System and method for carrier identification in a pneumatic tube system
First Claim
1. A method for maintaining an inventory of carriers across a plurality of carrier stations in a pneumatic carrier system comprising the steps of:
- using a communication device, reading carrier identification information from an identification device of a pneumatic carrier that is dispatched by one of a plurality of carrier stations within the pneumatic carrier system;
receiving the carrier identification from the communication device at a controller, wherein the controller is operative to;
use the carrier identification information for updating a carrier station inventory record associated with a quantity of pneumatic carriers located at one of the carrier station; and
based on the updated carrier station inventory record, directing at least one empty pneumatic carrier to the carrier station when, consequent to said dispatching, said quantity of pneumatic carriers is less than a predetermined inventory of pneumatic carriers.
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Abstract
A system and method provides for the identification and monitoring of carriers within a pneumatic carrier system. Each carrier which is to be employed within the system includes an identification device such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip which has stored thereon identification information for the carrier. Positioned throughout the system are communications devices such as antennas and readers which are employed to read and/or write identification information on the chip. When a carrier is put in the system, a destination location can be associated with the particular carrier ID. This associated information is then employed to, among many things, monitor and confirm identity of the carrier as it moves to its destination.
93 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method for maintaining an inventory of carriers across a plurality of carrier stations in a pneumatic carrier system comprising the steps of:
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using a communication device, reading carrier identification information from an identification device of a pneumatic carrier that is dispatched by one of a plurality of carrier stations within the pneumatic carrier system; receiving the carrier identification from the communication device at a controller, wherein the controller is operative to; use the carrier identification information for updating a carrier station inventory record associated with a quantity of pneumatic carriers located at one of the carrier station; and based on the updated carrier station inventory record, directing at least one empty pneumatic carrier to the carrier station when, consequent to said dispatching, said quantity of pneumatic carriers is less than a predetermined inventory of pneumatic carriers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification