System and method for carrier identification in a pneumatic tube system
First Claim
1. A method for use in the operation of a pneumatic carrier system comprising the steps of:
- using a first communications device, reading identification info nation from an identification device attached to a pneumatic carrier at an origination user station in a pneumatic carrier system;
receiving destination location information for the pneumatic carrier via a user interface associated with the origination user station, wherein the identification information and the destination location information are stored to a transaction record in a computer readable storage medium;
generating a first set of control signals to route the pneumatic carrier through the pneumatic carrier system toward a destination station associated with the destination location information;
using a second communications device, reading the identification information from the identification device while the pneumatic carrier is located proximate to an intermediate location between the origination station and the destination station;
accessing the transaction record of the pneumatic carrier;
based on the destination location information of the transaction record and the carrier being located proximate to the intermediate location, generating a routing decision to effect continued advancement of the pneumatic carrier through the pneumatic tube system toward the destination location.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for use in the operation of a pneumatic carrier system comprising the steps of:
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using a first communications device, reading identification info nation from an identification device attached to a pneumatic carrier at an origination user station in a pneumatic carrier system; receiving destination location information for the pneumatic carrier via a user interface associated with the origination user station, wherein the identification information and the destination location information are stored to a transaction record in a computer readable storage medium; generating a first set of control signals to route the pneumatic carrier through the pneumatic carrier system toward a destination station associated with the destination location information; using a second communications device, reading the identification information from the identification device while the pneumatic carrier is located proximate to an intermediate location between the origination station and the destination station; accessing the transaction record of the pneumatic carrier; based on the destination location information of the transaction record and the carrier being located proximate to the intermediate location, generating a routing decision to effect continued advancement of the pneumatic carrier through the pneumatic tube system toward the destination location. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for use in the operation of a pneumatic carrier system comprising the steps of
using a first communications device, reading identification information from an identification device attached to a pneumatic carrier at a first user station in a pneumatic carrier system; -
receiving destination station information for the pneumatic carrier from a user interface associated with the first user station, wherein the identification information and the destination location information are stored to a transaction record in a computer readable storage medium; routing the pneumatic carrier through the pneumatic carrier system toward a second user station associated with the destination location information; stopping the pneumatic carrier within the pneumatic carrier system prior to the second user station, wherein the pneumatic carrier is inaccessible to system users; using a second communications device, reading the identification information from the identification device while the pneumatic carrier is stopped at a user inaccessible location within the pneumatic carrier system; accessing the transaction record to at least one of confirm the identity of the pneumatic carrier; and identify security information associated with the transaction record; and delivering the pneumatic carrier to the second user station upon at least one of; confirming the identity of the pneumatic carrier; and satisfying a security requirement for the carrier. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification