Dry decelerator for apples or like objects

A method of decelerating objects emanating from a delivery tube into an area of non-ambient reduced or enhanced pressure comprising the steps of:

• engaging the emanating object within the area of reduced or enhanced pressure;
• sealing the object in a substantially pressure-tight environment;
• delivering the sealed object to an area of ambient pressure;
• and
• unsealing the object in the area of ambient pressure.

A method for decelerating fruit or other objects delivered from a pneumatic delivery tube, comprising the steps of:

• providing an object decelerator in pneumatic connection with a pneumatic object delivery tube;
• delivering an object from the tube to the decelerator;
• engaging the delivered object with a substantially airtight fit by a decelerator mechanism within the decelerator;
• transferring the engaged object from a region of non-ambient reduced or enhanced air pressure to an area of ambient air pressure while the object is so engaged;
• and
• releasing the decelerated object from the decelerator mechanism into the region of ambient air pressure.

A decelerator system for decelerating objects traveling through a pneumatic tube, the tube having an air pressure therein other than an ambient pressure, the decelerator system comprising:

• a housing having a hollow interior;
• at least one sealing member dividing the housing interior into a first region communicating with the pneumatic tube and having therein an air pressure other than an ambient pressure, and a second region in the housing interior having therein an ambient air pressure;
• and
• at least one endless transport means extending from the first region to the second region and adapted to receive the objects in the first region, at least partially seal the objects in an airtight grip, transport the objects into the second region, and there discharge the objects in the second region.