Method and apparatus for loading and unloading pipeline capsules
First Claim
1. A pipeline capsule transportation system comprising:
- a first pipeline;
a substantially continuous first link of capsules in said first pipeline;
a second pipeline;
a substantially continuous second link of capsules in said second pipeline;
a station for unloading said first link of capsules, and for loading said second link of capsules, said station comprising;
decoupling means for decoupling from said first link at a decoupling location in said frist pipeline a predetermined number of capsules, said predetermined number of capsules defining a train;
coupling means for coupling said train together with said second link at a coupling location in said second pipeline;
conduit means for providing a path for said train between said decoupling means and said coupling means;
valve means for isolating a zone in said conduit means from fluid communication with said first and said second pipelines; and
brake means for stopping said train in said isolated zone.
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Abstract
A pipeline capsule transportation system and apparatus for transporting a continuous link of capsules, comprising a first elongated pipeline and a second elongated pipeline along which continuous links of capsules are to be transported, a loading station for loading capsules, and an unloading station for unloading capsules, the loading station comprising at least one handling zone, an inclined discharge conduit for displacing capsules from the handling zone to the first pipeline, a capsule coupler for coupling capsules entering the first pipeline to a trailing end of a continuous link of capsules moving along the first pipeline during use, decoupling apparatus for decoupling trains of capsules from a leading end of a continuous link of capsules moving in the second pipeline, a downhill station entrance ramp for diverting decoupled capsules to the handling zone, and a brake for bringing trains of capsules to rest in the handling zone. The unloading station may correspond with the loading station or may comprise unloading means for unloading capsules while passing through the unloading station.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A pipeline capsule transportation system comprising:
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a first pipeline; a substantially continuous first link of capsules in said first pipeline; a second pipeline; a substantially continuous second link of capsules in said second pipeline; a station for unloading said first link of capsules, and for loading said second link of capsules, said station comprising; decoupling means for decoupling from said first link at a decoupling location in said frist pipeline a predetermined number of capsules, said predetermined number of capsules defining a train; coupling means for coupling said train together with said second link at a coupling location in said second pipeline; conduit means for providing a path for said train between said decoupling means and said coupling means; valve means for isolating a zone in said conduit means from fluid communication with said first and said second pipelines; and brake means for stopping said train in said isolated zone. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for loading and unloading a pipeline capsule transportation system comprising:
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conveying a first contiguous link of capsules in a first length of pipeline; selecting a predetermined number of capsules in the first length of pipeline, said predetermined number of capsules defining a train; uncoupling the train of capsules from the first contiguous link; accelerating the train of capsules along a first longitudinal pathway of pipeline; diverting the train of capsules into a transverse pathway of pipeline where the capsules may be loaded and unloaded; sealing a first and second end of the transverse pathway when the train of capsules are positioned therein; pressurizing the sealed transverse pathway; communicating the transverse pathway with a second longitudinal pathway; accelerating the train of capsules along the second longitudinal pathway; and coupling the train of capsules to a second contiguous link of capsules in a second length of pipeline.
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- 11. A pipeline capsule transportation system for transporting a continuous link of capsules, the system comprising a first elongated pipeline along which a continuous link of capsules is to be transported, a loading station for loading capsules, and an unloading station for unloading capsules, the loading station comprising a handling zone, displacement means for displacing capsules from the handling zone to the first pipeline, and coupling means for coupling capsules entering the first pipeline to a trailing end of a continuous link of capsules moving along the first pipeline during use.
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23. A method of loading and unloading a pipeline capsule transportation system which includes the steps of:
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conveying a first continuous link of capsules in a first elongated pipeline; selecting a predetermined number of capsules from a leading end of the first continuous link of capsules, said predetermined number of capsules defining a train; uncoupling the train of capsules from the link; diverting the train into a handling zone of a loading station and bringing the train to rest in the handling zone; loading the capsules in the handling zone; displacing the train of loaded capsules from the handling zone to a second elongated pipeline wherein a second continuous link of capsules is being conveyed; coupling the train to a trailing end of the moving second link of capsules; and unloading the capsules at an unloading station between the first and second pipelines, the unloading station being at a point remote from the loading station. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25)
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Specification