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CLASS 406,	CONVEYORS: FLUID CURRENT
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

Apparatus and methods for conveying solid material or articles which are guided or supported to travel along a path by means of or with the assistance of a fluid current.

SECTION II - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

SECTION III - GLOSSARY

CARRIER

An auxiliary device for use in a fluid current conveyor comprising a container for carrying material or articles while being conveyed through the fluid current conveyor.

FLUID CURRENT CONVEYOR

Structure which guides or supports the load from the fluid conveyor inlet* to the fluid conveyor outlet* and wherein the fluid current acts upon the load from the inlet* to the outlet*.

FLUID CONVEYOR INLET

The point at which the load is first guided or supported and is acted upon by the fluid current. The inlet must also be subsequent to any structure (e.g., terminal, receptacle) for statically supporting the load at the entrance to the conveyor.

FLUID CONVEYOR OUTLET

The point at which the load is either no longer guided or supported, or is no longer acted upon by the fluid current. The outlet must also be prior to any structure (e.g., terminal, receptacle) for statically supporting the load at the exit from the conveyor.

RECEPTACLE

A hopper or similar container for holding a quantity of load material or articles and having a discharge or intake opening therein.

TERMINAL

Structure at or adjacent the outlet or inlet of a fluid current conveyor for either (a) effecting intake or discharge or load articles individually into or from the conveyor, or (b) for accepting load articles as they are discharged individually from the conveyor.

SUBCLASSES

1	SELECTIVE DELIVERY:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein either (a) a load path is optionally communicable via a flow diverter to any one of a plurality of specified conveyor outlets*, or (b) a flow diverter is controlled in response to destination information carried by the load. (1) Note. A switching means or load diverter, per se, is excluded. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 155+, for a conveyor having plural outlets. 181+, for a load flow diverter, divider, or combiner, per se. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 104,  Railways,   subclasses 88.01+ for selective delivery of a railway rolling stock.

2	Destination controlled by operator at remote site:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter wherein means are provided to enable a person at a location removed from the flow diverter to select the particular outlet*.

3	Destination controlled by sensed condition:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter wherein the flow diverter is operated in response to the occurrence of a predetermined event, or a change in a state or property in any of the following: the fluid conveyor* or an associated device, the conveying fluid, load, or the immediate environment of the conveyor affecting the operation thereof.

4	Controlled by coded load:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 3.  Subject matter wherein the flow diverter is actuated in response to information carried by the load. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 37, for a coded carrier, per se. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 209,  Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids,   appropriate subclasses for separation of loads having different inherent physical characteristics.

5	Magnetic material on load:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Subject matter wherein the flow diverter is actuated in response to a magnetic inscription carried by the load.

6	Electrical contact on load:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Subject matter wherein the destination information carried by the load is in the form of electrically conductive material adapted to complete a circuit which operates the flow diverter.

7	Adjustable or changeable code on load:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Subject matter wherein the destination information carried by the load may be readily changed whereby the load may be sent to any one of a plurality of destinations.

8	Presence or size of recess or protrusion on front of load:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Subject matter wherein the destination information carried by the load is in the form of either a concave or convex leading surface, or an indentation or protrusion on the foremost surface of the load that is perpendicular to its direction of travel.

9	Protrusion:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 8.  Subject matter where the destination information is in the form of a convex leading surface, or a protrusion formed on the foremost surface of the load that is perpendicular to its direction of travel.

10	WITH MEANS TO CONTROL CONVEYING FLUID OR MOVEMENT OF LOAD IN RESPONSE TO SENSED CONDITION:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein a step or means is provided for: (a) detecting any of the following characteristics: a state or property or change therein, or the random occurrence of a predetermined event in any of the following: the fluid conveyor* or a device associated therewith, the conveying fluid, load, or the immediate environment of the conveyor* affecting the operation thereof; and (b) regulating a (a result of such detection) the movement of the load or conveying fluid. (1) Note. This definition requires a patent to claim at least 3 discrete instrumentalities for original placement herein. One of these must be a fluid conveyor*. The other 2 are: (a) a sensor (e.g., thermocouple, photocell system, etc.) to detect a condition as stated in (a) of the definition, and (b) a controller (e.g., pump motor, valve, solenoid, etc.) to regulate movement of the load or conveying fluid. (2) Note. "Regulating" as used above includes initiating or terminating. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 34, for devices having a sensor which initiates a signal, but no claimed controller. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 222,  Dispensing,   subclasses 61+ for automatically controlled dispensers having fluid pressure discharge assistance.

11	Responsive to obstacle in system:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10.  Subject matter wherein the sensor detects the presence of an article or quantity of material which is lodged in the conveyor*.

