Abstract:
A method for forming and spacing out successive batches (3) of articles (2) including the following phases: transferring articles (2) one by one along a feed belt (4) up to a feed station (5), at a substantially constant input speed (VE); grouping together and transferring a given number of articles (2) in the form of a batch (3) from the feed station (5) to an outlet station (7) using rotating transfer means (8) of the type including at least a first and a second coaxial rotating shaft (9, 10) suitable for being rotated independently from one another by motorised means (12, 13) with the speed determined by a control device, with the first and the second shafts being linked respectively to a first and a second rotating transfer system (15, 16) having a transfer speed (VT) that is not constant and is determined by the control device; driving the articles (2) in the form of successive batches (3) spaced out from one another along an outlet belt (6) from the outlet station (7), at an outlet speed (VS) higher than the input speed (VE). The invention also relates to a device allowing such a method to be implemented.