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CLASS 60,	POWER PLANTS
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This is the residual class concerned with the driving of a load by the conversion of heat, pressure, radiant, or gravitational energy into mechanical motion. It includes a motor in combination with its energy supply or its exhaust treatment. It also includes the motors, per se, combinations of motors, and elements specialized for use in such energy conversion that are not specifically provided for elsewhere.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

Unless specifically provided for elsewhere, a combination of plural motors of types that would, per se, be classified in different classes is classified in Class 60.

Combustion products generators in which steam or water are added to the combustion zone are classified in Class 60, Power Plants, where it is the sole disclosure that the products of combustion are to be used to produce useful work. See Class 110, Furnaces, and Class 431, Combustion, for combustion products generators of general utility where steam or water is supplied to the combustion zone. Combustion products generators, per se, using solid fuel, having high pressure generator structure peculiar to the generation of high pressure fluid for motive power, are classified herein. Combustion chamber structure of general utility, and structure for fuel preparation and fuel feeding to a conventional combustion chamber not provided for in other fuel preparation classes, as Class 241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, are classified in Class 110, Furnaces.

Combustion product generators in which hazardous or toxic waste is used as the fuel to produce useful work. See Class 588, Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment, subclasses 300-415 and 249-260 for the processes of chemical destruction or containment of hazardous or toxic waste.

LINE WITH CLASS 91 AND CLASS 418

See (4) Note of the class definition of Class 91, for a statement of the line between Classes 60 and 91, the same line being maintained between Classes 60 and 418.

SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

SUBCLASSES

39.01	COMBUSTION PRODUCTS USED AS MOTIVE FLUID:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Plants or processes having means to generate combustion products, either continuously or intermittently, whereby said products are usable, at least in part, to perform useful work. (1) Note. Combustion products generator a device including essentially a chamber in which a suitable fuel and an oxidizer are burned or exploded to produce hot products of combustion, together with accessory means to mix water, fuel and oxidizer, to spray or feed water, fuel, or oxidizer, to ignite the fuel charge, to periodically operate the inlet and exhaust valves, or other means accessory to such chamber. Continuous combustion type this refers to the operation of a combustion products generator, without cyclically actuated inlet or outlet valves, in which the fuel and oxidizer are supplied to permit combustion to proceed in an unbroken or uninterrupted manner to produce a steady stream of combustion products. This type is also known as a "constant pressure" type. Intermittent combustion type - this refers to the operation of a combustion products generator, usually having inlet or outlet valves, or both, or their equivalents, in which a fuel charge is periodically exploded or burned to discharge a pulsating stream of combustion products. This type is also known as an "explosion" or "constant volume" type. (2) Note. This subclass and the indented subclasses include subcombinations peculiarly adapted for power production or solely disclosed for such purpose, unless classification is provided therefor in some other existing class and subclass. (3) Note. See Lines With Other Classes in the class definition for line between Class 60 and Classes 110 and 431. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 272+, for internal-combustion engines which discharge exhaust gases under pressure suitable for use in a motor, in combination with means to act upon the exhaust gases, such as means to store or to conduct such gases, or to add a fluid thereto, or to burn fuel in said exhaust gases. 597+, for plants in which the combustion products are generated by burning a fuel in the expansible working chamber of an internal combustion engine. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 102,  Ammunition and Explosives,   subclass 202 for means for igniting a missile propellant.

39.08	With lubricators:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01.  Plants in combination with means to supply a lubricant to movable parts thereof. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 123,  Internal-Combustion Engines,   subclass 196 for lubrication means for internal-combustion engines. 184,  Lubrication,   appropriate subclass, for lubrication in general.

39.091	With safety device:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01.  Plants in combination with a safety device in the form of means to prevent the creation of dangerous or objectionable operating conditions, or to sense and to relieve such conditions. (1) Note. The conditions referred to do not ordinarily occur during normal operation of the power plants. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 39.13, for plants wherein the operation of the generator is stopped and started in response to pressure changes in an accumulator receiving products of combustion. 773, for a process where combustion products are used as motive fluid having power output control. 793 through 39.3, for a process where combustion products are used as motive fluid combined with regulation of power output feature. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 123,  Internal-Combustion Engines,   subclass 198 for safety devices designed for use with internal-combustion engines.

