U.S. patent number 3,762,664 [Application Number 05/225,078] was granted by the patent office on 1973-10-02 for pneumatic tube system swing tube diverter construction.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Diebold, Incorporated. Invention is credited to Donald E. Loveless.
United States Patent |
3,762,664 |
Loveless |
October 2, 1973 |
PNEUMATIC TUBE SYSTEM SWING TUBE DIVERTER CONSTRUCTION
Abstract
A swing tube diverter construction for multiple station
pneumatic tube systems. A pneumatic tube section is mounted at one
end to swing between two positions extending from a tube system
main line. A pair of rollers is mounted on the swinging tube
section adjacent the swinging end thereof. A rotatable drive yoke
connected to a reversible motor has a slot engaged with one of the
rollers. The other roller is engaged in a fixed generally U-shaped
cam track. The cam roller follows the path of the cam track in
cooperation with movement imparted to the swinging tube section by
the other roller engaging the yoke. This selectively connects the
swinging tube section to one or the other of two branch tube system
legs. Thus a carrier may travel in either direction between the
main line and a selected branch leg.
Inventors: |
Loveless; Donald E. (Liverpool,
NY) |
Assignee: |
Diebold, Incorporated (Canton,
OH)
|
Family
ID: |
22843433 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/225,078 |
Filed: |
February 10, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
406/182;
137/874 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G
51/24 (20130101); Y10T 137/87804 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
B65G
51/24 (20060101); B65G 51/00 (20060101); B65g
051/24 () |
Field of
Search: |
;243/29,30,31 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,155,854 |
|
Jun 1969 |
|
GB |
|
1,014,209 |
|
Dec 1965 |
|
GB |
|
Primary Examiner: Blunk; Evon C.
Assistant Examiner: Maffei; Merle F.
Claims
I claim:
1. Swing tube diverter construction for a pneumatic tube system
having a main tube and a pair of branch tubes including, swing tube
means having first and second ends; means operatively connecting
the swing tube means first end to the system main tube providing
limited axial and angular movement of said swing tube means with
respect to said main tube, said connection means being
substantially airtight; first and second pin means mounted on the
swing tube means; means resiliently mounting the second pin means
on the swing tube means for limited axial movement therealong;
drive means for moving the swing tube means between two positions
each aligned with an end of one of the two branch tubes, and for
selectively engaging and disengaging the swing tube means second
end with an end of a selected branch tube; said drive means
including a stationary cam plate spaced from and extending
transversely across the swing tube means and formed with a U-shaped
cam track; said cam track having a pair of spaced leg portions,
each leg portion extending axially towards and aligned with one of
the branch tubes; the first pin means being engaged with the cam
track and movable therealong as the swing tube means moves between
the branch tubes; yoke means spaced from the swing tube means and
having spaced leg means forming a slot therebetween engaged with
the second pin means; reversible motor means for rotating said yoke
means; the motor means having a shaft; and the yoke means being
mounted on said motor means shaft.
2. Swing tube diverter construction for a pneumatic tube system
having main and branch tubes including, swing tube means having
first and second ends; means operatively connecting the swing tube
means first end to the system main tube providing limited axial and
angular movement of said swing tube means with respect to said main
tube, said connection means being substantially airtight; first and
second pin means mounted on the swing tube means; means movably
mounting the second pin means on the swing tube means for limited
axial movement of said second pin means along said swing tube
means; spring means engaging the second pin means biasing said
second pin means towards the swing tube means first end; drive
means for moving the swing tube means between two positions each
aligned with an end of one of two branch tubes, and for selectively
engaging and disengaging the swing tube means second end with an
end of a selected branch tube; said drive means including cam means
formed with a generally U-shaped cam track engaged with the first
pin means; yoke means having spaced leg means forming a slot
therebetween engaged with the second pin means; and reversible
motor means operatively connected to the yoke means for rotating
said yoke means.
3. Diverter construction as defined in claim 2 in which the second
pin means mounting means includes guide means mounted on the swing
tube means; in which block means is slidably mounted on said guide
means; and in which the second pin means is mounted on the block
means.
