This class provides for processes involving steps resulting
in separation of a gas from a fluid mixture comprising (i) a gas
and solid or liquid particles entrained therein, (ii) a liquid and
gas entrained therein, or (iii) a plurality of gases. As a general
rule for this class, there must be a relationship of process steps
embracing: (a) inflow of the fluid mixture to be treated, (b) a
step or steps effective to cause the separation into constituent parts,
and (c) an outflow of at least one constituent which is separate
and distinct from the outflow of another constituent, including
outflow of a constituent by removing the separating medium itself.
The gas separation for this class is effected by processes other
than chemical reaction.
The basic subject matter of this class is of a subcombinational
nature and may include only such ancillary process steps (e.g.,
fluid handling, etc.) as are necessary to perfect the gas separating
function. Significant inclusion in a claim of features beyond merely
perfecting the gas separating function indicates classification
in a more comprehensive class. Thus, the combination of a gas separation
process of this class and any cleaning or regenerating of the separation
media is properly in this class, because the cleaning or regenerating
is perfecting the gas separating function. Generally, however, the mere
naming of an art process in a claim to gas separation does not affect
classification. Thus, a claim to filtration of a gas from a named
source with no details of that source is proper for this class.
(1)
Note. The gas separation processes for this class generally
involve the use of physical chemistry, chromatography, solid sorption, gas
and liquid contact, gas contact, electrical fields, magnetic fields,
wave energy, selective diffusion, filtration, deflection, or other
mechanical means. (Also see Lines with Other Classes, below.)
(2)
Note. This class also provides for processes in which the
fluid mixture is treated to change its make-up, but no real separation occurs,
provided no other suitable classification exists. Accordingly, in
this class are found processes of using "spark arresters," which
merely change the size of particles entrained in a gas. These devices
are usually deflectors or screens. The processes of using them are
included in this class because of their similarity to processes which
actually separate the fluid mixture into constituent parts. Similarly,
agglomeration, which by itself may not separate particles entrained
in a gas, but cause small particles entrained therein to join together or
coalesce to form larger particles, is in this class unless basis
for other classification exists.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
The gas separation processes for this class generally involve
the use of physical chemistry, chromatography, solid sorption, gas
and liquid contact, gas contact, electrical fields, magnetic fields,
wave energy, selective diffusion, filtration, deflection, or other
mechanical means. See the class search note in section III for Class
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, for the line concerning the
processes in which the gas separation is caused by a chemical reaction.
Also, see the class search note in section III for Class 588, Hazardous
or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment, for the line concerning
the processes in which the gas separation is caused by destruction
or permanent containment of the hazardous or toxic waste.
Degassing or purging processes for the removal of a gas from
a solid will be placed in the class where the solid is either manufactured
or treated. The removal of a gas from a solid sorbent (i.e., regeneration),
per se, will be found in Class 502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or
Support Therefor: Product or Process of Making. However, the use
of a solid sorbent to separate a gas from a fluid mixture and the
removal of the gas from the solid sorbent (i.e., regeneration) will
be found in this class. For the removal of a gas from a solid, where
the solid is not identified, see Class 134, Cleaning and Liquid
Contact With Solids.
The Search Notes below also contain lines with other classes.
Metal Working, appropriate subclasses indented under
subclass 592 , particularly subclass 896.62 for processes of
mechanical manufacture for making a filter.
Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, appropriate subclasses for generic processes for
separating liquids from solids (i.e., drying) and the contacting
of solids with either gases or vapors. Class 95 takes the separation
of a gas from a fluid mixture in combination with the regeneration
of the separating media by drying or by gas or vapor contact.
Power Plants,
subclasses 273 -274 for processes of treating or handling the materials
discharging from the combustion chamber of an internal combustion
engine.
