Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing articles such as cafeteria trays comprising a lower supporting structure upon which a plurality of trays are stacked. An upper supporting structure is provided for holding the stack of trays in a vertical or upwardly extending alignment, and a dispensing opening is defined between the upper and lower supporting structures. A threaded element is adapted to engage the bottom edge of the forwardmost tray in a stack and to thereby pivot the tray about the upper supporting member for passing of the tray through the dispensing opening. Means such as a conveyor comprising part of a tray washing machine are positioned for collecting the trays dispensed.

Abstract: A construction for handling soiled tableware whereby the tableware is loaded on a cafeteria tray or the like and wherein the tray is moved to a station for discharging the tableware from the tray. A paddle or the like provides a lifting means which operates to pivot the tray to achieve a partial tilt thereof. A swinging arm serves as a second lifting means which engages the partially tilted tray and completes pivoting movement so that the contents of the tray will be completely removed by gravity. The driving action for both the paddle and swinging arm comprises a single rotating shaft supporting the paddle and carrying an eccentric which transmits swinging movement to the arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting silverware including a hopper for collecting the silverware in bulk amounts and a vibrating bed for gradually discharging the silverwave and conveying it to a sorting stage for dividing the different types of silverware. The sorting stage includes a table defining a barrier against which the silverware is directed. Laterally extending openings are defined by the barrier, and these openings permit the passage of knives past the barrier means. Forks and spoons are held by the barrier means as they are moved over the table and are then dropped onto a structure which separates the forks and spoons. Receptacles are provided for collecting the different types of silverware.