39.092	Debris anti-ingestion preventer:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.091.  Plants wherein the safety device comprises structure designed to prevent the inflow of foreign material into the air intake or other sensitive structure of the power plant. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 55,  Gas Separation,   subclass 306 for debris anti-ingestion means for use on aircraft engine inlets not combined with significant engine structure.

39.093	Ice preventer or deicer:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.091.  Plants wherein the safety device comprises structure designed to either prevent the formation or eliminate the accumulation of frozen water on components of the power plant.

39.094	Fuel flusher or drainer:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.091.  Plants wherein the safety device comprises structure designed to either purge a portion of the fuel system of the power plant or to remove areas of abnormally accumulated fuel in the power plant.

39.1	Excess pressure relief:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.09.  Plants in which the safety means senses an excess pressure in the system, and relieves such excess pressure. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 137,  Fluid Handling,   subclasses 455+ for valves which respond to changes in line condition. 220,  Receptacles,   subclasses 89.1 through 89.4for frangible or fusible diaphragms which burst or melt to relieve excess pressure.

39.11	Flame screen:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.09.  Plants in which the safety means includes screens or equivalent means to prevent the flash-back of the flame. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 48,  Gas: Heating and Illuminating,   subclass 192 for safety devices for preventing, localizing and confining explosions in a gas distributing system. 123,  Internal-Combustion Engines,   subclass 434 for safety devices used in connection with charge-forming devices of internal-combustion engines. 220,  Receptacles,   subclasses 88.1+ for flame guards for receptacles. 222,  Dispensing,   subclass 189.01 for flame guards for dispensers.

39.12	With combustible gas generator:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01.  Plants in combination with means, distinct from and independent of the combustion products generator, to generate a combustible gas that is delivered to the combustion products generator to be burned. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 39.69, for combinations wherein the generator of the combustible gas is not distinct from the combustion products generator, but functions merely as a pre-combustion chamber. 39.71, for means to vaporize a liquid fuel by heat incidental to the operation of the combustion products generator. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 48,  Gas: Heating and Illuminating,   appropriate subclasses for combustible gas generators, per se. 123,  Internal-Combustion Engines,   subclass 3 for combinations of an internal-combustion engine and a combustible gas generator.

39.13	Automatic starting and stopping of combustion products generator:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01.  Plants including means to start and stop the operation of the combustion products generator in response to pressure change in a storage vessel. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 39.24+, for plants in which the operation of the combustion products generator is varied, but not stopped, in response to pressure fluctuations in the combustion products accumulator. 281, for combinations of internal-combustion engines and exhaust gas accumulators. 786 through 790, for a power plant where combustion products are used as motive fluid combined with a starting feature.

39.15	Multiple fluid-operated motors:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01.  Plants having a plurality of distinct motors, at least two of which are operated by a fluid under pressure. (1) Note. Distinct motors include (1) two or more turbine rotors on a common shaft receiving combustion products, in parallel, from a common combustion products generator, or each rotor being supplied by a separate combustion products generator; (2) two or more expansible chamber cylinders supplied, in parallel, from a common combustion products generator where the cylinders are more than mere duplicates of each other; (3) a plurality of motors, on separate shafts, which may or may not deliver power to a common output shaft; (4) a plurality of turbine stages in a common housing, or in separate housings, wherein the combustion products pass through the stages in series, involving some treatment of the combustion products between stages; and (5) two or more turbines with means whereby the turbines are selectively operable to rotate power output shaft in either direction. The means whereby the turbines are selectively operable may include one or more clutches or equivalent means to connect the turbines to the power output shaft. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 39.22, for plants in which an auxiliary motor controls the cycle frequency of an intermittent combustion type of combustion products generator. 698+, for motors having several modes of operation, each classifiable in different motor classes, or for multiple motors of the same class other than combustion products types. 786 through 790, for a power plant where combustion products are used as motive fluid combined with a starting feature. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 415,  Rotary Kinetic Fluid Motors or Pumps,   appropriate subclasses for plural or multiple-stage gas turbines, per se, that does not involve combustion products generation means.

39.162	Counter-rotatable:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 791.  Plants in which two motors rotate in different directions.

39.163	Selectively connectable:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 791.  Plants having at least two motors which may be selectively interconnected to provide a common power output.

