Abstract: A mail case system includes facilitates sequence-sorting various types of mail together into individual bags that each represent unique delivery points. The mail case uses multi-bag inserts so that the bags for several stops can be set up quickly for sorting. At the end of the sorting operation, the entire insert may be pulled down from the case as a single unit to maintain the established delivery point sequence. This eliminates the carrier's need to find separation points or to combine selections from multiple sequenced stacks of mail during the delivery operation. This results in a dramatic improvement in delivery efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a sorting system for use in manual sorting, which presents a detached ephemeral display moving in a manner corresponding to the movement of the article, by which an article to be sorted can be quickly and easily identified. To accomplish its purpose, the device comprises: feed conveyors; a switching unit; optical readers positioned to capture destination indicia affixed to each article; a detached moving display which remains close to the article to be sorted and presents information representative of the article's destination location; a destination location which signals when a related article is approaching; and a controller capable of assigning destination locations and controlling display devices.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting an operator in sorting mail includes a wireless headset equipped with a microphone, and a workstation that includes a processing unit, voice-recognition and voice-synthesis circuitry, and a database. In operation, addressee information spoken into the microphone is transmitted to the workstation where it is used to search the database. Destination information from a matching database record is then output to the operator on one or more of a display terminal, headset speakers, and heads-up display fixed to the headset. The convenience and enhanced capability provided by this system streamlines operator productivity and sorting volume.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a management system using multiple reusable containers. The reusable containers are box structures that include materials and components that protect its contents from electrostatic discharge and at least two identifiers affixed to the reusable container. The ESD-protective components enable the safe handling of the full container inside of a manufacturing facility. The first identifier indicates an associated materials storage facility; the second identifier indicates an associated supplier. A third identifier may also be included that indicates an associated divider disposed within the reusable container. The first identifier, second identifier, and third identifier facilitate a two stage return process after the reusable container has been emptied of its contents.

Abstract: The system for cleaning items by using washing baskets (7) comprises a stripping station (A), a tunnel washer (2) and, on the clean side, a station (B) for storing and unpacking items from the washing baskets, as well as a washing basket return equipment comprising two separate return conveyors (8, 9), one (9) arranged above and the other (8) arranged underneath a table (10) in station (B) and leading back to the top of the stripping station (A). The clean baskets (7) are manually put onto the conveyors (8, 9) in station (B) and manually discharged from the conveyors (8, 9) in station (A) for reuse.

Abstract: An automated banking machine can identify and store documents such as currency bills received by a user. The machine can then selectively recover documents from storage and dispense them to other users. Identification devices can identify the type and character of a document, and distinguish genuine documents, such as genuine currency bills, from unidentifiable or suspect documents. Each received document can be judged as either acceptable or unacceptable. Output related to the judging can be presented to the user prior to a document leaving the machine. Subsequently, responsive to receiving user authorization to deposit the acceptable documents, the acceptable documents can be stored in the machine and the unacceptable documents returned to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting an operator in sorting mail includes a wireless headset equipped with a microphone, and a workstation that includes a processing unit, voice-recognition and voice-synthesis circuitry, and a database. In operation, addressee information spoken into the microphone is transmitted to the workstation where it is used to search the database. Destination information from a matching database record is then output to the operator on one or more of a display terminal, headset speakers, and heads-up display fixed to the headset. The convenience and enhanced capability provided by this system streamlines operator productivity and sorting volume.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus including a voice recognition system performing a method of processing “return to sender” mailpieces using voice recognition. The operator obtains a “return to sender” mailpiece and determines a sender address segment for identification. The sender address segment is spoken by the operator to the recognition system. The voice recognition software interprets the information and communicates it to recipient matching software. The software narrows the potential sender matches in the mailpiece sorting apparatus addressee database. If a match is made, the operator is prompted to place the mailpiece onto mailpiece sorting apparatus which sends the mailpiece to the proper sort bin based on the identification performed by the matching software.

Abstract: Method and system for identifying and facilitating access to computer printouts contained in an array of printout bins. Each printout is provided with indicium information concerning the project and/or the user for whom the printout was prepared. When the printout is placed in a bin, the indicium information is entered and displayed adjacent to the printout bin. A user examines the bin displays, identifies the bin(s) containing the user's printout(s), removes the printout and advises the system that the printout has been removed. Thereafter, the display no longer includes indicium information for the removed printout. One or more bins for confidential printouts can be locked, with bin access allowed only if (1) acceptable confidential user identification is presented and (2) at least one printout for that user is presently contained in the locked bin. Indicium information can be communicated to the printout bin or to a project monitor independently of whether a printout is prepared.

