Abstract: A method and a device for putting flat, stacked objects, particularly envelopes, packaging bags, and the like, in intermediate storage and making them available. The flat objects coming out of a production machine are set down onto a stacking surface with one of their edges, and subsequently transported to a transfer location by a device for forming and making available defined rows. From there, the rows are pushed to a storage location or the issuance location, using a transport device that is driven independently of the machine cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the handling of individual flat articles coming out of a production machine (3). The articles may be particularly letter envelopes, which are assembled and, if needed further processed and packaged. The core of the invention resides in that initially a plurality of flat articles or letter envelopes (2, 2a) are lifted as partial stacks (8, 8a) and then are deposited at another location, and in that the partial stacks, during lifting and/or depositing (rearranging), are moved in such a way that the flat articles or letter envelopes (2, 2a) are standing, following the deposition, on the same side or edge (b) as originally or on another side or edge (a).