The present invention relates to a stacker module (28) for a folder-gluer machine (1). The stacker module comprises a loading surface (90) configured to receive a plurality of folding boxes and to descend vertically as the number of folding boxes on the loading surface increases, and a linearly movable ejector (76) configured to be moved from a retracted position (RP) to an extended position (DP).The stacker further comprises an upper guide (110), configured to move between a clearing position (CP) which is vertically distant from the upper surface of the stack, and a guiding position (GP), in which the upper guide is located closer to the upper surface of the stack, and wherein the upper guide is in the guiding position when the ejector is moved from the retracted position to the evacuation position.

A method of arranging articles can comprise moving a first article and a second article along a respective first lane and second lane toward a respective first output end of the first lane and second output end of the second lane, and guiding the first article from the first output end onto a stacking conveyor. The guiding the first article can comprise engaging the first article with first guide features. The method further can comprise moving the first article on the stacking conveyor past the second output end, and forming a stack by guiding the second article from the second output end onto the first article on the stacking conveyor as the stacking conveyor moves the first article past the second output end. The guiding the second article can comprise engaging the second article with second guide features. The method also can comprise moving the stack on the stacking conveyor.

A method of arranging articles can comprise moving a first article and a second article along a respective first lane and second lane toward a respective first output end of the first lane and second output end of the second lane, and guiding the first article from the first output end onto a stacking conveyor. The guiding the first article can comprise engaging the first article with first guide features. The method further can comprise moving the first article on the stacking conveyor past the second output end, and forming a stack by guiding the second article from the second output end onto the first article on the stacking conveyor as the stacking conveyor moves the first article past the second output end. The guiding the second article can comprise engaging the second article with second guide features. The method also can comprise moving the stack on the stacking conveyor.

A method of providing transfer between a remotely actuatable carrier and a container support structure is disclosed, the method including providing a remotely actuatable carrier including a plurality of support ridges proximate the support structure and providing sensor output information regarding alignment of the remotely actuatable carrier and the container support structure, the container support structure including a plurality of support structure protrusions; and passing the plurality of support ridges of the remotely actuatable carrier between the plurality of support structure protrusions responsive to the sensor output information.

A method is disclosed of providing processing of a plurality of objects. the method comprising providing a plurality of containers from an input conveyance system to a plurality of container input stations, actuating a plurality of remotely actuatable carriers to move the containers from the plurality of input stations to a plurality of container support structures, as well as to any of a plurality of programmable motion devices for moving objects between containers; scheduling movement of the containers to and from the plurality of programmable motion devices; and providing a completed subset of the plurality of containers to an output conveyance system.

An object processing system is disclosed that includes a plurality of remotely actuatable carriers for controlled movement in least two mutually orthogonal directions, each carrier including a base and a payload portion for receiving a container, each the payload portion being adapted to move in an elevational direction and a rotational direction about a rotational axis that is substantially parallel with the elevational direction.

Technologies are described for determining a loading arrangement for hollow circular pipes. Determining the loading arrangement can comprise determining an optimal telescopic arrangement for a plurality of hollow circular pipes. Determining the optimal telescopic arrangement can comprise determining a concentric telescopic arrangement and determining a radial telescopic arrangement. Groups of hollow circular pipes can be generated based on the concentric telescopic arrangement and the radial telescopic arrangement that specifies which of the hollow circular pipes will be arranged within each other concentrically and which of the hollow circular pipes will be arranged within each other radially. The loading arrangement can be determined that includes the optimal telescopic arrangement. The loading arrangement can also indicate how the groups of hollow circular pipes will be loaded into a container for shipment.

Technologies are described for determining a loading arrangement for hollow circular pipes. Determining the loading arrangement can comprise determining an optimal telescopic arrangement for a plurality of hollow circular pipes. Determining the optimal telescopic arrangement can comprise determining a concentric telescopic arrangement and determining a radial telescopic arrangement. Groups of hollow circular pipes can be generated based on the concentric telescopic arrangement and the radial telescopic arrangement that specifies which of the hollow circular pipes will be arranged within each other concentrically and which of the hollow circular pipes will be arranged within each other radially. The loading arrangement can be determined that includes the optimal telescopic arrangement. The loading arrangement can also indicate how the groups of hollow circular pipes will be loaded into a container for shipment.

A conveyor for transporting a board along a path in a transport direction has an upstream section, a downstream section aligned with the upstream section and defining therewith a horizontal support plane, and a center section between the upstream and downstream sections. The center section is movable from a pass-through position aligned and level with the upstream and downstream sections to an offset position spaced therefrom horizontally or vertically. A platform underneath the center section is moveable vertically, and a lift moves the platform vertically between upper and lower positions. Hooks or grab can, when the center section is in the offset position and the platform is in the lower position, either pull a board off the platform and onto the downstream section or guide and deposit a board from the upstream section onto the platform.

Technologies are described for determining a loading arrangement for hollow circular pipes. Determining the loading arrangement can comprise determining an optimal telescopic arrangement for a plurality of hollow circular pipes. Determining the optimal telescopic arrangement can comprise determining a concentric telescopic arrangement and determining a radial telescopic arrangement. Groups of hollow circular pipes can be generated based on the concentric telescopic arrangement and the radial telescopic arrangement that specifies which of the hollow circular pipes will be arranged within each other concentrically and which of the hollow circular pipes will be arranged within each other radially. The loading arrangement can be determined that includes the optimal telescopic arrangement. The loading arrangement can also indicate how the groups of hollow circular pipes will be loaded into a container for shipment.