Abstract: A system for instrument conveyance may include at least one handling unit configured to dispense or accept instruments; at least one head unit configured to obtain input from a user in connection with a transaction involving instruments, where the at least one head unit includes a presentation opening between an interior side and an exterior side of the at least one head unit; a transportation system disposed between the at least one handling unit and the at least one head unit; and a shuttle device configured to transport instruments between the at least one handling unit and the at least one head unit via the transportation system, where the shuttle device includes an internal compartment for containing instruments, and where the shuttle device is configured to expose the internal compartment to the exterior side of the at least one head unit via the presentation opening.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical transport system may include a pneumatic tube network and a pharmaceutical transport container movable within the pneumatic tube network. The pharmaceutical transport container may include a tubular container having open and closed positions for receiving at least one pharmaceutical therein, and an electronic lock securing the tubular container in the closed position and opening based upon a match between an entered digital code and a current changing digital code.

Abstract: A containment system, and methods of making and using such a containment system, whereby the containment system includes a container having a container sidewall disposed between opposing container first and second ends; a cavity disposed in the container sidewall; a cover concentrically disposed about the container sidewall; and an aperture element disposed in the cover, the aperture element defining an aperture element opening communicating between cover inner and outer surfaces. The cover is rotatable about the container sidewall between first and second positions. In the first position, the aperture element opening aligns with the cavity, thereby allowing access to the cavity. In the second position, a portion of the cover overlays the cavity to enclose the cavity.

Abstract: A scalpel handle for holding a blade includes a handle member and a finger-operable actuator having a blade shield portion. The actuator is mounted upon the handle member for movement relative thereto between a first condition at which the blade shield portion covers the edge of the blade and a second condition at which the blade shield portion is disposed in out-of-the-way position so that by moving the actuator between the first and second conditions, the blade shield portion is moved between its blade-covering and its out-of-the-way positions. An over center spring is interposed between the actuator and the handle member so that upon movement of the actuator into its second condition, the blade shield portion is biased into the out-of-the-way position and so that upon movement of the actuator into its first condition, the blade shield portion is biased into the blade-covering position.

Abstract: A set of four brake assemblies are arranged to grasp a guide railing in a pneumatic vacuum elevator cylinder. The brake assemblies are each attached to a seal of the cabin or vehicular compartment traveling within the cylinder and to a structural support member within the vehicle. Additionally, each set has a pair of brakes utilizing a spring actuated shaft indirectly connected to the cabin seal through a lever attached to the brake back plate. This lever acts on a rod device directly connected to the cabin seal in order to take advantage of a pressure differential for the opening and closing of the individual brakes.

Abstract: A carrier apparatus is provided for transport through a pneumatic tube delivery system. The carrier apparatus comprises a housing contoured with forward and aft portions and an axially extended body portion disposed therebetween. The housing includes at least first and second separable sections enclosing a carrying compartment. At least a pair of retaining assemblies are detachably coupled to the housing, with each retaining assembly encircling the housing's body portion to couple the first and second housing sections for angular displacement one relative to the other between open and closed configurations. Each of the retaining assemblies includes a glide band portion disposed to protrude radially from the housing in the closed configuration for slidably engaging an inner wall surface of a pneumatic delivery tube. At least one latch assembly is coupled to releasably lock the housing sections in the closed configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transporting a sheaf of notes from a storage location to a dispensing outlet. The system comprises a conveyor apparatus, a carrier within which the sheaf is transported through the conveyor apparatus, and an extractor for removing the sheaf from the carrier. The carrier comprises a resiliently biased gripper for gripping the sheaf with a first gripping force. The extractor comprises an extraction gripping device configured to grip the sheaf with a second gripping force, which is greater than the first gripping force.

Abstract: A carrier (10, 40, 60) is disclosed which has a device (22) that can be an audio device to deliver a message when the carrier is opened, or warn of the presence of an object in the carrier. The message delivered can be informational or an advertisement. The device (22) can deliver a visual message as by lighting LEDs, presenting a scrolling message or projection. The message can be an audio/visual message. A message, such as an advertisement, can be molded into the carrier itself.