Refrigeration, appropriate subclasses for processes peculiar to
removing heat from a substance, usually by a change of phase of
a coolant or refrigerant and for processes involving subject matter
for Class 95 combined with a significant refrigeration step. Examples
of significant refrigeration are: (i) expansion of a gas through
an orifice whereby cooling is effected to condense any of the constituents
of the gas by such temperature reduction; (ii) a significant physical
relationship or arrangement between elements of a refrigeration
circuit (e.g., two related refrigeration coils, detailed description
of the circuit, etc.); (iii) change of phase of a coolant or refrigerant
(i.e., evaporation, melting, or sublimation) whereby cooling is
effected to condense any of the constituents of the gas by such
temperature reduction. Some examples of what may be found in Class
62 are: (a) separation of a constituent from a plurality of gases
by a significantly claimed refrigeration step or apparatus; (b) condensation
of moisture from the atmosphere as a result of a refrigeration operation;
(c) gas drying by sorption followed by contacting the dried gas
with a liquid to produce cooling by evaporation; (d) a refrigerated
enclosure combined with sorption means; (e) refrigeration producing
processes and apparatus combined with steps or means for drying
the refrigerant; and (f) extracting a constituent from a plurality of
gases by liquefaction and separation (e.g., fractionation or distillation,
etc.). Class 95 takes gas separation of general application, including
cooling of the sorbent or cooling of gas, but not including evaporative
cooling after sorption of the type noted in (c) above. Class 95
takes the cold wall-hot wall thermal diffusion or repulsion type
of separation, regardless of any refrigeration claimed. Class 95
also takes expansion through an orifice of a liquid and gas entrained
therein where the gas is removed from the liquid through the lowering of
the pressure and the cooling effect which inherently results from
such pressure reduction is not transferred
through a wall to another material; if such heat transfer occurs,
classification in Class 62 is proper.
Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 23.2 -31.07 for gas analysis, per se, and also the combination
of gas separation and significant gas analysis. The combination
of gas separation and a nominal step of "analyzing" or "detecting" without
further detail of the analysis or detection is insufficient to cause
a patent to be placed in Class 73; that patent will be placed in Class
95. Also, if there is feedback from the analytical apparatus to
control or effect a change in the gas separating operation, then classification
is in Class 95.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclasses for processes for the treatment
of liquid or vaporous metal. See
subclass 405 for removal of gas from liquid metal by use of
a gas permeable membrane and subclasses 407-412 for filtering vaporous
metal.
Gas Separation: Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for the corresponding apparatus
to the processes of Class 95. When a patent has a claim or claims
to a Class 95 process and a claim or claims to a Class 96 apparatus,
the patent will be placed as an original in Class 95, even though
there may be an apparatus claim that is more comprehensive than
a process claim.
Surgery,
subclasses 200.24 through 207.18for methods of supplying a breathable gas to, or exhausting
such gas from, a living body. Subclass 200.24 and the subclasses
mentioned below require that the method be adapted for use on or
in the living body and also include diagnostic or therapeutic methods
when the only disclosed utility is for diagnosis or treatment of
a living body. See especially subclass 200.25 for an artificial
gill or means for separating entrained air from a liquid stream;
subclass 201.25 for a respiratory device including body or head
supported means covering user’s scalp and means for removing
a substance from respiratory gas; subclass 204.16 for removal of a
substance from respiratory gas by cooling; subclass 205.12 for means
for supplying respiratory gas under positive pressure including means
for removing a substance from the respiratory gas; and subclass
205.27 for a respiratory device including means for removing a substance
from respiratory gas.
Fluid Handling, appropriate subclasses for combinations of fluid
handling and gas separation involving more than mere flow control
to or from the separating means. (a) For classification in either
Class 137 or Class 95, where both the fluid handling and gas separation
are included in the combination, classification will be based upon
the ultimate purpose of the subject matter and not upon the ancillary
or subordinate feature of the combination consistent with the objects
and aims therefor (e.g., it is not intended that the inclusion of
filtering, no matter how specifically defined, will be sufficient to
carry a "gas field storage and distribution process" to
Class 95 whether the filtering protects the apparatus used in the
process or is the last step in the process). The fluid handling
for Class 95 should be no more than that necessary to convey or
conduct the fluid mixture to, at, or away from the point of separation.
