Terminal Type Patents (Class 406/147)
  • Publication number: 20150030395
    Abstract: A pneumatic sample feedway that is embeddable into a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The feedway includes: a plurality of capsules enclosing a biological tissue sample; and a conductor pipe connected to a source of a compressed fluid. The pipe receives a train of the capsules and pneumatically forwards the train into the MRI device. The pipe has a proximal terminal that loads the train of capsules into the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Uri RAPOPORT, Itzchak RABINOVITZ
  • Publication number: 20140356079
    Abstract: A process and device for controlled feeding of incoherent solid materials for differentiated pressure systems along a pipeline through the pressure of a fluid in the gaseous state. The pipeline is obtained by combining a plurality of consecutive trunk sections. The device includes a mechanism for intermittent feeding of the incoherent solid material in the pipeline, a mechanism for feeding the gaseous fluid under pressure in a plurality of predefined feeding points of the pipeline, a first series of valve members applied to each trunk section for intercepting the pipeline under control, a second series of valve members applied to each trunk section for allowing the escape of the expanded gaseous fluid from the pipeline and centralized control for closing the first series of valve members and for the concurrent opening of the second series of valve members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Otto Rusterholz
  • Publication number: 20140294518
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a part feeder supplying a plurality of parts, the part feeder including part supply members having a part loading path enabling the plurality of parts to be loaded in a state where postures of the plurality of parts are lined up. A part passage is provided to a first end of the part loading path, the part passage enabling the plurality of parts to pass while maintaining a fixed posture for each, and in which a gas passage is provided to a second end of the part loading path, the gas passage not enabling the plurality of parts to pass and enabling in- and outflow of a gas. The present invention, accordingly, enables reduction of equipment costs of a part feeder. The present invention is particularly advantageous for a device supplying rubber stoppers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Keiji Tsuchimochi, Koichiro Goto, Junichi Shirakawa
  • Publication number: 20120195698
    Abstract: A conveying system including at least one tube connection, at least one dispatch station and at least one receiver station, where items are conveyed by an airflow in the direction of the airflow in the pipe connection from a dispatch station to a receiver station. The new feature of a conveying system is that the tube connection has an inner cross-sectional area, preferably a circular cross-sectional area, with a size greater than the largest cross-sectional area of an item, and which is preferably provided with at least twice the cross-sectional area compared with the largest cross-sectional area of an item. Hereby is achieved the advantage that several items may be conveyed in the same tube connection at the same time, where these items are sent individually and successively, corresponding to one item being sent immediately after another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: BLAK & SOERENSEN APS
    Inventors: Peter Moeller Soerensen, Daniel Blak
  • Patent number: 7934889
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a method for transporting objects within a multiple chamber framework may include loading objects into a transport container, elevating the container in a delivery chamber and lowering the container in a return chamber. Preferably, fluid elevation is employed to elevate object transport containers and their contents within the delivery chamber. Such methods may be utilized in vertical or incline lifting environments, and an auxiliary chamber may be incorporated into the multiple chamber framework for use as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, elevating objects by employing fluid elevation. The auxiliary chamber may be laterally disposed to the delivery chamber or the return chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Ross Guenther
  • Publication number: 20110091292
    Abstract: A device for transporting articles is disclosed. In the illustrated and described embodiment of the invention, the articles are fruit such as apples, and the articles can be transported from a picking location on a fruit tree to a collection bin or other site. The device includes a tube member adapted to receive and transport the articles, and a plurality of deformable baffles at spaced-apart locations within the tube. Each baffle defines an aperture which permits the article to engage and deform the baffle and aperture so as to create at least a partial momentary seal to encourage article movement through the aperture and down the tube. The article is urged through the tube by a pressure differential created across the article. In the described and illustrated embodiment of the invention, this pressure differential is a pneumatic pressure differential. The tube and the baffle apertures can have non-circular cross-sectional shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Picker Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Vincent E. Bryan, JR., John Ohrt, Randy Allard, Polly Allard, Gene Barrow, Pete Kunzler, Vincent Bryan, III, Alex Kunzler
  • Publication number: 20110058906
