Improvements in Apparatus for Use in Shops, Offices, and the like for Conveying Cash, Small Parcels, or "Carriers" to and from a Cashier's Desk or Central Station.
Year: 1888

page_text: [Communicated from abroad by GEORGE BRADFORD KELLY, of Boston, Organ
Dunder, and WILLIAM AUGUSTUS WEBBER, Of Medford, Music Arranger, both in
Massachusetts, United States of America.]
Dunder, and WILLIAM AUGUSTUS WEBBER, of Medford, Music Arranger, both in
Massachusetts, United States of America.]
Improvements in Apparatus for Use in Shops, Offices, and the like
for Conveying Cash, Small Parcels, or "Carriers" to and from
a Cashier's Desk or Central Station.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex do hereby declare the nature of
this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to improvements in cash carrier apparatus, in which pneu-
matic tubes are used for the transmission of cash carriers or other articles there-
through, and more particularly to improvements on the invention described in the
application for Letters Patent dated January 24th 1888 No. 1099.
The said invention consists, in combination with a pneumatic tube, suitably arranged
and adapted for the transmission of a carrier or other article therethrough, by means
of an air exhaust or pressure apparatus, in suitable connection therewith, said tube
having an opening at any desired point or place in the side of the tube for the
delivery thereat, of a carrier or other article and a valve arranged to move
back and forth within said tube, to open and close the said opening and operated by
the exhaustion or pressure of air as the carrier or other article makes connection
therewith for the valve to move away from and open said opening and the carrier or
other article opposite thereto for its delivery thereat, of an abutment, stop or shoulder
suitably supported in position for the carrier as it arrives opposite the delivery
opening in the tube to abut or strike against and be forced or pushed or moved off the
valve seat for its delivery at the said opening, all substantially as hereinafter fully
described; and the invention also consists in combination with a pneumatic tube,
suitably arranged and adapted for the transmission of a carrier or other article there-
through by means of an air exhaust or pressure apparatus, in suitable connection
DQ71

page_text: therewith, the said tube having an opening at any desired point or place in the side
of the tube for the delivery thereat of a carrier or other article and a valve arranged
to move back and forth within the said tube, to open and close the said opening and
operated by the exhaustion or pressure of air as the carrier or other article makes
connection therewith for the valve to move away from and open the said opening and
the carrier, or other article, opposite thereto for its delivery thereat, of mechanism
operated by the valve as it is moved away from the said opening, to act upon the
carrier when it arrives opposite the said opening to move or force or push it out of the
said tube at such opening all substantially as hereinafter fulley described.
In the drawings is illustrated in Figure 1, a pneumatic tube between and connecting
two stations for the transmission therethrough from one station to the other and vice
versa, of a carrier or other article, arranged for operation by means of an air exhaust
apparatus.
Figure 2 is a detail front view at one of the stations.
Figures 3 and 4, detail longitudinal central sectional views from front to rear of
the standard of the pneumatic tube at one of the delivery openings at one of the
stations, Figure 3, showing the valve closed and Figure 4, as opened and the carrier
as forced or pushed out at said opening.
Figure 5, a cross section on line 5-5 Figure 3.
Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, are enlarged.
In the drawings A, represents a pneumatic tube for the transmission of a carrier or
other article therethrough, and to be connected at its end B to any suitable air
exhaust apparatus which it is not necessary to show.
The tube extends therefrom to a standard C, secured to the table D, at the
station E thenco down through the table and below the floor F, to and up through
the floor and a table G, to a standard H, having a return bend J secured to the
table G, at the other station K, and then returns from said standard down through
the table G, and floor to the table D, at station E, where it terminates in a
vertical position having its end L, open and preferably flaring, all substantially as
shown in Figure 1, in side elevation.
The standard C, is hollow and is adapted to receive the pneumatic tube A, at
each end, and the standard H, is also hollow, and is of an inverted U-shape,
receiving the tube A, at each of its ends, a, the tubes and standards making
practically one continuous pneumatic tube from its end B, to its end L; the
standards enable the pneumatic tube and the valve to be better adapted and arranged
for operation at the stations.
The tube A has two receiving openings for the reception of a carrier or other
article to be transmitted through the tube, one M being the open end L at station E,
and the other P, in the standard H, at the station K, and two outlet or delivery
openings Q, R, respectively in the standards C, H respectively at stations E, and K.
Each of the outlets or delivery openings Q, R, has a valve N, and the description
of the construction, arrangement and operation of one will answer for both, one being
a duplicate of the other, and such opening and the construction and arrangement of
its valve is shown in Figures 3 and 4.
The receiving opening P, is made in the front side of one of the arms of the
standard H, and the delivery openings Q. R, are made respectively in the front side
of the standard C, and other arm of the standard H, in any suitable manner, and each
opening is of a length and width for the carrier or other article to be easily inserted
or removed from the tube at such opening.
The valve or gate N, is made in the present instance of a short piece of tube open
from end to end and the internal diameter of its standard is large enough for it to
freely slide back and forth or up and down therein, and yet maintain a close fit within
the standard, to substantially prevent air from passing between the two, and it is of
a length when opposite its opening, in the standard to extend each way a short
distance above and below the opening to practically close the opening to the escape of
air therefrom or entrance thereto, as shown in Figure 3, and when in such position it
rests upon the upper end b, of the tube A, within the standard, and is limited in its

