Pneumatic tube system swing tube terminal construction

Abstract

A terminal for a pneumatic tube system having a tube section pivotally mounted within the terminal for swinging movement between first and second positions. The swing tube communicates with the open end of a carrier send and receive tube which connects the terminal with the pneumatic tube system when in the first position. The swing tube communicates with a carrier delivery mechanism when in the second position which provides access to the carrier by a bank teller or customer. A bellcrank mechanism has a roller mounted on the extended end of a first bellcrank lever which is engaged for sliding movement in a camming slot formed in a cam block mounted on the swing tube. The extended end of a second bellcrank lever is connected to a motor driven slide rod for actuation of the bellcrank mechanism to pivot the swing tube between the first and second positions through the roller-cam engagement. The pneumatic tube system air supply communicates with the pivoted end of the swing tube and applies a lower air-pressure or vacuum for drawing a carrier into and holding it in the swing tube during movement of the swing tube between the first and second positions. The direction of airflow or supply then is reversed to drive the carrier from the swing tube into the carrier delivery mechanism or to propel the carrier into and along the pneumatic tube for delivery to a distant terminal.