(b) Class 137 also takes separation of gases from gases, liquids,
or solids by gravity only (i.e.,
where no specific means is claimed for effecting the separation).
Fluent Material Handling, With Receiver or Receiver
Coacting Means,
subclasses 4 through 8for processes of transferring fluent material through
a flow confining system, the source and receiver parts of which
are normally separable, including varying gaseous conditions (e.g.,
causing a vacuum, etc.) in the receiver.
Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture, appropriate subclasses for processes there classified
for adhesively bonding and otherwise manufacturing filters.
Heat Exchange, appropriate subclasses for processes where only indirect
heat exchange is involved and especially
subclasses 201 -265 and 58-66 for heating and cooling including addition
or removal of water vapor from air. Cold wall-hot wall thermal diffusion
processes will be found in Class 95, subclass 289.
Wells, appropriate subclasses for processes involving shafts or
deep borings in the earth for the extraction of fluids from the
earth. See especially
subclasses 265 through 267for processes involving separating material leaving the
well. A gas separation process including a nominal recitation of
a well process is proper for Class 95. For classification in Class
166, some details specific to a well process should be recited for
the combination of a gas separation process and a well process.
However, in the situation in which one of the constituents separated
is inserted into an input well, a mere broad recitation of such
well process is sufficient for classification in Class 166.
Distillation: Processes, Separatory,
subclasses 39 through 48for processes for separating a liquid mixture (distilland)
by vaporizing and condensing at least a portion thereof to isolate in
the condensed liquid (distillate) or in the unvaporized portion
(residue) a comparatively pure compound combined with subjecting
the vapor to a disparate physical treatment to remove a substance.
For Class 203, the liquid mixture (distilland) must have a boiling
point above 0°C under normal atmospheric pressure (760
mm Hg).
Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, appropriate subclasses for processes in which a chemical
change is brought about by the application of an electric current
or wave energy to material being treated wherein more than the mere
thermal effect of the current or energy is involved and
subclasses 554 through 573for processes for the separation or purification
of liquids by the physical or physical-chemical action of an electrical
stress. See particularly subclass 157.3 for processes in which an
initial normally gaseous mixture is treated by wave energy so as
to remove therefrom by a chemical reaction or change to a different
chemical form at least one of the components therein.
Mineral Oils: Processes and Products, appropriate subclasses for processes for the recovery or
treatment of naturally occurring mineral oil which result in the
production of a purified or modified mineral oil. See particularly
subclass 310 for the separation of mineral oils into hydrocarbon
fractions, at least one of which is a mineral oil, wherein a mineral
oil containing fluid mixture is contacted with a solid material which
selectively adsorbs a mineral oil fraction from the fluid mixture.
See also subclass 340 for the recovery of liquid mineral oils from
natural gases or from uncondensed gas-vapor mixtures obtained from
a mineral oil conversion operation including separation of mineral
oils into hydrocarbon fractions, at least one of which is a mineral
oil. Processes which involve a gas separation procedure classifiable
in Class 95 followed by the recovery of a mineral oil by name only
(e.g., reciting only rectification, vacuum pressure or flash distillation,
etc.) are classified in Class 95. Processes wherein the mineral
oil recovery step includes any details thereof or includes some
subsequent treatment of the separated mineral oil are classified
in Class 208.
Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, subclasses indented under
subclasses 21 and 133 that include "deposition" in
their titles for processes for the separating and segregating into
grades components of solid mixtures employing a gaseous suspending
medium which is separated from the solids.
Liquid Purification or Separation, appropriate subclasses for the separation of a constituent from
a flowable liquid mixture; except for the separation of a gas initially
present in a liquid mixture. Class 210 is superior to Class 95 and takes
separating processes, per se, generically disclosed or claimed as
fluid separation or if the disclosure or a claim is restricted to
liquid separation. Class 210 also takes processes which remove or
vent gas formed incidentally to the handling of the fluid mixture
or as a result of a Class 210 treatment (see particularly
subclasses 603 , 640, 664, 718, and 750). However, Class 95 takes
processes operating to remove gas initially present in an inflowing
liquid mixture, with or without liquid separation. The removal of
a volatile organic compound (e.g., ethanol (C2H5OH),
gasoline, etc.) from a liquid is not taken to be degasification
of a liquid for Class 95 when the volatile organic compound is initially
present as a liquid mixed with another liquid. The removal of a
volatile organic compound from a liquid may be found in Class 210
for liquid purification or separation or Class 203 for separatory
distillation processes. Class 95 will also take a process including
a liquid separation step in a Class 95 operation (e.g., regenerating
a scrubbing liquid in a gas scrubbing operation, etc.).
Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,
subclasses 18 through 19for processes for combinations of comminution and
separation of solids from a gas. Class 241 is superior to the material
separation classes and, therefore, provides for processes in which
comminution is combined with steps to separate the material into
classes according to the physical characteristics of its components
before, during, or after the comminuting operation. Class 95 takes
processes, such as deflection or the like, that may act to comminute
material as a secondary or incidental function of what is basically
a holding back or separating procedure (e.g., disintegration or
attrition of ignited particles in spark arresters, etc.). Such processes
are classified on the basis of their essential function in Class
95.
Radiant Energy,
subclasses 282 through 284for methods for the ionic separation of materials
utilizing the charge-to-mass ratios of particles. These methods
may be for subjecting the ionized particles to the effects of an
electric or magnetic field, which causes the particles to travel
through a curved trajectory, the particles of a certain charge-to-mass
ratio having a trajectory different from those particles having other
charge-to-mass ratios.
Compositions,
subclasses 189 through 192for substances (e.g., liquid sorbent compositions, etc.)
for use in absorbing or binding carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur (S),
negative elements, or acids; subclass 193 for substances (e.g.,
liquid sorbent compositions, etc.) for use in absorbing or binding
ammonia, alkalis, or other bases; and subclass 194 for substances
(e.g., liquid sorbent compositions, etc.) for use in absorbing or
binding water.
Gas and Liquid Contact Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for apparatus for degasifying
liquid (e.g., deaerating feed water heater, etc.) wherein the liquid
is merely contacted with a gas in a chamber or space for deaeration thereof;
for apparatus wherein a gaseous fluid mixture is contacted with
a liquid spray, sheet, stream, or bath to precipitate dust or to
sorb a constituent from the gaseous fluid mixture; for apparatus
comprising a nonabsorbent element on which a gaseous fluid mixture
is contacted with a liquid if the element is continuously supplied
with a liquid or is continuously moved into and out of a liquid
bath or supply; and for apparatus comprising an absorbent porous sheet
or mass on which a gaseous fluid mixture is contacted with a liquid
if the sheet or mass is: (a) continuously supplied with liquid,
(b) cyclically or periodically moved through a liquid reservoir,
(c) maintained wet by liquid applying means, or (d) moistened by
maintaining some part of a continuous wick type member immersed
in liquid, by following the law of the machine, or during normal
operation of a gas contacting function. Note that under the provisions
of (a) and (b) there must be no affirmative means to dry the sheet
or mass, nor means to assure a dry condition of the sheet or mass
before gas flow is resumed or the sheet or mass is returned to the
gas contacting position. If apparatus for degasifying liquid by
contact with a gas has other means to cause gas separation of the
liquid with gas entrained therein, of the separated gas, or of the
separated liquid, then the apparatus is classified in Class 96.