Abstract: A fluid-tight carrier (10) is disclosed which has main latches (34 and 36). Each main latch has a safety latch (70) which secures the main latches within the latched position until an operator deflects the safety latch (70) away from the slidable catch (42) to permit the main latch to be moved to the unlatched position. This prevents inadvertent opening of the carrier due to impact on the carrier. The carrier can be formed of anti-microbial material, have removable wear strips and includes an ergonomic design.

Abstract: A fluid-tight carrier (10) is disclosed which has main latches (34 and 36). Each main latch has a safety latch (70) which secures the main latches within the latched position until an operator deflects the safety latch (70) away from the slidable catch (42) to permit the main latch to be moved to the unlatched position. This prevents inadvertent opening of the carrier due to impact on the carrier. The carrier can be formed of anti-microbial material, have removable wear strips and includes an ergonomic design.

Abstract: An apparatus for the delivery and acception of articles made of a sheet-like material, particularly banknotes, documents, and the like, includes a carrier for the articles which can be conveyed in a tube by means of a flowing gas. The carrier includes two elements movable relative to each other which form a receptacle for the articles to be conveyed and at least one channel extending transversely to the direction of conveyance. In a closed position, the articles are secured in the receptacle and, when in an opened position, the articles are enabled to be transported into and out of the receptacle. A reception and transmission device includes a tube portion in which the carrier is located. The tube portion is provided with a lateral opening adapted to be closed in a largely air-tight manner, the tube portion being provided with a stop for stopping and orienting the carrier relative to the lateral opening.

Abstract: A pneumatic transfer apparatus (10) includes a service provider terminal (22) and a customer terminal (24). A carrier (32) is moved through a transfer conduit (26) between the customer and service provider terminals by a differential pressure generating mechanism (28, 30). Each of the customer and service provider terminals includes an actuator mechanism (54, 82). The actuator mechanism is operative to orient an opening in the housing of the carrier with a transfer opening in the transfer conduit. The actuator mechanism is further operative to move an inner shell (100) relative to an outer shell (96) of the carrier so as to bring openings in said inner and outer shells into alignment which enables accessing the interior area of the carrier.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube carrier which is pneumatically conveyed through a pneumatic tube is provided with a container body for carrying articles and a pair of elastic films provided in the container body with their peripheries held by the same. The pair of elastic films are stretched by the article disposed therebetween and hold the article by a shrinking force generated therein.

Abstract: A carrier for use in a pneumatic tube transport system includes first and second shell members, at least a first hinge for pivotally interconnecting the first and second shell members such that the shell members can move relative to one another between open and closed positions, and at least a first seal band interconnected to at least one of fore and aft portions of the first and second shell members. At least the first seal band includes a plurality of fibers mountable on a first backing strip, the fibers having a modulus of elasticity of at least about 1.times.10.sup.5 psi, being mounted perpendicularly relative to the first backing strip, and uniformly distributed on the first backing strip.

Abstract: A carrier for transporting articles through pneumatic tube systems is disclosed. The carrier has first and second shells disposed about a longitudinal axis and connected by hinges such that the shells are moved transversely relative to one another when opening and closing the carrier. A seal such as a gasket or rubber seal is included within the interior of the carrier. Optionally, a sensor is used to indicate the presence of an abnormal condition within the carrier. Optionally, a lock is used to prevent opening.

Abstract: A high humidity drying apparatus for cut tobacco is shown. The apparatus has a furnace which heats circulated air within the apparatus. The air is forced through a first arcuate elbow which has a tobacco air inlet located thereon for inserting the cut tobacco into the airstream. The tobacco is then redirected into a vertically extending drying chamber. The air entrained tobacco is then forced through a second arcuate elbow which places the tobacco into a tangential separator for removing the tobacco from the heated air. The separator has dual air exhausts, each leading to a high efficiency cyclone for further removal of the tobacco dust form the circulated air. All of the air is then passed back to the furnace for heating and then recirculated through the drying apparatus.

Abstract: A carrier for transporting articles through pneumatic tube systems is disclosed. The carrier has first and second shells disposed about a longitudinal axis and connected by hinges such that the shells are moved transversely relative to one another when opening and closing the carrier. A seal such as a gasket or rubber seal is included within the interior of the carrier. Optionally, a sensor is used to indicate the presence of an abnormal condition within the carrier. Optionally, a lock is used to prevent opening.

Abstract: A carrier (10) for an air tube conveyor comprises a cylindrical body (11) of flexible material with accelerator rings (25) attached to either end of the body. The accelerator rings (25) comprise a plurality of circular sheets of flexible material secured together across the end of the body. The diameter of the accelerator rings (25) is slightly greater than the internal diameter of he air tube conveyor. Reinforcement is provided by longitudinal ribs (140, 141).

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying discrete parts between first and second locations. The conveying apparatus has a receptacle for at least one part. Structure is provided for guiding movement of the part receptacle between the first and second locations. Structure is also provided for conveying the part receptacle a) from the first location to the second location and b) from the second location to the first location.

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.

Abstract: A transport plug for pneumatically transporting solid materials in a transport pipe by the use of a pressurized transport gas and a pneumatic transport method of solid materials employing the transport plug. The transport plug comprises two bodies consisting of a front body and a rear body defining a material storing space for storing solid materials between the two bodies, at least one supplementary body connected to the rear body, and flexible connecting means coupling said three bodies. A supplementary material storing space is defined between the supplementary body and the rear body. Solid materials are fed into the material storing space of the transport plug, transported through the transport pipe together with the transport plug, and received in a collector under gravitational fall.

Abstract: A conduit having a circular or polygonal cross-sectional outline serves for reception of one or more receptacles which are conveyed therein by a hydraulic fluid. Each receptacle can be taken apart or is formed with one or more compartments for one or more sealed containers confining foodstuffs or other substances which are to be heated or cooled by the hydraulic fluid. The front and/or rear end walls of the receptacles are provided with distancing elements which ensure that the distance between two neighboring receptacles in the conduit cannot be reduced below a predetermined minimum value. The distancing elements of neighboring receptacles can form universal joints which maintain such receptacles at a predetermined minimum and maximum distance from each other. The openings of one-piece receptacles are immediately or closely adjacent the internal surface of the conduit, and the openings of sections of composite receptacles are accessible only when the respective receptacles are located outside of the conduit.

Abstract: A pneumatic cash transfer system for use in banks and building societies to link a cashier station (1) to a remote teller assist unit (3) and a cash deposit box (4) in a separate secure area (5) comprises an air tube (6) extending between a tube terminal (7) at the cashier station and a tube terminal (8) in the secure area (5), and a cash carrying canister (10) movable pneumatically in the tube (6) between the two terminals (7, 8). The canister (10) is open at its side to permit insertion and removal of bank notes, and comprises a bank note holder (22) formed by a pair of spring-biassed clamping plates (23, 24) for holding bank notes firmly in the canister during travel in the tube (6). At the terminal (8) in the secure area (5) the holder (22) can be opened automatically to release notes to be deposited into the deposit box (4), and on closure of the holder it is ready to receive notes which are fed positively into the holder from the teller assist unit (3) for transmission to the cashier.

Abstract: A hinged container for use in a pneumatic tube including a primary container and a secondary container which is simultaneously opened and closed when the main container is opened and closed, the secondary container provides reinforcement for the hinge of the primary container.

Abstract: In a transport apparatus, a plurality of flat bodies are respectively aligned uprightly and juxtaposed laterally to form a block of the flat bodies, the block is loaded in a movable capsule, and the capsule is transported under the application of air flow through a transport pipeline. A loading mechanism having a pair of openable and closable holding arms is disposed to oppose a loading opening of a loading station, and an unloading mechanism having a pair of openable and closable holding arms is disposed to oppose an unloading opening of an unloading station.