Abstract: A medicine feeder apparatus comprising a plurality of cassettes each of which contains a different kind of medicine and a base portion on which the plurality of cassettes are mounted and which discharges the medicine in accordance with the prescription. the apparatus comprises an identification which is provided on each cassette, the identification showing information on the medicine contained in the cassette; a reader which is provided on the base portion, the reader reading the identification of the cassette during the cassette is mounted on the base portion; and a rock which is provided on the base portion, the rock preventing the cassette from being mounted. If the information of the medicine read from the identification by the reader does not coincide with a previously stored information, the rock is operated, while if coincide, the rock is released.

Abstract: The tableware chute for use with a tableware sorting station, the chute comprising: an attachment means for attaching the chute to an upper surface of the sorting station; a hollow body defining an upper entrance and a lower exit, the entrance disposed adjacent to an edge of the upper surface, and the exit disposed adjacent to the edge of the lower surface of the station, whereby soiled tableware placed in the entrance is conveyed downwardly through the hollow body and out of the exit into a receptacle disposed on a lower surface. Several different configurations for attaching the chute to the station are disclosed. Internal dividers placed into the chute for providing more than one conveyance therein are disclosed. A tableware sorting station using the chute is disclosed to facilitate processing soiled tableware.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting an operator in sorting mail includes a wireless headset equipped with a microphone, and a workstation that includes a processing unit, voice-recognition and voice-synthesis circuitry, and a database. In operation, addressee information spoken into the microphone is transmitted to the workstation where it is used to search the database. Destination information from a matching database record is then output to the operator on one or more of a display terminal, headset speakers, and heads-up display fixed to the headset. The convenience and enhanced capability provided by this system streamlines operator productivity and sorting volume. The emobdiments disclosed herein are primarily directed to a headset that is operated completely remotely from the processing unit, and also to a headset comprising a heads up display having means by which an operator can access the database.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorting method for sorting objects, characterised by at least the following sorting steps: a) first sort run, in which objects are input onto parking sections of a first block of parking sections; b) second sort run, in which objects are transferred from the first block of parking sections to a second block of parking sections; and c) third sort run, in which objects are transferred from the second block of parking sections back to the first block of parking sections. The invention also relates to two alternative types of sorting installations which are suitable for carrying out the above sorting method, and to a sorting system which combines a plurality of these sorting installations.

Abstract: A mobile system for recovering materials from construction waste or demolition debris is provided. The system includes a mobile wheeled chassis that has at least one picking station. A grapple is mounted on the wheeled chassis for selectively retrieving waste or debris from a jobsite. A screen is disposed on the wheeled chassis and is configured to receive the waste or debris from the grapple. The screen sorts the waste or debris into fines and oversized material. A conveyor transports the oversized material adjacent to at least one picking station to allow selected materials to be removed for further processing.

Abstract: A mail case system includes facilitates sequence-sorting various types of mail together into individual bags that each represent unique delivery points. The mail case uses multi-bag inserts so that the bags for several stops can be set up quickly for sorting. At the end of the sorting operation, the entire insert may be pulled down from the case as a single unit to maintain the established delivery point sequence. This eliminates the carrier's need to find separation points or to combine selections from multiple sequenced stacks of mail during the delivery operation. This results in a dramatic improvement in delivery efficiency.

Abstract: A Waste disposal and sorting system, having insulated push doors (10a) and (10b), enabling a one handed motion for immediate disposal and selective sorting of waste materials simultaneously. An outer container (12) having different sections (35) for the selective separate storage of waste for recycling purposes. The unit is position through passageways (14a) and (14b) in a wall of a building. An apparatus (48) is used for preventing glass from breaking in the disposing process in a recycling section.

