Patent Publication Number: US-7220082-B1

Title: Pneumatic tube system terminal and method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims benefit to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Provisional Application 60/619,480 filed Oct. 15, 2004. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   This invention generally relates to pneumatic tube transaction systems and more specifically to the construction and operation of a user terminal operated in conjunction with a transaction system. 
   BACKGROUND ART 
   Pneumatic tube transfer systems may be used to carry out transactions. Such systems may be used to conduct transactions between a service provider and customers at remote locations. Such systems may be used in drive-through banking applications as well as in other transaction environments. 
   Pneumatic tube systems provide a fast and convenient way of handling customer transactions. In a typical pneumatic tube system, a customer station is positioned at a distant location from the service provider station in a bank or other institution. A teller or other service provider is positioned at a service provider station located within the bank. A pneumatic carrier is employed and moved through a tube by differential air pressure to send cash, checks, or other items that may be housed in the carrier between the service provider and the customer. The carrier is accessed by the customer at a remote terminal. The carrier is accessed by the service provider at a service provider terminal. 
   Service provider terminals are often arranged so that only a single teller or other service provider at a time may readily access a carrier at a service provider terminal. This can present drawbacks in use of the same terminal by multiple service providers. This can also limit options for configurations of service provider areas and limit efficiency. Service provider terminals may also benefit from improvements in construction and methods of operation. 
   DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
   It is an object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an apparatus through which a customer may conduct a transaction with a remote service provider. 
   It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a user terminal adapted for use by a service provider to send and receive a carrier that is movable responsive to air pressure. 
   It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a user terminal that is by two users. 
   It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a user terminal having ergonomic features that facilitate ease of use. 
   It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a user terminal having a movable tubular member adapted for vertical displacement to provide access to an opening in the user terminal. 
   It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a user terminal having a movable member that allows a user to view a carrier in the user terminal through the member. 
   It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a user terminal having a flexible drive tape member for achieving coordinated movement of the movable member. 
   It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a user terminal having a guide block in a base member in which a flexible drive tape member is slidably engaged. 
   It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a user terminal having a pair of side rails to guide and support the movement of the movable member. 
   It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a user terminal having a rodless cylinder or other moving drive member to guide and support the movement of a movable member. 
   It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a user terminal having telescoping members to allow access to a carrier through an opening in the user terminal. 
   It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a pneumatic transfer apparatus including a user terminal, a transport tube, a blower, a remote terminal, and a carrier. 
   It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a user terminal having members with sealing surfaces to control air passage from the tube ahead of a moving carrier in a pneumatic transport system. 
   It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a method for operation of a user terminal of a pneumatic tube system. 
   Further objects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be made apparent in the following Best Modes For Carrying Out Invention and the appended claims. 
   The foregoing objects are accomplished in an exemplary embodiment by a system in which a pneumatic transfer apparatus operates to transfer a carrier through a transfer tube responsive to differential air pressure between a remote terminal located at a customer station and a user terminal located at a service provider station. 
