VERFAHREN UND VORRICHTUNG ZUM AUTOMATISCHEN STAPELN VON LAGEN AUS PARALLEL LIEGENDEN, LANGGESTRECKTEN GEGENSTAENDEN

A method and apparatus for automatically stacking layers of individual elongate articles (4) arranged in mutually parallel relationship, with a predetermined number of elongate intermediate members located between each pair of the article layers in substantially mutually parallel, spaced relationship and arranged transversely of the articles. Intermediate members (3) are initially fed from a supply (2) to a collecting station to form a continuous layer and articles are fed onto this member layer. The superposed article layer thus formed is then lifted as a whole by means of the predetermined number of intermediate members and transferred to a stacking station where it is unloaded. Further intermediate members, corresponding to the predetermined number of members removed are then fed from the supply to the member layer and the layer compacted to eliminate the gaps formed.