4. Diverter construction as defined in claim 3 in which the spring
means includes retainer means mounted on the swing tube means; in
which bolt means having first and second ends are movably mounted
on the retainer means; in which said bolt means first end is
connected to said slide block means; in which the spring means also
include a compression spring which surrounds a portion of said bolt
means; and in which said compression spring is retained between the
retainer means and the bolt means second end.
5. Swing tube diverter construction for a pneumatic tube system
having main and branch tubes including, swing tube means having
first and second ends; means operatively connecting the swing tube
means first end to the system main tube providing limited axial and
angular movement of said swing tube means with respect to said main
tube, said connection means being substantially airtight; first and
second pin means mounted on the swing tube means, said pin means
each including a roller; a bracket mounted on the swing tube means;
block means movably mounted on said bracket; the first pin means
roller being journaled on the bracket and the second pin means
roller being journaled on the block means; drive means for moving
the swing tube means between two positions each aligned with an end
of one of two branch tubes, and for selectively engaging and
disengaging the swing tube means second end with an end of a
selected branch tube; said drive means including cam means formed
with a generally U-shaped cam track engaged with the first pin
means; yoke means having spaced leg means forming a slot
therebetween engaged with the second pin means; and reversible
motor means operatively connected to the yoke means for rotating
said yoke means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the INVENTION
The invention relates to pneumatic tube systems and particularly to
diverter constructions for such systems. More particularly the
invention relates to a swing tube diverter construction which may
be placed at various locations in a single tube, multiple station
pneumatic tube system for diverting a moving carrier between either
of two branch legs and a main line, regardless of the direction of
carrier travel. The swing tube diverter may be controlled by limit
switches and by a variety of electrical control mechanisms.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various types of structures and mechanisms are used in pneumatic
tube systems for diverting a moving carrier from a main line into
branch lines at a junction station. Deflector structures are used
at many terminal stations for deflecting the carrier into the
proper terminal. Such deflectors consist of curved lever arms which
project into the tube and deflect the carrier when the carrier
strikes such member while the air pressure continues in the main
line and is unaffected by the deflector.
Other carrier diverters used in pnuematic tube systems are similar
to a deflector structure except that the diverter has the added
feature of diverting the air flow as well as the carrier. The
branch leg not traversed by the carrier moving through the tube
junction is sealed off. The carrier therefore is propelled through
the junction into the branch or main leg by the system air pressure
without substantial impact with the diverting member in changing
the direction of carrier travel.
Such a diverter construction is shown and described in the
copending application of Pieter J. Ekama, Ser. No. 115,181, filed
Feb. 16, 1971, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,701,496, dated Oct. 31,
1972.
Another type of carrier diverter used in pneumatic tube systems
consists of a section of tube connected at one end with the main
line and swingable between the branch lines for engagement
therewith by the opposite swing tube end. Such a swing tube
diverter construction is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,367,603.
The swing tube diverter construction disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
3,367,603 provides a satisfactory device which solves many existing
problems. Such diverter constructions, however, require spring
means for the final movement of the swing tube into a sealed
position and to ensure a seal in the final sealed position.
Likewise, the moving force is applied to the swing tube through a
lever-cam arrangement in which the cam has grooves for sliding
engagement with the lever and swing tube. It is preferable to have
the moving force applied more directly to the swing tube with
reduced sliding engagement between the various components.
Likewise, prior swing tube diverters have involved difficulties in
stopping the movement of the swing tube at the exact location
desired, upon its connection with the selected branch tube.
Override of the swing tube drive motor may improperly force the
swing tube into or against the branch tube and may cause possible
damage to the motor or misalignment of tubes and related components
resulting in repair and maintenance problems. If adjustment is made
for the motor override, a proper seal may not be achieved between
the connected tubes should the amount of motor override vary. The
use of motors having necessary built-in override protection and
controls involves considerable extra expense.
