US1871997A - Pneumatic dispatch system - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 16, 1932. c. 5. JENNINGS PNEUMATIC DISPATCH SYSTEM Filed Feb. 7. 1931 7 Sheets-Sheet l W Z f 1. w 1 6 a W3 1w UN 2 1 11 #9101 4V k k m 1 1m 1 w .H.-. L 1 W 11 1 V a a. 1 Z W \L L, 1 1 1 1 a 1 1 ,1 11.1 1 11$ 1 1 1 W 2 1 1 1 1T5 5 11 10 W 2 m Qy 1 11 Aug. 16, 1932. Q JENNINGS PNEUMATIC DISPATCH SYSTEM Filed Feb. '7, 1931 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 c. 5. JENNINGS 1,871,997

PNEUMATIC DI SPATCH SYSTEM Aug. 16, 1932.

7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 7. 1931 Aug. 16, 1932.

c. 5. JENNINGS 1,871,997

PNEUMATIC DISPATCH SYSTEM 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 7, 1931 fizaeizzar 16, 1932- c. 5 JENNINGS 1,871,997

PNEUMATIC DISPATCH SYSTEM Filed Feb. 7, 1931 7 Sheets-"Sheet 5 Je /M67230? Aug. 16, 1932. c. 5. JENNINGS 1,371,997

I PNEUMATIC DISPATCH SYSTEM Filed Feb. '7, 1931 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Aug. 16, 1932. k c. 5. JENNINGS 1,871,997

PNEUMATIC DISPATCH SYSTEM java razor Liwsler .5; Lie? 5" Patented Aug. 16, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT ,QFFHCE onns'rna s. JENNINGS, or SYRACUSE, NEW YonK, ASSIGNOR TO THE LAMsoN ooivIrANY,

or SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, A C RPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS PNEUMATIC I DISPATCH SYSTEM Application filed. February 7,1931. Serial No. 514,092.

This invention relates to an improvement in a pneumatic despatch system andmore particularly in a system of the type disclosed in the patent to Waterhouse 992,305, dated May 16, 1911, which comprises a central station and a plurality of out-stations, a main transit line, branch transit lines at certain outstations, switches associated with such outstations whereby carriers despatched from the central station may be deflected to the outstations, a return transit line through which carriers may be despatchecl from the outstations to the central station, a device at the central station for determining thedestination of the carriers by controlling the movement of such switches into the deflecting positions, and means at the outstations which are actuated by the carriers for restoring the switches to their normal non-deflecting positions.

The primary object of this invention is to provide in such a system, means, at the central station, actuated by the introduction of a carrier into the despatch terminal, for permitting the opening of the switch associated.

with the outstation to which the carrier is to be sent, so that the carrier will be diverted thereto by the operation of the device at the central station, and means at the outstations actuated by the carrier upon its arrival thereat for closing the opened switch.

Further'objects of this invention areto provide mechanism set into operation by'the introduction of the carrier and the actuation of the control device at the central station for causing a carrier transmitting air flow to be set up in the main and return transit lines, either by setting into operation air flow creating mechanism then at rest, or by connecting the lines with a reservoir or constant source of air flow; to provide mechanism set into operation by the introduction of the carrier and the actuation of the device at' the central station by which the switch at the selected outstation is opened just prior to the arrival of the carrier as set forth in one embodiment instead of having the switch opened upon the despatch of the carrier from the central station as set forth' in the other embodiments; and to provlde other new and novel features embodied in this invention as will be apparent from aconsideration of the following specification taken in connection with the drawings which form a part thereof and in which:

7 Figs. 1 and 'l' takenas a unit illustrate one embodiment of this invention; Figs.- 2 and 2 similarly illustrate another embodiment of this invention;

Fi s. 3'and 3" similarly illustrate a thir embodiment of this invention; and

Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate in section on a larger scale the switch mechanism employed in the embodiments shown in Figs. 1. and 1 2 and 2 The pneumatic .despatch systems set forth in the drawings will now be described with reference to the features common to the various embodiments thereof. From a central station A carriers may be desp atched to a plurality of outstations B, C and D. While only threesuch stations are shown, it will be understood that these were selected merely for the purpose of illustration and that a greater or lesser number of stations may be included 7 a in the system, as required.

The despatch terminal 10 of the central station A is directly connected by a main-line 11 with'a receiving terminal 12 at station D. Leading from the main line 11 is a branch line 15 terminating in a receiving terminal 16 of station B and a branch line 17 terminating in a receiving terminal 18 ofstat'ionfG. A return line 20 is provided through which carriers maybe sent to a receiving terminal 21 at station" A from the inlet terminals at the vvarious outstations, which terminals are, designated bythe reference numerals 22,23 and 24 respectively. Theflines 11 and 20 together form a continuous circuit inithe usual manner through the terminal 12 at station D and air presure is set up therein from a blower or other means 25 through a pipe 26 connected. to the return line 20 at the central station.

' At the juncture of each of the branch lines 15 and 17 with the main line 11 are provided switch mechanisms, E and F respectively. These switch mechanisms will be described in detail hereinbelow,.but it will be understood that each includes a switch arm or deflector to the delivery terminal 12 of station 1)..

When, however, it is desired that the carrier be sent to station B or station C, the switch mechanism associate d with th at station is actuated and the carriertraveling over the main line is deflected by such mechanism to the branch line and thence to the receiving terminalot the destined outstation.

At the central station is mounted a panel 30 havingcircuit closing devices, as for ex ample buttons 31 and 32, by which the switch mechanisms E and F respectively are operated through means which, as will be described below, difier in the various embodiments. Current is supplied to one side of each device from the main line through a circuit maker 33 at the terminal 10 and leads 34, 35. The circuit maker 33 is normally inoperative but is shifted into operative position by the contact oft-he carrier head with a pivoted arm 36 when the carrier is placed in the despatching position upon a latch 37. When the carrier is placed in the despatching position and the button, which operates the switch at the selected station, is depressed, the carrier will be started on its journey. Upon the arrival of the carrier at the receiving terminal to which it was destined the switch mechanism is restored by the carrier itself to inoperative position, so that the line'll is now in its normal condition and other carriers may be despatched and travel to their destinations.

The various embodiments differ in the structure of the switch mechanism, in the manner of controlling the operation of such mechanism, in the manner of controlling the carrier transmitting flowof air through the system, and in other respects as will appear from the following descriptions thereof.

Embodiment shown in Figs. 1, 1, 4 and 5. y In this embodiment there is air flow through the lines 11, only when a carrier is in transit and the depression of either of the buttons 31, 32 not only actuates a switch mechanism but also sets the blower in operation. The panel of this embodiment also carries, in addition to the buttons 31 and 32, a button 40 which, like the other buttons, is connected to the supply line through the circuit maker 33 and leads 34, 35. The button 40 is depressed, when a carrier is to be despatched to station D to set the blower 25 in operation. At each inlet terminal 22, 23

and 24 is provided a circuit maker which is tripped by the opening of the terminal door 46 to start the blower 25.

