Abstract: An arrangement for converting a multi-track container stream supplied by a feed mechanism into a plurality of parallel container rows in a withdrawal mechanism. The container rows are separated from one another by a lane separation or separating elements. A transition zone is provided between the feed mechanism and the withdrawal mechanism. To increase the output and/or to provide a protective processing of the containers, a lane separation formed by lanes is already provided at the transition zone. In particular, the width of each lane in the transition zone has a conveying width that corresponds to a multi-track container stream yet is several times less than the conveying width of the feed mechanism. Furthermore, the lanes of the transition zone narrow in a direction toward the withdrawal mechanism.

Abstract: A grouping apparatus for separating from a stream of tightly packed containers that is being fed by a conveyor groups of containers. Provided on at least two continuously rotating belt or chain type drive elements are a plurality of grouping mechanisms having abutment and retaining surfaces for the containers. These surfaces are moved by the drive element along a continuous path of rotation and along a portion of this path of rotation that proceeds in a conveying direction of the conveyor extend into the path of movement of the containers. The spacing between the abutment and retaining surfaces of two successive grouping mechanisms is adjustable in conformity with the diameter of the containers.

Abstract: An arrangement for converting a multi-track stream of containers into a plurality of parallel container rows that are separated from one another by separating elements. A feed mechanism conveys the containers, and a withdrawal mechanism is divided by the separating elements into a plurality of lanes, one for each of the container rows. A transition zone is disposed between the feed mechanism and the withdrawal mechanism, and is formed by the upper lengths of a plurality of conveyer bands that are disposed in the conveying direction, and transverse to this direction are disposed adjacent one another. The containers of the multi-track stream are distributed to the individual lanes in this transition zone.

Abstract: A packing or unpacking machine having conveyor tracks for articles and containers, with transfer units that are guided in a circular path above these conveyer tracks. Each of the transfer units has a pick-up and carrier head on a support element that can be raised and lowered. A movement mechanism is provided for generating a relative movement for the pick-up and carrier heads relative to the support elements, with this relative movement being superimposed over the rotational movement of the support elements, so that during respective rotation of the support elements, which follow the circular path, the pick-up and carrier heads are moved in a common elliptical or elliptical-like overall path of revolution. In so doing, the respective pick-up and carrier heads are moved about a vertical axis such that a constant parallel position is maintained relative to the conveyer tracks.