Multi-port pneumatic switch
US6074136A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 27, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 27, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G51/24
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A multi-port pneumatic switch having a drive system including a motor and a gear reduction box that rotates a rotatable plate which carries a rotateable conduit having an offset end and a non-offset end with the offset end postionable into precise flow alignment with any of a plurality of outlet conduits through the coaction of a photoelectric alignment system that detects a light beam reflection from a reflector on the rotatable plate to immediately shut the power to the drive system and thereby stop further forward rotation of the rotatable plate. With the cessation of power to the drive system a pivotal arm swings into engagement with a radial stop on the rotatable plate to lock the rotatable plate from further forward rotation while the drive system which is powered through a gear reduction drive functions as brake to prevent back rotation of the rotatable plate once the power is shut off to the motor. The coaction of the stops and the drive system brake maintain the rotateable conduit in precise flow alignment with one of the outlet conduits while a set of annular inflatable seals can be inflated to permit one to seal and secure the ends of the rotateable conduit in the flow c…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.