Abstract: An apparatus for sorting round bearings which includes a pair of elongated cylinders that are rotatably supported so that the longitudinal axes thereof are diverging defining a sorting gap between the surfaces of the cylinders. The cylinders are carried on an incline with a driving member connected to one end thereof for rotating the cylinders in opposite directions. Timing gears connecting the lower ends of the cylinders together for positively synchronizing the rotation of the cylinders relative to each other so that the same points on the cylinders appear at the sorting gap on each revolution of the cylinders. The bearings which are to be sorted are fed onto the cylinders and moved down the sorting gap until the width of the sorting gap is sufficient to allow them to drop through into receptacles. The cylinders are supported by means of a set of supporting bearings and a set of guide bearings.

Abstract: A counterbalance bearing assembly for supporting and positively positioning an end of a cylinder which has a shaft extending axially therefrom. The shaft of the cylinder extends through a first bearing. Movable apparatus is provided for supporting the first bearing and, in turn, the cylinder with the shaft extending therethrough. A guide bearing assembly engages the cylinder and positively positions the cylinder. The guide bearing includes a lower block having an arcuate shaped surface thereon and an upper block. A layer of material having a low coefficient of friction is carried on the arcuate surface of the lower block for supporting the cylinder and permitting the cylinder to rotate thereon. Apparatus is provided for adjustably moving the lower block so that the cylinder can be accurately and positively positioned during operation.