Machine and method for arranging objects in an alternate manner in single file rows

Method for arranging objects, comprising a first end and a projecting edge arranged in proximity to said first end, in an alternate manner along single file rows, comprising the steps of:

• orienting the objects so that they rest on the first end;
• dividing said objects into a first group of objects and a second group of objects;
• moving the objects belonging to the first group in an anti-clockwise direction along a first arc of circumference defined on a first plane and, simultaneously, moving said objects belonging to said second group in a clockwise direction along a second arc of circumference defined on a second plane parallel to the first plane;
• making the objects belonging to the first group and the objects belonging to the second group fall in an alternate manner along the same direction to the ground;
• rotating, during said step of making the objects belonging to the first group and the objects belonging to the second group fall, the objects belonging to the first group in a clockwise direction along a third arc of circumference so that, at the end of said step of rotating, the objects no longer rest on the first end and rotating, and the objects belonging to the second group in an anti-clockwise direction along a fourth arc of circumference so that, at the end of said step of rotating, said objects no longer rest on the first end, the third arc of circumference and the fourth arc of circumference being defined on a plane perpendicular with respect to the first plane and to the second plane, so as to stack the objects on top of one another in an alternate manner along single file rows.

A machine for packaging objects having an orientation with a first projecting end and a second end comprising:

• a first object transport, whereby a first group of objects are capable of being transported;
• a second object transport, whereby a second group of objects are capable of being transported;
• wherein said first and second object transports holds each of the objects in an orientation that is in the same direction;
• a first rotating member adjacent an end of said first object transport, said first rotating member adapted to hold and rotate an object from the first group in a clockwise direction;
• a second rotating member adjacent an end of said second object transport, said second rotating member adapted to hold and rotate an object from the first group in a counter-clockwise direction;
• a first joining guide adjacent said first rotating member adapted to receive an object from the first group;
• a second joining guide adjacent said second rotating member adapted to receive an object from the second group;
• and
• a guide adjacent said first and second joining guides adapted to receive an object alternately from the first and second groups,
• whereby the objects are packaged with alternating orientations in a single file row.