Abstract: A can sorting apparatus is described for processing over 600 filled metal cans per minute. An infeed conveyor moves alongside a main conveyor in which the main conveyor is moving at a speed greater than the infeed conveyor. A transverse diverter directs the moving cans from the infeed conveyor to the main conveyor causing the cans to be automatically spaced as they move from the infeed conveyor to the main conveyor. The cans move past a sensing station to individually identify the cans and determine which cans are to be separated from the others. An overhead separating conveyor extends across the main conveyor at a separating station. An overhead electromagnet is positioned at the separating station to selectively lift a can from the main conveyor and bias the can upward against the lower flight of the overhead conveyor. The overhead conveyor then directs the lifted can transversely from the single line of filled cans to perform the separation of the cans.