The invention relates to a gripper (1) for gripping and conveying objects whilst being maintained, and to a corresponding conveyor system. Said gripper (1) has a first gripper jaw (20) and a second gripper jaw (30). The gripper jaws (20, 30) can assume an open and a closed state with respect to one another, can exert a clamping force on the object to be gripped, and a repelling force in the direction of the closed state acts upon the gripper jaws (20, 30). At least one control element (25) which can cooperate with switching means (91) is also provided. Said control element (25) is designed as a control gate and has a functional contour with at least one curved contour segment. The invention also relates to a conveyor system with opening positions, which have switching means (91) of a first and a second type and control elements (25) which interact either with the switching means (91) of the first type or the switching means (91) of the second type.