Transfer of cartridges containing flat articles

摘要

A method and apparatus for automatically transferring and handling cartridges (25) containing flat articles. The method and apparatus robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments (20) of a sorting machine (15) to a buffer shelf (40) and from the buffer shelf to a docking station (55) of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder (50) to the input (70) of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments (20) of the sorter, is provided.