Abstract: A method of forming arrays of articles, comprising: (a) providing a stacker having a plurality of compartments for receiving the articles, the stacker traveling along a closed loop path; (b) transporting a plurality of the articles along a first path to the stacker in sequential fashion; (c) introducing the articles into the compartments at an inlet position; (d) removing a first array of the articles from the stacker at a first stripping position by urging the articles from the compartment in a first stripping direction; (e) transporting the first array along a second path away from the stacker in a direction substantially opposite to the first stripping direction; and (f) repeating steps (b) through (e) for subsequent articles. An apparatus for use in this method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of forming arrays of articles comprising providing a stacker having a plurality of compartments for receiving the articles, the stacker traveling along a closed loop path; transporting a plurality of the articles along a first path towards the stacker in sequential fashion; introducing a first portion of the articles into the compartments at a first inlet position located adjacent to the interior of the closed loop path; and removing an array of the articles from the stacker at a stripping location located downstream from the inlet position. An apparatus for performing this method is also provided.