Pneumatic Tubes Medical labs and drive-in banks are still using the pneumatic tube, whose heyday was back in the 19th century when the device was a means of sending messages from building to building. The tube made a comeback in the 1970's when engineers figured out how to make it gentle enough for hospitals to transport blood samples. Joel Obermayer reports from Danville, Pennsylvania.

Pneumatic Tubes

April 23, 200112:00 AM ET

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Pneumatic Tubes

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Medical labs and drive-in banks are still using the pneumatic tube, whose heyday was back in the 19th century when the device was a means of sending messages from building to building. The tube made a comeback in the 1970's when engineers figured out how to make it gentle enough for hospitals to transport blood samples. Joel Obermayer reports from Danville, Pennsylvania.