Abstract: The application relates to a method of performing a multi-step reaction vessel (68) having at least two compartments (685, 680). The reagents are placed in the first compartment (685) and moved to second one (680) by centrifugation, after which another set of reagents may be placed in the first compartment (685) while the reaction in the lower chamber takes place. Once the reaction is complete, the reagents that were in the first compartment (685) may be moved to the lower one (680) by centrifugation. The application also claims a container having a pierceable lower surface and an upper surface with either a pierceable component or a lid. A wand capable of being electrostatically charged, an apparatus comprising such a wand and a method of transferring solid reagents using such a wand is also claimed.

Abstract: A method for loading and unloading a machining machine for machining boards that includes for loading the machining machine, the changing table is loaded with a board to be machined, whereby the board is separated from the first storage place and is deposited on a changing table. The changing table is conveyed together with the board to the machining machine. For unloading the machining machine, the changing table is conveyed together with a machined board to the second storage place and is then unloaded, wherein the machined board is separated from the changing table and deposited on the second storage place, wherein the unloading of the changing table includes conveying the changing table and the machined board to an unloading place in an area above the second storage place and the machined board is separated from the changing table at the unloading place.

Abstract: In order to separate rod-shaped bodies from a bundle of bodies, the surface of an uppermost body in the bundle is determined in a separation apparatus by a sensor, which body is then seized laterally of the sensor by a first gripper and is vertically lifted, whereupon a further gripper engages under said body, laterally of the first gripper unit. The further gripper is then moved to the other end region of the body, with the body being lifted out of the bundle. Next, said body is moved to a deposition location by both grippers.

Abstract: This application relates to a pipe storage and handling system having a stationary frame, a tilting frame moveably coupled to the stationary frame, a pipe rack moveably coupled to the tilting frame and an arm. The pipe rack includes a storage end configured to support a plurality of pipes. The tilting frame includes a loading end and is moveable between a loading position where the loading end is positioned at a higher elevation than the storage end and an unloading position wherein the storage end is positioned at a higher elevation than the loading end. The system includes an arm to engage a single pipe and move the single pipe onto or off of the tilting frame. The pipe rack may move the pipes vertically relative to the tilting frame. The pipe rack may support a cartridge for retaining the pipes. The system may include a pipe erector.

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: A loader picks up a workpiece from a container, and delivers it to a workstation downstream. An unloader receives the workpiece from the workstation upstream and puts it into a container. In the loader and the unloader respectively, a first stacker and a second stacker, for holding containers in stacked manner, are placed in parallel along direction Y. A table working as a container moving mechanism moves an extracted container along direction Y. A first container transfer mechanism extracts a container from the containers stacked in the first stacker and delivers it to the container moving mechanism. A second container transfer mechanism receives the container from the moving mechanism, and stacks it in the second stacker. A transfer-head working as a workpiece transfer mechanism picks up the workpiece from the container on the table, moves it along direction X, and delivers it to the workstation downstream.

Abstract: A depalletizer for removing articles stacked on a pallet that removes the pallet from the below the stack of articles and then removes layers of the stack from the bottom. The depalletizer comprises a receiving section that transfers the loaded pallet to a support structure in a load separating section. The support structure has a chain conveyor and perpendicularly disposed roller conveyor and a clamping mechanism configured to clamp layers of the stack. The clamping mechanism clamps the bottom layer of the stack, the support structure lowers to separate the pallet and the chain conveyor transports the pallet away. The support structure moves up to support the stack and then is lowered to reclamp at the layer above the bottom layer. The support structure lowers again to separate the bottom layer from the stack and the roller conveyor transports it away. The process is repeated until the stack is empty.

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 method and apparatus for palletizing rectangular packages received in random size and weight. A “corner”-based modeling system is used to assist in evaluating possible placements of packages accumulated on a line conveyor, and a placement evaluation process is used to select a “best” package placement based on heuristic analysis. Statistically-based measurement and comparison is used to assist in the evaluation process.

