Abstract:
Embodiments of this disclosure include a rigid tray container and methods and equipment for using the rigid tray container in batched process operations. In one embodiment, a mass container is sized and dimensioned to receive one or several rigid tray containers. In other embodiments, equipment is configured to lid/unlid, secure, stack, load/unload, and buffer rigid tray containers. In other embodiments, equipment is configured to stack and stage mass containers. In some embodiments, methods are provided for batch processing items.
Abstract:
A system and method for optimizing mail sorting equipment based upon various commingled data files and user selected options includes a sorter, an optimizing system, and a computer for optimizing the sort plan based upon the data files and user settings.
Abstract:
Apparatus, method, and system for combining a plurality of items into a batch having a set number of items. Number of items are put together onto a production line to form a batch along with non-batch items which are not suitable for inclusion within the batch onto the production line. The batch is advanced on the production line as a partial batch without the non-batch item being added to it when a batch is not complete. A reminder batch is created after the non-batch items have been added to the production line and the remainder batch includes the number of items that must be added to the partial batch to make a full batch.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method are provided for managing (e.g. sorting, orienting, arranging, and stacking, etc.) one or more utensils; the utensils having a first and second end that define a longitudinal axis. The utensil sorting apparatus comprises of a plurality of arms to which a mechanism for locating a utensil, one or mechanisms for identifying a utensil, a device for orienting a utensil, and a device for grasping a utensil are attached. The grasping mechanism is used to transport a utensil to various steps used in a sorting process with a final step being to place the utensil in a designated bin, or compartment. The utensils placed in a compartment are oriented such that the first end of each utensil is at the same end of a wall of the compartment. The apparatus can also be used to arrange and stack utensils in preparation for secondary operations.
Abstract:
An apparatus for separating cutlery from food waste, such as for use in a restaurant, includes a glacis which is angled toward the opening of a waste container. Extending from an end of the glacis are a set of flaps having a closed position whereby they guide the food waste into the waste container, and having an open position whereby they separate and expose a receptacle for receiving cutlery. A detector is disposed relative to the glacis for detecting a cutlery item inadvertently mixed with the food waste on the glacis. If a cutlery item is sensed by the detector, the flaps are caused to open and the cutlery item falls into the cutlery receptacle, thereby the cutlery is separated from the food waste.
Abstract:
Apparatus for automatically processing carrying trays having used culinary items and refuse thereon whereby desired operations, such as collection and cleaning of reusable culinary items (e.g. knives, forks and spoons), separation and disposal of waste, and cleaning of the trays can be effected without need for operating personnel. In preferred systems the apparatus automatically stacks the cleaned trays and sorts and collects the cleaned reusable culinary items by type so that the trays and the culinary items are readily available for reuse.
Abstract:
A CONSTRUCTION FOR HANDLING SOILED TABLEWARE SO THAT THE TABLEWARE CAN BE AUTOMATICALLY SORTED PRIOR TO PLACEMENT INTO HOLDERS USED FOR SUPPORTING THE TABLEWARE AS IT PASSES THROUGH A DISHWASHING MACHINE. A VIBRATING CONVEYOR IS PROVIDED FOR RECEIVING THE TABLE ARE, AND A BARRIER EXTENDS ACROSS THE CONVEYOR BED TO SEPARATE FLATWARE COMPRISING PLATE AND SILVERWARE FROM PIECES OF GREATER HEIGHT SUCH AS CUPS AND GLASSES. THE SEPARATED TABLEWARE IS DELIVERED ALONG SEPARATE PATHS TO THE END OF THE VIBRATING BED FOR PLACEMENT IN APPROPRIATE RACKS OR OTHER DISHWASHING EQUIPMENT HOLDING MEANS. THE FLATWARE IS DIVIDED BY PROVIDING SLOTS IN A CORRUGATED SECTION OF THE BED SO THAT THE SILVERWARE IS COLLECTED APART FROM PLATES. MEANS ARE ALSO PROVIDED FOR SEPARATING SOILED DISHES FROM CAFETERIA TRAYS WHERE THE DISHES ARE INITIALLY DELIVERED ON SUCH TRAYS.
Abstract:
An automatic scullery system and individual components thereof comprising a debris sorter which utilizes two inclined perpendicular belts, one of which is of a wire mesh and is spaced from the second belt and a size sorter which uses fixed diverters or cams that overlie a conveying surface to divert plasticware items off the conveying surface according to their respective sizes and shapes.