Abstract: An elevator cabin seal for an elevator is described. The elevator cabin seal includes a plate having a plate interior surface, a seal member, and a plurality of adjustment members. The seal member has a seal member interior surface and a seal member top surface contiguous with the seal member interior surface. The seal member top surface is coupled to the plate interior surface. Each adjustment member of the plurality of adjustment members is coupled to the plate interior surface and contacts the seal member interior surface to exert an adjustable force against the seal member interior surface.

Abstract: A residential pneumatic mailbox and mailing system includes a mailbox, a receiving unit, pneumatic tubing, a courier canister, a compressor, and a control unit. The mailbox is positioned along a curbside of a home. The receiving unit is positioned inside the home or on the outside of the home. The pneumatic tubing is connected between the mailbox and the receiving unit. The courier canister is sized to hold mail and is configured for moving back and forth in the pneumatic tubing between the mailbox and the receiving unit. The compressor and control unit are configured to control the movement of the courier canister within the pneumatic tubing back and forth between the mailbox and the receiving unit. Wherein, the residential pneumatic mailbox and mailing system is configured to transport the mail inside of the courier canister from the mailbox to the receiving unit, and vice versa.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pneumatic carrier having a leak resistant cargo area where first and second mating shells form the carrier. To provide a leak resistant cargo area, the one embodiment of the carrier employs a flap-type sealing member. In one embodiment, a first engagement surface about a peripheral edge of a first of the shells includes a groove into which a base portion of a sealing member is disposed. A second portion of the sealing member forms a flap that extends upward and inward from the base portion. A second engagement surface of the second shell contacts this flap and compresses the flap toward the first engagement surface when the shells are in a closed position.

Abstract: A production apparatus and a production method of toner particles are provided which efficiently and stably reduce the water content of the wet toner particle cake obtained by separating and washing toner particles from toner particle dispersion in a production apparatus of toner particles granulated in a wet process. A wet toner particle cake 1 formed on a belt filter is aerated and dehydrated with air, and at the same time, sealing units 6 provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the aeration unit 3 can be operated to efficiently seal aeration air.

Abstract: Provided herein are pneumatic carriers for use in high speed and/or heavy payload pneumatic carrier transport applications. The carriers incorporate thermally conductive wear bands to remove heat from areas of high friction to areas of low friction and thereby reduce the wear rate of the wear band. In one arrangement, the wear band includes a metallic wire impregnated cloth having metallic wires woven into the matrix of a textile, which forms the wear band. In one embodiment, the wire impregnated within the textile may extend around at least a portion of a carrier such that the wires can transfer heat from a location of high friction (e.g., a bearing surface beneath a carrier) to a location of low friction.

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: Provided herein is a pneumatic carrier having a leak resistant cargo area where first and second mating shells form the carrier. To provide a leak resistant cargo area, the one embodiment of the carrier employs a tongue and groove sealing arrangement. In this arrangement, an engagement surface about a peripheral edge of one of the shells includes a tapered groove and the engagement surface around the engagement surface of the other shell includes a protruding tongue member. A sealing element is disposed over the tongue or lines the groove. When the first and second shell members are joined together, the sealing member provides a substantially fluid-tight seal between the first and second shell members.

Abstract: In a pneumatic container transport system, specialized cylindrical containers move between processing stations through cylindrica conduits propelled by low-pressure, high-velocity air. Annular ridges around the circumference of the containers minimize contact with the inside conduit walls and deter scuffing of labels which carry machine-readable indicia upon which the container transport system relies for directing the containers. In a preferred embodiment, the containers are bottles having a coaxial mouth closed by threaded caps, the caps still preferably including a transparent window to allow visual and spectroscopy analysis of the bottle contents. In an alternate embodiment, the containers are longitudinally symmetrical clamshells for irregularly shaped objects, the clamshells opening through a longitudinal mouth along one side and sealable with tamper-proof labels.

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 flexible strip brush element is constructed from multiple monofiliments arranged in a parallel fashion and attached at one end to a flexible base. The monofiliments are attached to the base by intermingling material from the base with material from the monofiliments. The free ends of the monofiliments collectively form a bristle end zone. A plurality of flexible strip brush elements may be bonded side-by-side so the free ends of the monofiliments form a common bristle end zone. The bonded flexible strip brush elements may take the form of a linear section or may be fashioned into an endless loop or jointless spiral.