39.17	With treatment between stages:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 791.  Plants including means to treat the combustion products between successive stages of expansion, as, for example, by heating, cooling, or by the addition of fuel air, water, steam or more combustion products. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 643+, and 662, for multiple stage motor plants using mixed fluids other than products of combustion, having means for admitting fluid between expansion stages from some source other than the next preceding stage while fluid is being admitted from the preceding stage. 648, 677, 679, and 684, for multiple stage motors using motive fluid other than products of combustion, including means affecting the motive fluid between stages, as, for example, (1) tapping fluid for external use, (2) reheating, or (3) separation of condensate. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 91,  Motors: Expansible Chamber Type,   subclasses 8+ for multiple expansion type expansible chamber motors having means for permitting a subsequent pressure stage to receive motive fluid other than that discharged from the immediately prior stage, said prior stage also receiving motive fluid and at least ultimately discharging it into said subsequent stage.

39.181	Different fluids:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.15.  Plants in which unlike motive fluids are utilized in the several motors, at least one of such motive fluids being composed of combustion products. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 786 through 790, for a power plant where combustion products are used as motive fluid combined with a starting feature.

39.182	Steam and combustion products:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.181.  Plants having at least one motor operating on steam and one motor operating on combustion products.

39.183	Air and combustion products:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.181.  Plants having at least one motor operating on air and one motor operating on combustion products.

39.19	Different fluids:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01.  Plants having a single motor in which two or more unlike motive fluids are simultaneously employed without being mixed in the motor, at least one of the motive fluids being composed of combustion products. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 486, and 674, for power plants simultaneously using two or more different motive fluids in a single motor, the motive fluids being other than combustion products.

39.21	Plural generators, selectively operable:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 793.  Combinations in which the quantity of the motive fluid is regulated by varying the number of combustion products generators in operation, viz., by cutting in and out one or more, but not all, of a plurality of combustion products generators. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 39.09, for combinations in which the operation of all combustion products generators is discontinued upon the creation of, or to prevent the creation of, dangerous operating conditions. 786 through 790, for a power plant where combustion products are used as motive fluid combined with a starting feature. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 123,  Internal-Combustion Engines,   subclass 52 for systems for disabling some of the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine in order to vary the power output.

39.22	Varying cycle frequency relative to prime mover speed:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 793.  Combinations in which the quantity of the motive fluid is regulated by varying the cycle frequency of operation of an intermittent combustion type generator relative to the speed of the prime mover, i.e., the power output motor. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 39.13, for an independent motor for feeding a combustion products generator, the motor being started and stopped in response to the pressure in an accumulator receiving the combustion products.

39.23	With variable oxidizer control:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01.  Plants having means to vary the rate of flow of oxidizer to the combustor, either for regulating the combustion process or for regulation of the engine power output. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 794 through 795, for a power plant where combustion products are used as motive fluid combined with automatic regulation of a power output feature by control of an oxidizer.

39.24	Automatic:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 793.  Combinations including means to sense a change in condition of power plant operation, wherein the means to vary the rate of power output is under the control of such sensing means. (1) Note. Control means responsive to (1) pressure and/or temperature of air or combustion products at any point between entrance into the compressor and discharge from the power plant; or (2) rate of flow or quantity of (a) air passing through the compressor to the combustion products generator or (b) products of combustion has been regarded as responsive to a change in condition of power plant operation. The following has not been deemed significant power plant structure; control means responsive to (1) power plant speed; (2) carburetor or compressor inlet pressure; (3) air inlet temperature to carburetor or compressor; (4) pump speed; (5) fuel inlet or discharge pressure, velocity or volume; (6) altitude. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 39.09, for combinations of power plants with means to discontinue the supply of oxidizer, fuel, water, or motive fluid in response to some undesired or dangerous condition of operation. 233+, for a means controlling the thrust of a thrust producing device responsive to a motor condition such as speed, thrust, acceleration, etc. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 137,  Fluid Handling,   subclasses 16+ for a residual prime mover control system. 236,  Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,   subclasses 14 and 15, for automatic furnace control. 431,  Combustion,   subclasses 18+ for a residual automatically controlled device specialized to combustion and disclosed for use for purposes other than for external power. 701,  Data Processing: Vehicles, Navigation, and Relative Location,   subclasses 99 and 100 for indication or control of power plants, particularly gas turbine compressors.