Thus, a need exists for a swing tube diverter construction for use
in a single tube pneumatic tube system which may be maintained
easily, which permits a carrier to travel and be propelled in
either direction through the diverter, which properly seats the
swinging end of the tube sealed with respect to the selected branch
tube without additional spring means, which provides a more direct
coupling between the swing tube driving force and the swing tube,
and which reduces the problem of motor override.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Objectives of the invention include providing a pneumatic system
swing tube diverter construction which can be placed at various
locations in a single tube pneumatic tube system; providing a swing
tube diverter which permits a carrier to travel in both directions
in the main leg and in both directions in the branch legs;
providing a swing tube diverter which can be maintained or serviced
easily; providing a swing tube diverter which can be controlled by
limit switches and by various electrical control mechanisms;
providing a swing tube diverter which has a stationary cam plate,
and which has a direct coupling connected to the swing tube drive
motor which is slidably engaged with the swing tube; providing a
swing tube diverter which tightly seats the swing tube with respect
to the branch leg ends without additional spring components;
providing a swing tube diverter having motor override protection to
prevent damage to the diverter construction, and to eliminate the
need for extreme accuracy in the manufacture and assembly of the
diverter and in the electrical control mechanism; and providing a
swing tube diverter of simple construction which achieves the
stated objects in a simple, effective and inexpensive manner, and
which solves problems and satisfies needs existing in the art.
These and other objectives and advantages may be obtained by the
swing tube diverter construction for a pneumatic tube system having
main and branch tubes, the general nature of which may be stated as
including swing tube means having first and second ends; means
operative connecting the swing tube means first end to the system
main tube providing limited axial and angular movement of said
swing tube means with respect to said main tube, said connection
means being substantially airtight; first and second pin means
mounted on the swing tube means; drive means for moving the swing
tube means between two positions each aligned with an end of one of
two branch tubes, and for selectively engaging and disengaging the
swing tube means second end with an end of a selected branch tube;
said drive means including cam means formed with a generally
U-shaped cam track engaged with the first pin means; yoke means
having spaced leg means forming a slot therebetween engaged with
the second pin means; reversible motor means operatively connected
to the yoke means for rotating said yoke means; the pin means
including roller means, the first pin means being journaled on
spacer means mounted on the tube means; the second pin means being
slidably mounted for limited axial movement along the swing tube
means; spring means biasing the second pin means towards the swing
tube means first end; and switch means engaged by the yoke means
controlling said drive means; said switch means deenergizing said
drive means when the swing tube means engages a selected branch
tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the invention -- illustrative of the best
mode in which Applicant has contemplated applying the principles --
is set forth in the following description and shown in the
drawings, and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set
forth in the appended claims.
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a pneumatic tube system in which
one of the improved swing tube diverters may be used;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the swing tube diverter
taken on the line 2--2, FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a similar view of the other end of the swing tube
diverter taken on the line 3--3, FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary top plan view of the swing tube diverter
with portions broken away;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 5--5, FIG.
4;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 6--6, FIG.
5;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line
7--7, FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line
8--8, FIG. 5;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken on line 9--9, FIG. 7; and
FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 are diagrammatic views showing the swing tube
diverter in various positions of operation between the pneumatic
tube branch legs.
Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the
drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A typical multiple station single-tube pneumatic tube system is
illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 1 and includes a central
station 1 connected with substations 2 and 3 through the improved
swing tube diverter 4. A single main pneumatic tube 5 is connected
to station 1 and communicates at diverter 4 with branch tubes 6 and
7 which are connected to stations 2 and 3, respectively.
Diverter 4 (FIGS. 2-5) includes a housing 8 having side walls 9 and
10, end walls 11 and 12, and top and bottom walls 13 and 14. Top
and botom walls 13 and 14 preferably are assembled to form housing
8 by screws 15 in order that such walls may be removed easily for
maintenance of the diverter components assembled within housing 8.
End wall 11 has two sections 16 and 17. Section 16 is generally
parallel to end wall 12, and section 17 extends inwardly into
housing 8 forming an angle with wall section 16.
