GB999621A - Improvements in or relating to conveyor systems - Google Patents

Abstract

999,621. Pneumatic despatch systems. UNITED KINGDOM ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY. April 13, 1962 [May 11, 1961], No. 17326/61. Heading B8A. In a pneumatic dispatch system an article container 2, Fig. 1, is automatically inserted or removed from the carrier 3 at the sending and receiving stations. In the example in which radio-active samples (not shown) are transmitted in a graphite container 2, the carrier 3 has resilientlyurged fingers 4 at each end which operate to retain the container 2 within the carrier 3 during despatch through the tube 30. At each combined sending and receiving station at the ends of the dispatch tube 30, Fig. 2, the carrier 3 strikes a spring-loaded buffer 25 having a projecting tubular extension 7 which forces the fingers 4 outwards to release the container 2 which continues its motion through a short flexible pneumatic tube 33 leading to the final receiving point. Permanent magnets 41 on the buffer 25 to engage a keeper 19 on the leading edge of the carrier 3 to retain it in position. On return of the container 2 along the tube 33 it enters the carrier 3 and engages the fingers 4 at the opposite end. Differential pressure then causes the carrier 3 to travel along the tube 30 to the next receiving station.