Patents by Inventor Steven D. Twombly

Steven D. Twombly has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7318459
    Abstract: A system for pneumatically conveying flexible fabric items such as uniforms and table linens has a pair of side outlets at each discharge location to enhance the discharge capacity. Each side outlet is provided with a gate to open and close the outlet. A hopper having a chute receives the items discharged through the corresponding outlet. A sling cart or other bin underlies each chute. When a cart is full, hopper doors can be closed to allow the hopper to serve as a temporary holding bin while the conveying system continues to operate without interruption as the full cart is moved and replaced by an empty cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Automation Dynamics LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Frankeberger, Steven D. Twombly
  • Patent number: 6942133
    Abstract: A venturi incorporated in a pneumatic tube conveying system for flexible textile fabrics such as uniforms and table linens handled in commercial laundries. The venturi includes an angled pipe which joins the main piping system at an acute angle and which receives air from a blower. An inside pipe is installed within the main piping to create a restriction at the connection of the venturi with the main piping. The restriction and angled connection of the venturi pipe creates a low pressure area which draws fabric articles through the piping and discharges them directly into receptacles such as sling carts. A screened vent in the piping downstream from the venturi allows the escape of air to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the pneumatic conveying system. The exposure of the vent can be adjusted by a sleeve that slides back and forth on the conveyor tube at the location of the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Automation Dynamics LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Frankeberger, Steven D. Twombly
  • Patent number: 6789715
    Abstract: A venturi incorporated in a pneumatic tube conveying system for flexible textile fabrics such as uniforms and table linens handled in commercial laundries. The venturi includes an angled pipe which joins the main piping system at an acute angle and which receives air from a blower. An inside pipe is installed within the main piping to create a restriction at the connection of the venturi with the main piping. The restriction and angled connection of the venturi pipe creates a low pressure area which draws fabric articles through the piping and discharges them directly into receptacles such as sling carts. A screened vent in the piping downstream from the venturi allows the escape of air to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the pneumatic conveying system. The exposure of the vent can be adjusted by a sleeve that slides back and forth on the conveyor tube at the location of the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Automation Dynamics LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Frankeberger, Steven D. Twombly
  • Publication number: 20040067111
    Abstract: A venturi incorporated in a pneumatic tube conveying system for flexible textile fabrics such as uniforms and table linens handled in commercial laundries. The venturi includes an angled pipe which joins the main piping system at an acute angle and which receives air from a blower. An inside pipe is installed within the main piping to create a restriction at the connection of the venturi with the main piping. The restriction and angled connection of the venturi pipe creates a low pressure area which draws fabric articles through the piping and discharges them directly into receptacles such as sling carts. A screened vent in the piping downstream from the venturi allows the escape of air to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the pneumatic conveying system. The exposure of the vent can be adjusted by a sleeve that slides back and forth on the conveyor tube at the location of the vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Automation Dynamics LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Frankeberger, Steven D. Twombly
  • Patent number: 6619525
    Abstract: A venturi incorporated in a pneumatic tube conveying system for flexible textile fabrics such as uniform and table linens handled in commercial laundries. The venturi includes an angled pipe which joins the main piping system at an acute angle and which receives air from a blower. An inside pipe is installed within the main piping to create a restriction at the connection of the venturi with the main piping. The restriction and angled connection of the venturi pipe creates a low pressure area which draws fabric articles through the piping and discharges them directly into receptacles such as sling carts. A screened vent in the piping downstream from the venturi allows the escape of air to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the pneumatic conveying system. The exposure of the vent can be adjusted by a sleeve that slides back and forth on the conveyor tube at the location of the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Automation Dynamics Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael S. Frankeburger, Steven D. Twombly
  • Publication number: 20030002927
    Abstract: A venturi incorporated in a pneumatic tube conveying system for flexible textile fabrics such as uniform and table linens handled in commercial laundries. The venturi includes an angled pipe which joins the main piping system at an acute angle and which receives air from a blower. An inside pipe is installed within the main piping to create a restriction at the connection of the venturi with the main piping. The restriction and angled connection of the venturi pipe creates a low pressure area which draws fabric articles through the piping and discharges them directly into receptacles such as sling carts. A screened vent in the piping downstream from the venturi allows the escape of air to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the pneumatic conveying system. The exposure of the vent can be adjusted by a sleeve that slides back and forth on the conveyor tube at the location of the vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Automation Dynamics LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Frankeburger, Steven D. Twombly