Abstract: A depalletizer includes an input assembly for supporting a loaded pallet loaded with at least one product, a lift assembly, and a product take-away assembly. The input assembly presents the loaded pallet to the lift assembly, which moves the loaded pallet to a product unloading elevation. The product take-away assembly is positioned for receiving a product from the pallet at the unloading elevation. The depalletizer assembly also includes a pallet take-away assembly. After the product is unloaded from the pallet, the lift assembly moves the unloaded pallet to a pallet discharge elevation, where the pallet take-away assembly is positioned to receive an unloaded pallet from the lift assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for resisting rotational movement of can ends in a downstacker is provided, that includes a housing having a bore, a ring having a bore that is disposed within the housing, a second ring having a bore that is disposed within the housing and a sleeve having a bore that is disposed within the housing wherein the bores of the ring, the second ring and the sleeve are in substantial alignment relative to each other. A method of resisting the rotational movement of can ends in a downstacker is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods of selecting cases in which to pack items in an item order and selecting the sequence and configuration of placement of items into the selected cases. One such method includes examining an order comprising a list of items to be packed, determining the cases available for packing, determining the minimum number of cases required for packing the items in the list of items to be packed, selecting a case to be packed with one or more of the items in the list of items to be packed, wherein said selecting a case comprises determining a desired average volume per case and selecting the smallest of the cases available to be packed that comprises a volume in excess of the average volume per case, and determining the configuration of placement in the case to be packed of items in the list of items to be packed. Such steps may be repeated until all items in the item list are selected and configured for packing.

Abstract: Devices and methods for holding a tray stack having a plurality of trays configured to carry and store microelectronic devices. Several devices in accordance with the present invention are particularly applicable to carrying a stack of JEDEC trays that have been loaded with a plurality of microelectronic devices. In one embodiment, the device is a tray retainer including a guide structure configured to allow the tray stack to move in a direction of a load/unload path, and to restrict lateral movement of the tray stack with respect to the load/unload path. The guide structure can have a first end, a second end, and an opening at least proximate to the second end. The guide structure, for example, can have first and second channel sections extending in the direction of the load/unload path. The second channel section can also face the first channel section. The tray retainer can also include a cross-member and a moveable retaining element.

Abstract: Wafer order is randomized in-situ by use of a separate wafer staging area and randomly shuffling wafers to and from this staging area to shuffle the processing order of the wafer lot. Positional data is captured for each wafer at both the send and receive ends of the process.

Abstract: An improved process of stacking parts comprising thermoplastic plastic in an intermediate-storage cage, and the further transport of the stacks to subsequent devices. A pivotable stacking cage effects the transfer of the stacks onto a transverse conveyor belt, or directly to finishing devices, with the parts selectively standing up or lying down, so the apparatus is suited for both flat and tall parts. The method can be used with high cycle numbers, and allows for the mounting of devices that reliably prevent the parts from drifting apart in the intermediate-storage cage, which is particularly advantageous for flat parts.

Abstract: The apparatus (10) serves for transporting and stacking goods (12), in particular in the form of plates such as metal plates or the like, and includes a feed transport device (14), which is connected to a stacking device (16). In this apparatus an overhead transport device (18) is provided which is disposed at least partially in a stacking area (20) above the stacking device (16) and which has a holding system (22) which can be activated and deactivated, where a delay system is provided for time-delayed activation of an effective holding force of the overhead transport device at a point in time when the front, seen in the direction of transport, area of the goods overlaps the stacking area in the direction of stacking.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for separating and supplying plates from a stacked plate assembly capable of highly efficiently separating and conveying one plate by one from a stacked plate assembly of a storage cell without interruption and conveying and supplementing, one by one, the separated plate to a next step with improved reliability. In this apparatus, separation suction disks (6) for sucking, separating and holding the uppermost plate P are arranged on a support table (2) at an upper end portion of an elevation rod (1a) of an elevation mechanism (1) above a stacked plate assembly (A1) for separation having a large number of plates stacked in such a fashion as to be capable of moving up and down also included are rotary bodies (13) each having rotary suction disks (12) arranged along a circumference with predetermined gaps.

