US3738465A - Vibrating sorter for soiled tableware - Google Patents

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 tableware, and a barrier extends across the conveyor bed to separate flatware comprising plates 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.

Description

United States Patent [19 Ettlinger, Jr. et al.

[ VIBRATING SORTER FOR SOILED TABLEWARE [75] Inventors: Ralph Ettlinger, Jr., Highland Park, Walter M. Schneider, Chicago, both of Ill.

[73] Assignee: Avant Industries Inc., Wheeling, Ill.

[22] Filed: Apr. 13, 1971 [21] Appl. No 133,667

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 828,510, May 28, 1969, Pat. No.

[52] US. Cl. 193/43 B, 198/33 AA, 209/99,

209/97 [51] Int. Cl. B65g 11/20 [58] Field of Search 209/97, 98, 99, 101,

209/90, 75, 85; 134/62; 193/43 B, 43 D; 198/33 AA, 59, 60

[451 June 12, 1973 Nystuen 209/85 Naslund et a]. 209/99 [57] 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 tableware, and a barrier extends across the conveyor bed to separate flatware comprising plates 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 [56] References Cited separating soiled dishes from cafeteria trays where the UNITED STATES PATENTS dishes are initially delivered on such trays. 3,506,118 4/1970 Illozzi 209/99 X I 3 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures 3,486,939 12/1969 Pinckard 134/62 114\ mZ%3 cups GLASSWARE GARBAGE 8 4 ETC mac/( /,/?,qcA 26 slam/ AER 5 4 -45 l as; 1 0/5! was/ 13 RETA DE)? h 83% 2] WATER/JETS T;

may WASHER TRAY DPYEI? To TRAY STACKEE K53 s/LvEe I 17 DROP 771'PU REMOVAL OF DOUBLE TRAYS LIGHT mas BLDW DFF Q9, a 15 14 SINGLE ITEM DROP-OFF F/eo/n DIN/ P T TRAYs w/m DIRTY DISHES 3 10 PATENIEB JUN 1 2 I973 SHEET 3 OF 4,

PATENIEUJUNI zma SHEET t [If 4 W FIG. ]2

VIBRATING SORTER FOR SOILED TABLEWARE This is a division of my copending application Ser. No. 828,510, filed May 28, 1969, which application was allowed Mar. 29, 1971, now US. Pat. No. 3,605,767.

This invention relates to a construction for the handling of soiled tableware prior to placement of the tableware in dishwashing equipment.

It is well-known that many institutions, for example, schools and restaurants, handle large volumes of tableware in providing food service. A typical arrangement involves cafeteria style service wherein persons place tableware including plates, saucers, cups, glasses and silverware on a cafeteria tray. When the meal is finished, these must be collected in some fashion and prepared for washing.

It is normal practice to separate and then stack or otherwise collect the various types of tableware. For example, employees will form separate stacks of cafeteria trays, plates, saucers, cups, etc., and the same or other personnel will load the stacked pieces onto racks used in automatic dishwashing equipment or directly onto conveyors provided in the equipment. This, of course, involves a separate unstacking operation for articles such as plates, bowls, dishes and saucers.

It is a general object of this invention to provide a system for the handling of soiled tableware, whereby the tableware can be conveyed in random fashion to the separating equipment and thereafter automatically separated so that the only handling involved is the loading of cups and glasses into washing racks and placing said racks and silverware, which has been automatically placed in washing cylinders, into the dishwashing machine.

It is a specific object of this invention to provide a system for handling soiled tableware which is particularly useful in connection with cafeteria operations whereby soiled tableware can first be automatically separated from cafeteria trays, and whereby the tableware is then sorted by the equipment to greatly improve the efficiency of loading into automatic dishwashing equipment.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide an arrangement uniquely suitable for the handling of soiled silverware whereby the silverware can be automatically delivered to baskets for immediate transfer of the baskets to dishwashing equipment without other handling requirements.

