Pneumatic tube selector mechanism
US5018319A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 1989 |
| Grant date | May 28, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB24C9/003
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pneumatic tube selector mechanism is provided for use in conjunction with an abrasive sandblast media recovery system. The tube selector selectively couples a vacuum source to any particular one of a plurality of discrete media collection locations which may take the form of tube and hopper sections. The tube selector mechanism includes an intake manifold having a multiplicity of intake ducts. A selector plate is rotationally coupled to the inlet manifold. The selector plate has an opening that is coupled to a vacuum duct which in turn is coupled to the vacuum source. A drive motor rotates the selector plate relative to the intake manifold, while a positioning mechanism controls rotation of the selector plate to selectively couple the selector plate opening to any particular one of the intake ducts. A vent valve is provided for venting the vacuum duct while the selector plate is rotated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.