Abstract: An apparatus for transferring rod-like articles from a longitudinal conveyor that longitudinal-axially conveys the articles onto a transverse conveyor that transverse-axially conveys the articles. Moreover, the apparatus includes a conveyor that receives the articles from the longitudinal conveyor and delivers the articles to the transverse conveyor, the conveyor comprising at least a first conveying element and a separate second conveying element which are configured to be in functional connection with one another. Additionally, the first conveying element being structured and arranged to rotate the articles by a predetermined angle. Furthermore, the second conveying element being structured and arranged to reduce the transport speed of the articles. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.