Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus for drying trays with side walls such as are used in the food industry comprises a conveyor for passing the trays along a path of travel disposed along which is a drying apparatus for directing jets of air, which may be at ambient temperature, onto the tray surfaces. The drying apparatus comprises a nozzle arranged such that in its normal position its outlet is close to the base of the tray to direct air onto the base and which is displaceable from its normal position by the side walls of trays passing along the path, the nozzle returning to its normal position when out of contact with the side walls. The drying apparatus may be used alone or in combination with a tray washing apparatus comprising a tank for containing washing fluid which has a first end for receiving unwashed trays and a second end for receiving washed trays, path of travel defined for the trays through the tank, and a series of rotatable brushes arranged along the path for engaging the tray surfaces with brushing bristles so as to brush wash the tray surfaces by agitation of the washing fluid in contact therewith and simultaneously to propel the trays along the path from the first end to the second end. Alternatively the washing apparatus may be used alone.

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First Claim