Abstract: A reject mechanism (10) for use with a slitter (S) which slits a printed metal sheet (B) into segments (s) subsequently used to form containers. The mechanism is mounted at the outlet of the slitter to deflect rejected segments from a collection bin (C) to which acceptable segments are delivered for further use in container manufacture. The mechanism comprises a series of pneumatically actuated reject fingers (14) normally positioned beneath a path over which the segments pass from the slitter to the collection bin. However, when a reject segment approaches the mechanism, a piston (16) is activated to extend the fingers into the path of the segment to deflect the segment off its path into another collection area in which rejected segments are collected. The fingers are then retracted so that succeeding acceptable segments pass freely over the path.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting products, such as magazines, newspapers and books, CDs and/or diskettes, the apparatus comprising a separation station arranged for making single items of the products supplied in stacks, a conveyor arranged for conveying one by one the products coming from the separation station, and a number of sorting stations arranged adjacent the conveyor, the sorting stations being connected to the conveyor such that a product located on the conveyor can be supplied from the conveyor to a desired sorting station for forming a sorted collection of products in the respective sorting station, the apparatus further comprising a control, the control being arranged for controlling at least the conveyor and the sorting stations, such that at least two sorting functions can be performed, a first sorting function involving sorting an unordered collection of products according to type of product, which collection comes from a customer, such as a shopkeeper or a kiosk-keeper, whereby in a respective sortin

Abstract: A discarded industrial product recycling system capable of acquiring pertinent data required for processings of discarded industrial products such as discarders, reception dates, persons responsible for disposal, disposal dates and so forth for selecting proper disposal for each of the discarded industrial products while automatizing the article data acquisition to a possible maximum for enhancing the enhance disposal rate. An electronic tag (radio-frequency identifier tag) is attached to each of discarded industrial products to allow data required for the processing to be written and read by readers/writers. At a time point and a place where a discarded industrial product is received, basic data required for the processing of that article is written in the electronic tag. Pertinent processing route for each of the manufactured articles is decided by reading the data from the electronic tag while writing additional data in the tag as occasion requires.

Abstract: A Y-Shaped Garbage and Recyclables Separating Disposal System that consists of a top with two chutes attached to each other at an angle and a stand supporting a foot pedal on the floor, and two containers. One of the containers stores garbage, and the other, attached to the recyclables chute, for recyclables. The drop chute and the recyclables chute are attached to each other forming an upside down “Y” (referred to as “Y-Shaped chute”). The drop chute is vertical allowing anything drop into it to go through it without any obstacle. The recyclables chute is attached to the drop chute at an angle in the middle of the drop chute. The recyclables chute is normally blocked by a blocker not allowing garbage to go into the container for recyclables. The blocker is operated by a foot pedal that is attached to a vertical stand by a hinge and a spring and connected with the blocker by a spring. To deposit recyclables, the foot pedal is pressed down.

Abstract: A system for recycling post-industrial-use plastic waste based on coloring an object, which will become post-industrial-use plastic waste, a user-specified color, said color correlated with a system for identifying plastic based on the resin content of the object. Said object, in the user-specified color, provided to the end user to protect a part shipped by a parts manufacturer, with sorting of the objects into homogenous resin groups being done by the end user based on color.

Abstract: A fold down sorting pan for providing a surface for sorting small objects. The fold down sorting pan includes a mounting portion adapted for mounting to a wall or countertop. A support arm is pivotally coupled to the mounting portion. A tube is coupled to a bottom of the support arm. An extension arm extends from the tube. A pan is coupled to the extension arm.

Abstract: The computer imaging analysis of bakery products for quality control and other purposes is disclosed. Apparatus and methods useful in such analysis are disclosed. The methods are useful on all types of bakery products. They can be used to analyze for parameters, such as size, shape, area and volume. They can also be used to analyze holes, grain or crust. Viewable images may be provided. The parameters can be compared with prescribed specifications and can be used on a plurality of products to determine substantial uniformity.

Abstract: A Waste disposal and sorting system, having insulated push doors (10a) and (10b), enabling a one handed motion for immediate disposal and selective sorting of waste materials simultaneously and an outer container (12) having different sections (35) for the selective separate storage of waste for recycling purposes. The unit is position through passageways (14a) and (14b) in a wall of a building. An apparatus (48) is used for preventing glass from breaking in the disposing process in a recycling section.