Two short branch tube sections 18 and 19 are secured by flange
collars 22 within openings 20 and 21 formed in end wall sections 16
and 17, respectively. Collars 22 are spot welded at 23 to end wall
11 and to tube sections 18 and 19 (FIGS. 2 and 5). A short main
line tube section 24 formed with a bell end 25, is secured within
an opening 26 formed in end wall 12 by a flange collar 27. Collar
27 is spot welded at 28 to end wall 12 and to tube section 24
(FIGS. 3 and 5).
Tube sections 18 and 19, and tube section 24 may be provided with
flanges or the like at their outer ends for connection to branch
tubes 6 and 7, and main line tube 5, respectively. A resilient
collar 18a is mounted on the inner ends of tube sections 18 and 19
within housing 8 to provide quietness of operation and seals.
A length of tube indicated at 29 is mounted for swinging movement
within housing 8. Tube 29 is formed at one end with an outwardly
tapered end section 30 which terminates in a chamfered end 31. The
other end of tube 29 terminates in a bell tube section 32.
Chamfered end 31 is slidably mounted within bell end 25 of tube
section 24 (FIG. 5) enabling tube 29 to move freely, both axially
and angularly with respect to tube section 24.
A flexible sleeve 33 extends between tube 29 and tube section 24
and forms an airtight connection therebetween. Banding straps 34
secure sleeve 33 to tubes 29 and 24, and one or more layers of
leather strips 35 or the like, preferably surround tubes 29 and 24
at straps 34. Strips 35 prevent straps 34 from wearing through
sleeve 33. Sleeve 33 enables tube 29 to move freely with respect to
tube section 24 and prevents tube 29 separating from tube section
24, while providing an airtight seal therebetween.
A pair of spaced guide bars 36 and 37 are mounted within housing 8
by clips 38 and extend between side walls 9 and 10 for supporting
and guiding swing tube 29 (FIG. 6). Bars 36 and 37 each have a
channel member 39 in which a guide strip 40 is inserted to provide
a smooth surface for sliding engagement with tube 29. Guide strips
40 preferably are made of a low friction plastic or are coated with
a low friction material, such as sold under the trademark
"Teflon."
Clips 38 have generally U-shaped flange ends 41, one of which is
inserted into each end of channel 39 for properly positioning bars
36 and 37 above and below tube 29. Clips 38 preferably are bolted
to side walls 9 and 10 by bolts 42.
A pair of slide plates 43 and 44 preferably are welded at 45 to
tube 29 and are located to coincide with guide bars 36 and 37
(FIGS. 5 and 6), respectively. Plates 43 and 44 provide elongated
smooth surfaces which slidably engage guide strips 40 during
movement of tube 29, so that a depression will not be worn in tube
29 by strips 40 after repeated operations of diverter 4.
A channel-like bracket 46 is welded at 47 on tube 29 between slide
plate 44 and bell tube end 32 (FIGS. 5, 7 and 8). A roller 52 is
journaled on the upper end of a spacer hub 54 which extends
upwardly from web 55 of bracket 46. Hub 54 is welded at 56 to
bracket web 55. Roller 52, thus comprises pin means mounted or
journaled on tube 29.
Pairs of ears 48 (FIG. 7) extend horizontally outwardly from both
sides of bracket web 55. Spacer bars 49 extend parallel to the axis
of tube 29 between each pair of ears 48 and are bolted thereto by
bolts 50.
Guide bars 93 are mounted on spacer bars 49 by bolts 50. Each guide
bar 93 has an inner side edge 94 which is spaced from and extends
over web 55. A slide block 95 is formed with grooves 96 which
extend along opposite sides 97 of block 95. Slide block 95 is
slidably mounted on guide bars 93 by engagement of guide bar edges
94 in grooves 96. Guide bars 93 preferably mount slide block 95
above bracket web 55, as shown in FIG. 7, to prevent sliding
friction therebetween.
A roller 51 is journaled on the upper end of a pin 53 which is
fixed to and extends upwardly from slide block 95.
A pair of parallel bolts 98 are engaged in threaded bores 99 formed
in an end 100 of block 95, which end 100 is adjacent roller 52.
Bolts 98 extend through holes 101 formed in a retaining bar 102
which is welded at 103 to bracket web 55. Retaining bar 102 is
located between roller 52 and slide block 95.
