Abstract: A first layer of items is assembled on a movable conveyor belt on a support platform, and the conveyor belt advances to position the first layer of items above and in registration with a pallet while a second layer of items is assembled behind the first layer. The conveyor belt then stops, and part of the support platform and an associated portion of the conveyor belt retract from beneath the first layer of items, depositing the first layer of items on the pallet, after which the pallet is indexed downward. The retractable portion of the support platform and the associated portion of the conveyor belt then extend to the position above and in registration with the pallet, and the conveyor belt advances during this extension to position the second layer of items above and in registration with the pallet. Apparatus for placing slip sheets onto pallets is also described.

Abstract: A disc turning device and method thereof utilizes a device whose supporting portion is located at one side of the gravity center of the disc body to make the disc body, under the gravity action, use the supporting portion as a pivot to carry out turning operation, thus achieving the objectives of automatic turning operation by gravity using and energy saving.

Abstract: A method and device for handling packs or similar unit loads in a packaging plant where packs exiting from a packaging machine are distributed and in the process optionally rotated and palletized in a palletizer, wherein distribution, rotation and palletizing are performed essentially continuously and directly consecutively from the packaging machine to the palletizer.

Abstract: A machine for palletizing substantially parallelepipedic objects such as packing cases, comprising a grouping station for forming objects into a group able to form a layer of a palletized load, which grouping station includes a fixed reference stop adapted to stop an object conveyed thereto by an abutment conveyor; a layer-forming surface extending laterally opposite to the reference stop; a motorized thruster adapted to displace the object located against the reference stop to a predetermined zone of the layer-forming surface corresponding to the position it is to occupy in the layer being formed; and an automatic control system adapted to control the drive means so as to position laterally opposite the reference stop a zone of the layer-forming surface which is to receive the object located against the reference stop, and to control of the thruster so as to displace the object onto that zone of the layer-forming surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an arrangement for stacking timber packages in layer that uses a transfer arrangement comprising mobile carrier planes. The carrier planes in turn form a direct continuation of an input transporter in order to receive layers fed from this transporter by being caused to lift from below a complete layer from the input transporter and displacing the layer in over the stacking table. After that, the carrier planes are withdrawn from the stacking table while the layer of timber is scraped off from the carrier plane or, the stacking table is arranged to move downwards. The transfer arrangement uses a first, a second and a third carrier plane which are arranged to move mutually in a cycle in such a manner that one pair of two consecutive carrier planes is located at the same time at a position above the stacking table.

Abstract: The deck for lifting a layer of products (2) onto a pallet (10) is constituted by a sole plate (26) of reduced thickness carried by a frame defined by crosspieces (22) and (23) also of reduced thickness and by side pieces (21). The side pieces (21) are of square-shaped cross-section with at least the horizontal wing (40) thereof being provided so as to receive and enable the locking of a piece of equipment forming said sole plate (26) and which is adapted to the nature of said products (2) constituting the layer to be loaded onto a pallet, said piece of equipment being in the form of tabular components (27) of small diameter, about 30 mm, placed between and parallel to said crosspieces (22), (23), said components (27) being able to constitute fully or partially free rolls (28), or able to be locked.

Abstract: The invention relates to a consignment system and method for loading a freight carrier (2) with freight units (4) forming a freight stack (3), either manually or on an automated basis.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring selected items among agents within a materials handling facility. According to one embodiment, a method may include a number of agents moving along respective paths through an inventory storage area of a materials handling facility. While moving along a respective path, a first agent may select items from the inventory storage area to be delivered to a corresponding order processing area, where each of the selected items may be specified in a corresponding customer order and at least two of the selected items may be delivered to two different corresponding order processing areas. After the first agent selects a particular item, the first agent may transfer the particular item to a second agent, and the second agent or another one of the agents may deliver the particular item to the corresponding order finalization area.

Abstract: In an item-handling device, a layer head includes an item layer building platform defining an item receiving plane, the layer building platform being vertically positionable. A puller bar mounts to the layer head and moves in relation thereto within a plane above the item-receiving plane. The puller bar is positionable between a retracted position above the layer building platform and an extended position offset from the layer building platform.

Abstract: A device for palletizing objects containing a buffer device and a conveyor zone on which are provided a transposing device for assembling a layer and a pallet loader. To equip the device with effective buffering in a simple design, the conveyor zone and the buffer could optionally be loaded by the transposing device and optionally unloaded by the pallet loader.

