GB2508182A

GB2508182A - Building to vehicle negative pressure conveyor

Info

Publication number: GB2508182A
Application number: GB201221036A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Frank Mcadam
Original assignee: SECURE VALUABLE TRANSP Ltd
Current assignee: SECURE VALUABLE TRANSP Ltd
Priority date: 2012-11-22
Filing date: 2012-11-22
Publication date: 2014-05-28
Also published as: GB201221036D0

Abstract

An item transport system transports items between a first storage container, such as a building, and a second transport location, such as a secure vehicle by fluid pressure, and operates in either direction. Also disclose is a corresponding method of usage of the system.

Description

I

Security System Technica.l fiJ.ed of the invention This invention relates to security systems, and in particulaT security systems for use in safely transporting items, for example money, valuable items and jewellery, from one location to another.

Background to the invenjjQ_n

Thc transport of money, valuables such a.s jewellery, and other high value items can carry great risk. The items must he transported from one location such as a hank. vault or other building, to a second location, usually by way of an automotive vehicle such as a security van. There may be a serious risk of holdup and thefts, which has necessitated the development of systems which ensure the risk of holdup or theft during transport of the money or valuables between the bank and the security vehicle is minimised. Known systems include simply transporting the valuables or other items in a locked and arnioured container, held by a security guard and transported between the bank and security vehicle on foot. This system puts the security personnel in great danger, and has generally not been successful in preventing theft of the valuables from the armoured containers.

In other systems, valuables and other items are placed in shuttles and tran sported between the bank or other building, and a security vehicle by way of chutes which extend from a container within the bank or building, outside of the bank or building and into a hatch located in the security vehicle. Older systems of this type simply involve pushing or forcing the shuffles down the chutes, which requires manual operation, and is generally ineffective in transporting larger numbers of shuttles quickly between a building and a security vehicle. In yet other known systems, the chute is located beneath the hank or building, extending to a transfer unit outside of the bank or building, to which the security vehicle connects. Transport of shuttles through the chute to the transfer unit and into the security vehicle takes place by use of suction generating apparatus located in the security vehicle and/or bank. In use, shuttles are placed in the conduit and the suction generaLing apparatus started, in order to pull the shuffles through the conduit in thc required direction. In variations on this theme, the conduit through which the shuffles arc sucked can be located above ground, extending from the building wall into the security vehicle.

The use of suction generating apparatus is not without its problems, and one particular problem is the nced to install apparatus at both ends of the conduit, if valuables are to be transported in both directions. It is often necessaiy for valuables to be transported from one building to another via a security vehicle, and thus there is a requirement for the receiving building to include an installation of a suction generating apparatus. Furthermore, any blockages or misaligned connections between the conduit and a building and/or security vehicle can disrupt the suction, and prevent transport of shuffles.

It is therefore an aim of embodiments of the present invention to overcome or mitigate at least one of the problems described herein above, or any other problem of

the prior art.

Tn particular, it is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to ensure that transport of shuttles in both directions between two remote locations can be achieved with a single shuttle movement generating mechanism, located in just one of the locations.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an item transport system for transporting items between remote locations, comprising a first storage container, a second storage container, an item transport conduit arranged in use to be connected to the first and second storage containers and a means to apply fluid pressure behind an item located in the item transport conduit to tTansport the item through the conduit between the first and second. stoiagc containers.

The item transport conduit may comprise a wall through which extends one or more fluid conduits, alTanged in use to deliver fluid pressure from either end of the item transport conduit. Switching fluid itssure delivery from one cud of the conduit to the othcr end of the conduit may be effected through fluid delivery apertures located at either end of the item transport conduit, which may comprise opening and closing means to enable selective delivery of fluid pressure.

The fluid may be a gas, which may be air or a mixture of air and another gas,

for example.

The flui.d pressure may be created by an air pump. There may be a single air pump located at one end of the item transport conduit, which may deliver air into the item transport conduit by pumping air through the fluid conduits via the fluid delivery apertures. The fluid may be selectively delivered to either end of the item transport conduit in order to transport an item in the desired direction between the first and second storage containers. The fluid may be pumped into the iLem transport conduit to a pressure of at least lObar. In some embodiments the item transport system includes an air pressure gauge. If the required pressure is not detected within the item transport conduit the air pressure gauge may be arranged to signal a system operation prevention means to prevent further operation of the system.