These and other objects of this invention will appear hereinafter, and for purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, specific embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a tableware handling system characterized by the features of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an alternative arrangement providing an in-line structure for delivery of tableware to a vibrating conveyor;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view illustrating an alternative arrangement for the separation of tableware from cafeteria trays; 7

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view, taken about the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevation illustrating the tray and tableware separation means of FIG. l;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vibrating bed illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view, taken about the line 88 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken about the line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a silverware handling unit characterized by the features of this invention;

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating the vibrating conveyor section of FIG. 10; and,

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view, taken about the line 12-12 of FIG. 10.

The construction of this invention generally comprises a vibrating conveyor defining a bed for receiving tableware. The tableware is deposited on the bed in random fashion and is then separated into flatware such as plates and silverware and into pieces of greater height such as cups and glasses. This separation is accomplished by barrier means which are located in spaced relationship relative to the conveyor bed to permit passage of the flatware while directing cups and glasses along a separate path on the bed.

At the end of the conveyor bed, the flatware is separated by providing means permitting passage of silverware through the bed while plates and other flatware are deposited at the end of the conveyor. Dishwashing racks which can be loaded into dishwashing equipment or which are provided by the equipment itself are preferably situated at the end of the vibrating conveyor so that the separated pieces can be immediately placed in a dishwasher.

Where the construction is employed in a cafeteria operation, means are provided for separating tableware from cafeteria trays. This is accomplished automatically by dumping the trays in a manner such that all tableware is removed and deposited on the vibrating conveyor bed while the trays are directed to a separate washing station.

The construction illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises one form of the instant invention. This construction is particularly suitable for cafeteria-type arrangements, and a first conveyor 10 is employed for delivering trays 12 from the dining area to the dishwashing area. As will be explained, the system to be described initially provides for separation of soiled tableware from the trays. Accordingly, a gap 14 is provided between the conveyor 10 and a separate conveyor 16 so that any single items of tableware will drop through the gap whereby only trays will move onto the conveyor 16.

A light trash removal station 15 is located beyond the gap 16. This removal may be effected by air blasts which will dislodge napkins, milk cartons, etc. The next station 17 is provided for removal of trays which are stacked together. These trays may be manually or automatically removed at this point if the tray dumping means will not handle two or more trays stacked together.

At the end of the conveyor 16, there is provided a first downwardly inclined stationary board 18 (also see FIG. 6). The trays 12 are moved onto the board 18, and the leading edge of each tray then engages the end wall 20 of a second downwardly inclined board 22. The momentum of the tableware causes the tableware on the trays to be discharged onto the surface of the board 22. This tableware slides down the board under the influence of gravity and is eventually deposited on the bed 24 of vibrating conveyor 26. A brush 28 extends across the end of the board 22 to retard the movement of the tableware, particularly if relatively fragile dishes are being handled.

When a tray is located on the surface of the board 18 in the solid line position shown in FIG. 6, the next tray will engage the end of the inclined tray and tilt the tray as shown in dotted lines. A downwardly extending channel 30 is provided for delivering the empty trays to a separate conveyor 32. The trays can then be separately directed past tray washer sprays as shown at 33 and tray dryer and stacker stations.

The soiled tableware deposited on the vibrating conveyor bed 24 is moved from left to right along the conveyor bed. To provide initial sorting of the tableware, a barrier 34 extends across a portion of the conveyor bed. This barrier defines a bottom edge 36 which is spaced from the bed 24 by a sufficient distance to permit the passage of flatware, including plates and silverware. Articles of greater height such as cups and glasses are restrained by the barrier, and are diverted along a separate path. This path is defined by an interior wall 38 running parallel to one side wall 40 of the vibrating conveyor. 1

As shown in dotted lines in FIG. 7, the bed 24 may include an inclined end 23 to insure movement of the tableware along the initial portion of the conveyor. Water streams may be applied in this area as a prewash. A separating barrier such as the barrier 34 may be located in this area since the velocity of the tableware will enhance separation.

At the end of the path 42 defined by the walls 38 and 40, there is provided an unloading station including means for holding cup racks 44 and glassware racks 46. The tableware can be manually removed from the conveyor bed at this point and placed directly in the racks, and the racks can then be placed in a dishwasher 48 located at the end of the vibrating conveyor.

