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US 11,999,577 B2Granted
Methods and systems for managing airflow in conduits and pneumatic tubes
OwnerGeorge Archambault, Greg Arbour +1inventors
InventorsGeorge Archambault, Greg Arbour, Mike Boyd
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and system for managing airflow across pipe or tube connections are provided. In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided that are well suited for use in pneumatic tube delivery systems having connections between tubes of different diameter. Airflow sources and management devices are provided to accommodate pressure changes and energy changes associated with pipe or tube expansions and contractions.
Claims18
A pneumatic tube delivery system comprising:
- a primary air mover for providing air to the system and conveying materials through the system;
- a first pneumatic tube having a first diameter;
- a second pneumatic tube having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter;
- wherein the first pneumatic tube comprises a first airflow sensor and the second pneumatic tube comprises a second airflow sensor, wherein the first airflow sensor and the second airflow sensor are in communication with a controller;
- wherein the controller is in communication with and operable to control a valve to regulate airflow;
- and
- wherein the valve comprises a damper with an actuator and the controller is in communication with the actuator.
4 more elements
A method of operating a pneumatic tube delivery system, the method comprising:
- providing a first pneumatic tube having a first diameter;
- providing a second pneumatic tube having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter;
- providing a first airflow sensor in communication with the first pneumatic tube and a second airflow sensor in communication with the second pneumatic tube, wherein the first airflow sensor and the second airflow sensor are in communication with a controller;
- wherein the controller is in communication with and operable to control a valve to regulate airflow;
- comparing a value from the first airflow sensor with a value from the second airflow sensor;
- and
- based on the comparing step, selectively increasing or decreasing airflow to the second pneumatic tube.
4 more elements
A transport system comprising:
- a primary air mover for providing air to the system and conveying materials through the system;
- a first transport pipe having a first diameter;
- a second transport pipe having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter;
- wherein the first transport pipe and the second transport pipe are connected in series and the second transport pipe is downstream of the first transport pipe;
- and
- a third pipe provided in communication with the second transport pipe, wherein the third pipe comprises a source of supplemental air;
- at least one of a valve and a damper provided in communication with at least one of the second transport pipe and the third pipe, wherein the at least one of a valve and a damper is operable to control airflow to the second transport pipe,
- wherein the at least one of a valve and damper comprises a weighted damper that is operable to be forced open in response to a predetermined pressure difference.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.