If apparatus in which a gaseous fluid mixture is contacted with
a liquid to precipitate dust or to sorb a constituent from the gaseous
fluid mixture has other means to cause gas separation or has means
to treat the contact liquid, then the apparatus is classified in
Class 96.
(1)
Note. Apparatus for separating ammonia (NH3)
or acid anhydrides (CO2, SO2,
etc.) from a gas by mere contact with a liquid is classified in
Class 261.
(2)
Note. Processes for gas separation by contacting a gaseous
fluid mixture with a liquid and processes of degasifying a liquid
are classified in Class 95.
Induced Nuclear Reactions: Processes, Systems,
and Elements, for processes for induced nuclear reactions combined with
steps for reaction product treatment. See particularly
subclasses 146 through 148,189, 195, 198, and 201. See subclasses 308-316 for
processes including fission reactor material treatment.
Conveyors: Fluid Current,
subclasses 154 through 180for processes to convey solid material in a fluid
current with separation of the solids from the fluid at the conveyor
outlet.
Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing,
Preserving or Sterilizing,
subclass 4 for processes of acting on a gas for maintaining
a protective environment or counteracting a destructive environment
by disinfecting, deodorizing, preserving, or sterilizing. The deodorizing
for Class 422 generally involves adding a substance to a gas to
mask an odor. Class 95 takes deodorizing a gas that involves gas
separation of the type that meets the requirements for gas separation
in the definition for Class 95. Class 422 is the residual place
for deodorizing a gas that does not meet the requirements of the
definitions for Class 95 or Class 423.
Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds,
subclasses 210 through 215.5for gas separation methods relying upon a chemical
reaction (including combustion). However, for a Class 95 process
including a chemical reaction not involved in the separation, per
se, see the Class 95 Glossary for TREATMENT. A particular chemical
must be claimed and the chemical reaction must be inherent or disclosed
for patents to be placed in Class 423. Broadly reciting the separating
material as a "chemical" or as "gas purifying
material" does not exclude the patent from Class 95. Absorption
and adsorption are not considered chemical reactions in this respect.
Processes for separating a gaseous fluid mixture having therein
ammonia (NH3) or acid anhydrides (e.g., CO2,
SO2, etc.) by contacting the gaseous fluid
mixture with water and thus dissolving these gases out of the gaseous
fluid mixture are in Class 95, notwithstanding the fact that a chemical
reaction occurs in the solution and that ammonium hydroxide or the
acids are formed. Corresponding gas and liquid contact apparatus,
per se, is classified in Class 261. See the search class note for
Class 261 in this section for the line. See subclass 658.2 for hydriding
an alloy of two or more metals and recovering hydrogen from the
hydride.
Chemistry: Molecular Biology and Microbiology, appropriate subclasses for processes of using a micro-organism
or enzyme to synthesize a chemical product and for processes of treating
a material with a micro-organism or enzyme to separate, liberate,
or purify a preexisting substance. See particularly
subclass 266 for processes of treating a gas, emulsion, or foam
with an enzyme or immobilized enzyme or micro-organism or plant
or animal cells to isolate or recover a preexisting substance which
is chemically unchanged by the process.
Imperforate Bowl: Centrifugal Separators, appropriate subclasses for processes for the breaking
up or subdividing of material, which material comprises a mixture
of fluids or fluent substances, into two or more components by utilizing
a rotatable, receptaclelike member having a generally solid wall,
and commonly termed a bowl, for subjecting the material to centrifugal
force. Thus, gas separation processes that use an imperforate bowl,
centrifugal separator are proper for Class 494.
Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor: Product
or Process of Making,
subclasses 20 through 56for regenerating or rehabilitating solid sorbent
compositions, per se, subclasses 60-87 for zeolite compositions
and for processes of making zeolite compositions, and subclasses
400-438 for other solid sorbent compositions and for processes of
making solid sorbent compositions. Class 95 will take the combination
of gas separation using a solid sorbent composition and regenerating
or rehabilitating the solid sorbent composition.
Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations
Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or Inhibiting, appropriate subclasses for colloid systems or agents for such
systems or making or stabilizing such systems or agents, appropriate
subclasses for processes of or compositions for or subcombination
compositions for the breaking of or inhibiting of colloid systems
(
subclasses 115 through 134for defoaming); in each instance, when generically
claimed or when there is no hierarchically superior provision in the
USPC for the specifically claimed art.
Chemistry of Hydrocarbon Compounds,
subclasses 800 through 868for processes in which a mixture of a hydrocarbon
compound with another substance is treated to recover that same
compound in a more usable condition, that is, a purer or more desirable
condition, by a treatment which comprises separating the hydrocarbon
from the other substance or making the other substance less noxious.
Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment, appropriate subclasses for non-gaseous hazardous
or toxic waste destruction by any chemical means, including heating,
chemical agents, or the interaction with any form of radiation to
cause a chemical change which results in an environmentally safe
substance. Class 588 provides for the destruction of gaseous chemical
warfare agents, and includes gas separation when it is incidental
to the destruction of non-gaseous hazardous or toxic waste.
SECTION IV - GLOSSARY
DETECT
The term "detect," which is used in
many of the control subclasses, is used in both a quantitative and
a qualitative sense. This means that a definite measurement of a process
variable is made (e.g., temperature, pressure, concentration, etc.)
or that the presence of a particular event is determined (e.g.,
presence of sparking, change in liquid level determined by position
of float, etc.).
FILTER
An article or mass of material made of closely spaced
or intimately arranged intermeshed or unconnected fibers, elements,
strands, or particles that collectively act as a barrier to physically
retain at least one constituent of a fluid mixture on its surfaces
or in the spaces between the fibers, elements, strands, or particles
while permitting passage of the remaining constituents.
A filter has no "chemical" affinity for
a constituent of a fluid mixture. The retention of the constituent
by the filter depends upon a mechanical entrapment of solid or liquid
particles because of their relatively large size compared with the
interstices or spaces between individual fibers, elements, strands,
or particles. The retained particles can be removed by brushing,
wiping, shaking, or similar mechanical action.
FLUID MIXTURE
The phrase "fluid mixture" is used
throughout the definitions to mean (a) a gas and solid or liquid
particles entrained therein, (b) a liquid and gas entrained therein, or
(c) a plurality of gases.
GAS
Matter of very low density and viscosity, relatively
great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature,
that is readily diffusive, with a tendency to expand indefinitely,
with molecules in free movement. The term "gas" includes "vapor" (q.v.).
GASEOUS FLUID MIXTURE
The phrase "gaseous fluid mixture" is
used throughout the definitions to mean (a) a gas and solid or liquid
particles entrained therein or (b) a plurality of gases.
LIQUID SORBENT
A liquid capable of retaining part of a fluid mixture
with which it is contacted. The action in most cases is that of selective
retention (i.e., the sorbent removes only that part of the fluid
mixture for which it has the greatest affinity).
REGENERATION
Restoration of the separatory material to the condition
it was in before the separatory process.
SEPARATING APPARATUS
The entire gas separating means, which consists of all
of the apparatus parts related to gas separation and includes apparatus
parts that are in addition to the separator.
SEPARATING MEDIUM (MEDIA)
Liquid sorbent or means that effects the separation into constituent
parts (e.g., deflector, filter, molecular sieve, sorber, etc.).
(Media has been used in the singular and in the plural.)
SEPARATOR
The portion of the apparatus that consists of a separating medium
and the structure supporting, retaining, or substantially confining
the separating medium.
SOLID SORBENT
A solid sorbent is a solid material which separates a constituent
(e.g., a gas, vapor, etc.) from a fluid mixture containing such
constituents in a "quasi-chemical" manner. The
action in most instances is that of selective retention (i.e., the
sorbent removes only the part of the fluid mixture for which it
has the greatest affinity). The retained constituent cannot be removed
by shaking, brushing, or similar mechanical action, but generally can
be removed by heating, pressure reduction, or use of a stripping
or denuding fluid.
