Translogic Corporation

Valleylab, Inc.

James Joseph Podracky

Kenneth Michael Hoganson

Chad David Cornelius

Robert Paul Trenconsky

Raymond Anthony Castro

Michael J Lands

Thomas Patrick Ryan

Dale F Schmaltz

A braking device and method is provided that is operative to selectively slow and/or stop a pneumatic carrier within a pneumatic carrier system. Generally, the device includes a pneumatic tube that is sized to permit the passage of pneumatic carriers. The pneumatic tube includes at least one braking element that may be disposed into the bore of the pneumatic tube to at least partially impede the passage of a pneumatic carrier through the bore. In one embodiment, the braking element is formed as a variable diameter section of the pneumatic tube that may be selectively constricted to change the diameter of the bore of the pneumatic tube. Such constriction may slow and/or stop the passage of a pneumatic carrier through the bore of the pneumatic tube.

Variable diameter pneumatic tube brake

A valve device and method are provided that are operative to selectively divert the flow of air within a pneumatic carrier within a pneumatic carrier system. Generally, the device includes a pneumatic tube that is sized to permit the passage of pneumatic carriers. The pneumatic tube includes at least aperture in a sidewall of the pneumatic tube, an outer sleeve, and an actuator. The actuator acts on the outer sleeve to block and open the aperture to fluid flow in order to divert air in the pneumatic system. In one embodiment, the valve is disposed in a pneumatic system in conjunction with a pneumatic carrier handling device.

Air valve pneumatic tube carrier system

A valve and irrigator used with a suction tube has an elongate funnel with an axis through an enlarged entrance and an opposed extended exit duct of a flexible elastomer. A flow passage through the elongate funnel connects the entrance to the exit permitting fluid communication. A web across and near the enlarged entrance sealingly separates that from the exit. The web and the elongate funnel are made of silicone elastomer and are adhesively adhered to together. A portal in the web passes therethrough along the axis and is circular in shape to surround in fluid tight engagement the suction tube. A lid, proximally of the web on the enlarged entrance, has an inlet for irrigation and a pass through for the tube; the lid closes the enlarged entrance forming a chamber between the web and the lid. A slit within the web, near the portal and spaced from the axis is in the form of a closed mouth composed of a pair of sealing lips. Normally the pair of lips are together but are able to separate and define a passageway for fluid flow through the web. A peripheral bump is radially disposed relative to the slit and is located on the entrance in position to align flexure force therethrough and toward the axis. A method of using the valve and irrigator with the suction tube has steps including locating an elongate funnel along the axis with the entrance thereon. Positioning the exit on the elongate funnel opposite the entrance and along the axis is a step. Merging the exit with the entrance is step. A step is permitting fluid communication through the flow passage between the entrance and exit. Sealingly separating the entrance and exit with the web is a step. The step of passing the portal through the web along the axis so it surrounds tube therethrough. A method for making the valve and irrigator has steps of locating the web near the entrance, passing through the web the portal and slit.

Method and apparatus for a valve and irrigator

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Denver, CO, United States of America

James Joseph Podracky