Pneumatic carrier matrix interchange

• US 5,165,826 A
• Filed: 01/09/1991
• Issued: 11/24/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 01/09/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Allen Egbert
• Original Assignee: Allen Egbert
• Inventors: Egbert, Allen
• Primary Examiner(s): Focarino, Margaret A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HOGE, GARY CHAPMAN
• Application Number:
  US07/639,207
• Time in Patent Office: 685 Days
• Field of Search: 406/1, 406/182
• US Class Current: 406/182
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 51/24 Switches

Abstract

A device for directing or switching pneumatically sealed tubes for transporting carriers from one receive/send station to another in a pneumatic system. The matrix configuration enables directional changes to single or multiple paths with the use of fewer diverting stations. The pressure and vacuum system is controlled at the line tubes by standard check valves and other pneumatic system devices.

Claims

1. A device for directing or switching pneumatically sealed tubes which transfers carriers using pressure and vacuum methods comprising:

a. a matrix plate between an input/output end and a pressure/vacuum end with the matrix plate connected on one side to the input/output end by a first plurality of pipe assemblies and the matrix plate opposite side connected to the pressure/vacuum end by a second plurality of pipe assemblies;

b. each first pipe assembly having an end rigidly attached to an input/output port on the input/output end and an opposite movable end moveably retained by two tracks on the matrix plate;

c. each second pipe assembly having an end rigidly attached to a pressure/vacuum port on the pressure/vacuum end and an opposite end moveably retained by two tracks on the matrix plate;

d. the pipe assemblies have a flexible joint near each end thereof sufficient to allow the movable end to move the length of the tracks on the matrix plate;

e. the matrix plate having holes therein of the same diameter as the pipe assemblies to allow pipe assemblies on opposite sides of the matrix plate when aligned to pass a carrier of diameter and length small enough to traverse the pipes;

f. a means for moving the movable pipe assembly end and properly aligning it with a selected matrix plate hole; and

g. a means for creating fluid pressure and vacuum in the system.

2. A device for directing or switching as in claim 1 wherein a stopping chamber is contained in the pipe assemblies at the pressure/vacuum end and a flex hose joined to the stopping chamber.

3. A device for directing or switching as in claim 1 wherein the matrix plate is in two parts with a plurality of pneumatic tubes connection each matrix plate hole between the two parts.