TREATMENT
(a) With respect to the class subject matter, the term
is restricted to reversible and nonchemical changes in physical
characteristics of the fluid mixture or a separated constituent
(e.g., heating, cooling, humidity control, agitating, pressure regulation,
etc.). (b) With respect to the media used to perform the gas separation or
to a material used to condition the fluid mixture for separation,
the term may include chemical preparation, reconditioning, or reaction.
VAPOR
The gaseous state of matter that is liquid or solid under
a temperature of 0°C and 760 mm Hg pressure.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process in which the separation is regulated by detecting
a characteristic or a change in a characteristic of the process
and by implementing an action in the process based upon the detected
characteristic or change therein.
(1)
Note. In this subclass and the subclasses indented hereunder,
a single means may be used both to detect the characteristic or
the change in the characteristic in the process and to implement
an action in the process based upon the detected characteristic
or change therein. There must be a positive action made by the means
because of the detected characteristic or change therein. An example
is the use of a pressure relief valve in which a certain pressure
must be reached before the valve opens to relieve the high pressure
in the process. Another example is the use of a bimetallic element
in a thermostat in which a certain temperature must be reached before
a switch is tripped in order to control the temperature in the process.
A third example is the use of increased weight on a separating media
because of accumulation of a separated constituent to cause the
separating media to move to a position of nonuse or regeneration.
Excluded from this subclass and the subclasses indented hereunder
are processes in which there is no positive action made by the single means
because of the detected characteristic or change therein. An example
of a process which is excluded and placed below is the flow of liquid
over a baffle once the liquid level reaches the top of the baffle.
Gas Separation: Apparatus,
subclasses 18 through 24for electrical separation apparatus with control means
responsive to sensed condition; subclass 102 for chromatography apparatus
with control means responsive to sensed condition; subclasses 109-114
for solid sorbent apparatus with control means responsive to sensed
condition; subclasses 156-174 for degasifying means with control means
responsive to sensed condition; subclasses 397-412 for gas separation apparatus
with automatic control means for gas or nongaseous constituent discharge;
and subclasses 417-423 for gas separation apparatus with signals,
indicators, measuring, or testing means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Process in which there is a step including discharge of
an electric current into the fluid mixture or electrifying a fluid
or solid that contacts the fluid mixture.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Process in which concentration of a constituent present
in the process or a change therein (e.g., dust, humidity, etc.)
is detected and is used to control some aspect of the process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Process in which temperature or a change therein is detected
and is used to control some aspect of the process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Process in which the presence or frequency of sparking in
the gas phase, often accompanied by short bursts of increasing current
flow or decreasing electrode voltage, is detected and is used to
control some aspect of the process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Process in which current flowing between discharge and collector
electrodes or a change therein is detected and is used to control
some aspect of the process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Process in which voltage applied, either directly to an
electrode or indirectly to the fluid mixture, or a change therein
is detected and is used to control some aspect of the process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Process in which concentration of a constituent present
in the process or a change therein (e.g., pH, humidity, dust content,
etc.) is detected and is used to control some aspect of the process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Process in which humidity or a change therein is detected
and is used to control some aspect of the process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Process in which the flow of the fluid mixture to a sorber
is stopped or the flow of the fluid mixture is switched to another
sorber based upon the detected concentration or change therein;
or process in which a sorbent is regenerated based upon the detected
concentration or change therein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Process in which flow rate of a sorbent is changed based
upon the detected concentration or change therein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Process in which temperature or a change therein is detected
and is used to control some aspect of the process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Process in which pressure or a change therein is also detected
and is used to control some aspect of the process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Process in which flow rate of liquid which is added to a
gas is modified based upon the detected temperature or change therein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Process in which the fluid mixture, a separated constituent,
or an apparatus involved in the process is cooled based upon the
detected temperature or change therein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Process in which the fluid mixture, a separated constituent,
or an apparatus involved in the process is heated based upon the
detected temperature or change therein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Process in which pressure or a change therein is detected
and is used to control some aspect of the process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Process in which gas flow rate or a change therein is detected
and is used to control some aspect of the process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Process in which liquid level or a change therein is detected
and is used to control some aspect of the process.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process in which a characteristic or a change in a characteristic
of the fluid mixture, of a separated constituent, or of apparatus
used in the process is set down for preservation in permanent form
or is indicated by means giving information of an audible or a visual
nature (e.g., alarm, etc.).