12	Control of conveying fluid:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10.  Subject matter wherein the controller regulates the conveying fluid current or pressure. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 177+, for a gate which opens in response to the arrival of a load article, but does not alter the movement of the load or conveying fluid.

13	Reversing of fluid current in single tube system:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 12.  Subject matter wherein the controller causes the conveying fluid current to reverse its direction of flow through the conveyor*. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 111, and 112, for other reversible single tube conveyors.

14	Responsive to velocity or pressure change of conveying fluid:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 12.  Subject matter wherein the controller is regulated by a sensor which either detects changes in the speed of the conveying fluid current or detects variations in conveying fluid pressure. (1) Note. Sensors which detect the presence or absence of the load by detecting changes in conveying fluid velocity or pressure are included in this subclass.

15	To initiate or terminate fluid current:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 14.  Subject matter wherein the fluid current conveyor* assumes a dormant condition in which the fluid current is stopped or is substantially reduced, and wherein the controller either starts the conveying current or stops the conveying current and returns the conveyor* to its dormant state.

16	In response to introduction or discharge of load:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 15.  Subject matter wherein the sensor detects a change in pressure or velocity of a fluid current as the load is introduced into or discharged from the conveyor* to start or stop the conveying current.

17	Discharge and introduction:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Subject matter wherein the sensor detects a change in pressure or velocity of the conveying fluid current as the load is introduced into and when it is discharged from the conveyor* to start and stop the fluid current, respectively.

18	With timer to terminate fluid current:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Subject matter wherein the sensor detects a change in pressure or velocity of the fluid current as the load is introduced into the conveyor* and activates a controller to start the conveying current, and wherein a timing mechanism is also activated to stop the conveying current after a predetermined time interval.

19	Responsive to presence or absence or quantity of load:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 12.  Subject matter wherein the controller which regulates the flow or pressure of the conveying fluid is regulated by a sensor which detects either the amount of the load or whether or not the load is at a particular location. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 14+, for devices wherein the presence or absence of the load is determined by a pressure sensor.

20	With stepped reset for each load article introduced at intake:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 19.  Subject matter including load article sensors at the inlet* and outlet* of the fluid current conveyor*, wherein the conveying fluid controller is activated or deactivated by a mechanism which is incrementally advanced toward a conveyor deactivating position each time a load article is detected at the outlet*, and is incrementally retracted from the deactivating position each time a load article is detected at the inlet*.

21	With load detector at outlet to terminate fluid current:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 19.  Subject matter wherein a sensor is provided at the conveyor outlet* to detect the discharge of the load and activate or deactivate a controller which stops the conveying fluid current.

22	With timer to terminate current:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 19.  Subject matter wherein a sensor which detects the presence or absence of the load activates a timing mechanism which in turn causes a controller to stop the conveying fluid current after a predetermined time interval.

23	Level or weight of load in receptacle:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 19.  Subject matter wherein a sensor detects the height or the amount of the load in a hopper or other container associated with the fluid current conveyor*. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 177,  Weighing Scales,   appropriate subclass for patents claiming details of the weighing scale, or a weigher combined with a conveyor for moving material only as much material as in necessary to the weighing operation.

24	At intake:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 23.  Subject matter wherein the load container discharges directly into the inlet* of the fluid current conveyor*. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 222,  Dispensing,   subclass 58 for a dispenser controlled automatically by the weight of the material in a supply container.

25	And control of load input to receptacle:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.  Subject matter wherein an additional controller which regulates the load supply to the container is operated in response to the height or the amount of the load in the container.

26	Responsive to movement of gate to initiate or terminate fluid current:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 12.  Subject matter wherein a closure is provided at the inlet* or outlet* of the fluid current conveyor past which the load is introduced into or discharged from the conveyor*, and wherein the sensor detects movement of the gate to activate or deactivate the fluid current controller.

27	To closure of intake gate to initiate fluid current:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 26.  Subject matter wherein the sensor detects movement of a gate at the inlet* to its closed position and activates the controller to start the conveying fluid current.

28	Control of load input or output:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10.  Subject matter wherein the controller either regulates the introduction of the load through the inlet* of the fluid current conveyor*, or regulates the discharge of the load from the outlet*. (1) Note. The term "regulates" as used herein includes preventing or permitting the introduction or discharge of the load (e.g., control of a gate locking device at the intake is proper for this subclass).

29	Input:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 28.  Subject matter wherein the controller regulates the introduction of the load through the inlet* of the fluid current conveyor*.