Abstract: An automated build-by-layer rainbow pallet system comprises a layer build track and a layer build cart that carries a layer build robot and a number of positions for building rainbow pallets, for storing emptied supply pallets, and for storing empty half-pallets. On the rail-sides are dozens or hundreds of supply pallet conveyors for pallets of products to be picked-from when building the rainbow pallets. These are placed on one or both sides of the layer build track. The layer build robot can position itself in front of the appropriate supply pallet conveyor for picking. Once in position, half or full layers can be picked from the supply pallets and positioned over the target rainbow pallet to be built. The process of picking and building layers as the layer build cart repositions in front of the appropriate supply pallet conveyor is repeated until all of the on-board rainbow pallets have been built.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting the movement of plates within a plate stack (11) where the plate stack (11) is positioned on a plate pallet (13) during plate handling in a computer-to-plate (CTP) imaging device. The apparatus includes a plate pallet adapter (17) configured to carry the plate stack (11) which is positioned on the plate pallet (13), and the plate pallet (13) is positioned on the plate pallet adapter (17). At least one limiter (19, 51) is attached to at least one facet of the plate stack wherein the limiters are configured to limit movement of the plate stack (11).

Abstract: An apparatus for forming stacks with print products includes a platform on which respective stacks are formed. A lift comprised of two lift parts is arranged on the platform to lift up the print products.

Abstract: A high-speed stacker preferably includes dual stacking arms configured to operate complementary to one another. Most preferably, an electronic control system is provided to enable precise control over the speed and positioning of the stacker arms in both horizontal and vertical orientations. Linear motion devices (such as hydraulic cylinders, screw drive linear actuators, or other devices) can be used to position the arms horizontally and vertically in response to instructions from the electronic control system. In operation, the electronic control system preferably controls the speed and ramping of the stacker arms to repeatedly move courses of material from a feed system to a stacking area at a rapid rate with little maintenance. The high-speed stacker can also be configured to operate fewer than all of the stacker arms to facilitate faster stacking of smaller courses of material.

Abstract: A layer of containers which can be moved by a clamp lift truck. The containers are held together by a layer lift sheet which is attached to the bottoms of the containers and holds them together along their sides and ends. The layer lift sheet has perforations that align with the juxtaposed sides and ends of the containers.

Abstract: A method for the quick palletization of objects (100), comprising the steps of: arranging objects (100) to be palletized organized on a collection plane (400); loading said objects (100) onto a flexible support plane (31) suitable for advancing in the direction of transfer of the objects (100) in a position substantially coplanar to the collection plane (400) and in continuation of it, so that the support plane (31) receives said objects without sliding; transferring said objects (100) from the support plane (31) to a flexible moving plane (21) that can slide coplanar to the support plane (31) so as to replace the latter (31) below the objects (100) whilst they remain stationary, in which the transfer takes place by synchronously activating the harmonious sliding of the support plane (31) and transfer plane (21) arranged in contact with each other in continuation of one another; taking the transfer plane (21) with the objects (100) on top above a pallet; making the transfer plane (21) slide under the objec