   The exemplary user terminal includes a body having an opening in fluid communication with the transfer tube. In the exemplary embodiment, the user terminal includes a tubular member that is selectively movable between a closed position in which a lower end of the tubular member is adjacent a base, and an open position in which the lower end is vertically displaced from the base. A drive extending within the base operates to cause the selective movement of the movable member. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, the movable member is operatively connected to a flexible drive tape that is slidably engaged with a first side rail. The flexible drive tape includes apertures or slots therein for engagement with a toothed sprocket that operates responsive to the drive. In one exemplary embodiment, the first side rail has an elongated passageway therein. The flexible drive tape is adapted for slidable supported movement within the elongated passageway of the first side rail. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, the flexible drive tape has a length sufficient to extend alongside the movable member in a first side rail, through an arcuate channel extending in the base member, and into a second side rail disposed from the first side rail. A first portion of the flexible drive tape is operatively connected to the movable member. A second portion of the flexible drive tape moves in the base, and an extension portion includes a free distal end of the flexible drive tape which moves in the second side rail. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, the base of the user terminal includes two manually actuatable control mechanisms situated on opposite sides of the base. The control mechanisms enable two users situated on opposite sides of the terminal to independently operate the user terminal and control the system. The disposed side rails of the exemplary embodiment allow for access to the opening in the user terminal by users positioned on opposite sides. For example, the exemplary user terminal may be easily operated and accessed by two users arranged in side-by-side relationship at a service provider station with the user terminal situated between them. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, the base includes inclined faces with the control mechanisms accessible thereon to facilitate user operation. The exemplary embodiment of the user terminal also includes a resilient arrival pad and has ergonomic properties that facilitate pneumatic carrier placement and removal. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, a carrier is moved from a tube into an opening in the body of the user terminal via pneumatic pressure forces acting on the carrier. A user operates a control mechanism to cause the drive sprocket located in the base to rotate about its axis. Successive radially-extending teeth of the drive sprocket engage successive apertures in a flexible drive tape and move the tape member. The flexible drive tape is operatively connected to the movable member and is guided and supported in a side rail. The drive sprocket rotates in a first direction to vertically dispose the lower end of the movable member away from the base. As the movable member is vertically displaced, at least a portion of a stationary upper member telescopes into the interior of the movable member. When the movable member is disposed away from the base and moves to an open position, the carrier is accessible to the user through the opening created by the upward movement of the moveable member. The carrier can then be removed from its position in supporting connection with the base. The service provider may then remove items from and/or add items to the carrier for purposes of carrying out a transaction. 
   In order to send the carrier from the user terminal to a remote terminal, a user positions the carrier within the opening in the user terminal. The carrier engages the stationary upper member such that a fluid seal is formed between the carrier and an annular seal thereon and an inner wall of the upper member. The carrier is then pneumatically transported to the remote terminal through a tube by differential air pressure produced via operation of at least one blower. 
   Before the carrier is again moved from the customer terminal to the user terminal the system operates responsive to user input to at least one control mechanism to cause the drive to rotate the drive sprocket in the opposite direction to that when the movable member is being opened. The drive tape member moves in response to the drive sprocket and thereby causes the lower end of the movable member to be vertically moved toward the base. A resilient arrival pad on the base and a sealing surface on the movable member cooperate to form a generally airtight seal between the stationary member, movable member and the base. The carrier is then moved to adjacent the user terminal through operation of at least one blower. The carrier falls into the interior of the user terminal with its descent being slowed by the generally airtight seal creating a generally cushioning column of air below the carrier. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a user terminal with a movable member, in a closed position. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the user terminal shown in  FIG. 1 , with the movable member in the open position. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the user terminal shown in  FIG. 1  taken along line  3 - 3 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the user terminal shown in  FIG. 1  taken along line  4 - 4 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a guide block for use in an exemplary user terminal. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the guide block shown in  FIG. 5  additionally showing an operative arrangement of a drive tape member and a drive sprocket. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a movable member in operative engagement with the drive tape member shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of the movable member showing a guide tape. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing first and second side rails. 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the first and second side rails taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 11  is a front view of a pneumatic transport system illustrating the exemplary user terminal. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an exemplary carrier. 
       FIG. 13  is a partial top view of a service provider station showing an exemplary embodiment of the user terminal. 
       FIG. 14  is a front view, partially in cross-section, of an alternate embodiment of a user terminal. 
   

   BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION 
   With reference to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an exemplary service provider user terminal  10  that is adapted to send and receive a carrier that is movable in response to air pressure through a transport tube as will be discussed in further detail below. 
   User terminal  10  includes a body  12  having an opening  14  therein through which a carrier may be sent and received. User terminal  10  includes a movable member  16  and a stationary upper member  18 . In an exemplary embodiment both the movable member and stationary member are generally cylindrical. In other embodiments other configurations may be used. 
