Autoacceptertube delivery system with a robotic interface
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for loading products into a pneumatic tube carrier, said apparatus comprising:
- support means;
a linear thruster mounted to said support means;
a rotary actuator mounted to the lower end of said linear thruster;
a connecting arm mounted to the lower end of said rotary actuator;
a dual rod cylinder mounted to said connecting arm;
gripping means mounted to said dual rod cylinder; and
a logic controller for controlling and monitoring the loading of said products into said carrier;
wherein said linear thruster controls said rotary actuator;
wherein said rotary actuator controls said connecting arm;
wherein said connecting arm connects said dual rod cylinder to said rotary actuator; and
wherein said dual rod cylinder controls said gripping means.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for loading products into a pneumatic tube carrier. The apparatus having a support with a linear truster mounted thereto. A rotary actuator is mounted at the lower end of the linear thruster for rotating action. A connecting arm is mounted on the lower end of the rotary actuator having a dual rod cylinder mounted thereon. A gripper is mounted at the end of the dual rod cylinder for gripping products. A logic controller is used for controlling and monitoring the loading of the products into the carrier.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for loading products into a pneumatic tube carrier, said apparatus comprising:
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support means;
a linear thruster mounted to said support means;
a rotary actuator mounted to the lower end of said linear thruster;
a connecting arm mounted to the lower end of said rotary actuator;
a dual rod cylinder mounted to said connecting arm;
gripping means mounted to said dual rod cylinder; and
a logic controller for controlling and monitoring the loading of said products into said carrier;
wherein said linear thruster controls said rotary actuator;
wherein said rotary actuator controls said connecting arm;
wherein said connecting arm connects said dual rod cylinder to said rotary actuator; and
wherein said dual rod cylinder controls said gripping means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An apparatus for automatically retrieving and loading products into a pneumatic tube carrier for delivery through a pneumatic tube transport system, said apparatus comprising:
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support means mounted to a base;
a linear thruster;
a rotary actuator;
a dual rod cylinder;
a connecting arm;
gripping means for retrieving said product; and
a logic controller for controlling and monitoring said apparatus;
wherein said linear thruster is mounted to said support means and controls the vertical movement of said rotary actuator;
wherein said rotary actuator is mounted to the lower end of said linear thruster and controls the rotational movement of said connecting arm;
wherein said connecting arm is mounted to the lower end of said rotary actuator and connects said dual rod cylinder to said rotary actuator; and
wherein said dual rod cylinder is mounted to said connecting arm and controls the lateral movement of said gripping means. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for automatically retrieving products from a pick-up point and automatically loading said products into a pneumatic tube carrier for delivery to any of a plurality of destinations by means of a pneumatic tube transport system, said method comprising the steps of:
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positioning a gripping means at a product distributor;
retrieving said product;
moving said gripping means to said carrier; and
loading said product into said carrier;
wherein said gripping means is supported and controlled by a dual rod cylinder which is supported and controlled by a connecting arm which is controlled by and supported at lower end of a rotary actuator which is controlled by and supported at a lower end of a linear thruster which is mounted to a support means; and
wherein said positioning, retrieving, moving and loading are controlled by a logic controller.- View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
identifying the intended destination of said product by means comprising barcode scanning.
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Specification