Abstract: A slat positioning and placing machine is preferably configured to place slats on top of or between accumulated material layers. A set of actuating arms preferably includes complementary operating slat holding holders, such as pans or other holding devices. As a first slat holder is inserting a slat into a material package being formulated, a second slat holder is preferably positioned to receive a slat. As the second slat holder is being positioned to insert the slat into the package, the first slat holder is preferably being cycled back to receive a slat. A controls methodology preferably electronically profiles the forward and rearward movement of the actuating arms. The raising and lowering functions can also be electronically profiled. The profiles can also preferably be adjusted to increase the cycle rates for various lengths being processed, and various cycling and positioning methods are contemplated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a palletizing unit (1) for palletizing or depalletizing pallets (12). The unit comprises at least one stationing location (11) for a pallet (12) which is to be loaded or has been loaded. The unit also comprises a conveyor (4) for introducing or removing objects which are to be loaded onto the pallet or have been loaded from the pallet into or from the palletizing unit. The palletizing unit (1) has a robot (2) for picking up the objects from the conveyor (4) and placing the objects onto the pallet (12) on the stationing location (11), or vice versa. The unit also comprises a base (14) which, after the unit (1) has been installed at an operating location, rests on a floor (15). The stationing location (11), the conveyor (4) and the robot (2) are placed onto the base (14) and fixedly connected to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking objects, provided with positioning means (3) which are designed for ranging the objects (2) in specific, substantially horizontal stacking positions (P), while the apparatus (1) is provided with conveying means (4, 14) designed for conveying the objects (2) from the positioning means to a stacking area for stacking the objects (2) onto each other, the apparatus (1) being provided with stacking pattern maintaining means (5) which are at least designed for substantially maintaining said stacking patterns (P) during the stacking of each object (2) in the stacking area. The invention further provides a method for stacking objects.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for automatic transfer of textile articles (4) consisting of socks for men, women and children, from a linking machine (2) to a boarding machine characterised in that it comprises automatic transfer means (30) operatively active on the linking machine (2) to pick up at least one textile article (4) from the linking machine (2) and transfer it to the boarding machine according to a predetermined orientation, and loading means (31) to automatically load the textile article (4) onto the boarding machine. A method of automatically transferring textile articles (4) from a inking machine (2) to a boarding machine characterised in that it comprises the step of automatically picking up at least one textile article (4) from the linking machine (2) and the step of loading said textile article (4) onto the boarding machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compact storage system and a corresponding method for storing frozen specimens. The compact storage system comprises one storage area, a housing with thermal insulation and at least one refrigeration unit, with which at least the storage area is coolable down to a temperature of at least ?15° C. The compact storage system also comprises storage shelves arranged completely within the refrigerated storage area and a transfer area arranged above this storage area. An essentially horizontally moving robot is arranged within the transfer area. The compact storage system is characterised in that it comprises at least one essentially vertical paternoster device, with a plurality of essentially horizontally oriented storage shelves circulating on an essentially oval path. The robot working in conjunction with the paternoster device is accomplished for removing or depositing a storage shelf and/or objects from/onto a storage shelf respectively.

Abstract: A lumber stacker apparatus for moving a course of lumber and depositing the course on a stack of lumber includes a crank mechanism, a fork assembly, an arm member, and motor means. The crank mechanism is operatively engaged to the fork assembly by the arm member. The arm member has a crank arm affixed to a crank shaft to move the fork assembly in a reciprocating stroke in response to rotation of the crank shaft. The motor means is operatively connected to the crank shaft to rotate the crank shaft at a constant angular velocity through 200° to 260°, preferably 230°, to drive the fork assembly through a slow forward stroke, to move the course of lumber, and to rotate the crank shaft through 100° to 160°, preferably 130°, to drive the fork assembly through a rapid backward stroke once the course of boards has been deposited on the stack of lumber.

Abstract: A palletizer for quickly and efficiently stacking a plurality of articles on a pallet by forming a stack of articles from the bottom of the stack. The palletizer comprises an article receiving section that forms articles into rows and moves the rows onto a platform, moveably disposed in a stack forming section, to form a layer of articles. A clamping mechanism in the stack forming section selectively clamps onto one or more layers to suspend a stack above the platform. A moving mechanism moves the platform between its lowered and raised positions. The platform has a conveyor to receive rows and transfer away loaded pallets. A conveyor moves pallets onto the platform. Another conveyor moves the loaded pallet away. The platform raises layers to form the stack from the bottom, with previous layers suspended by the clamping mechanism, and then raises the pallet to form the loaded pallet.

Abstract: An automated build-by-layer rainbow pallet system comprises a layer build track and a layer build cart that carries a layer build robot and has a number of positions for building rainbow pallets, for storing emptied supply pallets, and for storing empty half-pallets. On the rail-sides are dozens or hundreds of supply pallet conveyors for pallets of products to be picked-from when building the rainbow pallets. These are placed on one or both sides of the layer build track. The layer build robot can position itself in front of the appropriate supply pallet conveyor for picking. Once in position, half or full layers can be picked from the supply pallets and positioned over the target rainbow pallet to be built. The process of picking and building layers as the layer build cart repositions in front of the appropriate supply pallet conveyor is repeated until all of the on-board rainbow pallets have been built.