The main portion 50 of the conveyor bed terminates in a silverware separation section 52. This section includes a plurality of ridges 54 having their top edges in the same plane as the conveyor bed 24. The depressions defined between the ridges are adapted to receive silverware as it moves to the end of the conveyor bed. Plates and other flatware will, however, move over the top of the ridges and are finally deposited on the inclined end member 56 where they are collected by the moving bed 58 of the dishwasher.

The silverware passes through slots 60 defined between the ridges 54. A chute 62 directs the silverware into individual baskets 64 which are held in an inclined position for automatic filling. A trough 66 may be filled with water or other liquid for pre-soaking of the silverware; however, in any case, the baskets 64 can then be manually loaded in a dishwashing machine.

Nozzles 70 are provided in the opposite side wall 72 of the vibrating conveyor for introducing water. A sump 74 is provided adjacent the entry end of the conveyor whereby the water is moved in a direction opposite the movement of the soiled tableware. This arrangement is a means for removing some food particles and other garbage, particularly any pieces that float. A

suitable garbage skimmer may be utilized to remove such pieces from the surface of the water to avoid the necessity for separating these pieces from the tableware at the end of the conveyor.

FIG. 2 illustrates an arrangement employing the same vibrating conveyor construction as that shown in FIG. 1. In this instance, however, an in-line system is provided for delivering the soiled tableware to the vibrating conveyor 26. This system includes a separate conveyor 16, a first downwardly directed support 18, a tray drop chute 30', a second downwardly directed support 22, and retarder brush 28'. The system operates in the same manner as the system described in FIGS. 1 and 6.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate a further alternative for separating cafeteria trays from soiled tableware and for transferring the tableware to a vibrating conveyor 26. In this instance, a separate belt conveyor moves the loaded trays into contact with a deflector bar 82 which extends at an angle across the end of the belt. This deflector forces the loaded trays sideways onto an inclined platform 84. A ledge 86 is formed adjacent the bottom edge of the platform so that the trays are restrained against movement onto the conveyor 26. The soiled dishes will tumble onto the conveyor when the trays are in this inclined position. A retarder brush 88 is employed where there is a need to protect the tableware against damage. The platform 84 gradually tapers toward narrow end 90, and this causes the trays to fall back to an original position when the inside edges of the trays move past the deflector 82. The trays can then be passed by means of a separate conveyor to appropriate cleaning and drying apparatus.

FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 illustrate a silverware handling mechanism 90 which incorporates features similar to those utilized in the end section of the vibrating conveyor 26. Thus, the trough 92 is provided with a bed formed of depressions 94- and ridges 96. This combination is provided by corrugating the bottom wall of the trough; however, ridges can be built-in, for example, as shown in FIG. 8. The trough is supported on a standard vibrator 98, and the vibrating mechanism is such that the silverware will move from right to left over the bed.

When silverware is loaded in the right-hand end of the construction, the vibrating action will move the silverware toward the discharge end which is provided with slots 100. A rotating brush 102 may be located adjacent the loading end to assist in maintaining the silverware in the depressions 94. Thus, use of a brush, fingers, or similar means will reduce the possibility of silverware piling up if an excessive load is placed in the construction.

The silverware is adapted to be discharged through the slots through a chute 104 and then into collecting basket 106. This basket is located in a trough 108 which may be filled with water 110 to provide a presoak, and the basket is suitable for loading in automatic dishwashing equipment.

Particularly where soiled silverware is being handled, the working ends of the silverware should be exposed at the top of the basket 106 with the handles at the bottom. This provides for more effectivecleaning in automatic dishwashing equipment. To accomplish this, the slots 100 are dimensioned so that only the handles of the silverware can pass through the slots when the silverware lies flat in the depressions 94. Considering, for exampie, the spoon shown at the top of FIG. 11, the vibrating action will move the working end of the spoon across the slot 100; however, the handle of the spoon will fall through when it becomes free of contact with the bottom of the depression. Since the working end of the spoon is wider than the slot in one position, it may hang temporarily as shown in FIG. however, the vibrating action will soon turn the spoon sufficiently to cause it to drop onto the chute 104. With this arrangement, the working ends of the silverware will enter the basket in the upright position.