The switch mechanism E of this embodiment, shown in Fig. 4, comprises a housing 50 having a tubular portion 51 which surrounds the main line 11 and an arcuate portion 52 in which is provided a passage which I forms the branch line 15. Parts of the wall of the transit tube of the main line 11 are cut away to form an opening 53 through which carriers pass into the branch line 15 and a second opening 54. Pivotally mounted on a pin 55 is switch arm 56 which when the system is in normal condition occupies the position shown in Fig. 4, being held in such position by a latch 57. The arm 56 is connected, above the pivot pin 55, by a link 58 with the arm 59 of a lever 60, the arm 61 of which projects at its tip into the passage and is connected by a link 62 to a pivotally mounted plate 63 carried by a pin 64 and normally upright, as shown in Fig. 4. A weight 65 secured to the link 62 acts to move the parts out of the position just described, but is prevented from such action by the latch 57. A solenoid 66 mounted in the casing 50, when energized by means to be described later, retracts the latch 57 so that the weight 65 may swing the tip of. the arm 61 into the branch line, theiarm 56, through the openings 53, 54

across the line 11 and the plate 63 away from the line 11.

The carrier approaching this switch mechani'sin contacts with and is deflected by the arm 56 into the branch line and travels through that line until it reaches and opens the yieldably mounted clapper 68, which normally closes the lower end of the line 15 from which it falls into the terminal 16. The carrier on its travel through the line strikes the tip of the arm 61 and forces the parts of the switch to return to their normal position in which they are held by the latch 57 until another carrier is to be despatched to that station. A circuit maker 69 (see Fig. 1), the function of which will be described later, is tripped by the arm 56 as it is swung into the line 11 and released when the arm is returned to its normal position. a

The switch mechanism F at station C of this embodiment (see Fig. 5) operates in substantially the same manner as the switch mechanism E but is somewhat different in construction. This mechanism comprises a housing 70 having a tubular portion 71 which surrounds the tube of the line 11 and an outwardly projecting portion 72 which includes a carrier passage forming the branch line 17 closed at its lower end by a spring actuated clapper valve 74 of any well known construction. Pivotally mounted on a pin 75 in the housing 7 O is a switch arm 7 6 normally held by a latch 77 in the inoperative position shown in Fig. 5. The arm 76 is provided with a shoulder 78 against which rests the free end of an arm 80 ot a lever 81, the other arm 82 of which projects into the branch line 17.

openings 83, 84 to permit the swingingof the arm 76 which will be described later.

A solenoid 85 is so positioned with respect to the latch 77 that when it is-energized it retracts the latch from the normal position in which it is held by a spring 86, releasing the switch arm 76 which, by reason of the weight of its projecting shoulder 78, is swung into the path of travel of carriers through the openings 83, 84 in the line 11. This movement of thearm 76 actuates the lever 81 and causes the tip of the arm 82 thereof to project into the passage 73., The carrier advancing through the line 11 will be deflected by the arm 76 into the branch. line 17 and as it travels through the line strikes the arm 82 of the lever 81 and forces the switch arm 76 back to its normal position in which it is held by the latch 77 until another carrier is idespatched to that station. The carrier opens the clapper valve 74 and falls into the terminal 18. Tripped by the switch arm 76as it swings into the line 11 is a circuit maker 87 (Fig. 1) which has a function to be described later and which is released when the arm 76 resumes its normal position.

The operation of this embodiment of the invention will now be described, reference being had to the diagram shown upon Figs. 1 and 1*, illustrating one type of wiring that might be employed to give the desired result. For convenience in tracing circuits it will be assumed that the current flows from the supply line M to the supply line Y.

When a carrier is to be despatched from the central station A to the outstation B and has been properly located in the terminal 10, the button 31 is depressed, whereupon the current is caused to energize the solenoid 66 at station B, raising the latch 57 and allowing the arm 56 under the action of the weight to swing across the main line 11. The solenoid circuit thus completed is briefly from the main supply line M through lead 34, circuit maker 33, lead .35, button 31, lead 92, solenoid 66 and lead 93 to the supply line N. When the arm 56 is swung into-the operative position, the circuit maker 69 is tripped to close a circuit from the supply line M through lead 95, magnet 96 of a relay 97, lead 98, circuit maker 69, leads 99, 100, and 93 to 1 the supply line 1 The magnet 96 of the relay 97 thus energized, closes the switch 101 of that relay and holds it closed until the circuit maker is released so that a circuit is completed through a control 102 for the motor, as for example a starter, whereby the motor for the blower 25 is actuated. This circuit is from the supply line M through the leads 90, 91, 103, motor starter 102, leads 104, 105, 106, switch 101, and leads 100, 93 to the supply line N. It will be understood that the circuit for the solenoid 66 is maintained only so long as the button 31 is depressed and the circuit maker 33 tripped, and that as soon as the buttonis released or the carrier has departed from the terminal 10, the solenoid is de-energized and the latch 57 returned to its normal functioning position. The completion of the starter circuit just described also lights bulbs 110. and 111 at the central and outstation to advise. the operators that a carrier is intransit.

When the carrier transported by the air flow set up in the system by the blower 25 When a carrier is to be despatched to station C, the button 32 is depressed after the carrier has been properly placed in the terminal 10 and the solenoid 85 at that station G energized by a circuit from the supply line M, through lead 34, circuit maker 33', lead 35, button 32, lead 122, solenoid 85, lead 123, to the supply line N. The solenoid 85 thereuponretracts the latch 77 and permits the switch arm 76 to swing into the deflecting position tripping the circuit maker 87. A circuit is thereby completed through the magnet 125 of a relay 126, which circuit comprises lead 127 from the supply lineM, magnet 125, lead 128, circuit maker 87, leads 129, 130, and 123 and thence to supply line N. This circuit remains closed until the circuit maker is released, energizing the magnet 125 to close the switch 131 of the relay 126, which completes a circuit through the motor starter 102 from the supply line M through leads 90, 113,'bulb 110, leads 112, 105, 10 4, starter 102, leads 103, 118, bulb 116, leads 117, 132, switch 131, and leads 130, 123 to supply line N. The station bulbs will be lighted as previously described. The carrier upon its arrival at station C trips the arm 82 restoring the switch arm 76 to its normal position in which it is held by the latch 77, the solenoid 85 having been de-energized when the button 32 is released. The switch arm 76, as it returns, releases the circuit maker which thereupon breaks the above described circuits of which it was an element and the system resumes its normal condition.

