Systems and methods for pneumatic tube smart carrier tracking
OwnerCarl P. Lathaninventor
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Abstract
Systems and methods for tracking carriers and other critical path items are provided. The systems and methods comprise structure and functionality to allow for the real-time tracking of pneumatic tube smart carriers and other devices including the use of an IoT capable device, a computer, and an IoT access point. The present disclosure also provides monitoring and analytics capabilities to allow for complex information to be tracked. Such information includes, but is not limited to carrier velocity, air flow, and latch status of the carrier's door.
Claims13
A system for tracking a pneumatic tube carrier, the system comprising:
- a pneumatic tube carrier operable to house contents and be transmitted through a pneumatic transfer system;
- wherein the pneumatic tube carrier comprises an on-board wireless communication device;
- a central processing unit configured to receive data, the data comprising a first segment and a second segment;
- a database for storing data and wherein the data comprises the second segment;
- a wireless access point, wherein the wireless access point is provided in wireless communication with the pneumatic tube carrier and the central processing unit, wherein the first segment is transmitted from the on-board wireless communication device of the pneumatic tube carrier to the central processing unit via the wireless access point;
- wherein the central processing unit receives, via the wireless access point, the second segment from the database and appends the second segment to the first segment;
- and
- wherein the central processing unit transmits the second segment and the first segment to the pneumatic tube carrier via the wireless access point.
A system for tracking a pneumatic tube carrier, the system comprising:
- a pneumatic tube carrier operable to house contents and be transmitted through a pneumatic transfer system;
- wherein the pneumatic tube carrier comprises an on-board wireless communication device;
- a central processing unit configured to receive data, the data comprising a first segment and configured to receive a second segment;
- a database for storing data and wherein the data comprises the second segment;
- a wireless access point, wherein the wireless access point is provided in communication with the pneumatic tube carrier and the central processing unit, wherein the first segment is transmitted from the on-board wireless communication device of the pneumatic tube carrier to the central processing unit via the wireless access point;
- and
- wherein the central processing unit receives, via the wireless access point, the second segment from the database and appends the second segment to the first segment;
- and
- wherein the central processing unit transmits the second segment and the first segment to the pneumatic tube carrier via the wireless access point.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.