Abstract: The apparatus comprises an incoming conveyor and a revolving device, in which grippers (9) circulate at a regular first spacing (T1) over a closed circulating path (10). The grippers (9) can be individually switched between a first state, in which they take hold of the products (2) and carry them along, into a second state, in which they release the products from the grippers. At a transfer point (11) the grippers (9) pass above the incoming conveyor (1). They are switched at the transfer point (11) into the first state, in which they each take hold of a product and carry it along. A store (16) has carriers (19) which circulate at a regular second spacing (T2) in a closed, second circulating path (15). The second circulating path (15) runs over a buffer region (20) parallel to the first circulating path (11). Within the buffer region (20) the grippers (9) can be switched into their second state. The circulating speed of the grippers (9) is greater than the circulating speed of the carriers (9).

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an incoming conveyor and a revolving device, in which grippers (9) circulate at a regular first spacing (T1) over a closed circulating path (10). The grippers (9) can be individually switched between a first state, in which they take hold of the products (2) and carry them along, into a second state, in which they release the products from the grippers. At a transfer point (11) the grippers (9) pass above the incoming conveyor (1). They are switched at the transfer point (11) into the first state, in which they each take hold of a product and carry it along. A store (16) has carriers (19) which circulate at a regular second spacing (T2) in a closed, second circulating path (15). The second circulating path (15) runs over a buffer region (20) parallel to the first circulating path (11). Within the buffer region (20) the grippers (9) can be switched into their second state. The circulating speed of the grippers (9) is greater than the circulating speed of the carriers (9).

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning flat, generally rectangular items includes a first conveyor for advancing the items in a conveying direction; a second conveyor for receiving the items from the first conveyor and for advancing the items in the same conveying direction; an endless conveyor chain having a length portion curved in a horizontal plane and being at a height level above the conveying plane of the second conveyor; a plurality of uniformly spaced carrier elements secured to the conveyor chain for catching items that have been advanced on the second conveyor and for guiding the items in a curvilinear path; and a third conveyor for receiving the items from the conveyor chain.