Abstract: Provided herein are pneumatic carriers for use in high speed and/or heavy payload pneumatic carrier transport applications. The carriers incorporate thermally conductive wear bands to remove heat from areas of high friction to areas of low friction and thereby reduce the wear rate of the wear band. In one arrangement, the wear band includes a metallic wire impregnated cloth having metallic wires woven into the matrix of a textile, which forms the wear band. In one embodiment, the wire impregnated within the textile may extend around at least a portion of a carrier such that the wires can transfer heat from a location of high friction (e.g., a bearing surface beneath a carrier) to a location of low friction.

Abstract: An improved carrier system is provided that includes a plurality of carriers and/or a transport surface having anti-microbial characteristics. In a pneumatic tube carrier system application, the internal surfaces of one or a plurality of selectively openable/closeable carriers may comprise an anti-microbial material The anti-microbial material may be mixed with a base material to form each carrier. Alternatively, the anti-microbial material may be mixed in a coating applied to a base carrier structure. The carrier contact surfaces of the pneumatic tubes and other system componentry may also comprise an anti-microbial material.

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 system (10) for carrying out transactions between a customer at a customer station (14) and a service provider at a service provider station (12), includes transferring a body (96, 140, 170) through a pneumatic transfer tube (26). The customer at the customer station provides inputs corresponding to a financial account through input devices on the body such as a card reader (72, 146, 172) and a keypad (74, 148, 172). Data input by the customer is stored in the memory (82, 158) on the body. After transfer to the service provider station, data in the memory is output to a charge device (56) which is operative to assess a charge to the customer's account responsive to data output from the memory.

Abstract: A system (10) for carrying out transactions between a customer at a customer station (14) and a service provider at a service provider station (12), includes transferring a body (96, 140, 170) through a pneumatic transfer tube (26). The customer at the customer station provides inputs corresponding to a financial account through input devices on the body such as a card reader (72, 146, 172) and a keypad (74, 148, 172). Data input by the customer is stored in the memory (82, 158) on the body. After transfer to the service provider station, data in the memory is output to a charge device (56) which is operative to assess a charge to the customer's account responsive to data output from the memory.

Abstract: A simple but effective concept of using nylon, polypropylene or other flexible filament 2 as brush to create ring seals for pneumatic transfer carriers, thus affecting a virtually air tight seal 6 as well as superior durability due to the low coefficient of friction between the plastic brush filament and the conduit 7 through which it passes.

Abstract: A pneumatic mail delivery system includes a carrier having first and second open ends and corresponding hinged covers for selectably covering the open ends. The system includes first and second carrier terminals each having front openings selectively covered by hinged doors. The terminals may be positioned at a mail deposit location and a residential location. A pneumatic conduit connects the terminals through which the carrier may be guided therebetween. The conduit is connected to a blower for conveying the carrier. Spring-biased buttons attached to respective terminals are electrically connected to the blower for actuating the blower upon detecting a closure of a respective door. A photoelectric light sensor is attached to each terminal and is electrically connected to a light source mounted on the front of each terminal. Respective lights are energized when a respective light sensor detects mail in the carrier.

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: The present invention relates to glide rings for use with a carrier for transporting articles through pneumatic tube systems, and more particularly, glide rings comprising Velcro.RTM. secured plastic or rubber strips to allow efficient replacement of said glide rings. The glide rings have an outer cross-sectional dimension which allow them to engage the inner surface of the passageway of the pneumatic tube system. This provides stability to the carrier and allows the carrier to be moved in response to the controlled air pressure within the passageway. Each of the glide rings has a small width in relationship to the overall length of the closed elongated compartment, and each is located in proximity to the ends of the carrier.

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 vessel for a pneumatic tube transport system provides substantially leak-free containment of fluids transported therein. The vessel includes first and second shell members having opposing engagement surfaces extending substantially about a perimeter thereof. A sealing member disposed adjacent one of the engagement surfaces is compressed between the engagement surfaces when the vessel is closed to provide substantially fluid-tight seal between the first and second shell members. The vessel includes removable wear bands connected to the shell members, a hinge interconnector assembly for connecting the shell members together at one of their longitudinal sides and latch assemblies for releasably connecting them together at an opposite longitudinal side.

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: A receptacle (59) is provided which includes a flask (22) surrounded by a casing (23) able to slide into a pipe by pneumatic means. A composite element (33, 40) formed of all of one piece is used to close both the openings of the flask and casing by means of screwing. These improvements and others render the receptacle extremely suitable for a large number of measurements carried out in shielded analysis boxes for dangerous samples, especially radioactive ones.

