Abstract: A circulating conveyor includes a circulating guide section forming a closed loop, a first switchable guide element displaceable between a closed position, connecting a first entry guide section in an entry area of the first conveying section to the circulating guide section, and an open position, a second switchable guide element displaceable between a closed position, connecting a first exit guide section in an exit area of the first conveying section to the circulating guide section, and an open position, a third switchable guide element displaceable between a closed position, connecting a second entry guide section in an entry area of the second conveying section to the circulating guide section, and an open position, and a fourth switchable guide element displaceable between a closed position, connecting a second exit guide section in an exit area of the second conveying section to the circulating guide section, and an open position.