Abstract: A garment sorter for semi-automating the sorting of bulk used clothing, and a method of sorting such clothing. Bales of clothing are uncompressed, and single articles of clothing are fed to an operator. Equally, the system can be used for sorting loose clothing. The operator identifies the article verbally, or by keypad entry. Voice recognition software, or other appropriate application software, recognizes the identification, and associates an address with the identified article. The article is then fed to a compacting device that ensures that it is retained within a certain length along a transfer conveyor. The compacted article is then transported to transfer station where a pneumatic pusher, under the control of a PLC, pushes the identified article off the conveyor into a bin, or secondary sort system.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling pallets for inspection and sorting includes an in-feed conveyor mechanism for conveying in index fashion a stack of pallets positioned on edges toward the discharge end of the conveyor whereby the pallets will drop off the discharge end one at a time. A catch plate is provided to catch a pallet as it falls off the end of the in-feed conveyor and permit it to tilt about its lower edge onto an off-bearing conveyor. A retractable cushion arm is provided on the off-bearing conveyor to interrupt the motion of the tilting pallet and lower it gently onto the second conveyor. The exposure of a pallet face at the time it is at the end of the in-feed conveyor permits visual examination of such face, the opposite face being exposed for examination when the pallet tilts onto the off-bearing conveyor. The apparatus enhances the rapidity with which pallets can be handled and reduces necessity for manual handling of pallets.

Abstract: A method to sort plastic articles, such as bottles, for recycling utilizes a first sensing area where the bottle is irradiated with circularly polarized light. The circularly polarized light changes polarization on passing through the bottle. The changed circularly polarized light is then detected by personnel wearing glasses having filters oriented to block circularly polarized light of a first handedness and produce light characteristic of the composition of the bottle. The bottle is then sorted for recycling by the personnel based upon the composition of the bottle. The method of the invention may be used as described above or in conjunction with a UV light source to identify bottles made from polyethelene napthalene.

Abstract: In a method for the automated processing of bulk mail, envelopes are transferred to a receiving apparatus in bulk fashion (from incoming mail trays or the like) for the extraction of documents contained by the envelopes, and the extracted documents are delivered to a remittance processing device, preferably both automatically and without the need for human intervention. Subsequent processing of the extracted documents within the remittance processing device then proceeds in usual fashion, completing the acquisition of information which is necessary to ready such documents for deposit into the banking system. Also disclosed are various presorting functions so that only envelopes containing documents of a specified type will be fully processed, other sorting functions such as the identification of specific types of documents (invoices or checks) for separate processing, and the use of a single extraction device to deliver extracted documents to either one, or a series of remittance processing devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for error proofing in manufacturing and kitting operations and the like. A frame having two or four frame members utilizes light emitters and sensors on opposite sides to determine when the plane of the frame has been broken, and storage areas behind the frame have been accessed. This information is compared to programmed information to verify whether errors in accessing the storage area have occurred. The plane of the frame has a plurality of penetration zones distinguishable by their respective corresponding emitter and sensor pairs.

Abstract: Inter-related devices and methods to increase sort productivity, provide for the ready integration of shipment data into a central computer system, permit centralized management and control over multiple autonomous sort operations, and integrate materials handling of the sorted shipments into the sort process. The devices and methods provide the foundation for an integrated shipment and information processing system without the complexity of automated equipment or the limitations of manual operations. The semi-automated integrated sort system has an array of chutes that flow shipments into containers or bins. The entrance to each chute is blocked by a computer-controlled gate. Detectors are placed in the chutes to detect shipments and monitor container/bin status. The chute gates, sensors, and other sort-related apparatus are connected to a computer. Automated or semi-automated data entry equipment connected to the computer provides the necessary data input.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for retrieving and then later refiling one or more sheets of single or multi-part architectural plans, blueprints, and/or any document from a flat storage file drawer comprising a sheet separator, a first clamping element, and a second clamping element, said sheet separator having a tapered front portion and means for being mounted on at least one transverse member for slidingly coupling to runners of the storage drawer. The portable arrangement allows the removal of a single sheet from a tightly packed stack of sheets without losing the place of the single sheet in the file and to replace the single sheet in the stack of sheets without disturbing the order in which the sheets are arranged.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sorting and collating device for collectible cards such as sports cards. The device is designed to work with a standard cardboard card storage box, utilizing the box as the receptacle for the cards as they are being sorted and collated. After a batch is sorted and collated, the tray can be removed and used on another batch of cards, leaving the sorted and collated cards already stored in the storage box. The tray is reversible such that the available numbers on the separators corresponding to numbers on cards is doubled. In addition to the numbering, the separators can have an area suitable for affixing a tape or clip with an appropriate code or number.