39.25	Motive fluid to prime mover:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.24.  Combinations wherein the means to vary the rate of power output regulates the rate of flow of motive fluid to the prime mover, i.e., external power output motor. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 39.15+, for plants having a plurality of distinct motors wherein means are provided to vary the rate of flow of motive fluid to one or more motors.

39.26	Oxidizer, fuel and water or steam:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.24.  Combinations wherein the means to vary the rate of power output regulates the quantity of oxidizer, fuel and water or steam, comprising the ingredients to produce the motive fluid.

39.27	Oxidizer and fuel:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.24.  Combinations wherein the means to vary the rate of power output regulates the quantity of oxidizer and fuel, separately or as a fuel-oxidizer mixture, comprising the ingredients to produce the motive fluid. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 123,  Internal-Combustion Engines,   subclasses 319+ for speed regulators for internal combustion engines.

39.281	Fuel:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.24.  Combinations wherein the means to vary the rate of power output regulates the quantity of fuel comprising an ingredient to produce the motive fluid. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 123,  Internal-Combustion Engines,   subclasses 350+ and 378+ for regulation of fuel to internal combustion engines.

39.282	Torque sensor:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.281.  Combinations wherein the means to sense a change in condition of power plant operation is specially designed to sense the turning moment or turning force of a component of the power plant.

39.3	Water or steam:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.24.  Combinations wherein the means to vary the rate of power output regulates the quantity of water or steam comprising an ingredient to produce the motive fluid.

39.34	Rotating combustion products generator and turbine:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01.  Plants including one or more rotating combustion products generators and a turbine. The combustion products generator or generators may be an integral part of the turbine, or may form a separate member rotatable in the same or opposite direction. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 416,  Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impellers),   subclasses 20+ for combustion products generators carried by propeller blades, the rotation being effected by the discharge of the products of combustion through reaction nozzles.

39.35	Continuous combustion type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.34.  Plants in which the combustion within the combustion products generator or generators proceeds in an uninterrupted or continuous manner. (1) Note. See (1) Note under subclass 39.01 for definition of "continuous combustion type".

39.37	Plural combustion products generators in ring coaxial with turbine:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01.  Plants in which a turbine is fed with combustion products from a plurality of combustion products generators lying in a ring whose axis is coaxial with the turbine shaft. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 35.6, for combinations wherein plural combustion products generators in a ring coaxial with a turbine deliver exhaust gases to a jet reaction nozzle. 39.34+, for rotating combustion products generators and turbine.

39.38	Intermittent combustion type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.37.  Plants in which the combustion products generators operate in a cyclic manner to intermittently produce and discharge combustion products. (1) Note. See (1) Note under subclass 39.01 for definitions of "intermittent combustion type".

39.39	Common rotary distributing valve:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.38.  Plants in which the inlet and/or discharge ports of the combustion products generators are opened and closed by a common rotary valve member. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 39.38, for plants in which the turbine or compressor rotor is provided with one or more solid portions which cooperate with ports in the combustion products generators to perform valving function.

39.4	Common cam member:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.38.  Plants in which the inlet and/or discharge valves of the combustion products generators are actuated by a common cam member.

39.41	With exhaust pump for combustion products generator:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01.  Plants including a movable pumping means connected with the combustion products generator to withdraw all or a part of the combustion products. This pump may deliver the combustion products at an increased pressure to a receiver or prime mover, or may serve to scavenge the combustion products generator or to draw in a new fuel charge or air. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 39.56+, for jet pumps for mixing steam and combustion products. 39.7, for jet pumps wherein the combustion products from one generator scavenge the combustion products from a cooperating generator or draws a new fuel charge or air into said cooperating generator.

39.42	With reversible turbine:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01.  Plants having a single turbine rotor with blade structure and flow passages whereby the turbine rotor may be selectively operable in either direction, usually by providing separate forward and reverse blading on the rotor. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 415,  Rotary Kinetic Fluid Motors or Pumps,   appropriate subclasses for gas operated reversing turbines, per se.