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process in which the time at which an operation occurs is
controlled or the length of time in which an operation is performed
is controlled.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process in which magnetic lines of force are applied to
a bed of loose particles that contain a magnetizable component.
(1)
Note. The application of magnetic lines of force to a magnetizable
particle bed may be to stabilize the bed, to prevent back-mixing,
or to control porosity of the bed.
Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids,
subclasses 38 , 39, 40, 212, and 213-232 for classifying, separating,
and assorting solids using apparatus of the magnetic type.
Liquid Purification or Separation,
subclasses 222 through 223for magnetic apparatus for purification or separation
of a liquid and subclass 695 for processes of purifying or separating
a liquid using magnetic force.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process in which the separation is effected or enhanced
by the energy of compressional vibratory waves in a fluid medium,
the waves being below, within, or above the audible spectrum.
(1)
Note. Pressure pulses in a fluid generated merely by intermittent
discharge of a gas are not considered to be compressional vibratory
waves under this definition. However, compressional vibratory waves
under this definition may be produced by intermittent discharge
of a gas, as in a siren.
DIFFERENCE IN MOLECULAR VELOCITY, DENSITY, OR MOMENTUM
OF GASES USED:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process in which the plurality of gases is separated into
constituent gaseous parts by making use of physical differences
in molecular speed, weight, or inertia of the constituent gaseous
parts.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Process in which gaseous constituents having different molecular
weights or different gas kinetic cross sections are separated, with
the plurality of gases flowing out of a short tube, usually tapering,
that forms the vent of a hose or pipe in order to effect the separation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Process in which the plurality of gases is separated by
the effect of centrifugal action which causes the gases to assume
a rapid arcuate or circular movement, with this movement causing
the constituents of the mixture to separate into more or less distinct
layers, depending upon the density of the constituents.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process in which the separation is accomplished by contacting
the fluid mixture with a pumpable mixture of a solid and a liquid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Process in which a halogen (i.e., fluorine (F), chlorine
(Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), astatine (At)) containing compound
is removed from gas by contact with a liquid-solid slurry.
COMPRESSING AND INDIRECT COOLING OF GASEOUS FLUID MIXTURE
TO SEPARATE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process in which the separation of a constituent from a
gaseous fluid mixture is accomplished by extracting heat in an indirect
heat exchanger before, after, or while increasing the pressure on
the gaseous fluid mixture.
(1)
Note. The cooling must not involve details of a refrigeration
process or apparatus. See the class definition for the line between
Class 95 and Class 62.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Process in which a substance is added to the gaseous fluid
mixture to prevent a material rise in temperature of the gaseous
fluid mixture by absorbing the heat of compression.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Process in which a liquid is used to remove a constituent
from the gaseous fluid mixture (e.g., scrubbing, sorption, etc.).
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process in which a fluid mixture containing a gas to be
separated contacts a solid, liquid, or gaseous barrier, with the
gas separating because of the differential permeability of the barrier
with respect to the gas.
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Process in which a plurality of gases containing a gas to
be separated contacts a liquid barrier that is supported or immobilized
in or on a porous medium, with the plurality of gases being separated
because of the differential permeability of the liquid with respect
to the gases.
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