Patent ID: 6322295
Filing Date: 2001-11-27
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
An apparatus which pneumatically transports an object comprising:a) a main duct having an input opening for introducing said object, and an output opening;b) a fan duct for drawing air out of said main duct communicating with said main duct through a fan duct outlet upstream from said output opening;c) a fan communicating with said main duct through said fan duct outlet for drawing air out of said main duct upstream from said output opening;d) first valve means for selectively opening and closing said output opening;e) second valve means for selectively opening and closing said communication between said fan duct and said main duct;f) sensing means upstream of said fan duct outlet for sensing when said object passes a predetermined location in said main duct upstream of said fan duct outlet, said sensing means providing a signal to a control means for closing said second valve means when said object reaches said predetermined location in said main duct upstream of said fan duct outlet;g) said control means for opening said second valve means, and closing said first valve means upon receipt of a signal that an object has been placed in said input, and subsequently closing said second valve means upon receipt of said signal that said object has reached said predetermined location in said main duct upstream of said fan duct outlet the closure of said first and second valve means decelerating said object.