Having Terminal Patents (Class 406/176)
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Patent number: 11543463Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosing a failure in a blower of a vehicle improve performance of various systems using state information of the blower. The apparatus and method include a controller that converts an operating current value supplied to the blower of the vehicle into a voltage value and diagnoses whether the blower fails based on the voltage value. The apparatus and method also include a display that displays whether the blower fails.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Bon Chang Koo
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Publication number: 20140140778Abstract: A variable metering system for heterogeneous, sensitive and non-pumpable foodstuffs having a low liquid portion, in which a carrier plate system is set into a stroke motion by a drive cylinder which is in horizontal alignment. The foodstuff, which is brought into the metering chambers on the carrier plates using vacuum, is conveyed by said stroke motion to a discharge position where it is ejected under the effect of compressed air. By the type of connection of the two carrier plates, it is possible to change the distance of the carrier plates from each other by means of a rod system and an associated servomotor or by a hand wheel. This distance variation leads to a change in volume in the metering chambers, can be controlled by an external scale and can be readjusted by an automatic control of the rod system. The design of the metering system ensures that it can be easily dismantled and cleaned for cleaning or maintenance purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: MASCHINEN FABRIKT LEONHARD GMBHInventor: Eric Kerschbaumer
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Publication number: 20120201613Abstract: A method for transferring objects (e.g. ophthalmic or contact lenses) between two consecutive processing stations, e.g. processing stations having differing cycle times or cycle speeds, including removing the objects from a preceding processing station, in which objects are advanced with a first cycle speed, transporting the objects to a subsequent processing station including a plurality of consecutively arranged receptacles (1-10), which are advanced through the subsequent processing station with a second cycle speed faster than the first cycle speed. The objects may be transported via at least one feed tube (12, 13) ending in a respective transfer nozzle (14, 15) arranged in vicinity of a corresponding one of the receptacles (1-10) and which is aligned with an inlet of the receptacle (4, 5; 4, 6). The respective transfer nozzles (14, 15) can be moved synchronously with and in the direction of advancement of corresponding receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: Swen Herrmann, Roger Biel, Harald Schott
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Patent number: 7686547Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Diebold, IncorporatedInventors: Neil Gromley, Mark Mahaffey, Brian Wetrich, Robert Klatt, Dustin Cairns, Allen R. Bakerink
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Patent number: 7686546Abstract: A pneumatic transfer system includes a service provider terminal and a customer terminal. A carrier is moved through a transfer conduit between the customer and service provider terminals by a differential pressure generating mechanism. Each of the customer terminal and the service provider terminal includes a valve assembly to control air flow on the lower side of the carrier as it moves in the transfer conduit. Each valve assembly includes elongated valve openings in the terminal housing and a gate assembly for selectively blocking air flow through the valve openings. The valve openings are angularly disposed from the carrier transfer opening in the terminal. The valve assemblies may be selectively operated to control air flow during dispatch of the carrier from one terminal and descent of the carrier into the other terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Diebold IncorporatedInventor: Neil Gromley
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Patent number: 7553110Abstract: An appearance inspecting apparatus includes a parts feeder aligning rubber stoppers in tandem by torsionally vibrating a bowl having a spiral track formed therein, an air conveying portion conveying the rubber stoppers aligned in tandem by blowing compressed air thereto, first and second conveying tables conveying rubber stoppers by suction-holding a surface not to be inspected of the rubber stoppers, an inspecting portion inspecting a surface to be inspected of the rubber stoppers conveyed by the first and second conveying tables, and a selecting portion sorting out rubber stoppers that are determined to be defective, in accordance with the result of inspection by the inspecting portion. Objects to be inspected having a complicated shape are aligned preliminarily by using a vibration parts feeder, while highly accurate appearance inspection is conducted.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2003Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Daiichi Jitsugyo Viswill Co. Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuhiro Minami, Koji Tsutsumi, Hiroki Makino, Norio Oita
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Patent number: 7320562Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Diebold, IncorporatedInventors: Neil Gromley, Mark Mahaffey, Brian Wetrich, Robert Klatt, Dustin Cairns, Allan Bakerink
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Patent number: 7318690Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Diebold, IncorporatedInventors: Neil Gromley, Mark Mahaffey, Brian Wetrich, Robert Klatt, Dustin Cairns, Allan R. Bakerink
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Patent number: 7316526Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Diebold IncorporatedInventors: Neil Gromley, Mark Mahaffey, Brian Wetrich, Robert Klatt, Dustin Cairns, Allan Bakerink
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Patent number: 7314337Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Diebold, IncorporatedInventors: Neil Gromley, Mark Mahaffey, Brian Wetrich, Robert Klatt, Dustin Cairns, Allan Bakerink
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Patent number: 7314338Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Diebold, IncorporatedInventors: Neil Gromley, Mark Mahaffey, Brian Wetrich, Robert Klatt, Dustin Cairns, Allan Bakerink
