Patent ID: 6425227
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A method for handling flat articles, each flat article having a first edge (a) and a second edge (b) extending in parallel to said first edge (a), said method comprising the following steps:a) feeding said flat articles as an on-edge row of said flat articles from an article production to a separation location for forming partial stacks (8); b) sequentially gripping said partial stacks (8) of said on-edge row of articles; c) first rotating each partial stack (8) about a first rotation axis (15) extending in parallel to said first and second edges (a, b) of said flat articles; d) second rotating every other partial stack (8) about a second rotation axis (40a) extending at a right angle to said first rotation axis (15) so that upon completion of said first and second rotating said first and second edges (a, b) of said flat articles are located in alternating opposite positions in neighboring partial stacks of said partial stacks to form a completed stack (13); and (e) performing said second rotating of every other partial stack during said first rotating of every other partial stack.