Abstract: The grippers (2, 3), which are mounted on the transport bars (1), are provided with permanent magnets (6). In order to seize and transfer a workpiece (4), the two grippers are moved toward the workpiece from the outside, while the front surfaces (5) of the grippers position the workpiece and the magnets (6) lift up the workpiece by some distance. It is thus ensured in a very simple manner that the workpiece may safely enter the following processing station of a follow-on tool.

Abstract: Workpieces are transported step-by-step by means of transport bars which are provided with grippers and which are longitudinally and transversally displaceable only in cyclic relation to the reciprocating movement of a press. The transport bars have the configuration of hollow profiles which are rigid with respect to bending and torsional stresses, and their ends are rigidly constrained and guided by means of angle brackets and by means of longitudinal guidings and transversal guidings both of which are free of play. Thus, a particularly rigid and a relatively lightweight construction results which allows high working cadences.