Abstract: This invention relates to a conveyor having endless ropes for frictionally transporting articles. The conveyor comprises at least one linear conveyor and a transfer mechanism. Each linear conveyor includes endless conveying ropes and at least two conveyor supports. Each conveyor support preferably includes an elongated substantially vertical body, at least one substantially horizontal platform depending therefrom, and a channel in an uppermost platform to slidably support the endless conveying rope. The transfer mechanism comprises a turntable, a third linear conveyor for receiving an article, a sensor for sensing when an article has been received from a first linear conveyor onto the turntable, a lifter for lifting the turntable, and a rotator for rotating the turntable. The lifter is also for lowering the turntable to a second linear conveyor, and the third linear conveyor is also for delivering the article to the second linear conveyor.