Abstract: A method for stacking cases on a pallet includes supplying cases to a buffer, determining physical characteristics of buffer cases including dimensions of a case base and case height, and determining available positions on the pallet where a buffer case can be placed. Rules for selecting a case from the buffer for placement on the pallet are applied to at least a portion of the buffer cases to identify a selected buffer case that satisfies at least one of the rules and a corresponding place on the pallet for the selected case. Then the selected case is removed from the buffer and placed on the pallet in the corresponding place by an industrial robot.

Abstract: A high-speed stacker preferably includes dual stacking arms configured to operate complementary to one another. Most preferably, an electronic control system is provided to enable precise control over the speed and positioning of the stacker arms in both horizontal and vertical orientations. Linear motion devices (such as hydraulic cylinders, screw drive linear actuators, or other devices) can be used to position the arms horizontally and vertically in response to instructions from the electronic control system. In operation, the electronic control system preferably controls the speed and ramping of the stacker arms to repeatedly move courses of material from a feed system to a stacking area at a rapid rate with little maintenance. The high-speed stacker can also be configured to operate fewer than all of the stacker arms to facilitate faster stacking of smaller courses of material.

Abstract: A device is used for transporting a horizontal stack from a stack support to an intermediate deposit, where the stack is formed in a gathering device with upright, lined-up signatures. The device is comprised of a horizontally and vertically displaceable clamp arranged above the stack support, wherein the clamp compresses the stack at the ends and transfers a strapped stack from the stack support to an adjacent intermediate deposit.

Abstract: A machine for loading a load carrier (20) such as a pallet with packing units (cardboard boxes, collis etc.), which form a load stack (21) on the load carrier, is presented. The machine includes handling and support mechanism (52–57), that allows a packing unit (15) to be loaded. The handling and support mechanism supports the load from below throughout the operation of loading from a feed device (51) onto the load stack. By virtue of the handling and support mechanism, the packing unit may be deposited at any selectable spatial position on the load stack. It is therefore possible to form an optimized load stack on the load carrier in which the packing units are always supported from below, with the result that the loading is not dependent upon the material quality of the packaging of the packing unit.

Abstract: A high-speed stacker preferably includes dual stacking arms configured to operate complementary to one another. Most preferably, an electronic control system is provided to enable precise control over the speed and positioning of the stacker arms in both horizontal and vertical orientations. Linear motion devices (such as hydraulic cylinders, screw drive linear actuators, or other devices) can be used to position the arms horizontally and vertically in response to instructions from the electronic control system. In operation, the electronic control system preferably controls the speed and ramping of the stacker arms to repeatedly move courses of material from a feed system to a stacking area at a rapid rate with little maintenance. The high-speed stacker can also be configured to operate fewer than all of the stacker arms to facilitate faster stacking of smaller courses of material.

Abstract: Collection assembly for collecting and stacking articles. The articles are first moved adjacent to one another with the aid of positioning elements. The positioning elements comprise the conveyor belt that extends obliquely with respect to the distribution conveyor and that can be moved over the distribution conveyor to a greater or lesser extent. After bringing the articles into a row on a discharge plate, these are stacked, optionally via a buffer plate, on a lift plate and after the stack has been compressed to some extent this stack is slid into the box in such a way that the products concerned are placed vertically in the box.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new device for and a new method of assembling stacking patterns and simultaneously stacking these stacking patterns by means of a robotic manipulator having at least one translational robotic axis.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for palletizing of products, such as containers or cases, including dividing of received products into separate paths, orienting the products in one path relative to the products in the other path by rotating the products in one path, and then diverting the oriented products in both of the paths to a plurality of outputs to enable providing a layer of products having a desired pattern when transferred to a pallet. The received products are divided into separate paths and are diverted to a plurality of paths utilizing movable pads having a plurality of slats with adjacent ones of the slats being connected and with one of the slats having a pin extending therefrom to be received in a selected path formed in a path determining unit having gates associated therewith. A control unit is utilized to determine and control movement of product through the apparatus.

Abstract: A container storage and delivery system includes an individual container storage and delivery system. A palletizer is provided for forming a group of containers from the individual container storage and delivery system into a layer or a partial layer, and placing this layer or partial layer onto a pallet. A high speed pick station provides access for manual retrieval of high throughput case types from each storage location. An individual container placement station is also provided for placing individual containers onto a pallet. A conveyor system conveys containers and pallets from the individual container storage and delivery system, the palletizer, the high speed pick station, and the individual container placement station.