Abstract: Devices and methods for holding a tray stack having a plurality of trays configured to carry and store microelectronic devices. Several devices in accordance with the present invention are particularly applicable to carrying a stack of JEDEC trays that have been loaded with a plurality of microelectronic devices. In one embodiment, the device is a tray retainer including a guide structure configured to allow the tray stack to move in a direction of a load/unload path, and to restrict lateral movement of the tray stack with respect to the load/unload path. The guide structure can have a first end, a second end, and an opening at least proximate to the second end. The guide structure, for example, can have first and second channel sections extending in the direction of the load/unload path. The second channel section can also face the first channel section. The tray retainer can also include a cross-member and a moveable retaining element.

Abstract: Wafer order is randomized in-situ by use of a separate wafer staging area and randomly shuffling wafers to and from this staging area to shuffle the processing order of the wafer lot. Positional data is captured for each wafer at both the send and receive ends of the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripping and transport clamp mounted at an end of a robotic arm. The clamp has a support member mounted at the end of the robotic arm and two lower pressing plates and one upper pressing plate mounted on the support member. A sensor is used to detect a reaction force being exerted on the first pressing plate upon displacement thereof. An actuator inserts the first lower pressing plate under the object to be gripped in response to a detection of the reaction force by the sensor. The second lower pressing plate under the first pressing plate moves between a retracted position and an extended position by means of an actuator mounted between the second lower pressing plate and the support member. It is also inserted under the object to be gripped. An actuator moves the upper pressing plate towards the object for gripping it between the plates. A controller receives detection signals from the sensor and operates the actuators.

Abstract: A golf ball stacking and dispensing apparatus comprising a hopper having two pyramidal shells each of different dimensions. Each of the shells is truncated and has a respective open substantially rectangular rim defining a respective open base of a different dimension than that of the other. The shells are joined together where each is truncated so as to converge together and define a funnel opening between the shells. Each of the shells is configured to form a self-supporting stack of golf balls atop each other as a stacking tray closes the open base of one of the shells and the golf balls are poured through the other of the shells. A method of forming different size pyramidal stacks of golf balls by pouring golf balls through one pyramidal shell of a hopper to fill the other pyramidal shell thereof.

Abstract: A series of transport carts are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van to leave an aisle between them. The carts have wheel supported upright frames with bottom supports for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts from which the carts can be unloaded. The carts have rear posts which are disengageably locked in track sections provided in longitudinally spaced relation along the van side walls. Pallets with discs projecting downwardly from the floors of the pallets support the product stacks on the cart bottom supports. A hand truck with a bifurcated nose plate defining disc receiving arms engages under each pallet to enable removal of a pallet and product stack from the cart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for palletizing rectangular packages received in random size and weight. A “corner”-based modeling system is used to assist in evaluating possible placements of packages accumulated on a line conveyor, and a placement evaluation process is used to select a “best” package placement based on heuristic analysis. Statistically-based measurement and comparison is used to assist in the evaluation process.

Abstract: A method to improve the stacking of containers comprising thermoplastic plastic, and the transfer of the stacks to a successive device. Stacks of a predetermined number are intended to be produced without disturbances, even with a high cycle number of the shaping tool. This is achieved in that the containers are stacked in a first stack magazine, which is exchanged for an adjacent stack magazine between two cycles of the shaping tool after the predetermined number has been reached. The containers are stacked in the stack magazines directly from the shaping tool, or by an intermediate transfer device.

Abstract: A method for dispensing, receiving, storing, testing or binning packaged integrated circuit devices using at least one vertically oriented, removable, tubular magazine disposed above a controllably driven, rod-like indexing element extending from a drive below the magazine. A magazine, with an associated indexing element and drive, is configurable as an individual magazine module. The indexing element, under power of the drive, raises or lowers a vertical stack of devices to a desired level adjacent the top of the magazine to dispense or receive an individual device from a feed mechanism, such as a pick-and-place mechanism. A number of magazine modules may be assembled in a multi-module array, which is particularly suitable for binning tested devices, with a sort category being directed to each magazine.

Abstract: A method and device for picking up stacks of blanks, whereby the stacks, arranged in at least one layer on a separating sheet having a peripheral portion projecting outwards of the layer, are removed successively by a pickup member, a free end of which is pressed onto the separating sheet in a position facing a stack for removal, and is then slid in a given pickup direction, and in contact with the separating sheet, beneath the stack for removal; a portion, crosswise to the pickup direction and facing the pickup member, of the peripheral portion of the separating sheet is clamped in position both crosswise to its plane and in the pickup direction by a gripping device before and during removal of the stacks.