   In one exemplary embodiment, body  12  has in fixed supporting connection therewith first and second side rails  20 ,  22  extending vertically in disposed relation from a base  24 . A cap member  28  is positioned adjacent first and second side rails  20 ,  22  at a position vertically disposed from base member  24 . 
   Movable member  16  is operative to selectively move in a vertical direction toward and away from base member  24 . The closed position of movable member  16  is defined as when movable member  16  is in its lowermost position, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The open position of movable member  16  is defined as when movable member  16  is in its uppermost position, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In the exemplary embodiment, the opening  14  in body  12 , and any carrier  29  (shown in phantom) held therein, is not accessible by a user when the movable member  16  is in the closed position. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, base  24  includes a manually actuatable control mechanism  34  operable to control movement of movable member  16  between the closed and open positions. Control mechanism  34  is further operable to cause a carrier  29  to be sent from or received at user terminal  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, user terminal  10  includes two control mechanisms  34 ,  34 ′ situated in recessed areas on opposing sides of base  24 . 
   Base  24  of the exemplary embodiment is dimensioned for ergonomic ease of use by one or two adjacent users. For example, a face  35  of the base member  24  is inclined and angled upward so that the control mechanism  34  may be easily manually accessed. An opposite face  35 ′ is similarly inclined so that an additional control mechanism  34 ′ may be easily accessed and operated. 
   With particular reference to  FIG. 2 , exemplary base  24  further includes a resilient member or arrival pad  36  operable to partially cushion the landing of a carrier as it traverses through the opening  14  of body  12 . In an exemplary embodiment, the arrival pad includes a raised area to provide a resilient force absorbing portion that protects the carrier and its contents from excessive impact force upon arrival at the user terminal. Arrival pad  36  is further operable to cooperate with a sealing surface  37  on a lower end of movable member  16  to create a generally airtight seal when the movable member  16  is in the closed position. The seal helps to provide a generally controlled release of air from the terminal ahead of a carrier at the user terminal. This controlled air release cushions and limits the speed of a carrier as it arrives in the user terminal. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in this exemplary embodiment, movable member  16  is movable relative to side rails  20 ,  22 . Upper member  18  (not shown in this view) and movable member  16  are dimensioned so that in the exemplary embodiment at least a portion of upper member  18  telescopes with and moves in overlapping relation with the movable member  16  as movable member  16  moves from the closed position to the open position. In the exemplary embodiment, movable member  16  and at least the telescoping portion of upper member  18  are circular in cross-section, although other configurations may be used in other embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment, at least one movable member  16  is formed of transparent or translucent material in order to allow a user to view a carrier that is positioned within the user terminal  10  when movable member  16  is in the closed position. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in an exemplary embodiment, cap member  28  includes bracket  38  for holding upper member  18  and first and second side rails  20 ,  22  in operative alignment. 
   As best shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , base  24  includes a guide block  40  having an arcuate or U-shaped channel  42  therein. Channel  42  includes an open expanded region  50  including a drive slot  52 . 
   In this exemplary embodiment, base  24  has extending therein a rotatable drive sprocket  44 , in operative connection with a drive. The exemplary drive comprises a reversible electric motor or other suitable device for selectively rotating the drive sprocket. As best seen in  FIG. 6 , drive sprocket  44  includes a plurality of radially-extending projections or teeth  46 . Drive sprocket  44  is situated in base  24  so that as it rotates about its axis successive teeth  46  enter expanded region  50  of channel  42 . Drive slot  52  provides sufficient clearance for teeth  46  as drive sprocket  44  rotates. In the exemplary embodiment, drive sprocket  44  is operative to rotate responsive to one or more manual user inputs to control mechanisms  34 ,  34 ′. Control mechanisms  34  and  34 ′ may include switches or other controls which are in operative connection with suitable control circuitry  53  to cause selective rotation of the sprocket. The control circuitry may include in some embodiments suitable processor based circuitry and in other embodiments may include relay logic. Various approaches may be used. 