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Patent number: 7311475Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Diebold, IncorporatedInventors: Neil Gromley, Mark Mahaffey, Brian Wetrich, Robert Klatt, Dustin Cairns, Allan Bakerink
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Patent number: 7311473Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Diebold, IncorporatedInventors: Neil Gromley, Mark Mahaffey, Brian Wetrich, Robert Klatt, Dustin Cairns, Allan Bakerink
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Patent number: 7311472Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Diebold, IncorporatedInventors: Neil Gromley, Mark Mahaffey, Brian Wetrich, Robert Klatt, Dustin Cairns, Allan Bakerink
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Patent number: 7311471Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Diebold, IncorporatedInventors: Neil Gromley, Mark Mahaffey, Brian Wetrich, Robert Klatt, Dustin Cairns, Allan Bakerink
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Patent number: 7309192Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Diebold, IncorporatedInventors: Neil Gromley, Mark Mahaffey, Brian Wetrich, Robert Klatt, Dustin Cairns, Allan Bakerink
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Patent number: 7306407Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Diebold, IncorporatedInventors: Neil Gromley, Mark Mahaffey, Brian Wetrich, Robert Klatt, Dustin Cairns, Allan Bakerink
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Patent number: 7284934Abstract: A method is provided for supplying a component to a pick-up position located near a stop by means of a component supplying device. The component supplying device includes a guide provided with the stop, at least one air inlet connected to the guide, and at least one air outlet also connected to the guide. Components are carried through the guide in a transport direction towards the stop by means of air supplied through the air inlet. Once a number of components have been transported in the transport direction, the air outlet is substantially closed by at least one component present in the row. Subsequently, at least one component following the row is transported in a non-transport direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Assembleon N.V.Inventor: Hubert Francijn Maria Hoogers
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Patent number: 7264421Abstract: A door and valve assembly for a pneumatic transmission system including a port configured to permit ambient air to flow into a pneumatic transmission conduit, a body having a seal and configured to open and close the port and an end of the transmission conduit, and an actuator connected to the body. The seal may be configured to seal the end of the transmission conduit. The actuator is configured to move the body to open the end and port, move the body to close the end and keep the port open, and move the body to close the end and port.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: E.F. Bavis & Associates, Inc.Inventor: Michael E. Brown
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Patent number: 7220082Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including a user terminal at a service provider station having a movable member operably connected with a flexible drive member. The drive member moves within at least one side rail to vertically displace the movable member to permit access to a carrier at the user terminal. The user terminal includes control mechanisms on opposite sides of a base to enable two users to operate and access the carrier at the user terminal.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Diebold, IncorporatedInventors: Todd Christian, Neil Gromley, Gary Baker, Daniel S. McIntyre, Donald S. Nelson, Jr., Edward J. Ujhazy, Jr.
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Patent number: 7153065Abstract: A multi-stage pressure/vacuum apparatus is disclosed for a bi-directional pneumatic delivery system or the like. The apparatus includes separated turbines or separated sets of turbines that are operated independently of each other to alternatively create pressure and vacuum conditions for an external system such as a pneumatic delivery network relying upon the inventive apparatus for pressure and/or vacuum generation. A common housing contains both turbine sets and defines a system of internal chambers and valve mechanisms between them. The valve mechanisms respond to internal pressures created within the housing by the turbines, and preferably also to gravity in order to control air flow patterns through the housing and between the housing and an external system. According to the present invention, the turbines of the two turbine sets can be operated concurrently at maximum capacity or separately if air power requirements are lesser.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Hamilton Safe CompanyInventor: Scott Lowell
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Patent number: 6932544Abstract: An apparatus (10) for feeding sliders (31) from a source of sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of at least two slider insertion devices (18, 19). A sensor (30, 52) on a sender track (20, 21) detects a lack of sliders (31) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the sensor (30, 52) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (31) and a plunger (35) to open a passage, thereby releasing the sliders (31) to a sender track (20, 21). When a sensor (46, 56) detects a lack of sliders (31) in a loading rack (25, 26) or a slider insertion area (27), the sensor (46, 56) signals a plunger (44, 58) and a pneumatic valve (48, 60) to open a passage to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (31) onto the slider insertion area (27) of each slider insertion device (18, 19).Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2004Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Michael McMahon, Stanley Piotrowski, Donald L. Crevier
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Publication number: 20040191006Abstract: An apparatus (10) for feeding sliders (31) from a source of sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of at least two slider insertion devices (18, 19). A sensor (30, 52) on a sender track (20, 21) detects a lack of sliders (31) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the sensor (30, 52) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (31) and a plunger (35) to open a passage, thereby releasing the sliders (31) to a sender track (20, 21). When a sensor (46, 56) detects a lack of sliders (31) in a loading rack (25, 26) or a slider insertion area (27), the sensor (46, 56) signals a plunger (44, 58) and a pneumatic valve (48, 60) to open a passage to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (31) onto the slider insertion area (27) of each slider insertion device (18, 19).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Michael McMahon, Stanley Piotrowski, Donald L. Crevier