When a carrier is to be despatched to station D the depression of the button 40 after the carrier has been properly placed in the despatch terminal 10 merely acts to energize the magnet 143 of the relay 144, whereby the switch 150 is closed. The magnet energizing circuit completed by the button 40 is from the supply line M through lead 34, circuit'maker-33, lead 35, button 40, lead 142,

magnet 143, lead 145, circuit breaker 146, lead 147 to the supply line N. The button is, of course, depressed only momentarily and the departing carrier releases the circuit maker but the closure of the switch 150 completes a holding circuit from the supply line M through leads 127, 152, switch 150, jump er 153, magnet 143, lead 145, circuit breaker 146, lead 147 to the supply line N. The closure of the switch 150 completes a circuit through the motor starter so that a current of air is set up in the system by the blower'25. The circuit thus completed is from the supply line 7M through leads 90, 113, bulb 110, leads 112, 105, 104, starter 102, leads 103, 141, bulb 151, lead 152, switch 150, jumper 153, magnet 143, lead 145, circuit breaker 146, lead 147 to the supply line N. v hen the carrier arrives at the receiving terminal 12 at station 1) it has, during its travel, tripped the circuit breaker 146, thus breaking the holding and starter circuits above described so that the parts resume their normal condition.

The carriers may be sent to the receiving terminal 21 of the central station A from any of the outstations through the return line 20. Each of the outstations has an inlet.

closed by a door 46 under normal conditions. The opening of the door to permit the insertion of a carrier into the line trips a circuit maker and through circuits to be traced below energizes a solenoid161 at the central station. This solenoid when energized advances'a plate 165 into electrical contact wit bars at the ends of leads 166 and 167 respectively. When the plate'165 is raised a flow of current is sent up from the supply line M through leads 91, 118 or 141, lead 103, starter 102, leads 104, 166, plate 165, and lead 167 to the supply line N. The solenoid 161 is one element of a time control T, and although it is energized only momentarily upon the opening of a door 46, the plate 165 remains in contact with the bars long enough to permit the carrier to travel through the line 20 from the terminal-of the furthest outstation D to the receiving terminal 21.

' 5 hen the door 46 of the despatch terminal 22 at station B is opened and the circuit maker 45 is tripped a solenoid energizing circuit is set up from the supply line M through leads 90, 91, 160, solenoid 161, leads 162, 163, circuit maker 45, leads 164, 93 to the supply line N. Vfhen the carrier is to be sent from the despatch terminal 23 at station C the opening of the door 46 closes a solenoid energizing circuit from the supply line M, through leads 120, 118, 121, 170, solenoid 161, leads 162, 171, 172, circuit maker 45, leads 173, 123, to the supply line N. The solenoid energizing circuit set up by the opening of the door 46 of the despatch terminal 24 at station D is from the supply line M through leads 140, 141, 180, solenoid 161, leads 162,

171, 181, circuit maker 45 to the supply line N. It will be noted that the bulbs at the various stations are all lighted whenever a carrier is introduced into the return line 20.

If a carrier is placed in the line 20 while another carrier is in transit the solenoid 161 will be re-energized and the plate 165 returned to its advanced position so that the second carrier will reach terminal 21'bef0re the blower stops. Embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 2. This embodiment difiers in certain respects rom that described. The switch mechanisms E and F are of a more simple type, each including a switch arm 200 pivotally supported upon a pin 201 and normally held by a spring 202 in the inoperative position. A solenoid 203 is provided which, when energized, swings the arm 200 into the operativeposition, so that a carrier upon arrival at that stae tion is deflected into the receiving terminal thereof. In this embodiment the blower25 is at all times in operation and a quantity'of air under suction or minus pressure is stored within an air reservoir 210. In the air tube 26 is provided a power control'mechanism 211 preferably of the timer type as is shown, for example, in the Fordyce Patent No. 1,11 1,- 890, dated September 9, 1914. Illustrated on Fig. 2 is substantially the mechanism shown in Fig. 5 of that patent which comprises briefly a valve 212 closed when thesystem is at rest, and opened to permit the flow of air through the system by energizing a magnet 213 which opens a passage 214 admitting air under atmospheric pressure to compartment 215 at one side of diaphragm 216. The panel 30 of this embodiment is equipped not only with buttons 31 and 32 which control the switch mechanisms E and F, but also with a button 220 which controls the despatching of carriers to station D. A reset button 221, by which the current can be cut oil in case the wrong button has been de pressed, is also shown on the panel 30 and is of-great convenience, since otherwise the carrier must'continu'e to its destined outstation and then be returned to the central station. At the various stations areprovided bulbs 225, 226, 227; and 228 respectively which, when lighted, advise the operators thatthe system is in use. In the branch lines 15 and 17 and the vpassage leading to the terminal 12 are mountedc'ircuit breakers 230, 231 and 232 respectively which are tripped-by the carriers upon their arrival to break the various circuits and restor'ethe system to its normal condition. The operation 01" the embodlment shown in these figures will now bedescribed" with reference particularly to the diagram applied thereto illustrating one form of wiring that might be employed. As in the previous description, it will be assumed in tracing the various circuits thatthe current flows from the supply line M to the supply lineN.

When a carrier is to be despatched from the central station A to the outstation B, it is circuit maker and the depression of this button completes a circuit through a relay 248 at station A and a relay 251 at station B, as well as through circuit breakers 230, 231 and 232 at the stations B, C and D. The circuit so completed is from the supply line M through leads 240, 241, reset button 221, leads 242, 243, 34, circuit maker 33, lead 35, button 31, leads 245, 246, magnet 247 of the relay 248, lead 249, magnet 250 of the relay 251, lead 252, circuit breaker 230, leads 253, 254, circuit breaker 231, leads 255, 256, circuit breaker 232, and lead 257 to the supply line N. The magnet 247 of the relay 248 when energized bythe circuit just described closes the switch 260, and in order to permit the release of the button 31 a holding circuit through the magnet is provided from lead 243 by lead 261, switch 260 and lead 262. The closure of the switch 260 also completes a circuit by which the magnet 213 of the power control mechanism 211 is energized, opening the valve 212 to permit the flow of air through the system. This circuit may be briefly described as follows: Beginning at the lead 243, through lead 265, switch 260 leads 266, 267, 268, 269, magnet 213, lead 27 O to the supply line N, It will be understood that these circuits will remain closed as long as the magnet 247 of the relay 248 is energized. The bulb 225 at station A is lighted by an extension of the 1ead'266 and the lead 271 to the supply line N.

The relay 251 at station B includes a switch 272 which is held closed by the magnet 250 so long as the magnet is energized. The closure of this switch completes the following circuit through the solenoid 203; from the supply line M through leads 273 274, solenoid 203, lead 27 5, switch 272, lead 276 to the supply line N. The bulb 226 at station B is lighted when the switch is closed, being in a parallel circuit from the lead 273 to the switch comprising leads 277, 278, bulb 226 and lead 279. The switch arm 200 at the switch mechanism E is thrown by the solenoid 203 into the deflecting position and held in such position as long as the solenoid is energized. \Vhen the carrier being sent to station B arrives thereat it trips the circuit breaker 230, opening the main circuit through the magnets 247 and 250 of the relays 248 and 251 respectively, thus permitting the switches 260 and 272 to open and breaking the other circuits previously described. The solenoid 203 is thereupon Clo-energized and the switch arm 200, under the influence of the spring position.

