Abstract: The invention is particularly useful for sorting items of differing sizes. The endless loop's carriers include belts that both transport and sort the items. Followers clasp the belts about the lengthwise periphery of the carriers' slats and also engage lines, diverters, crossovers and receivers. When a follower is diverted toward a crossover, transverse sorting motion is imparted to its corresponding carrier's belt. Followers can also include delays for prolonging the longevity of the diverters. And when the size of the item being sorted mandates, a diverter can divert sequential followers, in series.

Abstract: The invention is particularly useful for coacting with roller tubes of conveyor apparatus. A cartridge bearing including a stub axle with a tip of greater hardness than the surface circumscribing the aperture receiving the stub axle is inserted into an end of a conveyor roller tube. Along with being electrically conductive, the stub axle can be provided with a damper for reducing vibration. The stub axle engages an electrically conductive stub shaft and moves axially with respect to the stub shaft to operatively interlock with the aperture of the fixed structure. Use of the cartridge bearing provides for the grounding of static charge that can accumulate during operation of conveyor roller tubes.