Abstract

Provided herein is a system and method for alleviating gridlock in a pneumatic tube system. In various instances where inter-zone transactions conflict, one of the transactions is removed from a conflicting set and temporarily delivered to an alternate location in the system. This allows other blocked transactions to proceed. Once the gridlock condition is alleviated, the temporarily delivered carrier is retrieved and rerouted to its intended destination.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65G 53/00 - Conveying materials in bulk through troughs, pipes or tubes by floating the materials or by flow of gas, liquid or foam

Abstract

Provided herein is a system and method for providing inter-zone connections between first and second portions of a pneumatic tube system. The systems and methods (i.e., utilities) permit creating a direct pneumatic path between the first zone and the second zone. In this regard, air pressure or vacuum from a first zone may be utilized to effectuate transfer of a carrier through a portion or all of the second zone and/or to provide operating pressure or vacuum to the second zone.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65G 51/24 - Switches

Abstract

A system and method provides for the recovery of carriers stranded within a pneumatic carrier system. Initially, unresolved transaction records generated during the transit of carrier within the system are identified for carrier recovery purposes. System handling information is identified from the transaction record. Based on this information, the system determines a putative location of each a carrier associated with a transaction record. The system operates a segment of the pneumatic system including the putative carrier location to confirm the presence or absence of a stranded carrier. If a carrier is identified within that segment of the system, the carrier is deemed recovered. The carrier is then delivered to the destination location in the transaction record.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for processing data by operating upon the order or content of the data handled
• B65G 51/36 - Other devices for indicating or controlling movements of carriers, e.g. for supervising individual tube sections, for counting carriers, for reporting jams or other operating difficulties
• B65G 51/26 - Stations