Variable diameter pneumatic tube brake
US8382401B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 26, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G51/20
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A braking device and method is provided that is operative to selectively slow and/or stop a pneumatic carrier within a pneumatic carrier system. Generally, the device includes a pneumatic tube that is sized to permit the passage of pneumatic carriers. The pneumatic tube includes at least one braking element that may be disposed into the bore of the pneumatic tube to at least partially impede the passage of a pneumatic carrier through the bore. In one embodiment, the braking element is formed as a variable diameter section of the pneumatic tube that may be selectively constricted to change the diameter of the bore of the pneumatic tube. Such constriction may slow and/or stop the passage of a pneumatic carrier through the bore of the pneumatic tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.