# US 11,999,577 B2 · Methods and systems for managing airflow in conduits and pneumatic tubes > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,999,577 B2 - Document ID: US11999577B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/951,917 - Filed: 2020-11-18 - Published: 2021-05-20 - Granted: 2024-06-04 - Earliest claimed: 2019-11-18 - Applicants: George Archambault; Greg Arbour; Mike Boyd - Inventors: George Archambault; Greg Arbour; Mike Boyd - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11999577B2 ## CPC - B65G 53/66: Use of indicator or control devices, e.g. for controlling gas pressure, for controlling proportions of material and gas, for indicating or preventing jamming of material {(controlling the flow of coal firing systems C21B5/003)} - B65G 53/52: Adaptations of pipes or tubes - B65G: TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS (packaging B65B; handling thin or filamentary materials, e.g. paper sheets or thread, B65H; cranes B66C; portable mobile or lifting or hauling appliances, e.g. hoists, B66D; devices for lifting or lowering goods for loading or unloading purposes, e.g. fork-lift trucks, B66F9/00; emptying bottles, jars, casks, barrels or similar containers, not otherwise provided for, B67C9/00; delivering or transferring liquids B67D; filling or discharging vessels for liquefied, solidified or compressed gases F17C; pipe-line systems for fluids F17D) ## 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. ## Claims ### Claim 1 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. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first airflow sensor and the second airflow sensor comprises a pressure sensor. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the first pneumatic tube and the second pneumatic tube are connected in series. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the second pneumatic tube is provided downstream of the first pneumatic tube. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the valve is provided in a supplemental air source provided in fluid communication with the second pneumatic tube. ### Claim 6 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. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, wherein the system comprises a primary air mover and a secondary air source. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7, wherein the secondary air source is in fluid communication with the second pneumatic tube. ### Claim 9 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, wherein the valve comprises a damper in communication with the second pneumatic tube. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The method of claim 9, wherein the damper comprises a motor operable to receive signals from the controller. ### Claim 11 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, wherein second pneumatic tube is provided in series with and downstream of the first pneumatic tube. ### Claim 12 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. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The transport system of claim 12, wherein the at least one of a valve and damper is provided within the third pipe. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The transport system of claim 12, wherein the at least one of a valve and damper comprises a damper with a motor and an actuator. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The transport system of claim 14, wherein the actuator is in electronic communication with an airflow sensor provided in the system. ### Claim 16 (depends on 14) The transport system of claim 14, wherein a first airflow sensor is provided in the first transport pipe and a second airflow sensor is provided in the second transport pipe. ### Claim 17 (depends on 12) The transport system of claim 12, wherein the system comprises at least one of a trash and linen transport system. ### Claim 18 (depends on 12) The transport system of claim 12, further comprising an air velocity sensor in the second transport pipe.