It will be appreciated that the same arrangement for controlling the position of the silverware is preferred for the section 52 of the conveyor 26. In a typical operation, the conveyor 10, 16 may deliver 1,000, 18-inch cafeteria trays per hour to the sorting construction. As noted, light garbage may be removed by blow-off means; however, suction devices could also be employed for this purpose.

The presence of water in the vibrating conveyor trough will function to cushion the impact of tableware on the conveyor bed. In addition to the pre-washing function already referred to, the water will also serve to reduce noise. Finally, suitable openings may be provided whereby the water can be induced or forced out along with additional pieces of garbage. A garbage skimmer, for example, in the form of an arm sweeping over the water surface, (FIG. 1) may be provided to remove any floating pieces. Any garbage which is not automatically removed by the means described can be manually separated adjacent the discharge end of the construction. The amount of such garbage is extremely small compared with conventional operations.

It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the construction described which provide the characteristics of this invention without departing from the spirit thereof particularly as defined in the following claims.

That which is claimed is:

l. A construction for handling silverware comprising a bed, means operatively associated with the bed for vibrating the bed to move silverware deposited at one end of the bed over the surface of the bed to the other end of the bed, a plurality of ridges situated in spaced apart relationship across said bed, a plurality of depressions formed between said ridges, said ridges and depressions extending longitudinally over the bed from said one end to said other end of the bed, said bed being divided into a silverware aligning portion at said one end and a silverware discharge portion at said other end, the surface of the bed in said aligning portion comprising a supporting surface to prevent passage of any silverware through the bed in said aligning portion, means for positioning said silverware within said depressions in said aligning portion of the bed whereby all the silverware is moved in said depressions and is aligned longitudinally relative to the bed, slots defined at the bottom of said depressions in said discharge portion of the bed, said slots being dimensioned to permit the passage through the bed of the handles of the silverware but not the working ends of the silverware whereby the handles of the silverware fall through the slots prior to the working ends, and wherein the vibration of the bedcauses movement of the working ends to turn them sideways to prevent any suspension thereof by the bed whereby the working ends will also pass through the slots, and means positioned beneath said bed for receiving the silverware and for delivering the silverware to holding means.

2. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for positioning the silverware in said depressions comprises a rotating brush engaging any silverware on said ridges whereby the silverware is forced into the depressions.

3. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said vibrating bed comprises a continuation of a bed provided for sorting tableware prior to passage of the tableware to a dishwashing machine.

Claims (3)

1. A construction for handling silverware comprising a bed, means operatively associated with the bed for vibrating the bed to move silverware deposited at one end of the bed over the surface of the bed to the other end of the bed, a plurality of ridges situated in spaced apart relationship across said bed, a plurality of depressions formed between said ridges, said ridges and depressions extending longitudinally over the bed from said one end to said other end of the bed, said bed being divided into a silverware aligning portion at said one end and a silverware discharge portion at said other end, the surface of the bed in said aligning portion comprising a supporting surface to prevent passage of any silverware through the bed in said aligning portion, means for positioning said silverware within said depressions in said aligning portion of the bed whereby all the silverware is moved in said depressions and is aligned longitudinally relative to the bed, slots defined at the bottom of said depressions in said discharge portion of the bed, said slots being dimensioned to permit the passage through the bed of the handles of the silverware but not the working ends of the silverware whereby the handles of the silverware fall through the slots prior to the working ends, and wherein the vibration of the bed causes movement of the working ends to turn them sideways to prevent any suspension thereof by the bed whereby the working ends will also pass through the slots, and means positioned beneath said bed for receiving the silverware and for delivering the silverware to holding means.

2. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for positioning the silverware in said depressions comprises a rotating brush engaging any silverware on said ridges whereby the silverware is forced into the depressions.

3. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said vibrating bed comprises a continuation of a bed provided for sorting tableware prior to passage of the tableware to a dishwashing machine.

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