Compression springs 104 surround bolts 98 and are retained on bolts
98 by spaced washers 105 and 106 which abut boltheads 107 and
retainer bar 102, respectively. Nuts 108 are threaded on each bolt
98 and are secured against end 100 of block 95 to lock bolts 98 in
position with respect to block 95. Nuts 108 also may serve as stops
for block 95 which is biased toward retaining bar 102 by springs
104.
A pad 109 of leather or resilient material preferably is mounted on
retainer bar 102 between bolts 98 and extends outwardly beyond nuts
108 to absorb any stopping shock between block 95 and bar 102. Pad
109 also provides quiet operation of diverter 4.
Bores 99 extend further into slide block 95 than the ends of bolts
98, as shown in FIG. 9, to permit bolts 98 to be adjusted with
respect to block 95 to vary the compression tension of springs
104.
Roller 51 thus is mounted movably axially with respect to tube 29
for movement away from and toward roller 52 by the sliding
connection between slide block 95 and guide bars 93. Springs 104
bias block 95 and roller 51 toward roller 52. The function and
purpose of slide block 95 and attached roller 51 are discussed
below.
A cam plate 59 is mounted within housing 8 extending between side
walls 9 and 10, and is attached to walls 9 and 10 by bolts 60. Cam
59 is spaced above tube 29 and is formed with a generally U-shaped
cam track slot 61 into which roller 52 extends.
A second housing 62 is mounted on the outside of housing 8 and
houses the drive means for swing tube 29. Housing 62 includes a
motor mounting plate 63 which along with top wall portion 13 forms
the complete top wall for housing 8. Plate 63 is connected by
screws 64 to side walls 9 and 10 and to front end wall 11. The rear
end of plate 63 is flanged at 65 and is bolted at 66 to top wall
flange 67 (FIG. 5).
The top and side walls 68 and 69, respectively, of housing 62 are
formed by a hood-like cover 70 which is connected by screws 71 to
motor plate 63 (FIG. 7). Front and rear end wall panels 72 and 73
are welded to hood cover 70 to form housing 62. A gasket 74 of
neoprene or the like may be cemented to the bottom surface of motor
plate 63.
The drive means for swing tube 29 preferably includes a motor 75
and a gear box 76 mounted on motor plate 63. A shaft 77 is
connected to and extends from gear box 76 through an opening in
plate 63 and gasket 74 into housing 8. An electrical wiring
terminal block 78 or other electrical control components may also
be mounted within housing 62 (FIG. 5).
A yoke 79 is mounted on the extended end of shaft 77 within housing
8 and engages roller 51 (FIG. 7). Yoke 79 includes a hub 80 formed
with an opening 81 in which shaft 77 is engaged and secured therein
by set screws 82. A pair of spaced parallel legs 83 extend
outwardly from hub 80 forming a slot 85 between legs 83. Slot 85
has a width generally equal to the diameter of roller 51 and traps
roller 51 therein.
A third yoke leg 84 extends outwardly from hub 80 in a direction
opposite to that of legs 83. An upturned tip 84a is formed on the
extended end of leg 84 for operating diverter control switches.
A pair of such control micro switches 86 and 87 preferably are
mounted on motor plate 63 within housing 8 for controlling diverter
drive motor 75. Actuating levers 88 and 89 extend outwardly from
switches 86 and 87, respectively, which are engaged by yoke tip 84a
when swing tube 29 reaches a predetermined position to stop motor
75.
The operation of diverter 4 is shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 10,
11 and 12, to switch swing tube 29 between branch tube section 18
and 19 for movement of a carrier through main tube 5 and branch
tubes 6 and 7. Swing tube 29 is shown in FIG. 4 in engaged position
with branch tube section 18 for movement of a carrier in either
direction in main line 5 and branch line 6. Slide block 95 is moved
towards the branch tube section, compressing springs 104, when
swing tube 29 is in the engaged position of FIG. 4.
