Abstract: A method and system for assorting a number of small product pieces (G) cut off from a large work sheet (W) which is processed by a cutting machine (1) to form small product parts (G). The system includes a cutting-off device (71) for cutting off the small product parts (G) in turn from the large work sheet (W), transportation device (9) for transporting the small product pieces (G) cut off from the sheet (W) in a direction (X) and positioning the pieces (G) in desired places in the transportation device (9), and an assorting device (11) for collecting the pieces (G) at the desired places and positioning the pieces in predetermined places by every kind of the pieces (G).

Abstract: A workpiece loading and unloading method and apparatus are disclosed especially for plate processing machines, such as a punch press. The apparatus includes a workpiece storage device positioned on one side of the plate processing machine and having a plurality of vertically arranged shelves for supporting pallets for storing workpieces to be loaded and finished products unloaded from the machine. An elevator device is provided for moving pallets to and from the storage device to a load/unload station where a transfer device picks up a workpiece from the pallet and moves it to the machine for processing and also picks up the finished product from the machine and returns it to a finished product pallet.