39.43	With dual function turbine:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01.  Plants wherein the turbine rotor, in addition to its usual function as a power producing element, also serves, at the same time, to compress an oxidizer, fuel, or a fuel charge, for use in the power cycle. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 801 through 803, for a power plant where combustion products are used as motive fluid is convertible or combined with a feature other than a combustion products generator or motor. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 415,  Rotary Kinetic Fluid Motors or Pumps,   subclasses 175+ and 177+ for turbines carrying fan blades for the circulation of a cooling medium.

39.44	With closed pocket turbine:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01.  Plants including a turbine of the so-called "closed pocket" type. The motive fluid, introduced into these pockets, is trapped therein, and while so trapped is incapable of exerting any useful energy release by expansion, impulse, or reaction. Turbines of this type are considered to be inoperative to produce useful power. (1) Note. To be classified herein, the patent, in addition to disclosing a closed pocket turbine, should claim the turbine more specifically than merely as a "turbine" or "rotor", or similar broad language.

39.45	With gear, pressure exchanger, or screw-type compressor:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01.  Plants including a compressor utilizing interengaging impellers, a liquid or gas under pressure which directly contacts a gas to be compressed, or a rotating helix or screw, to compress the air, fuel, or fuel charge used in the plant. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 415,  Rotary Kinetic Fluid Motors or Pumps,   appropriate subclasses for rotary pumps and compressors, per se, and see the search note to Class 60, References to Other Classes of the Class 415 Class Definition for a statement of the line. 417,  Pumps,   subclass 64 for a gas pressure pump using a rotary cellular conveyer; and 65+ for pumps of the type having one fluid pumped by another. 418,  Rotary Expansible Chamber Devices,   subclasses 166+ for a rotary expansible chamber device of the moving cylinder type having intermeshing peripheral surfaces and subclasses 191+ for rotary expansible chamber devices of the interengaging rotating member type.

39.461	Using special fuel or oxidizer:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01.  Plants using other oxidizer or fuel than air, oil or gasoline, in which parts of the plant are modified to utilize such other oxidizer or fuel. (1) Note. See Lines With Other Classes in the Class Definition for the line with Class 110. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 44,  Fuel and Related Compositions,   subclasses 300+ for liquid fuels for various uses. 110,  Furnaces,   see (1) Note above.

39.462	Monofuel type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.461.  Plants using a single component fuel which is decomposed into its constituents to form a high pressure working fluid.

39.463	Plural distinct fuels:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.461.  Plants which use two or more different fuels.

39.464	Solid, slurry, emulsive or suspensive type fuel:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.461.  Plants which use a fuel that is either: (a) a substance or material having a definite volume and shape, i.e., a solid; (b) a relatively dense mixture of a particulate solid and liquid, i.e., a slurry; (c) a mixture of liquids in which the liquids are indissolvable in each other, i.e., an emulsion; or (d) a mixture of a particulate solid dispersed in a liquid and in which the solid is indissolvable in the liquid, i.e., suspension. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 516,  Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or Inhibiting,   for colloid systems or agents for such systems or making or stabilizing such systems or agents, especially subclasses 9+ for continuous liquid phase (emulsions, slurries, suspensions), subclasses 98+ for continuous or semicontinuous solid phase (gels, pastes); in each instance, when generically claimed or when there is no hierarchically superior provision in the USPC for the specifically claimed art.

39.465	Gaseous fuel at standard temperature and pressure:
	Plants under 39.461 which use a fuel that is a gas at standard temperature and pressure. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 39.12, for plants which include means to generate a gaseous fuel.

39.47	Solid fuel containing oxidizer:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.46.  Plants in which the motive fluids or products of combustion are produced by the combustion of a solid fuel which carries sufficient oxidizer incorporated therein to provide at least the major portion necessary to burn the fuel. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 632, for one shot explosion actuated expansible chamber type motors. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 102,  Ammunition and Explosives,   subclasses 530+ for pressure gas generating cartridges. 149,  Explosive and Thermic Compositions or Charges,   appropriate subclasses for thermic or explosive compositions, per se.

39.48

With fluid pressure feeding of oxidizer, fuel or water:

This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01.  Plants including means to apply fluid pressure against oxidizer, fuel, or water, in a receiver, either directly or through a separating member, to forcibly feed a combustion products generator. (1) Note. By "separating member" is meant a flexible diaphragm or piston follower which functions to transmit the pressure of a fluid to the oxidizer, fuel or water. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: