Abstract: Disclosed are (i) items such as knives, forks, spoons and dishes having magnetically responsive end portions enabling the items to be retrieved and/or sorted by type by automatic apparatus, and (ii) apparatus which automatically performs such operations.

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 compact, portable, inflatable blind designed for use on land, on water, or on both land and water. It is composed of a flexible inflatable body which serves as a buoyant concealment device when inflated and which can be folded up into a small bundle when deflated, a seat-forming member which preferably is inflatable and contains a pouch to receive the folded body, and means supporting the seat-forming member across the lower interior of the inflated body. Various advantageous features of construction and use are described.