Patent ID: 6817812
Filing Date: 2004-11-16
Classification: B65G,F16L

Abstract:
A method of joining pneumatic tube portions with a clamp apparatus for use in pneumatically transporting a carrier therein between user stations,wherein the pneumatic tubing includes a first pneumatic tube portion having a first flange and a second pneumatic tube portion having a second flange, wherein the first flange has a first circumference and the second flange has a second circumference, wherein the first flange has a first longitudinal axis and the second flange has a second longitudinal axis, wherein the clamp apparatus includes a circumferential band portion and at least one retainer portion and an adjusting device in operative connection with the band portion, wherein each retainer portion includes in cross section a pair of spaced walls at least one of which includes a tapered portion, the method comprising: (a) positioning the clamp apparatus adjacent the first flange and the second flange, wherein at least a portion of the first flange and at least a portion of the second flange are disposed between the spaced walls; (b) tightening the adjusting device, wherein the tapered portion longitudinally guides the first flange and the second flange toward abutting relationship, and wherein the at least one retainer portion guides the first flange and the second flange toward circumferential alignment, and subsequent to step (b) moving a carrier through the joined first and second tube portions responsive to pneumatic pressure.