Abstract: An order merging system includes two first case guides with a pair of twisted lanes. The case guides are downwardly sloped and guide a product case along in each case guide. Two raisable guides are connected downstream of the case guides and are in communication with them. Two other case guides in communication with the raisable guides, which are lowered to allow the product cases from the first case guides to merge onto the other case guides.

Abstract: A machine for loading a load carrier (20) such as a pallet with packing units (cardboard boxes, collis etc.), which form a load stack (21) on the load carrier, comprises handling and support means (52-57), by means of which a packing unit (15) to be loaded is supported from below throughout the operation of loading from a feed device (51) onto the load stack. By virtue of the handling and support means the packing unit may be deposited at any selectable spatial position on the load stack. According to the invention it is therefore possible to form an optimized load stack on the load carrier, wherein the packing units are always supported from below, with the result that the loading is not dependent upon the material quality of the packaging of the packing unit.

Abstract: An automated reciprocal stacking assembly for stacking thin, narrow, continuous sheets of stock material. The automated reciprocal stacking assembly has a stationary outer frame, a laterally reciprocating inner frame, a vertically moveable carriage, a reciprocating distribution head, a base member, a pair of sheet retaining arms, a rotating platform for supporting a pallet and a conveyor belt. The reciprocating distribution head comprises a pair of feeding belts that are driven by a positive timing belt. The continuous sheet of stock material is supplied to the reciprocating distribution head by the conveyor through a large opening between the feeding belts of the reciprocating distribution head. The oppositely moving feeder belts force the stock material out of the reciprocating distribution head and onto a pallet.

Abstract: A material storage and delivery system includes an individual container storage and delivery system (ICSDS). A palletizer is provided for placing containers from the ICSDS on a pallet. A layer storage and delivery system (LSDS) places full layers of containers on a pallet. A robotic container delivery system (RCDS) places individual containers on a pallet. A conveyor system conveys containers and pallets between at least two of the ICSDS, the palletizer, the LSDS and the RCDS. A method for storing and delivering containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device allowing concrete products sorted on a traveling conveyor to be formed in a predetermined pattern of products for subsequent feeding onto a concrete product stacking cuber. A set of pneumatic wheels located downstream of the conveyor and vertically distanced from the conveyor cooperate with a rubber lined shaft located under the wheels to contact the concrete product to act as a gate to the predetermined pattern. The wheels and the shaft are driven in synchronization to rotate in a direction as to cause the pattern of concrete products to be forwarded therebetween to the stacking cuber.

Abstract: A collating for collecting sample chips includes a framework supporting a plurality of supply bins housing sample chips and a track running adjacent the plurality of supply bins. The apparatus further includes at least one collection bin shaped and dimension for movement on the track and at least one gantry for transferring sample chips from the plurality of supply bins to the at least one collection bin when the at least one collection bin is aligned with respective supply bins.

Abstract: A material storage and delivery system includes an individual container storage and delivery system (ICSDS). A palletizer is provided for placing containers from the ICSDS on a pallet. A layer storage and delivery system (LSDS) places full layers of containers on a pallet. A robotic container delivery system (RCDS) places individual containers on a pallet. A conveyor system conveys containers and pallets between at least two of the ICSDS, the palletizer, the LSDS and the RCDS. A method for storing and delivering containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A material storage and delivery system includes an individual container storage and delivery system (ICSDS). A palletizer is provided for placing containers from the ICSDS on a pallet. A layer storage and delivery system (LSDS) places full layers of containers on a pallet. A robotic container delivery system (RCDS) places individual containers on a pallet. A conveyor system conveys containers and pallets between at least two of the ICSDS, the palletizer, the LSDS and the RCDS. A method for storing and delivering containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for packaging containers, of the type having an engagement lip, wherein the apparatus includes tacks to engage the engagement lip to move the containers from starting point to a delivery point. The containers are moved by the apparatus while being engaged by the track such that the containers are never free from the track until loaded on a pallet. A set of the containers is constricted into a bundle and the bundle is then resquared and set on a pallet. One a pallet includes a sufficient number of bundles the pallet is bound for shipment or storage.

