Abstract: A slider apparatus of the invention includes a ball screw, first and second support members which respectively support the two end portions of the ball screw, a slider which includes a driving means for rotating a ball nut threadably engaging with the ball screw while rotatably holding the ball nut, and is disposed to be movable in the axial direction of the ball screw, first and second intermediate support members which are disposed to sandwich the slider, and each of which includes a support hole through which the ball screw passes and is movable in the axial direction of the ball screw, and a connecting member which engages with the first and second intermediate support members, and allows free movement of the first and second intermediate support members within the range of the full length of the connecting member.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus includes: a sorting device receiving and transporting a rack carrying vessels and transferring vessels from the rack to predetermined vessel loading portions; and a delivery device delivering the rack to the sorting device. The sorting device includes: a rack receiving unit capable of moving reciprocally between a rack delivery position where the rack is delivered and a sorting position where the vessels are loaded into the predetermined vessel loading portions; a transfer machine transferring the vessels from the rack on the rack receiving unit to the predetermined vessel loading portions; and a transportation mechanism on which the rack delivering unit and the transfer machine are installed. The transportation mechanism is installed so as to be capable of moving in a transportation direction in which rack receiving unit moves reciprocally. The transfer machine is capable of moving in a direction perpendicular to the transportation direction.