Switching of diverter 4 for carrier movement between station 1 and
stations 2 and 3 is achieved through various usual control circuits
which energize motor 75. When energized, motor 75 rotates shaft 77
at the desired speed through gear box 76. Shaft 77 rotates yoke 79
in the direction of arrow A, FIG. 10, and as yoke 79 moves, roller
51 engaged in slot 85 moves slide block 95 rearwardly towards
retainer bar 102, expanding springs 104, until block 95 abuts stop
pad 109. Tube 29 then is moved axially rearwardly in the direction
of arrow B from the engaged or seated position shown in FIG. 4 to
the retracted position shown in FIG. 10, due to the continued force
exerted by yoke 79 on roller 51 which now is held fixed with
respect to tube 29.
Tube 29 moves axially rearwardly a distance "X" (FIG. 10) due to
roller 52 following axially aligned leg 90 of cam track slot 61.
Thus, bell tube section 32 of tube 29 is disengaged from tube
section 18 only that distance necessary for bell tube 32 to swing
clear of tube section 18. Chamfered end 31 of tube 29 slides easily
within bell end 25 of tube section 24 the distance "X" while
flexible sleeve 33 continues to connect tubes 29 and 24.
As shaft 77 continues to rotate in the counterclockwise direction
of arrow A (FIG. 11), bell tube 32 and tube 29 swing generally
angularly within housing 8 to the position shown in FIG. 11, where
tube 29 is axially aligned with tube section 19. The path of
movement of tube 29 is controlled by roller 52 following the
generally laterally extending center section 91 of cam track slot
61. Tube end 31 shifts accordingly in bell end 25 of tube section
24 to compensate for the swinging movement of tube 29, enabling
tube 29 to remain connected with the tube section 24.
Roller 51 remains in biased position within yoke slot 85 as tube 29
swings laterally away from tube 18 until tube 29 is axially aligned
with tube 19 (FIG. 11).
Tube 29 then moves axially forwardly (arrow C, FIG. 12) along cam
track leg 92 a distance "Y" towards and with respect to tube
section 19 as shaft 77 continues to rotate yoke 79, slightly
compressing springs 104, until bell tube 32 is firmly seated
against tube section 19 (FIG. 12). Leg tip 84a of yoke 79 contacts
switch actuating lever 89 when bell tube 32 reaches its seated
position with the tube section 19, deenergizing motor 75 and
stopping rotation of shaft 77. Motor 75 remains deenergized until
the diverter controls receive the proper signal for actuating motor
75 in the other direction and for moving swing tube 29 back to
sealed engagement with tube section 18.
The operation of the mechanism to move tube 29 from the position of
FIG. 12 back to the position of FIG. 4 is similar to that described
for movement of tube 29 from the position of FIG. 4 to that of FIG.
12. Motor 75 rotates shaft 77 and yoke 79 in the reverse or
clockwise direction moving roller 52 along cam track slot 61. Tube
29 first moves axially away from tube 19, disengaging bell tube 32
from tube 19, then tube 29 swings from the position of FIG. 11 to
that of FIG. 10, and then tube 29 moves axially toward and engages
bell tube 32 with tube section 18 (FIG. 4). Yoke 79 actuates switch
lever 88 when bell tube 32 seats against tube section 18,
deenergizing motor 75.
Branch tube section 18 and cam track leg 90 are aligned axially
with respect to one another as shown in FIGS. 4 and 10 when tube 29
is seated against tube 18. Tube section 19, likewise is axially
aligned with cam track leg 92, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 when
tube 29 is seated against tube 19. This relation is obtained by the
inclined position of end wall portion 17 and the formation of cam
track leg 92 at an angle with respect to cam track leg 90.
The strips 40 in guide bars 36 and 37 preferably maintain sliding
contact with slide plates 43 and 44 at the various positions of
tube 29, during movement of tube 29 between branch tube sections 18
and 19, as is shown in FIGS. 5, 10, 11 and 12. Lower bar 36
supports the weight of tube 29 and in cooperation with upper bar 37
properly positions tube 29 with respect to tubes 18 and 19. Bar 37
prevents tube 29 from moving away from lower bar 36 from forces
exerted on tube 29 by the propelling air currents or by a carrier
moving through tube 29.