Abstract: Wafer order is randomized in-situ by use of a separate wafer staging area and randomly shuffling wafers to and from this staging area to shuffle the processing order of the wafer lot. Positional data is captured for each wafer at both the send and receive ends of the process.

Abstract: A separator and stacker apparatus and method for separating a completed stack of web product from a stack of product being built thereafter. Preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize a stack building carriage having a forked or slotted floor cooperating with a load finger assembly to discharge the completed product stack from the stack building carriage. The load finger assembly preferably has a set of load fingers which mesh with the carriage floor so that when the load finger assembly is actuated, the load fingers pass substantially unobstructed through the stack building carriage. The load finger assembly and the stack building carriage can therefore pass through their motions independently of one another, permitting the stack building carriage to return to a stack building position without waiting for the load finger assembly to retract.

Abstract: A method of utilizing a mini-pallet to create, organize, and move product stacks. In a preferred configuration, the mini-pallet is a nestable lightweight shipping tray which provides a convenient means for handling packaged units, in particular packages of beverage containers. The mini-pallet can support loads at an elevation above a supporting surface through the use of a deck supported by two side legs and a central support. The legs are located to facilitate a user in positioning a carrier under the deck for transportation. The central support, in a preferred embodiment, compatibly fits with a designated opening in the lifting portion of the carrier. When not loaded, the mini-pallet is capable of “nesting” within another mini-pallet for convenient storage.

Abstract: A credit card stacker holding up to a predetermined number of cards in a lower section. Cards are supplied by a separator mechanism from the upper section of the card stacker, as they are depleted from the lower section by the issuing mechanism. The separator mechanism supports one edge of a card in the upper section only while the other edge of the card is supported by a predetermined number of cards in the lower section. When the number of cards in the lower section drops below the predetermined number, the separator mechanism allows cards to drop to the lower section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying signature bundles are provided that allow for many different sizes of bundles to be handled and manipulated in an easy and very agile fashion for low cycle times and for being deposited in various pallet patterns. The apparatus can include several units adjustably mounted relative to each other with each having bundle gripping members that can likewise be adjusted for varying signature formats. The upper clamp head gripping member preferably has a universal mount so that it self-adjusts to pivot for staying in flush engagement with sloped bundles. The units have a very thin housing to allow an operator to gain a good view of the bundles carried in front thereof. The units preferably include pulley drive systems provided with drive ratios to keep the housing size to a minimum while allowing a large advancing stroke for the gripping members for handling of different sized bundles.

Abstract: Wafers are separated individually from a stack by directing multiple jets of fluid between an outermost wafer in the stack and an adjacent wafer. The jets have sufficient pressure and are sufficiently spaced apart around the wafer stack to cause the outermost wafer to separate longitudinally from the adjacent wafer without lateral movement there between. In the illustrated embodiment, a chuck is attached to a planar surface of the outermost wafer. The attached wafer and wafer stack, once separated by the jet of fluid, are moved relatively apart, such as by movement of the chuck. The wafers in the stack are thereby separated without contact between a wafer edge and a solid object (such as a container wall or hand), minimizing the risk of wafer breakage.

Abstract: An automated system for preparing weld land areas of panels to be welded to each other is disclosed. Generally, the system of the present invention includes a system for cleaning contaminants from such weld land areas. In one embodiment, the system for cleaning contaminants includes a system for blasting carbon dioxide granules or pellets against the weld land areas. In instances where the panels comprise aluminum, the system may further include a system for removing at least a first layer of aluminum oxide from the weld land areas. In one embodiment, the system for removing includes a system for moving a plurality of sheets of sand paper over the weld land areas. For purposes of moving the panels relative to the system for cleaning contaminants and/or the system for removing at least the first layer of aluminum oxide, the automated system of the present invention may further include a shuttle system for supporting and moving at least the first panel therethrough.