   The exemplary flexible drive tape member  54  comprises an elongated body  55  having a plurality of engageable apertures which are alternatively referred to herein as slots  56  therein. Slots  56  are dimensioned to receive teeth  46  of drive sprocket  44 . Drive tape member  54  is operably associated with drive sprocket  44  so that as drive sprocket  44  is rotated, successive teeth  46  are engaged in successive slots  56  to cause movement of drive tape member  54  and controlled movement of moveable member  16 , as will be explained in further detail below. 
   With reference to  FIG. 7 , in the exemplary embodiment drive tape member  54  is in operative connection with movable member  16 . Drive tape member  54  includes a first portion  60 , a second portion  64 , and an extension portion  66 . First portion  60  includes that portion of drive tape member  54  extending along the length of moveable member  16 . Second portion  64  includes that portion of drive tape member  54  that moves into and out of guide block  40  responsive to movement of the drive mechanism and drive sprocket  44 . Extension portion  66  includes a free distal end  70  of drive tape member  54 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 8 , in the exemplary embodiment, a guide tape member portion  72  is operably connected to movable member  16  at a position opposed to the position of drive tape member  54 . Guide tape member portion  72  may be similar in construction to drive tape member  54 . However, the guide tape member portion operates to guide movement of movable member  16 , not drive its movement. In an exemplary embodiment, guide tape member portion  72  is slidably operatively connected in supporting connection with second side rail  22 . 
   With particular reference to  FIGS. 3 and 7 , in the exemplary embodiment, drive tape member  54  is operatively attached to movable member  16  via one or more fasteners  76 . In an exemplary embodiment, two sets of oppositely situated fasteners  76  are utilized. In the exemplary embodiment, a mounting member  80  is mounted adjacent the movable member  16  and is generally situated between movable member  16  and a first portion  60  of flexible drive tape member  54 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 9 , in the exemplary embodiment, first and second side rails  20 ,  22  are substantially identical in construction, although other configurations may be used. In the exemplary embodiment, the side rails have the cross-sectional configurations as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The first side rail includes an elongated passageway  82  having a widened portion  84  dimensioned to receive drive tape member  54  in slidable supporting engagement therein. In the exemplary embodiment, the passageway  82  includes a narrowed slot portion  86  opening though an inward-facing wall  90  of first side rail  20 . First side rail  20  further includes an elongated passage  92  therein which may be adapted to house wiring and/or other components (not shown). Second side rail  20  may include a similar elongated passage  92 ′. Narrowed slot portion  86  of side rail  20  is adapted to accommodate movement of fasteners  76  therein as drive tape member  54  slides relative to side rail  20 . In the exemplary embodiment the side rails are each of unitary construction, and are formed through an extrusion process. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, second side rail  22  includes an elongated passageway  82 ′ dimensioned to receive guide tape member  72  in slidable engagement therein. Second side rail  22  further includes an elongated channel  94  therein which is dimensioned to receive extension portion  66  including distal end  70  of drive tape member  54  in slidable supporting engagement therein. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  9 , and  10 , when first side rail  20  is situated in operative engagement with base  24 , passageway  82  is in operative aligned communication with channel  42 . Drive tape member  54  is thus movable within first side rail  20  and within channel  42 . When second side rail  22  is situated in engagement with base member  24 , elongated channel  94  is in operative aligned relation with channel  42 . Thus, drive tape member  54  is further movable within elongated channel  94 . Drive tape member  54  extends in length beyond the lower end of movable member  16  and into channel  42  for operative engagement with drive sprocket  44 . The distal end  70  of the drive tape member  54  is free to move within elongated channel  94 . Guide tape member  54  is operably slidably engaged in passageway  82 ′. 
