Device and method for transporting and handling containers

A transport device for transporting and handling containers in a transport direction between an input point and an output point of a blow-molding machine, said transport device comprising:

• a transfer wheel that is rotatable about a central axis by a motor;
• and
• a plurality of handling devices that are configured to rotate together with the transfer wheel;
• wherein each of the plurality of handling devices comprises
• a carrying arm having a longitudinal axis and an end, and
• a handling element arranged on the end of the carrying arm,
• wherein each handling element is configured to independently handle one of the containers,
• wherein each carrying arm is movable linearly in directions parallel to its longitudinal axis by and with respect to a linear motor arranged on the transfer wheel and associated with said carrying arm, and
• wherein each carrying arm is also pivotable on a pivot axis that is parallel to the central axis by a torque or servo motor arranged on the transfer wheel and associated with said carrying arm.