Diebold, Inc.

Lawrence F Mannella

Walter G Anders

Leo J Grosswiller

F Michael Theriault

The present invention provides a pneumatic transfer terminal adapted to receive and dispatch a non-captive, tubular article carrier of predetermined length from and to a single pneumatic transfer tube. The terminal includes a carrier receiver having the internal chamber dimensioned to receive an article carrier therein and to position the carrier in operable alignment with the transfer tube. The carrier receiver includes a first opening for communicating the chamber with the transfer tube and a second opening for insertion and removal of the carrier into and from the chamber. A blower assembly is attached to the transfer tube and is operable to create a vacuum therein. A gate mechanism is operable to open and close the second opening. The gate means includes a generally planar gate movable between a first position where the gate mechanism covers the second opening and a second position wherein the gate is removed from the second opening. An actuator connects the motor to the planar gate.

Pneumatic tube system

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.

Growing community of inventors

North Canton, OH, United States of America

Lawrence F Mannella