Abstract: A pick and place device includes a lift head and a build platform. Both the lift head and the build platform include flexible aprons. An item layer is constructed on the build platform and the lift head is moved into position over the build platform. By slipping the lift head apron under the layer while concurrently pulling from under the layer the build platform apron, support for the layer passes from the build platform to the lift head. The lift head then moves to a place site and the lift head apron is pulled from under the layer and the layer falls from the lift head onto the place site. Under one form of the device, the layer may be constructed directly upon the lift head apron and then moved to a place site and deposited thereat by pulling the lift head apron from thereunder. Tower configurations illustrated define a vertical column of space including a layer pre-build table, layer transport and layer stacking occurring therewithin.

Abstract: A synchronized palletizer includes a row conveyor and a layer head, each vertically reciprocating within a frame. An infeed conveyor delivers in series items row-by-row onto the row conveyor. The row conveyor moves to vertically coincide with the layer head and laterally transfer a row items onto the layer head. Once a complete item layer has been constructed on the layer head, the layer head collapses the layer together and drops the layer through its floor onto a pallet or stack of item layers therebelow. Generally, the layer head vertical position follows the top of stack of item layers and the row conveyor travels reciprocally between the infeed conveyor and the layer head to deliver items row-by-row to the layer head. A variety of alternative relative positioning schemes, however, may be implemented.

Abstract: A device is provided for palletizing parcels, preferably stacks of tubular sections or flat lying sacks. Said device comprises a lifting frame, which can be raised and lowered in a stand and which is provided with a roller track, in order to slide the pallets on and off. Said device also comprises a conveyor, which supplies the parcels to be stacked and from which a controlled accepting unit accepts the supplied parcels and deposits them on a pallet, provided on the roller track. To align the pallets accurately in relation to the accepting gripper, there are stops or clamping strips that can be moved in opposing directions in the lifting frame above the conveying plane of the roller track. Said stops or clamping strips act on the opposing sides or comers of the pallet and fix them in a position, in which the accepting unit deposits the parcels with positioning accuracy, according to the predetermined pattern, on the pallet.

Abstract: An order picker truck includes an extendible mast, and a load platform slidably fixed relative to the extendible mast. An operator platform is slidably fixed relative to the load platform, and a load former is fixed to the operator platform. The load former defines a volume over a portion of the load platform to guide an operator building the load and stabilize the load on the load platform.

Abstract: Palletizing or depalletizing unstable articles is disclosed. A first conveyor, connected with a first carriage, has a plurality of pick-up units, each with mechanically movable elongated arms, to engage plural articles in different ones of associated rows of articles at a first area, located at either a load station or at a depalletizing station, enabling pick up and removal of articles by groups (normally layers) in plural rows with plural articles in each row, and transfer of the removed articles from the first area to a second area, located at either a palletizing station or at an unload station, for deposit of the articles thereat.

Abstract: An apparatus that is one part of a conveying system for transferring objects, such as bottles, where the apparatus arranges the objects in layers on a pallet is improved by the addition of sensors that provide early indications of movements of component parts of the apparatus to a control unit of the apparatus where the signals are used in a more time efficient operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A device is provided for palletizing parcels, preferably stacks of tubular sections or flat lying sacks. Said device comprises a lifting frame, which can be raised and lowered in a stand and which is provided with a roller track, in order to slide the pallets on and off. Said device also comprises a conveyor, which supplies the parcels to be stacked and from which a controlled accepting unit accepts the supplied parcels and deposits them on a pallet, provided on the roller track. To align the pallets accurately in relation to the accepting gripper, there are stops or clamping strips that can be moved in opposing directions in the lifting frame above the conveying plane of the roller track. Said stops or clamping strips act on the opposing sides or comers of the pallet and fix them in a position, in which the accepting unit deposits the parcels with positioning accuracy, according to the predetermined pattern, on the pallet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for palletizing packing drums (7) on a load platform (P), especially barrels, kegs or the like in substantially cylindrical or barrel-shaped receptacles, and/or for depalletizing the packing drums. The inventive method provides as high turnover speed as possible for a layer of, for instance, six or eight packing drums (7*) without causing problems related to the inertia of masses and oscillating phenomena limiting turnover speed. This is achieved by vertically lifting each respective layer (7*) of packing drums in relation to a direct or indirect carrier contact surface (A1, A2) to the packing drum layer during transfer to or from a palet (P). The packing drum layer and the pallet are placed separately from each other (palletizing) or together (depalletizing) in a continuously identical receiving and lift movement position (G) by displacing their contact surface on a plane on which the lift movement is vertically performed.