Abstract: In a method, piece goods which differ from one another in at least one property are moved by at least one piece-good conveyor into depositing positions of at least one depositing-position conveyor, in order to form groups which are predefined with regard to this property. The at least one depositing-position conveyor transports these depositing positions parallel but in the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the at least one piece-good conveyor, at least in the region of the transfer of the piece goods into said depositing positions. The picker which is in each case last in the conveying direction of the at least one depositing-position conveyor completes the groups here. This method makes it possible to implement packaging strategies in a flexible and time-optimized manner.

Abstract: In a method for inserting piece goods (S) into containers (B) by a picking line, the relative speed between the feed of the containers (B) and the feed of the piece goods (S) is controlled in the area of the picking line. In this case, the relative speed is controlled as a function of a filling level of at least one storage element (3, 3?, 3?, 4). This method permits efficient transfer of piece goods into containers with the most complete filling possible of the containers, irrespective of the manner of the relative transport direction of the piece goods and containers. It is suitable both for cocurrent and for countercurrent systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an item group in a container, includes a first conveyor carrying the items; a second conveyor; and a plurality of container carriers mounted on the second conveyor. Each container carrier has a support for holding and positioning a container such that a container bottom and a container side wall are oriented obliquely to the advancing direction of the second conveyor. A pickup device lifts an item from the first conveyor, transports it to the second conveyor and deposits it into a container positioned by a container carrier. A control device controls the motions of the pickup device to selectively deposit items in a flat-lying orientation on the container bottom or on the container side wall. After uprighting the containers subsequent to their charging with items, each item is either in a flat-lying orientation or in an edge-wise standing orientation with respect to the container bottom.

Abstract: A suction gripper for lifting, transporting and depositing items, includes a basic suction body having an inner surface; a first opening for coupling the basic suction body to a suction source; and a second opening through which an item is introduced into the basic suction body by suction. An abutment member is positioned within the basic suction body between the first and second openings such that a clearance is defined between the abutment member and the inner surface of the basic suction body for allowing a suction stream to pass from the second opening through the clearance into the first opening. A storage chamber is defined between the inner surface of basic suction body, the second opening and the abutment member for accommodating an item drawn thereinto and held against the abutment member by suction.