Abstract: A method and device for off-sorting documents of a specific type using a device capable of discriminating among different types of documents. A stack of documents are received in an input receptacle and transported, one at a time, past a document type discriminating unit to an output receptacle where the type of each document is discriminated. Next it is determined whether the type of a current document is a specified type. Depending on the type of the current document either (1) operation of the device is halted when the current document does have the specified type and the immediately preceding document does not have the specified type; (2) operation of the device is halted when the current document does not have the specified type and the immediately preceding document does have the specified type; or (3) operation of the device is continued.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing bark balls from a log flow traveling on a conveyor (3) which extends from a debarking drum (1) to a chipper (2), said conveyor (3) including a roller assembly (4) provided with an opening (5) for dumping from the conveyor (3) a sub-flow consisting of wood pieces and bark balls. The apparatus comprises an adjustable dispenser device (6) for further dividing the sub-flow falling from the conveyor (3) into a portion including mainly wood pieces and a portion including mainly bark balls.

Abstract: A method of recycling medical instruments, especially surgical instruments. The decontaminated medical instruments are received and identified for processing. The analysis and construction of each type of instrument to identify the components and material compositions thereof are determined. A given type of instrument is then dismantled into pieces, which are then sorted by the material compositions thereof as ascertained in the previous determination of the analysis and construction of the instruments.

Abstract: A method of recycling employs a plurality of bags for containing and transporting recyclable that can survive the compaction process without breaking and mixing their contents. The inventive method includes the steps of: compacting recyclable that have been segregated into bags; transporting the bags to a transfer station; and separating the bags into groups of material containing like classifications. Thereafter, the classified recyclable material is either recycled into reusable material or transported to storage or to a recycling plant where the material is recycled into reusable material. The method may also include the preliminary step of separating the recyclable into a plurality of bags prior to placing the bags into a compactor vehicle or, as an interim step, into a garbage container, with or without other non-recyclable waste material. The separating may be done by visually perceptible coding on the bags, or by scanning coding on or in the bags by using a scanning device.

Abstract: A unit for separating waste and valuable materials with several mutually connected waste containers, which are equipped with identifying features labeling these waste containers for the purpose of assigning a particular waste or recyclable fraction to them. The unit for separating waste and valuable materials is constructed so as to be adaptable in modular fashion.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding mail, which contains a first shelf, a second shelf integrally connected to and disposed above and in back of the first shelf, and slide bar devices and simultaneously connecting the apparatus to the front and side walls of a standard four-sided letter tray.

Abstract: Apparatus and procedure for sorting mail and the like rapidly and accurately. An array of sorting modules each contain a shelf or base and a series of vertical separator panels which divide the shelf area into a plurality of bins into which individual mail items may be selectively placed. A frontal connection feature extends transversely of the shelf, holding all of the grid of panels for movability as a set upwardly away from the shelf, but also individually movable transversely to give a bin-size adjustment to individual bins automatically in accordance with respective bins' needs. The frontal connection provides for the upward rotation with respect to the shelf, from a fore-and-aft panel-position which provides the sorting bins to move to an upraised position in which the panels are freed from the sorted mail batches so that the full set of sorted mail batches may be bundled as a group of code sets.

Abstract: A system and method for paperless, self-contained partial case picking of goods in a distribution center for cartons or containers subsequently shipped to a customer store. A set of cartons or containers is moved along a pick face in a series of move cycles. Operator display units provided at the pick face prompt workers to distribute goods from batches on the pick face to the cartons. The operator display units define contiguous put zones for each worker and assign each worker to particular batches of goods for each move cycle. The operator display units can include key entry means for the workers to signal the end of pick cycles, and in one embodiment to adjust pick quantities and distributions in real time according to changing circumstances. The put and pick zone assignments are reconfigured for each move cycle depending on factors such as worker ability and the picking difficulty of the batches assigned.

Abstract: A method of collecting a plurality of commodities includes the steps of densifying each of the pluralities of commodities into a plurality of densified materials, collecting the plurality of densified materials into at least one of a plurality of segregated temporary storage bins, and transferring at least one of the plurality of densified materials to at least one of a plurality of segregated storage compartments on a mobile multi-compartment storage vehicle.

Abstract: A method for processing domestic garbage includes the steps of sorting the garbage into two or more classes and placing each class into a unified domestic container. The container is divided into a respective number of compartments. The containers are transferred to a garbage dump site and dismembered into their compartments. Then, each compartment is transferred to its respective garbage class treatment location.

