Patent ID: 8556260

Claim:
A method for stacking objects in a container, comprising the steps of: measuring thickness dimensions of each object at a plurality of predetermined locations; calculating a cumulative thickness profile of a plurality of stacked objects, the cumulative thickness profile being developed by summing the respective thickness dimensions of each object at each of the predetermined locations; determining a maximum thickness value from the cumulative thickness profile in connection with the thickness dimensions at each of the plurality of predetermined locations; comparing the maximum thickness value to a maximum fill value for each container to determine an overfill condition; stacking objects in the container based on the overfill condition, wherein the step of measuring the thickness dimensions is performed by measuring the displacement of an arm engaging the face surface of the object, wherein the step of measuring the thickness dimensions is performed by an image sensor for optically viewing an image strip disposed in combination with the displacement arm, and wherein the image sensor includes a linear array of photosensitive sensors and an illumination device, wherein the image strip includes regions which absorb and reflect light energy, the regions forming an abrupt transition line which is displaced by movement of the pivot arm, and wherein the photosensitive sensors detect the movement of transition line when illuminated by the illumination device to measure the thickness of the object.