking region, the flat elements being conveyed to the stacking region substantially continuously, the method comprising: stacking a first plurality of flat elements on an upper side of a main stack carrier; upon achieving a finished stack containing a predetermined number of flat elements stacked on the upper side of the main stack carrier, inserting an auxiliary stack carrier into the stacking region, above the finished stack; stacking a second plurality of flat elements on the auxiliary stack carrier; removing the finished stack from the main stack carrier; positioning the main stack carrier below the auxiliary stack carrier; withdrawing the auxiliary stack carrier from the stacking region in a withdrawing direction to transfer the second plurality of flat elements from the auxiliary stack carrier onto the main stack carrier; and during the withdrawing step, moving at least a portion of the upper side of the main stack carrier in a substantially horizontal advancement direction that is substantially opposite to the withdrawing direction of the auxiliary stack carrier, thereby entraining the second plurality of flat elements.