VVhen a carrier is tobe despatchedfrom the terminal 10 to station 0 the carrier is introduced into the despatch terminal and the 202, will return .to its normal inoperative button 32 is depressed by which a relay 284 at station A and a relay 287 at station C are energized in substantially the same manner, as was described in connection with relays 248 and 251 respectively. The circuit thus set up will be-briefly traced as follows from the supply line M through leads 240, 241, reset button 221, leads 242, 243, 34, circuit maker 33, lead 35, button 32, leads 281, 282, magnet 283, lead 285, magnet 286, lead 254, circuit breaker 231,'leads 255, 256, circuit breaker 323, lead 257 tothe supply line N. When the magnet 283' at relay 284 is energized the switch 288 atthat relay is of course closed in theusual manner and a holding circuit for the magnet 283 is made from the lead 243 through lead 289, switch 288 and lead 290 so that the circuit will not beopened when the carrier has departed releasing the circuit maker or the button 32'be depressed only momentarily. The switch 288 when'closed also complete a power circuit through the magnet 213 through which circuit current flows from the lead 243 through lead 291, switch 288, leads 292, 280, 268, 269, magnet 213, and

lead 270 to the supply line N The bulb 225 is lighted when the switch 288 is closed through the same circuit previously described in connectionwith the; depression of button 30. r l A The switch 294 of the relay 287 at station C is closed by the energizing of the magnet 286 and the solenoid 203 energized by the comple- 3 tion of a circuit from the supply line M through lead 295, solenoid 203, lead 296,

switch 294, leads 297, 298 to the supply line N to swing the switch arm 200 into deflecting position. The closure of the switch 294' also lights the bulb 247 through the completion of a circuit from supply line M through lead 299, bulb 227, lead 3.00, switch 294, leads 297, 298 to the supply line N. The tripping of the circuit breaker 231 by the carrier upon its arrival at station G acts of course to break the main circuit described and thereupon to break the other circuits, de-energizing the solenoid 20.3 and allowing the'switch arm 200 to return to its normal position.

When a carrier is'to be set from station A to station D it is properly placed in the despatching terminal 10, and the button 220 is depressed. The concomitant location of the carrier and the depression of this button closes the circuit through relay 304 at station A and relay 307 at station D, which circuit will be briefly described as follows; from the supply line M through leads 240,241, reset button 221, leads 242, .243, 34, circuit maker 33, lead 35, button 220, lead 302, mag- .313, lead 316 to the supply line N.

net 303, lead 305, magnet .306, lead 256, circuit breaker 232, and lead 257 to the supply line vides a holding circuit for the magnet. from the lead 243 through lead 309, switch 308 and lead-310. The departure of the carrier and the release of the button 220 will thereafter have no effect and the circuit above described will remain intact as long as the magnets 303 and 306 are energized. A power circuit is set up from' the lead 243 through lead 311, switch 308, leads 312, 301, 268, 269, magnet 213, lead 270 to the-supply line N. The closure of the switch 308 also through the wiring previously described lights the bulb 225.

' hen the switch 313 of the relay 307 at station D is closed the bulb 228 at station D is lighted by the circuit from supply line M through lead314, bulb 228, lead 315, switch When the carrier arrives at station D it will trip the circuit breaker 232, opening the main circuit, thereupon de-energizing the magnets 303 and. 306 and breaking the other circuits so that the parts resume their normal condition.

The despatching of carriers from outstations to the central station A is similar to that previously described in connection with the first embodiment. At station A is provided a timing control T having a solenoid 320 which when energized raises a plate 327 into electrical contact with a pair ofnormally separated bars 328, 329, the bar 328 being connected to lead 243 through leads 321, 330 or 322, 335 or 323, 338 and the bar 329 being connected by leads 331 and 269-to the magnet 213 of the power control 211. The opening of the door 46 of any of the despatching terminals 22, 23 or 24 trips the circuit maker 45,

and through the circuits briefly described below, energizes the solenoid 320, which raises the plate 327 to connect the bars 328,329 and complete a power circuit through the magnet 213. 7

When the circuit maker at station B is tripped by the opening of the door 46 at the terminal 22 a circuit is completed from the lead 243 through lead 321, solenoid 320, leads 324, 325, circuit maker 45, leads 326, 276 to the supply line N. The tripping of the circuit maker 45 at station C completes a circuit from lead 243 through lead .322, solenoid 320, leads 324, 332, 333, circuit maker 45,

leads 334, 298 to the supply line N. Similarly when the circuit maker 45 at station D is tripped by the opening of the terminal door a circuit'is set up from lead 243 through lead 323, solenoid'3-20, leads 324, 332, 336, circuit maker 45, lead 337 to the supply line N. The solenoid is energized by these circuits only momentarily, but through mechanism not here shown the plate 327 is held in contact with the bars 328, 329 for a sufiicient length of rapidly as desired to the various outstations time sothat the carrier is brought to the receiving terminal 21 from the furthest outstation D before the power circuit is opened. As before stated, the introduction of another carrier into the return line 20 when a carrier is in transit will reset the time control T so that the power circuit will be held closed until all carriers have arrived at terminal 21.

Embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and '3". Here a constant flow of air is provided by a blower (not shown) through a connection tube 26 in the usual manner. The switch mechanisms E and F at stations B and C respectively, are similar to those in the first embodiment wherein the solenoid by which the switch arm is actuated is only energized momentarily to retract a latch. However, the solenoid is energized and the switch arm. is

before the carrier arrives at the outside station, whereas in the other embodiments the switch arm is shifted as soon as the carrier starts to travel. Asa result the carriers can be despatched from the central station as githout any danger of interference or conict.

In this embodiment is employed the timing device illustrated in the patent to Spooner No. 1,528,227. Only one timing device is here illustrated in full, but it will be understood that there are two such devices,

one for'each switch mechanism. The timing devices will now not here be described in detail, but it will be said briefly that theyiin-' clude a wheel 350 of cast iron or other magneticmaterial and a solenoid 351 by which is energized a plunger 352. The plunger advances a disk 353 on to the wheel 350 by which it is carried into contact with a switch 354, 'i the tripping of which completes the electrical .connection between brushes 355 and 356. A 8016110101 359 of a second timing device is shown, but the other elements of that device are omitted.