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Patent number: 6726408Abstract: An apparatus (10) for feeding sliders (31) from a source of sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of at least two slider insertion devices (18, 19). A sensor (30, 52) on a sender track (20, 21) detects a lack of sliders (31) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the sensor (30, 52) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (31) and a plunger (35) to open a passage, thereby releasing the sliders (31) to a sender track (20, 21). When a sensor (46, 56) detects a lack of sliders (31) in a loading rack (25, 26) or a slider insertion area (27), the sensor (46, 56) signals a plunger (44, 58) and a pneumatic valve (48, 60) to open a passage to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (31) onto the slider insertion area (27) of each slider insertion device (18, 19).Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Michael McMahon, Stanley Piotrowski, Donald L. Crevier
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Patent number: 6616386Abstract: An apparatus for loading thin-walled, elastic, tubular members having a single closed end, such as finger cots, condoms, balloons or the like, onto elongated rod or finger elements for subsequent placement onto a mandrel for processing or testing, where the tubular member is drawn in inverted manner onto the finger elements by suction and where separable finger element alignment blocks are provided to properly align and position the finger elements to receive the tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: AGRI Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: Brian A. Gobrogge, James R. Whitten
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Patent number: 6588989Abstract: An apparatus for handling and orienting elastic, thin-walled, tubular members having a closed end and an open end, such as finger cots, such that all tubular members are delivered in the same orientation, the apparatus having a retrieval conduit, a delivery conduit angularly joined to the retrieval conduit, a reversing chamber extending linearly forward from the retrieval conduit and across the opening to the delivery conduit, and suction means to draw the tubular members through the retrieval and delivery conduits. A tubular member traveling in the forward orientation with the closed end forward will be drawn directly into the delivery conduit, while a tubular member traveling in the reverse orientation with the open end forward will first pass the opening to the delivery conduit and strike the barrier end wall of the reversing chamber, and then be drawn into the delivery conduit with the closed end forward.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Agri Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: James R. Whitten, Brian A. Gobrogge, Ken Thompson
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Patent number: 6435779Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a tablet into a climate control system is described. The tablet can include a leak detection dye which is placed into appropriate locations within the system with a tablet inserter. The system can be an air conditioning system. The method can be partially or completely automated, allowing the tablet to be manipulated and inserted into a component of the climate control system during assembly remotely, avoiding direct contact with an individual participating in the system assembly and preventing or reducing contamination.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1999Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Bright Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Don Michau
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Patent number: 6183169Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for the dispensing of ultra-fine particles on a dry basis in a reproducible manner. The apparatus includes a first gas-solids suspension chamber having particle fluidization means adapted thereto, and a conduit adapted between the first gas-solids chamber and a second gas-solids chamber for communicating via at least one particle orifice particles between the chambers. A high velocity gas stream provides a pressure difference between the chambers whereby a low pressure zone is created within the conduit thereby drawing in particles from the first gas-solids suspension chamber into the second gas-solids suspension chamber via the conduit. The apparatus further includes a combination of a withdrawal feed and a solenoid valve to direct particles from the second gas-solids suspension chamber into a collection area.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: The University of Western OntarioInventors: Jingxu Zhu, John R. Grace, Nazaneen Pourkavoos
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Patent number: 6176647Abstract: A miniaturized, inexpensive instrument for measuring the mass flow rate of powder, which is capable of directly outputting the mass flow rate of powder and whose characteristics are not influenced by the kind and physical properties of the powder. The instrument can be easily manufactured, installed, operated, maintained, and color change can be easily done. A constant powder feeder, which is constructed based on this instrument and an electrostatic powder coating system utilizing this feeder has a high performance and a high operational efficiency. A measuring gas with a regulated flow rate is turned into a thin-layer of high-speed gas jets by a dispersion means, thereby powder is cross-dispersed and introduced into a measuring tube, the pressure difference generated therein is measured, and a feeding means is subject to feedback control so that the output of the pressure difference coincides with a set value.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1998Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: RID CorporationInventor: Tsutomu Itoh
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Patent number: 5846029Abstract: The fabric transport system comprises a series of fluidly communicating tubes and includes: an intake line configured to receive a fabric piece from the predetermined departure location; a main line fluidly connected at one end with the intake line; a branch line being fluidly connected at its upstream end to an intermediate portion of the main line at a junction; a vacuum source connected with the downstream end of the branch line for drawing air of sufficient quantity and velocity through the intake line, the main line, and the branch line to draw a fabric piece into the intake line and the main line; and a counterflow valve positioned on an intermediate portion of the main line downstream of the junction between the main line and the branch line. The branch line includes a deposit nozzle leading to the predetermined destination.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: Textile/Clothing Technology CorporationInventors: A. Gregory Beard, Judson H. Early
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Patent number: 5846030Abstract: The fabric transport system comprises a series of fluidly communicating tubes and includes: an intake line configured to receive a fabric piece from the predetermined departure location; a main line fluidly connected at one end with the intake line; a branch line being fluidly connected at its upstream end to an intermediate portion of the main line at a junction; a vacuum source connected with the downstream end of the branch line for drawing air of sufficient quantity and velocity through the intake line, the main line, and the branch line to draw a fabric piece into the intake line and the main line; and a counterflow valve positioned on an intermediate portion of the main line downstream of the junction between the main line and the branch line. The branch line includes a deposit nozzle leading to the predetermined destination.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: Textile/Clothing Technology CorporationInventors: A. Gregory Beard, Judson H. Early
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Patent number: 5709506Abstract: The fabric transport system comprises a series of fluidly communicating tubes and includes: an intake line configured to receive a fabric piece from the predetermined departure location; a main line fluidly connected at one end with the intake line; a branch line being fluidly connected at its upstream end to an intermediate portion of the main line at a junction; a vacuum source connected with the downstream end of the branch line for drawing air of sufficient quantity and velocity through the intake line, the main line, and the branch line to draw a fabric piece into the intake line and the main line; and a counterflow valve positioned on an intermediate portion of the main line downstream of the junction between the main line and the branch line. The branch line includes a deposit nozzle leading to the predetermined destination.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1996Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Assignee: Textile/Clothing Technology CorporationInventors: A. Gregory Beard, Judson H. Early
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Patent number: 5217329Abstract: A pneumatic tube conveyor station serves for receiving conveying cases (12) rriving from a forwarding tube (11) and having a high weight of, for example, 12 kg and a high travelling speed of, for example, 7 m/s. The conveying cases (12) are initially braked in a rotatable intermediate store (15) and are then transferred, after the intermediate store (15) has been rotated, to a unloading position (56). The intermediate store (15) is arranged in a position above the forwarding tube (11) and the unloading position (56). The intermediate store (15) and the unloading position (56) are connected one with the other by a substantially vertical tube section (40, 41, 55).Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1991Date of Patent: June 8, 1993Assignee: Infotronic Vertriebsgesellschaft fuer Kommunikationssysteme mbHInventor: Hartmut Lang
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Patent number: 5215412Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 11, 1991Date of Patent: June 1, 1993Inventors: Eric A. Rogoff, Philip A. Ignelzi, Daniel G. Farabaugh
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Patent number: 5174689Abstract: A pneumatic transport apparatus. A main terminal and a remote terminal each have one end of a carrier tube connected thereto. A sub-carrier is slidably received in each terminal for vertical movement therein. Means are provided at each terminal for locking the sub-carrier in the upper portion of the terminal. A carrier for transporting items between the terminals is received within the sub-carriers and moved between terminals through the carrrier tube. Reversible motors are mounted on a housing at the main terminal that is in communication with the terminal for selectively creating pressure or suction therein to cause the carrier to move from one terminal to the other.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1991Date of Patent: December 29, 1992Inventor: Karl Q. Kondolf, Jr.
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Patent number: 5131792Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1990Date of Patent: July 21, 1992Assignee: Diebold, IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Grosswiller, F. Michael Theriault, Laurence F. Mannella, Walter G. Anders
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Patent number: 4941777Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 16, 1988Date of Patent: July 17, 1990Assignee: Home Courier CorporationInventor: John P. Kieronski
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Patent number: 4462721Abstract: A simplified construction of a customer terminal for a single conveyor tube visual banking service pneumatic tube system to which a teller terminal also is connected. The customer terminal has a cylindrical carrier-receiving pocket extension connected to the system tube. The pocket is formed by two molded plastic members, one fixed in the terminal cabinet and one a door. The members are hinged together so that the door may be opened for carrier placement or removal through a fixed member opening which provides access to the pocket when the door is opened. The door is biased open and is closed manually which automatically locks the door closed and pressurizes the system to send a carrier from the terminal. A carrier delivered to the terminal during system vacuum operation automatically opens the door. The system airflow terminal connection provides an air brake effect to abruptly arrest carrier movement avoiding noise and shock.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1982Date of Patent: July 31, 1984Assignee: Diebold IncorporatedInventors: Walter G. Anders, Leo J. Grosswiller, Jr.