Abstract: A wear ring constructed for use with a pneumatic tube system carrier of a type having two spaced apart wear rings positioned near the axial ends of the carrier. The wear ring is comprised of a rigid, yet flexible, annular support member having an outer cylindrical surface. A layer of woven fabric selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, or felt is bonded to the cylindrical surface of the support member. The fabric material preferably has a coefficient of friction with the interior transfer tube not greater than 0.35.

Abstract: A captive carrier for a heavy payload system having end caps rigidly connected thereto. Each end cap has a sliding cover mounted in an outer most surface thereof, Restraining means on the cover restrain the cover from motion in response to the captive carrier tilting outwardly toward the user thereby opening the top of the carrier. The end caps and covers have a curved profile that corresponds to the curvature of the pivoting motion of the top of the carrier, The carrier further includes a wear strip mounted on one side which is directed vertically downward when the carrier is moving in a horizontal direction.

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: An accelerator ring arrangement for use on an article carrier used in a pneumatic transfer system, the system including a transfer tube defining a passage through which the carrier is propelled. The accelerator ring arrangement includes a continuous seal member surrounding the carrier which is operable to form a pneumatic seal thereabout. The seal member has an outer edge dimensioned to generally conform to the cross-sectional profile of the passage. The seal member is mounted to the carrier wherein the seal member is laterally movable relative to the carrier.

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.

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 pipeline inspection vehicle has at least one resilient driving cup mounted around the body of the vehicle so as to contact the interior wall of the vehicle and thus provide a pressure differential across the driving cup which will propel the vehicle along the pipeline. An annular array of ducts extends through the body of the vehicle to by-pass fluid through the driving cup, each duct being provided with a control valve for regulating the flow of fluid through the duct. A control arrangement is provided for opening and closing the control valves in dependence on the speed of the vehicle, thereby to adjust the speed of the vehicle in accordance with a desired speed.

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: An improved bumper two component end cap assembly for pneumatic tube system carriers is disclosed. One component is a wheel-like durable tough relatively hard moldable plastic member which serves the multiple functions of: (a) providing an outer wear surface for engagement with pneumatic tube side walls and control levers; (b) providing a configuration for confining and stabilizing the second relatively softer shock absorbing component; and (c) providing at the hub area relatively strong rigid precise surfaces for detachable rigid fastening connection to the end surfaces of the carrier per se. The second component interacts with the first component as a resilient shock absorber interposed between the first component and the end of the carrier. The second component also has portions extending axially for resilient engagement directly with the stop surfaces at end stations of the pneumatic tube systems.

Abstract: A carrier capable of carrying elongated materials without bending or folding through conventional pneumatic tube systems which include a passageway having a predetermined inner cross-sectional dimension wherein the passageway includes curvatures having a predetermined radius. The carrier has a length greater than the maximum length of standard carriers which are currently used in conventional pneumatic tube systems.

Abstract: An ore carrier having an ore chamber and a buoyancy chamber and a door at the top and bottom thereof. The doors being rectractable into the buoyancy chamber when the doors are open for either loading or unloading the ore chamber.

Abstract: A system by means of which the garbage produced in a dwelling, or the like, is easily disposed remotely out of the dwelling from the inside. The garbage is deposited in a suitable bag located in the receiving end of a duct. Compressed air is applied at this receiving end of the duct, behind the bag. The compressed air enters the bag, expands it against the inner surface of the duct and pushes it with the garbage along the duct toward a garbage can located remotely at the end of the duct, outside of the dwelling.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed herein relates to a toy system comprising a generally closed track arrangement and a toy vehicle adapted to be propelled in the track by a pressurized fluid. The track arrangement is preferably a series of transparent tubular members interconnected to form any desired track configuration. One of the tubular members includes a pressurized fluid inlet opening adapted to be coupled to pressurized fluid source and further includes check valve means and an exhaust opening. The check valve means is located on the upstream side of the inlet opening and closely adjacent thereto; the exhaust opening is located on the upstream side of the check valve means and is closely adjacent thereto. The toy vehicle can be in any desired shape loosely fitting within the tubular members and includes, at its tail end, flexible seal means which engages the inner periphery of the tubular track members to prevent the flow of pressurized fluid around the vehicle.