The storage containers may comprise magazines from which items may be dispensed individually or in groups. l'hcre may be an item return conduit connected to each magazine and the item transport conduit may enable return of an item to a magazine after use of the item.

Thcrc may be access panels located in the item transport conduit, operably connected to each storage container, and which may he movable between an open configuration in which items can be delivered from the storage containers, and a closed configuration in which the item is sealed in the transport conduit in a substantially airtight manner. There may be an item outlet panel operably connected between the transport conduit and storage container which in use is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration which allows removal of an item from the transport conduit.

The access panel may comprise a rotatable sleeve, internal or external to the item transport conduit, and which includc apertures arrangcd to register with apertures in thc conduit in an open position an out of register in the closed position. The sleeves may comprise a plurality of apertures arranged to enable consecutive opening and closing of the conduit as the sleeve rotates. In this way multiple items can be consecutively delivered and transported.

The item transport conduit may comprise a flexible inner conduit surrounded by and spaced apart from an inflexible outer wall. The flexible inner conduit may comprise any suitable materials such as rubber, plastics material or the like. The outer inflexible vall may comprise metal or alloy, such as steel for example. The outer, inflexible wall may include jointed sections which may rotate to enable bending of the item transport conduit, in use. The item transport conduit may be connectcd to an articulated jib or anhl which may he operated to move the conduil bctwcen an extended position and a folded position, in use.

The item transport conduit may comprise a first section connected to the first item storage container, and a second section connected to the second item storage container, arranged to be connected, in use. The sections may be connected in use and disconnected after use. The distal end of each section, not connected to the storage containers, may comprise connection means such as male and female locking members or the like, for example. Each section may also include one or more sensors, arranged in use to sense changes in the connection status of the sections. The sensor or sensors may detect when the sections are connected and relay information to remote stations which may be located at the first and second storage containers. Information relayed to the remote stations may be processed to determine whether a correct connection has been achieved, and whether items can subsequently he transported through th.e item transport conduit. The senor or sensors may also detect when the item transport conduit has been damaged or compromised and relay information accordingly.

The first storage container may be located in a vehicle, which may be a security vehicle. The second storage container may be located in a building, such as a bank, building society, jewellery shop or the like, for example. In some embodiments the first section of the item transport conduit is connected to the first storage container located in a vehicle, and comprises the niajoritv of the item transport conduit. Ihe second section may be connected to the second storage connector in a building, and may be comprise a minority ol' the item tninsport conduit. The second section I 5 preferably does not protrude from the building, and the distal end may he flush with an outside wall of the building. The first section may dock with the second section at the wall of a building. The first section may comprise an articulated outer inflexible wall, which is movable between an extended position from the vehicle, and which can be connected to the docking station of the building, and a folded position in which it does not substantially protrude beyond the periphery of the vehicle.

The item may be a container such as a shuttle, which in use is arranged to contain money, valuable objects, confidential or secret documents or the like for example. the item container may comprise a tube dimensioned to fit concentrically within the item transport conduit. The item container may comprise one or more lids or access panels in order to enable insertion and removal of objects, or ma.y he sealed containers arranged to be broken in order to retrieve the items. The containers may comprise compression sleeves which enable insertion of the container into the conduit, in the absence of fluid pressure, and which expand to seal the container in an airtight manner within the conduit when fluid pressure is applied behind the container.

In this way, a container may be inserted into the item transport conduit. and air pressure behind the container expands the compression sleeve to create an airtight seal, after which further air pressure applied behind the container forces the container through the item transport conduit in the required direction.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of transporting an item between two storage containers, the method comprising the steps of:

S

a) connecting an item transport conduit between a first and second storage container b) loading an item from one of the storage containers into the conduit; and e) applying fluid pressure behind the item in order to move the item through the conduit to the other storage container.

The item transport conduit, fir st and second storage containers and items may be as described hereinabove for the first aspect of the invention.

In some embodiments the method comprises selectively delivering fluid pressure behind an item located at either end of the item transport conduit.

The first and second storage containers may be located in a security vehicle or building.

The method may comprise unloading the item from the item transport conduit into a storage container, before loading a second item into the item transport conduit from the storage container of step a), and switching fluid pressure application to behind the second item, in order to transport it along the item transport conduit.

The method may comprise transporting multiple items in succession in one direction, and may comprise transporting multipJe items in the opposite direction thereafter.