Abstract: A container having a mechanism for locking a pressing member comprises a toothed segment mounted in the body in a plane parallel to the intermediate wall and capable of limited movement in the plane of the wall in mutually perpendicular directions, for which purpose it is connected via a system of pivotally interconnected levers to the cover and via a tie with an axle secured to the intermediate wall, the axle mounting a lever with a toothed member for engaging the toothed segment in the course of transportation of goods and having a through slot near the toothed member for accommodating a roller mounted on the pressing member in such a manner that the geometrical axis of the roller is parallel to the axes of the journals of the pressing member. Mounted in the intermediate wall parallel to the slot for the journals of the pressing member is an additional through slot accommodating the roller and a horizontal slot accommodating the axle of a pivot interconnecting adjacent levers.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube conveyor system including tubing of rectangular cross-section with both elevational and lateral bends. The carriers are generally rectangular in outline with a pair of generally cylindrical fore and aft transverse members interconnected by a narrower and thinner intermediate section. The ends of the transverse members are curved on radii equal to one-half the longer inside dimension of the tubing and the tops and bottoms are curved on radii equal to one-half the smaller dimensions so that diametrically opposite sides are in contact with the tubing walls as they negotiate bends.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube system utilizes a carrier having at least one unlatched door which is biased to a normally open position but held closed by the conduit of the system. Access stations are associated with the conduit and permit the carrier doors to assume an open position upon reaching a station. A pneumatic system which can operate in either a pressure or a vacuum mode is activated automatically at the access station.

Abstract: The pneumatic tube carrier comprises a belt conveyor with two conveyor belts (4, 5), the working faces (6, 7) of which extend in close proximity to each other from one end of the carrier to the other, for pulling, for example, a bundle of paper money (23) by frictional contact between the working faces (6, 7) into the carrier, retaining the bundle in the latter, and ejecting the bundle again from the carrier. The belt conveyor is driven, in the pneumatic tube conveyor station, via a disengageable shaft coupling, of which one coupling element (13) is arranged hidden at the carrier jacket and the other is drivable by a drive mechanism provided in the pneumatic tube conveyor station. A chamber (15) serves for accommodating hard cash, for example, this chamber exhibiting a flip lid (17) forming part of the carrier jacket (1) and equipped with a locking device, which latter is released for opening the lid (17) in the pneumatic tube conveyor station.

Abstract: A pneumatically-propelled carrier system including a pneumatic system tube of generally circular cross section interconnecting a first terminal constructed to permit the carrier to be removed, that is, a "free carrier" terminal, and a second terminal constructed to prevent removal of the carrier, while providing access to it through a terminal access opening, this latter terminal being a "captive carrier" terminal. Since the system tube interconnecting the captive and free terminals has a generally circular cross section, the carrier, regardless of its cross section, is free to assume any rotational orientation about its longitudinal axis.

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.

Abstract: An improved side opening pneumatic carrier is used in a remote transaction pneumatic tube delivery system. A pair of symmetrical semicylindrical shells are provided with interior end pieces on one end and exterior end pieces on the opposite end. Hinges are formed along one longitudinal edge of each of the semicylindrical shells for joining the shells and forming a generally cylindrical carrier in the closed position. The external end piece on each end of the shells is dimensioned to closely engage the interior walls of the pneumatic tubes, so that the carrier cannot be inserted into the system unless it is completely closed. A lever attached to each of the internal end pieces is fitted within an opening of the opposite external end piece and biased by a spring assembly to maintain the semicylindrical shells in a normally closed position.

Abstract: A vacuum-tube mass-transit system comprising at least one continuous, tubular, vehicle conveyor having a fan or blower station arranged at each terminating end thereof, wherey a partial vacuum is generated within the tubular conduit to impart linear motion to a vehicle movably disposed within the tubular conveyor conduit, the vehicle being formed as an elongated capsule to receive passengers and cargo, or of a spherical capsule for just cargo. Included in the system is a water moat which defines a loading and unloading area for both passengers and cargo located at each end of the tubular conveyor adjacent the blower station; and wherein one or more booster stations are included having a vacuum by-pass system to allow the vehicle to stop for intermediate loading and unloading, wherein the system includes a plurality of sequentially operated control gates.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic tube carrier is provided for transmitting papers, currency and other articles between various stations at locations within a building or building complex. The carrier hull is constructed of identical mating sections each formed in a generally semi-cylindrical shape from a single mold. The semi-cylindrical halves are hinged together along one longitudinal interface. A closure mechanism is provided at the opposite interface and includes a catch spring biased toward the hull. An adjustment mechanism limits the movement of the catch relative to the hull. Adjustment is possible to correct for catch disposition variations with prolonged use. Proper adjustment allows the hull to be self-latching upon closure. Adjustment is effectuated with the hull closed through a perforation near the hinged interface of hull sections, whereby an elongated tool is inserted into the perforation and is used to alter the adjusting mechanism.