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for conveying bags containing a product, for example bags of crisps or other snack food. The apparatus comprises an elongate flexible tube, for example of a fabric-based material, along which air is caused to flow. The bags are introduced into the flexible tube at a first location so that they are carried along by the air flow from the first location to a second location, where they are removed from the air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy J.B. Moulsdale
  • Patent number: 7044306
    Abstract: An automated machine is used to handle and manipulate individual pieces of particulate matter. The particulate matter is contained in a bin. The machine operates to pick single individual pieces of the particulate matter from the bin. The picked individual pieces are then conveyed for further handling. Pneumatic transport is primarily used for the conveying operation. One aspect of the handling involves individually weighing each piece of the picked particulate matters. Another aspect of the handling involves sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter into a plurality of receptacles. Yet another aspect of the handling involves both weighing and then sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter, wherein the sorting operation may be performed based upon the measured weight of each piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: Kevin L. Deppermann
  • Patent number: 6712561
    Abstract: A method of disposing of hazardous materials wherein a dedicated pneumatic tube system is used. The pneumatic tube system has a plurality of loading stations all connected to a single destination station. The hazardous materials are placed in a disposable carrier which is transported to the destination station. Each disposable carrier has a marker which identifies the disposable carrier. A control unit cooperates with the markers and activates the pneumatic tube system. The disposable carrier is a cylinder with a sealable cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventors: Frederick M. Valerino, Sr., Frederick M. Valerino, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6652198
    Abstract: A blower assembly for a pneumatic tube system sequences start of two pneumatic sources, such as blowers, to pneumatically position passive closure devices, such as spools, that shift the blower assembly between pressure and vacuum modes. Thereafter, both blowers are cooperatively operated. Use of two blowers whose combined output achieves the desired pneumatic performance avoids the increased cost of having one or more blowers that only operate only for one mode of either pressure or vacuum. The passive closure devices reliably and rapidly position to enhance performance, especially as compared to electrically actuated closure devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Security Systems Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Kieran P. Nickoson
  • Patent number: 6575347
    Abstract: A rivet feed slider configured to sequentially receive rivets from a rivet delivery path and feed the rivets to a rivet transport tube using an air supply. The rivet feed slider includes a rivet receiving chamber which is configured to sequentially receive the rivets, and an aperture is in communication with the rivet receiving chamber. The aperture allows air to flow from the air supply through the rivet receiving chamber to the rivet transport tube such that a rivet which is disposed in the rivet receiving chamber is moved into the rivet transport tube. The rivet feed slider also includes additional apertures which allow air to flow from the air supply to the rivet transport tube when the rivet receiving chamber is not aligned with the air supply. Hence, the air flow from the air supply to the rivet transport tube is not substantially disrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Coonrod, Jordan Kingsbury
  • Patent number: 6468005
    Abstract: An air mover apparatus for conveying and separating articles through a transport tube. A line-up of articles are supplied via a track from an orienting and feeding device and, thence, to a transport tube leading to a remote processing machine. The air mover is operatively connected between the track and the transport tube. Oppositely disposed converging air passages are formed in the air mover, adapted to receive compressed air from a suitable source and emit same to the interior of the air mover, to thereby draw each successive article therepast from the line-up and project same forward, creating a separation between adjacent articles while blowing the articles through the transport tube to the processing machine. An orifice may be formed upstream of the converging air passages, adapted to receive the compressed air to stall the articles to enhance the separation between adjacent articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Elopak Systems AG
    Inventor: Leo J. Esper
  • Patent number: 5647697
    Abstract: Packets of cigarettes are conveyed singly and in succession to a first inlet of a propulsion chamber also having an outlet, connected to a duct, and at least one other inlet through which compressed air is directed into the enclosure; as one packet is carried forward by the force of inertia to the point of occupying the outlet, another packet takes its place at the inlet, the effect of which being to enclose the chamber completely and occasion a rise in pressure sufficient to generate a force by which the packet occupying the outlet is "fired" along the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: G.D S.p.A.
