Method and apparatus for buffering a flow of objects

A system for buffering a flow of stacks between a first location and a second location comprising:

• a frame having an entry end proximate the first location and an exit end proximate the second location;
• a continuously operating drive of a fixed operative length;
• a plurality of carriers supported by said frame and connected to said drive to allow controlled movement about said frame;
• a first stop at said entry end for stopping a plurality of said carriers at the first location and to allow at least one product to be deposited on each of the stopped carriers;
• a second stop at said exit end for stopping a plurality of said carriers and to allow the at least one product to be removed from at least some of the stopped carriers at said the second location;
• and
• a controller operatively connected to said first stop for selectively engaging and disengaging said first stop to stop movement of a plurality of said carriers and to allow said carriers to pass from said first location in groups of a first number, said controller being operatively connected to said second stop for selectively engaging and disengaging said second stop to stop movement of a plurality of said carriers and allow said carriers to pass from said second location in groups of a second number, wherein said second number is different from said first number;
• at least two sensors operatively associated with said controller for determining the number of camers at said first and second locations and interacting with said controller to cause said first and second stops to be independently engaged and disengaged from said carriers thereby controlling the number of camers at said first and second locations.