page_text: upward movement by a rim or flange d of the standard above the opening, the valve
being open from end to end in the operation of the air exhausting apparatus, the air
can freely pass through it and exhaust air from the whole length of the tube.
Its lower end is shaped to form a seat S, which is of a construction to receive the
end of the carrier T, in the present instance circular in cross section as shown in
Figure 3, to close the same to the passage through the valve.
The operation so far as has been described is as follows:-—
The air exhausting apparatus having been put in operation by its connection with
the pneumatic tube, at its end B, acts to draw or suck air from and through the
tube, A, from the end L, in the direction of the arrows, shown in Figure 1, and in
Figures 3 and 4.
The carrier T, is then, for instance placed in the flaring opening M, at the end L,
of the pneumatic tube at the station E, its pointed end downward, when it will pass
along the pneumatic tube from the pressure of air behind it, in consequence of its
exhaustion in front of it by the action of the air exhaust apparatus, until it arrives at
the outlet or opening R, at the other station K, where it makes by its end f, a close
union with the seat S, of the valve N, as shown in Figure 3, the valvo then moving
with it, because of the closing of the lower end of the valve by the carrier to the
passage of air therethrough, along the standard until the valve is stopped by its
abutment against the flange or shoulder d, the valve then being away from the
opening R, and the carrier opposite thereto, as shown in Figure 4, in dotted lines, the
opening being free and clear for the carrier to be then removed from the tubo at
such opening by hand, or as hereinafter described, or in any suitable manner.
The invention thus far described is the same as that described and shown in the said
former application to which reference is had for a more full and complete description
and illustration thereof, and its construction and oporation is such that when the carrior
arrives at the delivery opening and the valve opened, the continued operation of the
air exhaust apparatus tends by its suction to hold the carrier to its seat on the valve
and thus prevents its discharge of itself at the delivery oponing, requiring it to be
removod by hand or in some manner, and the object of the present invention is to act
upon the carrier at such time, so that as soon as it arrives at the delivery opening it
will be automatically released from the valve seat and forced or moved out at the
opening on to the table or in to any suitable receptacle, and this is accomplished as
will now be described
-
In Figures 3 and 4 g is a central longitudinal rod or bar rigidly secured by one end
to a cross bar h, of the flange or rim d, within the tube, and projecting downward
therefrom for its free end m, to be in position, when the valve is nearly opened and
the carrior has arrived at or is opposite the opening R, for the carrier by its forward
end f, to abut or strike against it, and as the valve moves upward the rest of its
allowed movement, be stopped from farther upward movement and be detached or
released from the valve seat S, as shown in Figure 4 in dotted lines so that air can
pass between it and the valve seat, and through the valve, relieving substantially tho
air pressure upon the carrier.
W, is a lever pivoted at n, between two upright projections r, on the back of the
pneumatic tube A, and opposite to and in line with a longitudinal slot Y.
The short arm t, of the lever W, is in position when at rest, for the pin u of tho
valve which projects through the slot Y in the last part of its opening movement to
abut and strike against it on its under side, moving it up, which causes the lever to
swing upon its pivot n and its other or longer arm v, to move through the slot Y, into
the standard, as shown in Figure 4 and if the carrier is then opposite the opening, to
strike against the side of the carrier, and cause it to move and fall out of the tube at
the opening as shown in Figure 4.
Thus by the abutting rod or arm g in position for operation to release the carrier as
described and by the lever W operated by the valve as it is moved upward into its
open position, the carrier when it arrives at the delivery opening is automatically
released from the valve and removed from the tube.
As soon as the carrier is removed from the tube at the opening R it leaves the