When a carrier is to be despatched from station A to station B, it is placed in the terminal 10 in the manner iliustrated'in Fig. 3, tripping the circuit maker 33. The depression of the button 31 creates a circuit" from the supply line M through lead 34, circuit maker33, lead 35, button 31, lead 372, solenoid 351, lead 373, to the supply line N. The energizing of the solenoid 351 causes the plunger 352 to advance a disk 353 to the wheel 350. The plunger 352 and the'switch 354 are so located relative to the periphery of the wheel 350 and the speed of travel of the wheel is such that the disk 353 so introduced upon the wheel 350 reaches the switch 354 just before the carrier with which it is associated arrives at the switch mechanism E. The trinning of the switch 354 completes the following circuit from the supply line M through lead 375, solenoid 360, lead 376, brush 355, switch 354, brush 356, lead 377 to the supplyline N. The solenoid 360 isthus energized temporarily retracting the latch 362 so that the switch arm is free to swing into the path 01" travel of the carrier. As the deflected carrier travels through the branch line 15a restores the switch arm to its normal position in which it is held by the latch 362. hen the solenoid 360 is energized the bulb 367 at stationB is lighted through leads 37 8, 379 to warn the operator that a carrier is to be sent to that station,

lVhen a carrier is to be sent to station C substantially the same operation takes place, the button 32 being depressed to complete the circuit from the supply line M through lead 34, circuit maker 33, lead 35, button 32, lead 380, solenoid 359, leads 381, 373120 the supply line N. hen the timing device functions it completes a circuit from the supply line M through lead 385, solenoid 363, lead 386, through the timing device, lead 387, 377 to the supply line N. The energizing of the solenoid 363 is indicated to the operator by the lighting of the bulb 368 through the leads 388 and 389.

It will be understood that since in this embodiment there is at all times a minimum flow of air through the lines when not in use, that, upon the insertion of the carrier into the lines, the fiow is automatically increased to transport the carrier to its destination, and that, when the carrier is discharged, the minimum flov T is resumed automatically. Hence, when a carrier is to-be sent from station A to station'D there is no necessity of pressing a button asin the other embodiments. The

'carrier is simply placed in the despatch terminal 10 and willbe transmitted by air to the receiving terminal 12 at station D in the I usual manner.

Similarly, when carriers are to be returned from the outstations to the central station it is merely necessary to open the door d-Gof any of the despatching terminals 22, 23 and 24, and place the carrier in the tube by which'it will be delivered to the receiving terminal 21.

Vvhile certain embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it will be understood that I am not limited thereto and that other embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following .c claims.

I claim: I 1. In a pneumatic despatch system including a central station, a plurality of out-stamit the travel of carriers along the main line,

andimeans for moving said arm into a position for deflecting a carrier to'the branch line with which it is associated, adeviceat the central station for actuating the arm moving means of each switch mechanism,

said device being freely operable and normally inefifective and means actuated by the introduction of aca-rrier' into the inlet terminal of the main line at the central station by which the operation of said device is rendered effective to actuate the arm moving means of any desired switch mechanism whereby the carrier is deflected to the branch line and receiving terminal'of a predetermechanisms at the j unctures of the main line and the branch lines, each of which mechanisms includes an arm normally in position to permit the travel of carriers along the main line, and means for moving said arm into a position for deflecting a carrier to the branch line with which it is associated, a device at the central station tor actuating the arm moving meansot each switch mechanism, said device being manually freely operable to actuate the arm'moving means and normally ineflective', and means actuated by the introduction of a carrier into the inlet terminal of the main line at the central station by which the operation of the said device is rendered effective while said'means are actuated by the carrier so that only while said means are actuated can said device actuate the arm moving means of anydesired switch mechanism whereby the carrier is deflected to the branch line and receiving terminal of a predetermined outstation.

3. In a pneumatic despatch system including a central station, a plurality of outstations, a main line, branch lines to certain of said outstations, a despatch terminal on the main line at the central station, receiving terminals at the outstations, and switch mechanisms at the junctures of the main line and the branch lines, each of which mechanisms includes an arm normally in position to permit the travel of carriers along the main line, and means for moving said arm into a position for deflecting a carrier to the branch line with which it is associated, a device at the central station for actuating the arm moving means of each switch mechanism, said device being manually freely operable to actuate the arm moving means and normally ineffective. and means actuated bythe introduction of a carrier into the inlet terminal of the main line at the central station by which the operation of the said device is rendered effective 7 while said means are actuated by the carrier so that only while said meansvare actuated can said device actuate the arm moving means of any desired switch mechanism whereby the carrier is deflected to the branch line and receiving terminal of a predetermined outstation, and means for retaining the arm in the deflecting position after said device has become ineffective.

4. In a pneumatic despatch system including central station, a plurality of outstations, a main line, branch lines to certain of said outstations, a despatch terminal on the main line at the central station, recelving terminals at the outstations, and switch mechanisms at the junctures of the main line and the branch lines, each of which mechanisms includes an arm normally in position to permit the travel of carriers along the main line, and means for moving said arm into a position for deflecting a carrier to the branch line with which it is associated, a device at the central station for actuating the arm mov- Ling-means of each switch mechanism, said levice being manually :Iireely operable to actuate the arm moving means and normally ineffective, and means actuated by the introduction of a carrier into the inlet terminal of the main line at the central station by which the operation of the said device is rendered eflective while. said means are actuated by the carrier so that only while said means are actuated can said device actuate the, arm moving means of any desired switch mechanism whereby the carrier is deflected to the branch line and receiving terminal of a predetermined outstation, and means actuated by the carrier upon its arrival at such station for causing the return of the switch arm to its normal position.

5. In a pneumatic desp atch system including a central station, a plurality of outstations, a main line, branch lines to certain of said outstations, a despatch terminal on the main line at the central station, receiving terminals at the outstations, and switch mechanisms at the junctures of the main line and the branch lines, each of which mechanisms includes an arm normally in position to permit the travel of carriers along the main line, and means tormovingsaid arm into a position for deflecta carrier to the branch line with which it is associated, a device at the central station for actuating the arm moving means of each switch mechanism, said device being manually freely operable to actuate the arm moving means and normally ineffective, and means actuated by the introduction of a carrier into the inlet terminal of the main line at the central station by which the operation of the said device is rendered effective while said means are actuated by the carrier so that only while said means are actuated can said device actuate the arm moving means of any desired switch mechanism whereby the carrier is dedeflected to the branch line and receiving terminal of a predetermined outstation, means for retaining the arm in the deflectin position after said device has becomeine 'ective and means actuated by the carrier upon its arrival at such station for causing the return of the switch arm to its normal position.

6. In a pneumatic despatch system including a central station, a plurality of outstations, a main line, branch lines to certain of said outstations, a despatch terminal on the main line at the central station, receiving terminals at the outstations and switch mechanismsat the junctures of the main line and the branch lines, each of which mechanisms includes an arm normally in position to permit the travel of carriers along the main line, and means for moving said arm into a position for deflecting a carrier to the branch line with which it is associated, a device at the central station for actuating the arm moving means of each switch mechanism, said means including an electric circuit, a circuit maker in said circuit adapted to be actuated by the introduction of a carrier into the inlet terminal of the main line at the central station, and said device including several normally open switches in parallel in the circuit, each switch being related to a certain switch mechanism whereby, upon the simultaneous tripping of the circuit maker and the closure of a selected switch at said device, the arm moving means of the switch mechanism related to that switch is actuated and the carrier is deflected to thebranch line and receiving terminal of a predetermined station.

