As the world tries to readjust to a world of social distancing, it is important to look at ways to do everyday things safely. One of the ways that this can be achieved is with pneumatic tube systems in places like banks. While this method was previously used, then phased out in many places, it now becomes a way to bank safely.
How do bank drive-thru tubes work?
Pneumatic tubes have been used for banking before, so the way that the system will be implemented now will call back to that previous design.
The Station
When you drive your car through the bank drive-thru lane, there will be a designated spot for you to stop, known as the station. This is the area where you will be able to communicate with your bank teller through a speaker, similar to a fast-food drive-thru. You will also be able to open a door to access the carrier inside. There are two stations, one for you and one for the teller inside the bank.
The Carrier
Drive-thru carriers are containers that will hold your money or papers that will be transported back and forth between you and the teller (please do not send any coins in the drive-thru). They are cylindrical containers made of durable, clear plastic (but will be extremely weakened if cleaning chemicals are used on the product).
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The pneumatic tube carrier will be taken out of the station to place whatever you need to send to the teller inside (NO COIN), then placed back in the station to be sent to the teller. The teller will operate the controls, meaning you just need to place the carrier inside properly and shut the door. They will do the rest. To retrieve your money or documentation, the teller will place it in the carrier to send back to you.
The Pneumatic Tubes
The drive-thru tubes are what the carriers travel through in order to move from one station to another. These can be long, short, curved or straight, depending on what distance needs to be covered to connect the two stations. Diverters can also be added to control where the carriers go in a more complex tubing system that branches off.
The Blowers
The blowers are the power source used to transport the carriers through the tubing. Pressurized air propels the carriers to move about 25 feet in a single second, and can land without damaging the carrier in the station. It is important to remember to close the doors to the station to prevent bringing anything else from outside into the tubing system, like debris.
Conclusion
Banking does not need to be done through direct contact to interact effectively with a client. Pneumatic tube systems will allow a simple and safe way to transport papers and paper money from you to the bank teller, without relying on ATM machines or going into the bank.