page_text: seat-end, of the valve open and free for air to pass through the valve, which wil
then fall by its gravity to its position in front of the opening R resting on the end 6,
of the tube as shown in Figure 3, and close the delivery opening to air entering or
leaving to interfere with the proper operation of the exhaust apparatus on the
pneumatic tube, and the lever then returns by the gravity of its longer arm to its
normal position shown in Figure 3 ready for operation again on a carrier when the
valve is raised and opened as described.
Although the valve is more particularly described as operated by suction or air
exhausting apparatus when closed to the passage of air through it by the junction
therewith of the carrier, the operation of the lever is not limited to such operation
as it is the same no matter by what means the carrier is propelled and the valve
opened, which can be operated by any suitable air pressure apparatus, it is most
satisfactory in its results however when operated by an air exhaust apparatus.
To return the carrier from the station K to the station E it is inserted at tho
opening P in to the pneumatic tube at the station K which opening is controlled
by a valve V, of tubular form within the standard substantially like the valve N,
open from end to end to allow air to pass through it, not having or needing the
seat S, but having a knob or handle w projecting outwardly through the opening P
by which to open and close the same by hand although with the pneumatic tube
vertical, as shown it could close by its gravity, the knob w by its abutment against
the upper end a', of the opening P and the valve by its lower end against the
end 6 of tube A, in the standard limit the opening and closing movement of the valve.
Raising the valve V, at the opening P and inserting the carrier through the
opening into the standard H, its point f, downward and closing the valve, the
carrier will then from the operation of the air exhaust apparatus be drawn along
the portion of the pneumatic tube until it arrives at the delivery opening or
outlet where it makes contact and union with the valve N at such opening as
shown in Figure 3 and then with the valve it is moved along until the valve is
stopped and uncovers the opening Q as shown in Figure 4 when the carrier is
released from the valve seat and removed from the pneumatic tube as before described
at the outlet R.
The stop or abutment can be used without the lever, or it can be dispensed with,
and the lever used alone to release the carrier from the valve and move or force it
out of the tube, but it is preferable to use both especially if the exhaustion of the
air is very effective, also the stop or abutment can be arranged in any suitable manner
than as herein particularly described and shown; also the lever can be arranged to
return to its normal position if desired by a spring or other means in lieu of its gravity,
but as described is preferable.
The pneumatic tube as shown in Figure 1, is arranged to pass downward and through
and under the floor, but if desirable it can extend upwards and pass along in the
upper part of the room, and in such case, the movements of the valve would be
in the reverse direction, the valve seat being on its upper end and the standards
constructed and arranged to suit such change of movements, the abutment or stop as
well as the lever would be changed that is the rod, g, would be fastened at the bottom its
upper end would be the free end and the two arms of the lever would be reversed;
it is preferable however to arrange the pneumatic tube substantially as described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondents I declaro that what I claim is:
--
First In combination with, a pneumatic tube for the transmission therethrough
of a carrier, or other article provided with an opening or outlet for the delivery
thereat of the carrier or other article, and a valve arranged to move back and
forth to open and close said opening and adapted to receive the carrier or other
article, of a stop or abutment secured to a suitable support in position for the carrier
to strike or abut against the same, and force it from its seat on the valve as the valve is
opened or moved from over said opening.

page_text: Second-In combination with a pneumatic tube for the transmission therethrough
of a carrier or other article, provided with an opening or outlet for the delivery
thereat of the carrier, or other article and a valve arranged to move back and
forth, to open and close said opening and adapted to receive the carrier or other
article, of a central longitudinal rod or arm 9 secured within the tube and projecting
therefrom in position for the carrier to strike or abut against the same and
force it from its seat on the valve as the same moves from and opens said
opening.
Third-In combination with a pneumatic tube for the transmission therethrough
of a carrier or other article provided with an opening or outlet for the delivery thereat
of the carrier or other article and a valve arranged to move back and forth to open
and close the said opening, of means arranged upon a suitable support and
located in position to be operated by the valve as it is opened or moved from
over the opening in the tube to strike or abut against the carrier for the purpose
specified.
Fourth-In combination with a pneumatic tube for the transmission therethrough
of a carrier or other article, provided with an opening or outlet for the delivery
thereat of the carrier or other article and a valve arranged to move back and
forth to open and close said opening, of a lever pivoted to a suitable support in
position to be acted upon by the valve as it is opened or moved from over the
opening in the tube for the purpose specified.
Fifth In combination with a pneumatic tube for the transmission therethrough
of a carrier or other article provided with an opening or outlet for the delivery
thereat of the carrier, or other article, a longitudinal slot and a valve arranged to
move back and forth to open and close the said opening, of a lever pivoted to
said tube in position to be acted upon by the valve as it is opened or moved
from over the opening in the tube and arranged to extend through said slot to
strike or abut against the carrier or other article for the purpose specified.
Sixth-In combination with a pneumatic tube for the transmission therethrough
of a carrier or other article, provided with an opening or outlet for the delivery
thereat of the carrier or other article and a valve arranged to move back and forth
to open and close the said opening and adapted to receive the carrier or other
article, of a stop or abutment secured to a suitable support in position for the
carrier to strike or abut against the same, and force it from its seat on the valve
as the valve is opened or moved from over said opening and a lever pivoted
to a suitable support in position to be acted upon by the valve as it is opened or
moved from over the said opening to strike or abut against the carrier for the
purpose specified.
This 20th day of Mach 1000