Detailed description of the invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood an embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 illustrates first section an item transport conduit of an example of an item transport system of the invention, connected to a security vehicle; Figure 2 illustrates the first section of the item transport conduit of Figure 1 connected to a second section in a building; Figure 3 illustrates the item transport conduit in a folded configuration on thc van; Figure 4 illustrates a top down cross-sectional view of a portion of die item transport conduit with a shuttle located within; Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the item transport conduit showing details of components located in the outer wall of the conduit; Figure 6 illustrates a side-sectional view of the item transport conduit, being two sections connected together at a docking station on a wall; Figure 7 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the item transport conduit showing an air pressure generating mechanism; Figure 8 illustrates a side sectional view of the item transport conduit showing shuttle access means; Figure 9 illustrates a side sectional view of the security vehicle in which the item transport conduit is located, illustrating the second storage container and shuttle return means; Figure 10 illustrates a shuttle used in the item transport system of the invention; Figure 11 a shows the shuttles of Figure 10 located in the item transport conduit in a pressurised state; and Figure 1 lb shows the shuttle of Figure 10 located in the item transport conduit in a relaxed state.

Referring firstly to Figures 1-3, an example of an item transport system of the invention includes a first section of an item transport conduit (6), connected at one end to a storage container (4), as shown in Figure 9, located in a security vehicle in the form of a. van (5), and having a distal end comprising a. docking station (32), arranged 10 connect to a wall docking station (30) of a wall (29) of a building. Within the building is a second. section of the item transport conduit (6') connected to a first storage container in the form of shuttle storage magazine (2). As shown in Figure 9, the van (5) also contains a second storage container in the form of storage magazine (4). The item transport conduit (6, 6') is, in use, operably connected between the storage magazines (2, 4).

Referring now to Figures 4-6, which better illustrate the item storage conduit (6. 6), the conduit (6, 6) comprises an ouLer, inflexible wall (10) and an inner, flexible wall (12). The outer wall (10) includes fluid conduits in the form of air pipes (14) extending thercthrough. The outer wall (10) also includes eleetron.i.c TD sensors (24) extending therethrough. Finally, the outer wall also includes locking pins (22), arranged to lock the two sections of the item transport conduit (6, 61) together. At various points along the outer wall (10) of the first section (6) are articulated sections (18), hingedlgy rotatable about a hinge (20), as shown in Figure 4. The articulated sections (18) are arranged, in use to enable bending of the outer wall (10), as required.

The outer wall (10) is preferably made of a metal or alloy, such as steel, spaced apart from the inner, flexible waIl (12). The solid outer wall (10) prevents unauthorised access to the inner flexible wall (12). The inner flexible wall (12), is made from any suitable flexible material such as rubber, flexible plastics material or Ihe like. The inner wall (12) also includes guide ribs (16) arranged to abut the outer wall (10), iii order to maintain position of the inner wall (12) within the outer wail (10).

Turning now to Figures 79 the air pipes (14, 14') are connected to an air pump (8) located within the van (5). The proximal end of the first section of the item transport conduit (6), located within the van (5) also includes an air diffuser plate (34), which includes air holes (36). The air pump (8) is configured to switch between pumping air through the air holes (36) of the air diffuser plate (34), and pumping air around the air pipes (14, 14'), depending on which direction the shuttle needs to travel.

Figure 9 illustrates the air pump (8) located at the proximal end of the first section of the item transport conduit (6), within the van (5). Also within the van (5) is the second storage conduit (4) adjacent to the proximal end of the item transport conduit (6'), and operably connected to a return conduit (64), which returns itcms sent to the van (5). to a return item storage compartment (66) of the second storage container (4). An equivalent return conduit (not shown) is connected to the first storage container (2) within the building (3).

Referring now to Figure 8, the item transport conduit (6, 6') includes, at both ends, an upper access panel (42) and a lower access panel (44), arranged in use to enable shuffles containing valuables or other items to be loaded into the item transport conduit (6, 6'), and be removed therefrom through the lower access panel (44).

Adjacent to the access panels (42, 44) is a rotatable sleeve (46) arranged concentrically within the item transport conduit (6, 6'), and which includes one or more openings (48), through which a shuttle containing one or more items can be inserted.

The item transport system utilises shuttles (50), as showi in Figures 10, 1 Ia and 1 lb. Ihe shuttles (50) include a shrntle body (51), at one end of which a lid (52) is bingedly connected via hinge (54). The lid contains a latch (56), arranged to lock with a iatch (58) on the opening of the shuttle body (51). Around the outside of the shuttle body (51) are located two spaced apart compression sleeves (60, 62). In use, the compression sleeves can expand under pressure, and deflate in the absence of pressure.

