Patent ID: 6155774
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A unit for forming stacks of articles, the unit (1) comprising:stacking means (4) for forming the stacks (2), said stacking means (4) having an input (6) defining a supply level (L1) and an output (8); first supply means (5) for feeding the articles (3) to said input (6) in a first supply direction (D1); and unloading means (7) in series with said stacking means (4) to unload the stacks (2) from said output (8) and feed the stacks (2) in a second supply direction (D2) perpendicular to said first supply direction (D1); said unloading means (7) comprising a plate (21) for accumulating said stacks (2), said plate (21) being located at an unloading level (L2) higher than said supply level (L1); said stacking means (4) comprising a lifting device (16) movable selectively through said output (8) to lift each stack (2) to said unloading level (L2); said lifting device (16) being both vertically movable in a lift direction (D4) and rotatable about an axis parallel to the lift direction (D4), between a surface (15) for forming said stacks (2) and said output (8); said lift direction (D4) being perpendicular to said first supply direction (D1).