    Inventors: Antonio Gigante, Antonio Portaro
  • Patent number: 5564868
    Abstract: A pneumatic transmission system has a customer terminal, a teller terminal and a transmission tube connecting the terminals. A pair of blowers are disposed in the transmission tube. Each terminal has a slide gate which is operable to close the transmission tube, and a catch disposed below the gate which is operable to catch the pneumatic carrier. The carrier is transmitted from one terminal to the other terminal by opening the gate of the one terminal, closing the other gate of the other terminal, and energizing the blower remote from the one terminal, thereby creating a vacuum between the one blower and the carrier. The one blower is de-energized after the carrier has passed the one blower, and the carrier rides down on a cushion of air, coming to rest on the gate of the other terminal. The gate of the other terminal is then opened and the carrier drops downwardly onto the catch of the terminal. A controller and timer facilitate sequencing of the slide gates and blowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Mosler, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor J. Vogel, Robert M. O'Connor, Robert D. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5350260
    Abstract: A golf ball washer feeds wet balls into an air moving transport mechanism that drys the balls as they are carried to one of a number of dispensers. The wet balls move by gravity down an inclined infeed chute to a load station where each ball is supported on a flow disrupting ramp, and the transport conduit includes a necked down area at the load station which cooperates with the ramp to disrupt the air flow thereby avoiding the tendency of a spherical golf ball to remain suspended in the column of air rather than being moved downstream through the conduit. Each dispenser has an intermittently driven drum with radially outwardly open pockets to provide predetermined numbers of balls to a basket at the discharge station of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Hollrock Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Hollrock, J. Richard Hollrock
  • Patent number: 5215412
    Abstract: A pneumatic transport system, particularly useful as a mail transport system, which includes a transport carrier moving through a pneumatic tube line between remote sending/receiving stations is described. Movement of the transport carrier through the pneumatic tube line is by means of a positive or negative air flow in the tube line provided by a blower means. The air flow direction is controlled by utilizing a series of adjustable valves, such as butterfly valves. The system additionally employs sensors for indicating the presence of the carrier in the exterior station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventors: Eric A. Rogoff, Philip A. Ignelzi, Daniel G. Farabaugh
  • Patent number: 5192170
    Abstract: A pneumatic tube conveyor station comprises a loading position for convey cases (11) to be dispatched, in which the latter are placed in a waiting position on a supporting surface, ready for being collected. The conveying cases (11) are provided with a machine-readable label (61) for identifying the station of destination and for routing the conveying cases. A label scanner (51) is arranged at the pneumatic tube conveyor station (10). The supporting surface is designed as a rotary disc (41) which has a drive (43) connected to the label scanner (51) via a signal line (65).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Infotronic Vertriebsgesellschaft fuer Kommunikationssysteme mbH
    Inventor: Hartmut Lang
  • Patent number: 4946317
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating coal logs from crushed coal available at a mining site and for transporting coal logs through a pipeline to a combustion site for further coal processing and burning. The pipeline is operated to maintain the hydraulic carrier fluid flowing through the pipeline within a range of bulk velocities sufficient to force a layer of the hydraulic carrier fluid between contacting surfaces of each coal log and the pipeline, tending to lift and carry the coal log through the pipeline, and, thereby, significantly reduce the energy required to transfer the carrier fluid and the coal logs through the pipeline. The carrier fluid bulk velocity is also maintained sufficiently low to prevent unstable coal log flow behavior often resulting in coal log jamming and abasion. The range of optimum fluid bulk velocities is a function of various fluid and coal properties, the pipeline geometry and the coal log geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Henry Liu, Thomas R. Marrero
  • Patent number: 4941777
    Abstract: Apparatus for conveying material between two terminals using a reversible blower system that conveys a carrier member through a tube by suction from one terminal to an intermediate location and by pneumatic pressure from the intermediate location to the other terminal, and vice versa. The carrier member is gradually retarded and stopped at each terminal by a yieldable plate inclined into the path of the carrier member with a yieldable latching element urging the plate inwardly and also serving to latch the carrier member in its ultimate terminal position. The tube has separately manipulatable, open-ended, end portions in which the carrier member is retained for manipulation into position for receiving or discharging its contents. Covers on the carrier member are automatically removed and replaced at each terminal by radially movable latching elements on the cover that are manipulated by an axially movable central unlatching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Home Courier Corporation
    Inventor: John P. Kieronski
  • Patent number: 4334806
    Abstract: An injection system for injecting capsules into a hydraulic capsule pipelining system, the pipelining system comprising a pipeline adapted for flow of a carrier liquid therethrough, and capsules adapted to be transported through the pipeline by the carrier liquid flowing through the pipeline. The injection system comprises a reservoir of carrier liquid, the pipeline extending within the reservoir and extending downstream out of the reservoir, and a magazine in the reservoir for holding capsules in a series, one above another, for injection into the pipeline in the reservoir. The magazine has a lower end in communication with the pipeline in the reservoir for delivery of capsules from the magazine into the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1982
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventor: Henry Liu
  • Patent number: 4245934
    Abstract: Rod-like articles such as cigarettes are conveyed in a pneumatic carrier tube in a capsule in order to prevent degradation during conveyance. The capsule may include a support portion having an opening through which the cigarette is received, and a guide portion in the form of a flange. The carrier tube may lead to remote test equipment for the cigarettes. The capsule is preferably pneumatically shuttled between a delivery station and the test equipment in order to convey successive cigarettes randomly selected from a stream of cigarettes passing, for example, from a filter cigarette making machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Assignee: Molins Limited
    Inventors: Dennis Hinchcliffe, George R. Bennett