7. In a pneumatic despatch system including a central station, a plurality of outstations, a main line, a branch line to one of said outstations, a despatch terminal in the main line at the central station, receiving terminals at the outstations and switch mechanism at the juncture of the main line and the branch line, which mechanism includes a movable arm which in one position permits the travel of carriers along the main line and in another position deflects carriers into the branch line and means including a solenoid for causing the arm to assume the deflecting position, means for energizing said solenoid comprising a circuit including the solenoid and a normally open switch, mechanism for creating a flow of carrier propelling air through the system, a control for said mechanism, a. second circuit including said control and a normally open switch, manually controlled means at the central station for closing the switch of the first circuit and means for closing the normally open switch of the second circuit, whereby the solenoid is energized and the switch arm assumes the deflecting position and the mechanism control is actuated so that carrier is transported from the despatch terminal to the switch mechanism and is de- 1flected by the switch arm into the branch means for energizing said solenoid comprising a circuit including the solenoid and a normally open switch, mechanism for creating a How of carrier'propelling airthroughthe system, a control for said mechanism, a second circuitincluding said control and a normally open switch, manually controlled'meansat the central station for closing the switch ofthe first circuit, means for closing the normally openswitch of the second-circuit wherea by the solenoid is'energized and the switch arm assumes the deflecting position and the mechanism control is actuated so that a carrier is transported from the despatch terminal to the switch mechanism and is deflected by the switch arm into the branch line, and means actuated by the carrier in the branch linefor opening the second circuit and restorinp' the switch arm to-the position in which carriers travel freely along themain line.

9. In a pneumatic despatch system including a central station, a plurality of outstations, a main line,. a branch line to one of said outstations, a despatch' terminal in the main line at the central'stati on, receivingter minals at the outstations and switch mechanism at the juncture ofthe main line and the branch line. whi ch mechanism includes a movable arm which intone position permits the travel of carriers along. the main line,.a latch for holding-the arm in such position and a solenoid for raising said latch topermit the movement of said arm into a position forde" fleeting a carrier to the branch line, means controlled by the insertion of a carrier at' the d'espatch terminal for energizing said solenoid in timed relation to thetr'avelof a carri er from the despatch terminal-wherebythe latch is moved and the switch arm assumes the deflecting position to guide the carrier into the branch line of the outstation.

10. In a pneumatic despatch system including a central station, a plurality of outstations, a main line, branch lines to certai'n'oi said outstations, a despatch terminal in the main line atthe central station, receivingterminals at the outstation, and switch mechanisms at the junctures of the main line and the branch lines, each of which-mechanisms includes anal-m normally in position to permit the travel of carriers'along the main line,

and; meansfor moving said arm intoa posi- I tion for deflecting" a carrier to the branch line with which it is associated, a: deviceat the central station for actuatingithe arm moving' means of each switch mechanism, said means including a latch "for holding the switch arm in normal position, a solenoid which-,when: energized, movessaid latch into terminal whereby upon-the closure of the- I switch and completionofthe circuitithe sole noi'd'is energized and the latch moved so'that the switch arm takes the deflectingposition' and a carrier sent from the desp'atch terminal along'the main lineis guided intothe branch line of" the outstation.

11. In a pneumatic despatch systemiii-q eluding a central station, a plurality of out-' stations, a main line, branch lines t'ocertain of" said outstations, a despatch terminalii'n the main line'at the central" station. receiving terminals at'the outstation, andswitchmechg anisms at thejunctures of the main lineand thehranch' lines, each ofwhich mechanisms includes an arm normally in position topermit the'travel of carriers along the main line, and means for moving said arm into a position for deflecting' a carrier to the branch line with: which it is associated, a device at the central station for actuating the arm moving; means of each switch mechanism, said means including a latch for holding the switch arm in normal position, a solenoid which when eneretizedmoves said latch into inoperative position so that the armmay move intothe deflecting position-and acir cuit for energizing. said solenoid includ ng. a normally-open? switch at said device closed by the insertion of a'oarrier int'o'the despatch' terminal whereby upon the closure. of theswitch: and completion of the circuit the solc' noid is energized and the latch moved so that the switch armj tal ies the deflecting position an d a carrier sent from the despatch terminal along the main line is guidedinto the branch line o'flthe outstation, and means tripped by the carrier while in transit through the'branch line for restoring the switch arm to its normalposition. U

12.. In a pneumatic despatch system including a central station, a plurality of outstations,a main line, branch linestocertain of said outstations, a: despatch terminalin the main line at the central station, receiving.

terminals at the outstation, and switchmech anisms at the juncturesofthemain lineand the branch lines, each of which mechamsms: includes an arm normally 111-pos1t1ontopermit the travel of carriers'along the main line, and means for moving said arm into a position for deflecting a carrier to the branch dine with which it is associated, a device at the central station for actuating the arm moving means of each switch mechanism, said means including a latch for holding the switch arm in normal position, a solenoid which when "energized moves said latchinto inoperative position so that the arm may move into the deflecting position, and a circuit for energizing said solenoid including a formally 'open switch atsaid device closed terminal wvhereby upon the closure of the switch and completion of the circuit the solenoid is energized and the latch moved so that the switch arm takes the deflecting A position and a carrier sent from the despatch terminal along the main line is guidedinto the branch line of the outstation, and means tripped by the carrier while in transit through the branch line for restoring the switch arm to its normal position, the sole- "noid' circuit having been opened after the despatch of the carrier so that the latch is released and the restored switch arm held bythelatch in the normal position.

13. In a pneumatic despatch system including a central station, a plurality of outstations, a main line, a branch line to one of said outsta'tions, a despatch terminal in the main line at the central station, receiving terminals at the outstations and switch mechanism at the juncture of the main line and the branch line, which mechanism includes a movable arm wh ch in 011919051 1011 permi-ts the travel of carrlers along the main line, a latclrfor holding the arm in such posi- 7 son and a solenoid for raising said latch to permit the movement of said arm into a position for'deflecting a carrier to the branch line. means for energizing said solenoid including circuit, a circuit maker in the cirout, normally open switch therein, and means at the central station for closing said switch, said circuit maker being tripped and closed by the introduction of a carrier into the 'despatch'terminal-at the central station,

whereby the concomitant tripping of the circuit maker by an introducedvcarrier and the closure of the normally openswitch completes the circuit energizing the solenoid and P raising the latch so thatthe arm may take 0 the deflecting position to guide the :carrier into the branch line of theoutstation.

