Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus (1) and a method for handling articles and comprises an upper suspension (3) with at least three rotatably driven positioning arms (5), where the positioning arms (5) each comprise at least two arm sections (7, 9) that are swivelable relative to each other and operated independently of one another. A manipulator (32) comprises one or more clamping jaws (34, 36) and is mechanically coupled to the positioning arms (5) such the manipulator can be positioned by movement of one or more of the positioning arms (5). At least one drive shaft (12) is linked non-rotatingly to the manipulator, such that the manipulator is rotated by movement of the at least one drive shaft (12). Rotation of the at least one drive shaft (12) also controls the one or more clamping jaws (34, 36) via the at least one actuating shaft (14).

Abstract: The invention is a method and device for reducing bundles (2) being conveyed in a transport direction (TR) in n rows (3) to a smaller number of continuing transport rows, in particular to (n?1) or (n?2) or (n?3) continuing transport rows (3-1, 3-3). A space (8) is formed at least between the individual bundles (2) of at least one incoming and continuing transport row (3-1, 3-3). The size of the space (8) corresponds to at least the value of a longitudinal extent of an individual article or of an individual group (2) in transport direction (TR). At least two bundles (2) of the at least one row (3-2) are transferred simultaneously by a gripper (10) into a number of consecutive spaces (8) between bundles (2) of a continuing transport row (3-1, 3-3) adjacent to the row (3-2).

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting containers, having a circumferential transport path and at least one transport element which is arranged such as to be movable relative to this circumferential transport path, wherein this transport element can be driven at least partially by a magnetic force, wherein the transport path has a plurality of magnetic elements and at least one magnetizable element is also arranged on the transport element, and wherein a movement of the transport element relative to the transport path can be achieved by actuating the magnetic elements of the transport path. According to the invention, an electrically operated working element, which can be supplied inductive with electrical energy, is arranged on the transport element.

Abstract: A transport device and a method for the transport of articles are disclosed. The transport device is provided with a plurality of single lanes for the single articles having a width (BE). Each single lane is provided with one separating element. Adjacent single lanes are separated by one of the separating elements. The widths (BE) are adjustable with at least one displacing means. At least two adjacent single lanes form a group of lanes with a width (BG). Several of the groups of lanes formed in such a way are slidable to each other. The widths are adjustable with at least a further displacing means.