Abstract: An arrangement for gripping metallic workpieces formed of ferromagnetic materials or electrically highly conductive materials, by means of electromagnetic forcs. In one embodimet, two linear-motor stators perform as gripping elements by producing travelling fields which exert gripping forces on the workpieces. The linear-motor stators may be configured to conform to the geometry of the workpieces, and are supported by at least one gripper arm.

Abstract: An arrangement for unscrambling ferromagnetic coil springs from a pile of coil springs, and conducting the coil springs to a work station. A cassette containing a disorganized pile of springs is provided with a first surface having openings, and discharge tubes associated therewith. A second surface which adjoins the first surface is provided with impact edges for controlling the upwardly vertical travel of the coil springs in response to a traveling electromagnetic field which, in one embodiment, is produced by a linear motor stator. The linear motor stator is arranged at an angle with respect to the second surface of the cassette, the apex of the acute angle being arranged at the junction between the first and second surfaces of the cassette. The traveling electromagnetic field attracts the springs to the second surface and causes them to travel upwardly until they encounter the impact edges.