14. In a pneumatic despatch system including a central station, a plurality of outstation's, a main line, branch lines to certain of said outstations, a despatchterminal on the main line at the central station, receiving terminals at the outstations and switch mech anisms at the iunctures of the main line and the branch lines, each of which mechanism ineludes an arm normally in position to perby the insertion of a carrier into the despatch outstation.

mit the travel of carriers along the main line, and means for moving said arm into a posi tion for deflecting a carrier to the branch line with which it is associated, a device at the central station for actuating the arm moving means of each switch mechanism, said means including an electric circuit, a circuit maker in said circuit having an arm adapted to be tripped into making position by contact with a carrier upon its introduc tion into the despatch terminal ofthe main line at the central station, said device includingat least one normally open switch in the circuit, means including a current energizable element in the first circuit and a switch which is closed by reason of and subsequent to the energizing of-the element, and asecond circuit including said element controlled switch for actuating the switch arm moving means, whereby upon the tripping of the circuit maker arm by the introduced carrier and the closure of the switch in the device, said element is energized, the second circuit is closed and the switch'arm moving means actuated so that the carrier is deflected from the main line to the branch line and receiving terminal of a predetermined 15. In a pneumatic despatch system including a central station, a plurality of outstations, a main line, branch lines to certain of said outstations, a despatch terminal on the main line at the central station, receiving terminals at the outstations and switch mechanisms at the junctures of the main line and the branch lines, each of which mechanisms includes an arm normally in position to permit the travel of carriers along the main line, and means for moving said arm into a position for deflecting a carrier to the branch line with which it is associated, a device at the central station for actuating the arm moving means of each switch mechanism, said means including two electric circuits and a solenoid so associated withsaid switch arm that the arm takes the deflecting position when the solenoid is energized, the first circuit including a circuit maker adapted to be tripped into making position by the introduction of acarrier into the despatch terminal. of the main line at the central station, a normally open switch at said device and a current energizable element, and said second circuit including a normally open switch which is closed by reason of the energizing of the element in the first circuit and said solenoid, whereby the simultaneous trippingcluding a central station, a plurality of outstations, a main line, branch lines to certain of said outstations, a despatch terminal on the main line at the central station, receiving terminals at the outstations and switch mechanisms at the junctures of the main line and the branch lines, each of which mechanisms includes an arm normally in position to per mit the travel of carriers along the main line, and means for moving said arm into a position for deflecting a carrier to the branch,

line with which it is associated, a device at the central station for actuating the arm moving means of each switch mechanism, said means including two electric circuits and a solenoid so associated with said switch arm that thearm takes the deflecting position when the solenoid is energized, the first circuitincluding a circuit maker adapted to be tripped into working position by the in troduction of a carrier into the despatch terminal of the main line at the central station, a normally open switch at said device and a current energizable element and the second circuit including a normally openswitch which is closed by reason of the energizing of the element of the first circuit and said solenoid whereby the simultaneous tripping of the circuit maker and closure of the switch at the device completes the first circuit energizing the element thereof to close the switch in the second circuit, which second circuit thereupon energizes the solenoid so that the arm in the switch mechanisms moves to deflect the carrier into, the branch line.

17. In a pneumatic despatch system including a central station, a plurality of outstations, a main line, branch lines to certain of said outstations, a despatch terminal on the main line at the central station, receiving terminals at the outstations and switch mechs ansms at the junctures of the main line and the'branch lines, each of which mechanisms includes'an arm normally in position to permit the travel of carriers along the main line, and means for moving said arm into a position for deflecting a carrier to the branch line with which it is associated, a device at the central station for actuating the arm moving means of each switch mechanism, said means including two electric circuits and a solenoid so associated with the switch arm that the arm takes the deflecting position when the solenoid is energized, the first circuit including a normally open switch at said device and a current energizable element, and the second circuit including a normally open switch which is closed by reason of the energizing of the element of said first circuit and said solenoid, whereby the closure of the switch at the device completes the first circuit energizing the element thereof to close the switch in the second circuit, which circuit thereupon energizes the solenoid so that the arm in the switch mechanism moves'to deflect the carrier into the branch line.

18. In a' pneumatic despatch system includ-' ing a central station, a plurality of outstations, a main line, a branch line to one of said outstations, a despatch terminal inthe mit the movement of said arm into a position for deflecting a carrier to the branch line, means for energizing said solenoid compris ing a circuit including the solenoid, and a normally open switch operable at the central station, mechanism by which a: flow of carrier impelling air is set up in the system, .a control for such mechanism, a second electric circuit by which said control is actuated, a normally open switch in said second circuit and means actuated by the switch arm for closing said switch, whereby when the first circuit is completed by the closure of the switch at the central station said solenoid is energized to raise said latch and permit the switch arm to move into deflecting position, and the switch in the secondcircuit is closed by the means above recited to actuate the control and cause the mechanism to set up in'the system a flow-of carrier impelling air by which the carrier is transported from the despatch terminal to the switch mechanism at which itis deflected'by the switch arm into the branch line.

19. In a pneumatic despatch system including a centralstation, a plurality of outstations, a main line, a branch line to one of saidoutstations, a despatch terminal in the main line at the central station, receivingrterminals at the outstations, and switchfmechanism at the juncture of the main line and the branch line, which mechanismuincludes a movable arm which in one position permits the travel of carriers along'the mainline, a latch for holding the arm in such position and a solenoid for raising said'latch to permit the movement of's'aid arm into a position for deflecting a carrier to the branch line, means for energizing-said solenoid comprising a'circuit including the solenoid and a normally open switch operable at the central station, mechanism by which a flow of carrier impelling air is set up in the system, a control for such mechanism, a second electric circuit by whichsaid control is actuated, a normally open switch in said second circuit and means actuated by the switch arm for closing said switch, whereby when the first circuit is completed byfthe closure of the switch at the central station said solenoid is energized to raise said latch and permit the switch arm to move into deflecting position, and the switch in the second circuit is closed by the means above recited to actuate the control and cause the mechanism to set up in the system a flow of carrier impelling air. by which the carrier is transported from the despatch terminal to the switch mechanism at which it is deflected by the switch arm into the branch line, said solenoid being de-energized by the opening of the switch at the cen tral station and said switch arm being shif ed into the position allowing the free travel of carriers along the main line by the contact of the carrier with such arm and held in such position by said latch. 20. In a pneumatic despatch system including a central station, a plurality o1 outstations, a main line, a branch line to one of said outstations, a despatch terminal in the main line at the central station, receiving terminals at the outstations, and switch mechanism at the juncture of the main line and the branch line, which mechanism includes a movable arm which in one position permits the travel of carries along the main line, a latch for holding the arm in such position and a solenoid for raising said latch to permit the movement of said arm into a position for deflecting a carrier to the branch line, means forenergizing said solenoid comprising a circuit including the solenoid, a circuit maker tripped into making position by the introduction of a carrier into the despatch terminal and a normally open switch operable at the central station, mechanism by whicha flow of carrier impelling air is set up in the system, a control for such mechanism, a second circuit by which said control is actuated, a normally open switch in said second circuit, and means actuated by the switch arm for closing said switch whereby when the first circuit is completed by the concomitanttripping ofthe circuit maker by the introduction of a carrier into the despatch terminal and closure of the switch at the central station, said solenoid is energized to raise said latch and permit the switch arm to move into defleeting position actuating the means by which the switch in the second circuit is closed by the means above recited to actuate the control and cause the mechanism to. set up in the system a flowof carrier impelling air by which the carrier is transported from the despatch terminal to the switch mechanism at which it is deflected by the switch arm into the branch line.