30	Responsive to pressure or velocity change of conveying fluid:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 29.  Subject matter wherein the load input controller is regulated by a sensor which either detects changes in the speed of the conveying fluid current or detects variation in conveying fluid pressure.

31	Responsive to presence, absence, or quantity of load:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 29.  Subject matter wherein the load input controller is regulated by a sensor which detects either the amount of the load or whether or not the load is at a particular location.

32	Level or weight of load in receptacle:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 31.  Subject matter wherein the sensor detects the height or the quantity of the load in a hopper or other container associated with the fluid current conveyor*. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 177,  Weighing Scales,   appropriate subclass for patents claiming details of the weighing scale, or a weigher combined with a conveyor which merely perfects the weighing operation. 222,  Dispensing,   subclass 58 for a dispenser controlled automatically by the weight of the material in a supply container.

33	In receptacle at discharge:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Subject matter wherein the hopper or container receives the load directly from the outlet* of the fluid current conveyor*.

34	WITH SIGNAL, INDICATOR, OR INSPECTION MEANS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter including means to produce or to observe a perceptible manifestation of or transmit intelligence regarding the load, the conveyor* or device associated therewith, or of a characteristic of any of the above.

35	Audible:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 34.  Subject matter wherein a signal is transmitted in the form of sound waves.

36	With load motion observing means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 34.  Subject matter wherein means are provided by which a person may view the load over at least a portion of its travel through the conveyor* or a device associated therewith.

37	Coded carrier:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 34.  Subject matter wherein a carrier* is provided with coded information to control its destination and includes means providing a visual cue indicating the particular terminal to which the carrier will be transmitted. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 4+, for coded carriers claimed in combination with a flow diverter which is controlled in response to the code.

38	AMBULANT OR PORTABLE:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein the fluid current conveyor* is either (a) provided with means to facilitate movement of the conveyor* from one location to another (e.g., wheels, skids), or (b) is specifically adapted to be carried by an operator to the location of use or during use of the conveyor*.

39	Vehicle mounted:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 38.  Subject matter wherein the fluid current conveyor* has attached thereto or is supported on a transport means having means (e.g., wheels, skids, etc.) to facilitate movement of the conveyor* over the surface upon which it is supported. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 37,  Excavating,   appropriate subclasses for vehicle mounted excavating means. 56,  Harvesters,   appropriate subclasses for harvesters having pneumatic conveyors combined with means for severing the crops. 239,  Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,   appropriate subclasses for vehicle mounted pneumatic conveyors having means for scattering or spraying a fluent material over an extended surface area. 299,  Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,   appropriate subclasses for a vehicle mounted fluid current conveyor combined with means for disintegrating hard material in situ.

40	Plural vehicles:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.  Subject matter wherein the fluid current conveyor* or a portion thereof, is supported on two or more discrete transport means each having means to facilitate movement of the conveyor* over the surface.

41	Towed vehicle:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.  Subject matter wherein the conveyor* or transport means is provided with means by which it can be connected to a device (e.g., a motor vehicle, line, etc.) to pull the conveyor* over the surface on which it is supported.

42	Power takeoff:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.  Subject matter wherein the fluid current conveyor* is carried on, pulled by, or pushed by a motor vehicle, and wherein the motor propelling the vehicle operates the conveyor* or device associated therewith via a power transmission.

43	With storage means on vehicle for fluid conveyor components:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.  Subject matter wherein the fluid current conveyor* includes means whereby the same may be assembled or disassembled, and wherein the transport means includes a specified portion where the disassembled conveyor parts are stowed.

44	With auxiliary supporting means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 39.  Subject matter wherein means in addition to the movement facilitating means is provided which is deployed at the location of intended use to stabilize the conveyor*.

45	WITH MEANS TO PREVENT PIPELINE SLUMPING:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein means are provided to prevent settling of the load from the fluid when the fluid current conveyor* is shut down.

46	WITH ADJUNCTIVE SUBSTANCE ADDED:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein a substance in addition to and different than the load and conveying fluid is introduced prior to, or during conveying, or at discharge. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 45, if the adjunctive substance added prevents pipeline slumping.

47	Liquid:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 46.  Subject matter wherein the substance added is in a liquid state.

48	Water:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 47.  Subject matter wherein the substance added is water.

49	Solid:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 46.  Subject matter wherein the substance added is neither fluid nor gaseous.

50	SLUG CONVEYING:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein the load in the fluid current conveyor* is conveyed in groups or batches, with the space between consecutive groups or batches containing fluid only. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 63+, for a rotary conveyor having material carrying pockets which successively feed material through the inlet of a fluid current conveyor. 85, for a pulsing fluid current.