Method and apparatus for stacking discrete planar objects

Abstract

A system for forming a plurality of discrete objects into a stack is disclosed which system includes a frame having a top, a bottom and sides; a conveyor associated with the frame and having an end edge for dispensing discrete objects, a first support mounted on the frame near the end edge for receiving objects from the end edge and having an opening with a width smaller than the width of the objects, a first actuator operably connected to the first support for moving the first support between first and second positions relative to the end edge; a second actuator operably connected to the first support for moving the first support between upper and lower positions relative to the frame; a second support mounted on the frame beneath the first support having a width less than the width of the opening in the first support; a third actuator operatively connected to the second support for moving the second support between high and low positions, the second support high position being higher than the first support lower position; a third support mounted on the frame at a position higher than the second support low position and having an opening wider than the width of the second support; a fourth actuator operatively connected to the third support for moving the third support between a first position beneath the first support and a second position; a sensor for determining the number of discrete objects in a stack, the sensor being operatively coupled to the to the third actuator; and a controller for controlling the first, second, third and fourth actuators. A method of using the system is also disclosed.

1 - 42 . (canceled)  
   
   
       43 . A stacker for forming a plurality of objects into stacks comprising: 
 a frame;    a first support mounted on said frame having an opening with a width smaller than the width of said objects and being shiftable between an upper position and a lower position relative to said frame; and    a second support mounted on said frame beneath said first support, said second support being aligned with said opening in said first support, having a width less than the width of said opening in said first support, and being shiftable between a first position above said first support lower position and a second position;    whereby shifting said first support from said upper position to said lower position while said second support is in said first position causes said second support to pass through said opening.    
   
   
       44 . The stacker of  claim 43  further including a third support having an opening aligned with said second support and wider that said second support mounted at a location above said second support second position.  
   
   
       45 . The stacker of  claim 43  further including a third support having an opening wider that said second support mounted at a location above said second support second position whereby said second support passes through said third support opening when said second support moves from said first position to said second position.  
   
   
       46 . The stacker of  claim 45  wherein said third support is movable between a first location beneath said second support and a second position away from said second support.  
   
   
       47 . The stacker of  claim 43  wherein said first support comprises a pair of fingers and said opening comprises the space between said fingers.  
   
   
       48 . The stacker of  claim 47  wherein said second support comprises a finger having a width less than the separation between said first support pair of fingers.  
   
   
       49 - 53 . (canceled)