   With reference to  FIG. 11 , in an exemplary embodiment, user terminal  10  is operable as part of a transaction system, shown generally at  100 . The transaction system  100  includes a service provider station, shown generally at  102 , and a customer station, shown generally at  104 . In an exemplary embodiment, the service provider station is positioned within a transaction facility such as a bank, casino, pharmacy or store. Transaction system  100  is of an exemplary configuration. Other configurations of transaction systems and components thereof are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,672,808; 6,146,057; 5,735,644; and 5,299,891 and application Ser. No. 08/889,033 filed Jul. 7, 1997 the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
   Exemplary user terminal  10  is operatively connected to remote terminal  106  by a pneumatic tube transfer conduit  108 . The pneumatic tube transfer conduit  108  includes a first generally vertically extending leg portion  110  which is adjacent to and in communication with the user terminal  10 . The second generally vertically extending leg portion  112  is adjacent to and in communication with the remote terminal  104 . A transversely extending portion  116  extends generally horizontally between the first and second leg portions  110 ,  112 . The transverse portion  116  is connected to the vertically extending leg portions through radiused bends in the conduit which are radiused to enable the passage of a pneumatic carrier therethrough between user terminal  10  and remote terminal  106 . Remote terminal  106  may be similar in construction to those customer terminals of the incorporated disclosures. In some embodiments the customer terminal may be similar to the user terminal disclosed herein. Remote terminal  106  is operable to allow a customer to access a carrier and exchange items with a service provided at the user terminal. 
   In an exemplary embodiment a first blower  120  is fluidly connected to transfer conduit  108  (which is alternatively referred to herein as a transport tube) generally in the area above the remote terminal  106 . Blower  120  may be selectively operated responsive to suitable electrical control circuitry in operative connection with the control mechanisms on one or both terminals to draw negative pressure in the transfer conduit in the area generally above the remote terminal. Blower  120  further includes suitable valving so that when the blower  120  is not operated, air is generally prevented from entering the transfer conduit  108  through the blower  120 . A blower  122  similar to blower  120  is connected to the transfer conduit in the area generally above user terminal  10 . Blower  122  may be selectively operated responsive to suitable control circuitry in operative connection with the control mechanisms on one or both terminals to selectively produce negative pressure in the transfer conduit above the user terminal  10 . Like blower  120 , when blower  122  is not operating, air is generally prevented from entering the transfer conduit through the blower. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, a carrier  29  of the type shown in  FIG. 12  or alternatively of types shown in the incorporated disclosures is enabled to be selectively moved between user terminal  10  and remote terminal  106  by the application of differential pressure produced in the transfer conduit tube by blowers  120 ,  122 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , an exemplary carrier  29  includes a housing  130 . The housing includes a first end member  134  and a second end member  136 . The first end member  134  includes an annular resilient seal ring  140  supported thereon. Likewise, second end member  136  has an annular resilient seal ring  142  supported thereon. The seal rings provide slidable and generally fluid tight engagement between the carrier housing and an interior wall of the stationary upper member  18  and the pneumatic tube as schematically indicated  144  in  FIG. 12 . The angular seal rings enable the carrier to be moved in the tube through the application of a pressure differential on opposite sides of the carrier. 
   With reference to  FIG. 13 , in the exemplary embodiment, service provider station  102  enables two users to access and operate user terminal  10 . Base member  24  includes dual control mechanisms  34 ,  34 ′. The construction of user terminal  10  permits access to the interior of user terminal  10  from two directions as indicated by arrows  150 ,  152 . 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the user terminal  10  is readily accessible by two users who are positioned on opposed sides of the terminal. The body is situated so that each of the opposite faces of the base member and their associated control mechanisms is directed respectively to one of two users. 
   With the movable member in a closed position, the exemplary user terminal  10  is operable to receive a carrier  29  therein via the pneumatic terminal. When a carrier is in the terminal, as can be observed through the clear movable member  16 , a first user may operate the control mechanism  34  to cause the drive sprocket  44  to rotate and thereby move the drive tape member  54 . Successive slots  56  in the drive tape member are engaged by the radially-extending teeth  46  to slidably move the drive tape member through the generally 180 degree turn of guide block  40  and in the elongated passageway  82  of the first side rail  20 . The first portion  60  of drive tape member is operably secured to movable member  16 . Movement of the drive tape member in the first side rail causes coordinated movement of movable member  16 . The lower end of the movable member is thus vertically displaced away from the base member  24  as the movable member moves from the closed position to the open position in response to the drive moving drive sprocket  44 . As the movable member is vertically displaced, at least a portion of the stationary upper member  18  telescopes into the movable member  16 . With the movable member in the open position so as to provide a user accessible opening, the carrier in the exemplary embodiment can be removed from between the side rails of the terminal. The contents of the carrier can then be removed, content inserted, data output therefrom or other action taken by the service provider as appropriate for the particular transaction. 
   When the user is ready to send the carrier  29  or a different carrier to a user at the other terminal, the carrier is placed by a user on the arrival pad  36 , between the side rails. In this position the annular resilient seal ring on the upper portion of the carrier engages the inner wall of the stationary member in slidable but generally fluid tight relation. The control mechanism  34  is actuated, which causes operation of a blower by control circuitry and causes the carrier to be moved away from the terminal, through the tube to the opposite terminal via air pressure. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, when the carrier is to be returned to the user terminal  10  from the opposite terminal, a control mechanism is activated either at the user terminal or the opposite terminal. Drive sprocket  44  then rotates responsive to activation of the control mechanism to move the drive tape member  54  in an opposite direction. The drive tape member slides in the first side rail and in the guide block to vertically move the lower end movable member toward the base member  24 , closing the opening at the user terminal. When the lower end of the movable member reaches the closed position the arrival pad cooperates with the movable member to form a generally airtight seal. As the movable member moves into the closed position, an extension portion  66  of the drive tape member slidably moves within elongated channel  94  of second side rail  22 . A blower is then operated by the control circuitry to cause the carrier to move in the tube to the area in the tube above the terminal  10 . The carrier then descends into the terminal cushioned by the controlled release of air from the terminal. Once the carrier has arrived in the user terminal the control mechanism can be activated to move the movable member to the open position provide a user with access to the carrier. 
   A second user may access and operate the exemplary user terminal  10  in similar fashion using the oppositely located control mechanism. This enables another user to conduct transactions with a user at the terminal. This makes it easier for service providers to service customers and speeds transactions. 
     FIG. 14  shows an alternate exemplary embodiment of a user terminal  10 ′. In this alternative embodiment the movable member  16 ′ is movable through operation of a different form of linear movement mechanism. As illustrated, an exemplary linear movement mechanism includes a rodless cylinder  160  comprising an elongated cylinder body  162 , a piston  164  reciprocally moveable within the cylinder body and a carriage  168  coupled to piston  164 . Movable member  16 ′ is secured to carriage  168  and is movable therewith in response to movement of piston  164 . In this alternative exemplary embodiment a suitable source of compressed air or other working fluid is provided for selectively moving the piston of the cylinder. Control mechanisms and/or control circuitry on the base are in operative connection with suitable valves for selectively applying fluid pressure and moving the piston, and consequently the movable member, selectively between the open and closed positions. 
   In this exemplary embodiment the linear movement mechanism provides a single support structure extending adjacent the movable member. This enables users positioned on opposed sides of the terminal to view and access the terminal for purposes of receiving and sending a carrier. As in the case of the prior described exemplary embodiment, suitable multiple control mechanisms may be provided on the base of the unit or elsewhere to facilitate control of the terminal and the transport of carriers responsive to manual inputs. 
   In alternative exemplary embodiments, other types of drive members may be used for relatively moving the movable member and stationary member. Such moving devices may include for example, feed screws, rack and pinion gear arrangements and other types of drives and configurations. 
   Thus the exemplary apparatus and system achieve one or more of the above stated objectives, eliminate the difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices and systems, solve problems and attain one or more of the desirable results described herein. 
   In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions and illustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is not limited to the details shown and described. 
   In the following claims, any feature described as a means of or performing a function shall be construed as encompassing any means known to those skilled in the art to be capable of performing the recited function, and shall not be deemed limited to the particular features shown herein or mere equivalents thereof. 
   Having described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated and the advantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.