Patent ID: 7462012

Claim:
An apparatus for transferring a plurality of stacks of discrete objects, comprising: a first holder at a first position configured for building said plurality of stacks of discrete objects. a second holder at a second position configured for receiving said plurality of stacks of discrete objects from said first holder. a frame having a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side, said frame pivotably moveable relative to said first holder; first and second guide tracks extending between said first and second holders, said frame horizontally linearly moveable back and forth along said guide tracks from said first holder to said second holder and from said second holder to said first holder; a plurality of stack supports on said frame bottom, wherein the position of said plurality of stack supports on said frame bottom is adjustable relative to said frame first side; a plurality of stack-engaging members supported by said frame top; at least one first actuator mounted on said frame top, said at least one first actuator operatively associated with at least one of said plurality of stack-engaging members for moving said at least one of said plurality of stack-engaging members toward and away from said stack supports; a second actuator for moving said frame along said guide tracks between said first holder and said second holder; a pivot actuator configured for said frame pivotable movement from a non-horizontal disposition of said first holder at said first position to said second holder at said second position; and a controller for controlling said at least one first actuator said second actuator and said pivot actuator.