Abstract: An insertion automation apparatus for discs and booklets in disc packages has plural parallel belts for transporting containers through successive stations. A first station is adjacent the belts for unstacking containers. A second station is adjacent the belts for opening the containers. An inspection station adjacent the belts inspects the opened containers. A fourth station adjacent the belts partially inserts booklets in the open containers, has a booklet conveyor for unstacking and moving booklets and an insertion conveyor for partially inserting the booklets in booklet pockets of the containers. A fifth station adjacent the belts has a pusher for pushing booklets fully into the pockets. A sixth disc placement station adjacent the belts has a continuous looped disc carrier arranged transversely to the belts and plural outwardly spaced disc carrier heads facing outward from the looped disc carrier.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus are disclosed for handling carriers for soft contact lenses in a lens manufacturing system. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, article handling devices are located beneath a pre-cure station and a curing station of the system to move lens carriers within those stations. As a result of locating these devices beneath these stations, the desired movement of the carriers can be achieved without increasing the footprint of the station. Pursuant to a second aspect of the invention, a complete set of assemblies is provided for moving a multitude of lens carriers into, through, and out from the pre-cure station and the curing station. This set of assemblies accomplishes this movement in a completely automated, high speed, mass production basis. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, the curing station is provided with an intelligent buffer.

Abstract: The feeding method concerns the transfer of panels (2) from the top of a vertical stack (17) to a loading table (4) on a panel saw machine. The panels (2) are pushed by mobile horizontal pushers (7) from the stack (17) until they arrive at an infeed device (8) which conveys the panels (2) to the loading table (4). The pushers (7) and the vertical stack (17) perform relative movements controlled by control means (70), so as to allow the pushers (7) to transfer from the stack (17) one or more panels (2), depending on the extent (h) of the relative translation. The infeed device (8) comprises at least two pairs of rollers, each pair comprising a motor-driven roller and an idler roller. The center distance of a pair of rollers may be adjusted by adjusting the idler roller.

Abstract: A method of moving a plurality of tortilla stacks from a counter-stacker machine to a packaging area comprises the steps of receiving a stack of tortillas at a location elevationally above a loading zone, sensing an initial position of a conveyor block in fixed spacial relationship with the loading zone, sensing a moving position of the conveyor block in relation to the initial position, determining that the block has entered the loading zone, and moving the stack of tortillas on to the conveyor block.

Abstract: Boxes each having opposing top and bottom walls adjoining opposing end walls and opposing side walls spaced apart a width adjoining the opposing top and bottom walls and the opposing end walls and having recessed end structure wherein a portion of the opposing side walls adjacent at least one of the opposing end walls that is narrower widthwise than the width are disposed diagonally inwardly and at least one of the top and bottom walls is tapered inwardly to the at least one of the opposing end walls that is narrower widthwise than the width, and arranging the boxes in an array of at least one row wherein each row contains the boxes disposed abreast one another with respective opposing end walls adjacent one another such that an opening is formed between adjacent opposing end walls.

Abstract: Devices and methods for holding a tray stack having a plurality of trays configured to carry and store microelectronic devices. Several devices in accordance with the present invention are particularly applicable to carrying a stack of JEDEC trays that have been loaded with a plurality of microelectronic devices. In one embodiment, the device is a tray retainer including a guide structure configured to allow the tray stack to move in a direction of a load/unload path, and to restrict lateral movement of the tray stack with respect to the load/unload path. The guide structure can have a first end, a second end, and an opening at least proximate to the second end. The guide structure, for example, can have first and second channel sections extending in the direction of the load/unload path. The second channel section can also face the first channel section. The tray retainer can also include a cross-member and a moveable retaining element.

Abstract: A discharge stacking station for a sortation conveying system uses a reciprocating stacking member to stack orders of articles onto an accumulation tray for the station in an aligned series. Articles are provided in singular fashion from a core conveyor for the sortation conveying system onto the reciprocating stacking member via an inclined chute. The reciprocating stacking member preferably has a floor and a backstop wall which are mounted for reciprocating sliding motion along a small portion of the accumulation tray for the stacking station at a loading end of the tray. A stationary stop member is disposed above the floor of the reciprocating stacking member. When a photoelectric eye senses the passing of an article onto the reciprocating stacking member, a computer controlled actuator pulls the reciprocating stacking member towards the stationary stop member to a retracted position.