Use of the item u-ansport system described herein above, will now be described with reference to all of the figures.

Referring firstly to Figures 1-3. When it is desired to transport items such as valuables, from the building (3) to a security van (5) or vice versa, the van (5) is driven to the location of the building 3), and parked in an appropriate position in front of the wall (29) of the building (3). The item transport conduit (6) will be in a folded configuration., as shown in Figure 3. in which the item transport conduit (6) does not protrude significantly from the periphery of the van. A control mechanism (not shown) within the van (5) can be manipulated in order 10 extend the item transport conduit (6), to the correct position. Figure 1 illustrates the item transport conduit (6) being cxtcnded to the final extended position. Extension is affected by unfolding of the ilent transport conduit (6), via the articulated joints (27) attached. to the jibs (26). As the item transport conduit (6) is unfolded, the inflexible, outer wall (10) is opened by rotation of the hinge (20) on. the articulated sections (18). As the outer wall (10) unfolds and extends, the inner, flexible wall (12) also unfolds. When the item transport conduit (6) is at the correct level to dock with the wall (29) docking station (30) the item transport conduit docking collar (32) is connected to the wall docking station (30), at which point the locking pins (22, 22') lock together to secure the first section of the item transport conduit (6) to the second section (C). As the two sections of the item transport conduit (6, 6') lock together, the air pipes (14, 14') also couple, as do the electronic ID sensors (24). In thi.s way, after completion of docking, each of the air pipes (14, 141), locking pins (22. 22') and electronic ID sensors (24) are ifilly connected and extend through both sections of the item transport conduit (6, 6'), such that there is fluid and electronic communication throughout the conduit (6, 6') and into the storage magazines (2, 4). l'he electronic ID sensors (24) enable the person or persons responsible for connecting the two sections of the item transport conduit (6, 6') to confirm that they are connected correctly. During use of the item transport system any unauthorised breach or attempted breach of the item transport conduit (6) will also bc relayed to the van (5) via the electronic Ii) sensors (24).

Turning now to Figures 10. 11 a and 11 b when. it is desired to transport items between the van (5) and building (3), they are placed in a shuffle (50). The lid (52) of the shuttle (50) is then closed and locked via latches (56, 58) and in some embodiments, there may be an electronic H) means such as REID tags, embedded within the shuttle (50), in order to identi the contents therein once the shuttle has been transported between locations. The shuttle (50) may also include tamper evident means, which may be electronic or otherwise in order for a receiver to determine whether the shuttle (50) has been tampered with, or unauthorised access attempted.

A shuttle (50) is loaded into the building storage magazine (2), which can accommodate multiple shuttles (50), br sequential delivery into the item transport conduit (6'). When it is desired to transport one of the shuttles (50) from the storage magazine (2), the access panel (42) of the item transport conduit (6') is opened, and the rotatable sleeve (46) rotated such that the opening (48) is aligned with the access panel (42). A shuttle (50) is then loaded into the rotatable sleeve (46), and the sleeve rotated further such that the opening (48) is flush with the item transport conduit (6') wall, thereby sealing the rotatable sleeve in an airtight manner within the second section of the item transport conduit (6'). In order to transport the shuttle (50) from the second section of the item transport conduit (6') to the van (5), air is pumped via the air pump (8), located in the van (5), through the air pipes (14) of the first section of the item transport conduit (6), through the air pipes (14') of the second section of the item transport conduit (6'), through the air diffuser plate (38) and the air holes (40). Pressure is applied at 1 Ohar. The pressure within the conduit (6F) expands the pressure expansion seals (60) on the body (51) of the shuttle (50), creating an air tight seal between the body (51) and the inner flexible wall (12) of the item transport conduit (6'). Further air pressure behind the shuttle (50) causes movement and transport of the shuttle through the second section of the item transport conduit (6) through the first section of the item transport conduit (6) arid subsequent delivery to the van (5). When delivered to the van (5), the shuttle enters another rotatable sJeeve (46). When the shuttle is located within the rotatable sleeve (46). the rotatable sleeve rotates such that the aperture (48) lies adjacent the return access panel (44), which opens to unload the shuttle (50) from the sleeve (46). The shuffle is unloaded to the second storage magazine (4) within the van (5), and may be channelled via the return conduit (64) to the appropriate area, for unloading of the valuables. When the items or valuables have been removed from the shuttle (50), they can be deposited in the return chamber (66) o the second storage xnagaine (4).

When it is desired to send empty shuttles (50), back to the building (3), the air pump (8) is configured to pump air through the air diffuser plate (34), via air holes (36) of the first section of the item transport conduit (6). In this way air is prevented from entering the air pipes (14, 14), so that a shuttle located within the van (5), is transported. through the item transport conduit (6) into the second section of the item transport conduit (6'), into the building (3). The shuffle may then be removed in a similar maimer described herein above. Equally, if the van is delivering shuttles containing valuables, then the shuttles may be transported to the building (3) in the same manner. In order to avoid damage to any shuttles (50) travelling through the item transport conduit (6, 6'), an air cushion may be created at the receiving end of the item transport conduit (6, 6t), via appropriate actuation of the a.ir diffuser plates, such 1.0 that a shuttle arriving at an end of the item transport conduit (6, 6') will be buffered by a counter air current, in order to stop movement of the shuttle (50).

When all of the shuttles containing items, and empty shuttles, have been transported to the appropriate location, the item transport conduit (6, 6') may be decoupled from the docking stations (30, 32) by manipulalion from the van (5), which will disconnect the air pipes (14, 141) and electronic ID sensors (24), after which the first section of the item transport conduit (6) may be folded back to its folded configuration shown in Figure 3, and the van (5) may be driven away.

In other embodiments of the invention, there may be an air pump (8) located both in the van, next to the second storage magazine (4), and also in the building (3), located next to the building storage magazine (2), if it is required to have more air pressure generated at both ends of the item transport conduit (6, 6). Both air pumps, would be manipulated and operated by personnel within the van (5), in order that control over the transport of items through the item transport system remains with a single person.

The use of an armoured item transport conduit (6, 6'), coupled with movement and transport of shuttles containing items via fluid pressuTe from behind the shuttles enables safe and effective transport of items between two locations, and which mitigates the risk of blockage of the item transport conduits of the item transport system of the invention. Furthermore, control over the delivery of items within shuttles from a building to a van, by the operator in the van, and control over the return of shuffles from the van to the building by the same operator simplifies operation of the item transport system, and minimises the number of personnel required or involved in transport of valuables.

The above embodiment is described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. An item transport system for transporting items between locations comprising a first storage container, a second storage container, and item transport conduit arranged in use to be connected to the first and second storage containers and a means to apply fluid pressure behind an item located in the item transport conduit to transport the item through the conduit between the first and second storage containers.
2. An item transport system as claimed in claim I wherein the item transport conduit comprises a wall through winch extends one or more fluid conduits, arranged in use to selectively deliver fluid pressure from either end of the itcm transport conduit.
3. An item transport system as claimed in claim 2 wherein each end of the item transport conduit comprises fluid delivery apertures having opening and closing means to enable selective delivery of fluid pressure from either end of The item transport conduit.
4. An item trarisporl conduit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pressure behind an item located in the item transport conduit is at least 1 Obar during transport of the item through the conduit.
5. An item transport system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the item transport conduit comprises an flexible inner conduit surrounded by and spaced apart from an inflexible outer wall.
6. An item transport conduit as claimed in claim 5 wherein the outer wall includes jointed sections which rotate to enable bending of the item transport conduit, in use.
7. An item transport system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the item transport conduit comprises a first section connected to the first item storage container, and a second section connected to the second item stoTagc container, arranged to be connected in use.
8. An item transport system as claimed in claim 7 wherein each section of the item transport conduit includes one or more sensors, arranged in use to sense changes in the comiection status of the sections.
9. An item transport system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first storage container is located in a vehicle.
10. An item transport system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second storage container is located in a building.
11. A method of transporting an item between two storage containers, the method comprising the steps of: S a) connecting an item transport conduit between a first and second storage container b) loading an item from one of the storage containers into the conduit; and c) applying fluid pressure behind the item in order to move the item through the conduit to the other storage container.
12. A method as claimed in claim 11 wherein the first and second storage containers are located in a security vehicle and building respectively.
13. A method as claimed in claim 11 or 12 wherein the method comprises unloading an item from the item transport conduit into a storage container after step c), loading a second item into the item transport conduit from the same storage container, and switching fluid pressure application to behind the second item in order to transport it along the item transport conduit.
14. An item transport system or method substantially as described herein with.referenec to the accompanying drawings.