21. In a pneumatic despatch system includ-. ing a central station, a'plurality of outstations, a main line, a branch line to one of said outstations, a despatch terminal in the main line at the central station, receiving terminals at the outstations and switch mechanism at the juncture of the main line and the branch line, which mechanism includes a movable arm which; in one position permits the travel of carriers along the'main line, a latch for holding the arm in'such position and a solenoid for raising said latch to permit the movement of said arm into a position for deflecting a carrier to the branchline, means for energizing said solenoid comprising a circuit including the solenoid, a circuit maker tripped into making position by the introduction of a carrier into the despatch terminal and a normally open switch operable at the central station, mechanism by which a flow of carrier impelling air is set up in the system, a control for such mechanism, a second circuit by which said control is actuated, a normally open switch in said second circuit and means actuated by the switch arm for closing said switch wherebywhen the first circuit-is completed by the concomitant tripping oi? the circuit maker by the introduction of a carrier into the despatch terminal and closure or the switch at the central station, said solenoid is energized to raise said latch and permit the switch arm to move into deflecting position actuating the means by which the switch in the second circuit is closed by the means above recited to actuate the control and cause the mechanism to set up in the system a flow of carrier impelling air by which the carrier is transported from the despatch terminalto the switch mechanism at which it is deflected by the switch arm-into the branch line, said solenoid being de-energized by theopening ofthe first circuit as the carrier, upon its departure from the despatch terminal, releases the circuitmaker and said switch arm being shifted into the position allowing the free travel of carriers along the main line by the contact of the carrier with such arm and held in such position by said latch. v

22. In apneumatic desp atch system including a central station, a plurality ofoutstations, a main line, a branch line to one of said outstations, a despatch terminal in the main line at the central station, receiving terminals at the, outstations and switch mechanism at the juncture of the main line and the branch line, which mechanism includes a movable arm which in one position permits the travel of carriers along the main line, a latch for holding thevarm in such position and a solenoid for raising said latch to permit the movement of said arm into a position for deflecting a carrier to the branch line, means for energizing said solenoid comprising a circuit including the solenoid and a normally open switch operable at the central station, mechanism by which a flow of carrier impelling air is set up in the system, a control for such mechanism, a second electric circuit by which said control is actuated, a normally open switch in said second circuit, current energizable means for closing said circuit, and a third circuit including such means and a circuit maker tripped into making position by the ice switch arm, whereby when the first circuit is completed by the closure ofthe'switch at the central station said solenoid is energized to raise said latch and permit the switch arm to move into defiectingposition and trip the circuit maker completing the third circuit and energizing the means by which the switch in the second circuit is closed to actuate said control and cause the mechanism to set up in the system a flow of carrier impelling air by which the carrier is transported from the despatch terminal to the switch mechanism at which it is deflected by the switch arm into thebranch line.

23. In a pneumatic despatch system including a central station, a plurality of outstations, a main line, a branch line to one of said outstations, a despatch terminal in the main line at the central station, receiving terminals at the outstations and switch mechanism at the juncture of the main line and the branch line, which mechanism includes a movable arm which in one position permits the travel of carriers along the main line,

a latch for holding the arm in such position and a solenoid for raising said latch to permit the movement of sald arm into a pos tion for deflecting a carrier to the branch line,

means for energizing said solenoid comprising acircuit including the solenoid and a normally open switch operable at the central station, mechanism by which a flow of carrier impelling air is set up in the system, a control for such mechanism, a second electric circuit by which said control is actuated, a normally open switch in said second circuit, current energizable means for closing said circuit, and a third circuit including such means and a circuit maker tripped into making position by the switch arm, whereby when the first circuit is completed by the closure of the switch at the central station said solenoid is energized to raise said latch and permit the switch arm to move into defleeting position and trip the circuit maker completing the third circuit and energizing the means by which the switch in the second circuit is closed to actuate said control and cause the mechanism to set up in the system a flow of carrier impelling air by which the carrier is transported from the despatch terminal to the switch mechanism at which it is deflected by the switch arm into the branch line, said solenoid being de-energized by the opening of the switch at the central station and said switch arm being shifted into the position allowing the free travel of carriers along the main line by the contact of the carrier with such arm and held in such position by said latch, thereby releasing'the circuit maker and breaking the third circuit and de-energizing the switch closing means so that the switch opens the second circuit and the flow of carrier impelling air in the system ceases. 1

into the branch line.

311181113; the juncture of the main line andv the branchline, which mechanism includes a movable arm which in one position permits the travel of carriers along the main line and in another position deflects carriers into the branch line, and means including a solenoid for causing the arm to assume the deflecting position, means for energizing said solenoid comprising a circuitincluding the solenoid and a normally open switch, mechanism for creating a flow of carrier propelling air through the system, a control :tor such mechanism, a second circuit including said control and a normally open switch, and a third circuit including energizable elements, which when energized close the normally open switches in the first and second circuits, and a normally open switch at the central station, whereby the closing of the switch in the third circuit energizes said elements and closes the switches in the first and second circuits energizing the solenoid, so that the switch arm assumes the deflecting position, and actuating the control so that the mechanism creates a carrier impelling flow and a carrier at the despatch terminal is transported to the switch mechanism and guided.

25. In a pneumatic despatch system including a central station, a plurality of outstations, a main line, a branch line to. one of said outstations, a despatch terminal in the main line at the central station, receiving terminals at the outstations and switch mechanism at the juncture of the main line and the branch line, which mechanism includesa movable arm which, in one position, permits the travel of carriers along the main line and, in another position, deflects carriers into the branch line and means including a solenoid for causing the arm to assume the deflecting position, means for energizing said solenoid comprising a circuitin- Tcluding the solenoid and a normally open switch, mechanism for creating a flow of carrier propelling air through the system," a control for suchmechanism, a second circuit includingsaid control and a normally open switch, a third circuitincluding energizable elements, which when energized close the normally open switches in the first and second circuits, and a normally open switch at the central station, whereoy the closing of the switch 1n the third circuit energizes said receiving elements apd closes the switches in the first and second circuits energizing the solenoid, so that the switch arm assumes the deflecting position, and actuatlng the control so that the mechanism creates a carrier impeliao

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