Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vertical displacement conveyor system for collecting and transporting objects, such as food trays, from a drop-off area to a receiving area. The conveyor system follows a vertical planar path, thereby allowing the drop-off area and the receiving area to be set at different elevations or at the same elevation and providing a smaller space footprint. The present invention is also directed to a vertical conveyor system for transporting and displaying object, such as bottles. A basket holding bottles is coupled to the conveyor system and then is transported in planar path for display.

Abstract: An improved roller drying table turn corner is provided, which prevents dishracks from jamming as they traverse a turn on a roller drying table. The improved roller drying table turn corner may include a guiding rod having a cross-sectional shape that prevents the corner of the dishrack from catching thereon. In one embodiment, the guiding rod has a circular cross-sectional shape. In another embodiment, the guiding rod is offset a certain distance from the rollers. In another embodiment, additional rollers are provided along the outer half of the split roller section around the turn of the roller drying table turn corner.

Abstract: A conveyor mechanism for transporting trays utilizing a simple, single closed belt loop that is round in cross-section. The belt runs in and over a slider bed in straight sections and/or curved sections, and its upper edge extends above the slider bed so as to be exposed to the bottom of the trays whose weight gives the belt a frictional coefficient of engagement for transporting therealong. Line contact is provided between the transported trays and the topmost edge of the belt on which it is functionally balanced to limit the tipping motion of the load. The belt is kept operative by a motor, and guided in pulleys, slots or guides and guards, and thereby the load in effect "walks along the belt".