Interleave machine and method for stacking flat objects

A method for stacking plates with a separator disposed therebetween said plates in an interwoven manner, comprising the steps of:

• picking up a first plate from a first location using a first plate transfer device;
• disposing a continuous separator on a surface of a cassette;
• transferring said first plate to said cassette;
• placing said first plate on said separator;
• and
• wrapping said continuous separator over a first edge of said first plate and across an upper surface of said first plate.

An interleave stacking machine comprising:

• a first plate hopper disposed at a first location;
• a second plate hopper disposed at a second location;
• a first plate transfer device operable to pick up a first flat plate from said first plate hopper and transfer said first flat plate to a cassette;
• a second plate transfer device operable to pick up second flat plate from said second plate hopper and transfer said second flat plate to said cassette;
• a separator operable to be supplied in a continuous manner;
• a separator guide operable to move said continuously supplied separator from one side of said cassette to an opposite side of said cassette;
• a first anvil disposed at said cassette and operable to move in multiple directions relative to said cassette;
• a second anvil disposed opposite said first anvil and operable to move in multiple directions relative to said cassette;
• a first clamp disposed above said first anvil and operable to move in multiple directions relative to said cassette;
• and
• a second clamp disposed above said second anvil and operable to move in multiple directions relative to said cassette;
• wherein said interleave stacking machine is operable to disposed said separator in a continuous interwoven manner between discrete plates;
• wherein said first anvil and said first clamp are operable to apply a force to said plate and separator which are disposed therebetween in order to create a fold in said separator;
• wherein said second anvil and said second clamp are operable to apply a force to said plate and separator which are disposed therebetween in order to create a fold in said separator.