Improved System of Conveying Goods for Facilitating Service and more especially applicable for use in Shops, Hotels, Warehouses, and the like.

摘要

19,213. Gray, C. H. Aug. 16. Mechanical dispatch apparatus. - Comprises a counter fitted with means for conveying dishes &c. between the kitchen and the dining- room of a restaurant or hotel. The dish trays are carried from and to the kitchen by endless conveyers, and are automatically deposited at predetermined points in the dining-room. Conveyers 8, 9, comprising chains passing over sprocket-wheels, are arranged inside a counter 2, the end 3 of which projects into the kitchen. Platforms 6, 7 are provided for the dish trays, and openings 4 in the counter form delivery places for the trays. The tray 27 rests on the chains by means of grooves in its bottom. In the side of each tray are spring- pressed pivoted fingers 28, one of which is pulled out so as to determine the opening at which the tray is to be discharged. A shaft 42, driven from one of the transverse shafts of the conveyer chain, is carried by a sliding frame 39. A lever 48 is pivoted at one end to a fixed point, and also at 47 to the frame 39. When the extended finger on the tray meets the corresponding lever 48, the frame 39 is slid so that the toothed wheels 35 engage vertically-sliding racks 33, the gear being locked by a pawl. These are moved upwards, and lugs 50 on them lift the trays off the conveyer chain. At the top of the travel, a pin 52 releases the locking- pawl 49, and a spring 53 disengages the gearwheels from the racks, the trays being supported by fixed spring stops 51. Travelling endless belts 19 may be provided for orders &c., and doors 32 are provided in the sides of the counter so that trays may be placed on the lower return conveyer.