An important concept and aspect of the invention is the
spring-biased, movable mounting of roller 51 in order to provide
motor override protection. Diverter 4 would operate satisfactorily
should roller 51 be mounted stationary with respect to tube 29 as
is roller 52 since it is the force exerted on roller 51 by the legs
83 of yoke 79 which moves bell tube 32 into sealing engagement with
the branch tube sections and not the resilience of springs 104 or
the sliding movement of block 95.
However, it is difficult and expensive to provide a control system
for and to maintain exact alignment between, the various components
of the diverter so that the movement of the tube 29 is stopped at
the exact instant that the tube 29 seats with a selected branch
tube. The motor can coast or override after being deenergized. This
may jamb tube 29 against the selected branch tube and may result in
damage to or misalignment of the tubes or damage to the motor,
control or operating mechanisms.
The construction of the spring-biased, movably mounted slide block
95 and attached roller 51, and the particular formation of cam
plate track slot 61 minimizes such override and alignment problems.
When tube 29 is in carrier transfer position with bell tube 32
properly engaged with a branch tube (FIGS. 4 and 12), roller 52 is
not located at the end of one of the cam legs 90 and 92. Thus, bell
tube 32 may move axially through the clearance space to properly
seat and seal against the branch tube, before the roller 52 engages
an end of one of the leg openings 90 and 92.
If motor override does occur, springs 104 are compressed by the
continual forward movement of slide block 95 and roller 51, and
absorb the override force instead of this force being exerted
directly against and absorbed by the connected branch tube. Roller
52 can continue to travel a short override distance in cam track
slot 61 before contacting cam plate 59. Spring 104, however, will
absorb any override before roller 52 reaches the end of cam track
61 preventing undesirable forces from acting on the diverter
components.
Tube 29 including bell tube 32, and branch tube sections 18 and 19
preferably are made of metal such as aluminum. This metal-to-metal
contact between bell tube 32 and a branch tube provides a
sufficiently airtight seal for satisfactory diverter operation.
Such contact however, does create undesirable noise which is
eliminated easily by mounting resilient collars 18a on the inner
ends of branch tube sections 18 and 19.
Diverter 4 may be placed at any desired location in a pneumatic
tube system and will accept carrier movement in either direction
through any of its legs or branches, since there are no guide
members controlled by or dependent upon movement of the
carrier.
Likewise, the velocity of the carrier after passage through
diverter 4 is not affected, since the same air flow, pressure or
vacuum, acts upon the carrier before and after movement through
diverter 4. Any number of diverters may be used in a single
pneumatic tube system since only those tube sections through which
a carrier is directed to travel between selected stations are
connected and open for carrier movement air flow. Thus, the air
pressure or vacuum required for system operation is not
substantially affected by the number of branch legs and stations
present in a multiple station system.
Accordingly, the improved diverter construction provides for
diverted carrier movement to or from either of two branch legs and
a main leg at a Y-junction section regardless of the direction of
carrier travel in a quiet and effective manner; enables a single
tube pneumatic tube system to have numerous branch lines and
terminal stations without substantially affecting the air flow
requirements for operation of the system; enables a carrier to be
diverted between a branch leg and a main leg at a Y-junction
section smoothly and easily propelled by air flow in a pneumatic
system; enables the diverter to be placed at various locations
within a pneumatic tube system; reduces the problems caused by the
override of the swing tube drive motor and provides for a more
direct coupling with the drive motor; provides for positive seating
of the swing tube with the branch tubes by force applied directly
from the drive motor; provides such a construction which is
effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficient in assembly, operation
and use, and which achieves all the enumerated objectives, and
provides for eliminating difficulties encountered with prior
devices, and solves problems and obtains new results in the
art.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for
brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of
the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is by
way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to
the exact details of the construction shown or described.
Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of
the invention, the manner in which the improved swing tube diverter
is constructed, assembled and operated, the characteristics of the
new construction, and the advantageous, new and useful results
obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements,
arrangements, parts and combinations are set forth in the appended
claims.
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