Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic transfer terminal adapted to receive and dispatch a non-captive, tubular article carrier of predetermined length from and to a single pneumatic transfer tube. The terminal includes a carrier receiver having the internal chamber dimensioned to receive an article carrier therein and to position the carrier in operable alignment with the transfer tube. The carrier receiver includes a first opening for communicating the chamber with the transfer tube and a second opening for insertion and removal of the carrier into and from the chamber. A blower assembly is attached to the transfer tube and is operable to create a vacuum therein. A gate mechanism is operable to open and close the second opening. The gate means includes a generally planar gate movable between a first position where the gate mechanism covers the second opening and a second position wherein the gate is removed from the second opening. An actuator connects the motor to the planar gate.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube system comprising: a pair of terminals; an overhead cylindrical tube connecting the terminals; a captive carrier for passage through the tube, the carrier having an internal cavity for carrying articles and removable caps at the distal ends thereof enclosing the cavity; a carrier receiver enclosed within each of the terminals for receiving the carrier, the carrier receiver being operable to reciprocally move the carrier axially along a pre-determined axis which is angularly movable relative to the tube; and a cap removing assembly in each of the terminals operable to remove a cap from one end of the carrier to permit access to the carrier cavity and to replace the cap to permit transfer of the carrier through the tube.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube system comprising: a pair of terminals; an overhead cylindrical tube connecting the terminals; a captive carrier for passage through the tube, the carrier having an internal cavity for carrying articles and removable caps at the distal ends thereof enclosing the cavity; a carrier receiver enclosed within each of the terminals for receiving the carrier, the carrier receiver being operable to reciprocally move the carrier axially along a pre-determined axis which is angularly movable relative to the tube; and a cap removing assembly in each of the terminals operable to remove a cap from one end of the carrier to permit access to the carrier cavity and to replace the cap to permit transfer of the carrier through the tube.