Abstract: A method and device for feeding blanks on a packing machine, whereby a store, having a horizontal axis, feeds a succession of blanks to a pickup station from which the blanks are withdrawn one by one; and the blanks are fed to an input station of the store in groups, wherein the blanks are positioned on edge and gripped together by a band, which is only removed once the groups are packed together along the store.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for nesting a plurality of containers into a stack having a desired quantity of containers are disclosed. The apparatus includes a container guide, a container hold back, a counter and a shuttle. The container guide includes an input end and output end and provides at least one guide surface adapted to direct the plurality of containers from the input end to the output end. The container hold back is proximate the output end and includes a stop surface actuatable between a first hold back position in which the stop surface engages a frontward most container of the plurality of containers such that successive containers nest within the frontward most container and within each other and a second retracted position. The counter is proximate the input end and is configured to count the plurality of containers moving towards the output end prior to the containers nesting with each other.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is disclosed which includes a support assembly for defining at least one dispensing location. A storage container is secured to the support assembly for holding a plurality of stackable objects. These stackable objects may include shims, washers, gaskets and seals. An escapement is operably associated with the support assembly. The escapement is operable for moving between a first position and a second position for transporting at least one of the stackable objects from the storage container to an external access location. The escapement may also be designed to be easily operated by a robot or robot actuated apparatus.

Abstract: A blank feeder includes a blank stack with blanks inclined forwardly in a magazine section and rearwardly in a discharge section so the stack has two effective top ends, one for supply and one for feeding. Blank inclination is reversed intermediate the stack ends without separating blanks in the stack during inclination reversal. Methods and apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, an apparatus and a container for shipping printed matter. The method of the invention is essentially distinguished in that the printed matter reaches the respective shipping points in returnable containers adapted to its format. These returnable containers can then be used again after their return to the packaging station. The containers used in this connection are essentially distinguished in that they have free spaces extending from the container bottom to the upper container edge for access to printed matter to be placed in them. The apparatus of the invention to be used for packaging is distinguished by a magazine for receiving returnable containers stacked inside each other, from which the containers can be taken separately for loading with printed matter.

Abstract: The present application utilizes a lifting apparatus for lifting disk stacks, the lifting apparatus includes a structural member having a central guide bore and at least three connecting members operatively positioned about the outer periphery thereof; a central guide member, operatively positioned relative to the central guide bore of the structural member and operatively connected thereto; a ring member, operatively positioned on the central guide member, and having at least three connecting members operatively positioned thereon; at least three linking means, operatively connected to each of the structural member connecting members and to each of the ring member connecting members, for providing movement of the ring member relative to the structural member; and a gripping member, operatively connected to each of the linking members and to each of the structural member connecting members for interacting with at least one disk stack such that at least one disk stack is transported to another position.

Abstract: A sheet set feeder receives a stack of offset-jogged sheet sets, including a topmost sheet set and a next-to-topmost sheet set. The feeder separates the topmost sheet set from the remainder of the stack.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting individual packages from an accumulated package line, which measures one common dimension of a plurality of packages, combines the packages together in line contract, establishes an "actual line error" by comparing the actual overall length of the line to a theoretical length, and assigns portions of this actual line error to different packages in the line, depending on their location in the line.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging disks from the bottom of a stack of aligned disks one at a time is provided. The apparatus includes a pair of feed gate subassemblies supported in a spaced apart, diametrically opposing relationship so as to define a disk receiving opening therebetween. The feed gate subassemblies are adapted to cooperatively support the stack of disks in the disk receiving opening and sequentially engage opposing portions of the outer peripheral edge of the disk positioned at the bottom of the stack of disks so as to cause the bottom disk to be discharged from the stack of disks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting books of sheets in which individual books are generated in succession is provided. This process entails the stacking of cut sheets that form a completed book in an offset arrangement relative to adjacent books. Each offset stacked book is removed from the other books by applying a lifting force between the lowest book in the stack and the next book in the stack while the lowest book in the stack is allowed to bend away from the next highest book in the stack. The bend forms a space, tunnel or separator entrance opportunity into which a projection or other separator structure is directed. The lowest book is lowered onto a conveyor and moved away from the stack. The process continues for each successive next-highest book in the stack. A support mechanism is provided to maintain the lowest book at a selected elevation as the projection moves inwardly. The support moves away concurrently to deposit the lowest book on the conveyor.