Abstract: An installation for accepting, sorting and storing recyclable materials, and providing a convenient method for third party collection. The device is comprised of a depository opening into which the waste materials are entered, a chute along which the materials travel, a series of inclined gate mechanisms which facilitate the segregation of the materials, and a divided storage area featuring a number of bins into which the segregated materials are deposited and stored. The depository is located preferably inside a building in an accessible common area. It is connected to a chute which descends through an exterior wall to connect to the storage area outside. The storage area is divided into a number of bins. The storage area can be configured to meet the requirements of the consumer, that is the number and arrangement of bins is variable. Each bin is accessible through a door on its exterior.

Abstract: A waste collection and separation apparatus having a plurality of reusable primary containers for receiving waste materials at the location of an individual user, a plurality of reusable secondary containers for aggregating a plurality of filled primary containers and a plurality reusable tertiary containers. The primary containers are flexible, sealable, substantially puncture resistant and have a volume of not more than 10 cubic feet. The secondary containers are flexible, sealable, and have an opening, lifting device and volume of between 10 and 750 cubic feet. The tertiary containers are flexible, substantially puncture resistant and have a lifting device and a volume of at least about 700 cubic feet.

Abstract: A system and method for the repetitive selection of a group of items which utilizes a series of sensors associated mounted in a frame structure adjacent supplies of items so that the manual selection of an item or items from a supply can be monitored. A programable logic controller is utilized for allowing the system to be "taught" so that it can easily be used for the repetitive selection of many different desired groups of items without the necessity of rewiring or constructing a totally new device.

Abstract: An animal waste disposal apparatus that consists of two cooperating hoppers on a supporting frame separated by an angled screen member so that animal waste is automatically separated from litter material when the apparatus is inverted by rotation. The animal waste is then directed through a chute into a disposable collector so the pet owner does not have to handle an unsanitary litter box. The waste disposal apparatus is fully enclosed to eliminate the unpleasant odor and appearance normally associated with litter boxes and the pet owner does not have to see or handle animal waste.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for housing multiple waste receptacles. The assembly includes a generally hollow enclosure that has a floor portion, a pair of spaced apart side portions attached to and extending upwardly from the floor portion, a rearward portion interconnecting the side portions and an opening into the interior of the enclosure, which opening extends between the floor portion and an upper edge region of the rearward portion and further extends between the side portions. A door is hingedly connected to at least one of the upper edge region of the rearward portion and side portions. The door is selectively raised to expose the opening, whereby waste receptacles may be introduced into and removed from the enclosure, and lowered to generally close the opening. The door has a plurality of drop holes in communication with corresponding waste receptacles in the enclosure for receiving waste therethrough and directing the waste to the corresponding waste receptacles.

Abstract: A case for organizing and sorting small articles includes a body and a hinged lid with a latch mechanism for closing securely. A plurality of web portions in the inside surface of the lid align with matching web portions in the inside surface of the bottom of the case, forming a plurality of cells in the lid and bottom of the case. An article container fits into each cell, and is sealed at the top by the case lid when it is closed, and is restrained from movement by the top and bottom web. The top surface of the lid includes a recessed article sorting tray, which tapers as a funnel toward the rear of the case and terminates in a chute. An article container is placed in a recessed loading channel at the rear of the body. Small articles can be sorted or selected in the sorting tray in the case top and then returned to the container by lifting the lid.

Abstract: A portable arrangement to allow a user to retrieve and then later refile a single sheet of single or multi-part architectural plans, blueprints, and/or any document from a flat storage file drawer. The portable arrangement allows the removal of a single sheet from a tightly packed stack of sheets without losing the place of the single sheet in the file and to replace the single sheet in the stack of sheets without disturbing the order in which the sheets are arranged. A first embodiment comprises an upright rack having opposite feet that are interconnected by a crossbar, a sheet separator, first clamping device, and second clamping device, said sheet separator having a tapered front portion and a device for being mounted on at least one transverse member which in turn has a device for slidingly coupling to runners of the storage drawer.

Abstract: A trash organizer for recycling of items makes trash sorting easy and encourages and reminds people to be environmentally concerned. The organizer includes a main frame container or housing having a plurality of individual containers carried in the main container with the individual containers being adapted to receive a particular category of refuse including glass, plastic, metal cans or paper. The container for receiving metal cans includes a cover having a hole therein of a predetermined size for receiving, for example, beverage cans and includes a self-stacking arrangement to maximize given space and a sliding rear door and clips for making emptying the cans easy. A section is provided for receiving general trash includes a set of plastic bag retaining frames which slides into the unit. A bottle drawer is provided which allows easy access at low elevation and includes rubber stops and pads to prevent breakage of glass. The housing or frame is mounted on casters for easy mobility.